Before you dash down to the Youtube channel to see the first two episodes released on 2 December, you should prep for some downright heart-to-heart conversations, but also some “omg did she really say that?” moments.
The web series features an all-female cast--Jean, played by Leila Lallali, and Clémentine, played by Eugénie Anselin--two young women, actresses and besties, faced with female and other life challenges, who rely on each other to navigate the daily hurdles they face in today’s world. Of course, men and alcohol are certainly a part of the conversation.
Oh shit!
Yep, that’s the title of the first episode, which opens with an excited shriek from Jean and… Ok, no spoilers. But let’s start with the somewhat provocative title (at first glance) which has a deeper meaning.
The inspiration behind the series
“I wanted a title that explains what the show is about so that we instantly know it’s very feminist and unapologetically honest... I also wanted to talk about various aspects [bits] of a woman’s life. As a writer and director, I always have a woman figure in the center of the story that experiences obstacles and challenges, but through her vulnerability and honesty gets to a better place,” says Gintare Parulyte, the Lithuanian-born actress, scriptwriter and director from Luxembourg. “I think with time you lose the notion of shame, because you realise that the way you are is fine, and then, that loss of shame transpires into your relationships and friendships,” explains Parulyte, while drawing from her personal growth in the past years.
Besides her desire to normalise the inner emotions, entanglements, struggles and complexity of being a woman through the web series, she adds that she has always wanted to “create a series about how women talk when no one is watching.” However, the idea for the series came last year in the middle of the lockdown, a time when “most creatives and professionals were in distress,” but also a period where the bond between friends grew stronger and people became even more brutally honest with each other about their personal struggles. “I felt like it was the right time for me to do this,” she adds.
Made in Luxembourg, shot pretty much across countries
After seeing the call for projects and eager to turn her idea into action, the series, which is based on video calls between the two protagonists, was shot within six days. The actresses--each based in Luxembourg and Berlin--recorded simultaneously using their phones, tripods, microphones, and other devices, while rehearsals and directing by the Luxembourg-based director, who at the time was in Iceland, happened via Zoom. The producers are based in Luxembourg, while the editor, Pia Dumont, worked from Brussels.
A breath of fresh air: candid conversations and unapologetically authentic
Like you would confide in a best friend, the expressions in the series are natural, the language is blunt, and the actresses did not spare any words while conveying the message of the script that touches upon very intimate feminine concerns, for example, period stains, sexual urges, using public toilets, orgasms and lubes, the difference between pee and squirts, sex toys and much more.
It’s almost like listening in to that sweet gossip we all love to hear about occasionally. “The conversations are based on discussions with my own friends… It’s just an honest project, that is [true] to who I am and all the amazing women in my life,” explains Parulyte, who gave credit to the producers, the Luxembourg-based production company Deal Productions, and the Grand Duchess Charlotte national relief service [Oeuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte], who supported the unusual but very relatable content.
Expectations?
“I want to entertain and make people laugh through the month of December. I hope to just normalise certain taboos and I hope that people will also feel the intention of the project, which shows the beauty of especially female friendships, and the healing power of honesty,” says Parulyte. Each episode lasts between two to four minutes.
Episode one: Oh shit!
Episode two: Abstinence
Eight episodes: maybe more?
“We’re super open to it... If the demand and the feedback is positive, then let's continue!” says Parulyte. You can watch other episodes of the web series on and also follow the life of Jean and Clementine via the series , and pages.