We're Not Trash (2022)

Mental Health and Disorders in Well-Performed Nuanced Characters

I can’t really speak to the bipolar representation in this series. It seemed fairly decent and more nuanced compared to other portrayals i’ve seen. But i do wonder if we should have seen more of her depressed state of the disorder. For a little bit there, it seemed like we were gonna get it, but then it came off kind of like the character was acting being depressed/upset. Instead, off medication, we seem to only see her either manic or angry. But she does nod back to the depression in her dialogue at points. But she also asks the ML what it’s like to have depression. So i don’t know.

But the depression portrayal was great. Especially when the ML was narrating through it. My heart ached for him and i connected to him deeply. His story seems to have a tad bit of the “love heals you” tone, but since his depression is rooted in grief and guilt, it rather makes sense in this case.

The performances by the actors were quite spectacular. You couldnt tell this was a web series imo. I was that sold on what they were feeling and saying. I caught on to the nuances of their performances even before the script confirmed my conclusions. And I was reacting right alongside them at key moments - cheering them on and begging for their happiness.

A gem of a short series.

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Very Adorable and Heartwarming

From someone that doesn't often watch Kdramas, I thought this was fantastic short little series. I can't think of a single complaint to give. I wasn't bored, the pacing was good, and the ending satisfying and heartwarming.

I thought the story was very simple but effective. I can't relate to or say how accurate the bipolar disorder representation was, but the depression portrayal was much better than other ones I've seen. Of course depression looks different for everyone, but the way the ML expressed his was quite accurate and relatable. My heart hurt for him in a way that it usually doesn't when I watch TV and it pulled me back to the days I was going through mild depression. The hopelessness, the blank expressions, the foggy negative thoughts, and the constant feeling that nothing you or anyone else does or say will make anything better was well represented.

As far as Johui, I really liked her. I would have loved to see more of her array of emotions and how her condition made her act as a child, but seeing how short this was I really don't mind.

The actors and everyone involved did a fantastic job, I'm definitely rewatching soon.

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