Thoughts on 5 Films

1. I'm Thinking of Ending Things - Charlie Kaufman, it's been a long time, and I was super excited to watch some weird shit (I didn't see Anomalisa and I hated Synecdoche, New York so much that I pretend that it doesn't exist). I successfully avoided any dialogue around this, so I went in completely blind. I assumed that the title referred to suicide, so I was a little disappointed that it's about a break-up (but...not). The beginning is intriguing, I guess, but also sort of annoying - it's all very odd and doesn't make sense, like why she can't remember how long they've been together - she thinks it's 7 weeks, but it could be 4, but either way, it's not long enough to meet the parents, yet. Especially if you're "thinking of ending things". And then she is seemingly horrified by what goes on at farms (um...is she stupid?). Things start to get interesting, pretty quickly though - the scratches on the door, the weird reaction from his parents, etc. I suddenly realized that I might be watching a horror film? A Charlie Kaufman horror movie?! How exciting! Only it doesn't turn out that way, either. I realized as soon as she looks at the photograph, what was happening - and while a narrative focusing on fragmented (and sometimes false) memories, is a great idea, my interest faded as soon as they get back in the car. The car ride is filmed during the dark, and I literally could not see anything for at least 10 minutes, plus the dialogue just goes round and round but never really accomplishes anything. Overall, it's similar to other Kaufman projects - original, odd, intellectual, and poetic. The dance sequence at the end is really emotional and beautiful. Jessie Buckley is great, but her American accent bothered me. Jesse Plemmons is also really strong - and he has such a beautiful voice! The highlight is Toni Collette (always and forever). 

2. Da 5 Bloods - Spike Lee is a legend, but I didn't love this movie. First, it's waaaay too long. They find what they are looking for an hour in, and it's excruciating to realize that there is still a whole hour and 35 minutes left. Second, it's basically Triple Frontier but this time the team is smarter - and they BURIED the money (btw, I didn't like Triple Frontier either). And third, are we supposed to ignore the fact that they should be 45 years younger in the flashbacks? Why didn't they get younger actors to play them? It's Chadwick Boseman and 4 old men fighting in the Vietnam War. It's just absolutely, stunningly ridiculous. But, there is some good stuff - the interspersed scenes of Trump rallies and present day news, is done really well (especially the part with the black guy in the background), and the dialogue is really natural and often hilarious (and the monologues are stunning). The cast is great - I expected that Chadwick was in it more, so that's disappointing, but Delroy Lindo gives a career best performance. I also think that it's a story perspective that we haven't really seen as the main focus for a movie - the Vietnam War told exclusively through the Black experience. 

3. Dora and the Lost City of Gold - I don't know much about Dora, but I thought this movie was going to be bigger. Maybe Dora isn't as popular with the young kids anymore? This movie is a super cute, treasure hunting, family friendly good time. I love this girl - Isabela Moner (but apparently her name changed to Isabela Merced? That's odd.), she is a terrific young actress and has such strong screen presence. Michael Pena steals the movie though - his rave music impression had me laughing so hard. How did they keep a straight face while he did that? I'm not the biggest fan of Eva Longoria (she said something extremely awful in my presence, but I keep it to myself because maybe she's a better person now? I sure hope so.). The story moves really quickly, and the twists are done really well (for a kid's movie). And it's kind of funny ("can you say severe neurotoxicity"?). I didn't really care for the CGI animals - they take you out of the story. Also, there is a really awkward drug scene in which they (accidentally) do drugs and turn into the cartoon versions of themselves and have a really good time (so...um...do drugs kids! It's fun!). And, there is a scorpion scene (fuck my life, I hate scorpions so much). 

4. The Devil All the Time - First, I have to say, thank God for Netflix. Getting to see new releases, safely at home, during this time has been a true saving grace for people like me. Three movies from this post are Netflix 2020 releases, and I am just so appreciative that we have this option, at the very least. Second - this is probably one of the strongest casts I've seen in a while. It's just (almost) perfect. The two highlights are Bill Skarsgard and Riley Keough. But the heart of the movie weighs heavily on Tom Holland, and he does an incredible job. I'm not sure why his acting abilities were ever questioned - he was the standout performance in The Impossible. I also think R. Patz did a great job. There's a lot of chatter about the accents (specifically Pattinson and Holland's), and I am usually a really tough critic when it comes to accents, but I thought they were both...fine? I think it's great when I can watch something and forget where the actor come from. And they both made me forget that they both are British, so to me, they are successful. However, I think Pattinson went a little overboard with the high pitched tone - and that's what people are reacting to. I read that he refused a dialect coach, which I find infuriating. You're getting paid in the millions, but refuse expert advice? That's so disrespectful and arrogant. Anyway, my only real problem, acting-wise is with Bucky (or how I will forever know him as - Carter Baizen, and no, I still don't know his real name). He just sticks out so much as the weak link. Third, I love the intertwining stories, the way the narrative unfolds, the ending - it's all so disturbing, intoxicating, and oddly moving. The way the preacher talks about "delusions", as the other scene happens, is so deeply heartbreaking. By far the best movie of this year (so far). 

