Love in the Time of Mortality

Tonal Balance and Performance in "Laid"

Actress Ayo Edebiri, who plays the lead role of Ruby, discusses the challenges of balancing tone in “Laid”, a comedy that features mortality as a significant plot point.

Walking the Tonal Tightrope

As Ruby digs deeper into her past, the show’s creator, Khan, had to walk a tricky tonal tightrope. "The challenge of the comedy was to not tip over too far," she says. "You have to allow space for when this thing happens that it’s shocking and it’s surprising, but it still has to make sense in the world—it can’t be too jokey."

Laughter and Relatability

"Laid" has many laugh-out-loud moments, often delivered by Edebiri as awkward, often self-involved Ruby. Early in the series, Ruby makes a bad personal decision that will have repercussions throughout the show. "But she makes it from a place of feeling very insecure and very hurt and very untethered," says Khan. "You’re still rooting for her—and that is due in large part to Edebiri’s performance. You couldn’t do the story that we’re doing, I think, with anybody else, because she brings a sense of reality to everything she does. She makes it feel lived-in and funny and vulnerable."

Rom-Com Revival

As part of her research for the show, Edebiri watched at least one romantic comedy every week of the nine-week shoot. She revisited classics like "When Harry Met Sally", "Sleepless in Seattle", and "The Wedding Singer". She also took seriously the responsibility of stepping into the first spot on the call sheet for the series.

A New Chapter in Lead Acting

"Laid" presented a new chapter for Edebiri as a lead actor. She thought back to her experience on the 2016 Hulu series "The Path", which starred Aaron Paul. "I remember watching him and I was like, ‘Oh, that is how you be number one,’" she says. "I felt so excited, honestly, to be in a position where I got to bring my value systems to set. For me, being number one on the call sheet or the director or a creator, you are hosting the environment. You are establishing the company culture in a way."

Conclusion

The balance of tone and the relatability of the characters are key to the success of "Laid". Edebiri’s performance brings a sense of reality and vulnerability to the role of Ruby, making the show a must-watch.

FAQs

• How does the show balance its tone, given the subject matter?
  • The show’s creator, Khan, says the challenge was to find a balance between the comedy and the gravity of the situation.
• What makes Ruby such a relatable character?
  • Edebiri’s performance brings a sense of realism and vulnerability to the role, making Ruby a character audiences can root for.
• How did Edebiri prepare for her role in "Laid"?
  • Edebiri watched at least one romantic comedy a week during the nine-week shoot and took seriously the responsibility of stepping into the first spot on the call sheet for the series.