#Reality 2.0 takes an unfiltered look at the issues young, black millennials face, and it lived up to every expectation we had.
Nathan Bryon’s web series #Reality is making a return, this time backed by London-based production company Fully Focused. We were lucky enough to watch the new series at the BFI in London on 24 October.
There is so much that can be said about the new series but to sum it up, #Reality 2.0 is simply incredible. With heightened productions values and some great people backing him, Nathan has made something that is earnest and down-to-earth, mixing social commentary and comedy in a way that fits the name of the series to a ‘t’.
The topics are raw and unembellished. The series is about real problems that young, black millennials face, and though it can be uncomfortable for some people at many points, it’s also funny and lighthearted and holds a charm in the way the characters are shown living and loving their life, even in the harder times.
Nathan admits readily that everything in the series is ultimately his perspective on his life, and while he’s unapologetic about his views, he’s happy to accept that they may also need refining.
In response to a question about what demographic he pitched the series at, he shared that there wasn’t any focus group for the series, just him and his co-creators. “I’m not preaching a gospel here,” he said. “I’m just writing things that are true to me at the time, and I’m pitching them to my close friends and creators, and if it inspires us then we make it – and if that’s something people relate to then that’s great! But also if they want to despise it and say ‘I disagree with this’, then go ahead and despise!”
The series gives us a candid look into eight different snapshots of the life of black youth in London, while also broadening the social commentary to a wider audience. Who can say that they aren’t angry over the injustices of Grenfell? Don’t we all need to release some of the frustration we feel at being harassed on the street?
Although there are plenty of hard-hitting episodes, the beauty of the series is the way Nathan ties it together with short commentaries that focus simply on the interactions between friends, pieces of life that are light and celebratory, and that’s what really grounds it in #Reality.
The series is going to be released on Fully Focused’s Million Youth Media channel, across several weeks, and although there isn’t an official date for the release of the first episode, they assure us that it will be very soon.
Check out the first episode of the original run of #Reality below, and keep up to date with Fully Focused on their Twitter for news about #Reality 2.0.
Want more?
Humza Arshad’s spoken word video on Islamophobia tackles the issues and stereotypes faced by Muslims in the UK. Alternatively, read how Daniel Howell opened up about his relationship with depression.
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