Netflix’s Feel Good Season 1 Review: Living Up To Its Name

[WARNING: Spoilers Ahead]

While the whole world is practicing Quarantine, Netflix brought to its viewers a series that’s semi-autobiographical and a feel-good must watch on the app. Written by Mae Martin, who is also starring in the series and Joe Hampson, Feel Good released on March 19.

The series revolves around Mae, a stand-up queer comedian. She meets George, another woman, at a stand-up comedy club. Mae is intrigued by George and they share an intimate moment later in the evening. Before which she comes to know that George hasn’t dated a woman before. Initially, relationship buds between the two, which brings them both happiness and companionship.

Mae is an addict about which George comes to know by coincidence. To which she assures her that she has been “clean for a long time.” Later she finds herself a sponsor as a form of help, before which she denies that she needs help. Mae confessed to George that she has been a cocaine addict and was kicked out by her parents. She sold drugs, overdosed and went to jail.

As George deals with Mae’s addiction history, Mae adjusts with George hiding their relationship from her friends and family. We later realize that maybe George is ashamed or afraid of accepting her relationship as she lies about the marriage invitation and doesn’t take Mae with her to the marriage. Eventually, this emotional roller coaster leads to Mae going back to her substance. Every time she sees an opportunity to get back to it is accommodated with high pitched noise in the movie.

Mae’s addiction history and her insecurities, mostly related to her sexuality, and her parents not accepting her give her bold and beautiful personality. After all the mess between George and Mae, we see a spark between Mae and Lava, her sponsor’s daughter. They also share an intimate moment after Mae and George break up.

All’s well that ends well, Mae and George get back together and continue to love each other and George also accepts her relationship in front of her friends and family.

Lisa Kudrow (FRIENDS) plays the commendable role of Mae’s mother, who seems to be pretty disconnected from her daughter. Her character may seem cold in the starting but ultimately we realize, that she loves her daughter. She immediately agrees for Mae to come back home as she hears her cry and fall weak. Though throughout the film she is mostly seen on video calls, she does justice to her character and leaves an impression.

For a semi-autobiographical work, Mae Martin and Joe Hampson have drafted the narrative beautifully, where each character has its own importance in the movie and its progress.

Further Reading: All The Bright Places Review: A Showcase of Teenage Love and Trauma