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‘Laid’ review: Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet shine in this funny, bingeable rom-com mystery

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'Laid' review: Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet shine in this funny, bingeable rom-com mystery

As a seasoned movie connoisseur with over three decades of viewing under my belt, I must say that “Laid” is a fresh and intriguing addition to the romantic comedy genre, with a unique twist that’s as captivating as it is bizarre. Stephanie Hsu delivers a standout performance as Ruby, a character that will undoubtedly leave you scratching your head while simultaneously giggling in amusement.

In “Laid,” airing on Peacock this Thursday, Stephanie Hsu (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) portrays Ruby, a self-absorbed 33-year-old woman. As events unfold, she learns to her surprise that each of the individuals she had intimate relationships with are either deceased or gravely ill – in the sequence of their encounters. (It’s worth noting that the term “slept with” may not be entirely accurate based on the evidence provided.)

Typically found in contemporary romantic comedies, she’s been unsuccessfully going through a series of relationships, which is exacerbated by her critical disposition. Notably, she arranges parties for others to celebrate their joyous occasions. (This underlines the irony that she struggles to find happiness in her own life while orchestrating it for others.)

The topic that’s frequently depicted as captivating across TV shows, movies, and social media platforms is related to individuals who are typically younger than what age – 40, 60, or 80? Finding the perfect partner, reminiscent of the enchanting prince or princess in fairy tales, still holds its charm. However, unlike in traditional tales where the journey to ‘happily ever after’ is devoid of romantic encounters or one-night stands, modern-day counterparts may encounter a series of dates before finding their soulmate. Instead of galloping through forests, today’s protagonists spend time swiping left or right on apps to express interest.

The understanding that she might unintentionally be some form of lethal sexual disaster or recurring murderer becomes apparent throughout the initial few episodes, starting with the revelation that someone she was acquainted with (and had intimate relations with, it turns out, three times) has perished. Having a deceased partner gives Ruby a sense of uniqueness, and she chooses to attend the funeral.

“I didn’t give him a chance,” she says to roommate AJ (Zosia Mamet). “He was a really good person.”

AJ recalls their old nickname for him as “Farty Scorsese,” he notes, and Zack, AJ’s laid-back gaming buddy, proposes that perhaps it’s Ruby herself who might be the reason why none of her numerous dates have been successful. (You can deduce the same idea.)

At the funeral, she learns that her deceased friend had never truly moved on from their past relationship; and by the end of the day, another former partner would meet an untimely death in her presence. Throughout the following days, more deaths occur, and news of these losses keep coming. Several explanations for this string of events are suggested and dismissed. Ruby contemplates the possibility that a stalker, driven by jealousy, has been murdering her ex-partners, exes, and casual flings. However, given the mix of natural causes and unfortunate accidents, neither Ruby nor the police take this theory too seriously as they investigate the matter; Ruby even brings a suspected severed head to the police station in a box.

'Laid' review: Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet shine in this funny, bingeable rom-com mystery

AJ, on the other hand, is more than eager to delve into the enigma: “It seems everyone’s fascinated with murder these days, but I was the one who started it.” She constructs a “sex timeline,” much like a detective’s murder board, complete with images, yarn, and a rundown of her theories on the case. These theories range from “the moon,” “Nathan Fielder,” and “a reverse Lupine Holmes” character. “I adore this for us!” she exclaims enthusiastically.

Essentially, the events portrayed in this series lack a conventional explanation; the deaths are only linked by Ruby’s frequent references to her unique physiology. Created by Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, based on a 2011 Australian show of the same name, it generally adheres to the original’s plotline but with notable differences. Compared to its Australian counterpart, which can be found streaming on Prime Video, this version is more subtle, concise, and character-driven. The core mystery surrounding Ruby’s condition remains similar, yet whereas the Australian series takes a casual approach, this American adaptation delves deeper into causes, motivations, and psychological aspects – almost to the point of overexplaining, which seems discordant with the inherent absurdity of the premise. There can indeed be too much explanation when it comes to motivation.

As a hopeless romantic, I can’t help but see myself in Ruby, who isn’t unique among rom-com heroines in being shaped by an insatiable love for romantic comedies – yearning for that magical kiss in the rain or heartfelt speech about embracing every imperfection I possess. However, beyond the morbid aspect of people passing away, my primary focus is on Isaac (Tommy Martinez), the Hallmark-handsome man who has engaged me to arrange his parents’ 40th anniversary celebration. Just catching a glimpse of him sends me reeling. We find common ground in our shared love for movie musicals and romantic comedies, with Isaac’s too-perfect girlfriend – who isn’t exactly a fan – providing the perfect backdrop. Our bond grows stronger as we dream about building a lasting, loving relationship together.

In the storyline, it seems like Hsu and the main character are meant to connect, but in reality, I find a stronger connection with Richie, one of my past flings who I only recall as “trivia bar guy.” Our constant friction might be the foundation for many film romances, but whether the show will eventually admit this or not, or if it even cares to, remains unclear after this first season. The ending leaves us hanging on this question.

The story can be interpreted as an allegory for sexually transmitted diseases, cautionary tales about casual sex, the dangers of alcohol, or most persuasively, the risks of having sex while intoxicated. For instance, Ruby proposes a metaphor to her gynecologist, stating that the long gap between some of her encounters and their harmful consequences might resemble a time-release capsule, and also questions if riding an old donkey during a trip to the Grand Canyon could be connected. However, no consistent themes are discernible, primarily because this affliction exclusively targets Ruby. Initially, it appears as though we’re witnessing a narrative similar to “Groundhog Day” or “Russian Doll,” where the universe is tricking a person into self-improvement; but despite the fact that her predicament will compel Ruby to confront her selfish and destructive habits, self-awareness may not halt the source of her troubles.

The show “Laid” presents a complex moral and philosophical dilemma, only to briefly resolve it by literally offering a solution in the form of a door. It seems the creators are setting up for another season. Although some viewers might find the series perplexing or uninteresting, the dialogue written by Khan and Bradford is consistently witty, and Hsu and Mamet excel at delivering these laugh-out-loud lines. Other performers, particularly Angarano and Hyland, also shine. All episodes are released simultaneously for convenient binge-watching, making it effortless to consume the series in one go.

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2024-12-18 22:01

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