Doll & Em

Doll & Em is a charming, semi-autobiographical series on HBO that aired between 2013 and 2015. Comprising 12 episodes over two seasons, the British comedy-drama revolves around real-life best friends Dolly Wells and Emily Mortimer who created this series alongside director Azazel Jacobs. They ingeniously play semi-fictionalized versions of themselves that offer a refreshing and comedic perspective on female friendship and the absurdities of Hollywood life.

At the heart of Doll & Em is the relationship between the two main characters. Emily Mortimer, known for her work in The Newsroom and Hugo, plays "Em", an acclaimed but slightly neurotic actress with a career in Hollywood. Dolly Wells, an English comedian and writer, plays "Doll", her childhood best friend who is on the rebound after a breakup.

The premise of the first season revolves around Em hiring Doll as her personal assistant after Doll's heartbreaking breakup. However, the lines between professional and personal relationships become blurred as the dynamics of their friendship are tested. Em's seemingly glamorous Hollywood life doesn't escape the trials and tribulations of everyday dilemmas. On the surface, it seems as though Em is giving Doll an opportunity to get her life back together while also enjoying the perks of being in Los Angeles. But life in LA is not as picture-perfect as it seems, and merging friendship with employment introduces a new set of challenges, competition and power struggles, adding a twist to the show's plot.

The second season brings a change in setting and plot, as Doll and Em find themselves in New York. They aim to put up their off-Broadway play together, ingeniously writing about their time spent in Hollywood. This season explores the creative process and the complexities associated with it - from managing the ego of artists to dealing with critical feedback, along with the usual ups and downs of their enduring friendship. The switch to a New York setting and the dive into the world of theatre only amplify the series' charm and strike a balance between drama and comedy.

Through their clever writing and genuine performances, Wells and Mortimer emerge as engaging, relatable, and flawed characters, navigating life with warmth and wit. The natural chemistry between them adds a real and honest touch to the comic tones and dramatic subplot of the series.

Doll & Em does a commendable job of satirizing the vanity and superficiality of Hollywood, but it also delves into deeper, universal themes surrounding friendship, femininity, and identity. They touch upon a wide array of subjects including celebrity culture, the insecurities it breeds, and the incessantly competitive spirit that pervades the industry. It acutely portrays the reality of being in the entertainment industry, particularly from the female perspective.

The series boasts a range of guest appearances from Hollywood stars like Susan Sarandon, John Cusack, and Andy Garcia as themselves, reflecting the show's tongue-in-cheek take on the glamour, success, and challenges of Hollywood. The presence of these stars gives the series a sort of meta-cinema feel, furthering the authenticity of its satiric outlook on the world of show business.

Every facet of the production - the smart writing, expert direction, and thoughtful performances - combined with the natural charisma of its stars, contributes to creating a series that is not just entertaining, but one that offers a distinct, insightful, and nuanced viewpoint on relationships and the often-ludicrous nature of the film industry.

In short, Doll & Em is a cleverly constructed, original series that explores the nuances of female friendship, the potency of professional rivalry, and the absurd yet captivating world of showbiz. Its engaging narrative and witty humor combined with honest portrayals by its leading ladies make it a show worth experiencing.