The Sandman, The Resort, and that 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' tussle
Other worlds and other timelines, plus critic vs. actor
Hello!
On this week’s extra-long episode of Criticism Is Dead, we discuss The Sandman and The Resort, two shows that straddle the line between reality and fantasy.
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02:20 The Sandman, streaming on Netflix, is dark yet whimsical, fantastical yet human.
Pelin likes this show quite a lot; my opinion is a bit more mixed. But there’s one thing we can agree on: fantasy, baby! Between shows like this, House of the Dragon, and the upcoming Lord of the Rings series, it feels like we are back in a moment of world building and magic, and we’re thrilled. This long-awaited Sandman adaptation, although partly set in contemporary time and place, also takes us from the Dream realm to Hell and back, a journey that is well served by the show’s impressive production design. If only the costumes were up to par…!
26:07 The Resort, streaming on Peacock, is a colorful mystery romp with a heart of magical realism strangeness.
At first glance, this series seems like it will be a resort satire like The White Lotus, then a mystery in the search for the missing teens — but as the episodes progress, it becomes clear that this show is about to get much weirder. Ultimately, it’s a puzzle box that may end up being a meditation on time, memory, and loss (depending on what happens in the next two episodes). Mostly, though, it’s a lot of fun, with enough energy and lightness to keep the momentum propelling forward, even when some of the more self-serious or expository elements threaten to weigh down the story.
42:14 Plus, culture notes about the Lena Wilson/Amandla Stenberg thing lol.
TL;DR: LET A FUNNY FIGHT BE A FUNNY FIGHT WITHOUT HAVING TO GET TOO DEEP ABOUT IT.
Bonus links
Update from Love Is Blind (U.S.): DIVORCE.
HBO Max…
We love and support Angelina Jolie!!!!
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That’s it for now. Bye!
— Jenny
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Some credits:
Music: REEKAH
Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu