Blessed are the pandemic days full of good TV and movies. Here are a few new shows and movies that I’ve enjoyed in April 2021!
The Father
This Oscar nominated film hasn’t been talked about much, but after watching it, it really should be. The film is very inventive, and effectively conveys the experiences of a person suffering with dementia by interchanging actors and contexts. As well, Anthony Hopkins delivers a phenomenal performance (in fact – an Oscar-winning one!), and is supported beautifully by Olivia Coleman. Highly recommend!
Shadow & Bone
This new Netflix series, based on the books by Leigh Bardugo, is the most I’ve enjoyed a fantasy show since maybe…Season 4 of Game of Thrones. It is also the most diverse fantasy show I’ve seen, featuring leads from a variety of ethnicities (which are mirrored in the “Grishaverse”), as well containing queer and disabled characters. The show is a ye olde classic coming-of-age tale that centers around Alina Starkhov – a girl who discovers she possesses a great power that could change the world. But, while the fantasy structure is familiar, the show, aesthetic, and characters feel fresh and new. Plus – Ben Barnes is in it. I crushed 4 episodes in one sitting, and I’m sure you won’t need to be under a magic spell to do the same.
Magical Andes
If you’re a fan of David Attenborough shows, I suggest turning on Magical Andes on Netflix, which features beautiful cinematography of this magnificent mountain range. The show moves quickly, interspersing landscape footage with quick profiles into the lives of locals who live, work, and play in these regions. The episodes are only ~20 minutes long, so it’s a very low time investment with a high-payoff for anyone looking for a quick escape into nature. The show originally airs in Spanish, but you can easily toggle over to (British) English narration.
Stowaway
Right off the bat, I’ll say that the ending of this movie is a bit lackluster. But, the rest of the movie is really enjoyable. Instead of aliens (thank god), the real antagonist here is humanity. On a mission to Mars, the crew discover an extra person on board. With only enough resources for three crew members, they must wrestle with their morality, and limited oxygen supply, to stay alive and make it to the Red Planet. Naturally, there is HIGH-STAKES SPACEWALK, as most movies and TV shows seem to demand these days, as well as Toni Colette with her actual Australian accent. Strap in!
What TV and movies have you enjoyed lately?
