Binge With Me - Netflix, YouTube & Reddit
While half the population either seem to be enjoying a European summer or skiing in a winter wonderland, i’ve been busy over here dissociating and consuming the entire internet and every streaming platform known to man. I’ve even downloaded Strava, Soundcloud and Reddit - whatever gets you that dopamine hit, right?! I have kept it light in this post, as i’ve got some pretty heavy AGLY podcast episodes and debriefs dropping in the next two weeks. I’ve included a mix of reviews and suggestions below - I hope you enjoy and happy viewing!
The Age of Adaline (Netflix) -
I have a confession to make… I never understood what all the fuss was about when it came to Blake Lively - until now. I have also never watched Gossip Girl either - the horror continues, I know. The good news is, I am now a BL convert and i’m utterly obsessed with her (and her relationship with Ryan Reynolds). I’m normally more of a psychological thriller type of gal, as i’m far too jaded to buy into anything romantic these days. And the mere mention of the word ‘fantasy’ when it comes to movie genres, usually makes me twitch in disgust. So I can only assume Netflix caught me off guard and in a moment of weakness, when I decided to hit PLAY on this one. But, #NORAGRETS (I really hope you get that movie reference hashtag, i’ll be disappointed if you don’t).
Here’s my brief synopsis of The Age of Adaline, sans any spoilers. Set in San Francisco, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) is involved in an accident in 1937 and struck by lightening, which rendered her ageless for nearly a century (she remained 29 yrs old). Adaline lives her life running from one identity to another, to avoid the authorities and being studied as a test subject. As her daughter surpasses her in age, she leads a lonely existence. Until one day when she has a chance encounter with Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman, p.s he’s so hot). When a weekend away with his parents threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever. I can’t say too much more without potentially ruining this beautiful story for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, soz. The cinematography and the costumes were incredible and I was left sobbing on the couch, with a little more hope that true love does exist. While the whole notion of her not being able to age was a little far fetched, it complimented this story of loss and love perfectly. This was a wonderful story of sacrifice, taking the plunge and of course… LOVE! BYO tissues.
If I Can’t Have You: The Jodi Arias Story (YouTube) -
HELP! I am so deep down the Jodi Arais rabbit hole on YouTube, Alice has nothin’ on me - my gawd! It’s a tale as old as time… if I can’t have you, no one will - how romantic. How can I possibly summarise this story?! Hmmm… sex, lies, betrayal, The Book of Mormon and revenge, is a good start (it almost sounds like an episode of RHOSLC, lol). If you aren’t aware of this case, you are now. You’re welcome, I think.
Travis Alexander was an American salesman who was murdered by his ex-girlfriend, Jodi Arias, in his own home in Arizona 2008. Jodi Arias was convicted of first-degree murder in 2013 and sentenced to life in prison in 2015, without the possibility of parole. Travis Alexander sustained 27 stab wounds, a slit throat (from ear to ear) and a single gunshot wound to the forehead - yikes. Arias testified that she killed him in self-defence (after several changes in her initial police statements), however she was convicted by the jury of first-degree murder - escaping the death penalty. Alexander's death and the subsequent investigation/trial received widespread media attention in the U.S and across the globe (and it has now taken over my YouTube algorithm).
I will say, after watching this particular documentary (there’s also about 70 billion more on YouTube), I did briefly wander over into sympathetic territory, after hearing from her defence team. The relationship, from what was presented, appeared to be extremely toxic - emotional abuse and coercive control. Of course this is by no means a defence for murder, but I did consider (briefly) that her claims of self-defence had some merit. Arias claimed a scuffle broke out and that Travis was murdered in self-defence. However, when I continued down my rabbit hole and watched other videos that included more evidence from the prosecution, I tend to believe that this was in fact premeditated. The injuries he sustained were absolutely horrific and do not support the self-defence story, in my unprofessional opinion. What I will add to this though, is I don’t believe that she received a fair trial - it was a media circus, witnesses were apparently being threatened etc. Anyway, have a watch and I would love to know your thoughts.
My four favourite guys (The Behavior Panel) also do a great analysis of some of her interviews - CLICK HERE TO WATCH
Sex Life (Netflix) -
Holy smokes, lol. My curser was flashing for a long time before I started writing about this one. Only those who have seen this series would understand why - phhhoaarf. I’m still getting second-hand awkwardness admitting that this was an absolute PLEASURE of a series to watch! So, where do I start?! Probably with Sarah Shahi who plays Billie Connelly - “a suburban mother of two who takes a fantasy-charged trip down memory lane, that sets her very married present on a collision course with her wild child past”, as per the Netflix series synopsis. I am a heterosexual woman, but if I was ever going to turn… it would be for her.
This is a drama series on Netflix (two seasons), which has since been cancelled - but i’ll rant about this another time. It’s essentially about a love triangle between Billie (Sarah Shahi), her husband Cooper (Mike Vogel) and her ex-lover Brad (Adam Demos). Billie and Brad can’t resist temptation when fate reunites them, but what follows is a wave of (sexy) destruction. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but I think I was one of the very few that was happy about it. I loved this series for so many reasons. My very basic appreciation for the metallic pink jacket that she always wore is one, but in all seriousness, it was great to watch a show that finally focussed on the perspective of the female when it comes to sexuality, desires and the monotony of married life with kids. The idea that we as women are more than just a wife/partner and mother was explored (in every respect), and while this may have brought discomfort to some, I applaud it as a topic raised for discussion.
