Five more reasons to sit on your ass today.
I've become very familiar with my couch over the last few weeks.
Although I'd like to believe I could spend 80% of my quarantine time catching up on the tens of books I own, but still haven't read.. I know I won't. So, in an effort to spent my screen time wisely (rather than re-watching Game Of Thrones and inevitably spiraling into a pit of disappointment and regret), I've "challenged" myself to watch a bunch of new things on Netflix, and I'll post about my favourite four every two weeks. My fifth choices will be what I consider classic MUST-watches.
Reach out if you enjoy anything on my list, I could use the human connection.
~ Week 1 ~
#1- "I Lost My Body" (Je Perdu Mon Corps)
(Animation, Romance, Foreign)
Director: Jeremy Clapin
Originally a French animation translated to English, "I Lost My Body" is about a hand's journey to re-unite with it's body after being removed in an accident. Surprisingly, not horrific at all.
Switching between flashbacks of what led the young man Naoufel to lose his hand, and the limb's journey through the streets of Paris- "I Lost My Body" is a beautifully animated and extremely unique coming-of-age story.
#2- "My Scientology Movie"
(Documentary, True Crime, Religious Studies)
Director: John Dower
Host: Louis Theroux
If you're a fan of either documentaries or journalism (obviously I'm a giant nerd for both), you're familiar with the host of "My Scientology Movie", Louis Theroux.
After being denied access to any and all Scientology properties in an effort to create a documentary on the religion, Theroux hires a team of actors to film his own story.
With the help of multiple Scientology defectors, Theroux re-creates chilling stories from insider sources about abuse and malpractices within the church involving leader David Miscavige and other high-up Scientology members.
#3- "Unorthodox"
(Miniseries, Drama, Religion)
Director: Maria Schrader
"Unorthodox" is based on the true story of a young woman born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s Satmar Hasidic Jewish community, who runs away to Germany to escape her marriage. A story about a woman's liberation, shame vs. pride, and forging your own path.
Only four episodes long, "Unorthodox" is remarkably moving. Awarded for it's authentic portrayal of Williamsburg's Satmar Hasidic Jewish community, the series is not only a profound coming-of-age story, but a glimpse into a community hardly represented in everyday media.
If you're craving more "Unorthodox", there's a short documentary also on Netflix called "Making Unorthodox", about the behind-the-scenes details of building Esty's world- both in Williamsburg, and in Berlin.
#4- "Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis"
(Stand-up, Comedy, Raunchy)
Director: Marcus Raboy
I've been on the hunt for better stand-up. Every time I turn on Netflix and pull up some Joe Schmoe's special on sex, social media, and PC culture, I fall asleep. It's all so bland and repetitive.
I love Bill Burr, Bill Kreischer, and Dave Chappelle, but there are only so many times I can re-watch 60 minutes of jack-off jokes, childhood trauma bits, and getting old. So instead, I'll listen to all of that- but from a woman.
Tomlinson isn't doing anything revolutionary with "Quarter-Life Crisis". I've heard these jokes before. The difference? I didn't want to turn it off. She has good delivery, her content was relatable, and she made me laugh. What more do you need?
~ Classic Pick ~
#5- "Tiger King"
(Documentary, True Crime, Comedy)
Director: Eric Goode, Rebecca Chaiklin
If you haven't seen "Tiger King" yet, do it now.
Flamboyant redneck, country singer, and living meme Joe Exotic is the owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, or big cat zoo, in Oklahoma. "Tiger King" is the story of Exotic's growing rivalry with big cat sanctuary owner, Carol Baskin, after her repeated attempts to shut his zoo down due to accusations of illegal breeding and animal abuse.
An out-of-this-world story during a time when escapism is of the upmost importance, "Tiger King" is hilarious, memorable, and totally wild.