A story of survival and self-discovery

Everything Now is a gripping coming-of-age drama series on Netflix which gives us a glimpse into the turbulent life of Mia Polanco, portrayed brilliantly by Sophie Wilde. After spending seven months in an eating disorder centre, Mia returns to the chaos of sixth form life, only to find that her friends have been living life to the fullest in her absence. The series is an unflinching look into what life must be like battling anorexia and the challenges of adolescence.

Mia's illness may take centre stage in the series, but it is depicted with sensitivity and understanding, and I think mental health professionals, particularly psychologists, will find the series valuable for its realistic depiction of anorexia's many complexities. Everything Now doesn't shy away from portraying the daily battles that Mia faces as her eating disorder repeatedly attempts to gain the upper hand. We get to witness her struggles and fears but also those sweet moments of triumph.

What Everything Now does beautifully, is capture the essence of teenage life, treading the very fine line between extreme awkwardness and self-discovery. Central to Mia's story is her 'F**k It Bucket List': a mission to catch up on what she missed out on during her time away. We watch her navigate a whirlwind of parties, rule-breaking and relationship turmoil as she strives to rediscover who she is without her anorexia. Mia's quest to tick items off her bucket list gives the viewer a peek into the funny, heart-warming, awkward and downright disastrous world of teenage hood. We see how Mia and her friends attempt to address big issues, which often lead to missteps, miscommunication, and misguided decisions. This series could provide psychologists with a fascinating insight into teenage life and the challenges that come with it.

The majority of the episodes are from Mia's perspective, offering an intimate view of the internal struggle with her anorexic voice. Some days, Mia is in control and other days, the anorexia takes charge. One episode shifts to her brother's perspective, Alex, who gives an insight into the devastating impact Mia's illness has had on the entire family.

Everything Now is brilliantly acted, beautifully shot, witty, yet also poignant in places. In short, it's a real tear-jerker. The series blends teenage life with humour, awkwardness, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of Mia's ongoing battle with anorexia. It explores the complexities of sexuality, dysfunctional family dynamics, drug use, within a relatable and authentic framework and manages to address Mia's eating disorder with sensitivity. Plus, Stephen Fry, shines in his role as Mia's doctor.

In summary, Everything Now is a must-watch series with outstanding performances by the cast. It offers a realistic and thought-proving portrayal of teenage life. Anorexia is portrayed as exactly what it is, a constant and relentlessly present companion. This series is a valuable insight into what it might be like living with an eating disorder.

- Reviewed by Dr Lara Zibarras CPsychol. AFBPsS, Eating Disorder Recovery Coach @drlarazib