what i've been watching lately (movies and television shows)

What have you been watching lately? Though spring is right around the corner, the weather remains wet and cool. That makes it extra enticing to stay inside and unwind with a good movie or show. There is nothing better than an clear schedule, a warm blanket, and some entertainment. On that note, here are some of the things that I have been watching lately.

There have been all sorts of interesting movies and television shows on my watch list lately. Here are some of the standouts...

• Beyond The Gates. There is a new soap opera on television these days. In fact, it is the first new daytime soap opera to premiere since Passions in 1999. (I am about to date myself here and say that my sister and I used to watch Passions episodes when we were in high school. Ahh...memories.) Beyond The Gates is all about a gated community in a Maryland suburb. The sets are amazing, the clothes are amazing, and there is lots of drama. Though the show has only been on the air since the end of February, it has become a serious obsession. So far, my favourite character is Dani. I look forward to even more fabulousness as the soap opera goodness continues. 
• Nightbitch. When I first saw the trailer for Nightbitch, with Amy Adams, I was intrigued. Little did I know that the movie would totally blow my mind. It is all about transformation. It tackles uneven gender roles in relationships as well as the sacrifices and frustrations of motherhood. The main character has put her career on hold to be a stay at home mother - and the movie looks at that loss of identity and the resulting resentment. It is about how what is expected of us can sometimes feel unfulfilling. It is about taking back our power and tapping into the parts of us that are free and wild. All in all, Nightbitch was a powerful watch and one that I would highly recommend. 
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. This short-lived television show is one that was on my radar when it premiered, but I am only now watching. It stars a ton of actors that I enjoy and has such a unique premise. The main character can hear "heart songs" from people, which is essentially a popular song that reveals how that character is really feeling. She then needs to help that character address the situation. It is an incredible show and manages to be both fun and heart wrenching. There are romantic elements, but also a lot of family-related plots. I was not able to binge watch the show, but watched an episode every few days, since some of the subject matter is heavy. (Meaningful, well done, and important, but still heavy nonetheless.) There are two seasons and a movie to enjoy!
• Collette. Sometimes, I like to look through the "Leaving Soon" section of different streaming services to see what items I should prioritize. When I noticed that Collette was leaving Paramount+ shortly, my evening entertainment was quickly decided. I enjoy a lot of Keira Knightley's work and was interested in seeing what character she would bring to life this time around. Collette was incredible. It is based on a true story of a French writer with a husband who pushes her to write - and then publishes her work under his name. It is a story of sexism, selfishness, and ultimately, freedom of expression. I have been learning more about the author and hope to read her work. 

There you have it....some of the things that I have been watching lately. These movies and television shows have been meaningful, thought provoking, and enjoyable. I love being able to escape into different characters every now and then.

What have you been watching lately? Have you seen anything on this list?