At the heart of Jenny Slate’s performances lies an unwavering commitment to truth. Whether she’s embodying the quirky kleptomaniac Mona Lisa in Parks and Recreation, lending her voice to the charming shell in Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, or navigating the emotionally delicate waters of an unwanted pregnancy in Obvious Child, Slate brings a distinct blend of vulnerability and authenticity to her roles. Her latest project, FX’s Dying For Sex, showcases this depth like never before.
In Dying For Sex, Slate portrays Nikki, a devoted friend and caregiver to Molly, played by Michelle Williams, who is facing terminal cancer. This series dives into profound themes of friendship, care, and self-exploration, all while balancing moments of comedy and heartache. Nikki immediately rises to the occasion, putting her own life on hold to support Molly through doctor appointments, emotional breakdowns, and unexpected adventures. Slate’s performance oscillates between piercingly funny highs and heart-wrenching lows, making it arguably her most compelling work to date.
Reflecting on her career, Slate reminisces about her childhood dreams of exploring dramatic roles that pushed her boundaries. With Williams at her side, she felt liberated to dive into this complex character. “I’m finally doing what I wished I was doing when I was a little girl," she shares. Slate credits Williams for creating an environment that allowed her to embrace her depth and legitimacy as an actress.
Vulnerability is a hallmark of Slate’s artistic identity. In a recent interview, she stated, “I don’t really have any agenda, except for myself, which is to connect to people.” This earnest desire to connect manifests in her performances and resonates deeply with audiences, making her relatable and engaging.
As a performer, Slate has had to navigate her creative process amid significant life changes. As she transitioned into motherhood, her approach to stand-up comedy evolved. Previously known for performing multiple times each week, she now finds that her experiences lend themselves to different forms of storytelling, such as writing essays or investing in personal relationships. The desire to share her truth remains, but the medium has shifted.
Dying For Sex offers a poignant look at caregiving, showcasing Nikki not merely as a caretaker but as an embodied expression of friendship and love. The humor within the series reveals layers of human nature that thrive in the face of tragedy. "I think it’s important to trust the director," Slate remarks on balancing the comedy and seriousness of the material. Director Shannon Murphy skillfully guides the narrative, ensuring that the humor does not diminish the poignant themes of loss and vulnerability.
The chemistry between Slate and Williams is palpable, evidenced by their seamless portrayal of the bond between Nikki and Molly. Their relationship represents not just friendship but a deeper connection, one that acknowledges the transformative power of shared experiences. Slate emphasizes the importance of being prepared and embracing that “weird, organic person-to-person magic” during filming.
Both comedians and dramatic actors face the challenge of merging humor with heartbreak. Slate describes her emotional range as "natural," asserting that life’s complexities warrant a nuanced portrayal. The ensemble cast’s commitment to authenticity, combined with stellar writing, brings forth moments that will resonate with viewers long after they’ve finished watching.
In one particularly moving moment, Slate’s character has to confront loss head-on in a scene that balances darkness with humor. “I tend to just push myself through the truth of the scene,” she explains. This ability to tackle raw, uncomfortable themes while retaining a sense of levity is vital to the show’s appeal.
One of the standout themes of Dying For Sex is its exploration of death, framed not as something to be feared but as an essential part of life. Slate highlights a societal reluctance to discuss mortality, noting that “people are afraid of being afraid.” Through its compassionate narrative, the show encourages viewers to rethink their relationship with death — embracing it as a natural, albeit difficult, aspect of existence.
The emotional complexity of the series culminates in its concluding scenes, emphasizing gratitude and loss intertwined. Slate captures this duality beautifully, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of friendship, joy, and the inevitability of change. "I think she is feeling a pang of what she will never have," Slate says of her character’s final moments.
All episodes of Dying For Sex are available to stream on Hulu. With her performance in this series, Jenny Slate invites us into a relatable yet profoundly moving world, leading discussions about friendship, sexuality, and the realities of caregiving during life’s most challenging moments. As she cements her status as an Emmy-eligible contender, Slate’s work continues to resonate, reminding us that vulnerability can be a source of strength in navigating the complexities of life and love.
