Our pop culture picks to get you through self-isolation
With the current COVID-19 conditions, many of us may have the privilege of staying at home and having a lot of free time on our hands.
For some of us, we might be left reeling to figure out how to pass the time. On the other hand, the oversaturation of news can be almost suffocating. In maintaining our sense of calmness, we should remember that chasing a bit of escapism is completely okay.
So, that’s where our team’s top pop culture picks come into play. If you’re bored stiff, why not check out some recommendations below?
TV + FILM
Atypical
I love the difference in direction that Atypical takes. It's not often you'll find a lot of representation for those on the spectrum, but Keir Gilchrist (who plays Sam, the protagonist) is a wonderful actor. Aside from great banter between characters, the series lets you see beyond your own context and become more aware of the difficulties of those who are diagnosed and their loved ones. The show makes you rethink your privilege of navigating seemingly regular social situations. It’s well-paced and heartfelt.
— Rachel
Altered Carbon
Set in the future where death is avoidable through the ‘resleeving’ of your consciousness into a new body, Altered Carbon follows the story of Kovacs as he solves a billionaire murder case. Although I've only just finished the first season, this show literally has you on the edge of your seat the whole time, as well as pondering the role of death within life.
— Reuben
Before Sunrise (trilogy)
Now this one’s for the hopeless romantics out there. Before Sunrise follows the unfolding romance between a travelling American man and French woman who meet on the train by pure chance. He convinces her to get off the next stop in Vienna, Austria, where they spontaneously spend the entire day in before he needs to catch a flight back home. The best part? This movie is one of three, and I haven’t been this excited for a trilogy in a long while. Expect enchanting, engaging dialogue.
— Rachel
Paddington 2
Things can get rough when you’re self-isolating, and sometimes you just need something wholesome to turn to. Paddington 2, aka the greatest movie of all time (in my opinion), has just been added to Netflix right in the knick of time! This beautiful film features more of the adventures of everyone’s favourite bear and how he makes everyone around him a better person, whether in his neighbourhood or in prison. This was no slap-dash “good enough for kids” movie- this is a proper film made with love and care, and the passion everyone involved has is easily seen (even the grouchy Hugh Grant gives the performance of his life as the villainous washed-up actor Phoenix Buchanan). You don’t need to have seen the first to understand this one (although that movie is also highly recommended). I dare you not to cry at the ending!
— Daniel
The Test
Okay, yes, this is not going to appeal to everyone. But for those of us who have grown up cricket lovers, this is as close as you can possibly get to living that childhood fantasy of playing for Australia. This documentary explores how the Australian men’s team went about rebuilding themselves after the sandpaper scandal that rocked the nation. It puts you right into the action, letting you ride the highs of victory and the lows of personal and team losses, and demonstrates how instrumental new coach Justin Langer and captain Tim Paine were in turning the ship around.
— Daniel
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
One of the better films I've seen for some time. It's a ride of emotions as McDonagh has it veer from comedy to tragedy without missing a beat. The emotional stings throughout hit especially hard thanks to some fantastic performances from nearly all actors on set, with McDormand standing out. Through sharp writing, spot-on pacing and some excellent acting, this film's exploration of grief had me glued to my seat throughout.
— Scott
Lust Caution
An erotic espionage thriller from Ang Lee, one of the finest directors in the world. Lust Caution is a period piece set in a Japanese occupied Hong Kong and Shanghai. it depicts a group of university students who attempt to assassinate a high ranking general. A tender and brutal epic.
— Rhys
The Boys
There's a glut of superhero shows right now, but there is not one as black-hearted and thoughtful as The Boys. It features a burnt-out Wonder Woman analogue and a frighteningly sociopathic Superman type heading a narcissistic superhero team that's owned by a cutthroat corporation. The Boys, ordinary people all who in some way have been victimised by the superheroes, attempt to get even.
— Rhys
The Truman Show
Hilarity meets hyperreality in this 1998 classic. The scene begins with Truman (Jim Carrey) kicking off yet another day in his perfect life. However, things soon start to unravel as our protagonist realises he is the main subject in a fictional, televised world. Life as he know it comes crashing down, and what ensues is nothing but an entertaining yet intriguing tale. You just can’t go past this!
