Hulu's hit, Little Fires Everywhere, which premiered at the beginning of COVID lockdown in 2020, introduced us to young actresses Jade Pettyjohn and Megan Stott, both bearing a striking resemblance to Reese Witherspoon. Megan Stott is now recognizable as the lead in Netflix's new drama, Penelope which takes on a YA twist of the wildness.
Penelope was crafted by Mark Duplass, Reese Witherspoon's co-star in The Morning Show, and Mel Eslyn, a collaborator with Lynn Shelton, the main director of Little Fires Everywhere. The choice of Stott for the lead role contributes to how effortlessly she portrays the balancing act between humor and intense emotion, making it the pivot of this largely wholesome wilderness survival story.
The show begins with 16-year-old Penelope enjoying a silent rave in a rural campsite, then embarking on a mysterious journey filled with exploration, solitude, and austerity. She ventures into an unsanctioned national park in the Pacific Northwest, and begins to survive on her own.
Though the underlying drive behind Penelope’s actions isn’t immediately clear and debatably logical, the series alternates between realistic portrayals and imagined escapes from reality. Her reclusive retreat seems to be used as a tool for self-discovery. Despite her scarce survival skills, a Wilderness Survival Guide she finds at a bookstore/coffee shop provides her with crucial survival tips until her durability takes over.
Throughout her journey, Penelope encounters various characters who impart spiritual wisdom, and stimulate dialogue. However, Stott’s performance is so emotionally transparent that she can efficiently express her feelings without saying a word.
Netflix's 2020 survival drama, Keep Breathing, had a similar focus on survivalist techniques, but was arguably too heavy on plot details. Penelope, on the other hand, takes a more laid-back approach. Nevertheless, moments that dwell on the logistics of her survival journey threaten the series' realism. However, episodes that showcase Penelope's struggle to build fire or construct shelter can be captivating to watch.
Director Mel Eslyn takes viewers through Penelope’s journey of trial and error, highlighting triumphant moments of perseverance. The beautiful greenery and cheerful, empowering depiction of nature creates an emotional bond with the audience. Despite some rushed parts towards the end, the show remains engaging and thought-provoking without necessarily needing a follow-up season.
