Death Becomes Her

Death Becomes Her has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in the US on YouTube TV. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Meryl Streep is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Available now on YouTube TV — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Death Becomes Her is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The jokes in Death Becomes Her land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Madeline is married to Ernest, who was once her arch-rival Helen's fiancé. After recovering from a mental breakdown, Helen vows to kill Madeline and steal back Ernest. Unfortunately for everyone, the introduction of a magic potion causes things to be a great deal more complicated than a mere murder plot. The chemistry Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn bring to it does a lot of the heavy lifting. Death Becomes Her came out in 1992. The timing in Death Becomes Her is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Death Becomes Her respects your intelligence. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Meryl Streep sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.