Whatever This Is

"Whatever This Is" is a groundbreaking series produced as a part of Dekkoo's original web content in 2013. Directed and written by the talented Adam Goldman, renowned for his earlier work on "The Outs", this indie web series explores the aspects of struggling young adulthood in the bustling city of New York, providing an in-depth look into the relentless bid to succeed in both professional and personal life.

This captivating tale revolves around three main protagonists - Sam (Hunter Canning), Ari (Dylan Marron), and Lisa (Madeline Wise). Sam and Ari are production assistants working odd jobs at a reality television show, while Lisa, an elementary school teacher and Sam's girlfriend, struggles to keep their diminishing finances afloat. The show elegantly weaves the narrative around their day-to-day lives, using their struggles, relationships, and dreams as the storytelling threads.

Sam and Ari may be working at the bottom of the television industry ladder, but their challenges and experiences are portraiture of an unvarnished New York City that is as sobering as it is absorbing. The unsung heroes of every episode being filmed, the duo not only arm themselves with the relentless hope of one day making it big, but also the slightly unhinged resolve of pushing through the ardors of a demanding job which, on its best days, rewards them with merely a cover over their heads.

Lisa, an ambitious young teacher, likewise faces her set of challenges. Juggling her responsibilities at home, her commitment to her students, and the gnawing need to keep their nose barely above the water with her meager earnings adds an additional layer of depth to her character and to the overall narrative structure of the series.

"Whatever This Is" stands out as a true-to-life portrayal of the reality many young adults face while trying to find their way in a demanding and often cruel world. Each episode isn't just about the specific challenges Sam, Ari, and Lisa face, but it's about how they navigate these challenges together, reconciling their dreams with their harsh reality, showcasing an unwavering bond of friendship and an uncompromising commitment towards their individual growth.

The combination of Adam Goldman's compelling writing, fine performances by the lead actors, and the series' storytelling strategy helps the viewers to develop a sense of deep connection with the main characters. By presenting reality in an unpretentious and relatable manner, the series provides a thought-provoking perspective of struggle, survival, and the human spirit's relentless pursuit for purpose and belonging.

The series also explores multiple themes, including professional discontentment, income inequality, social classes, and more subtly, aspects of sexual diversity and inclusivity. As the narrative progresses, each episode unfolds into a guide, a confidante for everyone who's found themselves in a crushing whirlwind of adolescent insecurity, uncertainties, and unfulfilled dreams.

With each character's journey toward their goals unfolding at a deliberate pace, this series pays homage to the process of growing up and facing adulthood's many challenges. "Whatever This Is" excels at immersing the viewer in the characters' lives and provokes empathy for them, an attribute that can be credited to Goldman's excellent storytelling skills.

"Whatever This Is" is an eerily accurate eulogy to all those young people battling their way through survival jobs, maintaining their sanity, and preserving their dreams while living hand-to-mouth in big cities. It’s a striking commentary on the difficulties of “making it” in the city that never sleeps, pushing viewers to challenge their own perceptions of success, ambition, and the collective struggle of the millennial generation. It is more than just a series, it is a reflection of our contemporary society that will undoubtedly touch hearts and inspire many. A must-watch for anyone attempting to navigate the waters of adulthood and anyone who has dealt with the undulations of the ongoing life project called 'growing up'.