Series Overview
Lena Dunham's latest venture into television, "Too Much," serves up a delightful array of elements reminiscent of early-2000s romantic comedies. The story revolves around a heartbroken woman who relocates to a new city, hoping for a fresh beginning. Along the way, she experiences a dramatic, car-chase-style grand gesture and receives well-intentioned but often misguided advice from her quirky best friends.
In a surprising twist, Too Much takes familiar narratives and turns them upside down. When Jessica, played by Megan Stalter, arrives in London, she quickly finds herself in an unexpected situation. In a grimy pub bathroom, she meets Felix, portrayed by Will Sharpe, and from that moment on, the story veers off the beaten path.
Within hours of their first encounter, Felix is rushing Jessica to the hospital after a disastrous incident. Jessica, in a fit of jealousy, accidentally sets herself on fire while confronting her ex's new girlfriend, Wendy Jones, played by Emily Ratajkowski, about a secret Instagram account. This chaotic and darkly humorous event is a far cry from the typical romantic comedy scenes, which are often referenced in the show’s episode titles like “Enough, Actually,” “Notting Kill,” and “Pity Woman.”
These unpredictable and sometimes alarming moments make Too Much a compelling and realistic depiction of modern dating. The series is semi-autobiographical for co-creator Lena Dunham, who based it on her own experiences. She met her husband, Luis Felber, in London shortly after moving from New York, a scenario that echoes Jessica's journey. Dunham describes the experience as bringing "good chaos" into her life.
The success of the show in capturing this chaos and realism is largely due to the exceptional performances of Stalter and Sharpe, who bring depth and authenticity to their characters.
A captivating image captured by Josh Shinner
Megan Stalter: Embracing the Role of Jessica in "Too Much"
In a refreshing take on modern romance, Megan Stalter steps into the spotlight as Jessica, bringing both comedic brilliance and emotional depth to the character. The role seems tailor-made for Stalter, and for good reason - it was. After Andrew Scott (of "Ripley" fame) introduced Lena Dunham to Stalter's work, Dunham was immediately captivated. "I was transfixed by her every move," Dunham recalls, recognizing not just Stalter's comedic talent but her capacity for profound emotional performance.
The character of Jessica represents a beautiful fusion of personalities. "Jessica is a combination of me, Lena, and her own fictional stuff," Stalter explains. Despite this being her first leading role, she approached it with confidence, appreciating the collaborative environment that allowed her to infuse the character with her own sensibilities. "If I were the lead of a show where people weren't collaborative, I would feel pressure to get everything a certain way," she notes.
Stalter identifies deeply with Jessica's emotional transparency. "We're both weird girls who are funny and hot," she says with characteristic candor. The story follows Jessica as she navigates a fresh start in London, unpacking traumas including her father's death and the lingering effects of a seven-year relationship with her ex, Zev (played by Michael Zegen), whose subtle cruelty eroded her self-confidence.
The physical comedy in the show demanded full commitment from Stalter, who embraced the challenge. At its core, she explains, the story is about "getting your spark back and falling in love with yourself again."
Will Sharpe, who plays Felix, Jessica's love interest, was an immediate casting choice for Dunham. "Will came to breakfast... and I was like, 'well, there he is,'" she remembers. The Emmy-nominated actor from "The White Lotus" approached his character by finding "a venn diagram" between himself, parts of Dunham's real-life partner, and the script. His background as a writer and director enhanced his collaborative approach to the role.
In the frame, light dances across features, captured with precision by Josh Shinner's expert lens. Shadows and highlights create a dimensional portrait, revealing character in every detail.
The composition balances technical mastery with artistic intuition, hallmarks of Shinner's distinctive photographic style. Each element carefully positioned, each moment thoughtfully preserved.
Through his viewfinder, subjects transform—vulnerability and strength coexisting in a single expression. The image speaks volumes, transcending the limitations of its two-dimensional form.
Shinner's work demonstrates photography's enduring power: to freeze time, to illuminate truth, to connect viewer and subject across the boundary of the print itself.
Character Development and Themes
Off-screen chemistry between the actors subtly permeated their characters' on-screen connection
Sharpe's own mixed heritage deeply informed his portrayal of Felix
His personal understanding of navigating dual cultures brought authenticity to the role
The creators emphasized that casting Stalter and Sharpe unlocked a fresh dynamic
They felt these specific performers were irreplaceable in bringing Felix and Jess to life
During filming, spontaneous real-life exchanges mirrored their characters' interactions
Explaining obscure cultural references sometimes blurred the line between actor and role
Felber noted the project evolved beyond initial personal inspirations once casting was complete
Dunham expressed profound gratitude for the unique energy both leads contributed
Felix, a character that subverts the traditional leading man archetype, is described as having the charm and charisma of a Disney prince, but with a twist. He's willing to embrace his vulnerabilities, according to Dunham. However, in true British fashion, Felix is more guarded, with Sharpe noting that his defenses are visibly higher. This makes him less adept at protecting himself in intimate situations, often just letting things happen to him.
Felix’s journey is marked by his struggle to stay sober and his discomfort within his morally dubious, upper-class circles. The show delves into the universal theme of knowing what's bad for you but still being drawn to it, a feeling many can relate to. As Sharpe puts it, it’s about the constant battle of trying to be better and not quite making it, and the disappointment that comes with it.
When Felix and Jess embark on a relationship, he is forced to confront his past. The question arises: Can he let go of his emotional baggage to fully commit and feel free in the relationship? Their journey is not without its mistakes, which are integral to their love story. "It’s interesting having these scenes where we hurt each other as part of a love story," says Sharpe.
Stalter finds the realism in Felix and Jess's relationship compelling. They both are flawed, and falling in love is portrayed as an awkward, embarrassing, and vulnerable experience. Felix’s observation, "If you’re damaged in the right way, you can fit perfectly together," encapsulates this dynamic.
Despite the heavy themes, the show maintains a balance of humor and hope. It stands out from typical rom-coms by offering a more realistic and resonant portrayal of love. Sharpe notes that while the show is aware of rom-com tropes, it also has rougher edges, making the sweet moments all the more powerful. This blend of honesty and a touch of umami gives the story a unique and authentic flavor.
In both life and in the story of Jess and Felix, their future together is uncertain and requires constant nurturing through honesty and forgiveness. Lena Dunham reflects on this, saying, "Whenever I attend a wedding, I always wonder, 'Will this last? I hope so, but it's hard to tell.' " She acknowledges that maintaining a lifelong relationship is a challenging endeavor. Often, we view a wedding as the culmination of a love story, when in reality, it marks the beginning of a new chapter.
Explore their journey by watching Too Much on Netflix.
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