Originally Published 3 months ago — by Rolling Stone
'If I Had Legs I’d Kick You' is a dark, intense portrayal of modern motherhood, depicting a mother's relentless struggles with her anxious, high-maintenance daughter, a distant husband, and a series of catastrophic events, all infused with dark humor and hyperrealism, highlighting the emotional toll of parenting.
Twinless is a dark comedy film exploring the complex grief and unique friendship between twins who have lost each other, featuring nuanced performances by Dylan O'Brien and James Sweeney, and blending humor with emotional depth.
'Bugonia' is a dark, satirical comedy by Yorgos Lanthimos featuring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons as they kidnap a pharmaceutical CEO, exploring themes of paranoia, corporate greed, and environmental collapse with bizarre twists and sharp humor, inspired by the Korean film 'Save the Green Planet!'.
Aubrey Plaza will star in and produce a biopic titled 'The Heidi Fleiss Story,' a dark comedy about the notorious Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss, with production set in Los Angeles. The film will explore Fleiss's life leading up to her 1993 arrest, and marks the directorial debut of Leah Rachel. Plaza is also known for her roles in various films and series, and will next star in 'The Accompanist'.
Jake Johnson has been cast opposite Tatiana Maslany in the upcoming Apple TV+ series 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed,' a darkly comedic thriller about a divorced mom caught in a dangerous web of blackmail and murder, created by David J. Rosen and directed by David Gordon Green.
'Mountainhead' is a dark comedy featuring wealthy, powerful tech moguls whose weekend of poker and ego-driven antics spirals into chaos, highlighting the absurdity and insecurity of billionaires in today's society.
Wes Anderson's 'The Phoenician Scheme' explores the hollowness of extreme wealth through the story of a wealthy tycoon, Zsa-zsa Korda, and his estranged daughter, set against a backdrop of global intrigue and moral questions, with Anderson's signature visual style and a darker, more cynical tone than his previous work.
Netflix's new dark comedy series 'Sirens,' featuring Julianne Moore and Kevin Bacon, has quickly become a top hit, praised for its satirical take on women, power, and class, and is highly recommended for binge-watching despite mixed critical reviews.
The new Netflix series "No Good Deed" stars Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano as a couple with a dark past trying to sell their L.A. home. The show is a twist-filled dark comedy featuring a star-studded cast, including Linda Cardellini and Abbi Jacobson, and is expected to become a top hit on the platform. Each episode ends with cliffhangers, making it binge-worthy.
Halsey is developing a dark comedy series titled "Bloodlust" for Amazon Prime Video, where she will serve as creator, writer, and executive producer. Ti West is set to direct and executive produce the series, with Mark Friedman as showrunner. The plot details are currently undisclosed. This project marks a reunion for Halsey and West, who previously collaborated on the film "MaXXXine." Halsey is known for her music career and acting roles, while West is recognized for his work in the horror genre.
"Inspired by True Events," a darkly comic play by Ryan Spahn and directed by Knud Adams, explores the chilling true story of Daniel Wozniak, who performed in a musical hours after committing two murders. The immersive production, running at Theater 154 in the West Village, places the audience in a community theater's green room, where the actors' mundane preparations are disrupted by a gruesome discovery.
Amazon Prime Video is reviving the dark comedy series 'Nurse Jackie' with Edie Falco reprising her role. The new series, set a decade after the original's finale, will explore Jackie facing new challenges despite losing her nursing license. Original creators Liz Flahive and Abe Sylvia will return as writers and executive producers.
Prime Video's "Fallout" series successfully captures the trademark violence and grim comedy of the original video games, blending dark humor with pure horror to create a unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre. The fourth episode, "The Ghouls," is unrelentingly brutal, featuring graphic violence and a test of the main character's mettle, while maintaining the series' distinct "Fallout" tone. The episode serves as a hinge moment in the series, reminding viewers of the savage and unforgiving nature of the "Fallout" world.
"Baby Reindeer" is a dramedy series based on Richard Gadd's own experience with a stalker, offering a complex and darkly humorous portrayal of the challenges faced by both victims of stalking and mentally ill individuals. The show balances difficult subject matter with flashes of humor, delving into moral ambiguity and the protagonist's internal struggles. While it may be difficult to endure at times, "Baby Reindeer" is praised for its originality and compelling storytelling, making it a binge-worthy but unsettling watch.
HBO's "The Regime" features Kate Winslet as Chancellor Elena Vernham, a fictional populist leader in a darkly comedic portrayal of a tyrant. The series aims to make viewers both laugh and feel uncomfortable, with underlying messages about real-world political situations. Set in a fictional country, the show's creators emphasize the dangers of authoritarianism and draw parallels to current events, including a warning not to reelect Trump. Winslet's portrayal of Elena is highlighted for its depth and complexity, with the series continuing to evolve as it approaches its conclusion.