Have You Seen This?

June 23, 2021 2:32 pm Published by Carrie Buchanan

I admit, I had no idea who Bo Burnham was until my son shared a post on social media about this new special he watched that he was able to relate to on a personal level.

I’m really not sure how to describe it. That’s what Wikipedia is for I guess.

“Recorded in his home during the COVID-19 pandemic without a crew or audience, it was released on Netflix on May 30, 2021. It features a variety of songs and sketches about his day-to-day life indoors; he depicts his deteriorating mental health and explores themes of performativity and his relationship to his audience. Other songs are about internet activities including calling one’s mother on FaceTime, taking photos for Instagram, and video game streaming.”

My oldest daughter started watching it last night, saying everyone was talking about it on TikTok, so I sat with her.

The reality of how hard this pandemic has been on some people, especially when it comes to mental health hit home pretty hard. I thought of my son, who has been on his own in Calgary. So far away from family, and kept away from his friends and a job he loves in the theatre industry.

I thought the talent of this man was incredible. Music, comedy, and everything with a message. Making us aware of our lives online. What is really important. What do we believe about people?

So interesting.

And when it was over I started watching his other specials available on Netflix.

It will make you think. It will make you laugh. And if you watch with your kids, it could make you a bit uncomfortable a few times.

But I encourage you to watch and let me know what you think.

cbuchanan@blackburnradio.com