Damsel is Netflix’s latest fantasy film that didn’t quite hit their maximum potential. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the movie starts by informing the viewers it isn’t the typical “damsel in distress” trope. For the most part, they kept their promise but at the cost of an inspiring ending. Their main selling point is that their leading lady, Elodie, is played by Millie Bobby Brown. Brown nails the role given to her in every way possible but it only makes the audience want more out of the movie.
Elodie and Henry
Marriages and Rituals
Damsel follows the engagement of Elodie and Henry, played by Nick Robinson, after receiving a proposal from the Queen of Aurea and Henry’s mother, Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright). She and her familyset course to Aurea to scope out the kingdom and also help their poverty-struck community. Henry and Elodie don’t hit it off right away until they discover their shared love for travel. However, not all seems rosy as Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett) instinctively feels something is off.
Angela Bassett as Lady Bayford
Elodie, despite her stepmother’s advice, does not break off the engagement but everything takes a turn when she is deceived into a deadly ancient “ritual” deep in the mountains. It strikes a series of thrilling events where she has to successfully evade and survive against a dragon looking for her next sacrifice. The dragon is voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo, whose deep, gravelly voice brings a hint of terror to the story. Brown’s performance is the saving grace of the movie’s overall lack of nuance.
People praise the VFX of the dragon
So What Went Wrong?
The biggest criticism of the movie is that every aspect had wasted potential. The harsh environment could have been utilised more effectively or at least emphasised and explored. The characters deserved fleshed-out arcs with better chemistry. More than that, the ending of the film was predictable and boring. Brown’s performance was inspiring to young girls who need a strong leading female protagonist of their age. However, the overall message the ending conveys is nothing short of lazy. The poor writing choices and inability to fully employ the creative freedom the fantasy genre allows you are disappointing.
Several factors play into whether you’re a morning person or a night owl. Societal pressure to “not be lazy” affects the narrative around why and how you should be spending your days. It is important to maintain a good sleep schedule that caters to your needs and no one else’s. This means that everyone’s sleep cycle will be different, depending on factors beyond their control. Many people also get frustrated by their night owl tendencies and observe lower energy levels during the day.
These lifestyle changes are the best ways to reverse and change your sleep schedule. It may seem like a morning routine needs to be maximised to match a famous entrepreneur but there are several ways in which you can discover what works for you.
Set a melodic alarm
Research suggests keeping alarms that emanate sounds that you prefer – a rhythmic song you like or an instrumental natural sound – reduces sleep inertia. Sleep inertia is the grogginess you might experience when you initially wake up. The sound of your alarm can directly affect how you feel when you wake up. Thus, changing it to a sound that eases the process of waking might benefit your schedule. Getting accustomed to the same time with the same tune will help your body prepare.
Let in natural light
The sun’s role in different aspects of our lives is highly underestimated. One of them is to naturally wake your body up into a state of alertness. Facing the natural light of the sun calibrates your internal clock into realising it’s time to be awake and more active. This can also help your body understand the difference in the evening and recognise when to sleep. The best way to maximise this is to take a walk or sit outside with your morning drink of choice.
Eating a balanced breakfast
One of the main reasons waking up at an appropriate time is so important to your body is breakfast. Breakfast should be a fulfilling meal rich in nutrients to get your body energised and ready. More than that, skipping breakfast is not recommended as it can be detrimental to your health. Have your drink of choice with breakfast, like coffee, tea or juice to savour your meal.
Get moving
Simple stretches in the morning will do the job. Exercising immediately after waking up isn’t the ideal way to start the day for many people but your body requires some stretches. This will help it get energised. However, physical activity can improve your cognitive abilities and blood flow. Many activities, like walking your pet or meditation, will suffice and give you some self-care time to begin the morning. Indulging in a self-care routine also heightens your mood. Try some of your favourite activities to start the day on a good note.
Scheduling your day
Writing down a list of personal and work or school-related objectives can help you keep track of everything. It can also create a sense of achievement and how productive you are. The activities also slip from your mind often and so having a schedule will remind you of the same. Prioritising certain tasks to ensure they are completed in time and also making time for breaks is the ideal balance. However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by this task. Making your goals realistic and having a clear vision is the best way to go about it if you struggle with disorganisation.
