Anyone for binge watching?
I've been very lucky with the roles that I've played in that they were wonderful roles for women. They're incredible, flawed characters that I really gravitate toward. I just never want anybody to be able to put me in a box.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Let's face it, regular TV is pretty awful at the moment. In fairness, it must be really difficult to produce quality TV in the middle of a global pandemic! The good news is, there's some great content on platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. If you're looking for some inspiration here's a few things I've been enjoying.
The Queen's Gambit
When I first saw this I was like, “a series about chess – no thanks!” However, you really don’t have to be interested in chess to LOVE every episode of the short series, because at heart the show isn’t really about chess at all. It’s an intensely dramatic story about a young orphan working through her trauma to find some semblance of joy anywhere she can, and the people she meets along the way. Anya Taylor-Joy is amazing in the lead role of Beth Harmon, a young chess prodigy, bringing a cool confidence to the character while also nailing her quirks and emotions. Scott Frank, who writes and directs every episode, brings the 1950s and 60s to life in vivid fashion with stunning production design and gorgeous costumes, but it’s the way he captures the chess matches that really makes this thing fabulous. They’re thrilling and captivating not because of the specific moves, but because the show does such a great job of making you so invested in Beth’s story.
The Dig
Watched it last night, it’s actually the inspiration for this blog! Another one I thought I wouldn’t enjoy however; I was transfixed from start to finish! Ralph Fiennes is utterly brilliant yet again in this true story of Anglo-Saxon treasure uncovered in 1940s Suffolk and the man whose quiet genius inspired its excavation. Basil Brown might have been looked down on by the archaeology elite but, with the help of local landowner Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan, the fact she AND Lily James is in it is the thing that persuaded me to watch this, I adore them both!), his discovery has been described as one of the greatest finds of all time. Great acting, compelling dialogue, a rollercoaster of emotions. Uplifting stuff.
House
Maybe a strange one to add in but I do love a medical drama and I missed this first time round! There are tons of good medical dramas out there which makes the huge success of House all the more remarkable. Hugh Laurie's cantankerous diagnostician is now probably the best-known TV doctor ever. What makes it great? Laurie's performance as the fascinating and flawed Dr Gregory House is key, but above all the writing is wonderful! House is miles away from the soap opera stylings of Grey's Anatomy and lacks the pulsating action of ER, but its small-scale mysteries rarely fail to entertain and it's brilliantly funny without undercutting its serious side. Every episode is on Amazon Prime and they're absolutely worth revisiting, or enjoying for the first time.
Schitt's Creek
One of the most joyful shows on television right now. The Canadian sitcom tells the story of a wealthy family who loses everything when they’re defrauded by their business manager. The only thing they do own is a tiny, backwater of a town that the patriarch (Eugene Levy) bought for his son (Daniel Levy) as a joke gift back in 1991. The family are forced to move there and live out of a motel. They slowly begin to accept their new lives and even love their new town, despite their many, many quirks. The comedy is delightful, anchored by a phenomenal performance from Catherine O’Hara as the family matriarch, a former soap actress in denial about her social status. It’s also a delightfully forward-thinking series, as the son’s pansexuality is met not with scorn or judgment, but with full loving embrace. Hilarious, witty, and oh-so-sweet, Schitt’s Creek is the perfect show for when you need a pick-me-up and let’s face it, we all need that now!!
The Umbrella Academy
Another one that took me by surprise, I’m not a huge fan of sci fi as a rule but I loved, loved, loved this series! Based on the graphic novel series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, the story revolves around seven children with extraordinary powers who were adopted by a strange (and very rich) man who trained them to be heroes. Their troubled upbringing drove them apart, but they reunite at the beginning of the first season when their estranged father turns up mysteriously dead. Not only that, but their brother — who's been missing since they were children — appears via time travel and warns them the apocalypse is coming in a matter of days. This show is intensely joyful, brilliantly funky and totally bonkers, giving weight to each of its disparate characters while carrying on a compelling serial mystery all of its own. If you want a show that's fun and mysterious and a little spooky, check this one out.
The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
Another Lily James film – Love her! Lily keeps up her remarkable hit rate with this adaptation of the bestselling novel of the same name. Set mostly in 1946, it’s the sweet story of a London writer striking up a relationship with Channel Islanders, enhanced by a cast of national treasures including Penelope Wilton and Tom Courtenay. Cosy winter viewing.
What’s on this week?
Head & Eyes – LeLUTKA Head Fleur 2.5
Hair – Foxy - Haven. (XS/LelutkaEvo)
Body, Hands & Feet – Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara V5.2 + [the Skinnery] Skin Toffee + Addons
AO – Vista Animations *HUD 5.34* - NINA BENTO AO CURVY V1.2
Rings – (Yummy) Fairytale Rings - Maitreya
Face Piercings – ^^Swallow^^ Indira
Earrings – Cae :: Juno ::
Lip Piercing – *PKC* Caroline Lip Piercing - Lelutka Fleur
Tutu – Salt &Pepper Nutcracker Tutu white @ this round of Uber
Ballet Shoes – Salt &Pepper Nutcracker pointe tip, Lara, nudes @ this round of Uber
Tiara – Salt &Pepper Nutcracker Tiara 1 @ this round of Uber
(NB - The Ballet outfit is totally impracticle, unless your a Ballerina of course, but it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in SL and I HAD to have it! So glad I bought it, I feel amazing wearing it!)
Pictures taken at the helpful Miss Angie's Studio of the Performing Arts
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