Hannah Gadsby: Nanette

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette is an extraordinarily powerful one-woman show that made waves in the world of comedy, despite its 2018 release having been originally touted as the Australian comedian's farewell to comedy. Directed by Madeleine Parry and Jon Olb, who expertly captured Gadsby’s electric stage presence, the film is a Netflix Original and was made available on the streaming platform soon after the live show's critical success. It builds on Gadsby's decade-long career in stand-up comedy and slices effortlessly through its genre confines, proving to be so much more than just a comedy special.

The program derives its name, "Nanette," from a woman Gadsby thought she might build an entire comedy show around but later changed her mind. Nanette is an embodiment of the multiple possibilities in Gadsby's narrative, representing the comic's departure from the usual path of comedy and an exploration of her deepest thoughts, experiences, and insights. It symbolizes her breakout from not just her comfort zone but from everyone else's expectation of what a stand-up act should be.

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette is wildly entertaining, but it also packs an emotional punch unmatched by standard comedy shows. Gadsby combines elements of traditional stand-up with the raw honesty of a heart-rending memoir, tackling intense subjects like homophobia, gender, childhood trauma, and the societal pressures of fitting into preconceived notions of identity. By weaving comedy, storytelling, and social commentary, she manages to challenge the very core of comedy's purpose, turning it into a platform for a profound and potent discourse on societal issues.

Gadsby flavors her performance with the usual humor one would expect from a seasoned comedian, drawing in the audience with her innate ability to weave stories effortlessly. However, as she sprinkles her gripping narrative with laughter, she also deconstructs comedy and reconstructs it into something different. She uses her gift of storytelling to expose the cracks in the system, commenting on everything from popular culture to the art world's sexism, all with razor-sharp wit and precision.

As the film progresses, the tone shifts noticeably. Gadsby takes us through her journey of self-discovery, dealing with her sexuality in an intolerant society, and her struggle with mental health. Her courage in opening up about these personal and difficult topics is where the film derives its true power, turning the comedy stage into a space for candid and thought-provoking discussions.

The film also navigates the theme of self-deprecation, a common tool in the comedian's arsenal. Gadsby, however, rejects this approach, arguing that it contributes to the culture of humiliation and belittling, thereby maintaining status quo issues in society. She's critical of using comedy as an outlet for barely concealed pain and trauma, insisting that some stories are too important to be reduced to a punchline.

Hannah Gadsby, with her unique style of incisive humor and considered storytelling, brings a sense of authenticity and keen observational skills to the stage. Her stage persona is one of strength, vulnerability and, most importantly, relatability. She creates an environment where laughter isn't just spontaneous, but a thoughtful reaction to the world around us.

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette is thought-provoking, moving, and emotionally raw, blurring the lines between comedy and commentary. Gadsby's extraordinary talent to bring humor in the most unexpected ways, combined with her ability to openly discuss personal and societal issues, results in a film that is not only a masterstroke in stand-up performance but also a powerful discussion piece on identity, self-worth, and social change. If you're looking for a comedy show that breaks the mold and makes you think even after the laughter subsides, Hannah Gadsby: Nanette is an absolute must-watch.