While I was recovering from Covid and stuck inside from the cold and snow, I’ve had quite a bit of time to watch TV shows and movies. I used to share everything I’ve been watching almost every month, and I’ve gotten away from doing that, but now seems like a good time for a little catch up on everything I’ve seen.

Movies I’ve Been Watching

For the past few years, I’ve been trying to watch all the movies nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. I do a little bit of guesswork before the official list of nominations come out, and of course, I don’t only watch movies that I think will be nominated!

A Real Pain (Hulu)

Both Jesse Eisenberg and Kieren Culkin are incredible in this movie, where they play brothers visiting Poland after their grandmother’s death to reconnect with their heritage. It’s part comedy, part drama, and some parts are so difficult to watch because they’re so awkward and cringe that you want to look away! But it’s also tender and heartfelt, and the kind of movie that will keep you thinking about it for a long time.

Juror #2 (HBO)

This was probably my least favorite of the list – it’s not bad, it just felt… fine, and landed a little bit flat for me. It’s a courtroom drama, and the cast was great, but it just felt a little dated in some ways, like something I’d watch as a rerun on TV. It’s not necessarily a skip, but in my opinion, more of a good background movie while you’re doing something else.

Nightbitch (Hulu)

This was so interesting – definitely not a background movie, because you have to pay close attention! It’s an analysis / reflection on motherhood, and Amy Adams is spectacular. The movie alternates between things that are real and things that are just happening in the main character’s imagination… but there’s no delineation between which is which, so you have to watch carefully!

Anora (Rent/Buy)

I loved this movie about a sex worker who finds herself thrown unexpectedly into a totally different kind of life. It’s definitely not the easiest to watch at times (there is violence and abuse), and I was stressed trying to figure out how it was going to end. Mikey Madison, who plays the lead, was so incredible and powerful to watch. I think this one will do really well at the Oscars.

A Different Man (HBO)

WOW, this movie! I knew it had something to do with disability / facial disfigurement, because I saw a clip of Sebastian Stan’s award show speech, but that’s about all I knew going in. Not only is the acting incredible, but they had authentic casting, which I always love, and such an important, powerful message on the stigma around disability (and how it can affect a disabled person’s confidence, too). I’d love for everyone to watch this – it’s really nuanced.

Wicked (Rent/Buy)

Yes, I did see this in the theater back in November, but I also bought it digitally as soon as it was available, and have watched it multiple times now. It’s honestly just a perfect adaptation of the musical, and both Ariana and Cynthia put on such incredible performances. I still love that Nessa was authentically cast (for the first time ever!!), and best of all, it’s just FUN to watch.

TV Shows I’ve Been Watching

The Pitt (HBO)

I’m not a huge medical drama watcher – I gave up on Grey’s Anatomy years ago – but The Pitt is set in Pittsburgh and filmed partially here, so of course I have to watch! So far, I’m enjoying it – it does a good job covering the more social and administrative aspects to healthcare in addition to the standard “cases of the week.” I’ll keep watching!

Severance (Apple TV+)

I think I’m one of the very few people who likes, but does not love, this show. Now, I’ll still be watching the season – I do need to know what happens, of course! – but I’m not as obsessed with it as some of my friends are. If you’re into weird, slightly sci-fi shows that are cultural commentary too, you’ll probably love this.

Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO)

This show is just fun to watch. This season felt a little bit like it was finding it’s footing after Renee Rapp left, but I feel like it was leveling out a bit by the end. I really love that while the show is obviously about relationships – it is the “sex lives,” after all – the core friendship between the roommates is equally important.

Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story (Prime)

I wasn’t the hugest Lisa Frank fan growing up, but I still had my share of dolphin and unicorn binders and folders. This was a fascinating documentary into Lisa Frank, the woman, Lisa Frank, the business, and what happened to make the business go from the huge name they were to what they are now. Honestly, I think I came away with more questions than answers, but it was an intriguing watch nonetheless.