Sinadee Santhushya Gamage

All I'm going to say is that it's a good time to be alive

I genuinely think Euphoria will be nostalgic in a few years. This show delves in on the American suburban lifestyle of teenagers - whether it's drug abuse, relationships, sexuality, body dysphoria, or trauma. (SPOILERS) The plotlines, subplot lines, cast directing, and overall aesthetic naturally attracts the audience. Sam Levinson did a great job with giving each character a multifaceted story arc that is - to some degree - relatable. I also like that Rue narrates the show; it almost feels like going through someone's diary. Also, Zendaya's acting gets better each year, and the latest season did not disappoint. Zendaya makes us have a love-hate relationship with her character Rue. Rue is vulnerable, drug-dependent, and carefree, but she's also psychologically manipulative and cunning - much like many drug addicts. Euphoria does not shy away from drug abuse at all; it shows how sobriety is not linear and not to see through a rose glass - easy and uncomplicated. Her drug abuse also shows its effect on her loved ones too, including her relationship with Jules. Jules, a hyper-feminine and hyper-sexual trans woman, is promiscuous but has a great sense of empathy. Her character deploys the real-life struggles of any transgender individual. In the latest season, her hyper-feminity is more diluted than the previous season. I think it's a deliberate choice by the directors to show the complexity of her character. As for the antagonists, we meet Cal and Nate Jacobs, the father and son. In Season 1, we hate Cal Jacobs for his abusive behavior and infidelity. But it's only in Season 2 we realise that his sexual repression and familial trauma made him the way he is. Levinson not only polarises the character but also makes us sympathise too. Nate remains callous and vicious to both - not limited to - Cassie, Maddy, and occasionally Jules. On that note, Cassie finds solace in the arms of Nate. Despite his toxic abusiveness, the feeling of being wanted causes her to lose grip of herself. I think a lot of teenagers would relate to her. We say we want things but we don't know what we actually need.

Half of It is a wonderful film that explores the multifaceted and complex nature of love. It deploys the reality of love, difference, and privilege. The story is symbiotic of the financial struggle immigrants go through and the hardships of sexuality in a religious context. Actress Lewis really brought the character to life: a student with adult-life struggles in a remotely white area. The main focus is love, however an ambiance of other issues into the light. Half of it portrays sexuality more than physical attraction, as it subdues physical qualities and introduces more deep and underlying traits of individuals - dreams, ambitions, and identity. As such, it also shows the depth of friendship and how it changes perspectives and values. Lastly, it tells the importance of self-respect and adoration over the validation of others. Overall, it's a lovely movie. Don't get too caught up with what is on the surface, because the greater meaning lies below

Fluent narrative, charming, witty, and bittersweet. A good teen flick. In contrast to many teen rom-com adaptations, "Lady Bird" distinguished the compassionate yet anguish nature of a teenager. It serves as a great teenage redemption. Christie's "Lady Bird's" first impressions were like any other teenager rom-com formula: an ambitious teenage girl falls in love, falls out of love, tries to pursue her passions and all that jazz... But Gerwing somehow managed to shed light on her character by making her somewhat relatable. Gerwing excelled in building up Lady Bird's character arc, as she showed how Lady Bird's views and perspectives altered after the influence of others (e.g. crushed after first love, catholic school, mother-daughter friction, family, and etc.). Gerwing also shows perspectives of other characters, rather than completely being absorbed with the main protagonist. This itself devises the originality that most rom/com/indie films lack off.