This weekend has been cold, grey, wet and the perfect weather for not feeling too guilty about hunkering down and immersing oneself in the world of film and TV. I think we might all agree that escaping 2020 for a couple of hours respite now again is much needed and should actually be prescribed as mandatory in this strange time we find ourselves in.
I always have a long list of various films and TV shows which are streaming, so a great opportunity to catch up on a few.
Friday night I decided to have an eclectic mix of TV.
Starting with Episode 8 of Lovecraft Country, which is currently streaming on Now TV, but only for a few more days, so I need to finish the last episodes this weekend. I love this horror series. I don't know what I expected, monsters mainly from the trailer, but it is so much more than that. Monsters, magic, time/inter-dimensional travel, metamorphosis. Some of this has honestly had me reaching for the cushion to hide behind or just wide-eyed in disbelief at what I was seeing. It is amazing. Produced by Jordan Peele and JJ Abrams. If you catch it streaming elsewhere and you like horror and sci-fi I'd highly recommend it. Not just for this though, also for the costumes, the era and the vivid colours.
Next up is a series I only started last week but I'm savouring each episode. Many people who have finished watching have said that they miss it already. I'm talking about the Netflix series 'The Queens Gambit'. No, I didn't think I'd find myself enthralled, enchanted and glued to a series about chess either! I know nothing about chess. It baffles me. Though watching this, I wish I did as the detail and intricacies of it fascinate me. Looking forward to the next few episodes.
Then finishing up Friday with Season 2, Episode 1 of The Mandalorian. I loved the first season. I love Star Wars, I'm not exactly a super-fan (that is Back to the Future), but this series is just stunning. Subtle in its humour and majestic in its colours and landscapes. It's just one of those series which you get lost in and forget the time has passed, until sadly another episode comes to a close. The joy of this though is that you still have the beauty of the end credits to savour. Looking forward to seeing the rest of season 2.
Saturday night I try to watch something new or a film I've not seen for a while. This Saturday it was a choice between A Few Good Men, Vertigo or First Man. All very different. I went with A Few Good Men (the others will follow very soon). I have seen this before, but not for some time, so it was like watching for the first time all over again. What a brilliant, gripping film. I found myself talking to the screen... Things like, "I wouldn't do that" and "Go on, say it"! When he delivers 'The' line "You can't handle the truth" I jumped up and cheered. Felt immersed, completely away from the trials of 2020 and into the trials of the movies. Exactly what was needed.
Sunday morning I've delved further into the Norwich Film Festival. This year, of course, being all online. For the (early bird) rate of £8, I signed up to watch all 150 (or so) short films, ranging from 1 minute to 25 minutes. So far I've watched comedy, sci-fi, drama, animation. Such a great way to expand your film viewing, see the world from different perspectives and filmmaking in so many different ways. There are a couple of weeks left so I've got plenty to get through to keep me entertained. My favourites so far are the 1 minute animation Alex & Mr Fluffkins (a man and his cat decide to stay in lockdown), Bathtub by the Sea (lighthouse keeper and a mermaid), 37 Things (a man whose memory can only hold 37 things) and Ghillie (a man looking after his wife who has dementia but is hiding a terrible secret - no spoilers!). It's £10 to watch all of these films - highly recommended.
Tonight's viewing is yet undecided, but the choices are Vertigo, First Man or maybe something fun like the fantastic Game Night. A good weekend's worth of viewing. Until next time.
Rachel
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