Welcome to another weekly binge!
First, an oldie: In 1970, a white filmmaker chased down an increasingly hostile James Baldwin for a documentary interview on his “escape” from racist America to the so-called utopia of Paris. Because Baldwin wouldn’t necessarily give the journalist what he wanted, the documentary only wound up being about 30 minutes long, but it has a classic quote that inspired my latest piece:
“Where would a fleeing Black man go, if he wanted to escape?” Baldwin responds to the filmmaker, dripping with disdain. There is no “safe” place for Black people in an anti-Black world, but dating all the way back to American slavery, Black Americans have found a port in the storm in Hawaii. In 2023, I spent 5 weeks hopping around the islands, researching and interviewing Black scholars, historians, activists, artists, healers and more to write this piece on the long tradition of Black and Hawaiian solidarity—how we lost it, and how we might get it back. After two long years of writing and selling this piece and it getting killed and publications folding, I’ve finally found a home for the piece that pays what I deserved for the love and work I put into it. Check it out on ContrabandCamp:
Though the annoying filmmaker is annoying, Baldwin is brilliant and this slice of his life in Paris is illuminating and invigorating. Watch the short film James Baldwin: Meeting the Man on MUBI or Criterion Channel (or if you just search on YouTube you can watch it full for free—don’t tell em I sent you though lol)
Mid-Century Modern
I was so wrong about this show! After a bit of a rocky start with the pilot and second episode, I was ready to throw this show in the dustbin. But by the 3rd episode, everything just gels for this modern-day Golden Girls sitcom that features three gay men best friends of a certain age (and one of their moms) choosing to live together in Palm Springs after the death of their fourth bestie. In this sweet tear-jerker starring the iconic Nathan Lane as the Dorothy, the hilarious and fabulous Nathan Lee Graham as the Blanche, and a surprising Matt Bomer as the loveable ditzy Rose. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, you will not regret this heartwarming watch.
Watch Mid-Century Modern on Hulu.
Dying for Sex
TW: cancer, chemo, childhood sexual abuse
Okay with all these trigger warnings, this is still a dramedy in the truest sense of the word. Molly (Michelle Williams) is a breast cancer survivor two years into remission when she learns that her hip pain is cancer that has not only returned at stage four but has metastasized in her bones. Somehow, this news—and the libido-killing medication she had been taking to prevent the cancer from returning—makes her very horny. After a seriourealizes that her sexless marriage is not for her and takes charge of her cancer journey and what’s left of her life by pursuing pleasure at all costs. With the help of her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate) she starts choosing the life and the sex that she wants with a bevy of hilarious suitors. Of course, the premise is in the name, and Molly is dying of inoperable cancer, while also trying to heal from childhood sexual abuse. It’s handled with care and love and is based on the true story of real best friends Molly and Nikki and the podcast they did together recounting these adventures of the same name.
Watch Dying for Sex on Hulu.
Black Mirror
The sci-fi-horror-drama anthology series about what fresh hell new technology will bring us is back—despite the fact that we’re already living in the fresh hells of new technology and our tech overlords IRL. Though it digs in its own backyard for many of the episodes — there are sequels and spiritual sequels to fan-favorite episodes this season — series creator Charlie Brooker still has some fresh horrors up his sleeve. Read my full review of the season—featuring Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross and Issa Rae here.
Your Monster
Okay, another oldie but goodie—I’m so behind on supporting my girl Melissa Barrera! When Hollywood’s zionists came for her neck for supporting Palestine, she continued to thrive and still educates her social media audience on the genocide daily. So, I had every intention of watching her 2024 Sundance romantic comedy and just never did. But I finally watched last week before attending a panel with the filmmakers and when I say this movie has everything, I mean everything: Rom-com-horror-fantasy-MUSICAL. And it’s brilliant at every genre. Melissa plays Laura who gets dumped at her hospital bedside when her horrible boyfriend can’t deal with her illness anymore. Recovering alone in her childhood home, she meets the Monster (Tommy Dewey) whose been hiding under her bed and in her closet. With a little help and love from Monster, Laura learns to tap into her long-simmering rage.
Watch Your Monster on HBOMax.
Stay Watchin’,
Brooke
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