Have you ever wanted to post whatever came to your mind without thinking about getting judged or reaching the wrong audience? While Instagram is a great app for posting your content to keep up socially, sometimes you wish you could post your unfiltered self. Well, look no further and start your own “fake” Instagram or a Finsta.
Definition of ‘Finsta’ on Urban Dictionary
What is a Finsta?
A Finsta is a colloquial term for fake Instagram accounts to post genuine candids and real posts that they only want trusted people to see. An Instagram account can generally be public or private and usually involves editing pictures. However, on a Finsta, people private their accounts, allowing only trusted people to follow this account, and post whatever they want.
This phenomenon started in 2011. People began to notice how different actual accounts were versus fake accounts. Fake Instagram accounts rose in popularity in 2013 and by 2015, it officially became mainstream. With Gen Z, the term got shortened to “Finsta.”
Fundamentals to first think of:
Username: The first step is to always choose a unique username, does not need to involve your name or last name, and many create a pseudonym.
Profile icon: A picture of anything but you. This assures your anonymity, otherwise it defeats the purpose.
Only exchange your Finsta information with the people you want following the account and maintain a low follower count.
Lorde’s finsta is dedicated to onion rings
How to create a Finsta:
Open the Instagram app on your smartphone or any device.
By holding the bottom right corner, your accounts should pop up. Select ‘Add Instagram Account.’
Select ‘Create New Account’ and enter your details.
Do not link your primary or more public account.
Now you can begin posting!
Remember that Finsta is technically not pretending to be someone else entirely. You will still be posting your candids and judgement-free material that you wish to post with people close to you. It is not meant for malicious intent nor typically used illegally. Making a Finsta is up to you and your social media usage.
Whoever said sequels are not worth it must watchDune: Part Two. The masterpiece of a sequel to the 2021 film Dune (also titled Dune: Part One) has grossed $367.5 million globally. The director of the film, Dennis Villeneuve, shows that the science fiction genre can not only be artsy but also grand. With brilliant sound design and cinematography, Dune: Part Two is a delight for those seeking a thrilling tale of politics, religion and love.
Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya)
Where They Pick It Up From Dune: Part One
The main protagonist, Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, and his mother, Lady Jessica, played by Rebecca Ferguson, seek refuge on the desert planet Arrakis after the devastating events of Dune: Part One, witnessing the loss of their family. Part Two explores the impact left on the duo and the universe as a whole by the death of Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides, played by Oscar Isaac. It escalates the long-standing feud between the Harkonnens and the Atreides. It’s hard to top the brilliance of Part One, but Villeneuve has done it again. On top of fleshed-out character arcs, it dives into the different cultures and the surrounding environment’s beauty (and absurdity).
Lady Jessica takes a dangerous turn
The Story So Far
The native people of Arrakis reluctantly take in Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica, called the Fremen. They are divided in their beliefs of the two. Despite this, Paul has an intense romance with Chani, played by Zendaya, and is guided in the ways of the Fremen. Jessica, on the other hand, converts to a Bene Gesserit Reverend-Mother. Their respective arcs highlight a distinct drift between the mother-son duo. Jessica seems to draw in chaos and Paul wants peace in a possible disaster only he can determine. He must choose between loving someone without political advantages or deciding the fate of their universe.
Javier Bardem returns as the Fremen leader, Stilgar, whose fundamentalist beliefs and his growing devotion towards Paul are terrifying and comedic.
Dune: Part Two also introduces significant additions to the trilogy. Notably, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, played by Austin Butler, is the antithesis of Paul’s story. The bloodthirsty nephew and heir to Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) is a formidable and clever foe. His character adds tension to the stakes and deepens the lore of Dune. The off-screen Emperor Shaddam IV from Dune: Part One finally makes an appearance and is played by Christopher Walken whose presence is demanding and powerful. Opposite him is his daughter, Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh). She plays an integral role in the background of the movie’s events. Her intelligence immediately exudes respect from the audience and her actions are like a chess game.
