I May Destroy You

Rape is at the center of this drama; we see many flashbacks, but they're filmed in a non-exploitative way that's sympathetic to the victim, not the attacker, i.e. we see images of a man moving rhythmically and violently from a woman's point of view. Different types of sexual assault occur over the course of this drama; all are presented in a way that makes viewers empathize with those who are experiencing the assault.

This drama centers on sexual assault; see "Violence" for description of these scenes. Sexual talk is frank: A couple plans a "threesome date" with a woman they met on a dating app; a woman says about a man who she likes more than he likes her, "One more orgasm and I'll see the light," and calls herself a "desperate ho." Characters kiss and flirt, and make plans for sex later.

Language includes "f--k," "f--king," "s--t," "hell," "damn," "bitch" (in a song), "dick" (i.e. someone being mean), the n-word (in a song).

Several characters smoke pot and cigarettes. They also drink at bars to the point of getting sloppy, stumbling, and dancing wildly. In one scene, a character snorts cocaine off another's knuckles, and then sings a song with a line about snorting cocaine off a man's penis.

Parents need to know that I May Destroy You is a series based on events that really happened to writer/star Michaela Coel, who in 2016 had her drink spiked and then suffered a sexual assault. Arabella, Coel's fictional counterpart, is a fascinating and sophisticated woman who regains some measure of control back by writing about her trauma, as well as connecting to fellow victims; she displays impressive compassion (for herself and others) and perseverance in integrating her experiences into her life. Her assault is depicted in brief flashbacks that are filmed to inspire sympathy for the victim, not the attacker, i.e. a man moves rhythmically and violently above a woman in a shot from her point of view. I May Destroy You also contains mature content in the form of drugs and drink: Arabella and friends frequently smoke pot and cigarettes, drink alcohol, and snort cocaine. Language is frequent: "f--k," "s--t," "hell," "damn," "bitch" (in a song), "dick" (i.e. someone being mean), the n-word (in a song). Characters are complicated and realistic; they make mistakes and live lives that aren't above reproach, yet this drama shows us that they don't (and no one does) deserve their assault. Characters talk frankly about sex, orgasms, hooking up on dating apps, romance, group sex, and other mature topics. Many in I May Destroy You are seeking recovery from trauma and this drama depicts the ongoing process in a way that's hopeful yet realistic. As a drama centered on black characters, including LGBTQ ones, and depicting sexual assault for male and female characters, this show offers important and all-too-rare representation.