Effy Stonem: The Dark Side of the Femme Fatale (Skins)

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00:00 season one
06:10 season two
07:20 season three/four
www.vice.com/en/article/m7a78...
Skins: (Generation One Retrospective)
• Skins UK Puts Euphoria...
Cassie Ainsworth:
• The Allure of Miserabl...
Tony Stonem:
• Tony Stonem: Sociopath...
Thankyou to Georgia, my editor! Her insta- geokuromi
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key words- ignore... :)
skins 2007, generation one to four, Nicholas Hoult as Tony Stonem, Skins
April Pearson as Michelle Richardson
Mike Bailey as Sid Jenkins
Hannah Murray as Cassie Ainsworth
Joseph Dempsie as Chris Miles
Larissa Wilson as Jal Fazer
Mitch Hewer as Maxxie Oliver
Dev Patel as Anwar Kharral
Kaya Scodelario as Effy Stonem
Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Sketch
Daniel Kaluuya as Posh Kenneth
Georgina Moffat as Abigail Stock
Bryan Elsley, Jamie Brittain
Charles Pattinson, angie and chris
skins retrospective of generation one, and kaya scodelario's tiktok about euphoria

[@LydiaTaylorMusic]

Skins is forever my problematic fave

[@SerenaSkybourne]

sameee

[@stacey2567]

I remember being 14 watching Skins and being completely jealous of Effy and wishing I was her, watching now as an adult I don't want to be her I want to protect her lol as I have gotten older I recognise more that Skins was a heavily flawed show but as a teen it meant so much to me I understand why it is still so beloved today

[@renatelapa9316]

I don't think that it's talked enough about how her personality is affected by substance abuse. Especially at such young age.

[@dxfifa]

No, her personality causes the substance abuse

[@FrancisFabricates]

Huge huge agree as someone who was taking a lot of the same stuff when the show came out. I identified it so much of what was going on in the show. Now as a sober 30 something it’s just like wow, that all seemed like the only option then. But now I can see the harm it did to me constantly

[@FrancisFabricates]

@@dxfifait was both

[@atreegrowsinpea]

Effy was always a character I felt very connected with especially when I was a teenager and in my early 20s. Seeing her life into adulthood was oddly cathartic for me.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I totally resonated with effy in some ways I do get why people always were fascinated by her kaya did a great job in the role

[@SeArCh4DrEaMz]

She did a fantastic job playing effy, its a shame she was not offered more roles :(

[@angeliquexo]

Although i also didnt like the whole "psychotic therapist" bit for a multitude of reasons (Freddie dying, it being very sudden, depicting therapy in a negative light etc.), i have a theory on why it happened. Because from the very beginning of Effy being introduced, she was shown to have this effect on men that made them all attracted to her & i feel that maybe the writers were trying to lean into the tragedy of that. Like she was so beautiful it drove a man to murder just to try to keep her sort of thing. I don't think it was particularly done well, very sudden & rushed, but i think that was the angle they were TRYING to go with

[@lianna832]

Ugh Fred's death is one of the saddest in all of TV.

[@hannahshmulsky7119]

Also one of the most ridiculous…he gets unalived by a psychopathic therapist?!? Horrible plot device!

[@littlebitaver]

Skins was airing back in my college days, as a post-goth brunette with a similar aesthetic, people would often refer to me as "that Effy girl" which I always took as both a blessing and a curse. I struggled a lot with my mental health back then, being unmedicated. There was a lot of comfort to be found in tuning into E4 each week and see a character who was the embodiment of "suffer in silence" being portrayed with nuance by Kaya in a way that resinated with so many and still does to this day. Now I'm in my 30s, I can see Skins may have had many problems, but the writing of Effy was so alluring, it kept the audience coming back.