The fight for the universe’s most valuable resource, Spice, that puts a target on Arrakis and their people is a mirror to real-world events. Frank Herbert, the author of the original 1965 novel Dune, did this intentionally through the lens of science fiction. This fight for Spice and the treatment of the Fremen is a terrifying reminder of what people in power will do.
Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Butler)
Which Format Does Justice to Dune: Part Two?
The best way to dive into Dune: Part Two is without a doubt on IMAX. The massive screen does justice to the expansive world of Dune and the explosive soundtrack, created by legendary composer Hans Zimmer, enhances the experience. If you are craving or want to be introduced to the science fiction genre, Dune: Part Two has got you covered for a journey you won’t want to miss. Dune: Part Two is paving the way for science fiction in 2024 and sets a precedent for better adaptations.
Sandworms, enormous creatures of Arrakis that move at high speed
India has a rich history with theatre, dating back more than 5,000 years. Theatre was one of the main methods to keep the incredible stories of different communities alive. It is an eternal form of cultural and social expression, and this tradition is still alive. Here are some of the best and most diverse narratives this March 2024.
Consent by Nina Raine
Directed by Vishal Handa and performed by the advanced acting batch of Jeff Goldberg Studio,Consentis a thrilling yet painful courtroom drama that questions justice. The story revolves around friends, who are all lawyers, having opposing briefs on a rape case. When each version of the truth gets challenged, their private lives begin to unfold. The play has been adapted from Nina Raine’s 2017 award-winning play and ran from 23rd to 25th February and 1st to 3rd March 2024.
Consent by Nina Raine
Out of Bounds by Rajesh Gopie
Out of Boundsis a one-man comedy play, written and starring Rajesh Gopie. The main character, Lal, is a young Indian boy who grew up in KwaZulu-Natal, Africa, during and after the Apartheid. The audience witnesses the mindset of Lal, while witnessing Apartheid also struggle with love, identity, belonging and family. Their last show was on 1st March 2024 at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
Out of Bounds by Rajesh Gopie
With Love, Aap Ki Saiyaara by Juuhi Babbar Sonii
A criticism of gender discrimination, With Love, Aap Ki Saiyaara narrates the journey of Saiyaara Ali through marriage, divorce, and self-discovery. Saiyaara is the only child of wealthy parents who has faced the brunt of abuse from her father, multiple husbands, and in-laws but breaks those chains successfully. Sonii wrote the play based on a character her mother and famous theatre director, Nadira Zaheer Babbar, created. Their last show was on 2nd March 2024.
With Love, Aap Ki Saiyaara by Juuhi Babbar Sonii
Guldasta by Hidayat Sami
This play is a treat for fans of Indian literature. Guldata, directed by Hidayat Sami, is a collection of short stories, adapted to theatre, written by different Indian authors. From the writings of Saadat Hasan Manto, Harishankar Parsai, and Kamleshwar, the drama is a love letter to the elegance of Indian narratives. The play was performed on 19th March 2024 at Prithvi Theatre.
Guldasta by Hidayat Sami
The Far Post by Yuki Ellias
During a time of war around the world, The Far Postis an experimental play, in Lepcha, about the death of two soldiers on opposing sides and their journey through the afterlife until their final destination. Their guide is a Postman Aunty and her goldfish. Yuki Ellias has a deep history with experimental theatre and we are sure that The Far Post is another thought-provoking drama. The play was staged on 5th March and 6th March 2024.
The Far Post by Yuki Ellias
“The more you go to a theatre and the more you hear stories you aren’t necessarily familiar with, the more open you become.”
“Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt, “It’s Up to the Women”
This International Women’s Day, we get to witness the resilience and beauty of womanhood in all forms. Despite the restrictions of traditional norms, these women were unafraid to break records and make their presence known to the world.
Lisa Farthofer
Lisa Farthofer, a 32 year old Austrian professional sailor, is the first woman to row the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean. She rowed in Antarctica for 407 nautical miles (753.7 Km) from January 11th to 17th 2023. She was part of an expedition with fellow teammates including Fiann Paul, Mike Matson, Jamie Douglas-Hamilton, Stefan Ivanov, and Brian Krauskopf. Unfortunately, they were unable to complete their goal due to crew injuries and illnesses but their impressive journey managed to break many records.
