Sarama Melngailis was a famous vegan chef, whose career and restaurant suddenly ended in an unbelievable downfall, which ended with her on the run from the law. The media labeled the blond bombshell and her husband as the modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. The truth, though, was much more complicated,as Sarama was actually a victim of a crime, not a partner.
The 4-episode series is extremely interesting, will hold your attention from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it. The producers created the hit Tiger King, so you know you’re in for a good one.
There is no nudity or blood in this documentary, so it’s safe to watch with the kids.
GRADE: A
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
There are two main characters in this documentary that are a rather interesting study:
- Anthony Strangis is your typical Unhealthy Type Three “Achiever,” A character who works overtime to create an image of success. Threes are great at accomplishing what they put their mind to. When they are at their best, the image they tell the public is true; and when they are extremely unhealthy, that image is a huge lie.
- Samara Melnailis is an average Type Two “Helper.” From the beginning of her life, Samara was always an overly generous person. Her vegan restaurant was there to help introduce the vegan lifestyle to the world, help her employees, and even the less fortunate. Samara was so generous, she became close friends with a NYC homeless person.
Unfortunately, Anthony Strangis took advantage of her generosity, and the rest is history. By the way, if you’re wondering, con artists will typically target those who are overly generous.
When Samara Melailis was at her worse, her generosity was compromised. She had to make a decision. Did she help the man who she fell in love with, and who also claimed his life was in danger if she didn’t wire him money? Or would she continue to help the employees who worked so hard for her? At one point in the documentary, Samara made a comment that exposed her state of mental health, and said something in the arena of, “It’s my money, it’s my company. I could do what I want with it.” I’m paraphrasing here. But the subtext was clear that she was pulling on the string of her generosity at this moment, which is typical unhealthy Type Two behavior.
Steve Young
I go by either "Steven" or "Steve" it really doesn't matter. I'm not a professional screenwriter anymore, so there's no need to suck up to me and send me your latest script. I have zero ambition to work in the entertainment industry. I'm now just a regular guy who knows a bit about storytelling, wants to share that knowledge to inspire new writers, and to share my work with everyone!
