Unconventional, Bold, and Brilliantly Human

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TV SERIES REVIEW
Such Brave Girls
(adult content) –

Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2023 –
Runtime: 6 x 23m episodes
Creator(s): Kat Sadler
Director(s): Simon Bird
Writer(s): Kat Sadler
Cast: Kat Sadler, Louise Brealey, Lizzie Davidson
Where To Watch: premiering on Hulu December 15, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: SUCH BRAVE GIRLS carves out a niche in the family sitcom world with its raw and genuine depiction of a family embroiled in a complex emotional maelstrom. Spearheaded by creator/writer/star Kat Sadler as Josie, the series delves into the intricate themes of depression, self-esteem, and monetary struggles. Drawing heavily from Sadler's profound struggles with mental health, the series artfully melds these somber themes with a healing, humorous narrative.

SUCH BRAVE GIRLS is a self-described semi-autobiographical sitcom that unravels the intricate lives of Josie, her (real-life) sister Billie (Lizzie Davidson,) and their mother Deb, a role exquisitely portrayed by Louise Brealey. Initially slow-paced, the series ramps up quickly after we get to know the family and their dynamics. The series artfully intertwines dark humor with poignant character arcs and relatable experiences throughout. As viewers journey through the episodes, they witness the exploration of Josie and Billie's distinct personalities, their shared history of trauma, and their pursuit of love and self-discovery.

The show's forte lies in its skillful juggling of heavy themes with well-placed humor. Sadler's transition from stand-up comedy to scriptwriting lends a unique flavor to the storytelling, offering fresh perspectives in a familiar television format. If I were to provide a critique, it would be that I want more; I would love hour-long episodes and more of them! This portrayal of a broken family is vitally important to television, not as a shock piece but as a window into the real world. Sure, there are a lot of fictionalized and dramatized moments, but at its heart, families aren’t always pretty, and this series shows that.

In describing SUCH BRAVE GIRLS as a "family sitcom about trauma," Sadler hits the mark. The series presents an unfiltered portrayal of each character's vulnerabilities and conflicts. In her role as Deb, Brealey stands out with her nuanced performance, perfectly capturing the blend of desperation and manipulation reflective of the family's emotional and financial complexities.

The narrative looks into its protagonists' romantic and personal lives, each character embarking on their quest for love and stability amidst familial dysfunction. Billie’s obsession with her former flame, Josie’s struggle with her sexual identity, and Deb’s tumultuous relationship with her new beau, Dev. Each character has moments in the spotlight that spotlight their search for flawed relationships, mirroring deeper issues of narcissism and trauma within the family unit.

The show truly shines in its character portrayals, with the real-life sisterly bond between Sadler and Davidson translating into palpable on-screen chemistry, lending authenticity to the narrative. Sadler’s exceptional talent in writing and acting, particularly at a young age, is a highlight of the show. Her ability to weave humor with the realities of life while avoiding clichés speaks volumes of her creative prowess. The show tackles mental illness and human oddities in a genuine and humorously engaging manner. I love knowing that Sadler would approach Davidson to see if her scripts were grounded enough while still being “real.”

SUCH BRAVE GIRLS emerges as a daring and innovative exploration of womanhood, mental health, and the intricate tapestry of family dynamics. Its straightforward, offbeat humor and emotional depth offer a unique series I hope we get more of! The cast and crew can balance sensitive topics like suicide and mental health with a comedic lens, achieving a nuanced portrayal of these complex issues.

SUCH BRAVE GIRLS is a unique and bold addition to contemporary sitcoms. Its amalgamation of dark humor, intelligent dialogue, and candid examination of multifaceted themes makes it a standout series. Here’s to hoping that BBC Three and Hulu can see the charm and skill in this series and give them the green light for a second (hopefully longer) series/season.

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[photo courtesy of HULU]