Lisa Farthofer (Austria)
Rut Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson
Rut Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson discovered her passion for skydiving and parachuting at the age of 90. After that, she set her goal to be the oldest tandem parachute jumper in the world and broke that record in 2022 at the age of 103. Her entire family were present at the scene, waiting for her landing, all incredibly proud of the elderly member of the family.
Rut Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson (Sweden)
Asha Mandela
At the age of 60, Asha Mandela, an African-American woman, holds the record for the longest dreadlocks in the world. Beginning her journey 40 years ago, her hair today is more than 110 feet long and weighs around 19 Kgs. Mandela’s style is an inspiration to people who aspire to wear unique hairstyles that proudly present her culture. With support from her husband and stylist, she maintains her hair with care and detail. Mandela’s form of self-expression encompasses what it means to be a woman–to choose to love yourself.
Asha Mandela (America)
Taylor Demonbreun
The 29-year-old American woman from Alabama embarked on her journey to visit all 196 sovereign countries in just 1 year and 189 days. Taylor Demonbreun set the fastest record, overall and female, on December 7th 2018. Initially worried about being unable to complete it in time, Demonbreun thoroughly planned her trek across the world and also worked during the journey to obtain visas for 60 countries. She sets a great example for every aspiring female solo traveller.
Taylor Demonbreun (America)
Nathalie McGloin
After being involved in a car accident, Nathalie McGloin is paralyzed from the chest down when she was young. Her attitude and outlook on life completely changed after her spinal surgery. Before her accident, she admits she was not interested in car racing of any form. However, she proves that women, when determined, can achieve anything. She is the first female tetraplegic to be granted a racing licence. She also breaks barriers of gender, unbothered by the perception of female drivers in competition and focuses on encouraging other disabled individuals to pursue their interest in the sport.
Nathalie McGloin (England)
Wildine Aumoithe
Wildine Aumoithe was only 18 years old when she broke the record for the world’s shortest (non-mobile) female living. Her shorter stature is due to a rare form of Dwarfism. Thankfully, Aumoithe was never bullied for her Dwarfism during her school years, where people would expect it to happen the most, but she is neither shaken by any of the looks she gets in public. She now dreams of being a pharmacist, wanting to be the first little person to become one.
Wildine Aumoithe (America)
Tamara Walcott
Tamara Walcott is a female powerlifter and mother recognised by the World Raw Powerlifting Federation American Pro for the heaviest cumulative lift for bench/squat and press in competition in 2022. As a part of her weight loss and fitness journey, she took up dumbbell classes and eventually picked up powerlifting. Despite only four years of experience at the time, she lifted a total of 737.5 Kgs across 3 lifts – squat, bench and deadlift. By marking her place in the world of fitness, she debunks the myth that plus-sized people are unfit.
Tamara Walcott (America)
Harnaam Kaur
At the age of 24, Harnaam Kaur was titled as the youngest woman in the world to have a full beard. Kaur has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common condition amongst women that elevates testosterone in female bodies. This caused her to grow a full beard of 6 inches, and while she initially planned to remove it, she learned to embrace her facial hair. The anti-bullying activist focuses on promoting body positivity and self-love.
Harnaam Kaur (England)
Ginny MacColl
Actress and Broadway dancer, Ginny MacColl, is an inspiration to elderly women as well as those suffering from different conditions. Diagnosed with osteopenia, her doctor recommended she begin upper body strength training. Initially struggling with even 5 pull-ups, MacColl reversed her condition within 2 years and broke the record for the oldest competitive female ninja athlete. A niche hobby even for younger people, MacColl achieved this at the age of 72 in 2023.
Ginny MacColl (America)
The Humanity of Women
As women, there is a strong community built around encouraging one another to express themselves the way they wish to be seen. There is a history of discrimination and limitations imposed on women that need to be dismantled. Understanding what it means to be a woman through your abilities is the key to eliminating any social obstacles. With the will to never give up, these women were able to break records through sheer determination. We hope that more women, by seeing these records, are inspired to feel proud of who they are and set their records.
