THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEl Season 5 | RENFIELD | SICK OF MYSELF
Pop Culture Weekly Round-Up 14/04/2023
Hello, everyone. This week’s newsletter almost never happened because I was having too much fun messing around with notes. But somehow I managed to put together some Pop Culture recommendations for your weekend. In this week’s newsletter, I share my thoughts on the fifth and last season of the Amazon Prime Video series, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEl. I also talk about the Fun, but Forgettable RENFIELD and the whip-smart black comedy SICK OF MYSELF. And as always there is a playlist with five songs I was listening to last week.
QUICK THOUGHTS
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEl final season gives the beloved show the grand send-off it rightfully deserves. Despite a big structural shift in storytelling, the intoxicating mix of comedy and fantastical nostalgia remains as compelling as ever. I found Season Five an incredibly enjoyable watch, especially because it focused on the relationship between Midge and Susie. The show creators were wise to center the final season around this dynamic, as it allowed for deeper character development and sincere growth. The fast-paced and witty dialogue was still a standout feature of the show, accompanied by a gorgeous wardrobe and superb set design that transported viewers back to another era. What sets season five apart from the past two seasons is that the characters start to reckon with past mistakes and strive toward personal growth and self-improvement. Susie becomes more serious about her business while Abe delivers an Emmy-worthy, performance after a profound epiphany. Despite a fun and engaging ride throughout the entire season, it's the relationships between the characters that truly resonate and make the show so special. On the whole THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEl bows out on a high note with a satisfying finale that encapsulates the show's charm, wit, and heart. Fans will not be disappointed with the show's grand and well-deserved farewell.
RENFIELD is a fun modern monster tale that reimagines the story of Dracula's loyal servant, with impressive performances from its lead cast members. Nicholas Hoult shines in the role of Renfield, the tortured aide who is forced to do Dracula's bidding, while Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage is every bit as captivating as the infamous vampire. While the movie may not be perfect and requires the audience to overlook some flaws, it is still an enjoyable watch. The film makes good use of its lean runtime and its New Orleans setting, providing a perfect backdrop for the film's horror-comedy blend. Additionally, Hoult's portrayal of the put-upon sad boy with access to anti-hero superpowers is spot-on. All in all, RENFIELD may not be the most groundbreaking or perfect horror movie, but it's a fun ride that won't disappoint. While it doesn't fully capitalize on its killer premise and talented cast, it still manages to leave an impression in its own unique way. It is worth a watch for anyone looking for an entertaining monster movie with some thrills and humor.
SICK OF MYSELF is an absolute masterpiece of black comedy and body horror that delves into the ugly side of modern society's obsession with fame and attention. Kristine Kujath Thorp delivers a stunning performance as Signe, who is determined to reclaim her spot in Oslo's elite cultural scene after being overshadowed by her boyfriend's success. Writer/director Kristoffer Borgli brilliantly crafts a hilariously deranged and delightfully cynical film that kept me engaged throughout. The movie's satirical dialogue and the gradual build-up of tension make for a truly unforgettable experience that left me cringing and laughing out loud. The film brilliantly explores the darker side of seeking attention and fame at any cost and the price that comes with it. The gradual transition from awkward moments to complete unhinged madness is masterful. Overall, SICK OF MYSELF is hands down one of the best black comedies and body horror films I've seen in years. It's a smart, twisted, and highly entertaining piece of Norwegian cinema that deserves all the attention it's been getting.
TOP 5 SONGS
These were the 5 songs on heavy rotation in my house last week. You can listen to them on Spotify and YouTube.