CNN
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It’s been a crazy year, no doubt made even more overwhelming by the ever-expanding amount of content you know you want to consume.
It seems like we’re constantly inundated with recommendations enthusiastically served up by friends and loved ones — only for most of them to stay on our “to watch” (or read or listen to) list for months on end and never budge. In this upcoming final weekend of 2022, we suggest you catch up on a few of these overlooked titles that, for whatever reason, got lost in the crazy shuffle.
Here’s what we’d recommend:
MOVIES
Directed by Chinonye Chukwu, this film tells the story of the infamous 1955 lynching of teenager Emmet Till and the aftermath, especially his mother’s (the amazing Danielle Deadwyler) quest for recognition and justice. It’s not easy to watch, but it’s a necessary testimony to the terrible symptom of racism that still tragically plagues this country.
This prequel to “Predator” was a tall order — set 300 years ago within the Comanche Indian Nation — but it pulled it off with high tension, a spirited performance by Amber Midthunder (of “Legion” fame), and whatnot. – a gripping storyline that, as the title suggests, is simply about who is hunting whom.
Like the great David Bowie during his lifetime, this documentary defies convention in its frenetic and hypnotic look at the late legend’s early and mid-1970s career. It’s a visual and sonic feast for Bowie lovers as well as those looking for a little more material on the revolutionary performer.
From the mind of Stephen King, this overlooked treat featured intriguing performances from two standout actors in the horror genre – Jaeden Martell (“It,” also from Stephen King’s book) and the legendary Donald Sutherland. The story revolves around the intriguing concept of a bond between a lonely teenager and an old man who seems to have overcome death.
Aubrey Plaza (also of “Legion”) is having a banner year with “The White Lotus,” but her crime drama “Emily the Criminal” — which she co-produced and starred in — was unfairly snubbed this summer. The suspenseful thriller about a woman with student debt who becomes embroiled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld has the potential to register with audiences younger and older, thanks in no small part to Plaza’s versatility as an actress.
TV SERIES
Joyfully juxtaposing teenage awkwardness with the urgent need to be yourself, this British Netflix coming-of-age series deserved more mainstream love than the buzz it’s garnering in queer circles. While it could easily be classified as YA or LGBTQ+, “Heartstopper” ultimately transcends both and is an inclusive portrait of growing up and coming of age in the here and now. Also listen to the sticky and fun bubblegum pop soundtrack.
A heady and atmospheric portrait of late 1960s Hollywood and the beginning of “The Godfather,” this Paramount+ series stars Miles Teller and had all the makings of an acclaimed series — except for the audience. Check out a stunning performance (as usual) from “Ted Lasso” star Juno Temple.
Julia Roberts and Sean Penn shine as whistleblower Martha Mitchell and former US Attorney General John Mitchell in this Starz political thriller. The period show revisits the liars and truth-tellers of the Watergate era through eight riveting and occasionally humorous episodes that offer perspective—and perhaps some hope—on our modern political mess.
Hosted by the mesmerizing Bridget Everett, this sensitive “home” series on HBO Max is reflective, exciting and engaging, dealing with themes of loss, fitting in and the joy of letting go. The musical interludes are particularly enjoyable to watch, as is Murray Hill’s accompanying turn as the snarky choir director.
A stark “neon noir” depiction of Japan’s capital’s slick urban underworld, “Tokyo Vice” gets high marks for atmosphere, as well as a story with investigative reporter Ansel Elgort digging deeper and deeper alongside the always impressive Ken Watanabe. Check out the glossy turn from Rachel Keller, also of “Legion” fame.
Fans of the HBO show, which premiered last December but ended in January 2022, are unwavering in their love for it, and with good reason. A poignant and special depiction of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a pandemic that still has room for beauty, hope and art, “Station Eleven” features phenomenal performances all around, along with gorgeous visuals and an incredible score.
A late-year entry into the fantasy TV boom of 2022, this Disney+ series re-enters the world of the oft-overlooked 1980s film with veteran actor Warwick Davis reprising his title role. Visually, the series is a breath of fresh air and happily breaks the arbitrary rule that all inhabitants of fantasy realms must only intone in the British language. Look for the dashing Amar Chadha-Patel as the irreverent and daring warrior Boorman.
(“Somebody, Somewhere,” “Tokyo Vice,” “Station Eleven” are on HBO Max. CNN and HBO Max are part of the same parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.)
MUSIC
If you didn’t know this was gay country, Orville Peck is here to tell you that you’re late to the party. Like Lil Nas X, Peck transcends genres and defies convention – opting to forgo singles and release this year’s critically acclaimed album ‘Bronco’ in three ‘chapters’. In the grand tradition of Sia and Marshmello, Peck also prefers not to lend his current form to his public persona, which adds to his peculiar mystique.
Edgy, poppy, exciting and fun. All this and much more is Japanese-British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama. Just listen to her 2022 album “Hold the Girl” for proof.
This beautiful album from underrated indie/alternative singer-songwriter Angel Olsen is actually her sixth studio effort. With a serious and beautifully melancholic voice, Olsen is hard to neatly categorize, which is why we love her. Also worth a look: her ’80s cover EP from last year called “Aisles.”
The singer and violinist is an innovative and talented artist who fuses hip hop, R&B, soul and more on her energetic sophomore album out this year, “Natural Brown Prom Queen.” Amazing and standout tracks include ‘Selfish Soul’ and ‘NBPQ (Topless)’.
BOOKS
Author: Danya Kukafka
From the author of 2017’s Girl in the Snow, this book is a chilling portrait of the women who have crossed paths with a serial killer. It’s harrowing, but anything but typical.
Author: Julia Armfield
An immersive work about the relationship between a woman and her husband, this novel is full of mystery and darkness, much like the ocean floor where one character finds himself underwater.
podcasts
Perhaps more preferred by journalists and those interested in media coverage, this podcast is a fascinating look at the controversial stories that news outlets have produced and the various reasons why.
