This Week’s Binge 6.11.21

Halston

Netflix

Halston, the 5 part limited series, is about Halston, the iconic American designer with Ewan McGregor playing the eponymous figure. Only 5 parts but each part is jam-packed from beginning to end covering the majority of Halston’s life.

If you, like me, weren’t buying high fashion in the early 80s you may not be familiar with him, but have heard his name being used in reference to vintage pieces. It’s a fascinating look at American fashion design (which, like wine, tends to be an uphill battle) and the balance between art and capitalism.

Since it’s created by Ryan Murphy and centered around fashion, with a splash of Studio 54 in there, the visuals are epic. Ewan McGregor is uh-mazing and I would be shocked if he doesn’t get an Emmy nomination from this.

I am: Entertained

Bo Burnham: Inside

Netflix

My first introduction to Bo Burnham was when he played a love interest in a top movie for 2020, Promising Young Woman. Really enjoyed his performance in the movie, but had no idea he was a stand-up comedian.

His new “comedy” special is a wild ride! Note that word is in quotes because I’m not sure comedy is the right word for it…dramedy, dark comedy…something along those lines but regardless I could not look away.

Bo is the only person in the special and he created it during Covid lockdown. Not only did he create it, but he also was the writer, actor, director, producer, and editor. He did it all.

One thing to note…his form (at least in this special) of content is song. Think of a 2021 genius version of Weird Al writing all his own songs. Sound weird? It is. But also incredible. And sometimes catchy. A personal favorite is ‘White Woman’s Instagram”.

I think I’m actually going to watch it again, one gummy deep.

I am: Obsessed

We Can Do Hard Things

Glennon Doyle

Having read Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed twice, I thought I would be obsessed with her new podcast. I really did. I’m really not.

Glennon shares the stage with her sister, who we only know as ‘sister’ because instead of using her name she references her as ‘sister’ (annoyed) and they discuss ‘hard things’. Each episode is based on a specific hard thing, like infidelity, addiction, etc. This is the part that I like. She and sister discuss the said topic for a portion and then answer some listener’s questions.

I don’t always agree with their view but I do think they are thoughtful. And when I do agree with their view, similar to my feelings about Untamed, it feels good to know you aren’t alone in feeling Hard Things a certain way.

Will you love it? Not sure, but I suggest trying it out.

I am: Entertained