Žofia and Roman don’t like it very well. When Andrea, an acquaintance of Žofia’s from a job, visits the couple, whose relationship is creaking after seven years, the debate turns to the OnlyFans platform. In the new mini-series of Czech Television called Vlastní nothing happened, we finally have the feeling that we see how young people naturally have fun together.
The miniseries Actually, nothing happened can be seen on the iVysílání platform. Photo: Marie Baráková | Video: Czech Television
In the six-part series, which can be seen on the website of iVysílní, director Jan Vejnar and co-screenwriter Darja Miková open up topics related to intimacy, social networks and different types of self-images that we construct nowadays.
Many recent Czech projects aimed at young people like Sex O’Clock from the Voyo video library, despite a commendable effort to keep up with the world, seemed rather screwed up. In fact, nothing happened stands out, at least, for its sovereign, unforced direction and leadership of the actors, as well as the ability to build the atmosphere of individual scenes.
Denisa Barešová in the role of Žofia is a tired woman shocked to discover that her boyfriend is paying women on the Internet. That is, they pay for content on the OnlyFans platform, where anyone can put anything, although it is obvious what type of photos and videos prevails.
Obviously, this is just the last point in a relationship that has been strained for a long time. But then Žofie gets drunk with a friend, takes some funny photos of her thumbs and feet. Somewhere between evening, morning and a few bottles of wine, some of those photos suddenly make it onto the internet. And Žofia begins to receive messages and price offers, which at the same time startle her, but also flatter the heroine with a slightly damaged self-confidence.
A few quick photos are taken in the chain store booth, and a light habit begins to form.
Andrea, played by Elizaveta Maximová, hopes that a company trip will help her achieve full-time employment. | Photo: Marie Baráková
Meanwhile, Andrea, brilliantly played by Elizaveta Maximová, struggles with rent and the fact that, as a budding model and “second category” celebrity known mainly for participating in reality shows, she has to support herself part-time in a corporate job. And her boss has quite specific ideas about how her subordinate could improve during the company trip.
The series very naturally outlines several situations that commonly occur. Lukáš Hejlík is extremely slimy as the boss, who not only allows himself to put his foot in Andrea’s crotch in the hot tub, but especially later in the office, he is able to sweep the whole situation under the carpet in a very repulsive manner.
There are a lot of similar scenes – those that only capture the events, the camera observes, the dialogue does not seem instructive, the precisely hit music underlines the atmosphere.
Another positive is that the series can be sensitive when displaying the OnlyFans platform.
The creators do not demonize it, at the same time they do not pretend that it is just another ordinary social network that allows you to emancipate yourself when creating sexual content. But the viewer has to analyze all ethical questions himself.
Žofia and Roman, who are played by Denisa Barešová and Jiří Chadraba, find their relationship creaking after seven years. | Photo: Marie Baráková
In one scene, for example, we can clearly see how Žofie feels insecure during a truly professional, moreover mass photo shoot in her underwear, when she has to confront the gazes and bodies of her competitors. In such moments, the creators are able to capture everything essential – insecurity around others, comparison, self-perception – with the help of a picture, without words.
Actually, nothing happened, but unfortunately, like many predecessors, they hit the limits of the format.
Short twenty-minute episodes together make up the footage of one full-length film, but the narrative must adapt to the episodic structure. As a result, some changes in the plot or decisions of the characters sound too short-handed.
Here and there the situations are only outlined, and the series would need more space to lead the relatively large number of protagonists to where they need to go, along a slightly longer route.
The title refers to what unfortunately accompanies many cases of various forms of sexual harassment. Leg in the crotch at a party full of alcohol and cocaine? After all, nothing actually happened. A few photos on your phone? I screwed up, but then again, not much happened, did it?
These are important topics, and it’s good that Czech Television is opening them up with the help of dramas capable of imitating the feelings experienced by real actors in similar situations. However, there is a danger that in this version, many viewers will end up just waving their hands over them in exactly the spirit of the title.
At the same time, the news broadcasts a signal to public television. After the web series TBH and Pět let or the recent Adikts, she again gave space to talented young filmmakers and fresher topics, but it would be ideal if she could also provide them with the appropriate financial background.
Miniseries
Nothing actually happened
Director: Jan Vejnar
The series can be seen on iVyslínia Czech Television.