All Forms of Art

  Some movies entertain. Some movies challenge. And then there are movies like The Whale , that just wreck you . Directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser in what is probably the most heartbreaking performance of his career, The Whale is not easy to watch—but it’s impossible to forget. Based on a play by Samuel D. Hunter (who also wrote the screenplay), the film tells the story of Charlie, a reclusive English teacher who is slowly eating himself to death. Fraser’s performance won him a long-overdue Academy Award for Best Actor, and honestly, it’s no mystery why. His portrayal of Charlie is raw, compassionate, and almost unbearably human. You don’t just watch him—you feel every second of his pain, his hope, his denial, and his deep, desperate love for a daughter he hasn’t seen in years. A Story That Hurts to Watch This might be one of the saddest films I’ve ever seen. It’s not simply sad in a sentimental, tearjerker kind of way—it’s sad in a profoundly existenti...

  There are TV shows, and then there are TV events . Lost , which premiered in 2004, was both — a bold leap into serialized storytelling that changed how we watch, discuss, and even expect television to be. Before Lost , most network shows played it safe. You could tune into an episode of CSI or ER mid-season and still follow the story. Lost didn’t play that game. It demanded attention, loyalty, rewatches, and — perhaps most of all — obsession. The Before and After In many ways, there’s a “before Lost ” and an “after Lost ” when it comes to TV storytelling. Before: mostly procedural, episodic, with mythologies relegated to sci-fi outliers like The X-Files . After: Heroes , Fringe , FlashForward , The Leftovers , Westworld — all shows that owe something to Lost 's serialized DNA. It wasn’t just the story — a plane crash, a mysterious island, and a group of strangers bound by fate — it was how Lost told it. Flashbacks (and later flash-forwards and flash-sideways), philosophical ...

  G20 , now streaming on Prime Video , is a high-octane action thriller that takes viewers back to the adrenaline-fueled films of the 1990s.  Directed by Patricia Riggen, the movie follows U.S. President Danielle Sutton, portrayed by Viola Davis , as she confronts a terrorist siege during the G20 summit in Cape Town. The antagonist, Edward Rutledge (Antony Starr), a former Australian Special Forces operative turned crypto-anarchist, orchestrates the attack, aiming to destabilize global economies through cyber warfare and deepfake technology. Viola Davis: A Commanding Presence Viola Davis delivers a powerhouse performance as President Sutton, seamlessly blending authority, vulnerability, and physical prowess. Her portrayal of a leader and mother navigating a crisis is both compelling and inspiring. Critics have lauded her for bringing gravitas to the role, with Time noting her "commanding presence" and ability to deliver "powerful speeches and impressive physical perform...

The Netflix documentary Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing dives into a disturbing new reality: children becoming full-time social media stars, often at the cost of their health, safety, and childhood. While it centers around YouTube star Piper Rockelle and her mother/manager, Tiffany, it’s about far more than just one family. It’s a cautionary tale about the thousands of kids who dream of online fame—and the adults cashing in on it. What begins as fun, light-hearted family content quickly spirals into something darker. Piper becomes the main source of income for her entire family, a burden no child should bear. As any adult knows, financial pressure is heavy—and it’s emotionally crushing for a teenager. Support or Exploitation?  The documentary shows how quickly the lines blur between parenting and profiting. What shocked me the most was how many parents—especially those who joined a lawsuit against Tiffany—seemed more upset about lost revenue than emotional harm. Seve...

  How Can a 13-Year-Old Commit Murder? What was once an absurd, unthinkable question is the central premise of Adolescence , Netflix ’s latest British drama.  From the first episode, the show grips you with its raw portrayal of youth violence. It pushes us to confront an unsettling reality—children, barely teenagers, are capable of unimaginable acts. But Adolescence does not sensationalize crime; rather, it dissects it , laying bare the complex web of factors that lead to such a moment. It’s Not About the Victim Unlike many crime dramas, Adolescence does not dwell on the victim. Instead, it forces us to ask: Who is the perpetrator? Who is his family? Who are his friends? What kind of environment produces a child capable of killing?  The show wrestles with these haunting questions, exposing the uncomfortable truth that the killer does not come from an easily identifiable “dangerous” background. His family is normal—too normal. This leads us to the most disturbing though...

