Project Hail Mary spoke to me when I watched it in theatre. It is just a well written and beautiful movie that respected the intelligence of its audience. The special effects were amazing. It had actual set design. The music is amazing. The alien was a puppet and looked like an alien. It also made me feel the intended emotion; somethings just don't do that for me.
In science fiction there is a concept of the novum. It is essentially the concept everything loops back to it. It is fair to say the Astrophage is the novum because it is the reason the story is happening. It is the thing killing the sun as it is the thing propelling the ship to complete the mission. It propels both ships. It also was the reason Rocky survived. I think is nice the problem was solved by something of the same nature: a biological problem having a biological solution.
The Astrophage problem was solved by introducing the Taumoeba because it preys upon it. Since the Taumeoba consume Astrophage, it seems likely Tau Ceti might have been the origin of the Astrophage. On Earth animals do appear in new environments on their own. Sometimes, they migrate differently because of a natural disaster. Humans are great at going places. The Astrophage is basically an invasive speciese. The mission was essentially a giant environmental conservation effort in space. Not sorry, Astrophage, don't outclass the masters.
It is fair to say major theme is people working together for a common good. Everyone on Earth at least tried to pull together enough of their greatest minds to solve this problem. The Eridians did something similar. Grace and Rocky worked together to collect the Taumoeba need to save their worlds. On that day, two worlds got saved. We all win.
Another theme is general heroism; people rising up to the challenge despite not feeling ready for it. Although Grace was forced into the mission with amnesia, he managed to get the job done despite the rest of the crew dying. He was fit for the job despite believing otherwise. Although he did not want to do it, he is all the better for it. He saved two worlds and made first contact. His students must be so happy because they personally knew the guy who saved the world with a funny alien.
The storytelling itself really elevates the film in the way it presents the events of the story. When it starts with Grace having amnesia, we discover the past with him. Him regaining the memory of him refusing the call to action when his greatest moment is still fresh on our minds really shows his progress. It helps create a great juxtaposition of the person he was on Earth with the person he has become on his journey.
Also, him venturing deeper into the unknown to save Rocky shows how important their friendship is to him. Since he saved the world, he decided to save another. When he went to save Rocky, he not only saved Erid, Rock's world, Grace also saved his new one Rocky. When he is on Erid, he finds happiness in teaching the Eridians. It is just really sweet.
A few reviewers I watch believe the film is partly so great because everything else pertaining to science fiction, and films in general, is so bad; unfortunately, I have to agree. I just wish the overall quality of the industry was better. Still, it is amazing; it should be the standard. I love it, and I still think about it a lot.
"If you get lost in the darkness, remember to follow the music."
When I started reading this book, I knew the protagonist and I would have many things in common: our sexuality and our grief, for example. Although she's hesitant to label herself, Rumi doesn't experience romantic/sexual attraction. The author wrote this quite respectfully, and I liked that she included the experience of trying desperately to convince yourself you're in love with someone, but ultimately realising you can't be. I didn't like the insistance that she could change and that she was "too young to know for sure" though, and leaving her unlabeled felt unsatisfactory. Though to be fair, she had other things to think about, like the loss of her sister. I think her grief was written really realistically. When I lost my mother, I was like a zombie for months. There was this cloud of sadness accompanying me wherever I went, but I rarely cried. I think my temper got even worse than usual. I liked that Rumi was angry. I lost my mother to cancer, so there were few people to blame (although the doctors definitely could've done a better job), but anger really does help ignore all your other emotions; this way, you don't have to acknowledge how much you're hurting. I think there was a bit too much focus on her mom abandoning her instead of her losing Lea, because I would have liked to really focus on the grief. Another thing I appreciated was the contrast between the warmth and vibrancy of summer and the darkness of grief. During summer, Rumi encounters new friends who help her figure herself out. Even if they're not actively fixing anything, friends being there just... helps. Honestly, this book just gave me a really warm feeling. Overall, it's a nice book, although I expected more of the writing style.
I just watched phm for the first time. Unpopular opinion: I don't headcanon Grace as aroace. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that he isn't representation. Because even though he isn't aroace, he's still non-partnering: this makes him less valuable in the eyes of society, because his life is centered around himself instead of other people. And I genuinely think this movie can help people understand how life can be valuable without attachment to other people (which would be great news for the aroace community). Something else I found extraordinary, was the centering of his friendship with Rocky. There are so few movies centering platonic relationships (I find the Rocky x Grace ship particularly annoying because of this. Because why question.) Overall, it's just very logical why this movie is so beloved in our spaces, because its themes connect with us. And it really connected with me, too.
