The Better Sister deepens what Adolescence taught us about child psychology

India Today

2 days ago

Beyond its gripping plot, tense courtroom drama, and stellar performances, 'The Better Sister' has ignited discussions for another reason.The American mystery-thriller offers a remarkably subtle look at parenting and the complexities of therapy.The whodunnit has emphasised the human psychology as an aftermath of childhood trauma, teenage challenges and marital abuse. The show doesn't just highlight the problem but also offers a solution despite its dark theme.advertisement
Where the psychological crime series 'Adolescence' meticulously explored the mindset of a 13-year-old who committed a horrendous act, 'The Better Sister' shifts its focus. It offers a much deeper insight into the complex family history of Ethan and his mother, Chloe Macintosh.In the Netflix show, 'Adolescence', Jamie's father, Eddie Miller, never shouts or goes hard on his son, since he is careful about his own traumatic childhood experience.However, 'The Better Sister' links the past demons to the sensibilities of the main characters.It gives a much deeper understanding on the upbringing of the parents as well.The audiences are not left wondering, but given enough backstory to understand how the past, present and future define an individual's actions.'The Better Sister' creator Olivia Milch has amicably depicted the emotional turmoil and motivations of every character apart from emphasising the crime probe, suspects and evidence.advertisementMilch gives a more transparent yet unbiased perspective on the characters' flaws, including Adam Macintosh, played by Corey Stoll.'The Better Sister' acknowledges emotional health and therapy'The Better Sister' moves beyond the stereotypical teen angst narrative while navigating the legal and emotional ramifications of a teenager caught up between two mothers and a troubled relationship with his deceased father.The show vividly portrays the precarious stage of adolescence in the digital age, where young adults grapple with identity, addictions and consequences of their actions influenced by conflicted family history.However, the most profound element of the narrative in Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks' crime-thriller, is its delicate portrayal of therapy and parenting.When Ethan's biological mother, Nicky, meets him in prison, she encourages him after learning about his therapy sessions. She emphasises that although it can be 'intimidating' at first, it helps in the long-run.Her confession, "If I started at your age, then maybe..," conveys a lot about the collective human sentiment about anxiety and emotional health.The most astonishing aspect in 'The Better Sister' is how it takes time to reflect on counselling and mental health struggles. The sheer cinematic brilliance of showcasing denial and acceptance gives it more realism and doesn't look forced.advertisementWhen Nicky tells Chloe that Ethan has been undergoing therapy, the latter is unresponsive. Despite Nicky's persuasion and strongly advocating, "Therapy doesn't make you a weak person, it's a process," Chloe tries to neglect the conversation.Later, when Chloe meets Ethan in jail, her genuine concern for her step-son, asking how he feels after therapy, shows the human need to connect and listen to, irrespective of the noise.Ethan's short yet intense confession about how therapy makes him comfortable in his own skin, reflects on the unspoken emotional toll on teenagers due to lack of genuine counselling.'The Better Sister' is a reflection on parenting and healingThe perfectly-woven screenplay of 'The Better Sister' justifies how Ethan, Chloe, Nicky and even Adam have been affected by their troubled pasts and mistakes.It gives a logical reason for the need for help to recover from trauma, instead of merely demonising individuals for their flaws.'The Better Sister' sets the premise of how partners coming out of a troubled marriage, parental abuse and marital violence could all be interconnected and lead the most sane people to a dangerous territory.Ethan goes beyond adolescent addictions and is a by-product of decades of unspoken truths and fractured relationships between Chloe, Nicky, and Adam.advertisementTherapy helps him not only to own his mistakes, but end up as a more mature individual who takes charge of working out relationships with both his mothers by being supportive as a responsible son.Chloe and Nicky acknowledge Ethan's human arc and also express the need for communication and transparency without explicitly mentioning therapy or mental health struggles.An introspective resolution to family traumaThe constant introspection of the mindset and inner-struggles of the characters echo the therapeutic process of healing in 'The Better Sister'.A crime-thriller series emphasising self-reflection and introspective behaviour is a unique approach to the cinematic portrayal of parenting and therapy in the modern age.India Today, in its review of 'The Better Sister', wrote, "The show is meant for those up for an emotionally enriching plot alongside courtroom drama and murder investigation. It is a unique series that demands audiences' attention for a well-crafted, engaging cinematic experience."'The Better Sister' is available for streaming on Prime Video.