Laid Movie review: A Darkly Hilarious Dive Into Modern Dating, Love and Chaos

Key Takeaways:

1. Laid takes a refreshingly absurd approach to modern dating, blending dark comedy with relatable struggles of love and self-discovery.
2. Stephanie Hsu delivers a captivating performance, balancing humor with vulnerability in a rom-com-meets-supernatural narrative.
3. While wildly entertaining, the show’s pacing and lack of character depth leave viewers craving more answers and resolution.

Modern dating is messy. Between the endless swiping, awkward first dates, and rollercoaster relationships, finding “the one” feels like chasing a myth. It’s a topic we’ve seen explored endlessly in pop culture through rom-coms, dramas, and sitcoms but Laid, Peacock’s latest dark comedy, flips the script. Instead of diving into the usual tropes or cynically critiquing dating apps, Laid veers off the beaten path with a completely bonkers premise: What if your exes started dying in the order you dated them?

That’s the bizarre reality Ruby (played brilliantly by Stephanie Hsu) faces in this adaptation of the 2011 Australian series of the same name. Mixing gallows humour with the emotional undertones of self-reflection, Laid is a chaotic, often hilarious journey through modern romance and identity. But beneath its absurdity lies a story about a woman grappling with loneliness, self-worth, and the haunting reality of her past relationships.

The Plot: Love, Death, and a Mysterious Curse

Ruby is your average 33-year-old woman trying to find love in an era of bad dates and even worse romantic luck. But her life takes a jaw-dropping turn when she learns her exes are dying, one by one, in the exact order she slept with them. If that premise alone doesn’t intrigue you, you might need to check your pulse.

At first, Ruby doesn’t make much of it until she attends the funeral of one former flame and hears about another dying shortly after. It’s only when a pattern emerges that the horrifying truth sinks in: This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a curse.

Ruby teams up with her best friend, AJ (Zosia Mamet), to figure out what’s going on. Together, they map out a “sex timeline” with photos, sticky notes, and crime-show-level yarn connecting her lovers. The journey that follows is a comedic whirlwind as Ruby reaches out to her eclectic mix of exes some hilariously memorable (like cameos from Simu Liu and Finneas O’Connell) and others painfully awkward to warn them about their impending doom.

But the show isn’t just about the curse. It’s about Ruby’s personal reckoning. As the deaths pile up, she’s forced to confront her failed relationships, her loneliness, and her deep-seated desire to find “the one.” The curse becomes a mirror, reflecting the ways she’s fallen short not just in love but in truly knowing herself.

Stephanie Hsu Shines as Ruby

At the heart of Laid is Stephanie Hsu, whose performance is nothing short of magnetic. Known for her breakout role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, Hsu brings the perfect mix of comedy, charm, and raw vulnerability to Ruby.

What makes Ruby relatable isn’t just her terrible luck in love but her earnestness. She’s trying her best, even if her best sometimes involves questionable decisions. Hsu captures the chaos of Ruby’s predicament with wit and heart, making her more than just the punchline of the show’s dark humour.

Her chemistry with the supporting cast elevates the series further. Michael Angarano’s Richie, one of Ruby’s more antagonistic exes, brings sparks of tension and hilarity to their interactions. Their banter feels like the foundation of a classic rom-com romance but whether the show chooses to explore this remains unanswered.

Then there’s AJ, Ruby’s sarcastic, true-crime-obsessed roommate, played with deadpan brilliance by Zosia Mamet. AJ’s dry humour and unwavering loyalty ground the series, even as it spirals into absurdity. Their friendship is the emotional anchor of Laid, and every scene they share brims with chemistry and comedy gold.

Dark Humour Meets Emotional Depth

What makes Laid stand out is its tone. While it leans heavily into black comedy, there’s a surprising amount of emotional weight beneath the laughs. Ruby’s predicament forces her to examine not just her dating life but her flaws, fears, and tendency to sabotage herself.

Take, for example, her struggle with loneliness. Despite her active dating life, Ruby feels perpetually alone a reality many can relate to in the age of modern dating. Even when she meets someone seemingly perfect (Tommy Martinez’s Isaac), the curse looms over her, making a relationship impossible.

This duality laugh-out-loud humour paired with real emotional stakes is what keeps Laid from feeling like a one-note comedy. Whether it’s Ruby awkwardly confessing her curse to a gynecologist or AJ gleefully turning their living room into a “murder board,” the series expertly balances the absurd and the heartfelt.

The Flaws: A Story That Feels Incomplete

As much fun as Laid is, it’s not without its shortcomings. The biggest issue? There’s simply not enough time.

The first season feels like a prologue, setting up the premise without fully exploring its potential. Ruby’s relationships with her exes, AJ, and even herself deserve more screen time. For instance, her friendship with AJ, arguably the most compelling dynamic in the show, often takes a backseat to the main plot. A betrayal late in the season feels rushed, robbing their relationship of the depth it deserves.

Similarly, Ruby’s character arc feels undercooked. By the end of the season, she’s still grappling with the same questions: Why is this happening to her? Will she ever find love? While it’s clear the creators are saving these answers for future seasons, it leaves the audience feeling unsatisfied.

Is Laid Worth Watching?

Absolutely if you’re in the mood for something fresh, funny, and a little ridiculous. While the show stumbles with pacing and character development, its unique premise and stellar cast make it a standout in the rom-com genre.

Stephanie Hsu’s performance alone is worth the watch, and the dark humour keeps the show engaging even when the plot leaves you scratching your head. Just be prepared to finish the season hungry for more answers and hoping Peacock greenlights a second season.

FAQs

1. Is Laid a remake of the Australian series?
Yes, Laid is based on the 2011 Australian series of the same name. While the premise remains similar, the American adaptation adds its own twists and focuses more on the psychological and emotional aspects of the story.

2. How many episodes are in Season 1?
Season 1 of Laid consists of eight episodes, all available for streaming on Peacock.

3. Will there be a Season 2?
As of now, Peacock has not announced a second season. However, the cliffhanger ending and open-ended storyline strongly suggest the creators intend to continue Ruby’s journey.

4. Is Laid suitable for all audiences?
Not quite. With its dark humor, sexual themes, and occasional profanity, Laid is better suited for mature audiences who enjoy edgy comedy.

5. What makes Laid unique compared to other rom-coms?
Laid combines supernatural elements with the traditional rom-com format, creating a darkly comedic and deeply introspective take on modern dating. Its absurd premise sets it apart, and Stephanie Hsu’s performance adds an emotional depth rarely seen in similar shows.