Introduction to Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham is a household name, often associated with New York City. The American actress, writer, and director rose to fame with her award-winning, semi-autobiographical series Girls, which followed four 20-something women as they navigated love, life, and friendship in the big Apple. However, her latest project, a Netflix rom-com, is set on the other side of the Atlantic.
A New Project
The new series, titled Too Much, follows Jessica (Megan Stalter), who moves from New York to London after separating from her boyfriend and falls in love with punk musician Felix (Will Sharpe). Like Dunham, when she moved to London in 2021, Jessica quickly learns the essential things in Great Britain: everyone loves Paddington, the Jaffa Cake debate is highly controversial (it’s definitely a biscuit), and a "housing estate" is not the extensive gardens of a lavish manor house.
Autobiographical Elements
Dunham tells the BBC that although there are "superficial similarities" with her life and it’s "about 5% autobiographical," she didn’t see herself as the main character in the way she did in Girls. "I didn’t see Jessica when I was inspired by my life, but she’s her own character and was written with Megan," she says. Megan Stalter notes that Girls "was all about sex, and Too Much is about falling in love," a sentiment Dunham shares.
Stepping Behind the Camera
There was also another reason why Dunham decided to move away from the spotlight. During the filming of Girls in her 20s, Dunham’s body was heavily scrutinized, and last year she told The New Yorker that she was "not ready to have my body dissected again." She explains that the scrutiny of her body was part of the reason she continued to step behind the camera. "It was just overwhelming to be perceived," she says.
Body Image and Self-Acceptance
In recent years, Dunham has focused on writing projects that don’t focus on her as an actor. She believes that society has made some progress in being more body-positive, but says that the culture we live in is still "so deeply fatphobic, hostile, racist, and ageist, and that influences our dynamics with our body." The 39-year-old has been vocal about the challenges she’s faced with her health, particularly her endometriosis, which prompted her to have a hysterectomy at 31. When asked how her relationship with her body has changed since then, she said that she’s developed a new love for her appearance. "I could have a relationship with my body that exists outside of cultural pressure, and I feel happy for it."
Learning from Past Experiences
Dunham not only reflects on how her self-image has changed but also says that she’s learned a lot since her 20s. After being in the spotlight for over a decade, she’s had her fair share of controversy. In 2017, she defended Girls writer Murray Miller when he was accused of sexual attacks. Dunham later apologized, saying it was "absolutely the wrong time" to share her perspective. Miller vehemently denied the claims and was not charged. She also apologized for making an "uncomfortable joke" about abortion in a podcast.
The New Series
Dunham’s new 10-episode series, Too Much, stars Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe, known for playing Ethan Spiller in The White Lotus and films like Real Pain. Sharpe, 38, says he relates to the challenges his character faces, as "everyone carries luggage from their previous relationships" and feels vulnerable when entering a new one. Stalter, 34, also relates to her character, saying she often felt like she was "too much" in her 20s but has grown proud of who she is.
Dating Tips
The series focuses on the development of a romantic relationship, which is refreshing in its reality. The show features serious conversations between Jessica and Felix about real-life issues, such as Jessica’s social media presence extending to a housing estate in East London, rather than a Bridget Jones-like apartment on the Borough market. When asked if she has dating tips for women in their 20s, Dunham says the concept of dating has changed over the years. In retrospect, Dunham wishes she had allowed herself to understand what she really wanted instead of just seeing the cultural expectations that were set up. "If I let myself understand my own desire, my 20s would have looked very different romantically."
Conclusion
Too Much will be released on Netflix on July 10. The series is a heartwarming and realistic portrayal of love, relationships, and self-discovery, set against the vibrant backdrop of London. With its talented cast and thoughtful storytelling, it’s sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.
