Watch Jen Kirkman: Just Keep Livin'?

Jen Kirkman: Just Keep Livin' is a stand-up comedy special directed by Lance Bangs and featuring comedian Jen Kirkman. Originally filmed at the North Door in Austin, Texas, the special was released by Netflix in early 2017 and runs for approximately 68 minutes. The special opens with Kirkman bounding onto the stage, looking fierce and fabulous in a black jumpsuit and leather boots. From the outset, it's clear that she's here to deliver her signature brand of no-holds-barred comedy, tackling subjects like politics, feminism, and aging with razor-sharp wit and impeccable timing. As she launches into her set, Kirkman exudes a swaggering confidence that's infectious, putting the audience at ease even as she skewers them with her punchlines. Throughout the special, she delivers a series of hilarious anecdotes and observations about everything from the absurdity of celebrity culture ("We now know Kim Kardashian is a self-made billionaire. By that logic, so am I - I just haven't made the money yet") to her own struggles with dating and relationships ("He said he was allergic to bees. BEES. How specific do you think I am about my allergies?"). At the heart of Kirkman's comedy is a deep sense of empathy and compassion. She's able to take even the most mundane aspects of everyday life and turn them into laugh-out-loud moments, connecting with her audience on a personal level and making them feel seen and understood. One of the most poignant moments of the special comes towards the end, when Kirkman opens up about her struggles with anxiety and depression. Rather than using her platform to make fun of mental illness, she treats the subject with respect and sensitivity, offering a message of hope to those who might be struggling themselves: "I'm doing better now. And if I can do it, you can do it too. Just keep livin'." Throughout the special, director Lance Bangs does an excellent job of capturing both Kirkman's larger-than-life personality and the intimacy of the small club setting. The camera work is unobtrusive, allowing the focus to remain on the comedian and her material, but there are also some well-crafted shots that add visual interest and help to break up the action. One particularly clever moment comes when Kirkman takes a break from her stand-up routine to watch a video of herself performing on a previous tour. It's a simple but effective way to break up the action and provide some context for the special, while also allowing Kirkman to showcase her versatility as a performer. Overall, Jen Kirkman: Just Keep Livin' is a hilarious and thought-provoking stand-up special that showcases one of the comedy world's most talented and fearless performers. Kirkman's razor-sharp wit and infectious energy make for an entertaining and engaging viewing experience, while her underlying message of resilience and perseverance will resonate long after the credits roll.