Hello November
Can you believe it’s November already?! Halloween is over, the nights are darker, and winter is well and truly settling in. The rush of film festivals is coming to a close and it’s going to be an odd experience not having a stream of Oscar buzz films coming into the cinemas. But the RP team is here to share with you what we are currently up to and what we’re loving this November.
What Are We Up To?
We had an absolutely amazing time with our film festival Women X, and we genuinely cannot believe the support people gave us. It means so much to us - as a volunteer-led organisation, there were challenging moments, especially navigating the ever-changing rules of lockdown and the effects of a pandemic led us to believe many times that the festival may have had to be called off, so we are so proud that not only did it go ahead - but you guys loved it! We will be back in 2021, so watch this space…
We had some fantastic articles over on the blog, including interviews with our Women X filmmakers, a week of celebrating Final Girls in horror, a lovely World Mental Health Day article from Am, and our thoughts on the female-directed shorts from Bristol Film Festival. You can find all of this wonderful content and more here.
We have also had some new podcast episodes go out including a Jessica Chastain episode, and a well-needed catch up episode covering all their latest binge-watches such as Emily in Paris and The Haunting of Bly Manor. November will see more episodes coming your way along with a chance for our listeners to choose our episode topic!
We’ll also be launching further info on our mentoring and development scheme RP: Evolve later this month, you can sign up for updates here!
Our Team’s Top Picks
TV Shows
I Hate Suzie - SKY
I Hate Suzie - SKY
If you haven’t yet jumped on the I Hate Suzie hype then this is a reminder that the show is on SKY waiting for you to start! Caris has been loving the show, in particular how it is bringing a new trope of ‘difficult women’, as well as talking about the often ignored issue of sexual images being shared without consent. Billie Piper does an incredible job as the lead character and the show is also directed by Georgia Banks Daniels, a superstar indie director who we interviewed a few years back!
The Third Day - SKY
Courtney is absolutely loving The Third Day which is screening on SKY in the UK. The show is split into three parts and follows a man and a woman as they arrive on a strange island at different times. Starring Jude Law, Naomie Harris, and Katherine Waterston, this is definitely one to add to your watchlist.
Pose - Netflix
Pose - Netflix
Two seasons of Pose are on Netflix and Neha highly recommends the show! It’s had brilliant reviews and has a fantastically talented cast including MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, and Indya Moore. Pose is set in the late 80s to early 90s and follows the ballroom culture scene in New York City. With an array of characters you will fall in love with, and sensitive portrayals of difficult, often taboo, topics such as being HIV-positive, this is a must-watch.
Love Life - BBC iPlayer
Love Life is a wonderful rom-com about all of the relationships on the way to meeting ‘the one’ and the true gem that is Anna Kendrick shines in it! Pearl watched this show in one weekend and particularly loved the way it showed the ups and downs that can happen in female friendships. You can find the show on BBC iPlayer here.
Shrill - BBC iPlayer
Shrill - BBC iPlayer
With Season 3 currently in production, I highly recommend checking out the first two seasons of the brilliant Shrill, available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Starring SNL’s Aidy Bryant and the absolute goddess Lolly Adefope (seriously, I adore her), this show is funny, a little silly, and has some super important and poignant conversations about fatphobia and body image. The episode Pool came at a great time for me and made me feel so much better about my own body!
Code Switched
This is a new independent show that Neha can’t wait to dive into and it’s available to watch here. Code Switched follows five South Asian-American friends in the city figuring out their lives together. It looks amazing and is available for free - please check it out and support a brilliant new independent production!
The Haunting of Bly Manor - Netflix
The Haunting of Bly Manor - Netflix
I don’t know about you but my Twitter feed has been dominated by people loving The Haunting of Bly Manor and both Caris and Holly are amongst them! You don’t have to have seen The Haunting of Hill House to watch this series as it’s a completely different story but features a fair few familiar faces from the first season, like lead character Dani played by Victoria Pedrett. Dani takes on a new job as a nanny at Bly Manor looking after two children who are…well not quite alright. Dani is also a bisexual character (yay!) which is great to see in a mainstream show. Key moments of this season include a great exploration into mourning, loss, and moving on from death. You can find it on Netflix now.
The Twilight Zone - SKY
An amazing anthology to catch is The Twilight Zone, available on SKY. Caris describes it as perfect if you’re too busy for a whole 10 episode drama right now - this is an easy watch in between the hectic moments! If you’re a fan of Black Mirror, this will be ideal for you. Hosted by Jordan Peele, the cast includes Morena Baccarin, John Cho, and Taissa Farmiga, amongst many more.
