Review: In ‘How to Die Alone,’ Natasha Rothwell is a woman seeking self-acceptance

As a movie reviewer with a background in psychology and a lifelong love for romantic comedies, I found “How to Die Alone” to be a delightful and heartwarming addition to the genre. Natasha Rothwell’s portrayal of Melissa, or Mel, is both authentic and endearing, capturing the struggles and triumphs of a woman who’s been stuck in place for far too long.

In the series “How to Die Alone,” Natasha Rothwell, known for her roles in “Insecure” and “Saturday Night Live,” portrays Melissa, or Mel, a character depicted by Hulu as a financially strapped, plus-sized Black woman working at JFK airport who has never experienced love and seems to have lost the ability to dream.

Regarding her size, it’s irrelevant to the story; there’s no evidence suggesting she’s overweight due to unhappiness or vice versa. However, she appears stuck in her current situation – at 35, single, and limited to driving passengers at JFK airport with those motorized carts. Her love life remains stagnant since the termination of a relationship two years prior with her boss, Alex (Jocko Sims), who she describes as the only man to truly capture her heart. This decision haunts her now.

This narrative is a blend of self-discovery and romantic humor, starting at an airport, quintessential for romantic comedies. Initially, Alex is on the verge of marriage, while Mel receives an invitation to the destination wedding in Hawaii, which she probably won’t attend because of financial constraints and, symbolically, her fear of flying. The fact that it doesn’t follow the expected path due to Rothwell’s skillful writing is commendable.

The series, with a touch of an extended indie movie feel, blends various styles, ranging from slapstick humor to serious drama. Each episode is preceded by interviews with random people on the street. It can sometimes be overly sentimental, bordering on cheesy, but it quickly counters this sentimentality with a dose of chaos to keep things interesting. The production features unexpected stylistic outbursts such as video effects, dance sequences, and even scenes where everything around Mel seems to stop momentarily. There are also instances where Rothwell sings, and she does so quite melodically.

Mel resides in a precarious financial situation, relying heavily on credit cards, yet her lifestyle is far from extravagant. On her birthday, her friend Rory (Conrad Ricamora), whose influential father runs the airport, seemingly only there to divert Mel from her work, abandons her. In desperation, she shops at a satirical version of Ikea called Ümlaüt, where the designers have put in extra effort. As soon as she puts together some furniture, it collapses on her, causing her to choke on a crab rangoon she had bought as an expensive birthday treat. She experiences a brief moment of unconsciousness and wakes up in a hospital room with doctors providing comic relief and elderly Elise (Jackie Richardson) in the adjacent bed. Elise, a mystical, wise figure, will deliver a poignant message that will guide and challenge Mel throughout the series.

Elise explains, “There are three types of ‘death,’ I believe. The first is physical death, which everyone is familiar with and often expresses in poetry. Secondly, there’s a kind of death that occurs when others no longer care about you. And the most painful type is when you cease to care for yourself.

She says to Mel, “I once shared your same traits, holding back and fearful. But now, when I look back on my life, I’ll have some adventures to remember. I encourage you to face your fears, Mel.” And with that, she passes away.

When the hospital accidentally discharges Mel with Elise’s belongings, she decides to pay a visit to Elise’s vacant, tidy, and book-lined apartment. Upon leaving, she takes some photos, a credit card, and a pet dog; these items later turn out to be significant.

Despite Alex frequently popping up in the narrative, the romantic element of the story isn’t central; it’s more a matter of personal interpretation whether Mel’s interactions with Alex border on flirting. However, “How to Die Alone” stands out most for its engaging side stories and fully developed supporting characters, rather than the predictable path of Mel’s self-acceptance journey.

This group consists of:

Mel seems to be her own biggest obstacle, and while she may perceive herself as friendless, she actually has a close-knit group of friends who are always ready to help her. Additionally, she possesses the unique ability to communicate with strangers in Spanish and American Sign Language. Despite the struggles depicted in “How to Die Alone,” the series is generally uplifting, filled with kind-hearted individuals. It’s more inspiring than not.

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2024-09-12 23:01