'13 Reasons Why' has sparked a lot of debate in the short period of time it has been released. Read Radar's review of the much-discussed Netflix original.
13 Reasons Why is a series that portrays the 13 reasons why Hannah Baker decided to take her own life. It's like a suicide note in the form of tapes, you hear her telling her truth. And she sends them to the people who are involved.
It’s almost like Pretty Little Liars as you see the main character, Clay, try to piece the information together, but, you soon realise that it’s not as dramatic and completely unrealistic as Pretty Little Liars can be. This is something harrowing and something that could be a reality for many people.
Throughout the story, Hannah was bullied, a victim of slut-shaming and even sexually abused. The series gives you the honest and raw insight into teenage life and how important social status can be to a person. Not only that but just how damaging one photo can be to a young person's reputation.
You see Hannah fight, remain true to herself and try to overcome her problems. You see her begin to lose hope, seclude herself and give up. It's a heart-wrenching story.
The producers did this story justice. Not only do you see Hannah's life spiral and the effects it has on her mentally, you see how her suicide affected everyone else and how other people's stories played out. And to give them their due they didn't hold back on the scenes that were uncomfortable to watch.
There is so much stigma and taboo surrounding certain subjects but the producers tactfully and effectively approached them, which had such a vast impact on me as a viewer. Although it was so uncomfortable to see I think it's important to show these very real situations.
Shying away from subjects such as suicide, mental health, and sexual violence doesn't help anyone; not the viewer, not the victims, not the potential victims. It won't change the world to see these situations in such a raw and brutally honest way but it will get people talking. And talking is the first step to overcoming these issues.
We need to talk about mental health and break down the stigma that surrounds it. We need to talk about bullying and the long-lasting and deep emotional effects it can have on someone. We need to talk about sexual violence and show victims that it is okay to talk about it and not to be embarrassed or think it's their fault. We just need to talk more.
You never know what is going on in someone's life. 13 Reasons Why has made me appreciate the people I love that little bit more, appreciate my own life and be that little bit kinder to others.
I genuinely believe everyone should read the book or watch the show and take note that your words and actions can have a massive effect on a person's life.