Because you don’t have time to find your horizons (let alone broaden them), we give you Meanwhile Elsewhere: InsideHook’s essential guide to cultural happenings. Also: don’t forget to check out our round-up of the month’s best new tunes on Spotify. Enjoy.
STREAM: Sense8
While the Wachowskis have a spotty record of late (Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending), the duo’s new Netflix series shows serious promise. Eight individuals from around the world discover they have an unusual intellectual and emotional connection. Throw in a bit of shaky-cam, a hint of Lost (hi, Naveen “Sayid” Andrews) and lots of stylized gunfights, and you have a perfect summer binge watch. (June 5)
READ: Sick in the Head
What makes for good comedy? Sort of like asking an artist “Where do you get your ideas?” Nonetheless, writer/director Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year Old Virgin) gives it a go in these no-holds-barred conversations with Seth Rogen, Amy Schumer, Louis CK and Jerry Seinfeld. (June 16)
WATCH: Dope
Malcolm, a straight-A student, has hopes of attending Harvard. Only problem: he lives in a derelict inner-city neighborhood in California. A stark contrast to his neighbors, the nerdy Malcolm finds himself caught up in the middle of drug deals and gangsters in this Sundance/Cannes fave, which doubles as an ode to ‘90s hip-hop. (June 19)
LISTEN: Refused
On Freedom, Refused’s first new recording in 17 years, the Swedish band is still fueled by righteous anger and wild musical experimentation. Which means their punk vibes now feature more than a hint of garage rock, electronic beats and, in “Francafrique,” the most charming, poppy “Murder, murder, kill, kill, kill” chorus in recorded history. Consider this your morning jolt. (Hear ‘em on our monthly playlist)
Plus:
The John Wayne Westerns Film Collection: A five-disc collection of The Duke’s greatest cowboy flicks, including Rio Bravo and The Searchers, plus two titles new to Blu-ray. (Out now)
The Seven Good Years: Etgar Keret’s poignant, comedic memoir on being a father, the threat of war and the absurdities that come with both. (June 24)
Oh, and True Detective returns. (June 21)
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