Pete Davidson: SMD

Pete Davidson: SMD is a stand-up comedy special by the versatile comedian and Saturday Night Live cast member, Pete Davidson. Released in 2016, the film provides a glimpse into Davidson's brilliant, controversial comedic prowess. The film showcases Davidson in a personal, intimate light as he leverages a range of narratives built around his own life and experiences, poking fun at the absurdity of reality through humor and wit.

The title of the film itself is an exploration of irreverent humor, an acronym for his father's name, Scott Matthew Davidson – a tidbit that adds a layer of introspective depth to the comedy of the film. Davidson's father, a New York City firefighter, lost his life in the September 11 attacks, and Davidson's comic persona leans heavily into his personal story and his path to resilience, utilizing tragedy as a source of comedic material.

Filmed in his native town, New York City, at the Skirball Center, the close to an hour-long high-energy performance provides a raw vibe that connects with the audience. His straightforward delivery brings a charm that's entirely his own. The film starts with a short discussion about his father’s demise in the 9/11 incident, marking a dramatic beginning. While it might appear as a somber topic to start a comedy show, Davidson's ability to find humor in adversity is an integral part of his allure, allowing the audience to laugh without feeling guilty about it.

The film covers a diaspora of topics starting from his childhood, relationships, drugs, society's perceptions to politics, and more. His comedy style is provocative and daring, that embarks on subjects others might shy away from. Davidson pokes fun at himself, and at the society he grew up in, with each joke becoming a moment of introspective reflection and honesty wrapped in humor.

Pete Davidson: SMD serves as an exercise in how to address personal tragedies, social issues, and everyday life through comedy. His jokes meticulously weave in observations about his own life, showing an uncensored version of his thoughts and experiences. He jokes about his experiences as a young adult in Staten Island and his adventures and misadventures with marijuana. Throughout the performance, Davidson masterfully shifts tone, providing insightful commentary on his life hardships presented with a levity that is oddly refreshing.

One pillaring strength of SMD is the comedian's brutal transparency about his struggle with mental health. He uses comedy as a tool to share his experiences dealing with depression, anxiety, and the grief over his father’s death, offering a unique perspective on the taboos surrounding mental health discussions. He elucidates this struggle with humor, making the audience both think and laugh.

Davidson’s open discussion about his own mental health issues doesn’t only create a bonding experience with his viewers but also helps in raising awareness about the importance of mental health; a subject often under-discussed. His biting humor, unexpected punchlines, and profoundly honest narratives all lead to a stand-up act that is as thought-provoking as it is hilarious, making Pete Davidson: SMD a must-watch for comedy lovers.

Pete Davidson: SMD is an excellent showcase of Davidson's comedic genius, his undying courage to address sensitive topics with humor, and his ability to connect with a varied audience. His dynamic stage presence, comedic timing, and infectious personality shine throughout this film. The movie offers much more than just laughs; it provides Davidson's marked bittersweet connection to his father, his sanity, society, and the strange ways of life, making one feel like they're having a one-on-one conversation, albeit a hilarious one, with the young comedian.

While this film might not be a conventionally comfortable watch for everyone due to the explicit content, Pete Davidson: SMD is undoubtedly an unfiltered, trenchant, and insightful comedic presentation. Ultimately, Davidson's stand-up performance is both an homage to his past and a testament to his thriving in the face of adversity. Fearlessly funny and earnest in its delivery, Pete Davidson: SMD offers viewers an impactful cinematic experience filled with insightful humor and authenticity.