Hello, friends. Happy Friday!
It's beginning to transition to fall here in Boston. I haven't worn a sweater yet, but I am back in pants (honestly, leggings) and closed toed shoes. This is the kind of weather where you cozy up on the couch, put on some fuzzy socks, and relax into a good streaming binge.
Here are a few things coming up:
- Monday, October 11 - Season two of The Babysitters Club hits Netflix. Childhood nostalgia, commence!
- Tuesday, October 12 - The third season of The Movies That Made Us hits Netflix. This show has the most brilliant editing.
- Thursday, October 14 - Season three of In the Dark hits Netflix. If you don't watch this show in real time on the CW, catch up on the first two seasons now on Netflix!
- Monday, October 25 - Below Deck returns to Bravo. This time the charter boat is helmed by Captain Lee. Below Deck has been my MVP show during the pandemic. It's escapism at its best.
I'm excited to share my three recommendations with you this week.
1. Britney vs. Spears (Netflix) - Erin Lee Carr is a brilliant documentary filmmaker, known for How to Fix a Drug Scandal and At The Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal. Her latest project is a look at Britney Spears' conservatorship, where her entire life has been managed by her father, Jamie.
The documentary explores what led up to the conservatorship, what this time has actually been like for Britney Spears, and what it might take for her to become independent again. Carr interviews close friends, like Felicia Culotta, who became a fan favorite in the Hulu documentary. Carr even sits down with Sam Lufti, Spears's former manager.
As as I watching this, and putting some of the pieces together from the timeline, I realized that when I saw Britney Spears' concert during her residency in Las Vegas, she was already several years deep into this conservatorship. I had an absolute blast at the show, and it kills me to know she was suffering so badly at that time.
If you've been following the #FreeBritney movement, you'll be hooked by this. It's only 90 minutes, but it packs a big punch.
2. The Starling (Netflix) - Melissa McCarthy and Chris O'Dowd co-star in this movie about a couple mourning the loss of their young daughter. This is a sad film and you will definitely cry.
That said, there are many beautiful and moving moments. McCarthy's character, Lilly, begins to see a therapist (played by Kevin Kline) and they have many poignant conversations.
O'Dowd has checked himself into an in-patient program to work through his depression. Daveed Diggs make a cameo as his art teacher at the center. I would recognize Diggs' voice anywhere after all the hours I've had the Hamilton album in rotation.
The movie gets its name from a particular species of bird. The starling living in Lilly's front yard is taunting her, and it gives her something to focus on during this hard lonely time.
This isn't the kind of movie that's relaxing to watch, but it is worth your time.
3. Love on the Spectrum (Netflix) - When I found out there was going to be a second season of Love on the Spectrum, I was elated. The show features individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders as they enter the dating world. It's refreshingly honest and such an important moment for representation on television.
A few of the singles have returned from season one, including Michael and Mark. Michael continues to be very direct with his family, as well as the women that he dates. Mark loves dinosaurs and is hoping to meet a woman who shares his passions.
If you haven't watched the show before, I highly recommend starting from the beginning.
There you have it! This week's topic picks.
