100
The Independent by Isobel Lewis
Series two somehow manages to be funnier, kinder and more heartbreaking than its predecessor, and is a perfect testament to Bea’s talent.
This Way Up
Critic Rating
(read reviews)User Rating
- United Kingdom
- 2019-2021
- · 2 seasons
- · 23m
Creator
Aisling Bea
Cast
Aisling Bea,
Sharon Horgan
Genre
Comedy
Áine (on-ya) Bea is a single Irishwoman working in London as an ESL teacher. As she recovers from a nervous breakdown, she is accompanied by her sister and various romances in her day-to-day antics. This dark comedy sees stand-up comedian Aisling Bea take centerstage in the semi-autobiographical show that she created and stars in.
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What are critics saying?
100
The Guardian by Lucy Mangan
Every relationship – or lack thereof – is beautifully drawn. ... In the second episode, it truly begins to take off and by the end, it is soaring. Bea’s uncompromising character and performance become something to love as well as admire.
91
IndieWire by Steve Greene
“This Way Up” still finds enough of life’s tiny absurdities to make for the perfect tether. Aine may not always have the right words for every occasion, but somehow “This Way Up” always does.
90
Boston Globe by Dana Gerber
Each character in Aine’s orbit is somehow both deeply scarred and doing just fine, a refreshing balancing act. The show, the performances, and the execution are all an exercise in empathy, and it’s a sight to see.
80
Under The Radar by Lily Moayeri
Even the inclusion factor of This Way Up is natural and believable, and its management of mental health issues is respectful and personal. Six episodes feel like a lifetime with these wonderful people. At the same time, it’s not nearly enough.
80
The Times by Carol Midgley
As a portrait of a person trying to slap a convincing smile on depression it is nuanced, rich, touching and occasionally funny. Not all the time, for that is not the way with the modern "sad-com"; a couple of times it was really quite bleak and flat. ... Bea, who two years ago wrote a beautiful article about her father's suicide when she was three years old, is a talent. To star alongside Horgan, who tends to steal most scenes in comedy, and shine isn't a mean feat.
80
The Independent by Ed Cumming
The writing is sharp and well observed, probing the fault lines between small talk and real problems.
80
The Telegraph by Jasper Rees
This is a comedy about mental health that deftly preys on your fears and pricks your sympathies. At the same time there was a gratifyingly high gag rate.
80
The Atlantic by Sophie Gilbert
This Way Up is loosely plotted at best, meaning it relies on Bea’s charisma and presence as a star to keep viewers engaged. Luckily, she has both in abundance. ... Even so, the brightest moments in the show all come from Bea’s interactions with her stellar supporting cast.
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