Issue 10: Expats

Currently on Hong Kong, Alaska, Barnyards, and Futureland.

📝 Reviewing: Expats (2024)

Created by Lulu Wang ('The Farewell') and inspired by Janice Y.K. Lee's novel 'The Expatriates,' 'Expats' is an upcoming six-part mini-series unraveling the lives of three women intertwined by a profound tragedy. The series is an ambitious attempt to comment on the realm of human emotions, exploring feelings of isolation caused by grief, regret, and infidelity. Its central message revolves around how people can overcome differences through shared experiences.

However, a diverse cast doesn't automatically translate into a genuine portrayal of diverse experiences. ‘Expats’ aims to be empathetic, but its contrived dialogue and inconsistent performances hinder the audience from connecting with the characters, leaving the intended emotions feeling inauthentic and unearned. Balancing the power dynamics of the entitled and impoverished, set against the backdrop of political turmoil in China, is nuanced and sensitive, and missing that mark may lead to further criticism.

My primary interest lies in the narratives of the secondary characters navigating life within the confines and control of the privileged. These characters are the true outsiders—and ones we can connect with—but are overlooked because they can’t get the spotlight when their lives are presented through a peephole. ‘Expats’ is available to stream on Amazon on January 26th.

Note: These opinions are based on an advance screening of episode five.

📺 Watching: True Detective Season Four (2024)

'True Detective' Season One has garnered widespread acclaim as an exceptional crime anthology series, captivating viewers with its intricate narrative, complex characters, and haunting setting. Unfolding across multiple timelines, the story adds depth to the characters and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The stellar performances and chemistry between the leading men, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, shine in the vibrant heat of Louisiana.

In 'True Detective' Season Four, the narrative takes a gripping turn as Arctic researchers mysteriously vanish. However, this time, it's the leading women, Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, who deliver stunning performances amidst the dim frost of Alaska. Even with its possible ties to season one, this installment has already established itself as its own, quickly on its way to becoming appointment viewing. ‘True Detective: Night Country’ is available to stream on HBO.

🎧 Listening To: 99% Invisible - Double Kick

It really is just a pure design story - the needs are pushing the tool, the tool is pushing what people can do, and this is all feeding back into what people create.

From the episode notes: “Watch a skate video today, and you'll notice how similarly shaped the boards are. It’s called the “popsicle” design, because the deck is narrow in the middle and rounded off at both ends, like a popsicle stick. This may seem stupid simple, but that basic, clean popsicle shape is actually the product of a lot of experimentation and iteration. In 1989, one particular board would cement skateboard design as we know it. But to understand it, we have to go back over a decade to the mid-70s, as more and more money poured into the growing sport.”

Punk rock, skateboarding, design, innovation, and podcasts—all of my favorite things wrapped into one! This podcast is best experienced as an article.

💡 Inspired By: Futureland

Futureland is a journaling platform that helps you build habits or learn new skills through daily posting and activity streaks. As I continue to consider how I spend time online, engage with my community, and present my projects digitally, I’ve been experimenting with Futureland as a tool that prioritizes productivity over likes. You can check Futureland here.

Thanks for being here.
— Justin

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