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.
The year may be coming to an end, but it’s never too late to try something new. From movies and shows to music and eats, we bring you some personal recommendations to keep you inspired and excited. Give yourself a break this November by checking out our top picks for this month.
If you love Adventure Time (2010) and all its weirdness, then I recommend Over the Garden Wall. The ten-episode animated series follows half-brothers Wirt and Greg as they make their way through the forest of the Unknown. The show’s flair manifests in out-of-this-world characters–musical frogs and hyper cloud people, to name a few–and unpredictable storylines. Although Adventure Time and Over the Garden Wall are both Patrick McHale’s brainchildren, the latter’s warm color scheme and mysterious atmosphere set it apart. With its dry humor, unnerving moments, and fairytale-like design, Over the Garden Wall packs an eerie yet enjoyable animation. - Jana
From the creators of Glee (2009) and American Horror Story (2011) comes The Politician, a series that follows a high school student who aspires to be the president of the student body, and someday, the United States. Tony Award winner Ben Platt plays the lead role of ambitious teen Payton Hobart, alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Zoey Deutch, and Jessica Lange in supporting roles. The Politician puts an artistic spin on the usual high school drama with its satirical, Wes Anderson-inspired feel. I was so impressed by the cinematography and costume design–the visuals compensated for some of the show’s inconsistent storylines. Nonetheless, The Politician is a compelling and promising start—and by the end of the eight-episode season, you’ll surely want more. - Daniela
Imagine listening to bedtime stories, but this time, instead of heroes and princesses, they’re about regular people and the experiences that changed their lives. From a small mishap at the grocery, to a pivotal life decision, to a purchase of a new car, you can listen to a variety of stories on The Moth: A podcast recording of live storytelling performances in the United States. The series was inspired by writer George Green’s days back in Georgia when he and his friends would tell stories while moths would fly around a lamp. Even if you’re just listening through your phone, the clapping and laughing from the live recording will suddenly transport you into the audience. Warm and heartfelt, The Moth is for those who are curious about other people’s stories–even those who aren’t might just find themselves crying, laughing, or both, without expecting to. - Jana
The King (2019)
Release: November 1
The King is a Netflix adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henriad and follows Hal’s (Timothée Chalamet) journey after his crowning as King Henry V. Directed by David Michôd, and starring new and familiar faces such as Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, and Joel Edgerton, this historical epic is a definite thrill. Caught between his desire for peace and a war inherited from his tyrannical father, Hal must traverse his newfound responsibilities as king, and all the baggage that comes with the crown. There’s a lot of meat to this medieval epic. The King pulls no punches, and battlefields are epic mosh pits of grime and blood. Tension and drama are plentiful, and Chalamet’s brooding portrayal of Hal only heightens the atmosphere. A king may have no friends, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your own to join Hal in this perilous tale. - Nigel
Release: November 15
It’s all about energy in DJ Shadow’s upcoming hip-hop Our Pathetic Age, an album that transforms the dissatisfied, erratic, frustrated energy of a generation into a series of conflicting harmonies. Modern issues need modern takes, and DJ Shadow’s sound is anything but played out. There’s a sense of dread to the beat–an effort to characterize a generation’s fears–but also a faint hope for a future that is worth fighting for. Fear, frustration, and distraction: Our Pathetic Age says that there’s something in the chaos to be harnessed. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Nas, Ghostface Killah, and Run the Jewels, among others, Our Pathetic Age is set to be something special. - Nigel
Release: November 27
Knives Out puts together two things that are always hard to resist: A murder mystery plot and a star-studded cast. As somebody who has watched one too many murder mystery movies, I have high hopes for this particular film. Directed by Rian Johnson and starring the likes of Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the plot centers on a skilled private investigator who is called in to investigate the death of an elderly crime novelist. The trailer features a dark, but warm color palette reminiscent of the popular board game Clue and guarantees a visually appealing experience. Promising eccentric characters and scenes overflowing with suspense, this ensemble thriller is definitely one to look out for. - Daniela
Graphic by Kaitlyn Mercado