5. Shirley - As you may already know, I'm not the biggest fan of Elisabeth Moss. I've read terrific things about her performance in this, but I also read that she was great in Her Smell and she is actually awful in that, so I had to see for myself. I'm going to disagree again - she over-acts and doesn't have any depth. But, I did enjoy a lot of this movie - everyone else is great (Logan Lerman, Odessa Young and Michael Stuhlbarg). I appreciate that it's not a typical biopic - I think we've surpassed the traditional biopic by now, let's get more creative biopics like this from now on, please. I like the focus on her depression, and her agoraphobia (I assume?). I can relate to her need to stay in bed all day (I can literally sleep all day; I think it terrifies people how easy it is for me to just give up on living). The sound design is wonderfully unsettling and intense. And Shirley's husband's disgust for mediocrity is fantastic ("terrifically competent. There's no excuse for that."). There is also a scene that is very memorable in which she confronts "the other woman" - it's done very well. 

4 Thoughts on The Emmys

 1. The Host - UGH Jimmy Kimmel...just UGH. Do people actually think he's funny? He's so dull. But, I guess with everything going on, it's the best choice to just play it as safe as possible. And Jimmy Kimmel is definitely safe (UGH). I did appreciate that he acknowledges that the Emmys are meaningless, but it's also some harmless entertainment and sometimes that's needed. I only laughed once through his whole hosting gig - when he was introducing the reality award and he said "past losers in this category have gone on to being...president of the united states!" (also a sore reminder that I totally used to watch The Apprentice and I LOVED IT. I never liked Trump, but I did love Ivanka - not anymore, obvi). Anyway, hosting this year was undoubtedly a difficult task, and Jimmy Kimmel did a very boring but satisfying job. 

2. The Winners & Losers - I don't have many complaints. Schitt's Creek sweeping was definitely unexpected - I was really hoping for a win for Dan Levy (either writing or acting would have sufficed) because, as wonderful as everyone is on that show, Dan is the heart and he deserved some recognition for creating such a lovely, heartwarming, and hilarious show. It's really such a terrific ending for such a little show - that practically nobody heard about until season 3. But winning the first SEVEN awards of the night, seemed a little bit like overkill - and absolutely ridiculous (not to mention that the final season wasn't even close to the best season!). Succession is on my list (might start it next week), but I'm already a big fan of Jeremy Strong so I'm happy for his win. Watchmen deserved all the recognition - especially Regina King (I wish Jean Smart won too, though). I want to like Zendaya (she's adorable), but I have not liked her in anything I've seen her in so far (the Spider-Man movies and The Greatest Showman). Euphoria is on my list, and I've heard that she's incredible so I'll reserve my judgement (although I'm 99.9% sure she's not better than Olivia Colman, because no-one is). However, she might want to learn how to speak in public? The "UMM"s drove me insane. I get that people get nervous at these things, and she's young, but it just makes her sound so dumb. It wasn't just her - Julia Garner did it too - "UMMMM" *brain explodes*. And y'all know how I feel about Julia. Probably the only winner that I absolutely don't agree with (and I never will). Also, I missed the fact that people from Hollywood were nominated this year?! What in the actual fuck? Out of all the amazing television out right now, that show deserves...nothing. 

