4/5
Silver Linings.
63 Mins. Starring: Sarah Silverman. Announcer: Steve Martin. Director: Sarah Silverman. On: Netflix.
Ronny Chieng said it best on his 2022 Netflix 'Speakeasy' special. "Who reviews stand-up comedy?" And yes, I did it then, referencing this (again), and on his latest special, last year, 'Love To Hate It'. The only thing worse would be to review something that deals with grief, but look what I'm doing now. But then again, it's not like I'm a real reviewer. I'm just a blogger, deciding whether I should review Snoop Dogg albums or not, because of the inaugurations he performs at, only to review Springsteen EP's that take on Trump the very next day. And to think I almost called Snoop a sellout. We're getting off-topic here, and case in point, nobody gives a f###. Not even both the people who read my work (oh God, he just called it, "work"). What you should care about is this stunning Sarah Silverman special on Netflix, which is more than a joke now.
'PostMortem' deals with the death of her dad and stepmom, and her loving mother, eight years earlier. Its pathos is exactly the catharsis you need if you are going through, or worrying about the same, or if you're dealing with any sort of punctuated pain that requires a few punchlines to dull its hits. One of the funniest people on the planet, and the sharpest comic, Sarah Silverman has been on more late night live shows with John Mulaney than she has been in her own Netflix specials (although HBO did give us the Emmy winning 'Miracles' (2013) and the Golden Globe getting 'Someone You Love' (2023)). From 'Everybody's In LA', to 'Everybody's Live'. Yet, her first N special in almost a decade, since 2017's spectacular 'A Speck Of Dust' that dealt with her own health problems, will really move and soothe you like Japanese Breakfast singer Michelle Zuaner's 'Crying In H Mart' book (that's about to be turned into a movie) did.
Announced by 'Only Murders In The Building' star and classic comic, Steve Martin, this 'PostMortem' was filmed in New York's legendary Beacon Theatre. As Sarah is about to take to the stage, warming up her vocal cords like 'Anchorman' Ron Burgundy, she sees a picture of Jerry Seinfeld, then says "what's up" to one of Ali Wong. Legendary company. Then she sees her Dad and stepmom in another photo frame. Or is that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler? That energy doesn't leave for the rest of the night, as Silverman's parents are with her through the entire show. All the way to the beautiful family album in the closing credits, featuring a hilarious and heartfelt visit from friend and king of the roasts, Jeff Ross. Right there. Even if her pop binge's Wong's 'Beef' on Netflix without her. And if you think that's a good promotion, you should read his review about his dentist. Far better than anything I can take a bite out of. Five stars to the G.O.A.T., Bean.
Sarah's legendary dark humour and straight talk, and the people we now see she got it from, keeps this sobering special, light and lovely, even engulfed in grief. She sees the beauty in those precious last moments, all the way down to wiping the backside of someone who once did the same for you. In a way, that's beautiful. Even though there's no joy in this, except reminiscing about the ones you were lucky to share your life with. On the verge of visibly choking up at times, mostly with bittersweet happy tears, Sarah gets through this undeterred, and in turn, helps us all in the process. Feeding off of the energy of the crowd, and vice versa. Not to mention the energy of some special people who never really left the room...like a trusty fart. The 'PostMortem' of this relatable special is that it is more than just a compelling coping mechanism, disguised as dark humour. It's actually a beautiful love letter to two people who helped make this individual one of a kind. Oy! TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming...and reading: Sarah Silverman - 'A Speck Of Dust', 'Everybody's Live With John Mulaney', Michelle Zauner - 'Crying In H Mart'.
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