A Review of ‘Me’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Key Art for ‘Me’ Courtesy of Apple.

There were times in our youth, that we found life to be… supremely frustrating. For a bevy of reasons. Sometimes it was simple, in that, we weren’t allowed to do what we wanted to do because we were kids and had to abide by our parents’ rules. Sometimes our frustrations were more complex. Wherein we felt no sense of worth or empowerment because of our age and because of the fact that we simply weren’t listened to as kids, even though we had important stuff to say and value to add. So, we each took part in a mental exercise when our frustrations boiled over.
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In that, we would simply slip into a fantasy world where we were grown up and able to do what grown-ups were able to do. Or we imagined a life where we were someone else, someone that could garner attention and be heard or we would simply pretend to be someone of value… say a superhero. All to just feel more and be more in our minds, since in that moment, we meant so little to the rest of the world. But in the end, we put up with the frustrations until we were of age and moved on, because that’s what you do. But… there’s a corner of our mind that still wonders in adulthood, what would have happened if our fantasies came true? What would our lives have become if we were a hero and/or could have been someone else in that moment?

Well, it just so happens, that a brand-new family series on Apple TV+ will soon explore what would happen if we could indeed be a hero, be anyone on a moment’s notice and that makes Me, quite the important series. One that we wanted to spotlight today in a spoiler-free manner of course, because of how many important moments happen in this series. But what we will talk about today, is the show’s incredible plot. Because that… is what sets up the answers to those questions. For this is a story that introduces us to a teenager named Ben, who is at a critical point in his life. For he has a new blended family, and he is in middle school and dealing with so much. The stuff that downright demands one lose themselves in fantasies of elseworlds and alternate personas.

But there is just one problem for Ben, in that… he discovers that his imagination has become reality. Wherein he can wear the face of anyone he chooses, making him something of a hero in his own right and well, that… brings about one creative and fascinating series. The kind that immediately teaches us what life would be like if we could have pulled that off as kids, in a sobering and unique manner. Because this is a story that doesn’t indulge or validate our fantasies of being Superman and saving the world from incredible threats to thunderous applause from mom and dad. This story examines how such a surprise would play out in real life, and it informs us that it might not be all that it is cracked up to be, and that leads… to some powerful examinations.

The kind that deeply ponder upon what it means to be our authentic self and how that is more valuable than any fantasy. Not to mention, this is a coming-of-age story through and through that does examine the troubles that teenagers run into now, and the struggles of blended family life. Which makes this, a brilliant family entertainment story. One that really does feature an amazingly original plot, that appeals to people of all ages. Since adults remember those days and there are kids going through some of Ben’s experiences now, and that can allow for incredible conversations and learning to take place since those lessons offer so much for kids and parents to ponder upon, and the wonder of this series doesn’t end there.

Because it also features writing from series creator Barry L. Levy and his amazing staff, that treats the audience with respect and the acting also sells this magnificent tale. With Lucian-River Chauhan (Ben) leading the charge with his honest and earnest portrayal of a teenager caught in the midst of something wild and incredible, and he is balanced out nicely by Abigail Pniowsky, who plays his stepsibling, Max, with a delightful earnestness, and all of these elements come together to offer up a revolutionary coming of age story. One that is riveting, intelligent and filled with wonder and great storytelling, and the best news of all, is you can enjoy this magnificent story in a couple of days. For Me debuts on Apple TV+ this Friday, and we cannot wait for you to see it, nor can we wait to share our interviews with Barry L. Levy, Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky as we count down the minutes to the arrival of this refreshing series.

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