Following the cancellation of GLOW, I was itching for a new 80s drama. I’ve always had a love of the 80s (despite never actually experiencing it), specifically 80s film and tv. With Rose Byrne playing lead, Physical seemed to be just what I needed.
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This new dramedy from Apple TV stars Byrne as Sheila Rubin, a self deprecating housewife with an eating disorder. She attempts to support (orchestrate) her former hippie/university professor/activist husband’s bid for state assembly.
Sheila lives in a world where it’s all about keeping up with the Jones’ and during this time, a woman’s status largely depended on that of her husband. This is often the main issue in her marriage to Danny played by Rory Scovel. Aside from his clearly predatory/philandering ways and his chauvinism.
He’s not the success he thought he’d be and he knows that Sheila is aware of this. She realises she has wasted her youth trying to prop her inadequate husband up. The result is two people who deeply resent each other. After finding aerobics, Sheila feels a freedom she can’t remember and realises she’ll have to make her own success.
I rate Rose Byrne as an actress and she very much carried this show but I do believe all other characters played their part. Particularly Danny’s annoying friend (bum) Jerry, Tyler the surfing amateur filmmaker and Greta, played by Dierdre Friel. Greta is the mirror image of Sheila. All her insecurities and self loathing in physical form.
The dynamic between the two is quite interesting to watch. Greta envies Sheila’s body and looks while Sheila envies her wealth. The show alludes to the fact that Sheila will indeed become a success but her journey is what’s most important. Already we see problematic traits that don’t exactly make me think that her evolution will be a character we necessarily like.
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Physical possesses an undeniably 80s set with a beautiful soundtrack to match. While I felt like the storyline was solid, the pacing is a bit off with some episodes not offering as much as others. At its core, it’s a comedic yet relatable show with clear feminist overtones. Overall it was a pretty decent watch but not the standout show I was expecting. Watch ‘Physical’ on Apple TV+ here.
Follow Jennifer (the Author) on Instagram – @islandgirlreview
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