Winter Break Watch List
“We love films and storytelling as people. It’s just a human compulsion to listen and tell stories.”- Mychael Danna
Thank goodness for my long break. I miss being able to go to a theater whenever I felel like it. Instead, I’ve been cozy in bed with my laptop. Here is everything I finally, finally got to watch. In no particular order, but separated by series, film, and documentary. Enjoy:
Series
1. Euphoria Bonus Episode(HBO)Zendaya’s performance was absolutely brilliant in the series, but overall I enjoyed this idea of Rue and Ali never leaving the diner. Their conversation about the complexity of addiction and Ali’s unwavering attempt to pull Rue into radical honesty exercises was so beautiful to see, as working with her, visibly forces him to do the same. I can’t wait for Jule’s solo episode to come.
2. The Undoing (HBO)I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this series, even though I felt like the ending was a bit lackluster. Nicole Kidman was phenomenal in this performance where she is questioning herself as she doubts everything she thought she had an affirmative stance on. It was also so wild to see Hugh Grant in this role, as I am so used to seeing him in rom coms.
3. Industry (HBO)I didn’t like it, but I can say it did highlight toxic, competitive work culture.
4. I May Destroy You (HBO)This show was absolutely brilliant. I am obsessed with Michaela Coel and her character Arabella. Coel is such a skillful writer and performer. I May Destroy You is thought-provoking, humorous, and shocking in all the best ways that make you think and feel. It’s such a messy and sharp exploration into trauma after a sexual assault event and how it impacts and colors everything- your personal identity, friendships, future sexual relationships, work—-it’s just brilliant.
5. The Last Dance (Netflix)I have to be honest. I know nothing about basketball. And to be honest it really doesn’t interest me (although I have to admit going to my university’s games is always fun). I really decided to watch it because Micheal Jordan transcends sports- this series is such a cultural moment- and I am so glad I watched it. I learned a lot- from Dennis Rodman’s unique work ethic to Pippen’s upbringing or from the Olympic dream team to DiCaprio’s cringey moment with Jordan. But I think the most exciting thing for me was Jordan and Spike Lee’s relationship, and seeing that friendship inspire some themes in Lee’s work (She’s Gotta Have It and Do The Right Thing). It really made me think about how moments like that are huge but don’t happen so often anymore.
6. The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)I enjoyed this show! It was super digestible and made me interested in playing chess (probably just like the rest of the world). I didn’t particularly like the Black best friend trope whose only storyline is to protect and support the white main character, but other than that it was a joy to watch.
7. The Crown (Netflix)Oh my lord. This show is my obsession. I felt like this season was a little short ( or maybe I flew through it too quickly, lol) but wonderfully portrayed the relationship between Diana and Charles. I am baffled with how the monarchy works but more so, with how it seemed to restrict true love, causing awful consequences. Not just with this Diana, Camilla, and Charles but I think of Princess Margaret as well. I cannot wait for the new season!!!!!
8. Small Axe (Amazon Prime)This was such a beautiful film series. Described as “a British anthology film series, created and directed by Steve McQueen. The anthology consists of five films which tell distinct stories about the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the 1960s to the 1980s.” Most people’s favorite is Lover’s Rock and I can totally understand why, but I personally loved Education for the strong sense of community and family.
9. Lovecraft Country (HBO)I try not to watch things before I get the chance to read them, but I could not resist. This series is absolutely intoxicating and beautiful to watch. I have never really thought about set design so much, but this show really had me enthralled. I also enjoyed getting to see a predominately Black cast in the world of a science fiction/fantasy/history mixed genre.
Documentaries
1. Crip Camp (Netflix)Disability culture is an area of academia, story, and perspective that I truly want to engage in more. So I appreciated this documentary that dives into the history and community of disability rights activists and politics. I enjoyed getting to hear from activists and writers such as Judith Heumann, James LeBrecht, and more as they recount being able to freely live and be authentic and loved in their bodies as children at the famous Catskill’s disability summer camp, as well as their stories of activism and conflict with legislators and the famous 504 Sit-in.
2. Welcome to Chechnya (HBO)It is unreal to think that still, same-sex relationships are completely demonized and ostracised around the world. So much so, that in Chechyna it can get you killed and your family threatened. This documentary follows the activists who sacrifice everything to provide refuge to those who have been outed and need to seek asylum in other countries.
