Independent: Netflix's Jessica Jones portrays the domestic violence I knew.

[RandySF]

What I didn’t expect was that a show that centres round a comic book character with super-strength would also feature the most nuanced, realistic portrayal of partner violence that I’ve ever seen on television. In fact, the entire first season deals with the repercussions of Jones’ relationship with a violent man. I never thought I’d relate so strongly to someone who can lift a car with one hand.

The violent man in question is Kilgrave, played to sinister perfection by David Tennant. Because this is a superhero show, he has the ability to control minds and force people to bend to his will, which is how he kept the physically stronger Jessica in line during their time together. It is a constant struggle for the women he controls to assert their independence from him and, when they do, to convince the world of his crimes.

The metaphor here is obvious. Though abusive men in reality don’t possess psychic abilities, their control over their partners is real and palpable and hard to explain. The inability to escape, even though - as the characters in the show describe - you know in some part of you that this situation is damaging is familiar to countless women, myself included.

Kilgrave’s abuse of women ranges from the seemingly minor - forcing them to smile for him - to the extreme. The show doesn’t shy away from discussing rape, which is rare on any series, let alone one of this genre. Kilgrave’s desire to control Jessica by forcing her to use her immense power to benefit him is analogous to the gradual restriction of a woman’s freedom and a redirection of her energies until she is subservient to her partner. It is horrifying to watch and so, so real.

If the show merely dealt with the realities of being in an abusive relationship, it would still be worthwhile and powerful. However, it goes further, as it tracks Jessica’s subsequent PTSD and attempts to recover. She drinks, she has nightmares but, most importantly, she goes on.


http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/domestic-violence-now-appears-in-the-marvel-universe-and-in-jessica-jones-its-brilliantly-portrayed-a6746936.html

[haikugal]

1. My son and I really enjoyed watching Jessica Jones.

It does portray abuse realistically...male/female, Parent/child etc. and Jessica is very human. It's very realistic and well acted. Good production values as well.

Thanks for this post RandySF!

[Orrex]

2. The show has great lines from the men whom Kilgrave controlled, too

I'm about five episodes in and really enjoying it. Terrific performances across the board.

I was a little concerned at the outset because it seemed sort of, well, cliche to have the female lead motivated by an abusive past, and I worried that a strong male figure would ride in to rescue her.

But far from it! To the extent that anyone is "rescued," she's rescuing herself, and as the series has moved along it has portrayed her motivation as far more complex than I first expected.

Also, the revelation of a literal rape, as well as the victim's frank handling of the aftermath, is remarkably powerful.


I knew almost nothing of this character before watching the show, but I'm very impressed with the way she's developing.

[Blue_Adept]

3. It's a tough show for many to watch because of it

Being able to work without broadcast constraints and working with a planned thirteen episode run with a creative/showrunner team that's passionate about the project has brought out a fantastic work.

Looking forward to seeing what's in store for Luke Cage next and eventually Iron First. Super excited for the second Daredevil season as well. The first was fantastic with the rawness of it and bringing Frank Castle as the Punisher into the next will be interesting to see how they square his violent ways with current police brutality issues.

[Chef Eric]

4. Krysten Ritter was great in BB and she's great in JJ too. nt