United States of Tara

United States of Tara is a comedy-drama centered around the ordinary, chaotic life of a suburban housewife, Tara Gregson, excellently played by Toni Collette, who has dissociative identity disorder. Besides being a part-time artist, Tara is a wife, mother, teenage rebel, Vietnam veteran, and wild west poet—switching between her personas without warning.

What stands out about the United States of Tara, for me, is the level of humor and humanity in a show about mental health issues. The various personalities of Tara are performed brilliantly by Collette, delivering nuanced performances that distinguish each identity, bringing them fully to life. At the heart of the show are the superb family dynamics, as we see how Tara’s husband and children adjust and manage with Tara’s disorder.

Despite its compelling premise, the show does falter in some ways—inconsistent pacing and some underdeveloped side characters are among the few issues. However, it's a definite must-watch for those who appreciate dark humor, character-driven plots, and are interested in an empathetic portrayal of mental health.