Here are a few new artists, TV shows, and movies to check-out and bat away the crushing boredom *ahem*…well-adjusted life you are living.
Television
Away
“Please don’t ruin space for me.” – me before starting any space-related TV show or movie. But, thankfully, this new Netflix show did not. Led by Hilary Swank, and a talented ensemble of international actors, the show follows the first crewed mission to Mars. While it’s mostly fun, I could have done without all the “Earth drama” (much like real life.) The show seems to make Hilary Swank’s character have to “choose” between being a mother/caretaker and the commander right from the get-go (facepalm). But, once the mission is underway, and the Moon is in the rear-view mirror, the show really amps up, and touches on the challenges of long-range missions, crew dynamics, and the slew of technical problems that seem inevitable along the way. Plus, you might recognize a few familiar landmarks, since it was filmed in Vancouver. Ad astra!
Trinkets
While Trinkets isn’t anything special, it is an incredibly easy watch. Set and filmed in Oregon, the show has got some sweet Pacific Northwest vibes full of TREES, and RAIN, and SENSIBLE JACKETS. But, for me, the most enjoyable part was the indie-fueled soundtrack curated by Keegan DeWitt that’s full of awesome tracks from Snail Mail, Phoebe Bridgers, Angus & Julia Stone and more. The narrative (which is somewhat lacking) centers around three high school girls who are kleptomaniacs and become the unlikeliest of friends (like I said – nothing special.) That being said, I crushed the two seasons in two weeks, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. (Small note: the last episode is the series finale, so don’t get too excited.)
The Boys
I’m super late to this superhero party, but I finally started The Boys the other night. A far cry from the typical, glossy DC and Marvel-based heroes we’re used to, these ones are morally-questionable and marketed by a capitalistic corporation for profit. You’ll recognize Jack Quaid from the first Hunger Games in the first few episodes (which – haven’t seen him since then, so glad he’s getting a pay cheque.) Give it a go for a darker (and perhaps funnier) take on the superhero realm.
Music
SACRE
This French electro-pop duo reminds me a bit of Jungle. The vibes feel fresh and make for excellent road trip music. Recommended tracks include “06:00AM CHILDREN OF THE SUN” and “01:00AM PINK MAMBA.” I guess this music is what happens when I’m sleeping?
Colouring
English-based artist Colouring has pushed out some really nice, chill singles over the summer and they’ve made it onto my seasonal playlists. Give “Beautiful Life”, “Time”, “Fading” or a cover of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (aka my kryptonite) a listen to see if it’s your jam.
Movies
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
If you sometimes find yourself saying the word “cinema” to refer to movies – then this film’s for you. This was the last movie I saw in theatres, and, if it will be my last for the next few years, I’m very satisfied with that. Set in 1800s France, the movie feels fresh and modern, because it imbues its female characters with intelligence, agency, and equality that is seldom seen in a historic setting. A huge emphasis is put on the act of looking, or “the gaze” as Director Celine Sciamma has said in many interviews – the presence and looks between characters in many ways are more weighted than the words. Powerfully acted, and skillfully directed, this movie will stay with you long after you finish watching it.
Wildlife
Another movie recently added to Netflix, Wildlife features an impressive performance from Carey Mulligan and a directorial debut from Paul Dano. This isn’t a “happy” watch, but is a really great character-driven film that follows a family in 1960’s Montana going through a difficult time. The protagonist is the couple’s 14-year old son, who is able to imbue the movie with enough innocence and hopefulness to counterbalance the weighty family drama that unfolds before him.
What shows, movies, and music have you been enjoying lately?