Oh my gosh I cannot believe pride month is already ending! June always goes by way too quickly. Luckily for me though, pride doesn't really end, because my hometown organises the festival on the 12th of June. I already went last year, and I found it really fun, so I can't wait! Anyway, I wanted to close off the official pride month with one last review...
I Am a Bird Now by Anohni and the Johnsons (an album)
Although this is very different from my usual music and it's not something I would listen to regularly, I cannot deny the quality of I Am a Bird Now by Anohni and the Johnsons. A fun fact I discovered on Wikipedia: "the Johnsons" actually refers to Marsha P. Johnson, who is a major figure in trans history. This album, released prior to Anohni's name change, is a wonderful collection of songs, using a lot of piano melodies and highlighting Anohni's wonderful voice. I do recommend you listen to it, even if it's out of your comfort zone!
Hope There's Someone
While it is a nice opener, it is far from her best song. It's too simplistic in comparison to the others. Anohni seems to long for love, but it isn't clear whether that's what she really wants or if she just wants stability, someone to rely on. Her voice is a bit shaky in this song, which I can appreciate. During the climax of the song, the piano and the vocals get louder, and somehow they don't clash. Those two instruments seem to be at the core of this song, and they work really well together. Other songs on the album have a wider range of instruments than this one; like I said, this one is just a tiny bit too simplistic - although it is still a decent song.
My Lady Story
If I had to make a decision, I would say this is the best song on the album. Her voice is stabler here, and the song has a really good rhythm. It uses a lot of instruments, who tie together really nicely. The flute also adds a softer touch, which makes the song even more melancholic. This melancholy isn't necessarily sad, however: it seems almost hopeful. I especially love the lyrics and the way they handle gender. For example, there's a lyric about her lady story being one about breast amputation. Though this may not be intentional, I also love the way her voice is so deep in a song about being a lady. What's interesting is Anohni still went by her deadname at this point, and was mostly regarded as a man (although a feminine one). I do wonder why she didn't "come out" sooner, but everyone's journey goes differently, I suppose.
For Today I Am a Boy
Another beautiful song, For Today I am a Boy feels like reading someone's diary entry. Anohni promises herself a better future: one where she can do and be who she wants; one where she doesn't have to be a boy anymore. At the same time, she keeps this future of hers at an arms length, interpreting it more as a daydream than something that's actually going to happen; she seems less convinced in the second half of the song, where her hope seems to turn into desperation; the drums along the piano and vocals work really well here. Luckily for her though, it did happen, and she is as beautiful as she was always meant to be.
Man Is the Baby
The intro is really calm, which almost makes you think it'll resemble Hope There's Someone. However, this song is way more interesting; it's seems like the most intimate song on the album. You can't help but adore the addition of violins, which adds a really sweet atmosphere to the song. I don't really understand the title "Man is the Baby", but "Forgive me / Let live me /..." are Anohni's most gorgeous lyrics.
You Are My Sister
This piece is slower, and very nostalgic. The voices in harmony were the perfect way to deliver the message. Once again, Anohni's voice is beautiful: especially during the lyrics " You are my sister / And I love you", they sound really unique, in the way white roses are. The ending sounds dramatic, but the lyrics accompanying it are really kind. Judging by the writing on the record (see photo at the end of the review), Anohni's sisters are really important to her. While songs dedicated to your people are always very sweet, they can become hard to connect with. Personally, this one also felt just a bit too repetitive.
What Can I Do?
You can feel the atmosphere getting darker the second that first note hits. This song has much more dread compared to the other songs, which her deep voice conveys really well (it once again sounds beautiful, too). It's a very moving, pitiful song, especially when she begs her mother "Mama, help me to live"; in moment of desperation, every human seems to turn to their trusted parent.
Fistful of Love
Unlike some of the other songs on the album, Fistful of Love is upbeat, using instruments such as a trumpet and subte drums. Her voice seems calm and stable. This happy, stable sound is in direct contrast with the theme of the song: an abusive relationship. If you take a closer look at the lyrics, it becomes evident that the artist is only pretending she is happy: she "collects upon her body the memories of your devotion", but love is not hitting your partner, it's taking care of them.
Spiralling
The transition from the high voice to Anohni's lower voice truly hits. Once again, the piano beautifully supports and enhances it. The artist spirals, presumably about not being a girl ("I was born not a girl and not a girl and not a jewel / I am some son / I am some bum"); the song, however, has a stable build-up and rhythm, and her voice never shakes. She also hits some higher notes here, which sounds really nice.
