Series Review: Dollface. Creator: Jordan Weiss.
Whoever says men don't start drama definitely needs to take a look at world history. History is replete with examples where millions have suffered at the behest of one indoctrinated despot (yes, that's the one!). Be it Hitler or Cecil Rhodes, their lust for domination and delusion of superiority have led mankind to ruins. At that time, women were traded off for cattle in marriages, the marriages that they sustained, gave meaning to and beautified.
While ancient practices do not have much relevance in the times of Tinder, the way in which the society perceives women has not changed at all. Be it showing the 'cat-fights' of two girls over a boy, or long held grudges, in the cinema or even in the co-ed workspace, it is a common perception that women never have each other's backs. 'Dollface' streaming on 'Hulu' is a comedy-fiction drama that challenges this perception and throws a fresh and accurate perspective of how women think, feel and act towards other women in reality.
Jules Wiley, a software developer at a premium cosmetics company gets dumped by Jeremy, her boyfriend and live-in partner for five years, because he does not love her anymore. This is the moment where Jules needs to make some solid discoveries for which she has to rekindle the friendships with the women she had abandoned for the sake of being Jeremy's girlfriend.
While bromances are celebrated for the single reason that men's friendships stand the test of time and are unaffected by the arrival of a female, 'Dollface' shows that female friendships always hold ground when women need them the most, and while the male may think that vulnerability is weakness, female friendships acknowledge, celebrate and even validate vulnerability. As Jules comes face to face with every bad decision she had ever made, she understands how her actions depreciate the most important asset any person could ever have: her friends.
'Dollface' is very millennial and to the point, yet very warm and emphatic. The most important take away for the viewers is Jules' persistence to get back to her friends and her professionalism. Jules never let her break up get in the way of her work. As Jules, Brenda and Stella mend their friendship and Izzy, Jules' colleague joins in, each understands the struggles, aspirations and feelings of the other. Love, loyalty, female friendship and acceptance is very brightly and colorfully limned in the series.
Be it issues like Chakra Balance, the Pride Parade or Women's Day, 'Dollface' highlights everything in a subtlety in which it is supposed to be, (in this aspect even 'Schitt's Creek' is positively joyful). 'Dollface' is a comical exploration of Jules' life and decisions but also showcases the importance of being whole within oneself, accepting the past and most importantly never abandoning friends.
The comedy of the show is very out-there and some parts would leave the viewer in feats of laughter. The accuracy of women being a perfect blend of secretive and protective of the ones they love would feel relatable to every woman. While films like 'About Time' (read full review here: https://bff-anewdimension.blogspot.com/2021/01/film-review-about-time-director-richard.html) show that the lead actor can travel back in time and mend his mistakes, 'Dollface' hits home because Jules has the opportunity, like everyone else to mend the wrongs of the past and avoid the possible errors of the future in the wonderful present.
The aura of the show is bright, colorful, funny and the leads are seen wearing a variety of outfits, all of which are tasteful. The art direction is wonderful and the viewers can see the many shades of Los Angeles. The costume design is par excellence. The acting of the leads as well as the supporting cast is on top of their game and the actors fit the role perfectly. Kat Dennings is quite acclimatized to comedy and is famously known for her role as Max Black in the epic sitcom 'Two Broke Girls', seems at home with the character of Jules. Madison Maxwell plays the role of the protective Brenda amazingly (in that she resembles Jessica Huang from 'Fresh off the Boat') and Shay Mitchell slays with her charisma as Stella Cole and displays a chameleon like adaptability to roles. The fun and charming Stella is very different from the toxic Peach Salinger (the role Shay Mitchell played in 'You', streaming on Netflix). The ethereal Margot Robbie is a producer of the show and also has made a guest appearance. The viewer can discover new artists from the show's hip and upbeat music collection.
The direction of the series is very young and the depiction is in an 'as-is' manner. There is no flicker of utopia or dystopia, but only reality and hope that would want every woman to 'woman-up'. Even Bollywood has tried to depict strong female friendships but has abysmally failed in doing so. In honest depiction, Bollywood has a lot to learn from its Western counterpart. The show has jokes not suitable for family viewing, but makes for a wholesome, warm and individual viewing as well as weekend binge with the viewer's female friends.
Overall, 'Dollface' is just what we all need in these testing times. It is a feel-good comedy and shouldn't be missed out on.
MY TAKE: 8/10.
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Very well written review
ReplyDeleteGonna watch it right away!!!
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