![]() Her character Arabella ("Bella") is sexually assaulted in a nightclub, by a man whom she believes she was drinking with earlier in the night. Throughout the show, Coel explores consent from every angle. So I tried to take on the challenge of creating a show where I explore the different forms of where sexual consent can be stolen." On researching the show, Coel told, "I began to ask other people questions, both women and men - I realised that basically I was definitely not alone in wondering why these lines of consent were always blurred, and there were so many different experiences. Coel herself was a victim of sexual assault while working on the second season of her hit E4 comedy, Chewing Gum. I May Destroy You is available now on HBO Max.This real-life reexamination of consent coincides with Michaela Coel’s BBC drama I May Destroy You, which also holds a magnifying glass up to why the lines of consent are so often "blurred".Īrt reflects life, and vice versa: the show reflects both shifting societal attitudes (#MeToo being the most obvious) and legal changes, but it also comes from a place of real-life inspiration. Michaela Coel is the voice of a generation begging to be heard, and as long as she’s in the driver’s seat, these societal issues will continue to be brought to light. People have demanded change, and it’s time for us to do our part. Though a change has begun towards female empowerment and gender equality, we are still a long way away from reaching the main goal. What this show does best is bring to light the pain, fear, and anger that women face in our society today. It’s not enough to say you didn’t know when we are living in an age when all you have to do is listen. If you are privileged, you must put yourself into the perspective of those who aren’t and understand the threats that they live with every day. Though there are many of these moments, one of the main messages is that you must check yourself when in an encounter or relationship with someone else. Though the show isn’t necessarily focused on the police department, this one instance shows just how unfair and inconsiderate the police can be. With Kwame, we see how different it can be when it comes to reporting rape based on one’s sexual orientation and preference. Though Essiedu may not get as much screen time as he deserves, his character is key when it comes to seeing how his dating and sex life differs from those closest to him. Essiedu plays Arabella’s friend, Kwame, a young gay black man who is struggling with his own experiences. In fact, with almost every episode jumping a bit in time, her evolution through self-care is a roller coaster of emotions.Īside from the tour de force that is Coel, one of the major standouts in this series is the emergence of actor Paapa Essiedu. You don’t get the same Arabella in every episode. She allows the audience to feel every which way about her, and each one is justified. What Coel brings to the main character, Arabella, is something very rare. ![]() ![]() Not only is she the writer and creator of the series, but Coel also delivers one of the most powerful performances of the year. Though the plot may seem straightforward, weaved throughout each episode is a study of certain societal issues ranging from consent and assault, to exploitation and cancel culture.Ĭoel is a true auteur. Set in modern-day England, “I May Destroy You” follows the lives of three friends who, after each experiencing sexual assault, must cope with the trauma that follows. Powerful and unflinching, Michaela Coel’s stylistically raw approach to consent is extremely relevant.
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