A Sharp, Self-Aware Dive into Modern Wellness Culture
Wellmania is a 20x23 Australian comedy-drama series streaming on Netflix, created by Brigid Delaney and Benjamin Law, and inspired by Delaney’s nonfiction book Wellmania: Misadventures in the Search for Wellness. Starring Celeste Barber in a standout role, the series offers a satirical, heartfelt, and often chaotic examination of the global wellness obsession through the eyes of a flawed but relatable protagonist trying to regain control of her health—and her life.
Barber plays Liv Healy, a fast-talking, high-functioning food writer and television personality living in New York. At the height of her career, she returns to her hometown of Sydney for a short visit—only to be blindsided by a serious health scare that renders her unfit for travel. Stranded in Australia, Liv is forced to undergo a radical personal transformation in order to pass a health check and return to her high-profile job in the U.S. What follows is a frantic and comedic journey through the often absurd world of wellness, including juice cleanses, silent retreats, breathwork, biohacking, and everything in between.
What sets Wellmania apart is its tone: irreverent yet sincere, cynical yet emotionally grounded. While it satirizes the more ridiculous aspects of the wellness industry—exposing its contradictions, consumerism, and superficiality—it also treats Liv’s personal struggles with genuine empathy. Beneath the jokes and Instagram-worthy detox smoothies lies a woman grappling with deeper issues of burnout, avoidance, fear of vulnerability, and disconnection from loved ones.
Celeste Barber, known for her internet fame and comedic persona that mocks social media perfectionism, brings the perfect balance of humor and emotional nuance to Liv. Her performance is both brash and vulnerable, capturing the desperation of someone trying to outrun themselves. Barber’s comedic timing is razor-sharp, but it’s her dramatic beats—particularly in her strained relationships with her family and best friend—that give the series emotional weight.
The show also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including JJ Fong as Liv’s loyal best friend Amy, and Lachlan Buchanan as Liv’s brother Gaz, who brings warmth and grounding to the story. The dynamic between Liv and her mother (played by Genevieve Mooy) adds another layer of generational tension and familial complexity that enriches the narrative.
Visually, Wellmania is vibrant and energetic, with fast-paced editing and bright, modern aesthetics that mirror Liv’s chaotic lifestyle. The wellness spaces—whether minimalist spas or trendy yoga studios—are rendered with just the right amount of glamor and parody. The soundtrack and quick-witted dialogue keep the pacing lively, even when the show delves into deeper emotional territory.
Though some critics have noted that the plot occasionally leans into predictability or broad caricature, Wellmania succeeds as both a character-driven comedy and a sharp commentary on our collective obsession with self-improvement. Rather than offering neat resolutions, the show emphasizes that wellness is not a destination but a messy, nonlinear process—one that involves honesty, accountability, and sometimes, falling apart before rebuilding.
In conclusion, Wellmania is a witty and engaging series that offers more than just laughs. With a powerhouse performance from Celeste Barber and a timely critique of modern health culture, it’s a story about learning to slow down, confront the hard truths, and figure out what “wellness” truly means beyond the detox fads and social media filters. It’s both a satire and a self-help journey in disguise—and well worth the binge.