Overall one of the coolest songs on the album.
Free At Last
When the hospital machine starts beeping, Anohni declares that she has finally found freedom in death. The song is very different from the others; it is the shortest track and is less musically focussed than the others, but it delivers its message the clearest. At first, I didn't quite recognise Anhoni's voice: it seems to be distorted somehow, which really adds to the atmosphere of the song.
Bird Guhl
The beautiful melody of the piano draws you right into the song. The violins in the background only seem to add to the melancholic feeling that is being conveyed. Aside from the beautiful instrumental music, it's also the best closing song thematically: Anohni will turn into a "bird girl" and be free. Its message resembles another song I really like; Let down by Radiohead, in which the narrator says "One day, I am gonna grow wings". These wings are the freedom and joy Anohni has been looking for throughout the album.
Honestly, I'm not sure you can even consider this a review, since I am extremely biased about the subject at hand. It'll most likely be a ramble about its importance, both to me personally and the community/society as a whole, and about how much I adore Oseman's work.
Heartstopper season 1 by Alice Oseman (a Netflix series)
I really enjoyed rewatching the first season of Hearstopper. I had forgotten how lovely it is. The way in which the characters are developped, the animation and camera details, the joy radiating off of it... It truly was exactly what our community needed at the time; a mainstream, authentic queer show. It quite literally changed my life: it led me to the novel Loveless, which was my aroace awakening. I am sure I am not the only one to whom Oseman brought this joy; she has changed the world for the better. Her work has led to a much better existence for the LGBTQIA+ community, as much as a silly show can do. Sure, the dialogue felt a bit forced at times. But that doesn't change the fact that it's really well written. Everything about the story just makes so much sense somehow. Especially Tao, Charlie and Nick's character building. They are the main three in the first season, and the way their respective relationships influence each other is just so interesting. I especially related to Tao. Was he a bit unreasonable sometimes? Sure. But maybe he was just insecure and lonely and loved his friends. If my best friend abandoned me to go hang out with his crush (whose friends literally bullied them), I would've been extremely pissed as well. Tao couldn't have known what Nick was like and what he was going through; nobody but Charlie did. Honestly, I even forgot how difficult it had been for Nick in season 1. I think most queer people can relate to feeling confused and scared upon figuring out their sexuality. He tries so hard to fit in and to be a nice person. He just seems so small while rewatching, and you get the very strong urge to give him a long hug. The same goes for Charlie during the last episode. Knowing what we know now about him, seeing all the signs just makes you emotional. Hearing the words "I'm used to it by now" just hit me all over again. Honestly, I've heard people call him "selfish" and "a bad friend", but he truly does try, it's just difficult. People are allowed to falter sometimes. Characters SHOULD have flaws; it makes them better.
In short, it was a real pleasure rewatching this. Not just because of the nostalgic value; it is genuinely a pleasant series to watch, wether you want a romance, a feel-good, something deep, somethin platonic, ... it's basically perfect. Everyone who worked on this is so talented, both the actors, the crew, and Alice Oseman themself.
Every month, I watch a classic with my father, as a way of exploring his music taste. Since it is June, I wanted something gay, and I found that in Mulholland Drive! David Lynch is also one of my father's favourite directors, so it was the perfect choice.
Mulholland Drive by David Lynch (a film)
"No hay banda. It's all a tape. Il n'y a pas de orquestra. It is... an illusion!"
When I started watching this movie, I did not have a clue what it was going to be about. After watching, I have even less of a clue. The movie follows two women: "Betty", an aspiring actress, and a lady, calling herself "Rita", who's lost her memory in a car crash. The two grow closer as they attempt to uncover "Rita's" past. Their relationship is the focal point of the movie, and it turns from friendship into a romantic & sexual relationship. Once they visit to a weird Hispanic theater, the story turns. "Betty", who is actually Diane, wakes up in her appartment. "Rita" aka Camille, is still her lover, but the two broke up and Diane writhes in jealousy as she has to see Camille with another. I kind of failed to understand the movie past this point. I suppose you can't expect a David Lynch movie to be logical, but it was my first one, so I hadn't expected it to this degree. My two main theories are Rita and Betty being ghosts or Diane being an unreliable narrator who's telling us this weird story. Neither of them really make sense, but I cannot think of any other explanation.
I think the relationship between Diane and Camille was quite an interesting dynamic, but the movie seemed a bit too chaotic for it to really shine. It was very much an enjoyable movie; Lynch knows very well how to create suspense and how to make scenes visually appealing. Overall definitely a movie I'd recommend to people who like weird stuff - although I am probably not quite smart enough for it.
