Exploring Grief in the Media: Fleabag and Up

A universal and yet profoundly personal experience, grief can manifest in countless ways—shaping emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Often defying a linear process, grief takes a multitude of forms, and people often find themselves fluctuating between moments of sorrow, anger, and even unexpected joy. Despite its prevalence, grief is frequently oversimplified or misrepresented in the media, which can perpetuate misconceptions about what it truly means to mourn.

When grief is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity, it validates the experiences of those who are grieving and can help normalize the messy, non-linear process of grief, offering solace and a sense of connection to those navigating their own losses. By capturing both the pain and resilience that come with grief, such stories can inspire hope and healing. Through the exploration of Fleabag and Pixar’s Up, this article will explore two depictions of grief in media and examine how media can authentically portray the multifaceted nature of grief. 

 Fleabag, created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is often praised for its raw and honest portrayal of grief. The show follows the protagonist, Fleabag, as she struggles with the sudden death of her best friend, Boo, and the loss of her mother. These central themes shape her actions, relationships, and mental state throughout the series.

One of the show’s strengths is its portrayal of grief as a complex, non-linear process. Instead of offering a simplified, stage-based view of grief, Fleabag shows how it can be messy and unpredictable. Fleabag’s journey is marked by intense sadness, guilt, anger, and dark humor, as she grapples with Boo’s death and the absence of her mother. Her self-destructive behavior and strained relationships are clear reflections of this internal turmoil.

The show also uses innovative storytelling techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall, to give viewers a glimpse into Fleabag’s inner world. These direct moments with the audience create an intimate connection and emphasize the isolation that often accompanies grief. For instance, during a scene about her mother’s funeral, Fleabag looks directly at the camera, revealing her feelings of abandonment and loneliness.

In sum, Fleabag offers a powerful, authentic depiction of grief, capturing its rawness and complexity. By blending humor with heartache, the show provides a relatable and cathartic exploration of loss that resonates with viewers navigating their own grief.

Pixar’s Up is a poignant depiction of grief, following Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower who embarks on an adventure to fulfill a promise to his late wife, Ellie. The film’s vibrant animation and heartfelt storytelling effectively portray the complexity of grief and the journey toward healing.

A powerful moment in the film is the opening montage, which chronicles Carl and Ellie’s life together without dialogue. This sequence beautifully captures their love and loss, highlighting the depth of Carl’s grief after Ellie’s death. It sets the emotional tone for the film, illustrating how Carl’s life is forever shaped by his memories of her.

Carl’s actions throughout the movie are driven by his desire to honor Ellie’s memory, such as when he attaches thousands of balloons to his house and flies to Paradise Falls—an adventure they had planned together. His journey to let go of the past is complicated, but along the way, Carl forms new relationships with Russell, a young scout, and Dug, a talking dog. These characters help Carl confront his grief and begin to open up to new possibilities.

Up beautifully portrays grief as a process of holding on and letting go, showing that while the pain of loss never fully disappears, healing is possible. The film offers both a realistic and hopeful exploration of grief, showing that joy and connection can return even after great loss.

In conclusion, Up is a remarkable example of how the media can sensitively and deeply address grief. Its emotional narrative offers a meaningful exploration of how we cope with loss and find hope for new beginnings.

Accurate and sensitive portrayals of grief in the media play a crucial role in fostering understanding and empathy for those navigating loss. By showcasing the raw, non-linear nature of grief, Fleabag and Up validate the experiences of those in mourning, while also helping audiences connect with the universal reality of loss. These representations highlight how grief is not a problem to be solved but a process to be lived.

If you are struggling with grief, contact our office to schedule an appointment to connect with one of our therapists.