3. The Show - Absolutely not necessary for this to be any longer than two hours. In "not normal" times, let's speed things up a little and cut out all the bullshit. I'm glad they didn't keep the fake audience through the whole thing because that was dumb. There are some really great moments that happened though - I still can not stop laughing at Ramy's tweet with the guy in the hazmat suit holding the Emmy, waving goodbye to him because he lost. It will remain one of my favorite Emmy moments of all time. It's also always lovely to have a mini-Friends reunion - "we've lived together since 1994!" LOL (I'm quite upset about Jen Aniston's botox face though. She's so stunning; why do women do that to themselves? To each their own and all that, but it's just something I will never understand). Overall, the show was entertaining, but did we really need to be reminded about how much money Tyler Perry has? It's great that he gives so much to charity, and such, but he's still a billionaire...so still not enough, dude (I was actually curious so I looked it up and, yup, his net worth is 1B). And, I don't really want to see "real" people during an awards show. I'm watching for the celebrities...because...it's supposed to be fun and distracting...remember? 

4. The Fashion - Zendaya clearly won the fashion game this year - both her in-person look and her at home look were stunning. I wasn't a big fan of the necklace with the first look (it looks cheap?), but then that second look is just...so gorgeous. Shira Haas also wore a lovely dress. I didn't really notice anyone else in anything spectacular, but it was kind of hard to tell with everyone sitting in front of a camera. The obvious worst dress was worn by Cynthia Erivo - it just had way to much going on - the contrasting purple & yellow, the fur, the sparkles, the puffy sleeves. Just horrendous. And Julia Garner looked like she was going to a Great Gatsby party (which if she was, she looked cute, but she wasn't...). 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The King of Staten Island - I like this movie quite a bit. However, I fully believe that I would  LOVE this movie if it didn't star Pete Davidson, and if it was about 40 minutes shorter. I admit, I have much more respect for Davidson after watching this - it's beautifully written and you can tell that it is deeply personal, loosely based on Davidson's life - his father was a firefighter who died on 9/11. I just don't think he has screen presence and he seems like he's trying too hard (to do what, I'm not sure? He just doesn't seem natural at all). But, just imagine how great this movie would have been starring an actor who had charisma, nuance, range, etc. As for the length, it's an Apatow staple to make a movie far longer than it needs to be, but I kind of respect him for it? He has to know that it gets criticized EVERY time, and he still sticks to making movies the way he wants to make them and is unapologetic about it. Everything else about this movie is wonderful - so many highlights, but my top ones are: (1) the firefighter scenes. Just so much love and respect is shown. The group drunkenly singing to "One Headlight" almost made me cry. (2) Bel Powley is fucking incredible in this role. There have been many girls like this written in films (she's a very typical girl from Staten Island - think of the Jersey Shore if you're not sure what that means), but I've NEVER seen a girl like this depicted with so much depth and heart. I would honestly watch a spin-off movie with her and root for her success in making Staten Island the new Brooklyn. (3) Marisa Tomei is always a delight, but I don't feel like she's been given much to do lately (Aunt May isn't exactly hard work). This is a reminder of how lovely she is. (4) The music consists of several instrumental versions of 90s songs - and I loved every second of it. My favorite was "Scar Tissue" - it's such a beautifully arranged song. (5) I'm glad that Davidson took some liberties - specifically not having his dad die on 9/11 and instead during a different fire related incident. It would have overshadowed the story that Davidson was trying to tell (which is about his own stunted development) and I probably would have cried the whole time. 

2. 21 Bridges - This was the next movie to watch on my list, but it coincided with the same week of Chadwick Boseman's death. It's just such a shocking and tragic loss. I wasn't the biggest fan of Black Panther, but I recognize the cultural significance and my heart breaks for everyone who is grieving (especially the kids - if I see that video of those kids dancing one more time, ugh...my heart just sinks). Aside from Black Panther, I haven't seen much of Boseman's work (although Da 5 Bloods is on my list for this week). This movie is exactly what you expect it to be, which is nice sometimes. It's not drawn-out or overly complicated like some of these movies are - instead, it's quick, concise, and suspenseful. It's obvious as to who the "bad guy" is, but it plays out still with the right amount of precision and tension. I hate when movies like this try to "surprise" the audience with a "twist" - so I like that this movie is like "you probably already figured this out, but here's how it's going down". The supporting cast is really strong - J.K. Simmons (in a very J.K. Simmons role), Stephan James (in the more complicated role), Sienna Miller (banging out a perfect NY accent - got to love it! She's such an underrated actress), and Taylor Kitsch (I didn't even realize it was him until his very last scene). Overall, it's entertaining - nothing incredibly special about it, but a solidly entertaining crime drama. 

