Friday, June 14, 2024

Ariela Rubin on GROUP THERAPY (2024) Tribeca 2024


Group Therapy is a documentary where Neil Patrick Harris is a moderator, and brings together six comedians, Mike Birbiglia, Nicole Byer, Gary Gulman, London Hughes, Tig Notaro, and Atsuko Okatsuka, who come together to discuss mental health and comedy. 

What I loved about the film was the overall message that you are not alone. It helps destigmatize mental health as we get to hear these comedians talk about their struggles.

I wasn't familiar with most of the comedians, but I enjoyed hearing all their stories. All of their different personalities captivated me to where I now want to check out their acts.

My only two criticisms are that I wish it went a bit deeper. I did get teary once, during a part where Gary Gullman shared his personal story of depression, but I think in general, I expected to feel more. If anything, I laughed more than I expected to, which I guess considering they're comedians isn't the strangest thing. My other criticism is that I found it strange that they filmed this in front of a live audience. I didn't see the point, and it didn't add anything to the film for me. I enjoyed the one on one interviews, and the chats the comedians had with each other backstage more. I can't help but wonder if there wasn't a live audience in front of them if those scenes would have been more meaningful.

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