After a break of six long years with no live performances, fans worldwide were psyched when Bo Burnham announced the release of his comedy special in May 2021.
“Inside” is a comedy special directed, written, filmed, edited by, and starring Bo Burnham. The whole film is taped inside his home during the COVID-19 without a crew or audience.
Since its release, social media sites have been flooded with reactions to this comedy special, claiming it to be a masterpiece. The film’s songs have the viewers hooked, and obliviously, one may find oneself repeating the lyrics.
Inside (The Songs) is now available as an album. hope you enjoy. https://t.co/5Ht5c7QYYh
— Bo Burnham (@boburnham) June 10, 2021
The epic “cinematic selfie” by Bo Burnham nabs a rating of 8.9/10 IMBD rating and a gush of positive reviews all over the internet. Without a smidgen of doubt, Bo Burnham has indeed made a spectacular comeback with his special. “Inside” is a whirlwind of emotions wrapped up in a 90-minute long film.
According to the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, “Inside is a beautifully bleak, hilariously hopeful special from Bo Burnham.”
In the special, Burnham tackles topics like life, death, hypocrisy and mental illness. Burnham performs in a single room, without a crew or audience, giving timely updates about the days that passed while working on this special. One can notice his hair and beard growing throughout the film. The film showcases an exceptional range involving drama, comedy, and emotions. The first half of the show gives the audience fits of laughter; the second will have them close to tears, grabbing for tissues.
The 90-minute long special is a non-chronological record of the days in Burnham’s life. It starts on a positive note with a song — a promise to “heal the world with comedy”, reflecting on his ‘white-savior complex’.
The show also involves Burnham turning 30 and an intense yet light debate about geopolitics with a sock puppet. There is a repetitive commentary by the host on the footage of his previous scenes. The highlight of the special is its songs which include commentary on topics like the similarities between white women’s Instagrams, Jeff Bezos, and digital isolation.
Burnham also reveals why he stepped away from comedy five years ago; he started suffering from severe panic attacks on stage. However, his mental health had improved since January 2020, enough for him to return. But then, according to him, “the funniest thing happened”, referring to the world being struck with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The show ends on a sarcastic note with him singing, “I promise to never leave this room”; a statement made in an atmosphere that will definitely leave you sitting at the edge of your seat wondering as to ‘will he?’.
You can now stream “Inside” by Bo Burnham on Netflix.
