Dusty Slay: Wet Heat 2025 Movie Review
Dusty Slay’s second Netflix stand‑up special Wet Heat, released on July 29, 2025, delivers another hour‑plus of the comedian’s signature blue‑collar storytelling (run time approx. 70 min) Filmed at Chattanooga’s historic Walker Theatre, the special cements Slay’s Southern roots while leaning into themes of summer humidity (“wet heat”), small‑town absurdities, and personal mishaps
From the outset, Slay embodies his trademark laid‑back delivery and folksy cadence—long glasses, trucker hat, and a nervous undercurrent masked by repeated affirmations of “We’re having a good time.” He hovers between self‑deprecating charm and anxious reassurance, occasionally dialing his own momentum too low and leaving room for uneven pacing
The special’s first half leans heavily on familiar territory—quips about country music lyrics (especially Brooks & Dunn’s “Hard Workin’ Man”), awkward elevator encounters, and his trademark riffs on bodily misfires (farting, peeing, vomiting) during travel—material that may resonate more with his core fans than with newcomers desiring fresher substance
That said, Slay does find creative groove as the hour unfolds. He weaves callbacks to the dry‑heat analogy into a near‑metaphorical arc, mines poignant comedy from real‑world paradoxes like diabetes and vertigo (blood sugar candy vs danger; dizziness fun for kids, ruinous for adults using crystals)—and these bits feel ripe with cleverness and grounded humanity His glasses‑Dahmer comparison is handled deftly, belatedly tipping into unexpected humor, and his country lyric analysis borders on brilliant, offering a universal resonance beyond Southern life
Personal anecdotes—especially his drinking‑and‑driving stories—provide cringe‑comedy fodder: surviving a flipped car, projectile vomiting into his windshield on a North Carolina interstate—Slay sells them with just enough self‑loathing yet without veering into gross‑out camp The sobriety Slay has embraced contributes to a cleaner comedic approach; according to UPI, after quitting drinking in 2012 he committed to fully clean comedy, forcing creativity rather than shock reliance
Critics praise the special’s second half for sharper wit and better pacing, while the first thirty minutes suffer from pacing issues and reused motifs. Ready Steady Cut notes that Slay “seems too laid back for his own good,” and that his persona sometimes outshines the material—yet acknowledges standout bits that reveal seasoned comedic craftsmanship
Fans of Workin’ Man will find Wet Heat satisfyingly familiar: the slow Southern drawl, the “we’re havin’ a good time” ritual, the country‑soaked worldview. Slay’s storytelling remains sincere and grounded in everyday absurdities—raising nostalgia for Chevy trucks, rural life, and weekend pool rules—but critics question whether the repetition of style limits his growth. Unless he evolves like Jim Gaffigan beyond a signature catchphrase or look, Slay risks becoming a comedic character stuck in comfort zone clichés
On the flip side, Slay’s strengths are still compelling: he’s a relatable voice for working‑class America, he connects with earnest affection rather than punchy glam, and his authenticity carries through even when pacing wanes. UPI’s interview highlights how he sees comedy specials akin to music albums—with recurring themes and callbacks to create a cohesive piece—suggesting that Wet Heat is crafted with intention, even if early pacing feels uneven
At the end of the day, Wet Heat is a mixed bag: slower and more recycled in the first act, but rewarding as Slay finds his rhythm later. For long‑time fans, it’s another dose of Dusty’s horn‑blowing, tractor‑loving, trailer‑park sincerity. For new viewers, it might require patience to reach the payoff. But when Slay hits his stride—taking creative riffs from diabetes advice, elevator anxieties, and country song metaphors—his style clicks with warmth, humility, and dry wit.
In sum, Dusty Slay: Wet Heat is a solid, albeit uneven, sophomore special: a treat for his existing fan base, with enough genuine humor in the second half to justify the runtime, but a potential slog for those expecting a faster, fresher narrative. If you already enjoy Slay’s vibe, you’ll likely enjoy revisiting his world—but if you’re new, consider skipping ahead to the latter half where the comedy sharpens and the special begins to feel more fully formed.
