Drew Michael

Drew Michael is a 2018 stand-up comedy special distributed by HBO and features the eponymous comedian, Drew Michael, with appearances from Suki Waterhouse. This innovative show diverges from the traditional stand-up comedy routine format and sets a fresh and unique tone that makes it stand out from other comedy specials.

The directorial prowess of Jerrod Carmichael takes this comedy special to distinct heights. Known for his intricate style of pushing boundaries to provoke thought, Carmichael ensures this performance becomes more of a comedic monologue, providing a different kind of humour that strikes the audience deeply and often unexpectedly. With this, we get to journey into the comedic mind of Drew Michael, as the stand-up presentation takes a more personal and introspective approach.

The majority of the performance takes place in an intimate, minimalistic setting, devoid of the usual audience that characterizes comedy specials. It feels private, kind of like a peek into a part of the comedian's mind. This unique setting and ambiance play a huge role in the presentation and delivery of the underlying themes that Drew Michael seeks to portray in his performance. The setup is avant-garde, experimental, and a brilliant achievement in terms of cinematography.

Drew Michael himself brings a raw perspective to topics like relationships, self-awareness, and human connection. He navigates these subjects with both humour and depth, mixing introspective monologues with his inherently funny and sharp jokes. The lack of a conspicuous audience further emphasizes the core themes and experiences mirrored in his performance. It highlights the varying shades of real-life nuances, which is relayed via storytelling rife with the comedian's self-deprecating, complex, and revealing humour.

One of the notable aspects of this comedy special is the inclusion of Suki Waterhouse. Her appearances are woven into the narrative in an innovative and unusual manner—her role isn't that of a conventional actor—instead serving as a unique counterpoint to Michael's performance. It doesn't occur on a stage, but over a phone call; fragments of their conversation are interspersed throughout the act. It gives the illusion of being a two-way conversation that heals and shines a light on contemporary perspectives on introspective communication.

The comedy in Drew Michael is densely layered, thought-provoking, and, at times, deliberately obtuse. It isn't the usual light-hearted affair familiar to lovers of stand-up comedian specials. The jokes are embedded within serious, heavy conversations—an intentional use of comedy and absurdity to cushion the impact of introspective reflections on life. Certain parts of the performance may seem dark, but this works perfectly with the overall tone of the show and is curiously liberating in its effect—laughter mingled with a deep sense of understanding and sympathy.

Drew Michael is, above all, a comedic exploration of individuality and introspection. It takes advantage of its unique style and curious absences, whereby the lack of a glaringly apparent live audience starts making perfect sense as the performance speeds on into deeper themes. It serves to underscore the comic vulnerability and authenticity that both Drew Michael and Jerrod Carmichael aim to portray in the comedy special.

Furthermore, it’s a work that challenges the audience to redraw the lines of what a stand-up comedy special could and should look like. It's hard not to appreciate the daring and innovative aspect of this comedy special. The show's originality not only enriches its value but also wonderfully encapsulates its deviation from the norm—further cementing Drew Michael's unique place as a disruptor in the comedy sphere.

In conclusion, Drew Michael is a stand-up comedy special like no other. It's bold, it's different, and it's deeply personal. This HBO special breaks the conventional modes of stand-up comedy and enters a new landscape that pushes the boundaries of the genre, offering viewers an experience that's audacious, introspective, comedic, and thoroughly thought-provoking.