BY SASHEEN JOSEPH
Dresses, drunk homeless people and Drew Barrymore open up the new Netflix original dark comedy “Insatiable.” The show is a satirical take on the life of Patricia “Patty” Bladell, a previously obese 17-year-old girl who loses all of the weight and seeks revenge by becoming a beauty pageant queen.
On the surface, this series seems like another comedy-drama but, even before its release on August 10, critics have used the words “poorly crafted” and “utter disaster” to describe “Insatiable.” Along with this, the dark comedy’s trailer sparked the creation of a petition with over 200,000 signatures to retract its release. The controversy surrounding this Netflix series is due to its accused embodiment of fat shaming among other things.
The show’s creator Lauren Gussis, main actress Debby Ryan and various Netflix executives have attempted to defend the show, arguing that its message is to accept one’s body.
“Lauren Gussis, who is the creator, felt very strongly about exploring these issues based on her own experiences, but in a satirical, over-the-top way,” Netflix Vice President Cindy Holland said. “Ultimately, the message of the show is that what is most important is that you feel comfortable in your own self.”
“Insatiable” aimed at bringing awareness to matters like body image and social pressures to be slim. For instance, in the fifth episode, Debby Ryan’s character, Patty, goes through emotional turmoil when trying on bathing suits. She calls her body fat and disgusting despite being thin.
However, intending to produce something and successfully doing so aren’t the same. Sexual harassment, pedophilia and the LGBTQ+ community are just a few subjects used as fuel for comedic relief, as topics that are often laughed at. In the first three episodes, the plot establishes the show’s run-on jokes about issues such as falsely accused sexual molestation and ignorance toward a character’s sexuality.
This isn’t to say that these topics shouldn’t be addressed. TV dramas such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Insecure” and “Dietland” have successfully handled the same issues approached in this Netflix original. Attempts to deal with society’s problems are common now in light of current events, especially when using artistic media.
The freedom to explore these difficulties from all perspectives can create a more inclusive environment- when handled correctly. If not handled properly, productions like “Insatiable” are a result. The series was produced poorly, simply highlighting the issues instead of striving to erase them.
In AMC’s show “Dietland,” a similar topic is confronted. Protagonist Alicia “Plum” Kettle, played by Joy Nash, struggles with her weight and desperately wants to become thin. What sets this show apart is the care taken to address this topic, with the obvious frustration and empathy shown through Nash’s acting.
“Insatiable” had good intentions of exploring issues such as fat shaming, bullying and severe mental illness. Efforts to tackle these societal issues were clearly made throughout the series. Unfortunately, the show’s insensitive jokes and plot line outweigh the creator’s motive.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
