Comedian Matt Rife’s Netflix special, “Natural Selection,” showcases his defensive stance towards his audience and his struggle to find his comedic voice, resulting in a lackluster performance.
Matt Rife’s Netflix special, “Natural Selection,” opens with a controversial joke about domestic violence, setting the tone for the rest of the hour. Rife adopts a defensive stance throughout the show, questioning whether the audience will be receptive to his humor. As a young comedian who gained fame through social media, Rife grapples with the expectations of his fan base. However, the special falls short, with half-hearted dick jokes and a misguided attempt to address online haters.
Uninspiring Dick Jokes as a Safe Haven
Rife’s comedy relies heavily on dick jokes, exploring topics such as size, masturbation, and female orgasm. These jokes serve as a safe haven for Rife, providing a reliable source of laughter for the audience. However, they lack depth and fail to offer any new perspectives or insights. Rife’s previous YouTube specials touched on more controversial subjects, but in “Natural Selection,” he retreats into safe and uninspiring premises.
Defensive Antagonism Towards Online Haters
Towards the end of the special, Rife delves into a story about a flight to Vancouver, where he encounters various inconveniences. As the narrative unfolds, his real grievance becomes apparent: online haters. Rife expresses frustration towards those who criticize him, particularly when they accuse him of breaking the rules or being inconsiderate. While there is potential for humor in exploring the contradictions of social media and Rife’s relationship with his audience, the material lacks depth and fails to develop into meaningful comedy.
Lack of Dialogue with the Audience
“Natural Selection” is a special that attempts to engage with Rife’s audience, but ultimately fails to create a genuine dialogue. The editing of the special intentionally avoids shots of audience reactions, and Rife’s resentment towards his fans is palpable. He wants to prove himself as a stand-up comedian, separate from his crowdwork videos that brought him fame. However, his need for audience approval is undeniable, and his comedy still stems from a deep desire for their validation.
Conclusion: Despite his defensive stance, Matt Rife’s “Natural Selection” special falls short of expectations. The reliance on uninspiring dick jokes and the misguided attempt to address online haters result in a lackluster performance. While Rife’s desire to prove himself as a stand-up comedian is understandable, his comedy still relies on engaging with his audience. Ultimately, “Natural Selection” showcases Rife’s struggle to find his comedic voice and connect with his fan base on a deeper level.
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