Everything Now (2023) review: Incredibly heartrending and communicative

Everything Now is a Netflix dramedy series revolving around Mia Polanco, a teenager who is recovering from an eating disorder and wishes to catch up on the things she missed out on in the months she was in treatment.

Story

Mia Polanco suffers from an eating disorder and is finally considered ready for outpatient treatment after spending 7 months in a facility. 

However, once she gets back outside she realizes how much she has missed out on and hopes to catch up to her friends despite the significant roadblocks she faces. 

The voices inside her head keep telling her to doubt herself and push her to make poor decisions, Her friends are also going through their issues while having to walk on eggshells around Mia, which doesn’t please her at all. 

Mia must learn to accept that her recovery will be a long road and that it won’t always be smooth sailing, while the people around her also go through reflective journeys.

Performances

Sophie Wilde is incredibly convincing as the broken Mia Polanco who struggles to see the positive strides she is making. Her performance is very touching and mature. 

She is also surrounded by a great cast that all shine through as well. Lauryn Ajufo, Harry Cadby, Noah Thomas, and Niamh McCormack all deserve credit for their efforts in this series. 

Sam Reuben, Vivienne Acheampong, and Alex Hassell are also very impressive as Mia’s family members and each of them gets their moment in the spotlight.

Positives

The depiction of an eating disorder is eye-opening and feels authentic. The struggle is real and certain to pull at the heartstrings of the audience. 

The script is also wonderfully written. Multiple lines can be pulled out for being inspirational and delivered brilliantly. 

The Britpop-heavy soundtrack is refreshing and enough of a bop to open the genre up to new audiences. It doesn’t hurt that it fits the tone of the series and aids it perfectly. 

There is also some attention drawn to other issues such as teen pregnancy, sexuality, and the ills of peer pressure, among other common issues that teenagers go through. The series is insightful and attempts to highlight some key problems. 

Negatives

There will always be a small percentage of the audience that could draw on the wrong lessons and the level of irresponsibility shown by the children at times is worrying. 

The resolution of Alison’s arc is confusing and feels unfinished. Her whole focus comes off as though the writers were undecided on what they wanted her to achieve.

Verdict

Everything Now (2023) is an amazing series that covers some difficult topics in a respectable manner and teaches some very important lessons along the way. It includes some stellar performances by a youthful cast and a fantastic narrative with spectacular writing.

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