“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
– Michelle Obama
Shark Tank India took India by storm with the unending creativity and inspiring stories. The concept of the show revolves around judges, who are famous Indian entrepreneurs and angel investors, being pitched products by different start-ups. The winning start-ups who impress their audience and judges alike and are rewarded an investment.
With March being International Women’s Month, we dived deep into Vineeta Singh and Namita Thapar, two of the main judges on Shark Tank, who are huge inspirations to working women. Let’s take a look at the start-ups they saw the most potential in.
Menstrupedia
A simple yet effective way to introduce young girls and boys to the world they will face when they grow up to be a teenager. Menstrupedia Comic, by Aditi Gupta and Tuhin Paul, was released in 2012 to create awareness about menstruation around teenagers, especially functioning as a guide and actively works against the stigma surrounding menstruation and puberty.
Featured in Season 1, December 2021, the Comic received an investment of Rs. 50 Lakhs for 20% equity by Emcure Pharma CEO, Namita Thapar, valuing the company at that time at 2.5 Crores.
OUR TAKE: Menstrupedia is a step forward towards perceiving menstruation as less of a stigma and a step to normalise the biological process that girls go through without shame. If the company created updated editions, their chance to grow popular amongst younger children and parents are high.
Menstrupedia on Shark Tank with Namita Thapar
Heart Up My Sleeves
Wearing your dream style has never been more exciting and sustainable with Heart Up My Sleeves. Without the commitment of a new outfit, the brand offers various styles of sleeves, collars, and other accessories you can mix and match with anything in your closet. The luxury brand boasts several influencer endorsements and even being worn by Neha Kakkar in her music video, ‘Kanta Laga.’
The brand was pitched in Season 1, December 2021. Riya Khattar’s unique idea won an investment of around Rs. 25 Lakhs for 30% equity from Sugar Cosmetics CEO Vineeta Singh, and CEO of Shaadi.com, Anupam Mittal.This values the company at Rs. 83.3 Lakhs.
OUR TAKE: While the products look cute, the brand itself is very niche and only a selective group of people might take the chance. Therefore, it is unsure if there are chances for it to scale further.
Riya Khattar on Shark Tank
Annie by Thinkerbell Labs
Named after Helen Keller’s teacher, Annie Sullivan, Annie was created by Thinkerbell Labs as an interactive device to learn Braille for visually impaired individuals. The co-founders and college friends, Aman Srivastava, Sanskriti Dawle and Dilip Ramesh, conceptualised an inclusive and brilliant device that would make learning Braille both fun and intuitive. The Braille literacy device was showcased on Season 1, January 2022.
This device goes beyond learning. As it caters towards the visually impaired community, it also includes simulated challenges to help integrate further learning with elements of fun. It also has other activities, something visually impaired people are usually excluded from in their classrooms.
Believing in the unique approach of learning and adapting to the student’s needs. Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, and Anupam Mittal, raised Rs. 1.05 Crore for 3% equity, valuing it at Rs. 35 Crores.
OUR TAKE: The obstacles visually impaired people have to overcome in the classroom can be easily tackled with the help of Annie. For this, the opportunity to scale is great as an education tool.
Annie by Thinkerbell Labs on Shark Tank
Altor
Altor has launched a timely device, a Smart Helmet, which provides immediate assistance for people involved in two-wheeler accidents. They appeared in Season 1, December 2021. With two-wheeler riders more prone to accidents by 66%, the co-founders of Altor sought a modern solution to this problem. The idea came to the founders after losing a friend to an accident after medical assistance arrived late.
The Smart Helmet customises your notifications to minimise distractions and the navigation aspect is a major asset. With more awareness of your surroundings and being able to avoid looking at other devices, the helmet is a must have for delivery people.
Namita Thapar, and boAt Lifestyle Co-founder, Aman Gupta, collectively offered Rs. 50 Lakhs for 7% equity. Their investment valued the company at Rs. 7.14 Crores. With hundreds of testimonies from two-wheeler riders, the Altor Smart Helmet is changing the view of rider safety and regulations.
