Thirteen Reasons Why, one of Netflix’s original television show, and has stirred up a lot of controversy. The series is based on Jay Asher’s novel that was published in 2007. The show follows high school student Clay Jensen as he return home from school one day to find a mysterious box sitting on his front porch. Inside the box Clay discovers 7 cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush, who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On the tapes Hannah has recorded the detailing of the thirteen reasons she decided to end her life. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, Thirteen Reasons Why weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect viewers.
Thirteen Reasons Why touches on several topics such as suicide, rape, bullying, and depression that are seen as to delicate to talk. Netflix has brought these topics into the light and is now receiving hash criticism for publishing the show. While it’s true Netflix wasn’t shy with showing show the details of Hannah’s suicide or rape, many people are missing what the show was actually trying to do. Many viewers will see the series as what it is, fiction, but the truth is that for teens across the world the series hits a lot closer to home than that. The truth is that the things that happened to Hannah Baker, happens to people every single day. To them this isn’t some story, this is their truth, and by publishing this show, Netflix has opened vital lines of communication between parents, councilors, and teenagers.
The show itself has a great cast and a heartfelt story line that will stay with viewers long after they finish the show.
My Rating- 10/10
IMDb- 8.9/10
Common Sense Media- 4/5
Rotten Tomatoes- 85%
IF YOU OR A LOVE ONE ARE STRUGGLING WITH SUICIDE, DEPRESSION, OR SELF HARM CONTACT ONE OF THE NUMBERS BELOW
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Help 4 WV 1-844-435-7498
TALK about Self Harm 1-800-273-8255