✸ Hey hey hey! ✸
And here is a second batch of what I’ve enjoyed lately (well, for some it's admittedly a bit older, like several years ago, such as "L'oasis" or "My Octopus Teacher" 🐙), but this exercise also allows me to shine a light on projects that I liked, period. Without any real time limit.
Hoping to help you discover a few gems!
── DOCUMENTARIES ──
✸ NETFLIX | My Octopus Teacher ✶
The film shows how, in 2010, Foster began freediving in an underwater kelp forest at the tip of South Africa. He started filming his experiences and, over time, a young, curious octopus caught his attention. By visiting her den and following her movements every day and for months, he gained the animal’s trust. In the film, Foster describes the impact of his relationship with the octopus on his life. It took 10 years to make My Octopus Teacher.
✶ A joy ✶
✸ ARTE | Magic Beans! ✶
Bland, beans? Not at all! An enthusiastic exploration of the potential of this plant, which is the subject of agronomic, scientific and gastronomic research across all corners of Europe.
Originating from Central and South America and introduced to Europe in the 16th century, the common bean, though popular in traditional cuisine, is today mostly grown for animal feed. Yet this legume has many talents: easy to grow, low in fat, rich in proteins, fiber and essential fatty acids, it’s as beneficial for gut flora as it is for biodiversity or the climate. It’s the same species – with the Latin name phaseolus vulgaris – that produces green beans and shell beans, whose fresh or dried seeds are eaten. There are thousands of varieties in the world, offering a multitude of colors and flavors. As our plates become increasingly plant-based, this plant – just like its cousins, the broad bean, yellow pea, or chickpea – is now of great interest to scientists and agronomists alike.
✶ Available until 10/19/2025 on Youtube ✶
── VIDEO GAMES ──
✸ DONT NOD | Life is Strange 2 ✶
Sean and Daniel Diaz flee their home after a tragedy. Fearing the police and having to manage Daniel’s telekinesis, the brothers want to take refuge in Mexico. Along the way they meet new friends and new challenges at every step.
✶ I was completely absorbed by this experience. I loved the relationships, the butterfly effect, the different atmospheres... Just like the other entries in the series but with its own unique mood.
Although DON'T NOD’s games are often breathtakingly beautiful and full of emotion, I can’t talk about them without mentioning the numerous waves of layoffs the studio has experienced over the last few years. All my support to the artists ✶
I have plenty more cozy games up my sleeve but I’ll tell you about them in a future article as I think these little gems deserve articles of their own ♡
── MOVIES ──
✸ Amélie and the Metaphysics of Tubes ✶
Amélie is a little Belgian girl born in Japan. Thanks to her friend Nishio-san, the world is full of adventures and discoveries. But on her third birthday, an event changes the course of her life. For at that age, everything is at stake for Amélie: happiness as well as tragedy.
Adapted from the novel by Amélie Nothomb.
✶ Without a doubt, one of my biggest favorites of the year! - Currently in theaters ✶
✸ ILLUMINATION | Migration ✶
The Mallard family faces a domestic dilemma. While Mack is perfectly happy paddling with his family, peacefully and permanently, in their small New England pond, his wife Pam is more inclined to shake up that routine and show their children — Dax, who’s no longer a duckling, and his little sister Gwen — the rest of the world. When they welcome a family of migrating ducks during a stopover, it’s the perfect opportunity for Pam to convince Mack to imitate them and embark on a family journey. But the events that follow take a chaotic and unexpected turn that will change them forever and teach them more than they ever imagined.
✶ Beautiful animation with an interesting story – Available on Netflix ✶
✸ NETFLIX | Just the Space Between Us ✶
In this romantic animated film that travels across the cosmos, an astronaut flies to Mars and begins a very, very long-distance relationship.
✶ Gorgeously polished animation and very well done. I may have cried a little – Available on Netflix ✶
── SERIES ──
✸ NETFLIX | The Residence ✶
An investigation takes place within the White House: 132 rooms, 157 suspects, a corpse.
✶ The protagonist is a bird lover, the humor is dark without being over the top, it kept me hooked all the way through. A treat. And the actress Uzo Aduba (Suzanne in "Orange is the New Black") once again delivers a fantastic performance – Available on Netflix ✶
✸ NETFLIX | Apothecary Diaries ✶
At 17, Mao Mao has a complicated life. Trained from an early age by an apothecary in the pleasure district, she is kidnapped and sold as a servant within the inner court of the imperial palace. Surrounded by high walls, she is cut off from the outside world. In order to survive in this luxurious prison teeming with intrigue and schemes, the young girl tries to hide her knowledge to blend in, but without much success. When the suspicious deaths of newborn princes shake the court, her passion for remedies and poisons takes over.
✶ A mix between Layton, Phoenix Wright, and herbalism. The heroine is charismatic and badass. Discovered through the anime, I can't wait to read this gem as a manga – Available on Netflix ✶
✸ NETFLIX | Love on the Spectrum ✶
Love on the Spectrum (Original version: Love on the Spectrum) is a reality and docufiction show. The show follows autistic people as they explore the world of dating.
✶ I loved this show, which gets better and infantilizes people less as the seasons go on. It did me a lot of good, allowed me to view our social norms differently and from an angle I hadn't necessarily imagined. After watching, I realized I was trying to be more gentle and attentive to signals (especially body language) in interactions with others.
✶ Definitely watch in the original version with subtitles – There is both a US and an Australian version – Available on Netflix ✶
✸ NETFLIX | Asterix & Obelix: The Chief's Contest ✶
Druid Panoramix falls into madness and loses his memory after Obelix accidentally throws a menhir at him… Since the druid has forgotten the magic potion recipe, the Romans decide to organize a "Chief's Contest." The winner will become chief of the rival village. Thus, in case of defeat, the village of indomitable Gauls will come under the control of Julius Caesar…
✶ The animation quality is incredible, it's truly a masterclass. (+) The village women get more space than in the comics (where, to be honest, they had little to none); they fight, drink the magic potion, and make decisions for the village just like the men, and it's nice to see – Available on Netflix ✶
── BOOKS ──
✸ KEIGO SHINZO | Hirayasumi ✶
Hiroto Ikuta, 29, is a carefree and single freeter (part-timer). He lives peacefully, without worrying about tomorrow, in Tokyo in a small, single-story house he inherited from an old lady with whom he had formed a bond, Madame Hanae. When Natsumi, his 18-year-old cousin who studies art, comes to live with him, he will meet people much more troubled than himself, who will make his daily life more eventful.
✶ A treat - I’m on volume 4, can't wait to read the rest! ✶
✸ SIMON HUREAU | L'Oasis ✶
This comic book narrates in the first person the evolution of Simon Hureau’s garden. He describes, methodically and with humor, but with no preconceived thesis, how he managed to improve the biodiversity of his small garden, little by little, and how plant and animal species coexist.
✶ A comic I love to read again and again, to remind myself that it is always possible to take action for and with the Living ✶
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Lots of Netflix productions on this list (at the same time it's the streaming platform I use the most, along with France TV)! I hope I helped you discover some gems!