TELL ME LIES

Representation

Tell me lies is a Hulu original series based on the famous book series by Carola Lovering. It is centered around a group of college students, and it explores young love, abuse, deception and more intense topics like rape, manipulation and violence.  In the show, we see Lucy, who is played by Grace Van Patten, evolve from a naive young lady who is vulnerable and suspectable to manipulation to a woman who tries to demand more from herself and her partners, though she usually falls short and becomes the less empowered women we remember due to abuse. The portrayal of lucy offers a relatable perspective on self-worth and the effect of manipulation, it guides young women away from this type of relationship and empowers them to seek something different. 

Stephen, played by Jackson White, embodies toxic masculinity through the ways he manipulates others. Charming in the early stages, he reveals the string of emotional games that harm Lucy in the process. It was a critique toward societal norms that shape harmful behaviors among young men and urged viewers to question what love and emotional manipulation really mean. Stephen's character became a cautionary tale of the risks of substituting control for connection.

The shows array of other complex characters reflecting real-life experiences opens the audiences to a less ignorant understanding of the world. For example, Bree, who spent her childhood in foster care, was vulnerable and she chose to enter into a damaging relationship with an authority figure. This storyline represents a real-life situation and shows the younger generation how destructive this type of relationship can be this was done by showing the reality and not romanticizing the relationship.

All in all, Tell Me Lies offers a stimulating discussion of representation through the these characters and many more. Treading self-discovery and the aftermath of toxic dynamics, the on-screen series calls upon its viewers to be reflective about their respective experiences regarding relationships. Its sensitive narrative brings into view the complexities faced by young adults but, at the same time, invites viewers to reflect on the importance of authenticity and healthy relationships in one's life.