The Studio (Apple TV+)
I’m a lil, surprised at how much I’m enjoying The Studio and how stunning it looks. Seth Rogen plays a film geek turned studio head, a bumbling embodiment of white mediocrity, trying to save movies while making hundred million dollar choices and having a miserable time. He’s got a Curb Your Enthusiasm level of cringe and lack of self-awareness but a deep love of cinema, in the show and as co-director.
One episode deals with filming of a one shot, the other a noir mystery about a missing reel of film. The supporting cast and A-list cameos are earning that Apple money. The real stars are the production and cinematography; gorgeous locations, long takes and frantic, masterful camerawork.
Cinema is undergoing a major transformation, or death, depending on who you ask. It’s great to watch a show that puts its nostalgia, knowledge, and mourning right on the (tv)screen.
One of Them Days (now streaming)
Two roommates have a few hours to make their $1,500 rent or get evicted from their soon-to-be-gentrified apartment in Los Angeles.
The Keke Palmer and SZA buddy comedy is a descendant of Friday (and its villain Bearnice is as hilarious and dangerous as Deebo). There were some unnecessary gross-out bloody humor moments, and Katt Williams felt underused, but those are minor complaints when there’s so much charisma and so many fine men. Shoutout to Queer cinematographer Ava Berkofsky, who brings the same magic lens they brought to Insecure. Hollywood has been willfully ignorant about how to light Black and Brown skin for far too long. Insecure’s Issa Rae is a producer and brings the show’s tenderness, humor, and love of LA.
One of Them Days reminded me of places and struggles I grew up with. Right now, a story about two friends with realistic financial troubles and solutions feels like a balm.
How media can define how we see ourselves: Analog Cruising and POST.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Herrera Words to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.