Atsuko Okatsuka: The Intruder

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!

I randomly saw an instagram video of Atsuko Okatsuka talking about her grandma now being allergic to gluten...& the story of white people & ALLLLL the stuff they are allergic to. IT HAD ME ROLLING. I decided to look her up & saw she had a HBO special. I watched it last nite & she is SO HYSTERICAL. A born storyteller. Adorably awkward, yet confident in a very real way. She takes you on a journey, hopes you are listening & if you are, then the point of it all will click. Atsuko is AWESOME. A new kind of comic that makes the unfamiliar familiar. I cannot wait to see her live when she comes back!!

Watched this because of its rating and was hoping for a fresh voice. And she is. Her comedy is also clean. Her best lines got me chuckling. Most of her material is related to her family being immigrants, which I can relate to. Awkwardness adjusting to America yet being subject to the old world values is a well-known tension in such families, but still rich enough ground to mine for comedy. Some of the humor also centers around having aging family members, and her relation to her white husband.

Why my reviews title? All 8 written reviews at the time of this writing were 10's! Obviously not terribly objective, the average is less than 7. What isn't this special a 10? I think she stretched her material a bit thin - repeating a line several times, long pauses, a lot of non-funny asides with the audience. None of these criticisms are fatal, just the signs of a new talent.

I'm looking forward to her next special.

This special is truly great, from relating to every renter, to finding a fun relatable way to speak about mental illness. This has it all, and I laughed the whole time. The way that Atsuko keeps the audience engaged, while setting up a story arc, then surprising you with sudden wit and clever turn of phrase. The laughs come easily and often with this special. It was an absolute pleasure to learn about her family, and not only keeping us caring but laughing through tough topics with ease. Couldn't be more impressed with this comic, and look forward to seeing plenty more of her work in the future!

I loved every minute of this stand-up special. Even though I love standup comedy, I often find specials to be a drag with lots of up and down moments throughout- not the case here with The Intruder.

Each line carefully delivered with exquisite timing and precise pacing throughout the show, Atsuko Okatsuka nails a fresh take on life experiences making content fresh and lively. Put the show on during a whim and it did not disappoint- was laughing the whole time.

I suspect we can continue to expect amazing things from Atsuko in the future. Definitely would recommend to friends and family over and over again.