I’m writing this post mostly because I just watched Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette special, and I felt the need to add my voice to the chorus of people telling you that you NEED to watch this, immediately. It’s rare that I feel such a visceral reaction to any show, much less a comedy special, but Nanette far transcends its genre. I’m giving it a few days to settle, then I plan on re-watching it because I am in awe of the way that Gadsby wrote and structured the show – it’s so brilliant, and it builds upon itself, layer by layer, to a perfect ending. It will devastate you, but in the best possible way. Seriously, “x” out of here and go watch it right now. Do it!

Did you watch it?

I hope so.

If you’re looking for more reccs, here are a few other things I read/watched recently.

This is not breaking news, but Hillbilly Elegy was a very interesting read. As a (white) immigrant from an “undesirable” European country, I’ve always felt like an outsider to the social class system here in the West, but reading Elegy re-framed my perspective on that to some extent. I have much less in common with the “hillbillies” that JD Vance writes about than I thought I did, largely because of education. I was poor growing up (particularly by Western standards) but everyone in my family, going back to both sets of grandparents, had post-secondary education and I grew up in an environment where academic success was highly valued (and, in fact, demanded). I don’t think I really understood before how much of a difference that makes, not necessarily in immediate economic terms, but in the mindset of a child and, ultimately, their long-term trajectory in life.

On a completely different note, I also really enjoyed browsing through The Cool Factor by Andrea Linnett, and was greatly inspired by it. I normally dislike style books that focus on “key pieces” (because everyone has different tastes, needs and lifestyles) but Linnett does so in a way that doesn’t feel prescriptive. For example, there is a chapter on how to incorporate leather into your wardrobe, and various options are included – from classic leather jackets, to skirts, pants, leggings, etc. Concepts are illustrated through outfits worn by different women (not models) with varying aesthetics, which I found very helpful. [I will say that, while there is some diversity among the women featured, there isn’t any real plus size representation in the book.] I wouldn’t say that there is anything particularly revolutionary about the book, but reading it sparked a renewed sense of excitement about exploring and expressing my own style – almost as if I had been busted out of a clothes rut I didn’t know I was in.

Lastly, I recently watched Thor: Ragnarok and was completely charmed by it. I attribute this 100% to the involvement of Taika Waititi; I have not seen any previous Thor movies, and Chris Hemsworth is not a Chris I get excited about. Ragnarok was just a lot of fun – and really funny! Afterwards, I promptly re-watched What We Do In the Shadows (a must if you haven’t seen it), and then checked out Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which I also enjoyed a lot. It’s funny and sweet (but not cloying in the least), and the performances are spot on. I was actually sad when the movie ended, because I wanted to watch more of Ricky and Hec’s bush adventures. It’s a good antidote if you’re feeling down – and, let’s face it, there are lots of reasons these days why you might be.

4 Comments on What I Watched & You Should Too!

  1. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is such a wonderful movie. We have watched it so many times with our son and his friends and their families (some parts are a little risque but I think good conversations to have) and we quote it constantly. Ricky Baker is so loved in our household. Fantastic acting – just love Sam Neil in that character. So glad to see it recommended!

    • It’s a great movie, and I would definitely watch it again with my kids when they’re a little older. I am looking forward to seeing what Taika does next (heard rumours of a What we Do In The Shadows series!)

  2. I did just watch Nanette with my daughter who had it on her lo watch list. Thank you for recommending. I agree with your description of her planting story seeds, layering meaning for us. And I appreciate that both you and she are about building connections.

    • I was so blown away by Gadsby, I think Nanette should be watched by everyone. The way she talked about the changes that your environment can have on your neural pathways and what that means for the way you look at yourself and the world – a total lightbulb moment for me. And with all the deeper meaning and message, it’s still a funny as hell special. Brava!

      Also, thank you for reading and commenting – I am so grateful that people still do that with blogs. Maybe I’m old school but i still believe in the idea of genuine online communities.