culture porn 4/14
our weekly playlist
screenshot me:
beef (netflix)
led by an asian cast (steven yuen, ali wong), this tense, bingey drama breaks new ground in exploring rage, revenge, and retributions. it asks: how far would you go to get even? and what are you willing to lose in order to get there, even if that means losing yourself?
***
extrapolations (apple tv+)
building on recent climate fiction like kim stanley robinson's protopian novel, THE MINISTRY FOR THE FUTURE, this "semi-anthology" stars an A-list cast (meryl streep, edward norton) can feel a bit preachy. but the uneven series does best when it puts entertainment value ahead of social messaging, including a self-aware musical sequence that has daveed diggs (HAMILTON) ironically "singing in the rain" of an epic hurricane.
***
wellmania (netflix)
with the wellbeing movement's rise to cultural dominance, it's about time someone came out with a satirical take. i fell hard for this aussie dramedy and its "messy woman" lead (celeste barber), a chaotic food writer having to wrestle with her own bad self – and her family back home. i totally relate to her aversion to exercise and loved her trendy but misdirected fashion sense, which lovingly echoes edina's from AB FAB.
***
pearl (a24)
with the recent announcement of director ti west's upcoming third installment in the X trilogy (titled MaXXXine), i decided it was high time i watch the series' horror prequel, PEARL. starring a brilliant mia goth, the film's GREY GARDENS-esque plot set in 1920s americana farmland works perfectly. in signature A24 style, the aesthetic is impeccable.
***
the art of forgetting (caroline rose)
i've been lucky to listen to caroline's evolution as a talented musician and songwriter over the years (the Roses are wonderful family friends!) but her new album may be my favorite one yet. it's a meaningful cornucopia of sounds, emotions, and vulnerabilities. i especially look forward to caroline's album art and visuals, and this album's cover does not disappoint!
***
girls (hbo)
in case you missed the articles informing readers that rewatching lena dunham's GIRLS is all the rage, well - it is! especially if, like me, you were a 20-something "girl" in 2012 NYC. hyper-specific enough for you? you may still enjoy a rewatch even if you weren't. i find that i appreciate the show even more with some distance - 10+ years and a cross-country move, to be precise.
insights & inspo
would you buy lube from a celebrity?
would you? from xtina’s PLAYGROUND to dakota’s MAUDE to gwyneth’s GOOP selection, celebrities are taking over the sexual wellness space.
a new extension of the beauty and wellness industry that has begun to be more widely accepted by big box retailers is ushering in household names to this largely untapped category. with aims to destigmatize female pleasure and empower their buyers, celeb backed intimates are perhaps a natural way to normalize the conversation around sexual empowerment for women. 💦✨
more insights here
#LOokforward🌅 with linda ong
props to our partners at MATTEL for making their upcoming BARBIE movie impossible to ignore. everywhere i look – from social media to BARBIECORE fashion to BARBIE'S DREAMHOUSE CHALLENGE (HGTV), the world is looking pink all over!
the wider debate about the role of trans folks in society is now infiltrating the influencer world. haters are taking aim at TIKTOK star dylan mulvaney's deal with BUD LIGHT, part of a larger pushback to the CORPORATE EQUALITY INDEX that rates companies on their inclusiveness with the LGBTQ community. the sad polarization of culture continues.
while many companies revert to "bossism" amidst the uncertain economic climate, UBER is discovering the value in listening to its drivers. being responsive to their needs and suggestions helped it leapfrog over competitors like LYFT. and while there are still sticky issues to resolve, having executives literally take the wheel is driving empathy – and action. how would sitting in your employees' seat help shape your POV on the workplace?
for linda’s full debrief, head here