[@FrancisFabricates]

This was me but with Cassie, I had a bad ED, I was the weird one who wore strange second hand clothing and sort of always ended up in places because I was someone people knew they could use. The show helped me understand my ED at a time when I was being diagnosed but like Cassie’s parents my mother not just ignored it she said it was good because if I was never fat at least a man would one day want me (she didn’t like that I was gay). Cassie helped me so much as a character and while it hurt to be likened to her and other manic pixie dream girls of the time, the writing was so well done and the acting was so good that we were able to find solace in these characters still. Sending love, being pushed into those labels is really dehumanising and the way people treat you once you stop acting the way they think your should it’s inhumane

[@naasac5738]

I've rewatched the series a few times and I think it makes sense why Freddie and Effy are drawn to each other: Freddie doesn't talk much, but he'd love Effy unconditionally and express himself through his actions (the river scene, taking care of Effy when she was mentally unstable, and choosing her over anyone else every time). Effy was into Freddie because he saw beneath the surface of her "idgaf" persona like Cook did as an example. He wanted to get know her for her and be her silent protector. I agree with you on Freddie's death, it was pointless. What sucks about it is Effy still doesn't know he's dead.

[@littlewhispers8926]

I'm loving the Skins (UK) videos. I found Effy and Cassie really fascinating characters, so I was excited to see you cover them. I've only watched seasons 1-4 of the show, but I love the show. When I first watched it, it just felt different and even today it has a timeless, authentic vibe to it.

[@prettypleasewithsugarontop4858]

5 and 6 are worth a watch but not nearly as good as 1-4

[@littlewhispers8926]

@@prettypleasewithsugarontop4858 I'll give those seasons a try at some point, just so I can see how I feel about them. That's good to know.

[@raymay7712]

the chokehold that "nobody breaks my heart" had on us tumblr girlies in 2013

[@jovanakrivokapic]

my tumblr teen ass was so drawn to effy when i was watching skins for the first time back in high school

[@ShirleyxLandewee]

In the begining of the show Effy seen to have selective mutism. Your video was great and I agree about what your said.

[@mishas97]

you are so right it’s INSANE there’s no other videos about effy like this i adore you for doing one ❤

[@SerenaSkybourne]

i love you!

[@Daydreamerr13]

The time this show came out, the outfits, music, the actors just everything! It’ll never be replicated, almost like a time capsule, same with Degrassi. millennials really gave us the best !

[@PaolaRL]

Thanks Serena not only for covering such an iconic show, but especially because you're focusing on a extremely interesting character and your perspective is on point!

[@kiaraosorio1903]

I totally agree with the being boxed into a certain role when you are younger, it’s honestly so frustrating. In my friend group I was the most outgoing and reserved emotionally but that didn’t mean I didn’t have emotions and that was hard for my friends to understand. I remember the one time I cried everyone looked very awkward and was like “wow this is the first time I’ve ever seen you cry” and that was all that was said, even though when someone who is more emotional in the friend group would cry they would be comforted like you’d expect. It made me play into the role as the outgoing tough one who never had any negative emotions and I just suffered in silence even though I wanted to express them but social pressure got the best of me. So yeah that’s definitely a thing and when Effy said that line I definitely felt something and it’s one of my favorite scenes of the entire show

[@CR-ri9gq]

Girl please do a q&a video. I'm dying to know where you're from, what you studied, fav books etc. hahah :)

[@seana_momsen]

Brilliant review, just about halfway in but I have a bit conflict of opinion with Effy's friendship with Panda. I believe she did have a genuine relationship with her. It wasn't conventional or wasn't the best. Both parties weren't treating each other well. Pandora idolised and ignored things about Effy and it was clear that she used her to a certain degree to be "cool" and put her on an unfair pedestal. Effy obviously treated her badly too. Panda was the only one that got to see Effy's sweet side from the get go, other than Tony and obviously Freddie. I think they were both good/bad for each other. I do think she genuinely cared for Panda and loved her.

[@seana_momsen]

Just to add, with the ending with the trope of weird psychiatrist - he fell in love with her and became obsessed which is a testament to her character. Effy by nature was a romanticisation of mental health, being an edgy hot cool sad girl. So regardless of the writing, it would have always been prevalent.

