made for love intrigues at sxsw 2021

made for love intrigues at sxsw 2021

by | Mar 24, 2021 | perspective, review, videos

If you’re into intricate storytelling that involves a technological future that doubles as a dystopian society, then MADE FOR LOVE is made for you. Lucky enough to view the first few episodes of this upcoming HBO Max gem, this shit kicked off our SXSW 2021 in some type of crazy headspace.

Imagine: A scattered, confusing beginning as a woman hoists herself out of the ground, sopping wet as she splays out on a dry, dusty desertscape. She has escaped a cluster of shiny buildings, which you can see in the background.

Cut to a different time. What looks to be routine morning escapades with the most pretentious man you know, followed by watching him swimming laps with a dolphin in his pool. The man? Byron Gogol (Billy Magnussen), the owner of a tech company that is pronounced astoundingly familiarly. His advancements in technology seem to be changing the dating landscape, on top of many other big accomplishments in his career. But his empathy, his ability to communicate healthily, is obviously insufficient. Early on, you see a crazy in his eyes that makes you feel like this escape from reality might hit a little closer to our technological home than planned.

But the entirety of that first episode is dedicated to understanding this woman. Who is she? How did she get here? Why is she subject to invasive questions by a creepy algorithm? Why is her life being determined by someone that isn’t her? Why does everything feel cold in this strange, structured world?

The first episode of MADE FOR LOVE will throw you back and forth over a short window of time, a fun way to create mystery in the storyline. I was initially drawn to view the show by the listed cast. How I Met Your Mother fans will rejoice in the knowledge that Cristin Milioti is top-billed as the protagonist, Hazel Green (a naming choice that does not entirely evade us).

And when Ray Romano is introduced as Hazel’s father in a flashback? The unexpected (and somehow necessary) marriage of two favorite moments in pop culture united to create what we are sure will be our favorite television father/daughter duo of all time.

If the last scene of that first episode is any indication, things could get even weirder, too.

Our thoughts? Don’t miss the premiere of Made For Love, April 1 on HBO Max.

i m a n i, “pretty boi”

i m a n i, “pretty boi”

by | Oct 27, 2020 | review, videos

Columbus-bred R&B talent I M a N I is coming at us with a sultry, gorgeous new video for her track “Pretty Boi.” Not only does this song perfectly display the artist’s insane proclivity for vocal range, it’s kind of the perfect track for a meet-cute at a (socially distanced) house party. (Or going through your scrapbook of memories and exes alone in your apartment with your cats. Whatever.) Explains I M a N I of the track:

This song has two phases, the love-struck phase and the heartbroken phase. In the beginning I basically explain how I’m “lost in a daze” with this guy, totally not understanding that he is only with me for his pleasure. The second verse goes into me “confronting” him, telling him my intentions while his intentions are easily seen. The guy is “pretty” but he is also a boy which displays immaturity. I knew this situation was pretty relatable and knew that there would be people who can relate this song to their life. I want the people who listen to “Pretty Boi” to understand their worth. You are definitely worth more than a “booty call”. Don’t settle down for Pretty Boys, settle down with someone who has the time and love for you.

The video was shot outside, gorgeous sunsets and greenery surrounding I M a N I as she captivates us all with the most vibe-worthy song of autumn 2020. (Seriously, read the Youtube comments if you’re not convinced. We are NOT the only ones fawning over her.)