Framing Britney Spears Review

Twenty years ago, Britney Spears was one of the biggest acts not just in music, but in the entertainment industry as a whole. She was everywhere. These days, its a different story.

The new Hulu documentary, Framing Britney Spears, premiered on Friday. The movie follows her life, career, and the #FreeBritney movement. Their claim is that that Spears no longer needs to be under the control of the conservatorship, currently held by her father. After her mental health issues became public in 2008, it was enacted for her safety. The claim of those interviewed is that Spears is perfectly capable of making her own decisions, and that the conservatorship is no longer needed.

I loved this movie. It shines a new light on how disgustingly she was treated both by the press and those who benefited from her time at the top of the pop culture food chain. The issue at the heart of this film is mental health, and how those who suffer (women especially) usually get the short end of the stick. If there was one sticking point, it was that if Spears was male, none of this would have ever been considered. But because she is a woman, she must be taken care of because it would be impossible that she is capable of making her own decisions.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

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The Bonfire of Destiny Review

Fire is an immortal element of nature. As much as we think we have control over it, the truth is that we will never have the upper hand.

The Bonfire of Destiny is a French television series. Originally airing in 2019, it is currently on Netflix. It is based on the true story of the Bazar de la Charité. In 1897 in Paris, a fire broke out during an annual charity event. 126 victims, mostly aristocratic women and their maids, died in the blaze. The series follows three women as they deal with the aftermath of the day’s events. Adrienne de Lenverpré (Audrey Fleurot) is anxious to leave her failing marriage. Rose Rivière (Julie De Bona) is almost ready to tell her mistress that she and her husband will be leaving for America. Alice de Jeansin (Camille Lou) is a young woman on the verge of marrying her sweetheart.

So far, I am three episodes in and enjoying it. I was immediately sucked in by the story and the choices that these characters have made so far. It is not easy to survive this kind of event and not come out with scars, both emotional and physical that will be with you during the rest of your life.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

The Bonfire of Destiny is available for streaming on Netflix.

New Podcast Reviews: The Experiment and Anxiously

Discovering a favorite podcast is akin to discovering a new television show.

When the United States was founded more than two centuries ago, real democracy was a pipe dream. Most of what was considered to be the known world (aka Europe) was ruled by Kings and Queens. The Founding Fathers were akin to political scientists, trying different experiments until one worked. The latest podcast from WNYC is called The Experiment. The premise is to explore what has worked within our country and what needs to be improved upon.

Jane Austen once wrote the following about friendship:

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.”- Northanger Abbey

Friendship is so important. When it comes to mental health issues, it can be the one thing that keeps the emotional wolves at bay. Especially when we are locked in our homes due to the pandemic. Anxiously is the latest podcast from Tablet Magazine. Hosted by two friends, Aimee and Lisa, their conversations revolve around what makes them well, anxious.

So far, I have enjoyed both The Experiment and Anxiously. I like the way both explore their respective subjects in a way that the audience can connect to without being talked down to or over.

Do I recommend both? Absolutely.