BOOK
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (Week 1)
If you want to feel warm and happy, check out this book about a female president, biracial first family, and lots of romance and friendship with a beautiful setting.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller (Week 3)
One of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. Known for her powerful victim impact statement she read during Brock Turner’s sentencing, Miller recounts her story, the whole while reintroducing herself to the world as a writer, artist, and survivor.
Freshmen by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison (Weekend 4)
Obsessed with Normal People and looking for something a bit more humorous? Alternating between Phoebe and Luke’s points of view, the two college freshmen navigate new friends, awkward moments, and confusing romances during their first semester.
Deadly Class by Rick Remender (Weekend 6)
We deserved more than 10 episodes of this treasure of a Syfy series and I hope justice is served one day. For now, I can rest knowing that the comics continue. Open for a surprise – (the surprise is teenage assassins).
FILMS
Drama
If you haven’t seen it, what are you doing with your life? If you have, it’s a great re-watch that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and maybe tear up a bit.
I can’t express enough how much I love this movie. From the heartfelt story to the great acting (and of course Dev Patel), it is an emotional rollercoaster.
Comedy
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (Weekend 8)
John Cho and Kal Penn make the best monosyllabic named best friend stoner duo as they travel through heaven and hellfire in the depths of New Jersey for a bite of those sliders.
Fighting with my Family (Weekend 1)
Watch this tight-knit wrestling family embark on a once in a lifetime opportunity to try out for the WWE.
Romance
What happens when you meet your soulmate, but she has a boyfriend? Most people would be a**hats about it, but not Daniel Radcliffe. Instead, he strikes up a real, genuine friendship with Zoe Kazan.
This is the ultimate will-they-won’t they rom-dram. Lily Collins and Sam Claflin star in this gem of a movie about two best friends who never seem to get the timing right.
Coming of Age
While it’s based off of Cyrano, it ultimately isn’t your typical romance. It’s a love story, don’t get me wrong, but Alice Wu ultimately shows us that love comes in many forms.
Genre
This was my favorite movie from last year. It’s horror, but the kind of horror that you can still go to sleep in your home after watching it. Don’t play this game at home kids!
TV SERIES
When we first posted this rec, we were practically begging for the BOMBSHELL stream and I think “they” heard us because we got the revival this week!! And now Steven Spielberg is taking this show to Broadway.
Looking for a laugh? Check out this cast that work perfectly together: Steve Buscemi, Daniel Radcliffe, Karan Soni, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Lolly Adefope. Season one is about angels trying to play God to save the world and season two takes place in the Middle Ages.
Basically Gossip Girl in Spain. This series includes murder mysteries, deception, friend/family drama, and class issues. You will grow attached to every character, even if you think you hate them.
Dispatches from Elsewhere (Weekend 5)
This show is so wholesome, weird, and loads of fun. It’s the perfect dose of escapism you’re looking for right now. Also, this cast? Sensational – Jason Segal, Eve Lindley, Andre (3000) Benjamin and Sally Field.
In an alternate universe, police hide their identities in order to protect themselves from a terrorist organization. Not the easiest viewing, but Watchmen is one of the only pieces of media that I think takes the source material and transforms it into something better.
Three weeks later, we’re still processing. This show may be one of the best book-to-screen adaptations of all time. Warning, you might need to take breaks every three episodes to rehydrate due to the amount of tears shed while watching.
Beyond the incredible ensemble cast (Darren Criss, Jim Parsons, Samara Weaving, Laura Harrier, Maude Apatow, Holland Taylor, Queen Latifah) the show raises this important question, what if Hollywood had been a haven for marginalized voices rather than a club shutting them out?
PODCASTS
Reply All: The Case of the Missing Hit (Week 1)
A man in California is haunted by the memory of a pop song from his youth. He can remember the lyrics and the melody. But the song itself has vanished, completely scrubbed from the internet.
Twilight in Quarantine (Week 4)
I spend most of my days thinking of ways to constantly bring up Twilight during any conversation, so here is me also doing that now. Uploaded Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the hosts go chapter-by-chapter giving advice to both the characters and Stephanie Meyer.
Shakespeare and the Plague (Week 5)
Have you created your King Lear yet? If not and you’re looking for inspo, listen to James Shapiro and Robin Young discuss the bubonic plague’s effect on William Shakespeare’s writing.
BBC Obsessed With… Normal People (Week 8)
Are you still obsessing? A TV companion podcast for anyone who wants to dive deeper into their favorite british TV show.
Harry Potter at Home Readings (Week 9)
Looking to keep children at home amused? Rereading the series, but looking for something new? Boy, does Pottermore (now known as Wizarding World) have the thing for you. Six chapters are out now (including one with my fav Ginny Weasley).
MUSIC
Watch Harry Styles Play the Tiny Desk
Because it wouldn’t be an Olive Bridge post without a Harry Styles s/o
And some new music:
- The 1975 – Notes on A Conditional Form (FINALLY!!)
- Inhaler – Falling In
- HAIM – Don’t Wanna
- Phoebe Bridgers – I See You
- Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
TWITTER
Congrats Class of 2020! You’ve earned every right to flex on us with these looks!
“Don’t deny your potential.” Check out Ken Jeong’s full message to our graduates from his @latelateshow appearance. S/o to our favorite James Corden and Duke (Go Blue Devils!)
