Keila’s Top Content Picks From 2019

Watchmen

With recent news that HBO has no plans of renewing ‘Watchmen’ for a second season, many fans are saddened we won’t get King’s upgrade to a god...per se. While I can certainly understand creator, Damon Lindelof’s disinterest in continuing the storyline (as it certainly stands alone), I too will miss the possibilities.

Here’s hoping Regina King and her company, Royal Ties, will take the helm themselves.

2. Mr. Robot

It’s hard to believe this show only had four seasons, given the sheer amount of quality content to unpack. Lead by Oscar-winner, Rami Malek, each actor gave their lifeblood to these performances. Every. Single. One. This combined with their gift respectable kind of storytelling you crave, it definitely sets a standard for all fans who watched. I know I’m going to miss this one. Goodbye, Friend! *cries*

3. Booksmart

Aside from the fact that I relate to these two high-schoolers on a number of levels -- working your ass off just to watch the (mediocre) ass holes in school get into the same colleges, going after that first crush only to end up in heartache, etc. -- Olivia Wilde delivers a fun and touchingly truthful comedy that will serve all young women coming of age.

4. Killing Eve

Coming off a stellar first season with both lead actresses, Jodi Comer and Sandra Oh, earning an EMMY and Golden Globe respectively, the BBC America adaptation of the Villanelle novels is sensational.

It’s silly, sexy, suspenseful, and downright delicious. If you haven’t started this series, what are you waiting for?

5. Sex Education

This gem of a show follows Otis as he attempts to navigate having accidentally fallen into the school’s designated sex therapist, because ya know adults refuse to provide an adequate education. Don’t get me started. The only reason he can is because his mother actually did her job. Imagine that, actually speaking openly about sex and refusing to deny her son to see her as a fully sexual being (the scenes of him interacting with her sexual partners are hilarious, btw). It’s funny, charming, and heartfelt.

Not to mention, Gillian Anderson gives us all the gay feels with that handsome haircut and handsomely elegant jumpsuits. Ah shit, am I objectifying Gillian Anderson? As a sexual health expert with a sex-positive approach to parenting, she acts as the perfect complement to the show’s younger standouts.

6. Atypical

Speaking as a “neurotypical” there’s only so much I can critically analyze in the accuracy of this show regarding life with autism. What I can appreciate is its structure in connecting relatable issues (marriage, infidelity, police brutality, sexual orientation, etc.) to the unique challenges faced by our autistic protagonist, Sam (Keir Gilchrist).

The show shines a light on an underserved community that’s not always considered or appreciated in a productive way, consequently forcing us to examine why.

7. Euphoria

One word: Zendaya.

Ok, more than word. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how stunning this show is, be it the writing, direction, cinematography, or costume design, no detail is left unturned. Beautifully raw storytelling, Euphoria offers an in-depth analysis of what happens when youth meets emotional trauma and addiction.

8. Captain Marvel

It’s not perfect (give us Danbeau now!), but I think I’ll borrow from a previous review of mine in that, “she’s feminine without the aid of revealing costumes, fighting styles typically reserved on-screen for women (Catwoman, Black Widow, etc.), or a blatant juxtaposition of femininity through the eyes of an unnecessary male love interest (i.e. Wonder Woman – sorry not sorry). At times, she actually presents, dare I say it, masculine without explanation or apology other than the fact that she’s a pilot/soldier/overall kick-ass human being. CM succeeds in presenting a woman with a full interior world trying to find her place in the outer one without shying away from the big fights, cocky banter, and badass stare-downs. And I dig that.” I do. I really do.

9. Avengers: Endgame

Oh man, what can I say about this epic conclusion to a beautiful contribution to comic book geeks everywhere? Fans and critics alike can’t deny what Marvel Universe has accomplished over the last 11 years. Since the beginning of comics, geeks and nerds everywhere at the very least understood story. Tapping into the endless potential through film and television, Marvel Universe’s Endgame was nothing short of fan service. And make no mistake, that means something. In fact, in this consumerist-driven industry, it’s everything.

At three hours, Endgame honored their characters and audiences alike, leaving this Marvel fan speechless with tears in her eyes that spoke for her: thank you.

10. Terminator: Dark Fate

Ok, this film was everything I hoped it would be and more! The action is everything. Whoever did the VFX deserves all the bonuses in the world. I know CGI, but I don't know what that was I saw. LINDA FREAKIN' HAMILTON kicks ass and all I know is I better hear not one more person talk about women 50+ handling themselves in action films. Mackenzie Davis was already an LGBTQ icon with San Junipero, but let's just say she'll definitely be recruiting all the gaybies with this one and I'm not mad.