3. Time (Amazon Prime)This documentary hurt to watch. It follows Fox Rich as she fights to keep her family together after their foundation cracks due to mass incarceration. Another stunning and painful story of resistance, and another reminder as to how badly our criminal justice system needs to be completely demolished and rebuilt. For Black families’ sake. For Black children’s sake.
Keep reading here: an article from the LA Times and from the New York Times.
4. I Am Greta (Hulu)This documentary follows the rise of Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate activist, as she shakes up international conversations, and bluntly tells political leaders their failings in protecting future generations (and current ones) from our climate emergency. Watching this documentary, definitely strengthened my commitment to wanting to make the world a more sustainable and resilient place- but it also highlighted how important we push leaders to make macro changes to our current systems.
5. Our Planet (Netflix)Speaking of #4, David Attenborough makes a similar and compelling case- he chooses to highlight how our living has impacted landscapes and ecological systems the world over. Such a powerful and beautiful film.
6. Gather (Amazon Prime)One of my favorites! This documentary is an exploration into Native American food pathways and sovereignty, as we follow different movements across the U.S. to reclaim food and the palette as a means to rebuild identity and undo the trauma and consequences of colonization and forced assimilation. We follow “Nephi Craig, a chef from the White Mountain Apache Nation (Arizona), opening an indigenous café as a nutritional recovery clinic; Elsie Dubray, a young scientist from the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation (South Dakota), conducting landmark studies on bison; and the Ancestral Guard, a group of environmental activists from the Yurok Nation (Northern California), trying to save the Klamath River.”
7. Diana in Her Own Words (Netflix)You can imagine that after watching season 4 of The Crown I had many questions. And apparently so did the rest of the world. Not soon after the latest season was dropped, Buckingham Palace had to put out a statement, suggesting that Netflix remind people that the show is fiction. Now I don’t know about you, but….isn’t that obvious???? A quick google search and you’ll learn how some scenes were completely made up or exaggerated, while others are directly taken from real events. Releasing this documentary, I think, was a way for Netflix to say- this season isn’t completely accurate, but we also aren’t pulling these ideas out thin air! But what do I know?! I just feel bad that a whole new generation completely dislikes Prince Charles & Camilla.
8. Softie (PBS)This documentary was inspirational beyond words, and truly highlighted the power and need for grassroots organizing and most importantly the confidence to know that if you see something wrong or corrupt- you have the power to change it. A summary: “Boniface “Softie” Mwangi has long fought injustices in his country as a political activist. Now he’s taking the next step by running for office in a regional Kenyan election. From the moment Boniface decides to run, telling his wife, Njeri, in passing with a hesitant laugh, he responds to each challenge with optimism. But running a clean campaign against corrupt opponents becomes increasingly harder to combat with idealism alone. And Boniface soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. Should country really come before family, as he’s always believed?”
10. And She Could Be Next 1 & 2 (PBS)This film follows the 2018 election cycle as many women gear up for campaigns and mobilize voters and communities who never thought they could see themselves represented. Watching this also solidified my desire to work on a campaign full time (preferably a presential one!)
11.The Ripper (The Netflix)Fun Fact: I am not a true crime person. However, every now and then I get hooked into documentaries that uncover or reflect on big trials or murders. This documentary series “recall the Yorkshire Ripper murders, which cast a shadow over the north of England in the late 1970s.”
12. Poverty Inc. (Amazon Prime)I enjoyed this documentary so much. It really highlighted the discrepancies and problems with development and aid and “the global poverty industry.” It really made me grateful for taking an Economic Growth and Development course in undergrad to truly understand the power imbalance and factors of capitalism and colonialism and hegemony that keep low-income countries stuck in traps that (mainly) the West has made. I totally recommend this to everyone no matter what you study or do!
13. On Her Shoulders (Amazon Prime) This was such a powerful story following the life of Nadia Murad, post escape from being taken, raped, and tortured by Isis. This documentary follows her path to advocacy and highlighted how being an ‘activist’ and the face of a people can be a heavy burden to bear, especially when you are young and still have a life to rebuild for yourself. Watching this was incredibly significant as it showed me the flaws of storytelling and media. When Nadia was being interviewed the questions were always so surface, and a clear attempt to grab a headline. Instead, Nadia wanted to have larger conversations surrounding why women and children are victims of war in the first place, the conditions of genocide, and what restorative justice looks like for the Yazidi community.
