Cultural Exchange: Five Things I've Been Loving Lately
Cultish, Conclave & Apple Cider Vinegar
I’ve been away from Substack for just over two weeks, wedding planning, auditioning and doing final, final edits for my new novel False Idols. It’s been an immensely busy time which has made my evenings ever more precious. Settling down in front of a brilliant TV show or film or cosying up with a good book has been a great way to decompress.
Here are a few of my favourite things…
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
When I was first recommended this book, I kicked myself. Hard. Given how meticulously I had researched cults for False Idols, I couldn’t believe I’d not heard of (let alone read) this book before.
But whilst it was too late to insert anything I’d learned from the book into my novel, it was a fascinating read. &, By the end of it, I realised I’d pretty much nailed my fictional version of a wellness cult (phew!).
From Scientology to Soulcycle, writer Amanda Montell explores a different “cult” in each chapter and focuses on how language is used to seduce and manipulate current and future members.
The book also covers how the rest of us use language to dehumanise cult members so we’re less sympathetic when something terrible, inevitably, happens to them. Ever used the expression “drank the Kool-Aid”? Once you learn the dark history of that phrase, I doubt you’ll ever want to use it again. &, If you still want to, knowing that it references the mass murder of 909 mostly African-American people, you should probably ask yourself some serious questions.
Severance
Speaking of cults and the bizarre language used in and around them, Apple+’s mega-hit Severance really ups the ante in this regard in season 2.
After a jaw-dropping season 1 cliffhanger, Kier’s minions are back doing whatever the hell it is they do at Lumon. Only, this season, everything is different.
As our characters commit to their quest for the truth, the stakes are higher than ever and the new incentives go far beyond melon bars, finger traps and waffle parties. We get to see more of my favourite character Mr. Milchick and get a greater glimpse behind the Lumon curtain. Plus there’s a creepy new addition to the severed floor in pre-pubescent deputy manager Miss Huang.
If you’re as obsessed with the soundtrack as I am, you’re in luck. ODESZA and the team behind the show have created an 8 hour soundtrack of “music to refine to”. I, for one, will be pressing pause on Lofi Girl for the time being.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Cultish was the perfect accompaniment to this show too. It’s a timely piece of television that shows just how sceptical people are becoming of the wellness industry and some of the “gurus” (read: scammers) that operate within it.
Apple Cider Vinegar is very loosely based on the true story of Belle Gibson and paints a picture of a character who, whilst being a total car crash who does some horrendous things, isn’t just a pantomime villain. The show, in fact, presents us with a sympathetic portrait of the single mum turned healthy-living influencer. Belle might be morally vacuous but she’s also a survivor, a woman who has certainly suffered… just not in the way she claimed.
We binged this one in a week.
Conclave
When Isabella Rossellini appeared on screen, I literally said "Are you kidding me?" out loud because, wow, this is such a superstar cast. Lucian Msamati, John Lythgoe, Stanley Tucci and Ralph Fiennes (Are you kidding me?) play four cardinals who have assembled (along with dozens of others) to vote for a new pope after the previous dies suddenly.
It's fair to say the pope previous has left a hot mess behind and so secrets and lies abound. I loved the use of colour in this film, how so many shots look like paintings and how much I learned about the process of the vote. It’s a fascinating insight into a small, seldom seen community of clerics.
Prepare for lots of dramatic tension throughout and some pointed observations about the Catholic church.
Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Can you believe I’m only just reading this book?! Let’s just say I have a very, very long reading list I’m working through. I’m still a good hundred pages from the end of this but I already adore it and hope that Sam, Sadie and their friends get the endings they deserve.
Like Conclave, this novel delves into an arena I know virtually nothing about. Sam and Sadie are video game creators and Zevin does not skimp on colourful description when it comes to the games themselves - these games are art and she wants us all to know it. But, ultimately, the emotional heart of this story is the coming-of-age of these two characters from their first meeting onwards. It’s a story of love, friendship, resentment, creative competitiveness and so much more. I sort of never want it to end.
Enjoying my recommendations? Here’s a zero-commitment way you can say thank you.
Honourable mentions
Watch: NT at Home - I’ve watched so many great plays from the comfort of my own home this year. Most recently Constellations, Waitress: The Musical and Present Laughter (starring the dazzling Andrew Scott). Well worth the subscription fee.
Channel 4 comedy Big Boys came to its end recently and I sobbed my little heart out at the final episode. In 2017, writer Jack Rooke and I shared a dressing room at Edinburgh Fringe and I got to see the play on which he based this sitcom several times. Knowing the true story behind it, I wasn’t sure he’d go all the way there but Jack manages to balance telling the truth with creating the most perfect possible ending for these well-loved characters.
Listen: Doechii’s flawless album Alligator Bites Never Heal is one I’ve had playing on a loop since last year and her recent Grammy win has been an excuse to play it even louder. I just love everything about her. Notable tracks include: “Denial is a River” and “Slide” but, honestly, my favourite changes every week.
&, If you grew up watching the same kind of sitcoms I did, I reckon you’ll be as obsessed with this video as I am.
That’s all for this issue of Cultural Exchange. As always, I would love to hear what you’ve been loving lately so please do leave your recommendations in the comments. I’ll see you there!
With love,
xK
