Scan barcode
saintshithead's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Only complaint is that the character design makes it hard to tell people apart, haha. I mostly enjoyed the story and the interplay between worlds. Probably woulda hit harder if I was a theater kid
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality
One of the characters is accused of child molestationsirq's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Police brutality and Murder
Minor: Animal death
knkoch's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another classic from Nick Drnaso! I’ve been looking forward to this new release for awhile, and it certainly lives up to the brilliance of Sabrina. Like that one, this is one long-form narrative, but it’s much less grounded in real-world events and culture. Acting Class feels timeless, a thought experiment (or performance!) that could take place mostly outside of time. The scope is fantastical, yet set so neatly in the simple, clean domestic and public spaces Drnaso does so well.
The characters were really sharply realized here, too, more so than I remember in Sabrina or Beverly. They feel like a balanced ensemble cast, which must be intentional given the theme of performance throughout. Drnaso’s art style is so different to others I enjoy, like Tommi Parrish, whose figures are fluid, immensely vibrant in painted color, and quite emotional. Drnaso feels like the opposite in some ways, choosing mostly pale or dull colors, smooth lines, and little texture. But it supports his theme so much here; the simpler, austere design of his people and sets made it easy to project interpretations onto them like avatars, or actors. I had to notice subtle changes in expression. The blandness of every room could be at turns comforting and threatening.
This went to many places I was not expecting, and the ideas Drnaso explored through these very specific characters fascinated me. It’s truly an examination of aspects of the human condition. But be warned; like Sabrina and Beverly, it’s often quite dark.
The characters were really sharply realized here, too, more so than I remember in Sabrina or Beverly. They feel like a balanced ensemble cast, which must be intentional given the theme of performance throughout. Drnaso’s art style is so different to others I enjoy, like Tommi Parrish, whose figures are fluid, immensely vibrant in painted color, and quite emotional. Drnaso feels like the opposite in some ways, choosing mostly pale or dull colors, smooth lines, and little texture. But it supports his theme so much here; the simpler, austere design of his people and sets made it easy to project interpretations onto them like avatars, or actors. I had to notice subtle changes in expression. The blandness of every room could be at turns comforting and threatening.
This went to many places I was not expecting, and the ideas Drnaso explored through these very specific characters fascinated me. It’s truly an examination of aspects of the human condition. But be warned; like Sabrina and Beverly, it’s often quite dark.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Animal death, Mental illness, and Pedophilia
Minor: Gore
There is some male nudity, as one character works as a model for an art class, but it’s non-sexual. CW police brutality: