☛ Cette critique est aussi disponible en français [➦].
Translated by Gabrielle Baillargeon-Michaud.
The TV series Feel Good narrates the semi-autobiographical and fictionalized story of Mae Martin (Mae Martin), a comedian and actor, as they embark on a passionate relationship with George (Charlotte Richie). Simultaneously, Mae navigates the challenges of their gender identity and battles the urge to relapse into the drug addiction that has plagued them since adolescence. Directed by Ally Pankiw and co-written by Mae Martin and Joe Hampson, the series debuted on Netflix in March 2020, shortly after the announcement of the first lockdown. Feel Good likely served as a lifeline for many during that period, and I highly recommend it for those who haven't yet experienced this touching, unsettling, and humorous gem.
We first meet Mae Martin, who was born into an affluent Canadian family but endured a troubled adolescence marked by substance abuse and homelessness. Now a stand-up comedian in the United Kingdom, Mae meets and falls in love with George. The onset of their relationship brings a plethora of anxieties, insecurities, and uncertainties, compounded by the emotional labor of their weekly support group meetings. As the series evolves, gender identity becomes a prominent narrative thread. Mae is particularly challenged by their partner's heterosexual desires and the gender expectations projected onto their own body: "I am so tired, all the time, from trying to be [...] what I imagine her dream version of her high school boyfriend is" (E5, 16:00). Feel Good adeptly and subtly examines the effects of relationships and sexual orientation on one's perception and performance of gender.
Meanwhile, George, a high school teacher, confronts her sexuality for the first time, which stirs numerous fears and uncertainties about her coming out and her understanding of LGBTQIA2S+ struggles. A particularly memorable scene occurs when, after reprimanding a student for the use of a homophobic slur in her class, George informs her principal that she will start teaching LGBTQ+ issues. The principal responds that these topics—sexual health and human rights—should already be part of her curriculum, highlighting a blind spot in George's teaching and illustrating how her relationship with Mae catalyzes a profound and personal realization of queer issues.
From an aesthetic standpoint, Feel Good features sometimes absurd and cringe-inducing humor and dialogue. The series presents a range of exaggerated characters, including an expressionless, robotic friend, a blunt mother who shuns emotions, a pathological liar, and a comedian embodying toxic masculinity. Coupled with rapid scene cuts, shaky camera work, and abrupt transitions, the show captures a frantic, impulsive pace that vividly portrays the main character's anxious and turbulent inner world.
It took me a couple of episodes to acclimate to the show’s unique style. Still, Ally Pankiw, Mae Martin, and Joe Hampson successfully tackle profound and impactful themes such as mental health, drug addiction, gender identity, and coming out. A second season is also available on Netflix.
Reference
Director/creator : Ally Pankiw
Title : Feel Good
Date of parution : March 19th 2020
This TV show is available on Netflix.