14. Owned: A Tale of Two Americas (Amazon Prime)I am in the middle of The Color of Law, and it’s made me want to dive back into housing policy and research. Coming across this documentary gave me more historical insight into the racial disparities behind the small amount of Black homeownership around the country, and it also highlighted significant exploitation that the poor white community faces as well.
15. Between the World And Me (HBO)I don’t really know how to explain it in my own words so I will copy a description: “First published in 2015, Between The World And Me was written as a letter to Coates’ teenage son, and recounts the author’s experiences growing up in Baltimore’s inner city and his growing fear of daily violence against the Black community. The narrative explores Coates’ bold notion that American society structurally supports white supremacy. Based on the 2018 adaptation and staging of the book at the Apollo Theater, the HBO Special combines elements of the Apollo’s production, including powerful readings from Coates’ book, and incorporates documentary footage from the actors’ home life, archival footage, and animation. Between The World And Me is directed by award-winning director and Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Coates and Susan Kelechi Watson. Roger Ross Williams and his production company One Story Up will produce.”
Here is the podcast as well!
16. I Am Not Your Negro (Netflix) Watching this made me realize something so obvious- growing up in American public schools, I am all but force-fed MLKJ literature. And for good reason. He was an oak tree, who fought for justice before peace, believed poverty to be violent and a human rights violation, and was not afraid to speak out against politicians and comfortable white moderates. But this documentary highlighted that Dr. King was not the only activist alive. Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale, Fred Hampton, James Baldwin, Malcolm X- they all fought for full Black liberation but all had different ideas of how we should get there, and used different mediums to share their message. I want to make it a habit this year to read from a myriad of Black scholars outside of the canon that was taught to me.
17. American Factory (Netflix) Described as a ‘complex capitalist story’, here is a summary: “In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.”
18. Virunga (Netflix) This is a wonderful story of courage. Executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, “In the forested depths of eastern Congo lies Virunga National Park, one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth and home to the planet’s last remaining mountain gorillas. In this wild, but enchanted environment, a small and embattled team of park rangers - including an ex-child soldier turned ranger, a caretaker of orphan gorillas and a dedicated conservationist - protect this UNESCO world heritage site from armed militia, poachers and the dark forces struggling to control Congo's rich natural resources. When the newly formed M23 rebel group declares war, a new conflict threatens the lives and stability of everyone and everything they've worked so hard to protect, with the filmmakers and the film’s participants caught in the crossfire. A powerful combination of investigative journalism and nature documentary, VIRUNGA is the incredible true story of a group of courageous people risking their lives to build a better future in a part of Africa the world’s forgotten, and a gripping exposé of the realities of life in the Congo.”
19. Priced Out (Youtube)This documentary follows the history and residents of Albina, Portland, and provides an intimate portrait of how gentrification affects Black Americans the most.
Films
1. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)I truly thought this film was spectacular. For one, I am such a fan of August Wilson. The first play I ever read of his was The Piano Lesson, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It was interesting to see one of his play’s adapted into a film, but I thought it worked. Secondly, it was uncanny to see Chadwick Boseman in his last performance. Of course, he was brilliant and this was probably my personal favorite of all his work.
2. She’s Gotta Have It (Netflix)I love the Netflix series of the same name, so I decided it was time to watch the original. If you don’t already know, Spike Lee is one of my favorite directors of all time. I am so glad I watched this and I’m upset it took me so long to finally get to it! I have to say that beyond the powerful themes of sexual liberation and autonomy and gender dynamics, Tracy Camilla Johns and Raye Dowell were absolutely gorgeous in this. I am obsessed. Just watch it, please!
3. Mank (Netflix)This was interesting to watch. I think because I never watched Citizen Kane, I was completely lost for most of it! It’s described as “1930s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing wit and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish "Citizen Kane."
4. Border (Hulu)I am not going to lie, this film was so uncomfortable to watch because of one particular element. In the film, Tina is a customs officer who is known for her surreal sense of smell- when people walk through the customs gates, she can smell things like guilt, shame, fear, etc. And so when she smell things from people, she pulls them aside and sniffs them and their belongings. I think it’s because we are in the middle of a Plato’s Republic- I mean pandemic- and the idea of not social distancing and smelling people and objects just seems so revolting to me. Other than that, I thought the film was wonderful. It’s a fantasy, a romance, a thriller- and it really explores themes of narrative, Swedish folklore, and identity.
5.Two Can Play That Game (Netflix)Such a classic Black love film- filled with feel-good elements that make every romance film great- strong female friendships, a beautiful couple, and a misunderstanding that really could have just been solved with some communication but ends up becoming the whole plot.
