![]() ![]() The HBO series is perhaps more focused in this exploration, but it makes a rather solid double-bill tying back to Everett’s frequent appearances on Inside Amy Schumer (including the fabulous “Titty Song”).Ĭomplicated dynamics are explored in the present day, but are more pronounced in the recurring flashbacks to teen Beth (Violet Young). Unaddressed family trauma is pivotal to both narratives, which see both women confronting the past to move forward. Similar to how Somebody Somewhere is a version of Everett’s life if she hadn’t moved to New York, this is Schumer’s life without stand-up. Hill’s role isn’t the only factor that ties Life & Beth to the aforementioned brilliant Somebody Somewhere-and neither is the fact that Bridget Everett is IRL besties with Schumer. The bright lights of Manhattan are replaced by her hometown on Long Island, and Beth is forced to confront both her current inertia and long-buried memories. It takes a major life event to pull her out of this routine existence. To make work even more of a living hell, karaoke is another mandated activity enforced by boss Murray (the excellent Murray Hill is having a moment for the love of God please watch HBO’s Somebody Somewhere). She also has zero desire to participate in the office ritual of ringing a tiny bell (think the opposite of Selling Sunset ’s clanger) to celebrate a sale. It’s actually insane if you want to hear it”). The cracks in the rom-com facade are evident from Beth’s opening wine sales pitch to prospective clients, played with note-perfect self-indulgence by John Early and Kate Berlant (who I would more than happily listen to drone on for hours about their “fascinating story. Her refrain of ”I’m really happy” has never sounded more hollow no matter how many times she repeats it. Working and living together gives them no space, but even their co-workers think they are the picture of perfection. Whereas Beth can’t muster up any emotions, Matt feels everything-at an incredibly loud volume made more deafening when amplified by his lack of any self-awareness. ![]() His idea of romantic gestures include screaming at the top of his lungs while riding an “engagement horse” and organizing a badly timed flash mob, which are as wonderfully unhinged as they sound. “I just haven’t been able to feel anything for a long time,” she explains later about this numbness. Regular Schumer collaborator Kevin Kane (he is an executive producer and also directs Episode 5) plays bro-y douchebag Matt, who is blissfully unaware of Beth’s perpetual unhappiness until she spells it out to him. Beth is emotionally spinning wheels both at work and home with her boyfriend of six years. Considering how much Schumer has mined her experiences- stand-up specials, a memoir, an intimate documentary about giving birth-it might seem like there is nothing new left to say, but the Hulu dramedy (that she headlines, directs, and co-writes) proves otherwise.īeth is Schumer’s middle name, but this title wordplay points to the lead character’s ennui and the broader themes addressed across 10 episodes. Now Schumer returns to TV with passion project Life & Beth, which takes the familiar semi-autobiographical route favored by Pamela Adlon, Mae Martin, and a forthcoming Pete Davidson venture. Since the success of her Comedy Central sketch series Inside Amy Schumer, the comedian has stayed away from television aside from standup specials and the eye-opening three-part docuseries Expecting Amy. Unflinching honesty is expected from Amy Schumer, no matter the format. ![]()
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