Why You Need to Watch Hannah Gadsby’s ‘Nanette’
This Netflix special takes a hard look at vulnerability, defying the norm, and toxic masculinity.
With so much content available on streaming services these days, it can be easy to scroll right past movies, shows, and performances that you might otherwise love; content with the right mix of light-hearted comedy, and apt social deconstruction; content like Australian comic Hannah Gadsby’s new comedy special Nanette.
Gadsby has been in the business of comedy for a long time, and she mentions her tenure throughout her set, as well as why she must leave the genre. Even if you haven’t heard of her before, you likely won’t be able to get her voice out of your ears after viewing this particular performance.
She begins her comedy special how all comedy specials begin; with comedy. She cracks a few jokes about her childhood, then moves into her sexuality, then schooling, all the while sprinkling in small bits about the role of comedy in her life and the resulting dynamic.
Things take a turn for the serious when Gadsby begins to stray from the humorous nature of the act. She becomes more stoic as her light-hearted commentary evolves into a powerful call to action. Like a meticulous spider weaving her web, Gadsby pulls her jokes to the forefront in a scathing monologue in which she denounces toxic masculinity, embraces her sensitivity, and implores her audience to rediscover their humanity.
She exits the stage at the end of the show, returning only to address the standing ovation she’s earned and shed a single, momentous tear.