Film
Nomadland
Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) - Nov 03-19
Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) - Nov 03-19
LIFF is a fantastic festival and this year it is taking place both virtually and physically, so definitely check out the in-person screenings if you’re in the Leeds area. It always has a great mixture of big anticipated titles, hidden gems, offbeat films (check out the Fanomenon strand), and wonderful shorts. There is a fantastic line up available including Nomadland, Sun Children, and Bring Down the Walls, amongst many more. You can find the full selection and information about tickets here.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF) - Nov 03-30
If you fancy catching some short films, look no further than the 10th edition of ASFF! Taking place online this year, they have over 300 short films available to watch in their programme as well as special events, industry talks, and masterclasses with a fantastic line up including Maxine Peake, Sarah Gavron, and Sam Feder. Find out more here.
When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally
Autumn may be the time for scary Halloween favourites but it’s also the cosy season which makes it a perfect time to rewatch (or watch for the first time) When Harry Met Sally. An iconic romance full of chemistry, charm, and some of the best jumpers and autumnal looks you’ll see in film, this is a classic and Meghann always watches it around this time of year. I dare you to watch this and not fall at least slightly in love with Meg Ryan!
Cicada
I managed to catch this beautiful queer film at LFF last month and I highly recommend adding it to your watchlist if it isn’t already on your radar. The chemistry between the two leads, , is honestly stunning and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. I expected a pretty casual, lighthearted depiction of a romance however it was much deeper than I anticipated and I think it handled difficult issues very sensitively and with care. It’s not currently screening online, but definitely check it out as soon as you can.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square - Netflix
Mogul Mowgli - In Cinemas
Another film I watched as part of LFF was Mogul Mowgli - it was definitely one of my highlights of the festival! Directed by Bassam Tariq, the film stars Riz Ahmed (who also co-wrote the film) as a young British rapper who is struck by a sudden illness, forcing him to move back home with his conservative Pakistani family, leading him to have a crisis of identity. It’s currently in cinemas across the UK - find your nearest screening here.
The Christmas Chronicles 2 - Netflix
If you want to start your Christmas watches just before December then definitely catch the sequel to the magical new festive film, The Christmas Chronicles, which lands on November 25th on Netflix. The first one had Neha feeling something for Santa (don’t judge her too much, he is played by Kurt Russel!) and was a bit of a contemporary Christmas favourite. If you haven’t watched the first one yet, definitely check it out before the sequel!
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square - Netflix
If you love both Christmas and Dolly Parton then look no further! This upcoming Christmas film will be arriving on Netflix on the 22nd November and features 14 new songs written and performed by Dolly herself. The film also stars icon Christine Baranski! Set yourself a reminder here.
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
Books
I will be linking to the publishers or author’s website for each book - if you can, please consider buying these books (and others) from your local independent bookshop to support them!
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
Ashton highly recommends the great book that is Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad. It’s so much more than just a non-fiction book - it challenges you to understand your role in relation to white supremacy and white privilege through an explanation of the history and journalling questions so that you can work on yourself and challenge your own racist biases, be they unconscious or not. It’s educational on several levels and of course, it is work that we all need to do - this is an absolutely vital read for everyone who holds white privilege. You can buy the book and the guided journal here.
The Bi-ble: Essays and Narratives About Bisexuality - Volume One edited by Lauren Nickodemus & Ellen Desmond
In September, I co-read The Bi-ble: Volume One with my fellow book blogger, Jaz, for Bisexual Visibility Day and I absolutely loved it. I’ve been thinking about it throughout October too, rereading essays that particularly stood out to me. I think it’s a fantastic book to read, whether you are bi or not. I also realised when reading that Lauren Vevers (director of LOVE SPELL which screened at Women X) was a contributor! I learned a lot, related to many of the personal essays, and I can’t wait to read the second volume. You can purchase and find out more about the book here.
Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen - Campside Media
Podcasts
All these podcasts can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or various other podcast platforms - check the link in each paragraph to find exactly where to listen.
Pope 2 Pope
Our very own Courtney has set up a new podcast called Pope 2 Pope where she makes her friend Zach watch every episode of her favourite TV show, The Young Pope! They discuss the episodes in detail so if you’re a fan of the show, you have to check this out.
Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen - Campside Media
This fascinating new podcast that Ashton is hooked on follows a scam that’s been going for years in Hollywood! The scam targets new professionals who lose thousands trying to reach their dream - it’s currently releasing episodes so Ashton is waiting in great anticipation to find out the truth! Listen here.
Other
Inside Me Exhibition - Nov 12-22
Desiree is going to be at the Inside Me exhibition in London this month, taking place at the Gillian Jason Gallery. The exhibition from Alina Zamanova and Michaela Stark explores beauty in the feminine form and looks fascinating! Find out more about it here.
Talk To Me In Korean - Website
Holly has been using and loving the website Talk to Me in Korean which does what it says on the tin really! It’s a super helpful website on learning Korean with podcasts and workbooks that are all completely free to access.
I hope something on this list catches your attention and you find yourself a new favourite! We love sharing our recommendations and if you have any for us, let us know on any of our social media platforms. As always, a big thank you to our whole team for their fab recommendations!
Keep up with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for our latest updates. Let us know what you’re looking forward to this month!
Stay safe, look after each other and keep well
Written by Sophie Duncan
