Time to get Educated

“I still think it’s weird a teenage boy is a sex therapist.” Sex Education premiered on January 11, 2019 on Netflix and it’s challenging the way we talk about sexual situations. The hit series (already renewed for season 2) is not just a raunchy comedy about the trails of growing up and becoming an adult. But in lies a deeper meaning about sexuality, feminism, and loving yourself for what you have. The show focuses around adolescent Otis Milburn, played by Asa Butterfield, and his sex therapist mother. When social outcast Maeve Wiley, needs to make a quick buck, she befriends Otis and convinces him to give sex therapy to the high school students that are having problems. Ironically, Otis has never experienced anything in his life; comically he knows so much from his mother, Jean, played by Gillian Anderson.

The first season features eight episodes and show writer, Laurie Nunn, intentionally made the show to be a homage to John Hughes’ classic 80’s films, like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink. Except its TV and everyone is British. The editing has some fast cuts to it creating a sense of rush that gets you caught up in all the problems going on. There are many wide shots that show the bright scenery and grounds of the school that tap into that John Hughes vibe. They use continuous shots and spin the camera around giving you the feel of the area in the house party scenes like you're there too. Directors Kate Herron and Ben Taylor manage to give off that 80’s look with (almost) all wardrobe but people have been questioning why the British set looks so American. Maybe they should have ditched the Letterman jackets.

As many inappropriate jokes there are in this show, there are just as many serious issues. Sex Education does not shy away from a topic but confronts it head on. Ncuti Gatwa plays Eric, Otis’ best friend in the show, who is openly gay. We watch as his character tries to find himself as he handles bullies, confusion in masculinity, and judgment from his religious family. This sensitive topic can be related back to so many people not only in his situation but others that face rejection in life for the way they are. Even when the issue is about sex, Otis helps people dig deeper into these difficulties that are initially causing those problems, like not being in love with somebody anymore but not knowing how to tell them, or yourself. Episode 5 is easily one of the top episodes of the season. It opens with a woman walking to upbeat music playing in the background even though there's a crisis and ends with her standing up yelling a powerful statement. It is all about shaming, feminism, and helping others and that makes it an unforgettable episode.

The cast of Sex Education is a group of people you wish you could hangout with. Newcomer Emma Mackey plays the cool Maeve Wiley that Otis cannot help but fall for. And yes, the girl looks like Margot Robbie's twin sister. Her spunky attitude and strong voiced character makes for a great female lead. The show has some interesting and even wild characters that make you laugh because you secretly can relate to some of them. Asa Butterfield is known for his big movie roles like, Hugo and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas so it is refreshing to see an actor get a series role and get to expand their work. He portrays Otis as an awkward teenager but brings a charm to his innocence. Gillian Anderson’s therapy talk throughout the show is the comedic honesty we all needed. And sometimes do not want to hear. It makes some of us grateful that our parents are not therapists. But they do like to think they are.

Why Does It Matter?

You can find a reason of why this show matters in every episode. Abortion is just one of the heavy subjects it tackles. Good advice is given out from all the characters in the show along with the lessons they are taught. It challenges us to be more open and honest about our lifestyles and the choices we make. And it can make us question the intentions of people and if they are only using you. It's an impressive amount of issues to fit into an eight episode season while still managing to be hysterical all while featuring a unique cast and for that, it has been one of my favorite shows Netflix has released.

I give it 8.8/10 stars

- Brittany Doyle

Source:

“Sex Education.” IMDb, IMDb.com, 11 Jan. 2019, www.imdb.com/title/tt7767422/.