Survival of the Thickest Review: Directed by Linda Mendoza and Kim O Nguyen, this series is created by Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. The former also stars in the series as the protagonist, Mavis Beaumont. She is joined by Tasha Smith as Marley, Tone Bell as Khalil, Anissa Felix as India, Garcelle Beauvais as Natasha, Taylor Selé as Jacque, Marouane Zotti as Luca and Nicole Byer as herself. Other cast members also include Liza Treyger, Ambre Anderson, Peppermint, Donovan Louis Bazemore and Anthony Michael Lopez.
The series is produced by Willy Friedman and Judson Schwartz, while Ravi Nandan and Alli Reich from A24 join as executive producers. Dagmar Weaver-Madsen serves as the cinematographer, and Keia Bounds works as the costume designer in the series. There are eight episodes in this season, each ranging from 25-28 minutes in duration.
– The Survival of the Thickest Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
Knowing that A24 was involved in this show gave me some kind of reassurance that it wouldn’t be too bad. While the beginning made that resolution obsolete, the rest of the show made up for that energy. Initially, the writing seems incredibly derivative, taken from some kind of teenage drama. Even the beginning made it seem like one of those series where the character just does terrible things, and people forgive her. But that isn’t the case. There is no main character energy. This is just one of those short-lived phases that her friends manage to snap her out of.
Additionally, even though the series is based on a 38-year-old woman, it doesn’t stop the show from being this coming-of-age experience. Self-development and character dynamics are essentially at the centre of this story. Even though we’re following a body-inclusive stylist, the story is more about how the different aspects of the characters’ life come together to make this profession and her passion possible. Considering it is based on a memoir and the writer is an active participant in the series, the story reflects that authenticity.
The reason why the writing is not bothersome anymore is that the point is for these people to say things that seem absurd or weird because they are more used to being themselves than any other person. It is one of the main reasons the humour is absolutely magnificent in the series. It doesn’t rely on any low-hanging branches. The situations are created that way, allowing humour to shine through in the character’s personality.
Additionally, the structural writing of the show is amazing too. The pacing is fantastic, taking its time through everyone’s journey and keeping up the pace for entertainment. Character development is another reason why pacing becomes very easy because every character has their own arc. It makes the show less protagonist-centred and more ensemble comedy. So apart from Mavis, we also see Marley and Khalil in their own journey, not just as Mavis’ friends but as characters in their own right.
There are places where the plots seem tropey and reused, but the fresh perspective and the healthy resolution make the process worth watching. Another reason why this show is ultimately fun to watch is the message which resonates at the centre of every episode. It conveys that authenticity and empathy throughout the story.
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Survival of the Thickest Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, it is a great, chill show to watch. If you enjoyed any kind of teenage drama, this one is a good addition to that list (even though it’s not a teenage drama). If anyone wants to look into the crevices of the storyline, even then, it is incredibly fun to watch because the show is filled with positive nuggets like that anyways. Once again, the show really is funny and showcases some realistic characters with realistic problems.
There are moments when people might be annoyed with the main character. However, it gets good, so sticking around for the resolution is probably a good idea. Personally, with all the queer representation and the fashion vibes, it was clear that the show wasn’t just made for white, slim-bodied, cisgender heterosexual people. Everyone has a stake in the story, and there are places when people may be able to relate more than they’d like.
Survival of the Thickest is currently streaming on Netflix.
What did you think of the show? Are there some things that could be changed to make it better? Let us know in the comments below.
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If I were Black I’d be embarrassed. Do People really act and talk like that? I think the media wants us to think so.