Some of the things I’ve been digging in quarantine.

The Normal People adaptation

I loved the book which I finished just in time for the live-action version. It’s wonderful so far with Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal) perfectly cast. It’s just very emotional, has completely nailed the tone of the book and it looks gorgeous.

It’s both trippy and satisfying to see it come to life on the screen and for it to be so close to how I imagined it. I had planned to pace myself but am already half way through the 12 part series. I can’t seem to stop watching it.

I absolutely recommend both formats of the story and hope you love it as much I as do.

Vivarium

A young couple looking for the perfect home find themselves trapped in a mysterious labyrinth-like neighborhood of identical houses.

Gemma (Imogen Poots) and Tom (Jesse Eisenberg) find themselves living a life they never wanted when they visit the housing development Yonder, an apparently sought-after neighbourhood for young home buyers.

I won’t say too much but this is a very eery, oddball sci-fi parable that wouldn’t be out of place in the Black Mirror series. I didn’t really see where it was going and although the ending is bleak AF, it was interesting to see it unravel. Poots is particularly good as Gemma, a woman saddled with the role of mother to a very strange little boy indeed.

After Life, Season 2

I was loathe to include this because I am not exactly a Ricky Gervais fan but honestly, I can’t stand by the notion of not being embarrassed about the things we like if I don’t include it. I love this show, rinsed it in a day and cried through every single episode, without fail.

The premise of the first series was Tony (Gervais) struggling with suicidal thoughts and anger following the passing of his wife Lisa (Kerry Godliman) to cancer. Season 2 picks up with Tony still grieving but learning to find meaning in his life again, which is easily done really when you look around.

Tony relives memories from his life with Lisa via home videos and it kills me every time. Much as I hate to say it, RG is a talented writer and when he’s good, he’s very very good. Support from Mandeep Dhillon, Penelope Wilton and Roisin Conaty doesn’t hurt – and honestly, massive points for the (mostly) sex-positive representation of Roxy’s chosen profession (sex worker).

I can’t pretend I love all of it, I hate Paul Kaye‘s therapist (I get I’m supposed to) and I could definitely do without the fat jokes. Call it a problematic fave, if you will. I hope there’s another season.

Writing Letters

I’ve been enjoying writing letters since we went into lock-down. There’s just something so satisfying about slipping pretty envelopes into the postbox addressed to friends in your best handwriting. It’s also really lovely to receive things in the post. It reminds me of a simpler time.

What are you digging?