Always Right
Always Right (TV series)[change]
| Always Right | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Created by | Seth Da Silva |
| Showrunner | Seth Da Silva |
| Written by | Seth Da Silva |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1, (2,3,4 - Planned) |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Seth Da Silva |
| Camera setup | Single-camera[1] |
| Running time | 40–57 minutes |
| Production company | Studio Vega Television FILMX TV |
| Original release | |
| Network | YouTube |
Always Right is a upcoming South African teen drama series created by Seth da Silva. It follows the life of Alex, a high school student struggling with internal and external pressures that manifest through an imaginary figure named Mr. Always Right. The series deals with themes of emotional abuse, mental health, and the complexities of adolescence. The show is notable for its raw portrayal of mental health issues and its exploration of how internal struggles can shape and distort one's sense of self. Always Right is filmed using smartphones, adding a unique aesthetic that enhances its personal and intimate storytelling.
Da Silva began developing Always Right under the working title Mr. Always Right between June and August 2024. After several script rewrites and changes, including title changes to DID and Intrusive Thoughts, the series was finally named Always Right. The series was produced by Seth da Silva Productions and FILMX.
Synopsis[change]
The series delves into Alex's tumultuous life as he navigates the challenges of school, home, and friendship. He faces increasing pressure from his stepfather and peers, leading to a decline in his mental health. Throughout the series, Alex's internal conflicts manifest through the character of Mr. Always Right, who represents the ideal of perfection and success that Alex feels he must achieve.
The first season consists of eight episodes, each addressing various aspects of Alex's life, including his relationships with family and friends, the impact of emotional abuse, and his journey toward self-acceptance. As Alex’s mental health deteriorates, he contemplates escape, ultimately facing a critical moment in the season finale that leaves his fate uncertain.
Cast[change]
- Alex: The main protagonist, a teenager struggling with pressure and mental health issues.
- Mark Harris: A school bully who intensifies Alex's struggles, played by Matthew Rosen.
- Emma: Alex's friend who tries to support him through his challenges.
- Lily: Alex's younger sister, age 7, who adds a layer of complexity to his home life.
- Mr. Always Right: A manifestation of Alex's internal struggles, representing the ideal he feels he must attain.
Episodes[change]
Season 1[change]
- Beneath the Surface: Introduction to Alex's life, his struggles, and his relationships with key characters.
- The Pressure Mounts: Alex deals with increasing pressure from school, his stepfather, and his internal conflicts, while Mr. Always Right becomes a more frequent presence in his imagination.
- Fractured Connections: Alex’s friendships begin to falter, and his withdrawal becomes more obvious. Emma continues to reach out but struggles to help him.
- The Shadows Inside: The theme of emotional abuse is explored more deeply, showing how Alex has been conditioned to suppress his feelings. Flashbacks highlight a particularly intense moment of his past.
- Breaking Point: Alex reaches an emotional breaking point, and the tension at home escalates. This episode has the first overt mention of suicidal thoughts, though still in a subtle way.
- Facing the Dark: Emma begins to understand the severity of Alex’s internal battle. She tries to intervene, but Alex pushes her away. Mr. Always Right becomes more prominent in Alex’s mind.
- The Escape: Alex contemplates running away from everything—school, home, and his emotions. The episode revolves around his internal struggle between wanting to escape and confronting his problems.
- Surviving the Night: The season finale. Alex faces a critical moment in which he must make a choice—whether to continue fighting through his mental health struggles or give in to the overwhelming darkness. The season ends on a cliffhanger, leaving his fate uncertain.
Production[change]
TThe series was first developed into a film titled "Mr. Always Right" that was written in early 2024 but was first then reworked into a independant television series.
The series is filmed entirely on smartphones, providing an intimate and authentic portrayal of Alex's life. The decision to use smartphones as the filming medium was made to reflect the modern, relatable experiences of today’s youth. Matthew Rosen was cast for the role in September 2024, and his involvement was officially announced via the show’s social media channels. His portrayal of Mark has been described as bringing "raw intensity and depth" to the character, highlighting the tension in Alex’s life.
In December 2024, Studio Vega Television obtained the rights to Always Right and purchased the whole season for an undisclosed sum.
In January 2025, it was announced that Seth Da Silva finished completing season one's script.
Music[change]
The series features an original soundtrack, enhancing the emotional depth and themes explored throughout the episodes.
Reception[change]
The show has garnered attention for its raw and honest depiction of mental health issues faced by teenagers. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of seeking help and addressing emotional struggles.