BBC viewers have been treated to a compelling new drama that delves into the dark underbelly of privileged adolescence and digital secrecy. Wild Cherry, the latest creation from multi-talented writer and actress Nicôle Lecky, has arrived on BBC iPlayer with six gripping episodes that explore contemporary issues facing wealthy teenagers and their families.
A Complex Web of Relationships and Secrets
The series centres on two mother-daughter relationships navigating treacherous waters in an exclusive, affluent community. Wealthy teenagers Grace, played by Imogen Faires, and Allegra, portrayed by Amelia May, have established themselves as ringleaders of a paid-for image catalogue featuring themselves and their friends.
Meanwhile, their mothers Lorna, played by Carmen Ejogo, and Juliet, brought to life by Eve Best, gradually uncover the disturbing reality of their daughters' activities. As the plot unfolds, both women face challenging dynamics in their personal lives, creating immense friction among all involved parties.
The drama unfolds against a backdrop of secrecy, deception and illicit activities in a neighbourhood where residents appear to have everything yet simultaneously possess nothing of true value. The show effectively captures the emptiness of super-affluent lifestyles where party planning and meddling in others' affairs become primary occupations.
Strengths and Shortcomings of Lecky's Vision
Following her critically acclaimed mini-series Mood in 2022, expectations were high for Lecky's latest project. While Wild Cherry successfully hooks viewers with its interwoven, sinister storylines, it doesn't quite achieve the same impact as its predecessor.
The drama tackles numerous relevant themes, including the dark side of internet culture, the sharing of intimate images, and ongoing struggles with class, race, and gender dynamics in modern society. However, some critics have noted that the dialogue occasionally feels overly theatrical and unnatural for teenage characters.
In one crucial scene, a teenager threatens to 'slice' her friend using language that seems comically over-the-top and unlikely to emerge from someone of that age. This highlights one of the drama's key weaknesses: Lecky's writing appears most authentic when focusing on characters closer to her own age rather than the elite teenagers of Richford Lake.
Comparison with Similar Dramas and Social Commentary
Although tentatively compared with dramas like Adolescence, Wild Cherry never quite reaches the same dramatic heights. The series occupies an uncertain space between dark social commentary and an updated version of Gossip Girl, struggling to fully commit to either direction.
The exploration of 'ghost' apps - deceptive applications that enable secret messaging and photo sharing - addresses genuine concerns that have worried parents for years. The show serves as a stark reminder that even the most expensive education cannot shield young people from the internet's dangerous underbelly.
While the ending makes pertinent observations about power dynamics between men and women, some viewers might find it rushed and wish these points had been introduced earlier in the narrative. The resolution adopted by the female characters may leave some audience members unconvinced, though the drama rightly suggests that society itself lacks clear solutions to these complex issues.
Final Verdict and Viewing Recommendation
Wild Cherry represents another demonstration of Nicôle Lecky's formidable creative talents, even if the execution falls slightly short of perfection. The six-episode series, with each installment running between 50 and 60 minutes, offers plenty of compelling viewing material despite its occasional lack of focus.
Directed by Toby MacDonald and featuring strong performances from its ensemble cast, the drama provides thought-provoking entertainment that will resonate with viewers interested in contemporary social issues. As the privileged society of Richford Lake might benefit from remembering, sometimes less truly is more when it comes to effective storytelling.
Wild Cherry is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, offering audiences the opportunity to judge Lecky's latest creation for themselves and form their own opinions about this uneven but intriguing exploration of modern privilege and digital danger.
