Netflix's Carol & the end of the world wants us to know that, "it's okay"

Let me just say that “Carol & The End of The World” was NOT AT ALL what I thought it was going to be. With the expectation of a quirky animated adult comedy series, there were two things that I realized very quickly:

1. This was not the ride that I paid for. 

2. “Buckle up, cowgirl.. it’s gonna be a wild one”.

A Very Loose Overview

In 7 months, the world is ending. What will you do with the rest of your life?

The heartbeat of this series is humanity, and what “living” looks like as a true verb. While some are effectively stripped of their deepest fears and embrace the opportunity to live out loud, others search for the comforting intersection of normalcy and routine in hopes of finding solace.

There is no right or wrong, no clear distinction between good and bad.

In a world that is coming to an end, there just is.

Questions That Need Answers (or not…)

I love a good piece of art that gets my wheels spinning. This show illustrates just how easy it is to get lost in the prioritization of tasks, which can impact our ability to build meaningful connections with people. 

The writing is exceptional to say the very least. It’s by far, the strongest shit I’ve ever seen in an animated series, which makes for an incredibly compelling, thought-provoking, and engaging storyline. The narrative is crafted with a deliberate use of incomplete sentences, questions with no answers, and questions with seemingly obvious answers. This intentional storytelling approach prompts viewers to think deeply, independently, and free of constraints to consider their own life choices. We’re not in Kansas anymore, baby.

It’s okay.. 

Carol, our main character, is not a likeable one off the bat, she gives very much “wet blanket” vibes, and that’s okay. Viewers love an abundantly flawed protagonist who is relatable. The more we learn about her, the harder we root for her. The ways in which we slowly grant Carol forgiveness work as a reminder to be kinder to ourselves and those around us.

Life; it ain’t always easy. 

Slowly, the series opens doors into the lives of secondary characters, exhibiting their relationships, not only with loved ones, but themselves. Rarely do we get the opportunity on television to see the relationship that one has with themselves. 

What Now?

If you ask me, the mid-December release of this show is nothing but divine timing; an opportunity for reflection. The end of the year commonly signals an invitation for growth, new commitments, and the implementation of changes. While many of us are focused on career, finances, dreams of home ownership and basic survival, it’s nice to be reminded of humanity in its rawest form. 

When it’s all said and done… and none of this matters… and our precious distractions are completely irrelevant, what will your story be?

Journal Prompts for the People

1. If money weren’t a thing, and all of your basic needs were met, what would your life be about?

2. How well do you know the people closest to you? How well do they know you?

3. How would you describe your relationship with yourself?

4. What are some of your “precious distractions”?

Thank you and well wishes

Shoutout to Dan Guterman for crafting this incredibly thoughtful, beautifully executed series. May your vision incite a plethora of meaningful questions that result in action, big and small. May Netflix run you several large cheques that grant the ability for your “brain babies” to gestate.

May you live your life to the motherfucking FULLEST!

Thank you.