3. Capone - Oh boy, where do I begin? The only positive thing I can say about the movie is that it's...weird. I didn't like it, but I can appreciate the weirdness of it all. I was willing to give Josh Trank another chance (after making that disastrous Fantastic Four movie, which seemingly may have not been totally his fault), but this movie is certainly not doing him any favors. The story is of Capone after he gets out of jail and is slowly experiencing signs of dementia/paranoia (from syphilis). I know it's a popular story trope right now to humanize bad people (the long-lasting Sopranos effect), but the difference is - Capone is a real person who MURDERED people. And now you want me to feel bad for him because he's living out his life in a mansion with his beautiful family but he's having trouble with his memory? FUCK THAT. The fact that he still had money when he got out of jail is...disgusting? Wouldn't they have seized everything? Tom Hardy is...Tom Hardy, I guess? I'm not really sure what to make of him anymore. He's starting to get on my nerves - I always feel like he gives his all to every performance, but I'm just tired of this quirky mumbly thing he does for every role. It's starting to feel so samey (I loved him as Venom, though. Actually, I've loved him in everything, but this just took a bad turn for me). But the absolute worst part of this movie is the makeup. It's soooooo bad, you guys. The scars on his face literally look like he slept too long on some wrinkled sheets. This movie is just hard to watch, and certainly hard to enjoy. 

4. The Art of Racing in the Rain - ***spoilers*** Well, this was a mistake. I wanted to watch a cute/light movie to lift me out of my current depression, and after the first 5 minutes, I realized that this certainly wasn't going to do it. The story is told through a dog's perspective - which is cute, but also heartbreaking. The way he can't express his feelings, but knows what's happening is so devastating (specifically, the way he knew she had a tumor - OHMYGOD. Instant tears). I think the movie is advertised incorrectly, and the title is off-putting. It implies that it's about a car racer and his BFF (the dog), but that's a whole side story that is only really relevant in the beginning. I wish I liked the human part of the story - but instead it made me super angry. First, I actually hated the main guy. He missed the birth of his child to race a car. FUCK HIM. Seriously. Second, his wife gets sick so she moves in with her parents...um...why? Because she doesn't have confidence that her own husband can take care of her? And she's probably right, but then why the fuck did you marry him? You literally vowed to take care of each other in sickness...that's the whole fucking point, no? Third, and in conclusion, these two people should have never been married. If he wants to follow his dreams (of car racing), that's fine and I will always fully support that, but there are certain life events that are more important (like the birth of your child), and if you don't feel that way, then don't get married! Then, the whole thing becomes super unrealistic with the parents fighting for custody and him suddenly have money problems - like, do you see the house you live in? That's a wealthy person's home. It's so dumb. Aside from this, the dog is super duper cute and Kevin Costner does a wonderful job of giving him the perfect voice and personality. It really made me want to get a little puppy, but I don't think I have the energy to fully take care of one (see, self-awareness is important. I know that I'm busy and also slightly selfish with how I want to enjoy my free time, which is why I shouldn't get a dog. Or have a child.). 

5. The Rental - ***spoilers*** Is it time for everyone to admit that Dave Franco is the superior Franco? I've known this since his turn on Scrubs (he was so hilarious on that show. And hot. Super hot.). I'm so happy that he is directing, and this is sooo much better than what James directed (actually, I just looked it up, and apparently James has 39 directorial credits under his name. 39! I had no idea. I also didn't remember that he directed The Disaster Artist, which was done really well. I think I'm just traumatized by watching the horrendous pseudo-documentary Francophrenia that he directed. It's so bad that I had to walk out of the theater - and James was actually in the audience. I don't care, I couldn't stand it. Actually, that's not true...I do care. Sometimes I randomly think "what if I hurt his feelings?", but that's just because I'm too nice for my own good). Anyway, I liked this movie. It's very well-acted, and well-directed. The story is lacking of originality, and it's pretty predictable, but it's still told in a way that makes it interesting. I don't understand the whole idea of renting someone else's house as appealing? The whole Airbnb business model just blows my mind. And you know why? Because of....exactly what happens in this movie! I didn't even know what the movie was about and the first thing I wrote down in my notes, was "wouldn't you be scared that the place had cameras?". At least, in hotels and such, there are certain business codes that are upheld and security measures in place. I was really excited that Jeremy Allen White has such a large role - I only really know him from the American version of Shameless, but I love him so much (Lip has my heart, always and forever). And obviously Alison Brie is great (although her being named Michelle is distracting). I was hoping for a happy outcome for both of them, because the other two people are just awful (their characters, not the actors). I'm pretty forgiving of cheating (monogamy isn't very realistic to me), but your boyfriend's BROTHER is off-limits (and ditto for your brother's GIRLFRIEND). So, those two deserved to die (obviously, I'm being dramatic, but seriously, fuck those two). There are some frustrating moments with the plot - too much foreshadowing, the idea that Michelle is more upset about something that happened 10 years ago, than the fact that her boyfriend got so fucked up that he had to bail on a hike that she planned and was super excited about (I would have been livid), the search for the camera footage - as if the footage is just going to be lying around instead of being uploaded into a personal computer or phone (or on the cloud thingy! See I know technology!), and the most frustrating part - they didn't destroy the cameras instantly (or look for more. Obviously if they were in the shower, they would be in the bedroom somewhere too). Overall though, it's a solid little horror movie. In any other year, it would be lost among the sea of mediocre movies, but this year, it may end up in my Best of the Year list. How insane. 

