Jacqueline Novak steps into the spotlight with an immediate acknowledgement of her lifelong preoccupation with dignity. Growing up, she consciously opted for the term ‘hound’s way’ over ‘doggy style,’ believing the former to hold the nuance of a mature romance where partners could together gaze into their shared future. This nuanced approach to such topics proves vital, as Novak delves headfirst into a 90-minute odyssey through the intricacies of the blow job in her latest Netflix special, Get On Your Knees. Far from mere titillation, she probes the philosophical depths of the act, posing profound inquiries: What does the blow job signify? Can it be construed as a declaration of love? Most intriguingly, Novak considers the enigmatic role of teeth in what she humorously dubs a ‘heroic endeavour.’
This isn’t your average raunchy comedy ridden with sexual insinuation. Instead, Novak weaves a narrative of personal growth and introspection laced with philosophical, literary, and quasi-spiritual inquiry. “For Jacqueline, the show is about elevating a common, vulgar act to a place of cosmic significance,” shared comedian John Early in his New Yorker commentary. Fred Armisen characterized the show’s ambiance as “good-spirited—there’s nothing mean in it. I really could bring my mom [to watch it] without having to explain anything.” Remarkably, Novak’s own parents have reportedly attended the show countless times, which speaks volumes about its universal appeal.
A significant allure of Get On Your Knees is its dissection of the language surrounding sexuality. Novak scrutinizes the term ‘penis,’ reflecting on its soft, tender resonance reminiscent of a gentle heartbeat. In stark contrast, ‘cock’ conveys a robust, resilient sensuality. Novak’s contemplation of these terms echoes the groundbreaking work of The Vagina Monologues, which forever changed perspectives on female genitalia. Novak appears to be on a similar pursuit of reclamation but from a female vantage point—injecting humor into the mix.
Throughout the special, a recurring theme of authenticity surfaces. Novak earnestly applies this concept to the various facets of sexual encounters, questioning how one engages genuinely in the act and infuses authenticity into every touch. The journey she narrates is akin to a bildungsroman, mapping the transformative course of a young woman claiming her title as the ‘blow job queen,’ weaving suspense and laughter along her circuitous path.
Directed by Natasha Lyonne, known for her darkly comic performance in Russian Doll, the 2024 special is the fruit of nearly seven years of meticulous crafting. Starting in 2017 with a draft titled ‘How Embarrassing For Her,’ the performance saw the light at Cherry Lane Theater in New York in 2019 before landing a Netflix deal. Since then, Novak has relentlessly polished the act.
Novak’s presentation is marked by an informal, conversational cadence that engages viewers as if they were part of the narrative. Her dynamic presence on stage—jogging from one end to another—and her distinctive attire, a ‘sports bra,’ echo her lively approach to the material and the delivery that demands both physical and intellectual agility.
For those eager to indulge in more of Novak’s distinctive humor, they can tune into ‘Poog,’ her podcast. Alongside comedian Kate Berlant, Novak playfully critiques the wellness industry in what is a clever inversion of Gwyneth Paltrow’s ‘Goop’ brand.
As Netflix brings to screens her inquisitive and humor-laden exploration of intimacy, viewers now have the opportunity to witness a masterwork curated through years of passion and persistence. Get On Your Knees transcends mere comedy, inviting audiences to contemplate the profound questions of human connection and authenticity, all while enjoying a good laugh.
