Sort of

Sort of is an engaging, heartfelt Canadian TV series that gracefully underlines dynamic and various aspects of life, focusing primarily on identity, family, love, and the intricacies that accompany these subjects. The show premiered in 2021 on CBC Gem and astutely incorporates elements of both comedy and drama into its intricate storytelling.

The show centers around Sabi Mehboob, a Pakistani, a character of trans experience, and a millennial who serves as a nanny for two children in a downtown Toronto neighbourhood. Sabi's life intricacies are humorously yet poignantly portrayed in Sort Of, as she navigates through a fluid sexual identity, ever-evolving life expectations, and the general chaos of daily existence. The character of Sabi is portrayed with intuitive finesse by Bilal Baig, a non-binary actor and co-creator of the series, who effectively adds depth and intrigue to the character, fostering a unique connection between viewers and Sabi.

A major appeal of Sort Of is its authentic representation and unsterilized portrayal of different lifestyles, identities, and cultures. The series intelligently showcases the character of Sabi as she grapples with her days filled with contradictions. Sabi devotes herself to her job as a nanny, caring deeply for a family that isn't her own, while her own world is incessantly unsettled. Alongside this, Sabi is also confronted with maintaining the balance between the expectations of the close-knit Pakistani community she comes from and her individuality.

In addition to Sabi's journey, Sort Of also introduces viewers to a rich tapestry of other dynamic characters, each navigating their own unique complexities, from struggling artists, paralegal students to affectionate friends. These characters add depth to the narratives, allowing Sort Of to produce valuable intersections, where culture, identity, and life itself often collide.

Throughout the series, Toronto's diversity and charm beautifully complement these intersections. Its multicultural and vibrant community in the backdrop significantly amplifies the narratives it attempts to portray. Toronto, in the show, emerges not merely as a setting but as an integral character contributing to the narratives.

One of the imperative aspects of Sort Of is its compassionate narrative on the LGBTQ+ community. The series showcases a more authentic, unglamorized, and thus, rarely seen portrayal of queer life. It navigates through Sabi's life, as she tries to understand, explain and accept herself amidst societal, cultural, and personal perspectives. It brings about an exquisite exploration of trans, non-binary, and gender-fluid experiences in a manner that is relatable and graspable for all viewers, regardless of their familiarity with these identities.

In addition to the protagonists, Sort Of features a diverse set of supporting characters. Each individual is distinct, meticulously crafted, and imbibed with their personal set of hopes, challenges, and backstories. These characters effectively reinforce the central themes of the series, offering viewers a prism through which to explore the human experiences in all their diversity.

The series is characterized by its magnificent writing, which weaves humor, emotion, and reality into a delicate balance that not only entertains but also enlightens and provokes thought. The writing succeeds in tackling a wide range of topics, such as gender, identity, culture, and the immigrant experience, in a manner that reflects the constant struggle, confusion, and liberation experienced by the characters.

In terms of production, Sort Of stands tall with its apt and diligent cinematography. The visuals blend perfectly with the narrative, capturing the daily lives of its characters in all their unfiltered, raw beauty while simultaneously unearthing the character of Toronto itself.

Sort Of is a fresh, poignant comedy-drama that captures the charm and chaos of life. It is brave enough to ask difficult questions about identity, race, religion, and sexuality, and clever enough to know it doesn't have all the answers. The series stands out for its ambitious storytelling, well-drawn characters, and a compelling lead performance by Bilal Baig. It's a series that, much like life itself, is complicated, messy, and above all, beautiful in its own unique way.