13 Reasons Why

In the typical presented media I feel we are engrossed in the epic. Everything is life or death. Most movies and TV are so far exaggerated as to entertain and relate simultaneously. If I relate to your characters, story or plot then I can identify with the production and usually find enjoyment vicariously living through fictional characters or events. That is why a real voice is typically the most successful one in this form of media. Productions in general have become darker and more “real” (in the sense of comparative relation to the viewers) at the expense of artistic effect. Most art is controversial because it dares to take a stand and give perspective to an idea. Typically when film media is used as a business to produce art the effects of any artistic themes are lost in its petty motives. But you can always identify the good works of art by the ones that transcend all the red tape and call you to action. I did not know how talked about and debated this show was until after I had written my first draft of this review. But to me this is a piece of art and is extremely moving. Now with that understanding it seems only fit that I give my own reasons why I think this TV series is one of the most impactful of all time.

The first and most important reason I love this heavy content is that it is real! Not just because I can identify with Clay (Dylan Minnette) or that I have felt bullied before, but because the curtain is pulled all the way back, past behind the scenes of teenage angst. It is graphic in every sense of the word. Obviously this is a fictional story filled with the harsh truth of human behaviors. I’m not saying that I think something like this happens everyday, sadly I think this has been dramatized to provide sufficient reasoning for us to acknowledge that Hannah (Katherine Langford) had it rough. I say sadly because I think for some they feel terrible enough, without such grand proportions of evil around them, to commit such an act. The advisory statements don’t warn you that if you have intently watched, and became attached to the characters, that it is more than gut wrenching at times. I have usually not been a fan of showing unnecessary realism if the stakes don’t justify it. But this has proven to be a real issue and is a serious topic. In my mind you can’t show me graphic content and rationalize it as art if your goal was majorly entertainment or profit, but we wont address that topic any further. I am a fan of the saying “artists use lies to reveal truth” and that is exactly what has happened here. This production is real art.

The actors were all amazing. As relatively unheard-of actors, they were phenomenal. Not once did I break the fourth wall to tell them I don’t believe you. I was captivated by each character’s story and their performances. Hannah did not miss a single beat, and presented a heartbreaking burden which no parent or friend would want to see someone endure. Clay I felt gave the performance of his young life. He was asked to push forward the entire story as a complete average Joe affected by real emotion. I think the majority of people identify with him, and even though he never does anything crazy or has any big flaws or dark secrets, like Sherlock Holmes or Tony Stark (which make for great entertainment), he still comes out as a leader of the pack and delivers a great performance.

The story was told in a way that you just want to take out your duct tape, grab Clay and stick him to a chair or desk and force him to listen to those dang tapes! It does such a good job of immersing you in enough content to keep you satisfied, while keeping you on the edge of your seat anticipating what’s to come. I binged this season in a few days. The progression is also presented in a natural way that it takes us a while before we think all that is happening to around this one person is too unbelievable. Minor things turn big and intensify the entire plot (my anxious fingernails are almost gone). The ending is probably as good as it can be. I’m not sure it could ever have delivered everything we wanted, nor do I think it should have. To give resolution to suicide would be too close to its acceptance. I think it was good to leave vague gaps for story lines while seeding possible ripple effects that might mean justice and closure for those in need. But the uncertainty was an important ingredient for this artwork (whether they make another season or not [which I hope they don’t for reasons I stated at the beginning]).

Lastly I would compare this series to the first episode of Black Mirror. That being said, whether or not this art is too extreme for publication I don’t know. Overall this is a cherished work of art for me. It is so heavy I don’t see myself going back to watch it anytime soon. I’m not sure I would even recommend it to anyone. It is impactful and a disturbingly real portrayal of a terrible human experience. For me there are two takeaways; the first being communication. Find a way no matter what to know what is going on in your friend’s/child’s life. Secondly, it made me want to be more assertive, kind and understanding to all. Needless to say viewer discretion is highly advised.