  Jennifer Egan returns with The Candy House , a dazzling, interconnected novel that expands on the universe of A Visit from the Goon Squad . While not a direct sequel, this book explores the same themes of time, identity, and technology, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. A World Where Memories Are No Longer Private  At the heart of The Candy House is a revolutionary technology called "Own Your Unconscious," created by tech mogul Bix Bouton. This invention allows people to externalize and share their memories. This leads to profound ethical and existential questions.  Would you trade your privacy for perfect recollection?  What happens when memories are no longer personal? A Narrative as Experimental as Its Predecessor  Like A Visit from the Goon Squad , this novel unfolds in a non-linear, multi-perspective style.  Each chapter introduces new characters—some familiar, some new—who navigate the implications of Bix's technology in unique ways. Fro...

  Shrinking is a heartfelt comedy-drama series on Apple TV+. It masterfully blends humor with great storytelling.  The show stars Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird, a Los Angeles therapist dealing with the recent loss of his wife. While trying to cope, Jimmy adopts unconventional therapeutic methods. They lead to both humorous and touching outcomes. Harrison Ford delivers a standout performance as Paul Rhoades, Jimmy's mentor. A serious man trying to cope with Parkinson’s disease. The ensemble cast, including Jessica Williams as colleague Gaby Evans, contributes to the show's rich dynamic. They were able to create a "found family" atmosphere that resonates with viewers. Going Deeper The second season delves deeper into the characters' personal and professional lives, exploring the consequences of Jimmy's unorthodox therapy approaches.  The writing is sharp, and the character development is authentic and engaging. The series has been well-received. Its first season ...

  NBC's Timeless blends history, action, and character-driven storytelling into a thrilling time-travel adventure. Despite its premature cancellation, the show delivers an emotionally satisfying conclusion. It proves that even an unfinished journey can leave a lasting impact. Mystery Through Time The story follows historian Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer), soldier Wyatt Logan (Matt Lanter), and engineer Rufus Carlin (Malcolm Barrett). They chase a mysterious organization, Rittenhouse , through time.  Their mission? To prevent history from being rewritten. They add the moral dilemmas of altering the past to an already difficult task. The show brilliantly balances historical events with sci-fi elements. Its fast-paced, high-stakes storytelling keeps viewers engaged. Great Characters make Great Stories One of Timeless ' greatest strengths lies in its characters. Rufus, in particular, stands out as the relatable everyman. His humor, intelligence, and real fear of the dangers ahead...

  Netflix 's American Primeval is profoundly moving. It immerses viewers in the brutality and beauty of the American frontierving.  The show vividly portrays how harrowing and unforgiving life was during the period when survival was a daily battle against nature, violence, and injustice. Bravery To survive, you couldn't be ordinary. You must be brave, strong, and resourceful. And that's Abish. Her courage and determination were incredibly inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. She's a testament to the strength it took to endure such a harsh world, and her journey is one of the most memorable aspects of the series. Justice is a strange word The series doesn't shy away from showing the injustice of the era, and while that made it hard to watch at times, it also added a layer of emotional depth that kept me hooked.  Isaac's death hit me especially hard. After all he endured, to see him go like that was heartbreaking. Sara remains a my...

  Arcane is an animated series that has captivated audiences, even those who typically don't gravitate towards animation.  Set in the League of Legends universe, the show delves into the complex relationship between two sisters, Vi and Jinx, amidst the tension between the affluent city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. The compelling narrative offers a blend of action, political intrigue, and emotional depth that resonates with a broad audience. Simply Art The animation in Arcane is genuinely remarkable. The series employs a unique art style that combines 2D and 3D techniques, resulting in stunning and immersive visuals.  Each frame is meticulously crafted, bringing the world and its characters to life with exceptional detail. This visual artistry enhances the storytelling, making the viewing experience engaging and memorable.  Forget League of Legends and Enjoy Beyond its visual appeal, Arcane excels in character development and writing. The seri...