My Favorite Shapes by Julio Torres (2019)
Story overview
My Favorite Shapes by Julio Torres is a 2019 comedy TV special where comedian Julio Torres presents a humorous exploration of various shapes and objects. The show features Torres delivering deadpan commentary while displaying different items on a conveyor belt, blending absurdist humor with personal anecdotes. This unconventional comedy special focuses on observational humor and quirky perspectives rather than traditional narrative storytelling.
Parent Guide
A quirky comedy special featuring deadpan humor about shapes and objects, suitable for teens who appreciate abstract comedy.
Content breakdown
No violence, danger, or perilous situations present.
Nothing frightening or disturbing; content is light and humorous.
May contain occasional mild language consistent with TV-14 rating.
No sexual content or nudity present.
No depiction of substance use.
Low emotional intensity with occasional deadpan humor that may not resonate with all viewers.
Parent tips
This comedy special features unconventional, deadpan humor that may be too abstract for younger viewers. The TV-14 rating suggests content may be inappropriate for children under 14, though the humor is generally mild and non-offensive. Parents should be aware that while there's no explicit content, the comedy's abstract nature and Torres's unique delivery style may not engage younger audiences.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What was your favorite shape in the show?
- Did any of the objects make you laugh? Which ones?
- What colors did you see in the show?
- Can you draw your favorite shape from the show?
- What was the funniest thing you saw?
- Why do you think the comedian chose to talk about shapes?
- What was the most surprising object you saw?
- How did the comedian make ordinary objects seem funny?
- What kind of humor did you notice in the show?
- Would you recommend this show to a friend? Why or why not?
- What makes deadpan humor different from other comedy styles?
- How did the show use everyday objects to create comedy?
- What did you think about the comedian's delivery style?
- Did any parts of the show remind you of things in your own life?
- What message do you think the comedian was trying to share?
- How does this comedy special compare to other stand-up you've seen?
- What commentary on modern life did you detect in the humor?
- How effective was the minimalist presentation style?
- What makes abstract humor appealing or challenging?
- How does this special reflect the comedian's unique perspective?
🎭 Story Kernel
The film isn't a narrative but a conceptual performance piece where Julio Torres uses his 'favorite shapes' as a vehicle to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the absurdity of categorization. The driving force is Torres's own neurotic relationship with objects, which he anthropomorphizes to reflect on his immigrant experience, queer identity, and the arbitrary nature of value systems. Each shape becomes a character in a silent drama about fitting in, standing out, and the quiet tragedy of being misunderstood. The real plot is the emotional journey Torres projects onto these inanimate forms, creating a poignant allegory for human connection through the most unlikely of proxies.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The visual language is deliberately stark and theatrical, framed as a late-night talk show parody with Torres as both host and sole guest. The camera remains mostly static, creating a claustrophobic, intimate space that contrasts with the infinite possibilities suggested by the shapes. A minimalist color palette dominated by cool blues and sterile whites emphasizes the artificiality of the setting, while the geometric shapes pop with vibrant, saturated colors—each hue carefully chosen to evoke specific emotional responses. The lighting is crisp and shadowless, giving every object equal importance and transforming the stage into a museum of personal artifacts where Torres curates his identity through plastic and metal.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
Julio Torres wrote and starred in the special, which originated from his stand-up material about objects. The shapes were personally curated by Torres from various sources, including thrift stores and online retailers, with some custom-made for specific jokes. Filmed in a single continuous take with minimal editing, the production required precise choreography for shape transitions. Torres's background as a writer for 'Saturday Night Live' (where he created memorable sketches like 'Wells for Boys') influenced the special's blend of surreal humor and emotional depth. The minimalist set design was inspired by 1970s educational television and children's programming aesthetics.
Where to watch
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Trailer
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