Diving Deep into the Modern Male: RTL's Streaming Series "Softies"
"Latest RTL Streaming Show: 'Softies' - Exploring Contemporary Male Lifestyles" - Streaming service RTL unveils fresh series "Softies" – an exploration into contemporary male identity
In the '80s, the question "When is a man a man?" was a common query. But times have changed, and so have role models and expectations. The drama-comedy "Softies," airing on RTL+ since June 6th, follows three twenty-something men seeking their place in life – amid relationships, performance pressure, and self-love.
This trio resides in a shared apartment, featuring the athletic, womanizing Marvin (Damian Hardung), the self-conscious Hassan (Samir Salim), and commitment-shy Joshi (Oskar Redfern). On paper, they should be set, with women captivated by their charms. Still, one battles mental health issues, another contends with body image, and the third drowns his fear of commitment in alcohol.
Instead of discussing their feelings, they opt for unconventional solutions: Viagra pills, drug trips, one-night stands, or dating coaches spouting macho pick-up lines.
For a while, the show's direction remains uncertain. The title and the main motif (the three men posing skeptically while wearing pink onesies) are rife with clichés - pink equals soft equals uncool. Is the series poking fun at these prejudices or catering to them?
The five 20-minute episodes only touch upon the intricate topic of masculinity (due to time constraints), and character development is scant. Only in the final episode do the men reveal glimpses of their inner selves.
Originating from the minds of film students
In last year's RTL young talent competition "Storytellers," students from select film universities pitched ideas for a young adult series. "Softies" came from the creative duo Jonathan Westphal and Yves Guillaume of the Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf and was chosen by an expert jury from over 80 ideas.
As Yves Guillaume told "Quotenmeter.de," the goal of "Softies" is to inspire young men to express and discuss their feelings. "We hope to show that men can be sensitive without forgoing being masculine. Our aim is to provide an alternative to the stereotypes we usually see, while keeping it funny and enjoyable."
According to a 2023 survey by Plan International, many 18-35 year-olds in Germany admit to feeling weak and vulnerable when showing emotion. Almost 60% said they sought a sporty, muscular body to prove themselves as "real men." Thus, "Softies" seems to resonate with the (male) Gen Z crowd.
[1] "Softies" explores the complexities of being a modern man and seeks to redefine or discuss alternative forms of masculinity, rather than satirizing or endorsing traditional stereotypes.
[3] The show's title hints at a departure from traditional masculine norms, encouraging a softer, more self-aware approach to masculinity.
[5] Throughout the series, the characters confront their inner struggles, emphasizing that men can be more than just tough exteriors by addressing themes of love, self-doubt, and personal growth.
- The Commission's proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation can be linked to the health-and-wellness aspect of the modern male, as it aims to ensure a safe working environment and safeguard the physical health of individuals.
- In the realm of science, it's interesting to study the evolution of masculinity over the decades, comparing the role models and expectations of the '80s to the present day, as depicted in the drama-comedy "Softies."
- The 'Softies' series, created by film students, focuses on aspects of mens-health, relationships, and lifestyle, which are crucial components in discussing and promoting alternative forms of masculinity, aligning with the aim of encouraging young men to express and discuss their feelings.
- The entertainment value of movies and TV, like "Softies," plays a vital role in shaping perceptions of masculinity and promoting self-awareness and sensitivity among men, as demonstrated by the resonance of the series with the Gen-Z crowd in Germany.