Thoughts on 5 New TV Shows

 1. Little Fires Everywhere - I was not expecting to like this because for some reason, it reminded me of Big Little Lies (a show that I don't really care for). But, I found this miniseries very intriguing. There's a lot to criticize - the overly convenient plot, the awful casting of the younger versions of the main characters, the fact that *spoiler alert* the main character isn't actually poor (how very insulting). BUT, I think overall, it has a lot of great ideas - specifically, it shows the "grey" of white liberals/feminists trying to do the right thing, but having no clue what the right thing is. It's very explicit in its critique of white privilege, entitlement, and ignorance. The daily micro-aggressions are so in your face, but I think that's necessary right now. It's amazing to me how oblivious so many people are to their own racist and ignorant thoughts. There is a really great scene with Kerry Washington and one of Reese's daughters (sorry, I'm too lazy to look up what their character names are) in which she tries to explain the complexities of racism that will be burned into my memory forever. I think they did a great job of setting it in the 90s, but also still maintaining a certain amount of modernity and relevance to today. The music is phenomenal (I listen to the cover of "Sex and Candy" on repeat). Kerry Washington is phenomenal (as per usual). I'm not the biggest fan of Reese Witherspoon, but she has this entitled white woman down to a tee. I'm furious that Pacey is in this with teenage children because that, once again, reminds me that I'm old and I'm now attracted to guys with grown-ass children. It's really distressing.

2. Mrs. America - I enjoyed this very much, but my first thought after the first episode was "I bet Gloria Steinem hates this" and sure enough, she does (look it up - she destroys the series). I don't really agree with her (on this) because I've witnessed feminists disparaging other women (conservatives, stay-at-home mothers, etc.) firsthand, and I think it's an important part of feminist history. Her argument is that it's hurting feminism to show the clash between feminists and conservative women as cat-fights, but then she also argues that Phyllis Schalfly was inconsequential to them, because she was just a cover for the anti-feminist movement led by men (basically stating that her actions never hurt them. Which isn't true? And also really passive-aggressive). I adore Steinem with all my heart (seriously, I saw her speak live at an anniversary for Ms. Magazine - I think it was the 35th anniversary? It was thrown by the Feminist Majority Foundation and it was a highlight of my life), but she's not perfect. And I don't think she watched the whole series (I think she states she was given a few episodes as previews) because this is addressed with Schalfly - it shows her internal struggles with feminism and conservatism. It also very clearly states the irony of her fighting against the ERA, when she is in fact, not a stay-at-home mom. She's a lobbyist. And when they take down her supporters with the "Congrats! You're a working girl" scene, I almost died of pure joy. I absolutely do still think women are holding other women back. Steinem's argument is that this is a naive way of thinking, and that it is a gaslighting effect - it's really men holding back women's rights, but we just blame women. But when I look at reality - I see a lot of women being unsupportive. Even right now, with everything going on with Covid. At my work, we have so many working moms who weren't able to work because they didn't have childcare (and are now home schooling) - the responses from some of my female co-workers was downright disgusting ("that's their problem, they chose to have kids" is the basic attitude, instead of having any empathy. If I tried to accommodate a mom with scheduling, I was told it "wasn't fair"). I'm sorry, but feminism is taking a wrong turn if it isn't including moms (both working and stay-at-home). Anyway, enough about my thoughts on feminism and more about the series! The cast is a work of art. Cate Blanchett is outstanding - clearly set up as a villain, yet we see her perspective and life more than the rest of the women. That Emmy is hers for the taking. However, I think Rose Byrne (as Ms. Steinem) is really inspired casting - I'm a HUGE fan of Byrne, but I never would have thought of her for this role. She's so good, and seems to be largely overshadowed by the rest of the cast, which is a shame. The supporting cast includes Uzo Aduba, Tracey Ullman, Margot Martindale, Sarah Paulson (and many, many more). There are some really amazing scenes - the one previously mentioned about being a "working girl" is probably my favorite scene in television this whole year. I also loved the scene where Brenda (played by Ari Graynor - almost unrecognizable) tells her husband (Adam Brody!) that she cheated on him with a woman. The way he brushes it off and is not threatened by it is fascinating, and so subtle in its sexism. Overall, I liked the series a lot - and I even binged it, which is rare for me to do. Sorry, Gloria. 