OUR TAKE: This is incredible development for public safety in India. This is also a very fruitful use of AI that promotes careful and cautious driving.
Altor Smart Helmet showcased on Shark Tank
Spandan by Sunfox Technologies
How did Sunfox Technologies catch the attention of the whole cast? Spandan, portable ECG (electrocardiogram) machine, provides 99.7% accuracy and is a must have for individuals and households with cardiac problems. They were featured in Season 1, January 2022.
Impressing majority of the sharks on Shark Tank India, Spandan by Sunfox Technologies gained a Rs. 1 Crore investment for 6% equity from Vineeta Singh, Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, CEO and founder of Lenskart, Peyush Bansal, and Mama Earth CEO and founder, Ghazal Alagh. This values them at Rs. 16.6 Crores.
OUR TAKE: This is a convenient and necessary product that might have a huge impact on cardiac health in the future. However, it is doubtful whether it can be an alternative to proper ECG readings.
Spandan by Sunfox Technologies on Shark Tank
insideFPV
As India’s leading drone manufacturer, insideFPV brought the technology cinematographers craved to take their craft to another level. Their affordable drones became a hit within the community. The team appeared in Season 2, January 2023.
Oshi Kumari, the COO of insideFPV, also shared her experience in the tech industry through her insightful virtual seminar, ‘The Indian Fem-Tech Trailblazers,’ alongside other talented women in the tech field.
A collective deal of Rs. 75 Lakhs for 15% equity was made by Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, CarDekho CEO, Amit Jain, and Peyush Bansal, so they were valued at Rs. 5 Crores.
OUR TAKE: With drones being all the rage with cinematographers, insideFPV shows great potential towards strong growth.
insideFPV on Shark Tank
Brainwired
Brainwired is an agricultural technology start-up which brings farmers closer to their cattle. WeStock live monitors the health and routine of cattle and provides feedback to farmers accordingly. They appeared on Season 1, January 2022.
WeStock is also user friendly and includes everything a farmer needs. More than the cattle’s health related issues, it also monitors the weather conditions of the farm.
This team from Kochi secured a collective deal of Rs. 60 Lakhs for 10% equity from former co-founder of BharatPe, Ashneer Grover, Peyush Bansal, Namita Thapar, and Aman Gupta. At the time, the company was valued at Rs. 6 Crores.
OUR TAKE: Considering the nature of the product, it is unsure if most cattle would react positively towards the technology or the functionality.
WeStock by Brainwired on Shark Tank
Auli Lifestyle
Appearing in Season 1, January 2022, Aishwarya Biswas’ skincare line, Auli Lifestyle, captured Namita Thapar’s heart. The two had a bond like no other, landing her a deal of Rs. 75 Lakhs with 15% equity. This valued her company at Rs. 5 Crores.
Biswas created the products by mixing Ayurveda with modern science. Auli Lifestyle products are all natural and organic for a diverse range of issues. The site also offers consultations and skin analysis. With a wide range of beauty and wellness products, Auli Lifestyle is now featured on major eCommerce websites such as Nykaa and Amazon.
OUR TAKE: Auli Lifestyle is fairly successful and enticing. However, competition is high within the skincare industry and it’s difficult to say whether her products will scale.
Aishwarya Biswas on Shark Tank
Their Final Impact – How Much Did Vineeta Singh and Namita Thapar Invest?
These decisions to invest made, by Vineeta Singh and Namita Thapar, sow the seeds for major social impact. From technology to the medical sector, the duo take a chance and help these start-ups grow further. Namita Thapar invested a total of Rs. 7 Crores in Season 1 and Rs. 10.25 Crores in Season 2. Vineeta Singh invested a total of Rs. 1 Crore in Season 1 and Rs. 4.61 Crores in Season 2. Through these changes, they have elevated the lives of others whose lives are immediately impacted. Despite their challenges in this industry as women, they rise to the occasion to take a call as well as a risk.
Writer’s Note: With our April issue centred around comedy and the spirit of fun, I thought it would be interesting to highlight music written and performed by comedians. It’s important to remember that stand-up comedians are people of many different sides and talents and these comedians are only a few examples. While these songs are mostly silly, it takes an awfully creative mind to make music that people can digest.
