While many Netflix titles releasing in September are struggling to compete with the overwhelming success of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” it’s certain that “Penelope” will carve its own path to the top of the charts with its fresh and original storyline.
The series made a strong debut at Sundance earlier this year, prompting the streamer to acquire its rights for a September 2024 release. It follows the journey of a 16-year-old who, fed up with the chaos of the modern world, retreats into the wilderness to start afresh.
Critics have praised the title for offering a unique twist on the typical “escape from the city” narrative, bringing a fresh perspective to the trope. Naturally, many are curious whether the story draws inspiration from real events, and the creator answered.
The inspiration behind Netflix’s ‘Penelope’
The creator of “Penelope,” actor and filmmaker Mark Duplass, revealed that the show’s inspiration stems from a very real situation. However, it’s not based on any specific event, but rather the reflection and introspection brought on by the isolation of the pandemic.
Duplass told Deadline that, during that time, he found himself “spending a lot of time alone…thinking about what had gone on in my life that had led me to a place that I just don’t feel myself anymore”. This led to the creation of Penelope as a kind of avatar for his own experiences. The producer later expanded on his creative process in an Instagram post.
“(Its) a show for and about young adults. About the way life could be if we simplified things. And then i realized that out title character PENELOPE was not just a teenaged girl. She was all of us, trying to find a peace, simplicity, and happiness that we have lost”.
The title was co-created with Mel Eslyn, producer of the 2022 dark comedy “Biosphere”. According to Duplass, Eslyn brought much of her own 16-year-old self and a female perspective to the story. So, while “Penelope” isn’t based on a single true story, it’s deeply rooted in the personal experiences of its creators, reflecting on adolescence, the desire to escape an uncomfortable present, and the universal search for peace and fulfillment.