Watch Patton Oswalt: Annihilation

Patton Oswalt: Annihilation is a stand-up comedy special that premiered on Netflix in 2017. It features comedian Patton Oswalt performing his latest and most personal material at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. The special begins with Oswalt reflecting on his recent struggles with grief and loss, specifically the untimely death of his wife, true crime writer Michelle McNamara. Oswalt's honesty and vulnerability set the tone for the entire performance, as he uses humor to process his pain and share his experiences with the audience.

Throughout the special, Oswalt covers a wide range of topics, from the absurdity of modern technology to the absurdity of politics. He also delves into more personal stories, like his upbringing in Virginia and his first experiences with stand-up comedy. One notable bit involves Oswalt examining the difference between "geek culture" and "nerd culture," and the way certain fandoms can consume and define a person's identity.

The material in Annihilation is some of Oswalt's most mature, introspective work yet. While he's still a master of observational comedy, his jokes feel less like zingers and more like thoughtful meditations on the human experience. He's not afraid to tackle heavier subjects, like mortality and loss, but he's also able to find humor and levity in them. His musings on grief, in particular, are both poignant and funny, as he candidly talks about the ways he's tried to cope with his wife's death.

The special is filmed in a relatively simple manner, with Oswalt standing onstage in front of a red curtain. The focus is squarely on his performance and his words, and there are few distractions or gimmicks. However, the simplicity works in Oswalt's favor, as it allows his material to be the star of the show.

Overall, Patton Oswalt: Annihilation is a powerful and moving piece of stand-up comedy. Oswalt is a master of his craft, and he's able to wring both laughs and tears from his audience with his personal, insightful material. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, honest comedy.