In the early episodes, the Netflix rom-com series Too Much feels strikingly familiar. The story centers around Jessica, portrayed by the talented Megan Stalter, who previously impressed audiences as Kayla in Hacks. Jessica has just endured a painful breakup with her less-than-ideal boyfriend, who has swiftly moved on to date an Instagram influencer. Tired of wallowing in self-pity alongside her sister, played by series co-creator Lena Dunham, her mother, Rita Wilson, and her grandmother, Rhea Perlman, Jess seizes an opportunity to work in London as a producer for a high-profile Christmas advertisement.
While in England, Jessica encounters Felix, a musician played by Will Sharpe. Their initial meeting leads to an unexpected and messy "situationship," where both characters grapple with the emotional baggage they carry. At first glance, it appears to be a typical adventure narrative where a person seeks to turn the page on their life only to confront new complications. However, the true strength of Too Much lies in its execution, which transcends the standard romantic comedy formula.
Megan Stalter’s portrayal of Jessica brings a unique charm to the series. She embodies the quintessential rom-com heroine—playful enough to find herself in hilarious predicaments (like getting locked in a bathroom, a classic trope) yet grounded enough to make her emotional journey relatable and meaningful. Jessica's fixation on Wendy, her ex's new girlfriend—played by Emily Ratajkowski—stems not from jealousy but from resentment. Wendy's polished online persona creates an illusion of an easy life, contrasting sharply with Jessica’s struggles.
When we say that Too Much is a romantic comedy, we mean it in the most genuine sense. The series does not attempt to reinvent the genre or fix perceived issues within it. The "meet-cute" between Jessica and Felix is masterfully crafted, setting the stage for the romantic developments that follow. However, the show truly begins to shine when it explores Felix's character with the same depth as Jessica's. This shift transforms the narrative from a straightforward tale of a woman meeting a handsome man to a complex exploration of two individuals navigating their respective pasts.
Felix is not just a love interest; he is a musician facing his own challenges, including a precarious relationship with sobriety and feelings of inadequacy as he grows older. His turbulent home life and unhappy childhood add layers to his character, making him as relatable as Jessica. The series skillfully illustrates how the obstacles to their happiness are primarily internal—stemming from their individual personalities and histories—rather than external conflicts like workplace rivalries or familial feuds.
Jessica and Felix's immediate chemistry is evident; they genuinely enjoy each other's company and share a fulfilling physical connection. Directed primarily by Lena Dunham, the series does not shy away from portraying sex as both awkward and enjoyable, highlighting its importance in human relationships. While the narrative hints that therapy might benefit these characters, it ultimately emphasizes that love, while not a cure-all, can be profoundly beneficial.
Throughout its run, Too Much cleverly sidesteps many clichés often found in romantic comedies. For example, despite Jessica’s differing body type from Wendy, she doesn’t spend her time lamenting her appearance or questioning her desirability. Instead, her confidence is portrayed as a given, a refreshing departure from typical narratives. Furthermore, while Jess's obsession with Wendy could have led to contempt for her ex-boyfriend Zev—played by Michael Zegen, known for his role as Joel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel—the story focuses on Jess’s emotional journey rather than vilifying Wendy.
Every compelling romantic comedy requires a robust supporting cast to create a believable world. Beyond Stalter, Dunham, Wilson, and Perlman, Too Much features exceptional performances from Richard E. Grant as Jess’s perplexing British boss, Naomi Watts as his quirky wife, and Andrew Rannells as Jess’s brother-in-law. Additionally, Janicza Bravo shines as her savvy colleague, while Kaori Momoi and Stephen Fry portray Felix’s complicated family dynamics, enriching the narrative further. Notably, Andrew Scott makes a memorable guest appearance that adds a delightful surprise to the series.
As Too Much unfolds, it showcases a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre, balancing humor and genuine emotion. With its relatable characters and thoughtful exploration of complex relationships, the series is set to resonate with a broad audience. While we may hope for more seasons to delve deeper into the characters’ journeys, Too Much stands as a delightful addition to Netflix's rom-com offerings, promising viewers both laughter and heartfelt moments.
