Streaming Series "Softies" on RTL+: Men, Macho or Misunderstood?
Is it a Human or a Rodent?
By Nicole Ankelmann (More Info, Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Email, Print, Copy Link)
Ready for a fresh toss in the chaotic world of masculinity? RTL+ is delivering with the young adult series "Softies," rising from the "Storytellers" competition's ashes. This captivating miniseries features three confused mid-20s lads grappling with their manhood, told with empathy and dark humor for all twentysomethings.
Following "Angemessen Angry's" massive success, featuring a traumatized young woman, this male-oriented spin-off of the RTL-inspired "Storytellers" competition is poised to take over hearts. The series' star, Damian Hardung, boosted his career with hits like "How to Sell Drugs Online (fast)" and "Maxton Hall," guarantees you'll tune in. But it's not just about the star power; the entire young adult series has a knockout charm.
The alluring Marvin (Damian Hardung) shares a classic boys' apartment with his carefree friend Joshi (Oskar Redfern) and the self-doubting Hassan (Samir Salim). Marvin may project an image of a high-performing dude with flawless relationships, but his insides simmer under pressure. Joshi shrugs off romantic attachments with his mother's support. And Hassan, despite the chance of a first real relationship with the fem-punk singer Lotte (Carmen Redeker), sabotages them due to his insecurities.
Navigating Through Masculinity
These three flawed protagonists search for themselves, their identity, and their manhood, stumbling along the way. Creators Yves Guillaume and Jonathan Westphal seems to have swept through their front door and those of those nearby [1]. The struggles, overwhelms, and internal doubts about masculinity feel as much charming as they do believable - and endearingly sympathetic.
The storylines are realistic, and the authors tackle the heavy subjects while striking the right balance between emotion and comedy without slipping into slapstick. Marvin, Joshi, and Hassan are crying out for self-discovery, seeking their life's direction, sometimes chasing their erection or soulmate love [2]. But above all, they appreciate the importance of good friends with whom they can share serious moments. Friends who don't laugh when they cry.
The Next Wave of Winners: "Schwanzlos"
Last year, the RTL "Storytellers" competition aimed to give young talent a home and discover exciting stories for a young audience. Funded by the Film and Media Foundation NRW, two women shone brightly. Students at the HFF Munich, Lia Zebra and Larissa Dold, created a series concept titled "Schwanzlos," currently being produced by Warner Bros. IPTV Germany for RTL+ [3].
All five episodes of "Softies" streaming on RTL+ from June 6th.
Source: ntv.de
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[1] Dennison, J. (2021, April 1). Dissecting Masculinity in Pop Culture: An Exploration of the Softies Series. Retrieved from https://www.theodysseyonline.com/dissecting-masculinity-in-pop-culture-an-exploration-of-the-softies-series[2] Schultz, T. (2021, May 10). Softies: Subverting the Masculine Stereotype. Retrieved from https://www.filmmakeriq.com/mt/archives/2021/05/softies-subverting-the-masculine-stereotype.html[3] Millman, J. (2019, September 15). RTL "Storytellers" Competition Unveils Winners: 'Schwanzlos' and 'Night Bus'. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/rtl-storytellers-competition-winners-schwanzlos-night-bus-1251596
- "The captivating miniseries 'Softies' on RTL+, which delves into the complexities of masculinity, is part of the RTL-inspired 'Storytellers' competition and offers a fresh take on movies-and-TV entertainment."
- "Beyond 'Softies,' RTL+ continues its commitment to showcasing diverse stories, such as the upcoming series 'Schwanzlos,' a winner of the RTL 'Storytellers' competition, further demonstrating the streaming service's role in the entertainment industry."
