Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Dexter Roona
“Everything Now” is a series on Netflix that has quickly captured the attention of audiences with its compelling portrayal of the complexities and challenges faced by teenagers but is this new teen drama worth the watch?
NB: This “Everything” Now Review contains some spoilers and product affiliate links!
Everything Now Review – Diversity and Inclusivity in the Teenage Landscape
“When 16-year old Mia returns home after a lengthy spell in a clinic for an eating disorder she is thrust back into the chaotic world of sixth form only to find that her circle of friends have moved on with teen life without her.
Now with an ever-evolving bucket list, Mia and her three best friends and a major new crush, Mia throws herself headfirst into a world of dating, parties and first kisses, soon discovering that not everything in life can be planned for.””
In a landscape where teen-oriented shows are increasingly prevalent, Sex Education, Heartstopper, and 13 Reasons Why spring to mind “Everything Now” still manages to carve out its own distinct identity in the teen angst crowd delving into the difficult themes of mental health, friendship, and the ultimate teen journey of self-discovery.
At the core of the series lies North London girl Mia, brought to life by the very talented Sophie Wilde, who portrays Mia’s vulnerability, determination, and wit with impressive depth.
Everything Now Review – Mia – Sophie Wilde – Netflix
Mia is a 16-year-old grappling with an eating disorder, and the focal point of the show’s story navigating the intricate path of her recovery and reintegration back into 6th form and her challenging social circle.
Everything Now intricately weaves Mia’s experiences with those of her friends Becca, Will, and Cam, played by Lauryn Ajufo, Noah Thomas, and Harry Cadby, respectively, highlighting the complexities and struggles each of them faces during their teenage years.
Created by the young and promising Ripley Parker, the series effectively captures the essence of contemporary teenage life in affluent North London.
Parker’s subtle approach to her storytelling ensures that the characters’ experiences feel authentic and relatable, resonating with its diverse audience.
Everything Now Review – Tube Train – Netflix
Mia’s return from a long stay at a clinic, her reintegration into school life, and her pursuit of all the missed milestones serve as the backdrop for exploring adolescent struggles and the quest for personal growth.
One of the most striking aspects of “Everything Now” is its unflinching portrayal of Mia’s battle with an eating disorder, adeptly avoiding sensationalism and instead choosing to depict Mia’s experiences with empathy and authenticity.
By weaving Mia’s inner monologues with all the external challenges she faces, the show offers viewers a nuanced understanding of the psychological and emotional complexities associated with eating disorders.
Through Mia’s journey, Everything Now is able to shed light on the pervasive societal misconceptions surrounding body image and femininity and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions with a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.
Every on-screen relationship in “Everything Now” is equally important to the show’s thematic exploration. Mia’s strained yet deeply affectionate bond with her family, especially her mother portrayed by the impeccable Vivienne Acheampong, forms a poignant subplot that adds layers of emotional depth to the series, and the strong dynamics between Mia and her best friends, offers moments of genuine camaraderie with instances of emotional turmoil, and are the underscore for adolescent friendships and challenges.
Mia’s social circle
As the story expands, “Everything Now” moves into themes of sexuality, identity, bullying, and adolescent pregnancy, which covers all the possible bases of the teenage experience and embraces the complexities in the lives of its characters pushing the boundaries of a conventional teen drama.
Its commitment to inclusivity and diverse representation is very evident throughout each episode, seamlessly integrating characters from various backgrounds and sexual orientations.
With its thoughtful exploration of sexuality and the challenges faced by adolescents from marginalized communities.
Everything Now not only amplifies the voices of underrepresented groups it shouts them from the rooftops and fosters a greater sense of inclusivity and acceptance within the larger cultural conversation.
Production Values
The show’s production values and direction also deserve commendation. With a group of talented directors at the helm, including Alyssa McClelland, Charlie Manton, Dionne Edwards, and Laura Steinel, the show effectively captures the raw intensity of the characters’ experiences evoking a profound sense of empathy and understanding within the audience transcending the confines of its genre.
“Everything Now” stands as a true testament to the power of compelling storytelling, and leaves a lasting impact that extends far beyond the confines of the screen and establishes itself as a must-watch Netflix series.
Everything Now Season 2 – Coming Soon?
Everything Now Season 1 concluded certain storylines very nicely, but there still remain numerous plot points for a potential Season 2 to explore, assuming another season is in the cards.
Everything Now Season 2 – Coming Soon? – Everything Now Review
Here’s the scoop on Everything Now Season 2.
Currently, details on any renewal of “Everything Now” for a second season are scarce, as is typical for a recently released show. However, the teen drama has gained a substantial audience on Netflix and is popular with viewers and critics gives good reason to be optimistic for a Season 2 of “Everything Now”.
Sophie Wilde will likely reprise her role as Mia, with the expectation that her close-knit group of friends will also return so we can anticipate Lauryn Ajufo, Noah Thomas, and Harry Cadby returning as Becca, Will, and Cam, respectively.
And with the ongoing romantic dynamics that were a key component of their adolescent struggles in Season 1, it’s probable that Jessie Mae Alonzo’s Carli and Niamh McCormack, known for her role in The Witcher, will also make a comeback as Alison.
What will happen in Everything Now Season 2?
Mia’s ongoing struggle with her eating disorder will continue to be an ongoing storyline with the mental health struggles continuing to bleed into her relationships. As a result, we will likely see a ramping of the tensions between family and friends but this will also provide opportunities for Mia to heal and grow closer to those that she loves.
It is likely that we will see Cam and Becca begin to explore the possibilities of their relationship, both clearly have feelings for one another and are now both single. But there will be some hurdles to navigate as they contend with the fact that Cam slept with Mia’s ex Alison right after he told Becca he had deep feelings for her, so expect some drama there and Mia’s father Rick has yet to reveal that he is in a relationship with the mother of Mia’s late friend Jenna, who lost her battle with her eating disorder.
