In the repository of comedy specials, Mae Martin’s is unique because they address the gender question and don’t make it uncomfortable. The Mae Martin: SAP review shares how the comedian makes even their mundane thoughts the most interesting and thoughtful commentary about the world. This special is directed by Abbi Jackson and written, performed and executive produced by Mae Martin.
-Mae Martin: SAP Review Does Not Contain Spoilers-
The way most people think of comedy is a conversation, and Mae Martin decided to do exactly that. They centred their stories and their experiences around the idea that they would be constructing a special by making it mostly anecdotal and personal. It is a fantastic concept and really makes the special come full circle. All the seeds planted in the beginning come to fruition in the end.
While Martin has done exceptionally well constructing stories individually, they haven’t created a strong enough throughline for all the stories to connect. Even though the last bit somewhat ties up the loose ends, it still feels like the special could have had a narrative polestar for the comedian to come back to. They have mastered the ability to anthropomorphise certain human experiences through fun characters, which really adds layers to their performance.
They don’t occupy the stage space much and set the scene for a dialogue and a conversation more than anything. Spilling their deepest, most absurd thoughts to a group of people, so it makes sense, is a very vulnerable place to be, especially as someone who needs to make people laugh during a performance. It must be noted that the writer has been spoiled by some well-constructed specials with deep-rooted storylines, so this special feels less like a comedy event and more like a small intimate show in a cafe with a few people.
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However, Martin has truly established themselves as an artist who is ready to strip down embarrassing experiences of their life, let them live on stage, make us feel the secondhand embarrassment and then laugh too at the end. There were some stories that truly set the tone for what they were going for, and it made the viewing experience fun. Their epiphanies and their insights about the human experience are what truly set them apart from other comedians.
Throughout the special, their personality seeps out to the audience in waves. We feel all that is happening to them because they have made themselves so accessible through the story. We know what their responses would be like, and the anticipation creates a joyful experience in the special. It must be admitted that Mae Martin is significantly better in their other short comedy stints doing a few bits. Their strengths lie in telling concise and interesting stories about their life.
Mae Martin: SAP: Final Thoughts
This special is so special for people in the queer community, especially those who identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming or transgender. When most comedians are trying to talk about people they either don’t understand or don’t think about, Mae Martin decides to put themselves right in front of the fire.
Moreover, using the most bizarre examples to talk about the gender spectrum is peak queer behaviour and perhaps one of the show’s most interesting aspects. (The Bar story is second to nothing). Understanding Mae Martin’s humour takes a few seconds to click because they have a very strong personal brand that is working very well for them.
It is about building community but also being wholly open to life experiences that would make a good story someday. Mae Martin manages to somehow live life like a nomad who then shares their stories with us.
Mae Martin SAP is currently streaming on Netflix. What did you think was the funniest anecdote in this special? Let us know in the comments below.