Page 27 - The Staunch Test

THE STAUNCH TEST

Over 12 brilliant and challenging episodes, she tries to figure out by whom, how
she feels about it at any given time, what was taken from her and what remains,
and what consent means. Male rape is also tackled. Quite rightly this fearless
creation has won many prizes. There could be so many more series or films like
this, but there probably won’t be. Why? Because producers will say ‘it’s been

done’. There isn’t room for alternatives to the accepted overload of films and TV
shows where women are made into, and obediently remain, victims. I May
Destroy You has a Staunch Test Debate rating because while it contains violence
to a woman, it’s central premise is to boldly explore the surrounding issues.

It’s almost as though the excessive use of violence against women and
exploitation of their trauma is more acceptable when it’s shoved at us

thoughtlessly, and every crime is solved by detectives that are tenacious but
flawed and wrapped up in their own problems. The more filmmakers try to put
a sensitive, thoughtful or critical spin on violence towards female characters, the
more likely they are to be criticised and held to account. How on earth did we
get to this point?

8. How can violence against women on screen affect women in real
life?

As noted earlier, most female victims of violence know or knew their attacker.
On screen, it’s the opposite. In single and series drama and feature films, women
are far more likely to be shown as victims of violence from strangers. In
television, domestic violence is an issue mainly reserved for soaps. There are
notable exceptions, such as TV series Big Little Lies, (2017-19) from

producers/stars Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman. It’s rare, in that it shows
(increasingly graphic) scenes of domestic violence. The growing horror was that
this could happen and be a central part of a privately toxic relationship, where,
publicly, both were liked and respected members of their community.