6.Shoplifters (Hulu)I loved this film so much. Described as “On the margins of Tokyo, a dysfunctional band of outsiders is united by fierce loyalty and a penchant for petty theft. When the young son is arrested, secrets are exposed that upend their tenuous, below-the-radar existence.” I love the exploration as to what really can make a family, the fragility of friendships, and the loss of innocence.
7. Uncut Gems (Netflix)For some reason, I kept putting this film off and I am so mad I did! This one is such a roller coaster, and although Adam Sandler’s voice (especially when he screams) is like nails on a chalkboard, I enjoyed how fast-paced this film was and how passionately I was really rooting for Howard. The ending was truly excruciating but I think it made the most sense.
8. Bombshell (Hulu)I don’t know what compelled me to watch this, but it did give me a look into the culture at Fox News (which again, don’t know what compelled that desire).
9. Selah and the Spades (Amazon Prime)This was pretty good! I think the film might have been intended for younger audiences but I enjoyed the soundtrack and I absolutely loved the cast. Here is a description of the film: “Five factions run the underground life of Haldwell School, a prestigious east coast boarding school. At the head of the most powerful faction sits Selah Summers, walking the fine line between being feared and loved.”
10. Gone Girl (Hulu)I was pretty disappointed with this one. I think this was so hyped when it came out- both the film and book! But I found it predictable and super drawn out. Maybe the book is better!
11. The Wolf of Wall Street (Amazon Prime)What a classic. This one was a little longer than I think it needed to be, but I found it so funny in part because I absolutely love Jonah Hill. I totally see how and why it’s so quoted regularly. Jordan Belfort is insane.
12. Sylvie's Love (Amazon Prime)I never thought I would have one of these, but I think this is my favorite romance film. Not only is the soundtrack amazing and the cast gorgeous, but the movie felt timeless and sincere. Usually when you think of classic Hollywood love drama’s they don’t center Black people, but this film really shakes the mold. From beginning to end this movie is perfect.
13. Pieces of A Woman (Netflix)I liked the first half. A lot. Or maybe the first twenty minutes?
14. The Trial of Chicago Seven (Netflix) I really enjoy the work of Aaron Sorkin- I mean come on, West Wing is literally the most perfect show on earth. This one did not fail and I loved how it made me go through all the emotions: frustrated, shocked, inspired, I laughed a few times. It also encouraged me to do more reading into the actual event which I honestly never heard about until the film!
15. The Devil All The Time (Netflix)This was perfect in every way and now I have to go get the book because I DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS A BOOK?
16. The Photograph (HBO)Another amazing love story centering Black people and this one gets extra brownie points because it stars the one and only Issa Rae. More of this, please!
17. TigerTail (Netflix)This film, while slow-moving, I found quite beautiful. I enjoyed the reflective and pensive tone of the main character Pin-Jui. It was a beautiful story about the dangers of living a monotonous and loveless life and a relationship between father and daughter.
18. I Am No Longer Here (Netflix)This was a powerful story about being separated from home and community by fleeing to a new country and the immense isolation that comes with it, and softer themes of the power of dance and being connected to one’s cultural identity.
20. Notting Hill (HBO)Please don’t hate me, but other than Julia Roberts being absolutely stunning……this film was so boring and too long. I did however enjoy the dinner scene where Anna Scott gets to meet William’s family for his sister’s birthday!
21. The Body Knows When The World Broke Open (Netflix) I loved the filming of this movie. Everything felt so close and intimate. Like I was right there in the moment, or in conversations. “Two indigenous women collide in an urgent, intimate drama about race, motherhood and domestic abuse.” I enjoyed this NYT article, which I will pass on here.
22. The Midnight Sky (Netflix) Dear God, another equally slow and boring movie in my opinion…although I do have to admit that it was beautifully filmed. And cold. Movies that deal with the earth’s destruction are always a little overwhelming for me as well (understandably so given our current crisis).
What I Want To Watch Next
I am not too sure what this one is about, but I have been reading some great reviews! One by Indie Wire and the other by NYT.
I have a huge obsession with truffle-flavored things (hot sauce, sea salt, olive oil, etc), so I think I might enjoy this one.
Read these articles from LA Times and Vulture.
I think I am most excited about this one, given that it has been heavily discussed! Here are some articles from Collider and The New Yorker.
That’s all from me ( I know!!!! A lot!!!!)
Happy watching!
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