After Life

After Life is a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous British comedy-drama series that first premiered on Netflix in 2019. It was created, written, directed, and produced by award-winning comedian Ricky Gervais, who also stars as the lead in the show. The series showcases brilliant performances by a cast which includes Kerry Godliman, Tony Way, Diane Morgan, and Ashley Jensen. The show not only deserves appreciation for its brilliant humor but also for its maturity in dealing with profound life issues such as grief, depression, and loneliness, amongst others.

The central character of After Life is Tony Johnson, portrayed convincingly by Ricky Gervais. Tony was once a man with an optimistic outlook on life, who believed in the goodness of people and the world. However, the sudden and tragic death of his loving wife, Lisa, leaves him shattered and depressed, feeling as if a vital part of his life has been snatched away. This life-altering event changes Tony drastically. Now, he is an embittered and sarcastic man who views life through a lens of cynicism and disdain, often masking his pain with sharp and pointed humor.

Tony works as a journalist in a small-town newspaper called the Tambury Gazette. The series also documents the lives of his co-workers, representing an eclectic mix of compelling characters, each of whom have their problems and life struggles. These characters provide some of the show's lighter moments and form part of the web that traps Tony between his grief and sentimentality.

Gervais’ unique style of humor is evident throughout After Life and comes through most vividly in Tony’s methodologies in dealing with his grief and in mustering the strength to move forward. He decides to say and do whatever he wants without bothering about societal norms and political correctness, believing that he can always resort to suicide if things get too unbearable. This dark, thought-provoking approach highlights the vulnerabilities and complexities of human life and existence.

Despite its melancholy undertone, After Life brilliantly intersperses light-hearted humor and warmth throughout the narrative. The series explores the themes of friendship, love, grief, despair, mortality, and redemption, driven by beautifully knit moments of belly laughs and tear-jerking poignancy. The writing is subtly layered, unveiling a narrative that is as engaging as it is insightful.

With its solid writing and performances, the series beautifully handles the balance between the light and dark elements of life. Ricky Gervais' portrayal of Tony is touching and memorable, as he skillfully oscillates between acerbic wit and deep-seated grief with an unerring sincerity, bringing a profound sensitivity to a character grappling with immense personal loss. The show does not shy away from displaying raw and real emotions, driving home the truth that often beneath a tough, uncaring exterior lies a world of pain and suffering.

The title, After Life, is a clever play on words which does not refer to the life after death, but rather the life after a significant loss that feels like death. Each episode is a testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit to survive despite life's cruellest blows. The recurring motif of the show is about finding hope and reservoirs of strength within oneself even amidst despair and desolation.

The series' cinematography deserves mention, striking a perfect balance in visually capturing the mood of the show. The quaint town of Tambury, with its dreary weather and beautiful landscapes, serves as a fitting reflection of Tony's journey through pain, loss, self-discovery, and redemption.

In conclusion, After Life is a heartwarming series that beautifully captures the trajectory of a man's journey through immense personal loss towards hope and healing. It skillfully blends dark humor, brittle sarcasm, poignant moments, and a deeply emotional narrative to depict the complexity of human life, making it a must-watch for viewers with an appetite for quality television. The series does not offer big laughs or high-drama moments but shines in its subtle, nuanced portrayal of life and its many facets.