The supporting cast weren’t great and the acting at times was a little cringe, but the themes behind the storyline and the steamy bedroom scenes made up for it. Skip or stream? STREAM, STREAM, STREAM! Oh, and to add even more spice to Sex Life… Billie and Brad ARE TOGETHER IRL! #mindblown.
Behind Her Eyes (Netflix) -
Well i’m back in my comfort zone of a drama/thriller TV series, but this one has some supernatural elements. Seriously, what have I become? I don’t do supernatural, but I also downloaded Strava and I’m not a runner or a cyclist either, so?! Ehhh. This series is based on Sarah Pinborough's bestselling novel and currently stands at one season only, but the door has been left wide open for a second (woo). Whoever is responsible for writing the synopsis at Netflix should be fired - “A single mother enters a world of twisted mind games when she begins an affair with her psychiatrist boss while secretly befriending his mysterious wife”. So detailed and enticing, not. Thank god for trailers, huh.
Like any (good) thriller, the idea is to hand the viewers a mystery - throwing in some plot twists and leaving you with a million questions. In many ways, a good thriller can also be open to interpretation. By this I mean, as a viewer we will inevitably all see the story unfold in different ways - what clues we pick up on, character perception, personal bias and so on. There are often breadcrumbs dropped along the way and when you watch these back (knowing the outcome), it’s almost a completely different viewing experience. And yes, I am one of those people who rewatch everything.
This story is centred around a single mother, Louise Bardsley (Simona Brown) who was left heartbroken after her husband walked out and she is (understandably) looking for love and a bit of fun. After a disappointing date, she meets David Ferguson (Tom Bateman) who has just arrived in town - after she spills his drink on him at the bar, how cliche. The chemistry between Louise and David is obvious, but their night comes to an abrupt end and cue the suspenseful music, but whyyy? The very next day, Louise finds out that David is her new boss and that he is in fact married to Adele Campbell (Eve Hewson) - awwwwkard. To put it simply: David is a psychiatrist, his wife was an inpatient at a mental health facility, and the lovely Louise, is his the part-time secretary. Oh and then she befriends Adele - are you still following?! There’s a lot more I could say, but I don’t want to give too much away. And while the sex scenes have nothing on Billie and Brad, there’s enough spice thrown amongst the chaos to appease everyone.
My final thoughts: I need to read the book, it’s a slow start (but so was Ozark, and I’ve watched that entire series four times now), you will change where your character alliance/preference sits several times throughout the season, and Eve Hewson who plays the unhinged wife is fantastic - a great watch!
Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste (Netflix) -
I mean let’s be honest… the title alone got this one over the line for me! An investigative/true crime documentary about “a sexual wellness company gains fame and followers for its practice of "orgasmic meditation" — until members come forward with disturbing allegations, as per Netflix bio. OneTaste was a San Francisco based organisation founded in 2005, by sexual ‘wellbeing guru’ (I repeat that term loosely), Nicole Daedone. Clients were promised spiritual and sexual enlightenment through “orgasmic meditation”, but in reality it was just a clever-ish pyramid scheme slash cult. This documentary follows the dramatic rise and fall of the movement, including interviews with former members, staff and founder Nicole Daedone’s ex-husband - accompanied by some uncomfortably graphic viewing. Behind the cringe-worthy press and the NQR sales pitches, things began to fall part for OneTaste after a very damaging story about the company was published in 2018.
The publication alleged that some of the employees were pressured to partake in expensive courses and commit to ongoing education that was beyond their financial means - through intimidation and threats. There were accusations of alleged prostitution, staff being forced to have sex with or perform the infamous “orgasmic meditation” with each other and on members. It’s all very messed-up to say the least. Several former members took out lawsuits against OneTaste, alleging verbal and emotional abuse. Hellooooo to another YouTube rabbit hole, UGH.
My final thoughts: Nicole Daedone is a piece of work and her commentary on sexual assault and the victim/survivor complex was equal parts disturbing and disgusting. From a business perspective, Nicole Daedone seemingly had all the qualities of a great leader. However, she abused her power, prayed on vulnerable people and ruined the idea of a “15 minute orgasm” for everyone, lol. Hmmm. This isn’t at the top of my list, but interesting nonetheless.
Some juicy Reddit threads/communities to follow:
If you are STILL clinging on for dear life to the VPR Scandavol saga like me, get onto the Vanderpumpaholics and Vanderpumprules groups on Reddit. I am yet to comment and leave any digital footprint or evidence of my existence, but the night is young. And while it pains me to send any traffic in the direction of Bethenny Frankel, you should definitely give her three-part podcast series titled ‘Reality Reckoning’ with Racquel/Rachel a listen. You’ll spend half your time skipping ads and probably yelling at your phone, but it’s history in the making (I wish you could see my face right now - burrrjeerk).
If you are a Bravo fan, there’s also some incredibly amusing content on there - featuring: Lenny Hochstein, Kyle and Morgan Wade, BravoCon and everything in between.
While I could continue writing about everything else i’ve watched, I need to hit the shower, get the kids into bed and disappear down another rabbit hole. Instead, i’ve listed a few more recommendations without my input!
NETFLIX: Sins of Our Mother, The Good Nurse (also watch the documentary), Depp V Heard, Fatal Seduction, The Impossible, The Weekend Away, Pieces of Her, Our Father, Anatomy of a Scandal (I loved this!), Don’t F*** With Cats, The Staircase (he absolutely did it), Murdaugh Murders - A Southern Scandal, Mr Mercedes, Molly’s Game (I LOVE Jessica Chastain), Unbelievable, The Watcher, The Keepers, The Serpent.
Until next time,
SJ x