On March 30, Netflix released an original show called 13 Reasons Why based on the best-selling book of the same title by Jay Asher. The series follows the story of a high-school student, Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford), who commits suicide, stunning her parents, friends, and teachers. No one had realized that she was so tormented that she would be driven to do such a thing. Directed by pop star and showbiz celebrity Selena Gomez, 13 Reasons Why is now officially considered Netflix’s most popular show, with its complicated plot, powerful visuals, and impactful message to which many high schoolers can easily relate.
Before she dies, Hannah records 13 tapes directed at the individuals responsible for her mental anguish and explaining what went so horribly wrong. She threatens that if they don’t follow through with her instructions to find clues about her demise, their secrets will be publicly divulged. How Hannah could possibly impose this posthumous punishment keeps the audience binging.
Hannah’s messages from the grave are sent to friends, acquaintances, boyfriends, and classmates who listen to the tapes each in turn. Even her crush, Clay, played by the mild-mannered Dylan Minnette, receives a box of these tapes and has to listen to them all before passing them to the next person. Perspectives switch back and forth along with tension. The past is bathed in a bright hue of warm colors, while the present has a cold, dark mood. This method of filmography makes it clear that Hannah enriched Clay’s life, which is now without levity, adding to the overall dark tone the show is trying to give off.
It turns out that Hannah’s nightmare began with one photo posted on social media without her permission that forever brands her as a “slut.” This leads to a downward spiral of insults and humiliations, spread by rumormongers and bathroom graffiti artists. She loses her close friends and becomes an object of lust for many boys. In no way does this justify taking one’s own life, but it does demand a thoughtful analysis of the consequences of a small misstep and its snowball effect. What can a free society do to prevent such a terrible outcome without regulating everyone’s right to free expression?
The actors were natural in their performances, and the characters were relatable, not all stereotypical bullies or freaks. They don’t stick out as perpetrators of toxic gossip; they make you think twice, and their normalcy makes the series compelling. I could easily relate to the show’s stark message. Hannah Baker killed herself because of the accumulation of all the small and large insults from people whom she thought were her friends. Teens are capable of understanding that snarky comments can have a lasting and intense effect, so it’s important to realize the unintended consequences of even small acts of unkindness to prevent people from feeling bullied and humiliated. 13 Reasons Why left audiences stunned and yearning for a second season. This show is by far one of the best and most pertinent shows that Netflix has produced.