Bo Burnham – Bezos I
Bo Burnham
With a criticism of disaster capitalism, Bo Burnham’s ‘Bezos I’ was featured in his 2021 movie, Bo Burnham: Inside. The song is a satirical take on Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos’ life and journey, which became a huge hit on social media with Gen Z. The infectious energy and short length of the song is a genius tactic for catching the attention of social media. Burnham is known for his bold and satirical takes on world issues.
The Lonely Island – Threw It On The Ground
The Lonely Island – Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone (L to R)
The Lonely Island is an American comedy trio consisting of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer. After their several features on Saturday Night Live, the trio ventured into more comedy music and ‘Threw It On The Ground’ is their most bizarre but since this is their most clean song, it is the perfect intro to them. The entire song never has a moment you won’t laugh at as it paints ridiculous scenarios with a strangely catchy beat.
“Weird Al” Yankovic – Smells Like Nirvana
“Weird Al” Yankovic
The definitive Godfather of musical comedy and parodies, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s discography is difficult to pin down with his extensive parodies. While his music is not for everybody, his comedy is a classic and his energy is unmatched within the industry. ‘Smells Like Nirvana’ was singled out as it seems impossible to make a parody of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ but Yankovic always challenged music norms.
Jack Black – Peaches
Jack Black
The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 was a hit or a miss for most people but the highlight was Jack Black’s Bowser’s performance of the song, ‘Peaches.’ The repetitive but emotional song with dramatic screaming is both relatable and hilarious. The credit definitely goes to Jack Black’s natural charisma and comedic timing. Black’s discography is filled with wild songs and interesting vocals.
Kenny Sebastian – Die Trying
Kenny Sebastian
With talent and wit, Kenny Sebastian is a serious addition to this list with his song, ‘Die Trying.’ Featured on the album of the same name, Sebastian’s surprisingly smooth vocals and introspective lyrics show his worth as a musician and add layers to his career. His album features other meaningful songs and collaborative pieces. More than just his original songs, Sebastian also performs accurate impressions of famous musicians.
Garfunkel & Oates – Me, You and Steve
Garfunkel & Oates – Kate Micucci and Riki Rindhome (L to R)
If you’re online most of the time, this song might be familiar. Garfunkel & Oates are a folk duo with Riki Lindhome (Garfunkel) and Kate Micucci (Oates). Their upbeat melody with sarcastic lyrics in ‘Me, You and Steve’ is one of the most meme-worthy songs of the decade. The song points out the awkwardness of the third wheel and is often used humorously in videos where there are trios and one person stands out. Their other songs are similar, pointing out the behaviour of others most people would shy away from speaking out about.
Have you come across reels on Instagram where there’s an innocent object and someone suddenly cuts into it and reveals it’s actually cake? That’s right. This pandemic trend is still going strong. Talented bakers who dabble in arts began making Illusion Cakes – essentially edible cakes that are shaped and decorated to look like something entirely different, for example, a famous book or even a glass of water.
How did this trend start?
Illusion cakes in popularity, as many strange things did, during the pandemic when everyone had a lot more free time on their hands. Tuba Geçkil, a Turkish baker, is thought to have popularised it on social media with her hyper-realistic cakes that made everyone question their reality and trend #EverythingIsCake. Our feeds were filled with objects being cut into and turning out to be cake. The level of precision and accuracy wowed and fooled us all. Illusion cakes require time and effort, with a minimum of 4 hours for good results, and these bakers had social media questioning what they were seeing.
The trend is still thriving, with Netflix introducing a show titled, ‘Is It Cake?’ in March 2022 and it was renewed for a third season, premiering on 29th March 2024. The season will be cleverly titled, ‘Is It Cak3?’, only on Netflix. A few famous illusion cake bakers to follow are – Jonny Manganello (@thejonnycakes on Instagram), Ben Cullen (@the_bakeking on Instagram), Natalie Sideserf (@nataliesideserf on Instagram) and the trendsetter herself, Tuba Geçkil (@redrosecake_tubageckil on Instagram).
