On Becoming a God in Central Florida
On Becoming a God in Central Florida
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that On Becoming a God in Central Florida is a comedy about a water park employee (Kirsten Dunst) and her rise to success through a multi-level marketing scheme. It's the 1990s, and Krystal Stubbs and her husband Travis (Alexander Skarsgard) are a working class couple trying to make ends meet. As hilarity ensues, the series addresses lots of mature themes relating to money, marriage, and business. Violent moments include car accidents and shootings, sexuality is discussed, and there's lots of cursing and cigarette smoking. Older teens may find it entertaining, but younger kids probably won't be very interested.
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What's the Story?
ON BECOMING GOD IN CENTRAL FLORIDA is a dramatic comedy about a minimum-wage water park employee doing what she can to build a better life. It's the 1990s, and Krystal Stubbs (Kirsten Dunst) and her husband Travis (Alexander Skarsgard) are a working class couple trying to make ends meet. When they get caught up in a pyramid scheme with Founders American Merchandise (FAM), led in their region by the the irrepressible Cody (Théodore Pellerin), they begin spiraling into financial ruin. But an unexpected turn of events drives Krystal to do what she has to do in order to push her way up through FAM's ranks, affecting everyone around her.
Is It Any Good?
Kirsten Dunst and Alexander Skarsgard give superb performances in this outstanding dark comedy, which shows the lengths to which some will go to reach their version of the American dream. It's also a funny look into the world of pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing ventures, while simultaneously reminding us of how people fall prey to these types of programs. Travis' desire for greater material wealth is what makes him easily susceptible, which makes Krystal's initial distrust appear more pragmatic, even as she ultimately chooses to fight her way towards financial success in the same get-rich program that set them up for failure. But even if you're not sure how to feel about her choices, On Becoming a God in Central Florida is certainly entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about pyramid schemes. What exactly are they? Do people really profit from them?
What are the different ways that financial success is defined On Becoming a God in Central Florida? Is it about being able to live without worrying about affording the basic things? About having nice houses and cars? About having your own company? Does it seem to matter how you reach those goals?
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 25, 2019
- Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Alexander Skarsgard, Théodore Pellerin
- Network: Showtime
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: March 2, 2022
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