Jessica Watkins: SPECIALish featured in the dang New York Times
“An odd mix of stand-up special and “Nomadland,” her effort is both exceptional and characteristic of the try-anything moment in comedy, one in which many performers are fusing forms, mixing onstage with off, merry with melancholy, written jokes with music, improv or other elements.”
- Jason Zinoman
Personal essay for Talkhouse
“The truth is, to walk along highways for months on end is to take a risk. And staying with dozens and dozens of complete strangers can be dangerous. But I could attach possible “danger” to anything in life. There is no map that can guarantee a safe and pleasant journey. I’ve survived sexual assault and, like many women, I was attacked in a place I thought I’d be safe, by people I knew. But nothing happened to me in the Middle of Nowhere, USA. I looked like a cult leader pushing a cart of moonshine, peeing on the side of the road, camping in bushes, and somehow, I survived unscathed. And you know what? I don’t feel invincible. I don’t feel lucky, even. I feel unafraid.”
- Jessica Watkins
Paste Magazine Reviews SPECIALish
“Watkins succeeds as a storyteller, whether she’s doing it from behind a camera or a mic.”
- Clare Martin
Jessica’s The Five
“While on the walk I stayed at campgrounds, state parks, the side of highways, motels, hotels, a tour bus, a treehouse, used travel websites like Warm Showers, Couch surfing, and complete strangers opened up their homes and families to me. Most days I didn’t know where I would lay my head that night, but somehow it always worked out, every place kept me safe. “
- Jessica Watkins
Interview with Rebellious Magazine
“The fact that SPECIALish is arriving at a time when we all just experienced our own year of relative solitude makes the film that much more rich and relatable. Rather than simply witnessing one-woman’s journey, the film feels like a grand odyssey proving anything – from growing closer to loved ones to discovering the joys of nature to starting a new career (or all of the above) – is possible.”