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.
2021 is coming in hot with some exciting releases! If you’re looking for something to help you unwind over the break, Vantage is here to help with our top picks for January.
Ongoing, new episodes every Monday (until February 2021)
Manner of Death follows the story of medical examiner Dr. Bunn who has returned to his provincial home and is investigating a series of deaths in the town. Dr. Bunn must now solve the mystery with the help of the prime suspect—the victim’s alluring and brooding boyfriend, Tan. The plot has unravelled many twists and turns that leave viewers questioning more than just the identity of the killer.
The show puts a spin on the usual boys-love tropes for a darker, more adult angle that touches on identity, relationships, and who to trust. As someone who loves crime dramas and fell into the boys-love series trap last year, Manner of Death has been a thrill to look out for every Monday and keeps me on my toes every time. -Zoe
One of the Good Ones (2021) by Maika and Maritza Moulite
Release: January 5
One of the Good Ones (2021) explores the murder of a young activist named Keri through the eyes of her younger sister, Happi. Happi is left grappling with the dissonance between the world’s idealized version of Keri and who she really was—all while unraveling the mystery surrounding her death. By focusing on the victim’s legacy, the novel sets itself apart from other YA novels that discuss police brutality.
Aside from the comparisons drawn between One of the Good Ones and The Hate U Give (2017) by Angie Thomas, the novel got my attention because of my bias for murder mystery stories as a child. If you’ve spent quarantine trying to rediscover your love for reading like I have, One of the Good Ones may be worth adding to your book list! -Lombos
Siri, Who Am I? (2021) by Sam Tschida
Release: January 12
Sam Tschida’s debut novel encapsulates what it means to be a millennial in our modern-day world through Siri, Who Am I? (2021). After Mia—the main protagonist—emerges from a coma with short-term amnesia, she attempts to rediscover herself with the help of social media and her iPhone’s voice assistant, Siri. In the process, she meets and falls in love with Max, who helps her learn the truth about who she was before the accident, and who she could become moving forward.
The amnesiac lover trope has never been my favorite–watching The Vow (2012) left me completely heartbroken, and 50 First Dates (2004) made me realize that I'll never find a love like Henry and Lucy’s. Tschida, however, seems to have put a contemporary twist to the well-worn cliché. The chicklit appears to be a fun and lighthearted read for those in need of a quick pick-me-up! -Leila
Release: January 22
I’m a huge fan of social satire films, and one I’m particularly looking forward to this month is the Netflix adaptation of Aravind Adiga’s bestselling debut novel of the same name. The White Tiger (2021) is directed by Ramin Bahrani, who has received critical acclaim for the movie Chop Shop (2007), among others. The film stars newcomer Adarsh Gourav as Balram Halwai, a poor man from a small village in India. Viewers expect to see themes of poverty and class struggle, while following Balram’s journey from faithful servant to a jaded–and uncomfortably ruthless–entrepreneur. If dark comedies such as Parasite (2019), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), or The Big Short (2015) are films that you’ve enjoyed, then The White Tiger may pique your interest. -Lombos
New episodes every week
The online semester has left me looking for sources of entertainment that could lessen my screen time. The Dear Hank & John podcast has been the perfect find for that need. Hosted by internet veterans and brothers Hank and John Green, this advice podcast features them giving “dubious advice” to listeners’ questions, while talking about passions. The queries they receive range from comedic and odd (“What do Danish people call Danish pastries?”) to touching and deep (“How do I grieve for my college graduation ceremony that was lost because of the pandemic?”). The brothers’ earnest responses and occasional banter make the podcast feel very much like a warm conversation. Dear Hank & John reveals how humans, despite our differences, live our lives in search of answers to questions—no matter how ridiculous they might be. -Zoe
Oddly specific playlists on Spotify
Whereas dancers make it their mission to make music visible, an oddly specific playlist has the ability to bring you into another world. I have personally never entertained the idea of being stuck overnight at an abandoned church during a zombie apocalypse. But as I pictured myself slaying the walking dead with Childish Gambino's Zombies playing in the background, I weighed out the pros and cons of fighting in an apocalyptic war. There seems to be a playlist for literally every mood, aesthetic, and setting one can think of. Discovering a portal to another world in the back of a grocery store aisle? Not a problem. You might even imagine yourself as the lead in an indie coming-of-age film set in a small town. Before the credits roll, I hope you meet the person who'd remind you of songs that are the musical embodiment of blushing. If you’re searching for new music or just ways to de-stress, try looking these up or making one of your own! -Leila