Issue #26 - Favourites (the Jan/Feb 24 edit) ♡
The best of the things that I've been watching, reading and listening to recently ...
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Hello lovely people,
How are things? We’ve had A-Level Mocks and they have dragged on and on but for now, it’s a calm, if shortlived interlude until the next exam onslaught in May. I have booked the movers (a big TICK on my TO DO list, for sure), the decluttering continues and in times of stress/upset/overwhelm there has been some helpful distraction in the form of TV, film, books and podcasts. As always, take what you like, share what you love and leave behind the rest. ♡
There were some new ones -
The Holdovers - Quite honestly, I thought this film was perfect. Set in the 70s, it’s the story of the ones who are left behind over the Christmas holidays at a New England elite boarding school. It’s a tale of finding family where you are least expect it, but without any over-sentimental silliness. Visually it feels accurate enough that it could be an original film of the era; the soundtrack is mesmerising and the acting is sensational (Da'Vine Joy Randolph's emotional acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress at the BAFTAs is a delight). I can’t recommend it enough. ♡
The Boys in the Boat - This is George Clooney’s latest directorial release and if you believe the reviews, you may have decided to give it a miss. Take this as my nudge to ignore the naysayers … It’s based on the true story of how the humble University of Washington rowing team ended up battling for gold in the Berlin Olympics of 1936. It’s an easy watch with an uplifting storyline, spectacular footage of wide sweeping rivers and, at the Poughkeepsie Regatta, the spectacle of cheering onlookers being carried along beside the river on a converted open railway carriage (incredibly cool and apparently historically accurate). ♡
Good Grief - I watched Dan Levy’s directorial debut in two parts and after the first half, I wasn’t entirely sure that I would get to the end. It’s a complex film about love and loss and friendships and at first, I wasn’t sure what to feel about it - primarily, I suspect, because it's a very lavish, polished production (set across moneyed London and Paris) but tackles some confronting, heavy realities of adulting. I was not a fan of Schitt’s Creek but this is clever and interesting and worth a watch. Dan’s conversation with Elizabeth Day about his life and the film feels like a perfect post-viewing listen. ♡
And there were a couple of oldies -
Mona Lisa Smile - Quite possibly my favourite Julia Roberts film. ♡
Ocean’s Eleven - The witty side conversations in each scene; Brad Pitt’s character eating every time he is on screen; the clever twists and turns of the plot - I will never tire of this film. ♡
One Day - For me, this was perfection - excellent acting, a gloriously nostalgic soundtrack and a plot that is ultimately, so devastatingly heartbreaking that I cried huge, ugly tears for the longest time. More television like this please … but perhaps with a happy ending! ♡
Criminal Record - Peter Capaldi at his most menacing and Cush Jumbo at her most tenacious, squaring off against each other in this police thriller. There is an intertwining of past and present cases; there’s corruption; there’s racism; there’s sexism. To be honest there were points where I found it challenging to keep pace with the plot but it was ultimately clever and gripping. ♡
I’m also loving the new series of The Dog House on Channel 4 - Barrie and Bizzy’s story is a real heartbreaker. ♡
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim - When a father goes missing on an ordinary day in Virginia, his family’s search for him raises so many questions about all aspects of their lives. This is the story of a Korean American family’s deeply moving and desperate hunt in which they uncover so many personal and emotional secrets about each other. Mia and her brother, Eugene, a non-verbal child with autism and the rare genetic condition Angelman syndrome, are at the heart of unravelling this mystery. Although the plot is gripping, it also beautifully explores so many of the family’s challenges as they care for a teenager whose conditions imprison him in his own head. I loved Mia’s narration of their story and would highly recommend this read. ♡
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come : An Introvert’s Year of Living Dangerously by Jessica Pan - What would happen if a shy introvert lived like a gregarious extrovert for one year? Wherever you fall on the introvert/extrovert spectrum (READER - I am nearer to the introvert end, for sure) there is something for everyone in this journey of using personal challenges to improve the quality of one’s life. It’s well written and entertaining and I learned a lot but, let’s be clear, I will NEVER EVER perform stand-up comedy, no matter how much it might improve the quality of my life! ♡
Ghost Story - This seven-part podcast series explores murder, the supernatural and family drama across generations and is a mesmerising true story. Tristan Redman, an acclaimed journalist tells this complicated and fascinating story so exquisitely that I found it impossible to leave it alone once I had started. Some coincidences might blow your mind and experts are consulted along the way including the esteemed Former Met detective Jackie Malton, the real-life inspiration for DCI Jane Tennison from Prime Suspect. Clear your diary, make a cup of tea and settle down for a binge-worthy treat. ♡
The Rest is Entertainment - Richard Osman and Marina Hyde, the Guardian columnist, discuss TV, film, books and in fact everything under the loose banner of entertainment. They are clever, insightful and witty and I’m just so pleased that there are now 2 episodes each week. There seemed to be a podcast drought for a while; this is a spectacular addition to my listening pleasure. ♡
I’m desperate for some fabulous recommendations, particularly books and podcasts. Will you share your favourites? I promise I’ll pass it forward. You can join the conversation by commenting below or get straight into my inbox by replying to this email or emailing me at rachelpage@substack.com.
I hope that there has been something useful and fun here for you today. As always, take what you like, share what you love and leave behind the rest. ♡
Sending you all the hugs,
Note - This newsletter may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through any of my links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. I recommend only products that I genuinely like. Thank you for trusting me ♡