Atsuko Okatsuka: The Intruder

This was one of my favorite comedy specials of the year. Atsuko blends story telling with zingers and it works... really well. She manages to thread through lines in a way that is really effective. She also strikes a balance of being flippant and being compassionate that creates a hilariously hopeful feeling. The fluidity of the show made it fly by and, as a viewer, I also very much appreciated the obvious care she took to put on a great show. Sure, shows where it seems the comedian is riffing on stage can be fun, but if I'm dedicating my time to watching a longer show, I want it to flow purposefully. Can't wait for the next one!

I'm so glad my sister told me to watch Atsuko special! She had me laughing all the way through!! Her jokes were extremely relatable and would be so with a diverse audience and delivered perfectly!

I also love that she mentioned mental illness in her special. It's still a stigma in the AAPI community and she is "normalizing" it! It takes a lot of creativity and charisma to mention the topic and as an Asian mental health therapist I'm here for it!

Atsuko is also extremely kind too! I've dm or commented on other female Asian comedians specials but she'll actually reply! Atsuko is gonna be the next big comedian.

There's plenty of comedians who'll do jokes about "my family's like this" or "my family didn't want me to do comedy cause I'm Asian" but Atsuko's comedy is about the love of jokes and the storytelling to the special has got a really cool structure. She nails showing a fresh perspective and takes on subjects I've never heard before.

She's so weird in a good way and her preference for silliness is really likeable. I'm a comedy nerd and this is a very modern take on traditional comedy. I'd watch her next specials to come, look out for her because she's gonna be a big star. She found a new fan in me and she'll do the same for you too!

Atsuko is so magnetic and charismatic! I think THE INTRUDER is going to be one of my favorite re-watchable comedy specials. It's extremely entertaining and fun. The visual aspect of the special is really engaging, as well. It's noteworthy that this is directed by another stand-up favorite of mine, Tig Notaro. The stage backdrop is a beautiful compliment to the material and the performer. Atsuko has such a colorful and unique style that you can't help but follow her intently. It's usually likely I'll get distracted by my phone during stand-up specials, but I never even picked my phone up during this one! It's a fantastic way to spend your time!

Atsuko approaches all of the topics we all feel shy and uncomfortable about with grace and chidlike creativity and curiosity. I will try not to spoil but handling weird interactions with strangers, navigating mental illness in families, realizing aging out of the cool crowd, and fully showing up as her whole awkward self makes this entire special endearing, giggly, playful, and a complete delight. She shared personal moments that on the onset might be tough, but then, without hesitation, she manages to bring the audience into the vivid present of her jokes, connecting with people in personal and lovely moments. I laughed start to finish and loved every line of this amazing splash into her wonderful mind.