Therapy is a safe space, so most people don’t share what they discuss in their sessions with the world. But with comedians, Group TherapyBut there’s one razor-sharp hook to this documentary: The film, which will premiere at the 2024 TriBeCa Film Festival, explores the dynamics of comedians in a unique way: the comedians themselves ask and answer the questions for each other.
Group Therapy This film sits you down for a discussion you would never get to hear otherwise. Not every documentary can boast that, but this film has it in its true favor. Comedy fans will get the most out of this film, as well as those who feel strongly about mental health issues, but everyone will find something to latch onto. That’s a small win, at least for me.
The documentary is essentially a group therapy session. Neil Patrick HarrisHe’s basically hosting a debate with comedians. Mike Birbiglia, Nicole Byer, Gary Gulman, London Hughes, Tig Notaroand Atsuko OkazukaBelow, we look at mental health challenges, comedy, and how the two have intersected in their lives — the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Each comedian has a chance to talk about their backgrounds and the issues they’ve faced, and we see some of their best work on screen. There’s also back and forth between them all, as they find relatable moments that permeate every moment of their formative years. It may sound simple, and it certainly sounds simple, but it’s equally funny and enlightening.
It is clearly fascinating to watch this group; Group TherapyMike Birbiglia, Nicole Byer, Gary Gallman, London Hughes, Tig Notaro, and Atsuko Okatsuka have all grown up with their differences and commonalities, but hearing how they’ve overcome obstacles can be inspiring. They’re all so funny, it doesn’t get too heavy. Neil Patrick Harris feels out of place, but having some sort of moderator wouldn’t be a bad idea; it’s just not necessary here.
Film director Neil Berkeley Berkeley has explored comedy before and is strong on the subject, and aside from the slightly odd inclusion of Harris, Berkeley is pressing the right buttons here. Group TherapyLetting comedians take the lead allows for moments and topics that wouldn’t be available in a pure interview or commentary situation, and the inclusive environment allows for welcome dialogue.
Group Therapy is not a documentary that reinvents the wheel. But it is one that comedy fans will enjoy greatly. It is pretty enlightening to not only listen to your favorite comedians, but to hear and see them discuss private matters. Maybe this will be the kind of piece of work that brings some good to the world with the Tribeca title. If so, that will definitely be an added bonus.
Score: ★★★
