MovieChat Forums > After Life (2019) Discussion > This is really good. It is more than a c...

This is really good. It is more than a comedy though, so enter with caution.

posted 6 years ago by UpSideSunny (104)
26 replies | jump to latest

I loved this show. I just want to get that out of the way, because although I do have some minor complaints, I haven't watched something this good from Netlix in a very long time.

This is a dark comedy mixed with some very effective drama. It is funny at times, and at others is really deep and thought provoking. This isn't a "let's have a beer and watch a comedy" type of movie. So just be warned. It take a serious look at depression, suicide, self-abuse (non-physical), and turns around some very effective writing by Ricky Gervais, who is both the writer and director.

It is so refreshing to see something as serious as the loss of a loved-one being treated with such grace. And this show has grace. It is being shown via trailers as being a comedy, but it is so much more. I would argue the comedic element is the least of its appeal.

I would call this an experience, and it is one that will take you through an emotional roller-coaster, but rest assured it will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy afterwards. This is a gem that I will recommend to anyone that enjoys Ricky Gervais's work.

I'm not going to go into my minor complaints with editing and so forth, simply because this is a show about narrative, and the narrative is very effectively conveyed. I just want to say that it was hilarious to me how Sandy, portrayed by Mandeep Dhillon, had the same type of reaction shot throughout the show. The shot is her looking confused, and then turning her gaze from one side to the other. For about 3 episodes that is how much you see of her - looking from one side to the other. When you watch the show you will see what I mean.

I don't know what else to say really. If you read my other reviews you will note I very easily criticize, however with this one I feel I do not want to. I was a little confused by it having been promoted as a comedy whilst I was watching it, but I am not going to hold the advertising against this gem.

Just a last note, as I mentioned it tackles some very serious issues, so if you are experiencing the loss of a loved-one, or suicidal thoughts, you might not appreciate the dark humor in this.

[–] domremy (60) 6 years ago

You have written a fantastic review and I totally agree with you.

Sandy reminded me a little bit of Martin Freeman’s character in The Office.

In my opinion this is Ricky’s best work since The Office and I’m 100% sure this will be picked up for an American remake. The themes that you have written about are universal. I just wonder who would play Tony? Lol

I wonder if there will be a second season. The first season ended quite well and could stand on its own.

[–] leader (1959) 6 years ago

Interesting review, not what I expected. The trailer for this was a turn-off for me. Made it seem like the show is just about a guy walking around being a jerk to everyone. (that's been done about 900 times by now). Is it really like that?

[–] Kazak (2187) 6 years ago

It is, but you see that the character actually does have troubling motivations for his anti-social behaviors, and that the character does grow in the span of the series.

[–] catsidhe (1649) 6 years ago

I loved it too.

[–] Caliblack (47) 6 years ago

Thanks for the review, I was looking for a new series last night and almost started this one. I'll have to check it out.

[–] delac147 (116) 6 years ago

I was going to write a review, but you just made it for me.

This show is deep in a way I was not expecting, it really touches on pressing issues in a way that is indeed provoking without making the show a hardcore drama - thanks to Gervais dark sense of humour and his smart writing.

Loved the show, however, I am not sure it needs another season I believe the story has been told - how a man that lost his soulmate at middle age can go on with his life and find it a propose again. For me, the show is an 8.5/10

Btw loved your last sentence, which is quite lovely of you and spot on.

To add something as well, how bloody cute is his dog? OMG.

[–] Kazak (2187) 6 years ago

What kind of dog was that? It looked like a German Shepherd, but with an alternate coloring maybe?

[–] delac147 (116) 6 years ago

I honestly have no idea, I am clueless when it comes to dog breeds...

[–] greenbudgie (2355) 5 years ago

Brandy is a German Shepherd. At least I am convinced enough to put this TV series poster on my IMDb 'They've got a German Shepherd' list. Some German Shepherds do have that dark look like Brandy. The dog playing Brandy is Anti who hasn't been in anything else on TV or film.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (6358) 2 years ago

Wonder if it's just Ricky's personal dog...

[–] greenbudgie (2355) 2 years ago

I haven't heard if Anti is his personal pet. I would think someone would have noted it on IMDb Trivia by now if that were the case.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (6358) 2 years ago

Apparently he has a cat, instead.
https://woofrepublic.com/blog/ricky-gervais-his-furry-co-star-on-netflixs-after-life#:~:text=Gervais%20noted%20that%20while%20he,me%20up%20for%20the%20day.

[–] greenbudgie (2355) 2 years ago

I enjoyed reading that on that link. That's a good article and a good site to visit.

[–] MCGarten (8) 6 years ago

yes, agree completely -- lovely series -- cried all the way through -- spoke to the heart

I dragged it out over several nights because I just didn't want it to end -- same way I didn't want Derek to end.

And I thought Sandy sort of personified all of us, watching quietly, trying to understand...

[–] Knish (1721) 6 years ago

It was good but the last episode was awful, too sentimental like Derek.

Other then that, interesting and really funny at times.

[–] exatera (3953) 5 years ago

That's how I felt - and all that sermonizing in the end got to be a bit much, and the amends-making - too saccharine. The writing just didn't ring true to me, especially coming from someone as caustic as Gervais.

Nor did his acting in those scenes, for that matter.

For the most part the show wasn't bad though, I just think it's a bit overrated. I'd give it maybe 7 - 7.5 out of 10, not 8.5 that it currently has on IMDB.

[–] Rose Dickens (55) 6 years ago

Great review! I really enjoy the show. It is so touching specially if you've lost a loved one. It may be dramatic, dark and deal with sad themes, but I never feel upset after watching it. Great writing, something rare these days, and wonderful performances.