‘Group Therapy’ Review: A Candid Look At Mental Health Through The Lens Of Stand-Up Comedians – Tribeca Festival

Valerie Complex
·4 min read

Neil Berkley’s Group Therapy is a poignant, hilarious and moving exploration of the intersections between comedy, grief and mental illness. Starring a stellar cast of comedians including Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Gulman, Nicole Byer, Mike Birbiglia, London Hughes, Tig Notaro and Atsuko Okatsuka, the film delves into the ways these performers use humor as a coping mechanism and a form of catharsis.

The film kicks off with a darkly comedic clip of George Carlin, setting the tone by discussing suicide and mental health statistics in America. This seamlessly transitions into clips of various comedians opening up about their struggles with mental illness, the medications they take, and the traumas they’ve endured. It’s a stark yet effective way to frame the narrative, immediately drawing viewers into the raw and unfiltered realities these comedians face. Each comedian in the film shares their journey of developing their unique sense of humor, often citing the autobiographical storytelling style of Richard Pryor as a major influence. Interspersed with these reflections are clips of the subjects performing and showcasing how their personal experiences shape their acts. There’s a challenge of fitting into roles imposed by others and carving out an identity when trying to build a comedy career. This theme of self-discovery and authenticity is central to the film and resonates strongly.

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One of the most compelling aspects of the film is their personal stories. Okatsuka, for instance, reveals her fear of therapy, stemming from her experiences caring for her schizophrenic mother, who is not in treatment. Her reluctance to seek help is a powerful testament to the stigma and fear surrounding mental health care. Gulman’s story is equally harrowing as he discusses his battle with major depression and anxiety, his suicide attempt, and his subsequent time in a mental institution. Now on medication and doing better, Gulman’s candidness is heartbreaking and inspiring.

Birbiglia talks about his nearly 30 years in therapy and the impact of losing friends to drugs and alcohol on his comedy. His reflections are a sobering reminder of the high stakes in the comedy world and the often unspoken toll it takes on those who practice it. Byer and Hughes share their experiences with racism, colorism and fatphobia. Byer’s diagnosis of ADHD led to the relief of finally understanding her struggles. Hughes’ discussion of her insecurities and the creation of a protective persona resonates deeply, especially when she talks about drawing inspiration from Whoopi Goldberg. Their stories highlight the additional layers of rejection and struggle faced by Black women in comedy, a theme that is subtly but powerfully woven throughout the film.

Notaro’s journey is perhaps the most dramatic. After nearly dying from a C. difficile infection and being diagnosed with breast cancer, Notaro also lost her mother in a tragic accident — all in the same year. These experiences helped shape her deadpan style of humor and culminated in a legendary comedy set that propelled her to new heights. Harris also speaks of “new heights” in the form of expressing his inadequacies about success, feeling like he has to achieve a particular status. According to him, living in L.A. and being a part of Hollywood seems like a never-ending journey to get to the top.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The film’s pacing sometimes undermines its emotional impact, as poignant moments are often followed too quickly by comedic clips or laugh tracks. This prevents the audience from fully absorbing the weight of what they’ve just heard. Additionally, the film heavily features Notaro and Gary Gulman, which might leave some viewers wishing for more balanced screen time among the cast.

Group Therapy is a hilarious, touching, and important film. It offers a rare glimpse into the lives of comedians and the personal battles they fight. It’s a testament to the power of humor in healing and a call to recognize and address mental health issues openly. The comedians’ willingness to be vulnerable and share their most personal experiences is commendable and moving.

Title: Group Therapy
Festival: Tribeca (Spotlight)
Directors: Neil Berkeley
Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Mike Birbiglia, Nicole Byer, Gary Gulman, London Hughes, Tig Notaro, and Atsuko Okatsuka
Running time: 1 hr 26 mins

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