Somewhere, somehow, this show seemed to miss the mark in revealing what it is like to either explore feelings of bisexuality or what it is like when you identify yourself as bisexual. Leila simply comes off as an immature, insecure and awkward woman who is struggling to find a place in the world, which the later episodes reveal she never had. This is less about being bisexual and the questions and difficulties that come with it and more about a person who has no limits on needing and getting attention.
There was so much potential, as Akhaven wrote some very complex supporting characters but none of them seem to be going anywhere.
17 Reviews
Entertaining
jessewriter30 November 2018
Televison Review: The Bisexual
Nathan_Needs_A_Username6 April 2019
The Bisexual wasn't exactly the smash hit that Channel 4 wanted and from the outside it isn't very difficult the see why. With the lack of any real promotional material (the poster I'm using is just the poster for Akhavan's film Appropriate Behaviour with the title slapped on the bottom) and a title that just screams out-of-touch it's not difficult to see why audiences didn't quite gravitate towards this project.
I'm not here to tell you that the Bisexual is some undiscovered masterpiece or anything though it's got some stuff going for it but I can only give it a light recommendation.
If you are looking for a more realistic portrayal of sexuality than most network shows are wiling to give I guess this could be sort of what you are looking for but in my opinion the main plot about Akhavan's character discovering her hidden sexuality while also trying to win back her ex-girlfriend (played wonderfully by Maxine Peake) is the least interesting part of the show.
It seems to me that this show exists more because people love other shows that handle these topics and less because there was a story to tell. I say this because I believe this would be a far greater show if the focus was on Gleeson's character and the break-up was the B-plot. Time and time again I found myself completely invested in the life of the struggling Irish writer only to remember that this show was about his room-mate.
I really feel bad having to critique the whole show together because even though I'm certainly not a big fan of 5/6 episodes of the show episode episode 5 is indie/art-house television done right. Although some people may find the flashback concept to be a gimmick I found that by showing what had lead these characters to where they were at the start of the serious only elevated the tragic nature of the show, especially for Gleeson's character.
ultimately The Bisexual is a forgettable little show that never quite reaches it's full potential.
I'm not here to tell you that the Bisexual is some undiscovered masterpiece or anything though it's got some stuff going for it but I can only give it a light recommendation.
If you are looking for a more realistic portrayal of sexuality than most network shows are wiling to give I guess this could be sort of what you are looking for but in my opinion the main plot about Akhavan's character discovering her hidden sexuality while also trying to win back her ex-girlfriend (played wonderfully by Maxine Peake) is the least interesting part of the show.
It seems to me that this show exists more because people love other shows that handle these topics and less because there was a story to tell. I say this because I believe this would be a far greater show if the focus was on Gleeson's character and the break-up was the B-plot. Time and time again I found myself completely invested in the life of the struggling Irish writer only to remember that this show was about his room-mate.
I really feel bad having to critique the whole show together because even though I'm certainly not a big fan of 5/6 episodes of the show episode episode 5 is indie/art-house television done right. Although some people may find the flashback concept to be a gimmick I found that by showing what had lead these characters to where they were at the start of the serious only elevated the tragic nature of the show, especially for Gleeson's character.
ultimately The Bisexual is a forgettable little show that never quite reaches it's full potential.
So good
eppies2 July 2021
This was just a really good, perfectly odd show. It felt so much like a slice of life, so intimate and honest. I really loved everything about Deniz for some reason. It's a bit bittersweet that there was only one season of this show, but I think it ended in a very real (if not slightly confusing?) way.
Something lacking
xmasdaybaby196627 September 2021
The first episode was awful, episode two was probably the best of the series with great humour and nudity.
Things were too clunky and seemed to lose its way. Niamh Algar and Eva Birthistle could have been of better use.
Watchable but lacks direction.
Things were too clunky and seemed to lose its way. Niamh Algar and Eva Birthistle could have been of better use.
Watchable but lacks direction.
Clever, funny, and modern
pomegranateclairils30 November 2018
I absolutely love this series. It is written extremely well, and seems modern and quick (in a good way) as opposed to more formulaic. The acting is superb as well--every single character is perfectly cast. I feel like the show doesn't really shy away from any discussions, and I really like that the show focuses on multiple characters, so it is able to touch on so many issues--sexuality, family, codependency, etc.