I once again read a queer book from my country, so I won't give any details in the interest of my privacy. I still wanted to post this, so happy pride month!
A queer short story collection by T.D.
This collection of short stories shows you 15 unique lives. Some of those are set in our world, some of them in other ones. For example, there was a story of an asexual prince going on a quest and a lesbian time-traveler. However, the ones set in our world were much more appealing to me; I really loved the one about a transboy who loves dogs and the one about the non-binary drag king and their computer-nerdy mother. These characters were emotionally compelling and seemed like a story instead of a life lesson, which appeared to be part of the purpose of this collection. The language was a bit too simple for me, since I am a bit older than the intended reader. Despite the use of simple language, it still handled difficult themes, such as ICE, not being able to donate blood, and intersex athletes. As for the last one, I had my doubts. It implied only women whose intersex condition doesn't "enhance" their body should be allowed to partake in sports, and the fact that they called the woman who's struggled because of this condition and specifically the societal views of it "masculine" pissed me off. I didn't like the one about the asexual prince either, because I felt it implied asexuality was something that can be fixed; even though magic works differently from science, it still felt icky considering this is a real issue asexuals in our world face. The fact he chose not to go through with the procedure and instead remain himself also felt like framing asexuality as a "choice". I'm sure the author didn't have any ill intentions, but they definitely could've handled it better.
Aside from the contents itself, I also felt something was missing - something like a purpose or a message, although this may just be my personal aversion for short stories.
It definitely isn't a bad book and it's a great introduction to the community for a baby queer or an ally, but literature-wise it fell a bit short.
Hi again :) just want to preface this by saying that it will be a very short, vague review. That's because I read a book from my own country, and I don't feel comfortable telling which one that is. Maybe it's a bit paranoid, because nobody would even care, but it's better to be safe than sorry, right? I'll refer to the book as "Memory Boxes", even though that isn't its name.
Memory Boxes (a novel)
Honestly, I wanted to love this book. But for the first 80 pages or so, I could experience nothing but the taste of disappointment. There's an overwhelming amount of nothing happening in this book. This nothingness is described in too-great detail, and the structuring of the book into categorical paragraphs was an annoying writing choice. The metaphorical boxes were also quite lame. However, it does seem to perfectly capture the growing up of a young gay boy in the '70s (to be clear, I am not a gay boy or someone who was around in the '70s, this is just my opinion). So, I can understand why literature enthusiasts and members of the LGBTQIA+ community adore this book. It unfortunately just wasn't my cup of tea.
Okay so before I begin, I should offer a small explanation for this series. Obviously, it's Pride Month 🌈, and I would like to celebrate by consuming queer media and yapping about them (^_^). I hope you enjoy, Tumblr.
Side note: this will not be a consistent series. I also have exams. I'll update when I feel like it :)
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White (a novel)
"If they want me to be a monster one step closer to God, that's fine.
In what world was their God ever a benevolent one?"
This book is an explosion of bottled-up rage, like a monster that is inside of you and clawing at your ribcage. That's what it feels like to be queer. Rage and loneliness. But this doesn't make you a monster. Even if you have six wings and a beak full of fangs that reaches up to your ears, you are still not a monster. And you are not alone: there is a community who loves you and who fully accepts you for who you are, from your sharpest claws up to the tips of your feathers. The REAL monsters are the people who don't accept you, who seek to cause hurt, who do horrific things in the name of holyness. This book is interesting not just because of the sizzling rage that radiates off of it, but also because of the way it plays with religion: christians who worship demonic monsters and wish to destroy the world with it, and the monster that wishes to save it. Horror often plays with religion, but not in the way Andrew Joseph White does it here. His horrorbook, that sometimes reminds of Fallen Thorns of the same genre, grabs you by the throat and keeps your attention until the bitter end. This type of horrorbooks are definitely an underrated genre.
So, this book has a lot of strong points: it's fun, dynamic, has interesting characters and themes, uses nice motifs, and is very thrilling. It isn't 'literary', but not every book has to be. The only negative feedback I have is about the cover image (gorgeous and one of the reasons I read this, but the boy on it looks nothing like Benji) and the predictability of some of the plot twists. Overall, it's definitely a book I recommend!
Actually, it should be the same for everyone. You don't owe anyone sex. You can say no for any reason or even without a reason. Even if you're in a relationship. Even if you're married. Even if they're sad about it. Even if you've been saying no for a week or a month. Whenever you want, it's your body.
You don't owe anyone sex.
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