This post deals with themes of self harm and suicide and may be triggering to some viewers.
The word heartbreaking might be a grossly over-used term to describe anything moderately sad, but there’s no better word for Netflix’s latest series, After Life.
The Ricky Gervais directed and produced six-part dark comedy series is about a suicidal widower named Tony Johnson, who is also played by Gervais.
Tony is a cynical, angry and cruel man, who after losing his wife (and soulmate) Lisa, has resorted to living his life without a filter. At times he can be heartlessly and unnecessarily cruel, but it’s all redeemed by the love he had for Lisa, which we’re shown through a series of flashbacks in Lisa’s 13 Reason’s Why esque post-mortem, video message which she leaves for him.
Watch the heartbreakingly funny trailer for Netflix’s After Life here:
While every episode is filled with Gervais-renowned moments of sarcastic gold and comedic absurdity, they’re shared with raw, poignant and existential observations of death and grief.
There’s a particular moment Tony shares with a junior journalist at the local paper, that gives a passing glimpse into the kind of anguish he’s in.
“It’s not a waste of time, you working here. It is a good stepping stone and you can go on and do anything you want,” he says to her.
“I didn’t, because I didn’t want it. I didn’t do over time, try and get promoted or get a a better job in a better town, I just wanted to get home every night and spend every available minute I could with Lisa.
“And I made the right decision.”
The show is peppered with multiple moments like these.
From start to finish, After Life spans just three hours and you can, and will want to, binge the series in its entirety. Despite this, the scenes, quips and pieces of irreverent wisdoms will stick with you long after.
Tony handles the passing of his wife in the least graceful way possible. He's no martyr to his grief and it's this unflinching and honest portrayal of hurt, anger and gradual hope that's resonated with audiences.
Here's just some of the praise the show has garnered from fans on Twitter alone:
Have you watched After Life? What did you think of the show? Tell us in a comment below.
If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner or in Australia, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 for support or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.
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Top Comments
I've watched the first four episodes and it's so very well done.
Gervais can be an absolute master at this sort of stuff. In his other films / tv series I've both laughed hysterically and cried like a baby.
100% worth a watch.
I just don't find him funny.
Hated him in the Office and Extras.
Should probably give his stand up a go though, at least that's not a character (per se).
In those TV shows he comes across as really awkward, that's the character he's playing, and the shows are meant to be about the second hand embarrassment you feel for him. The character he plays in 'Afterlife' is a very different one.
Also very different kettle of fish in his stand up. I recommend giving 'Animals' a go. It's 10 years old or so, but hysterically funny and very smart.
I'm not a fan of those cringe inducing comedies. Didn't like Mr Bean for the same reason.
Fair enough, I'll have to give it a go.
This is an incredible series and we've watched 5 episodes so far.
One to go.
I have an old friend who has been working with Ricky since "The Office" days including this series and he loves his job. His admiration for Ricky Gervais is genuine.
Ricky's other projects and his stand-up work are full to the brim with intelligence & heart.
Don't let his "caustic quips" fool you into thinking that he's actually a mean-spirited, hateful C#NT.
If extreme language bothers you to the point that it blinds you to the message - maybe the problem is in you.
"The Invention of Lying" is one of my favorite films by Ricky who is an acknowledged Atheist...........it's very funny and full of clarity.
"Derek" is a beautiful series where Ricky's simple & innocent character is set against some graphic language and more extreme characters.
"Extras" is hilarious and particularly interesting to any struggling actor/writer who's ever done extra-work in films & TV.
I personally know of his genuine kindness so his Anti-Animal Cruelty work comes as no surprise to me.
It takes real courage to take a stand against those who feel entitled to harm & exploit innocent, vulnerable animals .
I really enjoyed Derek. Some of it was hilarious, some of it made me bawl my eyes out.