Paul Rudd fans rejoiced when news broke that the actor would get his very own Netflix show. Living With Yourself premiered on October 18th and gave us eight great episodes about a man who goes to a spa to try to be happier and ends up getting cloned. It's an amazing premise and even better execution as the show is sweet, funny, and super deep.
Since Paul Rudd plays two versions of himself, it's interesting to take a close and careful look at his role on the series. Here are five reasons that Living With Yourself is Paul Rudd's best role, along with five reasons that it's not.
It Is: He Plays Two Totally Different Characters
It's always impressive when an actor or actress plays two different characters, but sometimes, it can feel like they're playing the same person. This is especially true if they're portraying twins, like Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap.
Paul Rudd plays two totally and completely separate people on Living With Yourself, and that's one reason why this is his greatest role yet. The original Miles is sad, miserable, insecure, and unable to pull himself out of the situation that he finds himself in. He hates his job and can't figure out how to reconnect with his wife as they struggle with fertility. The new Miles is vibrant, full of energy, and excited about life. Paul Rudd really makes them feel like two people.
It's Not: It Might Get Repetitive In Season 2
On the other hand, if Living With Yourself is given a second season on Netflix, it seems like it might get old to watch Paul Rudd play two versions of the same character. It might get repetitive as the novelty will have worn off, and instead of being amazed and entertained that both Miles are so opposite, fans will find it dull.
Time will tell if this show does get more episodes and what kinds of storylines Miles finds himself in.
It Is: He Shows The Struggles Of A Marriage
Miles is married to Kate (Aisling Bea) and they have anything but a picture-perfect marriage. They might have had that back in the day (or "Before Cloning" or "BC" as the show says) when they supported each other's creative careers and moved to a house in the suburbs. They dreamed of a family but, sadly, that hasn't happened for them.
Miles is Paul Rudd's best role yet because he is able to show the struggles of marriage in a way that his previous roles haven't. Miles feels like the next step after Josh on Clueless: a smart, sweet guy who is realizing that life doesn't owe you any favors and everything can change faster than you even realize it. Rudd shows some really impressive acting here, seeming both disillusioned and innocent at the same time.
It's Not: It's The Kind Of Role Fans Expect From Him
It was really cool when Paul Rudd starred as Ant-Man in the Marvel movies as this wasn't something that fans expected from him. He found fame for his Clueless role and was famous for comedies like I Love You, Man. He didn't scream action or Marvel movie, but this was a super successful career move for him.
Living With Yourself might not be his best role as it's the kind of role that fans have come to assume that the actor would play. He's great on it, but sometimes it's nice to step outside of the box and do something unexpected.
It Is: He Proves He Can Lead His Own TV Show
Paul Rudd is so talented and has so many fans that it might seem crazy that he hasn't had this own TV series before, but then again, he has seemed very comfortable in the film world. His Living With Yourself character proves that he can lead his own series, no problem, and for that fact alone, it's his best role.
Based on this part, it would be easy to see him play the lead in a TV drama or a supporting role in a comedy. He definitely has the acting chops and the range.
It's Not: It Feels Like Any Actor Could Play The Part
No offense to Rudd because he's charming and likable on the Netflix show, but when you think about it, it feels like any actor could play the part.
There's nothing about Miles that shouts "Paul Rudd and only Paul Rudd can play this character." A handful of talented actors would have done an equally great job with the role.
It Is: His Character Even Portrays Online Dating Realistically
When Kate logs into an online dating account, it's pretty shocking since, of course, she and Miles are still married. It's even more shocking when she matches with (yup) Miles himself.
Kate goes into the city and goes on a date with new Miles, and they feel young and in love again. Watching Miles go through this is not only heartbreaking to watch but also a realistic depiction of online dating. You show up at the restaurant, feeling nervous and insecure, not sure what to expect, and not sure if you're going to find love or disaster. Miles wants to be liked for himself, but he's not even sure who that is anymore since the cloning.
It's Not: It Needs More Sci-Fi Elements, So He's Not Given Enough To Work With
Top Happy Spa is a cool and interesting part of the show, and it's definitely not the kind of spa that anyone wants to go to. But even though Living With Yourself has science fiction elements since it's a show about cloning, it doesn't feel like it goes into enough detail.
Because the show mostly talks about how unhappy his character is, it doesn't feel like Paul Rudd gets to really lean into the sci-fi parts or showcase his acting range. Sure, he seems surprised and confused about what's going on, but that's pretty much it.
It Is: The Part Is Both Comedic And Dramatic
It's rare that a role, whether on a TV show or movie, is both funny and serious, but that's exactly what Paul Rudd is playing here. That also makes it his best role yet.
The series manages to strike the perfect balance of a dramatic and comedic tone, and that's all because of Rudd. Even when old Miles is in the depths of despair, like when he stays home from work so new Miles can be impressive, he manages to make audiences laugh. A good example is when he swore he was going to write what he always wanted to write, but he gave up after a short while and started procrastinating, which everyone can relate to.
It's Not: Miles Is A Depressing Character
Each episode focuses heavily on the misery that old Miles feels and how his life hasn't turned out the way that he wanted. The series is well-done and so many people go through this at various times in their lives. But it can feel a bit much to constantly watch this character moping around.
Ultimately, Miles is a super depressing character, which leaves Paul Rudd fans waiting for his next role to see if he's going to play someone a bit happier.