What I've Watched: CODA, The Dropout, Crash Landing On You

CODA

Available on Apple TV+

CODA is the first non-Marvel, non-Stars Wars movie that I felt excited about watching in a really long time. And when I finally sat down to view it, I was blown away. I laughed, I cried, and I was reminded of why I used to be such a film buff back in the day. It's because of movies like this. CODA, in real life, actually stands for child of deaf adults and that's more or less the premise. Ruby Rossi is the only hearing member of her family; her parents and older brother are all deaf. Because of her family's reliance on her and her atypical upbringing, Ruby is a bit of an outcast at school. But when she sees her crush sign up for choir, she impulsively does the same but the truth is, Ruby actually loves to sing. Her music teacher quickly picks up on her talent and soon Ruby's world begins to expand and she has to figure out what she wants. Does she stay and help out with the family business or does she go on to pursue her dreams? It's very much a coming-of-age story that's filled with so much heart, humor, and music (their cover of "You're All I Need to Get By" has been on all my playlists since watching). It was also amazing to see a movie where ASL and the deaf community could shine and be really highlighted in film. This was, without a doubt, the best movie I've seen, so far, this year. 

The Dropout

Available on Hulu

To be honest, I knew close to nothing about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos when I began watching the 8-episode miniseries, The Dropout, so this story was pretty much "brand new" to me. But man, I was googling after every episode because I couldn't believe something this wild had happened in real life. Elizabeth Holmes is the former founder and CEO of Theranos, a biotechnology company, who claimed they had developed a method for testing blood with only a fingerprick. She became one of the youngest self-made billionaires, famous, and a female CEO in Silicon Valley at the time when there weren't many. But it turns out her company was all a lie and she's now been convicted of criminal fraud and may go to prison. The show gives us her origin story as well as her rise and inevitable fall. I was just really shocked by the whole thing and everyone involved. It was just crazy to see how far she was able to get with her lies and just Elizabeth herself was, wow. Amanda Seyfried did an incredible job playing her. (Sidenote: If her voice throws you off, go to YouTube and listen to the real Elizabeth Holmes -- it's a thing.) 

Crash Landing on You

Available on Netflix

I had been purposely resisting the k-drama craze because I didn't need more TV shows to add to my plate plus I genuinely didn't think it would be for me. AND I WAS SO WRONG. I finally gave Crash Landing on You a try and it might just be one of my top favorite shows ever. (And now I don't want to watch another k-drama because I don't know how anything else could possibly live up.) It's about Yoon Se-ri, a successful businesswoman from South Korea who has proven how capable and independent she is, despite her brothers' and mother's ill will towards her. Just as her father is about to announce his decision to anoint her his successor of the family business, she goes paragliding and gets caught in a tornado that lands her in North Korea, where she meets Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok. Captain Ri and his four patrol officers first try to capture her but end up taking her in to protect her. As they try to help her get back to South Korea, they become friends and learn about each other's culture in a way that's hilarious and heartwarming. More importantly though, Captain Ri and Se-ri start to fall for each another in one epic love story.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg. So much happens and while I admittedly wasn't hooked by the first episode, every one proceeding it reeled me in more and more until I found myself binge-watching it (and these episodes are long!). I just fell in love with the characters, the romance, friendships, everything. I loved Se-ri as a heroine and totally swooned over Captain Ri. Even his patrol officers were delightful (shoutout to my fave, Ju-meok). I laughed and cried so much, which I didn't expect to happen at all. Then after I finished the show, I kept rewatching my favorite parts for a week after. It was just that good! 

Honorable mentions

• Inventing Anna: Another fraudster I knew nothing about but Shonda Rhimes' show about Anna Delvey, the fake heiress who went to jail, was addicting to watch. 
• Raising Dion (S2): I had given up on a season 2 so I was delighted to see this pop up on Netflix! It's a strong follow-up but I still like the first season more. 
• Cobra Kai (S4): Another great season but seriously, where are the adults? Why are these children always fighting in public places with no one to stop them? I love the show but I do find this ridiculous at times. 
• The Last Kingdom (S5): I finally got my final season of this show and it did not disappoint. I love Uhtred (and Finan). 
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: I was not prepared for the horror vibes or the plot of this movie at all but I enjoyed it. One thing did kind of bother me though but I can’t say it without spoiling. Also, the actress who played America Chavez was excellent and really held her own against everyone, which was so impressive. 

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What have you been watching lately?