So you wanna watch something…
The Tender Bar: This is a feel-good movie to start your year on the right note. Directed by George Clooney, the comic drama is based on a bestselling memoir by JR Moehringer—and is a coming-of-age story of a young boy that spans 15 years. As Hollywood Reporter describes it, “at its core the film is a valentine to JR’s Uncle Charlie, the man who steps in to mentor the boy after his biological father turns out to be an MIA deadbeat.” Charlie is played by Ben Affleck—who creates “an unforgettable character, from his very first appearance onscreen.” New York Times says: “It’s not the kind of movie that will knock you out, but it won’t leave you with a headache and a dry mouth, either. It’s a generous pour and a mellow buzz.” Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Mother/Android: Set in a near-future apocalyptic world, this sci-fi thriller is essentially the story of a heavily pregnant woman trying to save herself and her child from murderous robots—who have risen in rebellion against their human masters. New York Times praises Moretz’s performance, but is unimpressed by the “ridiculous premise.” Variety likes the first half far better than the second—and calls it “well-crafted and resourceful within its bounds.” But we liked the trailer and plan to check it out. ‘Mother/Android’ drops on Netflix today.
The Wasteland: Originally titled ‘El Páramo’, this is one of Spain’s most successful horror films. Lucía, her husband Salvador and their son Diego live in a shack, isolated from the rest of society—and find themselves threatened by a monster that feeds on fear. There are no reviews yet, but the trailer is both beautiful and deeply unsettling. You can watch the English version below. Streaming now on Netflix.
A list of good reads
- If you’re going to read one thing, make it this Guardian essay titled ‘Your attention didn’t collapse, it was stolen’. Also: Why you shouldn’t be scrolling for news on social media (and subscribing to splainer instead, of course, lol!)
- Scientists in San Francisco used transplanted pig cells to cure a seal of epilepsy. National Geographic looks at whether humans are next.
- Curious about Wordle, the online game that has gone viral around the world? Business Insider offers a handy introduction. And the New York Times has the lovely backstory on this game invented by a Brooklyn man for his Gujju wife.
- The Print has a great read on how proximity to Delhi killed the literary culture in Uttar Pradesh. (h/t founding member Kruthika Ravi Kumar)
- ‘Do your own research'—that’s become the catchphrase these days, urging citizens to get their own facts. New York Times explains why this is a bad idea.
- This one is for those who are not fans of Akki: Scroll on what the age of Akshay Kumar tells us about Bollywood.
- In the mood for something upbeat? The Hindu has the wonderful story of how a group of Tamil Nadu fishermen saved an endangered whale shark.
- A Telugu song—‘Oo Antava’—supposedly calls out men for leering at women—and simultaneously encourages them to do exactly that. BBC News explains why so many feminists hate it.
- BBC Future highlights the surprising upside of bad moods.
- The Australian phrase ‘no worries’ has been deemed deeply uncool in America. Aussies think the Yanks just don’t get it. The Guardian has this very important story lol!
- Ahamad Fuwad in The Quint writes an elegy to his dead patriotism—and that of so many other Indian Muslims.
- Inverse has an entertaining read on insect art—and why the creepy crawlies inspire so many artists. Sort of related: Daily Beast on the fascinating world of bio-art—where scientists try and share the wonder of biological research through lovely visualisations.
- Gizmodo unpacks the divisive debate over ‘Don’t Look Up’.