[@Senate300]

I believe Effy & Pandora genuinely cared about each other but at some points in time couldn't see past the persona's they presented to each and were too self involved to pierce through them.

[@Daydreamerr13]

I didn’t discover skins until 2013 as a sophmore in high school because of tumblr, it was having a resurgance during that time (effy at least) at my school and these four group of girls at my hs totally reinvented themselves and adopted her style for a year it was so iconic. What a great time I tell ya I miss it !

[@may.k_me]

I can never rewatch Skins because it felt so melancholic. Yeah it was dramatic & everything but so very sad. Season 4 was exhausting. And then so damn sad when Freddy dies.

[@SeArCh4DrEaMz]

Skins UK season 1-4 was such a breath of fresh air, Kaya Scodelario did a fantastic job playing effy, I just love that there are so many different characters in complex situations that seems to display such genuine emotions. Btw I was 18 when this show came out and yea I would have done anything to have a gf like effy.

[@ScreamChats]

I would love to see your take on the degrassi:next generation characters! Manny, Emma, Liberty, JT, Toby, Spinner, Paige, Hazel, even Jimmy and Rick if you want.

[@loveart429]

Loving your energy Serena!

[@lorifest8976]

love love love! I saw your video pop up and I was like "finally!!!" I hadn't realized there was no video essays on this yet until I saw this!

[@mysunthemoon]

AAA im so excited for this!!!!

[@SerenaSkybourne]

me too! 🥰🥰

[@not-a-ghost2206]

In my theory Effie is autistic (as well as higly traumatised). She often struggles with social interactions and forming deep connections with others, except her brother. She can be distant and withdrawn, finding it challenging to express her emotions and connect with her peers on an emotional level. She also exhibits repetitive behaviors throughout the series. Additionally, she has difficulties regulating her emotions, which resorts to extreme or self-destructive behaviors as a coping mechanism, also seen in autistic people as symptoms of trauma. Effy demonstrates a propensity for thinking outside the box and approaching situations in unconventional ways In the first season she doesnt really talk at all, which is selective mutism. it seems that Effy, through her silence, precisely regulates with whom, when, and to what extent she engages in relationships and whom she keeps at a distance. For example she wants to be with Freddie, who is her safe person

[@toxic.velvet]

I’m so grateful for your comment because I also noticed this the last time I rewatched the series and I thought I was the only one. The theory of Effy being on the spectrum adds an interesting layer to the show cause it provides a contrast with how autism presents itself in girls vs. boys. On one hand, we’ve got JJ who’s low-masking and whose symptoms are more obvious. And then on the other hand, we have Effy who’s more high-masking and whose symptoms are less noticeable. I’m not an expert so I wish a therapist could read our comments and weigh in on this 🤔

[@claudette3429]

I think about Effy Stonem all. the. time.

[@SerenaSkybourne]

Me TOO!!

[@parfciit]

i absolutely despise the way she treated pandora and how glamourised her disgusting behaviour was :/

[@SerenaSkybourne]

yeah i felt super bad for Pandora too ):

[@tyturner7110]

They had 1 friendship rule, just 1 ,and Pandora broke it. Effy didn’t even try to defend herself when Pandora read her to filth over those dosed brownies. Even then, even after that betrayal, Effy keeps her mouth shut when Pandora’s boyfriend shows up on the door step.

[@parfciit]

@@tyturner7110 man shut up 💀

[@tyturner7110]

And then pandora stayed cheating on Thomas. Only to act all hurt when he did it. A hypocrite through and through.

[@parfciit]

@@tyturner7110 As if Effy hasn’t done 10x worse. Stfu man

[@viktoriaM22]

Please do a video like this about Cassie 🥺

[@charlotteburford2240]

I’m literally always checking your channel for a skins upload! ❤ I can’t wait for more.

