Issue 35: Black Bag
Currently on lying, lumon, lofi, and lanterns.
📝 Reviewing: Black Bag (2025)
You don’t have to pull the trigger to be the deadliest person in the room.
At a brisk 94 minutes, Black Bag makes every second count, delivering a stylish, sexy, and smart spy thriller. From its immersive opening to the mind games around the dinner table, the film maintains a tension that keeps both the audience and its characters on edge throughout.
Having revisited Ocean's Twelve just before watching Black Bag, Soderbergh's signature style was fresh in my mind—and it’s on full display here. Set against the luxurious yet gritty backdrop of British intelligence, the film comes alive with long, fluid camera movements, quick cuts, intimate close-ups, and sleek wardrobe choices. Every frame glows, giving the world a textured, tactile quality that enhances its noir vibe.
The script, by Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible writer David Koepp, is sharp, guiding the audience through a labyrinth of deception. The stellar cast—led by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett—instantly convinces you that their characters know exactly what they’re doing, even if the complex web of the plot isn’t fully clear. You trust them to lead you to the right conclusions, and the film culminates in a whodunnit that plays out like a 94-minute magic trick.
Beyond its visual appeal and intelligent dialogue, Black Bag also explores themes of love, trust, and betrayal. It’s about choosing your partner, doing anything for them, and trusting they’ll do the same. It’s the best film of 2025 so far and is currently in theaters.
📺 Watching: Severance Season Two (2025)
The work is mysterious and important.
I watched Severance when it first premiered in 2022, drawn in by its concept, themes, and performances. Its season finale remains one of the best episodes of television I’ve ever seen. And for the past three years, I’ve been eagerly awaiting its second season.
Now, with Season Two, Severance has evolved from a cult hit into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Fans are visiting its filming locations, dissecting scenes down to the second, and fueling endless discussions about its mysteries. Thankfully, Severance Season Two still holds up. It deepens the intrigue, tension, and emotional weight while maintaining its distinctive world, stellar performances, and stunning cinematography.
However, as clever as the show is, I’m not sure it’s quite as smart as we give it credit for. I see friends disappearing down Reddit rabbit holes, analyzing every plot detail and theory. Sure, it’s fun to speculate, but I’ve been here before with a little show called Lost. It introduced a web of mysteries, many of which were either left unanswered or resolved in a way that felt rushed or unsatisfying. I worry Severance could meet the same fate. There are simply too many plotlines, possibilities, Pandora’s boxes, and… goats to wrap up neatly.
So this time, I’ve learned my lesson. I’m keeping my expectations in check, knowing that not everything will get a satisfying resolution. I’m just here for the ride—no matter how many stops this elevator makes. Severance is available to stream on Apple TV+ with the Season Two finale airing this Friday.
🎧 Listening To: coulou
I want my home to be welcoming and full of art, so if you ever visit, there’s a good chance music will be playing. I'm always on the lookout for music to host to—which often means a mix of world music, chill hop, and jazz. As a result, my YouTube algorithm is packed with LoFi Girl, mocha., and warm blanket.
But after realizing those channels are likely AI-generated, I decided to seek out real performers instead of curated playlists with cute thumbnails. That led me to coulou—a multi-instrumentalist producer and performer who records in serene settings like cabins, lakesides, and sunset-lit patios. Not only is his music a perfect addition to my hosting arsenal, but he’s also a talented artist in his own right, with music available for purchase. You can check him out on YouTube.
📕 Reading: The Lantern of Lost Memories (2024)
You see, once you get here, it doesn't matter how wealthy or important you were in life. All you're left with are your memories.
As I prepare for my upcoming trip to Japan, I’ve been immersing myself in content from Japanese creators and stories set in Japan. In my search for a book that would resonate deeply during this time, I stumbled upon The Lantern of Lost Memories.
This novel follows the story of a magical photo studio owned by Mr. Hirasaka, a collector of antique cameras. But this isn’t just any studio—it’s a gateway to the afterlife, where the departed are given one final chance to see their entire life flash before their eyes. As they slowly come to terms with their passing, they reflect on their memories and are granted the opportunity to travel back in time to capture one cherished moment they wish to preserve.
As someone drawn to photography, memory, and currently developing a story centered on last looks, this book couldn’t have found me at a better time. The Lantern of Lost Memories is available now, wherever you get your books.
Thanks for being here.
— Justin