There is an uncompromising ferocity to Michelle de Swarte on screen that I foolishly assumed had reached its full expression in the 2022 comedy horror The Baby. In that series, the standup and writer played a woman corralled into motherhood by a possessed infant. It was the perfect metaphor for the unending rapaciousness of children; it makes much more sense to consider them malevolent demons sucking us dry rather than vulnerable bundles in need of all our love and care.
The series was great, De Swarte sensational. Now, she has unleashed her talent – and her mesmeric presence – by writing and starring in the six‑part comedy drama Spent, based loosely on her experiences as a model.