3. The Great - Honestly, I'm sorry for liking this show too. It's fucking ridiculous, but, oh, SO GOOD. It's super trashy, hilarious, and "occasionally true" as the opening credits states. First, I am in awe of Elle Fanning. She plays this role with a certain youth and naivete, while also still being really powerful and intelligent. If the show, itself, received better reviews, I think she would have gotten more awards talk. Also, Nicholas Hoult is really hilarious as Peter. They have great chemistry (of not having any chemistry) and make the show a joy to watch. Hoult delivers some of the really ridiculous lines with such ease, that it somehow makes them not so ridiculous. It's really fascinating and watchable (I binged this one too! I think I watched it all in 2 days). Some of the lines cut through to the heart too (when she states that God mad her for "greatness" and he instantly responds with ease "then why did he make you a woman?" is just so perfectly done). I like that they play with the truth and that it's a show that is "genre-bending" - it feels modern with the dialogue and diverse cast. I'm really excited for season 2 (but I kind of hope that's it, I'm ready to see her fuck shit up and take over - I don't need it to be dragged out). 

4. Making the Cut - I'm so disappointed with this. I have been watching Project Runway since the very beginning (I think it's been 16 years!). And I love every single season. It's probably the only reality program that I've consistently watched (I'm not really a fan of reality tv, but I have been guilty of watching any modeling reality show - ANTM, specifically, and A Simple Life because Nicole Richie is hilarious). I kept watching the show even after Heidi and Tim left, and I thought I would miss them more - but honestly Karlie Kloss and Christian Siriano have brought some much needed life and youth to the series. I was excited for this new series though because I do love both Heidi and Tim and I wanted to see their new venture, but unfortunately this show is a gigantic snoozefest. It took everything away from what made PR great - and that is the actual CHALLENGE. I don't even understand the point of each episode - they just create two looks each time (a runway and a wearable look - I had a very difficult time distinguishing the two with almost EVERY SINGLE LOOK). I also don't like the way they judge - they basically talk shit to the designer and degrade them, if the designer "convinces" them that they are great, then they are "making the cut". And the judges can change their mind in the moment, which is dumb - it makes it about their personality and their likability instead of their talent (which I guess I understand bc they are creating a brand, but honestly the names behind famous brands are usually not likable people - just watch PR - Nina Garcia and Michael Kors are terrifying people but they are talented). It's all very boring - and I don't even remember who won. I'll stick with Project Runway, thanks. 

5. Lovecraft Country - I've only watched the first two episodes so far, but HOLY SHIT. It's not what I was expecting. I didn't really know what it was about - I just saw massive positive reviews on twitter, and elsewhere (except EW, which gave it a C+. HUH? Are we watching the same show? The production value and acting alone make it a solid B, at the very least). Someone compared it to Green Book but better, so I was kind of expecting that. I was not expecting a Horror/Sci-fi series - so the last 20 minutes of the first episode really caught me off guard. And I am absolutely here for it. Those 20 minutes are incredible. The build-up, the tension, the release - it's just perfect. I love the beginning of the second episode, too. Things are back to "normal", but the creepiness is in every second of it. Leti's complete comfortableness with being wealthy is really perfect, too. I've seen a lot of much deserved love for Jurnee Smollett (she's been doing great work since Cosby!). Also, it's really beautiful - some really stunning shots, and Leti's wardrobe is so cool and retro, but not overdone. I just love everything about it so far, and I'm looking forward to more episodes.