Barry Season 1 Review

Actors, get up onstage. It’s time for a break from reality to act.

Season 1 of Barry is about a former marine, now hit-man, desiring to give up his life of crime to become an actor. Fighting obstacles, and the people getting in his way, Barry has to make difficult decisions in order to keep his life a secret and to understand the world of acting.

Ever since I saw Bill Hader’s incredible performance in It Chapter 2 I wanted to watch more of his movies and shows. One night, I sat down and watched the first episode of Barry. Barry is a mesmerizing, well-acted, and grueling show about a man grappling with his life decisions to find his purpose.

Bill Hader meets all expectations. He puts his acting abilities to the test. Normally, you’d never think this would be the kind of role you’d see Hader in because of his history with comedy. As I kept watching each episode, Hader was the best pick to play this difficult role.

As the main character of the show, Barry is not someone who audiences would look up to based on the dark past and life he has led. And also by the unusual way he interacts with characters. It turns out, viewers have more in common with Barry than they think, trying to gain a purpose. Character development is very important in this series. Hader’s journey to embody this character is inspiring and I believe that he achieved an emotional spell-bounding performance.

Barry has an ensemble of great actors. Stephen Root, Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan, Glenn Fleshler, Chris Marquette, and Paula Newsome become their characters providing genuine personalities.

Newsome was spectacular and was an overall standout. I could not stop laughing at Carrigan’s hilarious deliveries. I also enjoyed performances by the classmates in the theater. No matter how small your part is they all make every scene count.

Whether you dislike her for selfish actions or you like Sally for her energetic personality, Sarah Goldberg never hesitates in her character’s persistent goals to be the best as an actress. As a woman, she has to fight to stand out and battle against those who see her as weak. Her romantic subplot with Barry was directed and written very well.

Henry Winkler is one of my favorite performances as an inspiring acting teacher, Gene Cousineau. In order to be a teacher, you need to make people learn something about themselves that they were never aware of. His techniques are overbearing at times, but it is only to make the best come out from each student, especially Barry who he is constantly tough on to free what is trapped.

This show is the master at subtly, cinematography, and direction. Dark comedy is nailed! The writers worked very well together sustaining comedy and drama for an audience to enjoy. The camera angles during specific dramatic moments are edited so well. My favorite scene of all is Barry and Chris (Marquette) confronting each other in a car after a harrowing event.

Creators Bill Hader and Alec Berg worked very well together to crafting the world of the show. It is hard to stop watching. Barry is a show about finding one’s purpose. I am so thankful that the subplot about theater is a part of this show because theater has helped me.

I had to admit while watching it I felt overwhelmed. You can feel the stress and danger. It is very violent at times. People who are not comfortable around the subject of guns may not like it. However, you have to watch Barry to experience a strong story brought out by terrific actors.