The new Netflix comedy Love, created by Judd Apatow, continues to raise the bar for Netflix originals. The show provides casual commentary on modern relationships and finds humor in even the most commonplace of activities. What makes the comedy stand out, though, is its ability to relate to everyday life, allowing the audience to connect with the situations presented. Love excels at creating comedy that appeals to men and women alike without alienating either gender. Each episode bleeds into the next, transforming a 10-episode season into a marathon of laughs.
The comedy centers upon the relationship between Mickey (Gillian Jacobs) and Gus (Paul Rust) as they traverse the trials and tribulations of a modern day romance. Their relationship blossoms and continues to develop throughout the series, as each brings their own comedic stylings to the table. Both Jacobs and Rust prove to be comedic forces, each with separate but equally inspiring performances. Jacobs’ performance as Mickey, a hopeless train wreck, is both honest and endearing, while Rust’s Gus serves as a lovable and awkwardly funny dork. Each brings out the other’s strengths, generating humor through their chemistry.
In a lot of ways, Love resembles many of Judd Apaotw’s previous works. The awkward characters paired with witty and intelligent dialogue have become commonplace for the director and creator. However, his films often center on one character and fail to bring about a complete picture of the relationships. Love proves to be an exception as it succeeds in creating a complete narrative of each side of the relationships. Throughout their adventures, Mickey and Gus continue to forge on with distinct and unique voices. The wholesome approach is refreshing in a culture dominated by programming geared more towards men or more towards women. Love is uniquely able to appeal to a wide audience, drawing viewers of both genders into its endearing tale.