[@chantellehewison6382]

Did she and her friends apart from cook ever find out what happened to freddie

[@kyreelegendary5450]

Love your channel!

[@julia-leilabaramo4511]

this is an amazing video i loved it!!!

[@alexvaughan1013]

Do the Skins writers have something against the mental health industry? You have the lady doing Cassie's check-up who only seems to care about ticking boxes. Michelle's one-off boyfriend Josh, who works at a rehab centre, takes revenge on Tony in a...rather disturbing way. JJ's counselor plonks him on meds and sends him off (and gives Emily the same meds). And the final nail, Effy's psychiatrist who messes up her head and murders Freddie.

[@lanaholic3015]

I think the reason why Freddie was so obsessed with Effy because she reminded him of her mother

[@dramaqueen465]

This show was such a big part of my high school experience. I went to school at the same time as the 1st & 2nd gen. A random girl in my class suggested it. Had to watch it on KZbin b/c I wasn’t in the UK and Netflix wasn’t a thing yet

[@kiaraosorio1903]

This was a good video! Are u by any chance going to do videos on the other gens in general like gen 2 and 3

[@distort10n]

Freddie being drawn to Effie makes sense when you learn that his mom took her own life. In the episode where he finds out she has psychotic depression he talks to his grandpa(i think?) about how he couldn't save his mom and now he can't save Effie. I think this means he feels a need to rescue her and take care of her bc of how it reminds him of how he felt about his mom.

[@Therealsoso10]

I hope you talk about skins pure, fire, and rise because not a lot of people talk about it

[@blacenwite]

I'd love to see more video essays of Gen 2 Skins (S3-4) and maybe even gen 3 and Redux/S7

[@Shaylovespopeye]

I love effy and I wish her and Freddy were end game and I don’t like the whole therapy’s thing and I hate Freddy death I kind think that ruined effy character later on I want her to end up happy loving relationship and have a dream career maybe a some kids should could have I love you Serena keep making videos and please don’t ever stop have a great night

[@urgh9822]

Effy was THE it girl during my teenage years , the Cory Kennedy for Zillenials who were a bit too young to go out . Skins was everything in Europe... But i have to say , i find it kind of icky ; calling a *girl* femme fatale...

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

You’re obsessed with this show hahaha I’m here for it lol

[@Hannas-]

thanks for the video! i love effy! btw you misspelled her last name. it's Stonem.

[@SerenaSkybourne]

Thankyou I didn’t notice! I fixed it

[@alexvaughan1013]

She certainly lives up to the name in the woods episode!

[@SerenaSkybourne]

what's your favourite generation of 'skins'?

[@genya__]

Two.

[@ShirleyxLandewee]

Gen 1

[@Daydreamerr13]

All but the first 2 🤭🫢

[@user-hm4yi7um9d]

It's all about the me'al

[@ducky19991]

Definitely the second, I have to laugh at the end though because it’s so ridiculous 😂 poor Freddie LMAO

[@mramos1126]

when i think of pretty privilege Effy comes to mind.

[@hannahshmulsky7119]

Effy has EXTREME pretty privilege on the show! It’s almost insane. She’s catnip to men, which she both exploits and is exploited by. :-/

[@liallialcroc]

my favorite Skins characters are the twins in gen 2 and Frankie in gen 3, Pandora is an honorable mention

[@SloaneElizabethh]

She was my favorite character in the first season, as well as Cassie

[@may.k_me]

I just remember always being frustrated by Effy. She's pretty but always so messed up and I couldn't take it. Maybe because I watched Skins in my early 20s, I was not impressed by Effy. She always struck me as a stand in for the male fantasy & also a teenage girl's fantasy of what they would like to appear as. Effy could have been an interesting character but as you said her story arc was not handled well. So while she may be iconic to those who watched Skins when they were young teens, I don't recall her that way.

