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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
The most miserable will be the most fortunate, so who claims we can’t have a happy ending?
The eighth episode of Insecure’s fourth season is titled “Lowkey Happy;” and it is directed by Ava Berkofsky and written by Natasha Rothwell (Love, Simon; and Wonder Woman 1984).
Some spoilers ahead for those who have not yet watched this episode or seen the series. If you haven’t done either, you should get to that now, then return to this article!
— Natasha Rothwell (@natasharothwell) May 31, 2020
Kelli Prenny actress Natasha Rothwell does some over-the-top writing in this episode, which might be one of the best stories told in this season thus far. In a plot that resembles Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise, Issa Dee (Issa Rae) and Lawrence Walker (Jay Ellis) meet up for dinner and drinks and spend the night having conversations, catching up with one another.
The episode has some of the most excellent shots of cinematography that are pleasing to the eye, most notably the characters’ scene at an art exhibition. In addition, the musical score/ the soundtrack is oh so lovely. During their time at the restaurant, Issa and Lawrence have a conversation as the background music and all noise is blocked off, leaving the viewer to focus on what the characters are saying. This moment of the episode provides something remarkable. When you truly know you’re in love, you pay no attention to anything around except what is in front of you, and it is about the concept of attention that Issa tells Lawrence: “It just felt to be wanted.”
I think we can all agree this shot is just 😍😍😍😍 #insecureHBO pic.twitter.com/AIiFJM9Qx3
— Taylor Jovon Ruth (@SemprePagato) June 1, 2020
Rae and Ellis deliver some great performances, and their characters have even better development as they accept the past and reconcile by revealing where each of their faults was. As Lawrence says, “No eggshells. We know each other too well for that.” He also reveals having purchased an engagement ring for Issa.
The characters have some comedic moments in the former half of the episode, with Issa tripping over at the bar; to her and Lawrence’s awkward ride with a motherly Lyft driver; to the two making jokes about the Bourne/Corn/Porn/Warm/etc. Identity. However, these moments are outweighed by moments of gravity and seriousness, which are most necessary for this episode and wouldn’t work if otherwise.
The best parts of this episode are not shown through action but through spoken words. Issa talks about her “moment of weakness” when she had cheated, and Lawrence reveals his lack of purpose in the former relationship. He says, “Sometimes I wonder [if] I give up too easily on things.” It’s great to see these characters grow and come back together to reunite, and this episode promises that the light will come to those who strive through times of darkness and struggle.
“Lowkey Happy” is a much-deserved Insecure episode that we needed this season, and Berkofsky and Rothwell remind us that all this hard work will pay off sooner or later. That is what we call progress. As the Lyft driver says, “Start the way you wanna finish.” From cinematography to writing, to a calming soundtrack, to set design, to costuming, etc., this episode deserves to win in the upcoming awards season.
10/10
What do you think? Have you seen this series? If not, do you plan to binge it sometime in the near future? Let us know! For more Insecure and HBO-related news and reviews follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_).
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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