With the series “Girls” in 2012, Lena Dunham broke taboos by the dozen and established herself as one of the most important storytellers of her generation. In her latest work, “Too Much”, she also has fun chasing an unconventional female character from one crisis to the next. This time there is a little more romance, but Dunham still brings taboos, traumas and witty dialog to the screen like no other.
“Can she do it again?” was the inevitable question when Lena Dunham returned with a self-produced series 13 years after the launch of “Girls”. What is no longer groundbreaking today was nothing short of revolutionary between 2012 and 2017. “Girls” gave an unembellished look at spoiled, annoying, sometimes even downright unlikeable female main characters who, despite their privileges, don’t quite get on with life – and in whom many viewers recognized themselves. Even though Dunham was harshly criticized for portraying a feminism that was too white and privileged, “Girls” is still cemented as a pop culture must-see of the decade.
With her new film “Too Much”, Dunham’s title already reveals that she still knows no taboos. Unlike in “Girls”, where she directed, produced and played the lead role, she can only be seen sporadically in a supporting role as the lead actress’s sister. Jess, the protagonist, perfectly cast by comedian Megan Stalter, clearly bears Dunham’s signature: Every single thought she has bubbles out of her and her mood swings between euphoric and dejected in what feels like second-by-second intervals. Heartbroken, she flees from New York to London with her hairless puppy, straight into the arms of indie musician Felix (Will Sharpe). Everything happens quickly: a wild first evening in London, which ends in hospital, also marks the start of their rollercoaster relationship. After just a few days, they discuss feelings and past relationships so intensely that the trendy term trauma dumping is not so out of place.
A few clichés are allowed
An American woman with romanticized notions of England, flat remarks about being “too much” as a loud woman who doesn’t fit into conventional ideals of beauty: “Too Much” occasionally gets caught up in clichés. As a viewer, you wonder whether Dunham is somehow stuck in the past. Or have we not progressed that much since “Girls”? In view of the fact that Skinny-Tok is going through the roof again, it is actually refreshing and relevant in 2025 to watch a protagonist who is fat and never once makes an issue of it.
What is unpleasant and omnipresent is packed into the ten episodes: toxic relationships, family traumas, an abortion – which is hugely important in times when this barely won right is being abolished again. Some of “Too Much” also seems to be aimed directly at those who spend too much time on their cell phones. For example, Jess can’t stop stalking her ex and her new girlfriend Wendy (Emily Ratajkowski), an influencer, despite her new love affair with Felix. This goes so far that she records unfiltered, embarrassingly honest videos every day, addressed to Wendy, and posts them on her private account, where no one can see them until one fateful moment. It doesn’t get any more 24/7 online culture than that.
Dunham, who ironically calls herself the voice, or perhaps simply a voice, of her generation in her role in “Girls”, has indeed established herself as such in recent years. She also proves once again that she is a gifted writer, from whom the witty dialog just flows out. Dunham specializes in putting feelings on paper first and then on the screen. So it’s worth giving yourself over completely to Too Much-ness. You will be rewarded with the feeling that you are not alone, even with the stupidest and most irrational feelings.
You can take a first look at the protagonist’s escapades here.
Photos: © Netflix
Instead of binging a series, you can also work your way through this movie list.
