Who is Hannah?
I am Hannah aired in August 2019. Being an occasional TV watcher I randomly came across it a couple of months ago. Gemma Chan a world class Actress (Starred in The Eternals 2021) plays Hannah a beautiful single woman in her Mid 30’s, living in London, working at an office and navigating the dating market. Whilst trying to gain clarity on her key aspirations and own identity so that she can live a fulfilled life that speaks true to her existence.
As the scenes unfolded it struck me emotionally from start to finish. Funnily and oddly snippets of Hannah’s life resembled parts of mine. Especially my thoughts as a woman turning 30 soon. Some scenes made me question if Hannah is blocking happiness from entering her life. As I have been guilty of that in the past.Whilst other scenes made me feel great empathy and mutual respect for her woman to woman.
Watch the trailer here.
I am Hannah – The observer
Hannah walks to work alone and is soaking in the children’s, laughter and chatter amongst the parents. The sun is beaming yet Hannah seems lifeless. I thought about my similar traits. Not only am I self aware but as I walk in public I notice everything. Even down to the dots of spit planted on the ground. It just shows that you can be in the midst of a crowd however can still feel invisible if you don’t feel fulfilled in life.
I am Hannah – At work
On the computer Hannah’s eyes reminded me of mine. In deep focus possibly thinking about the past, or current situation distracting her from embracing the present moment. Displaying an empty facial expression whilst drinking tea, something is obviously wrong. This had me thinking how do I look to those on the outside when I feel disconnected from my reality at times.
Though I do believe work can be a difficult place to show your true personality. I’ve struggled with that balance and sometimes been ridiculed for being too quiet. Also, some personalities can dominate others. In this scene you can see that a job doesn’t automatically give you passion. Therefore, its up to us to discover our true passions through trial and error. If a job doesn’t bring you happiness don’t settle, unless you absolutely have to e.g. financial commitments etc.
I am Hannah – Dating
London is a metrapoliton city which has approximately 4 million singles. Sounds like a great opportunity right to meet someone with substance and compatibility. In fact it can actually be quite challenging. Having to juggle busy work schedules and experience a buzzing culture of fast relationships and casual dating being morally acceptable. It’s actually hard to know if the person is taking you seriously and not emotionally or sexually invested with multiple people. This is evident in the episode.
Hannah turns up late on all 3 dates. Even though all dates are unbothered by this little habit, on the first date Hannah connects almost instantly with her potential mate. They head back to hers and have sex but the following day it doesn’t leave her feeling happy. Although he sends a heartfelt voicemail saying he wants to see her again. Hannah doesn’t seem impressed.
I am Hannah – 2nd/3rd Date
Furthermore, the second date is shorter than the first. Within 1 mile of walking in the park the date has thrown questions at Hannah. Her answers are blasé and within minutes her date reaches a conclusion that she is wasting his time and using him to find herself. The date ends abruptly with a few swear words.
Lastly, the 3rd date is at a Bar. Hannah reveals her deepest thoughts in relation to what she wants in a relationship and sexual desires. Hannah’s openness doesn’t act in her favour. Unfortunately the man sitting infront of her behaves unrighteously. He makes a sexual move on her outside the toilets. So desperate to be intimate with her.
The third date signalled the risks involved with dating. A worst case scenario, rape.
Friendships
Moreover, Hannah meets her friend at the cafe who just had a new born baby. She shares her special moments as a mother and expresses how happy she feels. This hits a cord on Hannah’s heart and she becomes tearful. Her friend asks “what’s wrong?”. Without opening up she excuses it.
During the second encounter over a glass of wine. Hannah’s friend shares her evening with family and how special it was with all the children there. She goes on to say thats what she wants for her life. “The house with the white picket fence, a family, the kitchen with the island”. On the other hand, Hannah opposes this view and expresses her beliefs. Hannah would rather be on her own than settling with someone who isn’t right for her.
“And I see so many women, so many people that we know that have panicked and settled for the next guy, like he’ll do. I just got to have kids. I don’t want to be that person. I want something more. My biggest fear is that actually I am getting it wrong. And maybe my mum’s right, I’m going to wake up and it’s going to be too late and that is what I want”
Hannah
Happiness
A Mother’s intuition is super strong and majority of the time always right. Hannah has a mum who loves her to bits and just wants the best for her. This means Hannah taking ownership of her life to make and follow through with decisions that will make her happy. Hannah’s mum gives her a wake up call during her visit. “Although your body and face looks like this now, it won’t be like this forever”. Remember, women’s biology doesn’t allow child bearing to be granted at any age. Hence, pregnancy has a window that can’t be ignored. Hannah’s Mum can’t help but notice her daughter’s lack of happiness and encourages her to seek it.
“Do you remember what your grandmother used to say? There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path”
Mum
Egg freezing
Finally, Hannah comes up with a solution. It’s popular in the western world and I can understand those who decide to opt for it. Yet it isn’t 100% guaranteed that the quality of eggs will be good enough or an adequate amount will be present for the process to continue. This was the case with Hannah. After examining her, the Doctor discovered blockages in both tubes (connecting ovaries to the womb) and they were not working properly. The chances of Hannah having a natural pregnancy on her own was also low. Of course Hannah felt deflated and possibly confused about what to do next so she called the first guy she dated to come over to her apartment.
By the end of the show Hannah meets the first date again. The night goes really smooth they have a natural connection.He ends up sharing his vulnerabilities with her about his past hook ups and feelings of detachment. Whereas, with Hannah he feels comfortable, he enjoys being with her and can see something concrete worth pursuing. Hannah drops a bomb on him that she isn’t ready for a relationship and is adamant to tackle some things on her own without his help or presence in her life.
I used to think there was something wrong with me because I get bored of people so easily. I mean like this bit for example, most of the time.After I have done it, I’m not interested anymore. I could take it or leave it. But I’m really liking this.And I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to mess this up. Let’s not worry about kids, this is just about you and me. This could be a 65 year thing. This is the one”.
The date
In conclusion
Conclusively, this episode of I am Hannah depicted key areas of life that most women go through. As well as areas we tend to struggle with. As a viewer every scene was thought provoking and made me reflect on my life and what I want as a whole. Overall, women from all walks of life need to try and support one another because we have more in common than we think. Hopefully there will be a part two showing I am Hannah in her happiest state.
Click here to watch the episode.
Is work getting the better of you? Read how to diminish that next.
