Watch Jenny Slate: Stage Fright

Jenny Slate: Stage Fright is a 2019 comedy documentary film starring, and written by, actress and comedian Jenny Slate. The film premiered on Netflix in October 2019 and is directed by Gillian Robespierre, with whom Slate has previously worked on the films Obvious Child and Landline. The film is structured as a combination of stand-up comedy performance and behind-the-scenes documentary footage. The performance takes place in a small theater in Slate's hometown of Milton, Massachusetts, where she performs an hour-long set of material that ranges from anecdotes about her childhood to observations about the current political climate.

Interwoven with the performance footage are interviews with Slate, her family, and her friends. These interviews provide insight into her upbringing and personal life, as well as her career trajectory and creative process. There are also brief interludes of Slate performing sketches and pieces of original music.

The documentary footage offers a glimpse into Slate's offstage life, as she prepares for the performance by meeting with family and friends, visiting her childhood home, and rehearsing with her band. In these moments, the film highlights the personal connections that inform Slate's comedy and the deep roots she has in her hometown community.

Throughout the film, Slate is candid and unabashedly herself, making jokes about everything from her period to her fears about aging. Her humor is often self-deprecating, but also thoughtful and insightful. She touches on topics like the #MeToo movement and the intersectionality of race and gender, while also sharing intimate details about her personal life and relationships.

One recurring theme in the film is Slate's anxiety, which is the source of the title Stage Fright. She is open about her struggles with anxiety and the challenges of performing live, and the film offers a nuanced portrayal of the ways in which anxiety can both hinder and fuel creativity.

Another notable aspect of the film is its sense of intimacy. The small theater where Slate performs creates a sense of closeness between her and the audience, and the interviews with her family and friends feel like unguarded conversations. The documentary footage, too, captures candid moments of Slate interacting with her loved ones and reflecting on her past.

Overall, Jenny Slate: Stage Fright is a charming and funny film that offers an insightful and personal portrait of its star. It showcases Slate's comedic talents and her thoughtful approach to the craft, while also delving into the underlying anxieties and personal connections that inform her work. Fans of Slate's previous work, as well as newcomers to her comedy, will find much to enjoy in this film.