Netflix microseries 'Final Project' tackles cyberbullying and adolescent mental health

Netflix's new microseries, "Final Project," directly confronts the issue of bullying, using it as the catalyst for a story that delves into the consequences of adolescent violence and the profound impact of social media on mental well-being. The narrative centers on Tamara, portrayed by Daniela Martínez, a 23-year-old actress who arrives at a new school seeking a fresh start, only to become ensnared in a cycle of cyberbullying.

Martínez described her role as a vulnerable character as a transformative experience, allowing her to empathize with those who endure such struggles. "I felt very grateful that I got a vulnerable character, because normally I'm the one who bullies," she stated. "Empathizing with the people who suffer from it, like the high school kids going through it, showing their insecurities and their anxiety, was very important for me."

Isabella Tena, 19, plays one of the students involved in harassing Tamara. She hopes the series encourages reflection on behavior that she believes continues to be minimized in schools. "I hope to generate awareness of how far we can go for wanting to be perfect, to fit into society, and all the things young people do just to be accepted. That these kinds of bullying things don't keep happening," Tena commented.

Both actresses emphasize that the series aims to highlight how bullying is often normalized, urging viewers to recognize that such actions should not be accepted and that prevention is key. "Bullying is something that is very normalized, and hopefully with the series they realize that we shouldn't normalize it and that in the end we can prevent it before reaching such extremes," Tena added. "Final Project" comprises 20 episodes, each ten minutes long, and is set to premiere on Netflix on July 29.