Solitary Confinement, But Make it Art

 

In the new comedy special, Bo delivers one of the rawest, terrifying, and fantastical performances of his career. During the opening scene, we as the audience are introduced in a somewhat somber and eerie way to “the stage”. That being, a room with a chair, keyboard, and microphone. The tone with which Bo presents himself is both comedic yet fragile. A precursor to the chaos to come.

What follows is a hauntingly accurate portrayal of being human during the pandemic. Burnham has refined his unique brand of storytelling to share a disturbing yet comical look at his mental health amidst the pandemic.

With incredible musical performances like the relatable “Facetime with my Mom”, the hilarious vain satire of  “White Woman’s Instagram”, and the uproarious look at modern relationships in “Sexting” set the incredible comedic highs of the special. While in juxtaposition, the  darker half of the special gives us his more raw and hair-raising songs like “Look Who’s Inside Again” where the comic sings about his insecurity while writing the special. Then we have the dark truth of how the internet is used in “Welcome to the Internet” from musings of the dark web to making fun of BuzzFeed articles. And my personal favorites, “All eyes on Me” and “Good-Bye” work to beautifully usher in the closing act of the special to dazzling and electrifying sensations of satisfaction.

Intimacy is something that can be portrayed and received in a multitude of ways. “Inside” is Bo’s most personal attempt to share both his struggle with mental health and the all too familiar burnout we all feel in our homes during these turbulent and confusing times. In short, do yourself a favor and watch perhaps one of the best experiences to come out of not just the pandemic, but Bo Burnham’s career. Inside is available to stream on Netflix.