Selena tackles teenage taboo
Anew Netflix show addressing the tough issue of teenage suicide makes for compulsive viewing.
13 Reasons Why is based on the hit novel of the same name by Jay Asher and co-produced by singer Selena Gomez and her mother.
It takes viewers on a journey into American high school hell and provides an unflinching look at the issues of bullying, self-harm and depression.
The drama tells the story of a teen boy who is sent a box from a classmate who died by suicide that contains 13 cassette tapes explaining the reasons she ended her life.
Selena had planned to play the part of Hannah Baker, the girl who took her own life and who appears in flashbacks after her death, but ultimately decided to stay behind the camera.
RESPECT
The role instead went to Australian actress Katherine Langford, who said it was important the drama did not appear to glamorise suicide.
She added: “What I’m really proud of is the show respects the intellect of the audience.
“I’m young myself and I grew up watching Skins and My So-called Life but I feel like the majority of shows and media that covers this kind of content tend to glamorise it.
“What I’m really proud about is we show it in an unflinching way and it’s ugly and it’s messy and I’ve seen it and it doesn’t feel glamorous at all.
“It’s the opposite of what you’re told on Tumblr about beautiful depression and that kind of thing.
“It’s not, it’s ugly and I’m proud we were able to tell it in an authentic way as I feel like it gets the message across far better.” Langford said she took “a really big hit emotionally and physically” immersing herself in the role but felt proud of the end result. She added: “I had so much faith and trust in the project and the people involved and I felt we were going to tell the story the way it should be told.” Goosebumps actor Dylan Minnette plays Clay Jensen, the boy who receives the tapes.
He said: “When I realised what we were making I was shocked but thrilled because a lot of shows or movies wouldn’t even dare to touch on the subject matter we do and in the way we do and I think that’s pretty cool and necessary.
“By doing and showing what we do, I hope that resonates with people. They found the perfect way to tell the story.” Gomez, meanwhile, has hinted this may be the first of many more serious ventures for the former Disney Channel star.
The 24-year-old said: “I want to be part of projects that have value, that really matter. My mom taught me sometimes you just have to create those projects for yourself.”
13 Reasons Why is now streaming on Netflix.