Navigating the Highs and Lows of a Modeling Career: A Captivating Exploration of "Spent"

In the captivating new comedy drama "Spent," writer and star Michelle de Swarte unleashes her talent and mesmeric presence, offering a raw and uncompromising portrayal of the challenges faced by a successful model nearing the end of her career. Loosely based on de Swarte's own experiences, the six-part series delves into the complexities of financial ruin, personal relationships, and the pursuit of reinvention.

Unraveling the Glamorous Facade of a Model's Life

The Uncompromising Ferocity of Michelle de Swarte

The series "The Baby" showcased de Swarte's uncompromising ferocity on screen, hinting at the depth of her talent. In "Spent," she takes this further, writing and starring as Mia, a 38-year-old model facing the end of her successful career in the United States. Mia's lavish spending habits, including ,500 on brunch and over ,000 on crystals, have left her on the brink of bankruptcy, forcing her to return to her dysfunctional family and old friends in London.

Mia's Dislikable Charm

Mia is a rare female character who is genuinely dislikable, yet the audience can't help but be drawn to her. Her ex-girlfriend, Jo, a medic on an oncology ward, serves as the grounded foil to Mia's excesses, while Mia's mother, Chrissy, has taken on the care of a teenager, Ella, further complicating Mia's homecoming. As Mia tries to maintain the illusion of her wealth and success, she navigates a series of humorous and poignant encounters, including a stint house-sitting for a posh woman named Jemima.

Exploring the Emotional Heft of "Spent"

Beneath the dry comedy of "Spent" lies a profound emotional depth. Mia's journey is not just about financial ruin, but also about the realization that she cannot truly go home again and that the brio that powered her through the first half of her life may not be enough to sustain her in the second. The series introduces characters struggling with their mental health, and the consequences for those who depend on them or want to help them. Moments between Mia and her sort-of-estranged father leave a lasting impact, showcasing the brutality of life's blows.

A Debut of Astonishing Accomplishment

While "Spent" may have a few clunky bits, it is an astonishingly accomplished debut from de Swarte. The series mirrors Mia's chaotic energy without overwhelming the viewer, and the emotional heft of the story lingers long after the credits roll. Viewers are left eagerly anticipating what de Swarte will do next, both with a touch of excitement and a hint of trepidation, as she continues to push the boundaries of her craft.