#FIRSTLOOK: “LIFE & BETH”

Amy Schumer not only stars in, but writes, directs and produces new Series LIFE & BETH. The ten episode Series centers on its titular character (Schumer), who is grappling with some deeply-rooted unhappiness. She works for a wine distribution company and is up for a promotion, about to get married to Matt (Kevin Kane). After a loss, she finds herself trying to navigate grief, deciding to head back to Long Island for work, breaking things off with Matt. She soon meets a farmer named John (Michael Cera) at a vineyard she represents, and she begins to re-evaluate her life.

LIFE & BETH isn’t necessarily what you’d expect of Schumer. The Series is actually surprisingly subtle and perhaps her most mature work to date. At 30 minutes each, the story takes a few episodes to figure where it’s going as we go between present and flashbacks to Beth‘s adolescent self, played by Violet Young. Before you know it, you are drawn-in to her world and all these new relationships she’s forming.

The humour isn’t hysterical, and in fact LIFE & BETH feels more like a Dramedy than Comedy. Its jokes often coming from Beth‘s constant feeling like a fish out of water, and the fact that the wine company she works for sounds like “Keurig” – which everyone seems to confuse everyone – as she goes on this journey back to herself again.

If you’re willing to invest your time this Series, it’ll reward you with its heart and message of forgiveness. LIFE & BETH streams now on Disney+ via its Star banner.