Author: Adam Affandy
Photo Unsplash – Elina Jiang
What does it take to keep ‘the moment’ alive? The Moment is a mockumentary following the weeks leading up to Charli XCX’s accompanying tour for her studio album BRAT. In our world, the album’s promotional cycle was a global sensation. From the internet trend of having a ‘Brat Summer’ to its Grammy-winning status, Charli’s musical career definitely paid off. This film however imagines an alternate reality where Charli succumbs to the pressures of stardom in exchange for a safer commercial route. A simple premise that offers an insightful commentary on the “authentic” and “manufactured” in pop music terms. Director Aidan…
Anyone in the zeitgeist would be aware of Emerald Fennell’s recent film adaptation of the beloved Emily Brontë novel, “Wuthering Heights”. There is something about the choices Fennell has made here. From Heathcliff being a 6 ‘5 tall Jacob Elordi instead of a person of colour, the villainisation of Nelly, removing Cathy’s ghost, to even the changed ages of the characters. It is an interesting, or maybe questionable, choice of adaptation. But neither Fennell’s accuracy to the novel nor the quality of the film personally interests me here. I am more concerned with understanding the existence of “Wuthering Heights” as…
There has been a pattern in recent Hollywood dramas. Hamnet frames playwriting as a vessel to endure the weight of a mother’s grief. Is This Thing On? imagines stand-up comedy as a cathartic path of rediscovery for its protagonist. Or take Netflix’s newest film Jay Kelly; an aging actor who engages with the craft of acting to reconcile with regret. The clear pattern here is their observations on the intersection between art and emotions. The reckoning of one’s identity through creative means. Whether it be acting in front of a crowd, or being a member of the audience, art serves…
The nominations for the 98th Oscars were announced on January 22nd. As with the usual tradition of awards season, there were some notable snubs and surprises. The biggest surprise was seeing one of the Best Picture nominees break history as the most nominated film of all time at the Oscars. That achievement belongs to none other than Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. The film is incredibly rich with symbolism and commentary; how cultural preservation comes at the cost of freedom being forcefully taken by oppressive forces. It is also a fascinating genre-blend of period drama and horror. Not only does it explore…
Severance is currently the best show on television. Created by Dan Erikson and Ben Stiller, the Emmy award winning show from Apple TV+ is a gripping experience that balances elements of dark comedy and thriller. It is led by notable actors such as Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Tuturro, and many more. In a current landscape of diverse and quality television, what makes Severance stand out? To put it simply, Severance is about a group of workers who experience a separation between their work lives and personal lives. Our main characters are employees on the severed floor of the company,…
On February 9th, the Super Bowl had its first ever solo hip-hop performer as their headliner. The event was a monumental display of live entertainment by transcending the norms of musical performances. The act served as a vehicle for profound commentary regarding the current societal and political state of America. This led to extensive discourse being ignited across internet platforms. The artist responsible was none other than twenty-two-time Grammy Award winner Kendrick Lamar. Lamar’s entrance was marked by his appearance on top of a black Buick GNX car, serving as a nod to the album cover of his recent 2024…
In the modern world, millions of songs are accessible to us with just a few clicks. Yet, so many of us still choose to go and see our favourite artists in person, and love the unmatched experience of concerts and gigs. Earlier this year, my friend and I had the exciting opportunity to see Bring Me The Horizon perform live in concert. The Grammy-nominated metal band became one of my favourites during the pandemic, specifically with the release of their critically-acclaimed album ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’. Between my established love for their music, and my friend recently becoming a fan…
Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_cast_of_The_Substance_at_TIFF_%28cropped%29.jpg 2024 has been both a great and diverse year for the horror genre. From crime investigation thriller Longlegs, to Analog mockumentary Late Night With The Devil, audiences have been gifted with many compelling stories. However, one specific recent horror release has led to an influx of online discourse – new feminist body horror film, The Substance. Whilst some have praised the film’s bold creative direction, others have criticised it as shallow and unoriginal. I would argue that Coralie Fargeat’s latest film is a modern horror classic. The premise is simple: Elisabeth Sparkle is an ageing former Hollywood…
Kate Bush image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KateBushComicRelief.png From being the first female musician to dominate the UK charts, to having a viral resurgence from Netflix’s Stranger Things, Kate Bush has had an undeniable impact on the music industry ever since her debut in 1978, through her fantastic song-writing, enchanting visuals and distinctive eccentric tone. With her recent announcement of planning to record new music exciting many devoted fans, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the singer’s notable career – and future. This woman’s work Kate Bush is renowned for her unique style, but it extends far beyond her lyricism and…