Totally Completely Fine (Season 1/Australia/2023) is a dark comedy about not-so-fine people. It delves into mental health, childhood trauma, complex relationships, dysfunctional families, suicides, etc. All the taboo subjects, issues and concerns raised in this series are quite serious in nature.
And no doubt, its creators have intelligently used its script to highlight all the serious human issues. In addition, this series from Australia sensibly uses the humourous approach of its quirky characters to talk about such unthinkable subjects in this show.
This episode contains themes of suicide and mental health that may impact some viewers. If you need support, please contact someone you trust, a health professional or support service.
Every episode starts with this warning
Deals With Everyday People Who Are Not-Doing-Fine In Life
Spoiler-Free Review: Totally Completely Fine (Season 1/2023) Series
The introduction
Have you noticed, that when the two persons start talking, their conversation usually goes like this:
Person One: Hi, how are you?
Person Two: Oh, hi, I am (totally completely) fine, thank you for asking.
Well, that is the common answer, typically answered by person two, even when things are not fine for him/her. Most often, we tend to answer these conventionally.
The synopsis
When self-destructive Vivian (Thomasin McKenzie) discovers the cliffside property she's inherited is a suicide site, she's tasked with becoming its guardian and rescuing lost souls on the verge.
So, the complex life stories of the characters in this show
The same is the case with almost all the main characters in this show, namely, Vivian Cunningham (Thomasin McKenzie), Hendrix Cunningham (Brandon McClelland), John Cunningham (Rowan Witt), Amy Matthews (Contessa Treffone), Dane (Devon Terrell), etc.
All of them are youngsters. And most probably, they have a great life ahead of them. Still, something is missing from their lives. They are not fine. Their lives are a mess. And they are hurting inside, in their wounded hearts.
Its actors have done a good job
Its lead actress, Thoasin McKenzie (Vivian Cunningham), along with the rest of the cast members, has done a good job. We liked this dark comedy, as it honestly tries to tell a complex and complicated story about lives. It touches our hearts many times in this show. However, sometimes we feel that it misses the opportunity to scratch beneath the surface. Maybe it needed to delve somewhat deeper into some of these serious subject matters discussed in this show. Perhaps, they could have given some kind of closure to Vivian Cunningham’s character in this show.
That would have helped her and possibly done away with her guilty feelings.
The conclusion
Still, it is a good comedy-drama series to watch as it offers a unique and different palette of colourful human lives. It tries to deal with the taboo subjects, the less talked about human emotions and complications in our lives. And these are difficult to handle and showcase. Kudos for the brave effort.
To be honest, for all of us, humans, it is okay to not be 100% fine. That is the harsh reality of life. We must never forget that.
Rating: Totally Completely Fine (Season 1/2023) Series
| FM’s rating | 3.65/5 |
Poster: Totally Completely Fine (Season 1/2023) Series
Key Details: Totally Completely Fine (Season 1/2023) Series
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Released | April 2023 |
| Season | One (1) |
| Episodes | Six (6) |
| Writers | Gretel Vella, Emme Hoy & Keir Wilkins |
| Cast | Thomasin McKenzie, Contessa Treffone, Rowan Witt, Brandon McClelland, Édgar Vittorino, Mia Morrissey, etc. |
Trailer of the Totally Completely Fine (Season 1/2023) Series
Actress Thoasin McKenzie talks about mental health issues & this series
Mental health is something everyone struggles with, in so many different ways. We have to open up this conversation so that people stop feeling embarrassed about sharing their experience. This show deals with mental health in a very unusual way. It’s a dark comedy, but it’s not making fun of it. I was sensitive to it because I myself had mental health struggles that are scary to talk about because you don’t want to be a burden to others. I wanted those who have experienced it and are now watching the show to feel valued.
Thoasin McKenzie | Variety
Spoiler Alert: 6 Episodes Summary & About 3 key characters in this 2023 Series
A peek into the 6 Episodes of Season 1 of the Totally Completely Fine series
Welcome to the Crevice (S1, E1)
When the granddad who raised her dies in his sleep, the self-destructive Vivian inherits his cliffside property and the unexpected responsibility that comes with it.
The Best Offence is the Fence (S1, E2)
After agreeing to take on her grandfather’s post, an anxious Vivian calls on Dane to school her in the art of suicide prevention, while John is attempting to keep new boyfriend Alejandro out of his family life.
Juan De Vacaciones (S1, E3)
After Walt’s ashes ceremony goes horribly wrong, Vivian convinces Hendrix to partake in a well-worn tradition from their teenage years and throw a party. Meanwhile, Amy’s charming fiancé George shows up and is roped into the chaos.
Not All Heroes Carry Vape (S1, E4)
As John and Vivian go head-to-head in a mediation over his food truck, Hendrix is pulling out all the stops to save his marriage.
You’re a Sexy Fucking Mess (S1, E5)
In the wake of a tragedy at the ledge, Vivian abandons her post and falls back into old habits. Meanwhile, John takes Hendrix on a brothers’ golfing trip to try and get to the bottom of his problems with Laura.
Totally Completely Fine (S1, E6)
After her self-destructive spiral, Vivian is determined to turn over a new leaf at her nieces’ birthday party, but things don’t go to plan. Meanwhile, Amy’s gone MIA, but will anyone step in to stop her before she makes a huge mistake?
Vivian Cunningham’s life in this series
Vivian (Thomasin McKenzie) is the youngest sibling (and only sister) in the Cunningham family.
Vivian Cunningham’s Traumatic Childhood Tale (#1)
She is almost always carrying a childhood trauma involving her and her parents. According to her vivid recollection, her mother was driving, her father was occupying the seat next to her in the front, while Vivian was in the back seat. Their vehicle met with a horrible accident, and she lost both her parents in that accident. Probably, that tragic accident happened because Vivian, as a young kid, distracted her mother when she was driving. However, we are also shown that her mother was feeling sleepy while driving.
So, we do not know why that accident took place.
But Vivian blames herself and for her entire life, she is carrying the heavy burden of guilt and shame with her. But, in the end, she turns her life around, perhaps thanks to her grandfather’s inheritance.
John Cunningham’s life in this series
John (Rowan Witt) is the eldest brother in the Cunningham family.
John Cunningham is in a complicated relationship (#2)
His food truck was burnt down, so he lost his business completely. It was probably because of Vivian’s carelessness, hence John blames her for his misfortune. In addition, Vivian also believes that John blames her for their parents’ deaths in the said accident.
It is worth mentioning that he is gay. He has a loving partner in Alejandro (Édgar Vittorino), but still, he does not appreciate the gifts and people in his life. In the end, he also clarifies, moves on to happier things and holds on to the important people in his life. He finds happiness once again in his life.
Hendrix Cunningham’s life in this series
Hendrix Cunningham (Brandon McClelland) is the second (middle-one) brother in the Cunningham family.
Hendrix Cunningham’s marriage is on the rocks (#3)
He is married to Laura Cunningham (Mia Morrissey) and they have two lovely kids. They were childhood sweethearts. However, in recent years, the spark has gone out of their married lives. Both are struggling to keep their marriage alive. So, will they move on? Or stay together?
Bonus YouTube Video Link: A Deeper Look - Totally Completely Fine - A Stan Original Series
If you like Dark Comedies, then do check these out - Beef, Barry and Based On A True Story series too. You might like them too.
Featured & Other Images: Totally Completely Fine | Stan & IMDb.
