I won’t lie, Devs is pretty epic. Its created by Alex Garland who’s track record is excellent.Its smart, not too up its own backside and strangely calming in lockdown I have found. The quantum theory isn’t too complex to follow and is nicely explained throughout with prompts of mystery to keep the mind going.
Its something I imagined Jonathan Nolan would have directed looking back at Person of Interest. But I kinda of dropped out of westworld in season 2, and can’t bring myself to carry it forward to season 3.
Someone recently said to me, there can’t be that much films since all the film studios are shut due to Covid19? There will be a delay but people forget how much media is made everyday (no idea where the hours of youtube videos per hour is now).
Anyhow there’s a lot of media to watch and here’s a few noteworthy ones
Films
Empathy, Inc
Quite indie sci-fi shot in black and white, its a interesting pretense which plays out to a surprising ending. Well worth seeking out.
Vanilla
Romantic comedy as such but with a edge, quite fun and charming.
The half of it
Another romantic drama/comedy which although not as edgy as Vanilla, still has something different to bring to your mind. The end church scene is some divine intervention.
The Rhythm Section
I quite like these films like Anna, La Femme Nikita, etc and this one is well told and executed well.
She never died
Never really a horror fan but I like this indie horror/thriller which has a great feel to it. The film feels like Black Mirror’s Metalhead crossed with Jessica Jones.
Official secrets
My friend recommended this one to me and its quite something. Always love these court room battles but know this is very true is just insane. No wonder there was such a worry about the UK – American relation.
Just mercy
Like official secrets, court room battles around real cases is always compelling. Just mercy touches so many emotional levels and does it without actually tugging on them.
The assistant
Slow and calculated film timed perfectly around the #metoo movement. What I find interesting is to see the everyday attempts by women to stop harassment knocked back in subtitle ways. This won’t be a surprise for most women and any minority of course.
The platform
Most people have heard of this one and its actually quite a interesting take on the nature of human and kindness. Well worth watching a couple of times once you get over the shock value it provides.
Uncorked
I liked this one because of the relationship with the father. It could have easily been a whole film about prejudice but its so much more.
Dark waters
This one dropped under the radar but it very apt as we all discuss the importance of human values in our capitalist society. Is the money worth peoples lives?
The good liar
Such a smart and compelling story. I can’t say anything more about it than just find it and watch it. You won’t be disappointed if you like thriller dramas.
The coldest game
Good fun drama around around a chess game during the cold war. The tension and cinematography are great and well worth your attention.
TV series
Devs
I mentioned here already. Fantastic TV series by Alex Garland (the creator of Annihilation, Ex Machina and other great films. Stunning to watch and lots of deep routed theories.
Gangs of London
I was tipped off to this currently running TV series by a friend. I usually find some of the UK production lack the levels of realistic violence (sounds weird saying that) but I’m impressed with this TV series as it has the right balance of standout moments, character development and narrative.
The last dance
A documentary about Air Jordon? You got me! Annoying ESPN have spun it out over 10 episodes.
Watchmen
If you haven’t seen the Watchmen TV series, I highly recommend this to all, especially those who are fans of the original comic and film. I won’t spoil this TV series but its as deep and meaningful as the film and comic book.