THE BINGE BEACH
The beach is a place to escape, to lay out and bask in the sun shine. A place to take a deep dive in the ocean. My beach this Summer is binging shows and movies to escape a painful present of my injured back that got me laying flat on tatami mat 90% of the day. I rate movies by how many boxes it checked for me. It being: original, thought provoking, visually stunning and acting. I share my discoveries with you for your indulgence. Purely subjective take, but never the less entertaining. Scroll through and let me know which one you’re going to “beach” next.
Squid Games
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Does this show even needs an introduction?! It's phenomenal, in my opinion. The reason I watch this show is because it's humbling to remember that we all have a dark side in us when we are pushed to our limits. It's incredibly rewarding to see characters that give you hope in the midst of chaos. I'm also interested in watching the battle that happens inside of one of the characters who wants to do good but ultimately keeps defaulting to self preservation. I held hope for him till last minute. It's one of a kind show that, if you can handle brutal violence, I would recommend to watch. Watch it on Netflix.
The Last Showgirl ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A story about a Vegas showgirl that's navigating a changing landscape of entertainment and her own age. The real moment for me was when Pamela Anderson's character spoke about what she likes in the old way of show girling. While others were looking down on her for it. It was an honest and beautiful sharing that spoke to our right to do things that makes us happy. A valuable message not to mention gorgeous cinematography. Watch it on Prime
And Just Like That… ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My love for New York started from Sex and The City. That's how leant the word "blowjob" and added that to my English vocabulary. JKN It has a sentimental value and that's why I watch it. But I do find Carry this season especially annoying for looking down on Miranda for eating her yogurt. Or for being above Karaoke. Isn't there bigger things to be upset about? However I do love, that when Aiden tells her that he cheated on her with his ex-wife, she understands it with a level of maturity I've never seen from her. This show satisfies a nostalgic craving, if you can forgive it's missing the mark on being groundbreaking. Watch it on HBO.
K-Pop Demon Hunters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm not even a K-pop fun but I loved this. Maybe because I also grew up watching Sailor Moon. I was obsessed with her Tuxedo Mask obsession. 😍 K-pop Demon Hunters gave me all the obsessions. Beautiful graphics. Meaningful lyrics. Girl friendships. And most importantly a reminder to embrace our patterns that are not always ideal and perfect. Patterns that makes us unique and different. A reminder that it's up to us to use them to make life meaningful and beautiful. A take away phrase I will be chanting when it’s time to chill: "couch, couch, couch". 🤣 Watch it on Netflix.
The Room Next door ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love Almodovar. Before I mention the story of "The Room Next Door" I have to mention the COLORS. While the story is about death the environment couldn't be more vibrant. A true testament to character’s rich life. The story is about a woman who is making a decision to terminate her life after a failed tumultuous cancer treatment. And she asks her friend to be there with her. The movie felt like a reflection on how we view death and life. Very thought provoking meditation on bitter sweet goodbye. Brilliant acting from renowned women. Watch it on Netflix.
The Better Sister ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was thrilling. 90% of shows or films I watch I can predict how it ends. I love to be in the unknown. I don't have siblings but from what I can tell it could be complicated. 😅 I think those who have siblings can enjoy this show with a side of murder mystery. The actors are brilliant. I love seeing two women hold the show in such powerful captivating way showing us their full gambit of dramatic skill. Watch it on Prime.
SiRens ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Juliana Moore has been killing it. I love seeing her in these very serious complex roles. "Sirens" also had very unexpected twists. A little bit a cult vibes that gave me chills. Without major spoilers what really did it for me is the ending when I felt so much empathy towards Julianna's Moore character after really despising her for the whole show. That to me is a masterful storytelling. Another story about sisters. The show was very clever to utilize the theme of sirens weaving it with a modern story of class disparity. Along with commentary on feminine power of sexuality. Watch it on Netflix.
TOO Much ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Too Much" is a new show by Lena Dunham. If you loved off beat characters of "Girls" I think you would appreciate this. What made me watch it all the way while unrelatable but yet painfully familiar story. It felt like an insight into character’s mind. As a storyteller and devoted empathy developer I seek to understand before I judge. This show gave me that. It follows a young woman after a break up changing New York scenery to London to create some distance from her boyfriend. While not a new troupe the show features very unique characters. It's honest, real, sad and off beat funny. Watch it on Netflix.
The French Dispatch ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not a new film but I gave it another watch. One of my favorites from Wes Anderson. I love how detailed each scene is. It makes you keep watching it to savor again and again. You notice things you've missed the first time. It's a film that intended to make you feel like you are reading a magazine. It has a travel section, a food section, an art, etc. Each short story represents a magazine's column. Love it! My favorite story is about the artist in the prison. The idea of how art is often appreciated because of how it's marketed and less for its artistry felt very relevant. As always a phenomenal cast. Rent it on Prime.
Past Lives ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Celine Song is my inspiration. This was her directorial debut and it got her two Oscar nominations. Going from a screen writer to film director. This film made me for the first time ever read a screen play. I love the minimalism and slower approach to the scenes. How intentional locations are. I love even more the story about immigration. The challenge to fit in. The choices and sacrifices you have to make to be present and to assimilate into the culture. I love the take away of Korean cultural view on past lives. Not every attraction ends in passionate love affair. It simply means there is 8,000 lives we known each other before. Watch it on Netflix.
