13 Reasons Why

Now, I’m not usually one for writing series reviews, in fact this goes down as the first, but I cannot help but share how wonderful and thought-consuming the outrageous honesty that prevails in this series is.

Suicide is a taboo within our society, one which is often veiled with selfish intention or misunderstandings. 13 Reasons Why does not hide behind any misgivings, but rather displays an unrelenting truthfulness that is far too often swept away beneath a metaphorical rug.

The story of this series centres around one girl, Hannah Baker, and what leads her to give up all hope and pursue a course of no return, which ultimately leads to her taking her own life. Along the way, Hannah confesses all the reasons (13 reasons) that lead her to suicide.

Not only does this series tackle the trauma that precedes and proceeds suicide, but it also addresses the problem of rape culture and bullying. These subjects are not simply glossed over, but instead delved into with a revolutionary brutality that makes you feel uncomfortable and uninvited.

The raw truth of this storytelling is unforgiving and shocking, but more importantly is powerful beyond belief, because it refuses to allow you, as the viewer, to be embarrassed or humiliated, but rather empowers a sense of inner righteousness that you can only wish was available to Hannah.

Instead of shying away from what may be considered ‘sensitive material’, the camera angles invite you to watch every emotion of the characters, regardless of the contents nature. At times, the camera almost encourages you to argue it’s invasion, questioning your right to be uncomfortable.

Without the triumph of acting that is displayed throughout the series, the story would not have had the same devastatingly powerful impact upon it’s audience. The cast, which is full of star-studded performers truly excels and sells the story in which they have been tasked with, making sure to approach it with gentle strength and carry it onto the inevitable success it is bound to have.