In his Netflix series “Tear Along the Dotted Line,” released two years ago, the protagonist Zero embodied a mix of anguish, melancholy, and empathy. He navigated the pain of a recent tragedy alongside his tight-knit group of friends. In the new Netflix series, “This World Can’t Tear Me Down,” Zero takes center stage once again, but this time the narrative delves into the pervasive disillusionment that permeates an entire generation.
Presented with an incredible amount of vigor and accompanied by a healthy dose of self-doubt, this latest six-episode series on Netflix maintains the themes of friendship while shifting the focus to a local struggle against an ever-expanding reactionary movement. When an old friend returns to the neighborhood, Zerocalcare wants to help him find his place in the world. But what’s the right thing to do?
The “This World Can’t Tear Me Down” maintains a rapid pace, balancing cynicism without descending into misery. While autofiction comedies often lean towards a slower, dreamy, or contemplative tone, “World” seamlessly blends introspection with snappy asides and energetic animation. It’s a rare gem that captures the essence of a webcomic while infusing it with the lively spirit of television. If you enjoy “Ladhood” or Diane is your favorite character on “BoJack Horseman,” be sure to watch this series.