Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty

Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty is a stand-up comedy special that premiered in 2020 on Netflix, starring Fortune Feimster herself and the private life tales of her partner, Jacquelyn Ellen “Jax” Smith (as referred to in the performance), played by Henry Gelinas. Directed by Krysia Plonka and written by Claire Scanlon, the comedy special is a hilarious yet intimate insight into Fortune’s life, exemplifying her journey up until this point with charming candidness and thoughtful humor.

From North Carolina to Hollywood, Fortune Feimster's life journey is packed with a plethora of unique experiences, filled with humor, honesty, and playfulness that Feimster brings to the stage in her Netflix special. The roughly 61-minute runtime of the show is a captivating blend of gags, anecdotes and down-to-earth observations that both engage viewers and lead them to prominence of laughter.

In Sweet & Salty, Feimster talks candidly about her family, sexuality, southern upbringing, and her amusing foray into the entertainment industry. This isn’t a performance you want to miss, as it’s more than just a collection of one-liners. Rather, it is Fortune Feimster’s personal story that she crafts in a unique comedic style that is goofy, relatable, and endearing. Her heartwarming sincerity blossoms through the comedy, making you feel as if you're sharing a laugh with a long-time friend rather than watching a stand-up routine.

The show starts in Belwood, North Carolina, where Feimster takes the audience on an expedition through her formative years. She paints a vivid picture of her time at an all-girls camp and her dip into the pageant world that is filled with expressively humorous details. Feimster's comedy doesn't shy away from her identity, as she weaves stories about coming out as a lesbian to hilarious anecdotes about her mother.

As the show progresses, she brings her stories to Hollywood. She lays bare her struggles, her odd jobs, and the odd pathways that eventually led her to break into Hollywood. Each story is told with an infectious spirit, underpinned by sharp humor and her quintessentially Southern charm. Her easy-going delivery and vibrant storytelling makes for an engaging and wildly entertaining spectacle.

Henry Gelinas accompanies her on this journey, representing Jax, as she plays a key role in accepting and embracing her sexuality. The couple's nurturing relationship is blended with Feimster's candid humor, aiding the comedy special to evoke a deeper sense of intimacy and genuineness. There are no exaggerated gags or overly-scripted jokes, what radiates instead is Feimster herself – a woman who owns her identity and isn't afraid to laugh at life's peculiarities.

One of the satisfying aspects of Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty is Feimster's ability to turn the lens on society. Drawing out the humor in everyday instances while also subtly challenging the viewer's perspectives on issues such as sexuality, gender expectations, and the media’s representation of different body types. The result is a performance that strikes a balance between making you think and making you laugh heartily.

The comedy special is infused with Feimster's lighthearted and jovial spirit, but it also reflects her resilience in the face of adversity and her growth as an individual. As she walks the audience through her life, she tactfully brings to light the ups and downs that have shaped her journey. The final product is a comedy special that feels incredibly human and refreshingly real, punctuated with bursts of laughter and moments of poignant recognition.

Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty is a must-watch for any comedy buff, offering the perfect blend of humor, story-telling, and a protagonist who is as real as they come. The audience gets to experience an arc of authentic self-discovery delivered with candor and high energy through Feimster’s unique comedic style. This celebrated comedy special is not only a fun ride through Feimster’s life but also an exploration of self-love, acceptance, and the funnier corners of the human condition. It’s not just sweet and salty, but also refreshingly thought-provoking. Watching it, you might find yourself laughing one moment and quietly reflecting the next, and that’s what makes this stand-up show a genuinely enjoyable journey.