Culture Just a Thought: ‘Unbelievable’ On Netflix Rape is a delicate subject. A complex subject. A cruel and traumatic subject. It’s rare a television drama deals with it as thoughtfully and fully as this one. By Jamila Rizvi Culture Rape is a delicate subject. A complex subject. A cruel and traumatic subject. It’s rare a television drama deals with it as thoughtfully and fully as this one. By Jamila Rizvi Previous article Make Plans, God Laughs. Time To Pivot Next article Living Like A Digital Nomad: The Filter-Free Truth There is so much to applaud about Unbelievable, the latest must-watch drama on Netflix, that it’s hard to know where to begin. Starring Toni Collette and Merritt Wever, as detectives who pair up to solve related rape cases, this is a crime show that centres the role of women. Importantly, it’s not just the crime-solvers whose lives are in the spotlight but also the rape survivors.The usual trope of a drama like this is to kill off a rape victim early – and then introduce some big burly men to get to the bottom of the crime. Women are mere pawns in the story. Their bodies serve as either brutal collateral damage or decorative office assistance. Blokes get to confidently save the day and women get to be grateful to them. Or dead. More often than not they get to be dead. Just A Thought explores the cultural and political musings of Jamila Rizvi. If this article brings up any issues for you, or if you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. justathought Best Of Future Women Culture “Never an excuse”: Why Katrina still can’t stand the smell of bourbon By Sally Spicer Culture Janine never thought divorce would mean losing her family and friends By Sally Spicer Culture “Invisible victims”: Why Conor was forced to live in an unsafe home By Sally Spicer Culture Miranda*’s mothers group helped her escape abuse. Then the stalking began By Sally Spicer Culture “We can’t change this on our own” By Melanie Dimmitt Culture “Marching forward means ensuring all our voices are heard” By Melanie Dimmitt Culture Dr Ann O’Neill’s husband committed “the ultimate act of revenge” By Sally Spicer Culture The question victim-survivors like me are tired of being asked By Geraldine Bilston Your inbox just got smarter If you’re not a member, sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Future Women in your inbox.