[@pennylo1650]

Can you do more videos like this f.e dedicated to Cook's character or Pandora maybe? We would love to hear your point of view for more Skins characters ❤️

[@emmjay22]

There was SO much more chemistry between Cook and Effy than her and Freddie

[@lankyboi23]

ONG

[@KovacsZoltan12]

this seems to be interesting, i have never heard about this show, i don't know how...

[@gravity-arbor]

It makes Euphoria look PG-rated

[@KovacsZoltan12]

@@gravity-arbor indeed? well, then i may reconsider my opinion, i will look into it but...if very dark and shocking, i won't watch every episode...life itself is dark and shocking enough...

[@gravity-arbor]

@@KovacsZoltan12 yeah it really surprised me. Maybe my comparison was extreme though. But the comparison is fair. Skins is really clever. But doesn’t pull its punches. Dark, but also tragically funny, and has massive “omg I’m dying inside from embarrassment” cringes that is great writing. Then another episode later you’re nearly crying with sadness.

[@hannahshmulsky7119]

If you’re able to look past some dark bits, it’s a clever, fun, well-written addictive watch. Series 1&2 are solid. Might wanna skim Series 4. 😅 They get an entirely new cast and storyline every 2 years, so if the second generation gets too dark, skip to Series 5.

[@romariohume2679]

You mind doing a deep dive on supernatural

[@ealuesytain]

honestly freddy's death was just to set up cooks future storyline

[@hannahshmulsky7119]

When I watched the show in my late twenties I couldn’t imagine acting like Effy…never the promiscuity or drug use in particular, but adapting the ice queen facade. After losing my soulmate and following that with 3 narcissistic situationships, I have absolutely no trouble understanding her icy facade. I am not the same person I was 10 years ago and my cold demeanor with any potential prospect reflects that.

[@Phuwin-Lover]

She was my favorite person as a teenager ive never did the same thing as her but i always thought that she was beautiful

[@lanaholic3015]

Love Effy sm not entirely moral character but very interesting and well written

[@sleepysadpoet]

Effy has BPD like me and you can't convince me otherwise

[@hannahshmulsky7119]

Or cPTSD? They have so many similarities, I wonder if they’re the same condition sometimes….but yeah, I agree. I see her doing a lot of flight and freeze. The sexual promiscuity could potentially be a fawn response. She seems extremely tormented….I don’t envy her trajectory 😢

[@toxic.velvet]

Really? I thought she was most likely Bipolar, given the multiple manic and depressive episodes she has throughout the show (especially in season 4). Cassie and Frankie seem to be more on the BPD side in my opinion, as was evident by their frequent bursts of anger/lashing out/pushing people away, impulsive behavior and unstable romantic/sexual relationships. But hey, I’m not a psychologist so maybe I’m totally wrong lol 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@FrancisFabricates]

I honestly think about her Every week and I watched oG skins when it came out. I am the exact age bracket it was made for. Quiet characters are always my favourite and when written well which she was for the most part they are so enigmatic. I never finished season 4 as I heard what happened and just refused to watch something that idiotic. The entire cast deserved so much better because their group was incredible. I think Effy shows us a character everyone knows someone like but very few people really know them. The quiet one who some will call a bitch, some will say oh she is weird but she’s hot so she must be cool. She has a way of being the person we both want to be while also showing us as we get to know her more that we all have a little of her inside of us.

[@elena9.11]

servussss

[@watchingknowing]

I didnt buy the Freddie Effy story either 😅

[@ummokay]

what is your accent? sounds a mix of british/australian but how you say "people" sounds american???

[@Schenkmytro]

Wow you are a very beautifull woman! Nice video too.

[@XiataSanir]

Please do cook

[@howtoaca7504]

💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝

[@wyatteliovoorhees]

I thought Effy was better suited for Cook

[@Eggie173]

They would’ve killed each other 💀

[@toxic.velvet]

Nah they were way too toxic from the get go. Cook and Effy both had a lot of maturing and growing up to do before they could get into a healthy relationship. They were better off alone