by Samantha Subin
For Unwind Magazine
With finals approaching, tensions are high, stress levels are higher and final grades are (hopefully) highest. During the upcoming season of crying, frustration and breakdowns, there is no better way to spend a study break than with a powerful documentary, thought-provoking television series or an insightful interview that will keep your brain charged.
Jewel’s Catch One
This Netflix documentary focuses on Catch One, a Los Angeles club that served as a safe haven to the LGBTQ community and racial minorities throughout the 1970s. Opened in 1972, the historically African-American LGBTQ club defied discrimination and harassment while helping individuals cope with the AIDS epidemic. It’s a beautiful documentary interspersed with interviews and a variety of music genres. A majority of the documentary follows the club’s history but there are themes of defiance and power woven throughout, especially during scenes highlighting the tireless efforts of the nightclub’s fearless creator, Jewel Thais-Williams. Watch “Jewel’s Catch One” on Netflix from May 1.
Bill Nye Saves The World: Season Three
Every millennial’s favorite childhood scientist is back May 11 with season three of his hit talk show. Past seasons featured topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, extinction, and time travel. For any science geek or jeopardy wannabe, “Bill Nye Saves The World” is the show to watch. It is fun, educational, outlandish and conceptually unique. In each show, Nye invites celebrity guests such as Karlie Kloss, Steve Aoki and Joel McHale, as well as a panel of experts from the particular field discussed. The mixture of experts and celebrities provides a much needed balance (and laughter) while Bill Nye’s optimistic, inquisitive attitude is refreshing. “Bill Nye Saves The World” is a great supplement to any university science General Education requirement (and it could even be better).
Dear White People
The thought-provoking comedy following a group of black students at the fictional Winchester University is back for season two starting May 7. “Dear White People,” a series based on the film of the same name, is a timely social criticism of campus culture, discrimination and politics. Each episode is narrated by a different character who portrays their own perspective of different events and life experiences happening throughout the series. The various points of view add depth, narration, and in many instances, complications. Regardless of race, the series also addresses topics regarding sexuality, social justice and what it means to be a college student in the 21st century.
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman: Tina Fey
Part five of the former late-night talk show host’s six-part Netflix interview series stars one of Hollywood’s funniest — and most successful — comedians: Tina Fey. April’s episode featured Jay-Z and provided insight into the rapper’s personal life while past episodes have highlighted the civil rights movement and the refugee crisis through the eyes of President Barack Obama and Malala Yousafazi. The in-depth interview segments, though at times dry, nevertheless provoke laughter. Although he is two years removed from his late night hosting gig, David Letterman proves he’s still timely and fresh. He asks thoughtful questions and expresses extensive knowledge regarding a variety of popular topics. Let’s see what he’ll do next with one of comedy’s biggest stars this month.
End Game
This Netflix documentary, produced and filmed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, follows the careers of doctors and physicians who regularly deal with death. It is emotional, thought-provoking and intimate while attempting to not only change how society views life and death but also question the intersection between both. The questions raised in “End Game” will puzzle researchers and individuals in the medical field for years.
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