(20)22 (Sophia’s Version)
The year 2022 has officially come to a close. Although it was anticlimactic on a personal level, the year left an impression on the pop culture scene, from music to television to film. From what I’ve consumed, life does imitate art.
M U S I C
Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) - Single
Winona Ryder deserves more recognition when choosing the right music for Stranger Things. Kate Bush’s single from her 1985 album, Hounds of Love, has won the hearts of a new generation from the 80s-set television success Stranger Things. With its new wave pop-rock production and heavy beats in the background, the lyrics are what captivate the listener.
“I was trying to say that, really, a man and a woman can’t understand each other because we are a man and a woman,” said Bush. “And if we could actually swap each other’s roles, if we could actually be in each other’s place for a while, I think we’d both be very surprised! And I think it would lead to a greater understanding.”
To interpret and elaborate, the song’s message is more than about the romantic relationship between a man and woman. It can relate to the platonic or familial relationships we have with one another that is narrow-minded and lacks perspective. In addition, empathy needs to be practiced as we slowly mature and make sense of the situations we’re in.
Fun Fact: This song became the No. 1 spot on my Spotify Wrapped, next to Chlöe’s “Treat Me.” Now, I understand why Max Mayfield had this Kate Bush song on loop to save herself from Vecna.
Rina Sawayama - Hold The Girl - Album
Rina Sawayama’s sophomore album Hold The Girl includes the themes of self-sabotage, self-discovery and healing the wounded inner child. Sawayama uses more acoustics in her dance-pop production than her debut album SAWAYAMA, in order to match the storytelling of her songwriting (e.g. “Catch Me in the Air,” “Forgiveness,” “Hurricanes,” “Phantom”). Personally, this body of work is what I’ve connected to, this year, with songs such as “Hurricanes,” “Phantom” and the last track of the album “To Be Alive,” as they all meet the themes of the album.
Beyoncé - Act 1: RENAISSANCE - Album
Beyoncé is back with her seventh studio album and her sound is more on the electronic, dance-pop side for a good time. With a cohesive tracklist and a continuous musical flow between tracks, the themes of RENAISSANCE are about empowerment, which is a staple of Beyoncé’s music, but also renewal of the old-self into a better version. My favorite tracks from the album are the following (no particular order):
I’M THAT GIRL
COZY
ALIEN SUPERSTAR
HEATED
T E L E V I S I O N
Only Murders in the Building (Season 2)
When it comes to murder-mysteries and a hint of comedy—well, half-and-half, if you will— the Arconia trio are always on the case. Season 2 left off where Season 1 ended, and Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) are figuring out who killed their landlord and how to clear their names from the crime scene. The show remains with twists-and-turns on who the potential suspects are. The final reveal threw me off-guard but it was an interesting one, to say the least. Now, I have to wait for Season 3 on why Paul Rudd’s character was murdered during Oliver’s opening night on Broadway.
The Sex Lives of College Girls (Season 2)
The college coming-of-age series is back with its second season but has two particular, messy character arcs from the main four. With a third season on the way, it must be intentional. My favorite highlights from the season are Whitney and Leighton, played by Alyah Chanelle Scott and Reneé Rapp. Whitney’s college journey is similar to what I went through during my early college days; having an undeclared major and not knowing where I was in life. Luckily, with one class, it made her realize what major she wanted to pursue and how she can only rely on herself to get where she wants to go in life. As for Leighton, not only is she out of the closet and embracing her queerness, but has improved her relationships with her roommates, parents and peers at the Women’s Center she used to do community service for. In addition, she is more self-aware of the exclusion of trans women and non binaries in a sorority she was adamant to join, thus quitting.
Overall, I’m looking forward to what the third season has instore for viewers and hopefully, it won’t be as messy as intended.
Cobra Kai (Season 5)
Cobra Kai has been one of the most successful series on Netflix next to Stranger Things, from a viewer’s opinion. Each season progresses as rivalries start to end, character arcs are well-written and the martial arts keep getting bigger and better. It is a shame that the Emmy voters do not give real recognition to the team behind this show, on-and-off camera. My favorite character arc has been Tory, played by Peyton List, since Season 4. From the anger and grief she has endured, from being the eldest in her family to taking care of her sick mother and youngest brother to tackling multiple jobs as a teenager, Tory Nichols is one of the strongest characters in the show. This season, in particular, she has matured more and knows that Cobra Kai is not what she thought it was from the beginning. I’m curious to know how her martial arts journey will continue, if the series gets picked up for another season, hopefully.
F I L M
The Fallout
(TW): Gun Violence, PTSD, Substance Abuse
The internet has been raving about Jenna Ortega since her work from Disney. She has made a successful filmography this year from Scream (2022) to X (2022) to her new television series Wednesday. This film, in particular, was the first project that I’ve watched Ortega’s performance and it left an impression on me. The story deals with the aftermath of a school shooting that Vada (played by Ortega) was involved in. She deals with PTSD and the changes in her relationships with friends and family. The ending is what made the film raw because with the trauma that Vada has slowly healed from, she receives news of another school shooting incident from another state. It is a film that seems simple in its setting yet tragic in its storytelling.
Turning Red
Pixar’s Turning Red is another favorite film of mine from this year. It is a coming-of-age film that tackles change in the adolescent and breaking generational trauma. My highlight from the film is Mei and her friend group, particularly how strong of a bond they have with each other, almost of a sisterhood. Out of the four girls, most days I’m either Abby or Priya, depending on my energy. According to my Kuya, I’m Mei. The colors in the animation are bright and vibrant as there are anime elements in some scenes, which was a nice touch.
The Fabelmans
From visionary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, comes his latest project, a semi-autobiography of his adolescent life through a fictional lens that deals with family, storytelling through film and the overall underappreciation of art. Not only is this Spielberg’s most personal project but his last partnership with movie maestro and long-time friend, John Williams. The music Williams has made for this film is different from what I’ve listened to on his previous work such as the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. Most of his music is more on the action-pact, adventurous side whereas with The Fabelmans—listening to the soundtrack prior to watching the film—the music was more mellow and mezzo piano. Overall, the partnership between Steven Spielberg and John Williams is what made my childhood a dream and the reason I appreciate cinema.
“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no force. Dinosaurs did not walk the earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe. John, you breathe belief into every film we have made. You take our movies, many of them about our most impossible dreams, and through your musical genius, you make them real and everlasting for billions and billions of people.”
- Steven Spielberg to John Williams, 44th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute (2016).
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will be William’s last film to be orchestrated and released in theaters, June 30, 2023.
Happy Retirement, John Williams! Thank you for your musical impact on cinema.