06/25/20

TRENDS THIS WEEK

☞ YouTube: Cyberpunk 2077 Trailer
☞ Letterboxd: Shirley
☞ TikTok: #MyPride
☞ Spotify: Black Parade - Beyoncé
☞ Netflix: Disclosure
☞ Twitter: #AnimalCrossing

LIFE & CULTURE

Fortnite is having a movie night tonight inside the game! After the success of the game’s exclusive debut of the trailer of Tenet, Christopher Nolan’s next film, it is streaming three of his past movies. The available films are Inception, Batman Begins, and The Prestige, though what players will actually be able to watch will depend on their region. 

The Barcelona Opera opened for the first time since March with an audience composed completely of plants. The plants came from local nurseries and will be donated along with a certificate from the artist to 2,292 health care professionals at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona.

Gucci's newest collab is with...pro gamers? The Italian luxury brand announced yesterday that they've teamed up with esports organization Fnatic – which signs champion players from across the world of gaming – on a watch. Gucci said they were inspired by Fnatic's League of Legends team and made the watch in the gamer group's signature colors. 


SOCIAL MEDIA

Tik Tok: @JacobSuttonFilms

Do yourself a favor the next time you’re looking for a quick break and stop by Jacob Sutton’s page. What started as a personal page for the teen aspiring filmmaker has evolved into a growing number of tastefully rendered homages that include Kubrick’s cinematography, his favorite female filmmakers, and the beauty of musicals. 

Two Toks that brought me joy this week: this rendition of America's most recognizable jingle and this wholesome video of strangers dancing. 


COMEDY

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been missing Jon Stewart a little extra these days. He stopped by the New York Times to hype his new movie, but it also gave him an excuse to drop some sharp, funny observations about our surreal times. A must-read from an intelligent, empathetic, and of course, hilarious treasure. 


VIDEO GAMES

West of Dead developed by Upstream Arcade Descend into the grim and gritty world of Purgatory in this fast-paced cover shooter which combines the fluidity of twin-stick controls and tactical cover usage. Dodge behind cover as you try to outgun your enemies in the unknown procedurally generated hunting grounds.

The best part about this game is Ron Perlman voicing the main characters. It’s an excellent blend of westerns with horror. If you’re looking for a fun shooter and unique world I definitely recommend giving this one a try. 


COMIC

The apocalypse is nigh with Mariah McCourt's ASH & THORN. The world needs a Champion, and the only heir to a sacred mystical lineage is...a little old lady? Meet Lottie Thorn, reluctant savior of the world, and her also-elderly trainer Lady Peruvia Ashlington-Voss. They might not look it, but these women are prepared to take on any Big Bad that comes along. But first, perhaps a nice cup of tea?

This is a fun story about unlikely heroes and the truth behind the idea that it’s never too late to seize your destiny! I recommend this one for a fun read about misconceptions and what people truly want out of life. I can’t wait to keep reading it. 


THEATRE

In pre-Covid times, one of the most hotly anticipated theatrical events of the spring had been BAM’s presentation of LUNGS, starring Matt Smith and Claire Foy. While the production will not be gracing New York stages anytime soon, the Old Vic (where the piece originated) has nimbly adapted their production into a livestreaming event. Over the next few weeks, Smith and Foy will be performing the play to an empty theater but a full virtual audience. Tickets are almost sold out, so be sure to secure yours here! 


PODCASTS

FORGOTTEN: WOMEN OF JUAREZ In the border city of Ciudad Juárez, hundreds of women have gone missing. The ones that are found have strange symbols carved on their bodies, some have their wrists bound with shoelaces. All are discarded like garbage. The story of Forgotten investigates theories about what or who is responsible—a  serial killer, organ traffickers, a Satanic Cult—and pursues an investigation with law enforcement on both sides of the border, terrified witnesses and corrupt authorities.


SHORT FILM

NOSIS by Vincenz Neuhaus. This is a uniquely animated short about a boy who discovers that his extra-long nose gives him the superpower to understand the true meaning and essence of everything it penetrates. It's a twist on the normal superhero genre and veers into haunting territory. Recommend checking this one out for the style but also the substance. Big noses of the world unite!