When the cult-classic Heathers first came out in 1988, the idea of a high school student murdering their classmates and attempting to blow up the high school did seem a little unrealistic. However, as sad as it is to admit these times have changed.
Jump to 2018, mass shootings in American Schools had become so common that it was really no surprise that when the Parkland school shooting took place earlier this year, the TV series was indefinitely delayed with many wondering if the series would even see the light of day. However, for us in Australia, we can now stream the entire ten-episode season on Stan.
The TV series starts with a rather interesting inversion of the classic movie. Instead of pretty rich kids ruling the halls of Westerburg High, the modern Heathers are made up of traditionally marginalised teens such as gay, genderqueer and other minority students who punish their fellow students for perceived failures of political correctness with life-ruining shaming on social media.
While the first couple of trailers for the series caused an uproar before the series actually aired, binge-watching it on Stan, I was pleasantly surprised with the new take on one of my favourite movies. Yes, nothing beats the original, but this updated version can only be described as Mean Girls meets Jawbreakers on steroids.
The casting is perfect with Melanie Field and Brendan Scannell stealing the show in every scene they appear as Heather Chandler and Heather Duke. There's an endless supply of witty dialogue and fans of the original will love the callbacks and references throughout the series. Just as people were asking back in 1988 whether the Heathers were the actual villains, the same question is asked throughout the series, but for those familiar with both versions know not everything is as it seems.
After watching all ten episodes, I personally believe the series is a perfect commentary not just on modern teenage life, but also on the current times we live in and PC culture. It clearly puts the spotlight on the absurdity of those who use being PC as a way to bully and oppress others while not being politically correct at all. Westerburg High is ultimately a metaphor for society, and without ruining the end (which differs from the film), it hits the nail on the head brilliantly.
In finishing this review, I'm going to be pretty blunt. For those offended by the series, perhaps they missed the point. While I can partially understand the reasoning behind having the series pulled from American television, I can't help but think that the decision validates precisely what the series set out to do.
Let us know what you thought of Heathers!
