‘David Brent: Life on the Road’ – Review

Comedy superstar Ricky Gervais is back as one of his most iconic characters, and if there’s one word to best describe David Brent: Life on the Road, then it’s ‘cringe.’ Gervais’ trademark comedy will make you squirm in your seat as this deplorable character does everything in his power to finally make it in the world of show business.

Audiences have long been wanting to catch up with the loveable yet oafish David Brent, and this 9-5 worker-turned-documentary star is once again back in an office, although he’s moved on from paper supplier Wernham-Hogg, and is now a sales rep for cleaning supply company LAVICHEM. It’s the same environment, but David is no longer the boss, and this leads him into trouble with the new powers that be.

Not content with his lot in life, David decides to embark on an epic rock tour (which he finances through raiding several of his pension plans), determined to finally land himself a record deal. And this is when the aforementioned cringe sets in. Gervais doesn’t hold back for a second as Brent, and his off-beat comedic timing is perfect, especially when his outlandish lyrical compositions come to light. Be warned: you will be laughing uncontrollably.

David Brent: Life on the Road is never short on comedy, with highlights including two freeloading ‘groupies’ as well as dim-witted airhead PR girl Briony Jones (Diane Morgan), who David hires to help him with his ‘image’.

But while David Brent is nothing more than a loveable loser, Gervais as director/writer/star never lets his famed character fall into too deep a despair, and audiences will walk away knowing that this good ol’ battler gave it his all, as well as providing them with plenty of laughs in the process.

Image source: EOne Films.