This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little bit), then we’ve done our jobs.
With finals looming and the gapang to Christmas break feeling more and more real, it might be hard to find things that excite you. Fear not, because we bring you this month’s top picks to get you through the end-of-semester grind.
Release: December 1
After producing countless hit shows, Netflix will finally be releasing its first ever Philippine-made Netflix Original this December. The film Dead Kids is a coming-of-age story that involves a crime plot loosely based on the 2018 Colegio de San Juan de Letran kidnapping case. With rising stars Sue Ramirez and Khalil Ramos, the movie tackles justice, friendship, and poverty through the eyes of the Filipino youth. Despite its challenging theme, I trust that its award-winning director Mikhail Red–of Birdshot (2016) and Eerie (2018)–will weave an eye-opening piece that urges us to reflect on our values and choices before the year ends. - Tiff
Fine Line by Harry Styles
Release: December 13
If I’m being honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan of One Direction back in the day–but I had no doubts about the remarkable talent of Harry Styles. Boy, did he prove me right with his self-titled debut solo album, Harry Styles (2017). Not only was the album popular with fans, but it featured on critics’ Best Albums of the Year lists for its combination of Britpop and rock. The album strayed away from Styles’ usual pop tunes and took inspiration from Bowie and The Rolling Stones. As an avid fan of their music, I felt as if Styles did them justice, solidifying the respect I have for him as an artist. With the upcoming release of his second album Fine Line, I would say that fans can expect a more daring Styles this time around. Even though both of his recently released singles “Lights Up” and “Watermelon Sugar” may sound vaguely similar to previous songs, the subject matter of both tracks shows his mature and experimental side. Personally, I appreciate Styles’ efforts in tackling topics like freedom to be oneself and even sex, which is why I’m definitely looking forward to the album’s release. - Gab
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Release: December 20
Love it or hate it, the anticipation to the final entry of the iconic Star Wars franchise is at an all-time high. As the follow-up to Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker film centers on the final confrontation between valiant heroes Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) versus Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the nefarious forces of the First Order. I also can’t wait to see Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) onscreen for the first time since Return of the Jedi (1983), and an explanation for Rey’s strong connection to the Force. Growing up as a die-hard Star Wars fanatic, the franchise has become a big part of my life, and this Sequel Trilogy released the kid in me once more. Here’s to hoping that I won’t be shedding as much tears as I did in Avengers: Endgame (2019). - Gab
My Chemical Romance Reunion Show Date: December 20
Since My Chemical Romance (MCR) disbanded in early 2013, former emo kids (such as myself) have been waiting for their comeback. The breakup of the band known as the face of emo culture immediately gave way to numerous fan theories which predicted their return based on different songs from their discography. Thankfully, though, we don’t have to wait much longer—My Chemical Romance announced that they’re holding a reunion show on December 20 in Los Angeles, California. I honestly cannot contain my excitement for this reunion, especially since MCR played such a huge role in forming my current taste in music. I’ll be sure to stream their concert on YouTube, time difference be damned. - Therese
As a self-professed fan of K-Dramas, I couldn’t help but be curious about Netflix’s recent wave of original releases. Half-skeptical and half-hopeful, I was delighted to find a few gems in such a wide selection. Among blockbusters such as Kingdom (2019), Vagabond (2019), and Stranger (2017), Chief of Staff caught my eye almost immediately because of the fact that I haven’t encountered a lot of political K-Dramas. This drama tells the story of Jang Tae-jun, a National Assemblyman’s chief of staff, as he encounters personal and professional struggles. A political thriller reminiscent of House of Cards (2013) in its sheer audacity, Chief of Staff exposes the filth and manipulation that goes under wraps in modern-day politics. It’s highly addicting, but be warned: This series has a way of getting under your skin after just a few episodes. - Therese
The fantasy genre never runs short of new titles, but it’s worth checking out The Way of Kings, a hidden gem published way back in 2010. This is the first out of 10 books in The Stormlight Archive series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, and its narrative shifts between the perspectives of different characters in a supernatural war. Currently, only three books are available for purchase, but the fourth is slated for release in 2020. Each one is honestly a long read, but once you get through the first few chapters, it becomes harder and harder to put down! Here, you’ll get everything you’d expect from an epic fantasy and more: Action, heart-wrenching twists and turns, a killer plot, and amazing character development along the way. - Tiff
Graphic by Neil R. Reyes