In Review: Books, movies, shows, music

From feminist fairy tales to robots taking over the world, here's all the content I consumed in September.

Easily one of the best books I've ever read, Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber is the feminist re-imagination of the classic fairy tales that I've grown up reading and watching, like Beauty and the Beast, The Red Riding Hood, Puss in the Boots and Snow White. I fell in love with her style of writing that she mixed with gothic and sexual themes. I would highly recommend this book, which you can buy here.

“There will be many books written about the year 2020: historical, analytic, political and comprehensive accounts. This is not any of those." One of the most popular authors of our time, Zadie Smith's short book of essays and musings is a very quick read. I haven't read any of her previous books, but would likely pick one up after reading her essays. This is a great book to gift someone this year, as a sort of reflection of what we've all been through 2020. You can buy the book here.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoy Guy Richie's style of movies. With a hell of a cast, 'The Gentlemen' is about an American expat who tries to sell off his highly profitable marijuana empire in London, which triggers plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him. Great plot, great acting, great style, must watch. Check it out on Apple TV+

If you are looking for some timepass action movie, then 'Old Guard' is right up your alley. Charlize Theron leads a covert team of immortal mercenaries who are suddenly exposed and must now fight to keep their identity a secret just as an unexpected new member is discovered. I would have wanted better action sequences from this movie, considering they are immortals, but oh well, not everyone can be John Wick. You can stream the movie on Netflix.

Tom Hanks kills it again in yet another real-life incident movie, this time during WW2. Several months after the U.S. entry into World War II, an inexperienced U.S. Navy commander leads an Allied convoy being stalked by a German submarine wolf pack. 10/10 for music, 10/10 for acting, 10/10 for the tension created. I would highly recommend you watch this film, which is available on Apple TV+

I wanted to like this movie so much, but unfortunately, it didn't cut the mark for me. The movie follows Millie Bobby Brown as Sherlock's teen sister, who discovers her mother missing and she sets off to find her, becoming a super-sleuth in her own right as she outwits her famous brother and unravels a dangerous conspiracy around a mysterious young Lord. If you have nothing else to watch or are just curious about this film due to all the marketing and the publicity, only then check it out on Netflix.

There is a lot of things that I did not like about this movie, but I'll talk about the ones that I liked, which is the performances and normalcy of conversations related to sex. The movie follows the lives of two sisters in Noida, Delhi, as one struggles with her married life and another struggles with trying to fit in a new city. I would rate it 2.5 out of 5. The movie is available to watch on Netflix.

This two season docu-series follows the FIA Formula One World Championship across multiple seasons. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this one and couldn't believe the high stakes of this extreme and one of the most expensive sports in the world. It's fast-paced, it's addictive and it's a quick watch, perfect to catch an episode during lunch/dinner breaks. You can stream this show on Netflix.

I have seen quite a few American espionage shows to be tired of the same old story by now. Jack Ryan offers nothing new. CIA personnel, trying to save America from Middle-eastern terrorists and other threats. It is available to watch on Prime Video, but I would recommend that you skip it.

I used to love this show, season one and two were like a masterclass on how to make a mind boggling sci-fi show. What a unique concept and what a unique treatment, in terms of timeline. But I cannot say the same about season three. I was so bored during this season that I could not wait for each episode to get over. If you are fans of the show, then I would assume you would want to know the happens to all the characters, but don't keep your expectations high, it's a bad season. You can stream the show on Disney+Hotstar.

Model and actress Emily Ratajkowski, in an eye-opening essay, talks about the crazy culture of paparazzi and photographers, and how models and celebrities are helpless when it comes to owning the rights to their images and pictures that are posted all over social media platforms. Give this one a read here.

The one track I had on repeat this month was Lost in the Moment. I imagine I would listen to this song if I was on my way to space. For now, add this song right away on your 'Going for a walk' playlist, but first, check it out here.