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May 2, 2023Liked by MaryAnn Johanson

I’m not watching any TV I’m in love with right now, but as far as film goes, I think AFTERSUN was the undersung gem of this past Oscars. Paul Mescal was fantastic in his nominated role, but the whole film was so impressive; it operates as a mood poem, not being so caught up in details as much as capturing moments perfectly. By the climactic sequence (with an absolutely perfect needle drop) I was shaking and sobbing in the cinema. It was great.

I’ve gotten pretty into the mmorpg FALLEN LONDON. Its creator is icky, and I think once that came out it drove people away, but the company parted ways with him, and the world is immersive and bizarre. The premise is a steampunk, cosmic horror and darkly funny alternate London which has been stolen from the Surface and now exists underground. There’s your usual constables and pickpockets living amongst squidlike Rubbery Men, undead Tomb Colonists, and the Devils themselves. It’s very fun! Also the turns are time-based, so it keeps me from getting sucked in and losing hours at a time.

I’m reading John Darnielle’s (of The Mountain Goats) newest novel, Devil House, and it’s fine. But mostly I bring it up because a while ago I read his debut novel, WOLF IN WHITE VAN, and wow. Wow! It’s a nonlinear timeline of escapism that gradually reveals the desperation and unfocused anguish of the MC. It’s painful and fantastic.

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I finally started watching Succession after everybody talked about some big plot thing in season 4. (I'm only halfway through season 1, so no spoilers, everyone.) I'd avoided it before because I didn't want to spend that much time seeing unpleasant people be unpleasant. But the characters are fascinating to watch.

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