— Rachel
YOUTUBE
Yes Theory
Started by 4 guys in Los Angeles a few years ago, Yes Theory revolves around the motto of ‘Seeking Discomfort’ and trying new things to live your life in the most remarkable way possible. From conquering their phobias and giving strangers once-in-a-lifetime memories to conquering insane physical challenges, their channel is 100% feel-good. With a dedicated following, Yes Theory even boasts an online community of hundreds and thousands of people around the world (and was even the reason I met one of my best friends)!
MuchelleB
MuchelleB (Michelle) is the queen of life admin, self-discovery and minimalism. In fact, her channel has some of the best and most productive challenges to help you organise your space and your life. For those seeking to declutter or get motivated, you can’t go past her videos. You’ll leave her channel with clarity, motivation and a better idea of how to simplify your life. Also a wonderful Youtuber in general, she has a great calming presence and always breaks down each of her concepts into easy-to-follow steps.
Jubilee
Comprised of a collective of dedicated video makers, Jubilee creates all kinds of thought-provoking and unorthodox videos that inspire empathy. Through series such as Spectrum and Middle Ground, they seek to explore the human experience by encouraging conversation and breaking down walls and stereotypes. They are constantly innovating with their content and are extremely receptive to their audience’s feedback. Plus, if you’re after something lighthearted, you’re bound to find something of interest on their channel.
Sorelle Amore
Experienced traveller, photographer and digital nomad, Sorelle Amore is one of the most uplifting Youtubers out there. Her energy is infectious. Rather than glamorising her lifestyle, she offers constructive advice about making an online income as a creative, travelling, minimalism and creating the perfect ‘advanced selfie’. One glance at her Instagram may have you surprised to find out that her self-portraits are almost entirely taken by herself. So if you want to get some mean advice on self-portraiture or life in general, she’s your girl!
Recommended by an old colleague of mine, 53 thieves is the dreamy and electronic goodness you didn’t know you needed in your life. Evoking a right dance party, the album is an ambient soundscape from start to finish. ‘three a.m.’ in particular hits all the right notes.
— Rachel
The Band Camino // tryhard
I found this cool band called The Band CAMINO the other week and I’ve really been enjoying their debut record Tryhard. The verse and choruses are super poppy with some nice eighties references, but the bridges are filled with thrashing guitar solos. The album itself isn’t that long at just eight songs so it’s quite short and sweet. ‘See Through’ and ‘Daphne Blue’ are two standout songs purely because they are exceptionally catchy.
— Sethen
Cat Power // Moon Pix
When things start getting a little insular, this is when Moon Pix best works its magic. This is an album made for solitude. It’s cold, fever-dream atmosphere is enhanced by its echo chamber-esque production, Chan Marshall’s double-miced vocals, dream-logic lyrics and slow, hazy instrumentation. I’ve been playing this repeatedly since the social distancing started, and nothing else hits the spot like it.
— Daniel
Code Orange // Underneath
If you find yourself with excess energy, this heavy-hitting new album from Code Orange might be your best bet. On their fourth album released on the 13th of March this year, the once precocious hardcore punk/metalcore outfit creatively blend their signature stop-start style with glitch influences to explore the impacts of technology on our lives. How fitting.
— Daniel
Explosions in the Sky // All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
A little on the nose? Okay, maybe. But no-one channels indescribable emotion better than rock instrumentalists Explosions in the Sky. This crescendoing post-rock lets you project whatever feelings you want onto it with ease.
— Daniel
Moses Sumney // græ: Part 1
It’ll take a phenomenal album to topple this one for my album of the year spot. Sumney’s expressive, hypnotic vocals are moulded into all sorts of crazy arrangements, while the instrumentation ranges from gentle folk to jazz and experimental synth-pop without losing its cohesion. The album flows without interruption, with spoken-word interludes providing context for the themes and emotions explored. Part 2 is due in May, so we have something to look forward to there.
— Daniel