Best of Tuba Geçkil
The original trendsetter and creator, Tuba Geçkil, is a hidden gem within the food industry. The Turkish baker and owner of Red Rose Cake in Istanbul creates the most artsy pieces that could belong in a museum. With precise designs and beautiful visuals, it’s almost sad that her creations have to be eaten. She has recreated Johannes Vermeer’s painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring, and her canvas is her cake.
Girl with the Pearl Earring recreated into cake by Geçkil
Best of Jonny Manganello
Jonny Manganello (also known as Jonny Cakes) is a Lebanese-American baker who was a contestant on Season 1 of Netflix’s ‘Is It Cake’ and now creates content around his baking. He’s also a popular guest on The Try Guys’ YouTube Channel as a judge for their food-related content. Jonny dabbles in optical illusions and brings fiction to life. He also sells simpler baking kits for illusion cakes.
Lucky charms bowl by Jonny ManganelloCartoon Illusion Cake by Jonny Manganello
Best of Ben Cullen
Ben Cullen (known as The Bakeking) is a British baker whose bold creations keep the audience on their toes. His creations in particular are more grotesque. They challenge reality, showing that illusion cakes can dare to cross the line.
A pint of beer is actually cake by Ben Cullen
Best of Natalie Sideserf
Natalie Sideserf is the latest baker in the game. She has an uncanny ability to recreate her face as well as other fun creations. She keeps the trend alive to this day and understands anatomy very well.
Persona 3 Reload is a remake of Atlus’ original 2006 Japanese RPG game, Persona 3. In all the ways that matter, Persona 3 Reload has perfected the long journey of the original with modern graphics and an improved combat system. The protagonist can now interact and create deeper bonds with characters inaccessible yet important in the original, making the game more meaningful, all the while maintaining the solidity of the original storyline. Persona games are also known for their thrilling soundtrack and Persona 3 Reload’s versions still hold a candle to their counterpart.
Persona 3 Reload (Play on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S)
Tekken 8 (January 25, 2024)
Another franchise with a long-standing player base and sky-high expectations, Tekken 8 combines the complexity and simplicity of their world and does the impossible. Known to be rather non-beginner-friendly, Tekken 8 creates a much friendlier approach to the franchise that can be enjoyed by older fans and the new generation. With an incredible narrative, rich with deep lore, the combat system is fairly intuitive but takes a while to integrate.
Tekken 8 (Play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows)
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (January 25, 2024)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio brings back the ever-loved Kazuma Kiryu and teams him up with Ichiban Kasuga, the protagonist of the 2020 Yakuza game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon. As expected from any RGG game, players can expect hilarious side quests, a dramatic main story and fun mini-games, all wrapped up in this turn-based RPG. With Kiryu and Ichiban unravelling some secrets in Hawaii, older fans can expect to see familiar faces and locations.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Play on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S)
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (January 18, 2024)
After more than a decade, the Prince of Persia series is back with their latest game, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.Despite initial hesitations and the disappointment of no The Sands of Time remake, The Lost Crown proved itself to be a solid addition to the series. The 2.5D side-scrolling action-adventure game utilises time to change the past and the rules. With an exciting world, filled with interactive puzzles and brilliant storytelling while exploring the environment, The Lost Crown is a great balance between Metroidvania and the nostalgia of earlier Prince of Persia games.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S)
Helldivers 2 (February 8, 2024)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment and Arrowhead Game Studios’ new third-person shooter game, Helldivers 2 is a smooth multiplayer game where the servers really work. With a rich combat system, including friendly fire, the game is a delight for any competitive player who craves a deserved victory.
Helldivers 2 (Play on PlayStation 5 and Windows)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (February 29, 2024)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirthintroduces the best version of beloved characters to their fan base. As the second game in Square Enix’s trilogy of Final Fantasy VII remakes, this version is an extended version of FF7, accumulating 30-80 hours of gameplay as Cloud Strife. During this, the player gets to bond with his friends and the journey to stop Sephiroth is action-filled and fruitful. However, players agree that it was too jam-packed with mini-games. Overall, it’s a heartwarming game with tons of memorial events.
