Dramatizing toxic relationships can be a complex challenge as demonstrated by the creators and actors of “It Ends With Us.” Although the film, which tells the story of a woman in an abusive relationship, has been successful at the box office, it has sparked discussions about whether it romanticizes domestic violence.
The Hulu series “Tell Me Lies” is currently in its second season, focusing on the tumultuous and unhealthy relationship between Lucy and Stephen, played by Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, respectively. While their relationship is not physically abusive, it delves into the complexities of toxic dynamics.
Meaghan Oppenheimer, the executive producer and showrunner of “Tell Me Lies,” emphasizes the importance of portraying the weight of early relationships on an individual’s life, especially during youth when one is learning about love and its intricacies. The series aims to highlight how some people romanticize difficult relationships, believing that the more challenging they are, the stronger the connection.
The characters in the show struggle with accepting behavior and treatment that they would not tolerate in other aspects of their lives, showcasing the lengths to which individuals go in the pursuit of love and acceptance. Van Patten relates to her character Lucy’s struggle with identity and prioritization in her relationship with Stephen.
In the current season of the show, Lucy and Stephen navigate a tumultuous dynamic filled with attempts to make each other miserable. Van Patten and White’s off-screen relationship adds a layer of complexity to their on-screen portrayals, with moments of deep emotional connection transcending their written dialogue.
The second season introduces an additional unhealthy relationship involving Lucy’s friend Bree and a professor’s husband, played by Tom Ellis. Ellis, who is married to Oppenheimer, found the role emotionally challenging, as it required him to delve into darker territory than he had previously explored.
Oppenheimer admits that writing Lucy’s character is more challenging than writing Stephen’s, as Lucy’s motivations are often unclear even to herself. Despite the complexities, Oppenheimer enjoys exploring the messiness of relationships and believes that there is still much to learn about the intricacies of human connections.
Looking ahead, Oppenheimer is working on a new project titled “Second Wife,” a more uplifting show starring Ellis and executive produced by Emma Roberts. The show will delve into the life of an American woman married to a Brit, drawing humor and heart from their unique dynamic.