I went into this show expecting it to be more drama than comedy, and expecting so much less out of the supporting characters. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of character they were able to build up in just six 30-minute episodes.
I really, really hope they renew it for another season. I think that it's a really important series that deserves a lot of attention.
I went into this show expecting it to be more drama than comedy, and expecting so much less out of the supporting characters. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of character they were able to build up in just six 30-minute episodes.
I really, really hope they renew it for another season. I think that it's a really important series that deserves a lot of attention.
Entertaining and smart
orovalleygirl19 November 2018
Reinforces negative stereotypes of bi people
ella-487 October 2021
I watched this series when it first aired in the UK. Having seen the pre-publicity - interviews with the author etc. - as a bisexual myself, I'd been looking forward to a funny but perceptive thing that at least attempted to show the truth of what life is like for us bi folks: the joys and the challenges. Not a whitewash job - we're all fallible individuals, after all - but something I could identify with as having some basis in reality.
Ah well... never mind! Written by Desiree Akhavan, who is bi and who cast herself in the title role - a massive mistake IMHO, as she CAN'T ACT. Throughout the whole story, which involves her character going through some major self-discovery and emotional turmoil, Akhavan delivers every line as a throwaway, in a bored, non-committal monotone, with a face so devoid of expression you'd think she'd dunked it in a bucket of bo-tox. Actors are supposed to be able to portray emotion: to let the audience see what is going on in the character's mind. Akhavan has all the emotive heft of a window dummy.
Worse than that, though, is the storyline's portrayal of her character, Leila, who is shown as shallow, self-obsessed, indecisive - oh, and (wait for it...) a sexually incontinent cheater. Oh great. Thanks, Desiree: pile on the stereotypical biphobic tropes, why dontcha?
So yeah. Not a fan. :(
Ah well... never mind! Written by Desiree Akhavan, who is bi and who cast herself in the title role - a massive mistake IMHO, as she CAN'T ACT. Throughout the whole story, which involves her character going through some major self-discovery and emotional turmoil, Akhavan delivers every line as a throwaway, in a bored, non-committal monotone, with a face so devoid of expression you'd think she'd dunked it in a bucket of bo-tox. Actors are supposed to be able to portray emotion: to let the audience see what is going on in the character's mind. Akhavan has all the emotive heft of a window dummy.
Worse than that, though, is the storyline's portrayal of her character, Leila, who is shown as shallow, self-obsessed, indecisive - oh, and (wait for it...) a sexually incontinent cheater. Oh great. Thanks, Desiree: pile on the stereotypical biphobic tropes, why dontcha?
So yeah. Not a fan. :(
Better than I thought, give it a try
kttmlwsk16 November 2018
It means a lot that they're tackling bisexual identity in the community. As someone whose struggling with the same issue of Leila, not feeling gay or straight enough it's tough and this shows comedic/serious approach was a comfort it's worth the watch to decide for yourself.
Must tri (sic) harder
frukuk10 November 2018
Written by and starring a pound shop (dollar store) Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this is neither funny nor insightful (nor even sexy), in it's shallow exploration of the human condition.
Two episodes was quite enough, thank you. Channel 4 needs to break up with whoever commissioned this.
Two episodes was quite enough, thank you. Channel 4 needs to break up with whoever commissioned this.
Loved it
terry-stamatis23 October 2018
Top-notch writing without being pretentious or predictable. Great character development, it left me wanting more. Laugh out loud funny, heart-breaking and hopeful all at the same time. Can't wait for the next project involving Ms Akhavan.
Moving and funny
tashikitten9 January 2019
I'm very surprised by the low star rating on IMDb. The critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are excellent. The acting in The Bisexual is great across the board. The writing is funny and insightful. It's raw and painful and funny. The subject is handled with sensitivity, but with a sense of humor, too. I loved it. I'd love to see more.
Bisexual?
lianne-2823821 October 2018
Witty, sexy...well, hot
katocooks-3411725 November 2018
A rowdy romp through love and loving...and lusting. Immensely enjoyable, it put me in mind of Issa Rae's characters. Desiree is believable and vulnerable; acting all around was quite good, production values met the challenges. Well-written and realized, the dialogue flowed smoothly.
Loved it!
junipertre32 January 2020
Good fun
baseliner-8174317 December 2019
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