Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Cast: Shireen Farkhoy, George Edwards.
The rise of the social influencer is perhaps one that was only to be expected in a world where the narrative has altered from one of substance to one where you only have to be seen as being presentable, to wear and say the right things and be an image of those who, for whatever reason believe that you are the embodiment of success, to be noticed.
It is almost a relationship of the boldness of narcissism, the projection of comfortable impression that makes everyone want to be like you, and even if the world that is created is a fake, the people still wish to sell everything just to be included.
The downside of the image presented is that of envy, and once, before social media, such an emotion would soon be tempered by understanding, the trend worthy and the new royalty of the media age soon find themselves consistently attacked in their homes via forums and opinions that were once only spouted in the company of others in a bar or via radio phone ins. This is the price you pay when you are the face, but not the substance of a brand.
The Death Of Molly Miller is a radio drama that deals with consuming lie of having it all, and the temptation of one who, through his own gambling addiction and failings to deal with the fall out, demands a slice of the supposed riches that the influencer he has followed can provide.
It is in the display of truth that both Shireen Farkhoy and George Edwards bring to their respective characters of Molly and Tommy that gives realism to the events that dominate their lives as they intersect and threaten to destroy each other.
It is perhaps in the finale that the ultimate lie is given freedom, that we cannot do anything now without declaring it to the world, that a person’s word is as void as their actions to the camera when they believe they have an audience catering to their every desire of fame.
A carefully crafted, witty, damning, and revealing audio drama which frames our modern world succinctly. The Death Of Molly Miller is a warning that to influence is to court danger and the passing of personal responsibility.
Ian D. Hall