Matt Rife’s ‘Lucid’: A dive into crowd work comedy

A new approach to stand-up

“Next time you see some haters in my comments saying, ‘All he does is crowd work, it’s so easy’ — is it?!” comedian Matt Rife challenges his audience. At 28, this social media sensation has retained the defensiveness that marked his debut Netflix special, “Natural Selection,” known for its controversial bits. In his latest special, “Lucid,” Rife’s signature style—dick jokes and a chip on his shoulder—takes a new form through his interactions with a live audience at the Comedy Zone in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rife proudly emphasizes that this is Netflix’s first all-crowd work special.

The art of crowd work

Rife isn’t the first comedian to build an act from spontaneous audience interactions. A decade ago, another comedian conducted an entire tour without prepared bits, synthesizing the shows into a special. The criticism Rife faces likely stems from perceptions that he’s more of an influencer than a master of observational comedy, leveraging TikTok to climb the comedy ranks. With his striking looks, Rife certainly fits the influencer mold.

To counter this, Rife highlights his long history with the Comedy Zone, performing there since his teenage years, despite his recent mainstream success. Whether you appreciate his Gen-Z bro persona or not, “Lucid”—directed by frequent collaborator Erik Griffin—showcases Rife as a seasoned MC. He skillfully navigates audience responses, knowing when to delve deeper and when to pivot, making his performance more engaging.

Structured spontaneity

Despite its premise, “Lucid” isn’t as spontaneous as it seems. Rife opens with some expected outfit-based roasting—a man in bedazzled, curly-toed boots is “dressed like Santa’s favorite elf.” The hour then transitions into a guided conversation about dreams. The first half focuses on aspirational dreams: a woman who left marketing to become a pilot, a gay man who knows his stripper name would be Brandy Jameson. The second half delves into literal dreams, like Rife’s recurring nightmare about his teeth falling out and an audience member’s dream of being chased by a faceless witch.

While Rife is a competent facilitator, he doesn’t quite achieve the electricity of true spontaneity. The framing of the special is somewhat trite. Rife introduces the topic by acknowledging his own dream-come-true career, then shifts to more juvenile sex stories by the end. Naturally, the nightmare discussion leads to a survey on wet dreams.

Netflix’s comedy pivot

In recent years, Netflix has shifted its comedy focus from prestige and diversity to more populist content. Critics are no longer the primary audience; no advance screeners of “Lucid” were made available for review. The platform that once hosted Maria Bamford’s ingenious “Lady Dynamite” now partners with comedians like Rife, Joe Rogan, and Shane Gillis—plainspoken men who offer low-effort laughs and sometimes stir controversy in a culture war context. “Lucid” is just the latest stage in this broader strategy.

Matt Rife: Lucid is now streaming on Netflix.

Personal reflections for comedy enthusiasts

As a comedy enthusiast, watching “Lucid” offers a unique experience. Rife’s ability to engage with his audience in real-time showcases a different side of stand-up comedy. It’s a reminder that comedy isn’t just about the jokes but also about the connection between the comedian and the audience. Rife’s crowd work, while not groundbreaking, provides a fresh take on the traditional stand-up format.

For those who enjoy spontaneous humor and the unpredictability of live interactions, “Lucid” is worth a watch. It’s a testament to Rife’s skills as an MC and his ability to keep the audience engaged, even if the content sometimes veers into juvenile territory.

In-depth analysis

Rife’s approach in “Lucid” highlights the evolving landscape of comedy. The shift towards crowd work and real-time interactions reflects a broader trend in entertainment, where audiences crave authenticity and connection. This trend is evident across various platforms, from live streaming to social media, where real-time engagement is key.

Rife’s performance also underscores the challenges of balancing spontaneity with structure. While the special is framed as spontaneous, it’s clear that there’s a guiding hand shaping the narrative. This balance is crucial in maintaining audience interest and ensuring the performance doesn’t become chaotic.

Final thoughts

“Lucid” is a reflection of Matt Rife’s journey as a comedian and his ability to adapt to the changing comedy landscape. It’s a blend of traditional stand-up and modern crowd work, offering a glimpse into the future of comedy. Whether you’re a fan of Rife’s style or not, “Lucid” is an interesting experiment in the art of stand-up, showcasing the potential of crowd work in creating engaging and dynamic performances.

For more insights and to watch the trailer, visit Matt Rife: Lucid.