WarnerMedia has finally launched their long awaited streaming service, HBO Max.  At launch, the service includes the full HBO library of film and series, the films of Studio Ghibli, a curated list of classic films from Turner Classic Movies, a selection of several DC Comics films, and much more.  The wide variety of content pulled into this one streaming service from Friends to Rick and Morty is vast and impressive.  But with the HBO name comes the expectation of original content, and at launch, HBO Max offers only six original series.  

Of those, the only original, scripted series not made for kids offered by HBO Max  is “Love Life”, starring Anna Kendrick.  The show debuted with the streaming service with the first 3 episodes of its freshman run.  This anthology series follows Kendrick’s Darby from relationship to relationship over the years.  Each episode dives deep into one of those relationships and explores it from the initial meeting to its eventual end.

Kendrick brings to the role the same kind of quirky sense of humor that she does in her other work.  Her interactions with her co-stars feel natural from the start in a way that other HBO comedies like “Crashing” couldn’t hit even after three years of episodes. The use of narration adds a level of insight into Darby’s thoughts and feelings in each episode that help the viewer become more invested in the character’s story.  

The show balances the light, fun, and blissful moments of relationships with the awkward, dark, and sad moments.  The anthology-style allows the show to step outside of the standard love story archetype and explore different types of relationships like one night stands and borderline taboo couplings. While “Love Life” focuses on Kendrick’s love life, the most entertaining relationship she has on the show is with her roommate, played by Zoë Chao.

RORSCHACH RATING:

Love Life is now streaming on HBO Max.  New episodes premiere Thursday.  

Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, Micah Kimber & Brandon Miller . Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Various Artists. This post was edited by Cam Smith. Love Live is property of HBO Max & Warner Brothers Television. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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