Lunatics

Using his unique brand of humour and an extensive repertoire of memorable characters, Australian comedian Chris Lilley pushes the boundaries and reaches new heights in the 2019 Netflix series, Lunatics. The mockumentary-style series brings to life six distinct characters - all portrayed by Lilley himself - portraying his unique spins on modern societal archetypes in an irreverent, politically incorrect format. The series lampoons an array of eccentric individuals as it takes viewers on a comedic journey from the outrageous to the touching, and everything in between.

First, we have Keith Dick, a pony-tailed, flamboyant real estate agent who is obsessed with himself and his bizarre fashion choices, and who also happens to be sexually attracted to objects. In his odd quest for love, he spends as much time praising the architectural beauty of houses as he does trying to consummate his relationship with household items. Despite his quirks, Keith never loses his eternal optimism and vigor for life.

Next is Joyce Jeffrey, a hoarder/”collector” living in a mansion filled with an unfathomable variety of trinkets and pets. Her obsession with stocking up items of no conventional value lends her a peculiar charm. She is seen struggling with her hoarding habits, and although it carries a touch of comedy, the show also brings out the seriousness of her condition.

We also meet Gavin McGregor, a gangly 12-year-old who is set to inherit his family's English estate. At an outrageous seven feet tall and with a ridiculous haircut that screams “prepubescent nightmare,” his character is essentially an exaggerated caricature of teen angst and awkwardness, further complicated by the British class system.

Becky Douglas is one of the identical twin sisters who are college student athletes in the US. At just four feet tall, Becky is a vibrant, determined, and ambitious girl who is not afraid to aim high. She and her sister are polar opposites, rendering their interactions hilarious, touching, and invariably entertaining.

Then there’s Quentin Cook, an obnoxious Australian "DJ" who concocts grandiose and ludicrous plans in a continual bid to keep his family’s failing empire of discount furniture stores afloat. Quentin is an overconfident and energetic entrepreneur who dreams of transforming himself into an unruly, creative genius of a DJ, namely DJ Quntz.

Finally, we have Jana Melhoopen-Jonks, a brassy South African pet psychic to the stars. Sardonic, saucy, and self-assured, Jana is convinced about her ability to communicate with animals, although in reality, she barely understands her furred clients. She embodies a common desire for fame and a longing for acceptance in a world that is always just slightly out of her reach.

Each episode of Lunatics alternates between the characters and their respective environments, exploring their desires, dreams, eccentricities, and absurd experiences. Thanks to the exceptional talent of Chris Lilley, each of the characters feels distinct and fully fleshed out, despite the fact they are all played by the same person. The series weaves together their narratives while also delighting in their particular eccentricities and indulging in laugh-out-loud foolery. Lilley's comedic skill is paramount in bringing these characters to life. With a keen eye for cultural minutiae, he is capable of making even the simplest of scenes impactful and innately humorous.

Though polarizing at times, the series tackles a variety of themes such as mental health, fame, sexuality, racism, the class system, ageism, family relationships, and the search for identity, all with a humorous lens but without shying away from their seriousness. The blend of humour and thought-provoking themes pulled together by Lilley's wit and knack for character creation makes Lunatics a unique viewing experience.

To conclude, Lunatics is a wacky, unusual, and utterly entertaining series that demonstrates the comedic genius of Chris Lilley. It serves as a satirical snapshot of our society, mocking our absurdities and peculiarities, while also subtly forcing us to question the complex dynamics of our rapidly changing cultural landscapes. Fans of offbeat humor and introspective comedy will find plenty to love in Lunatics.