🎬 The Premise
Released in 1975, A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on
Jan Oxenberg’s charmingly raw, politically-charged and remarkably funny celebration of the American lesbian experience validates the nuanced voice of a community otherwise underrepresented in the Wild West of mid-’70s independent filmmaking.
Under the direction of Jan Oxenberg, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Evan Paxton.
While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
🎥 Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts offers a
competent presentation. The cinematography
uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone.
The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts resonates with current
cultural themes in the Comedy space.
It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts is available for streaming on Criterion Channel.
For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape.
Jan Oxenberg’s charmingly raw, politically-charged and remarkably funny celebration of the American lesbian experience validates the nuanced voice of a community otherwise underrepresented in the Wild West of mid-’70s independent filmmaking. In an attempt to combat the pervasive misconception of the “humorless, angry feminist,” the vignettes in A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts experiment with self-aware yet playful depictions of common stereotypes, such as the “Stompin’ Dyke” or the butch-femme couple. In the process, Oxenberg’s short film reclaims those insults and assumptions as newfound, loaded weapons—to deploy on her own terms, of course. (UCLA Film & Television Archive)
The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1975 cinema will find fairly predictable.
💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the
ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread.
Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
📝 Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts (1975): with an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive.
It is a recommended for fans of Comedy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.