Month: March 2022

The new Netflix limited series, Pieces of Her, is lighting up the internet – and for good reason. This show is every good thing a modern mystery should be. Excellent writing, interesting plot and some darn fine acting. This series is the total package.

Starring Toni Collette as speech therapist with a past, Laura, Pieces of Her follows a winding narrative that leaves viewers guessing and second guessing what might happen next. The rest of the lead cast is fleshed out with brilliant new comers like Bella Heathcote and Jessica Barden, and wonderful seasoned actors like Gil Birmingham, Terry O’Quinn and David Wenham. Collectively, they establish quite the presence on the small screen.

The story opens with an incident in a local cafe where Laura unexpectedly squares up against a gunman to save her daughter, Andy (Heathcote). The incident garners media attention that exposes Laura and Andy to dangers of the past. As Andy flees to safety, she gets tangled up in the web of lies Laura spent a lifetime building to insulate them from the mistakes of her past.

The further Andy digs into her mother’s past the more dangerous the situation becomes. At every turn, Andy discovers more lies which leaves her unsure of who to trust. In an effort to break free, she runs right into the arms of danger and uncovers the truth about her own childhood that unlocks the truth to her mom’s past.

Pieces of Her spent its debut week at the top of the Netflix charts. the show and Toni Collette were trending on social media for weeks before its release. All the buzz could have set viewers up for disappointment but in the end, it is the excellent script by Charlotte Stoudt that sets a firm foundation for intrigue and excitement for this one.

Pieces of Her is well and truly a binge worthy watch. Make some time to settle in to 8 episodes packed full of intrigue, close calls and mystery. Watch it now on Netflix.

After a very long week where the world felt just too big, a friend and I got together for a movie night. Looking for something that would lighten our hearts and make us laugh a bit, we stumbled across Always Be My Maybe. I’d seen it when it was first released but I’d forgotten just how perfect – in every way – it is.

Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) were best buds in their growing years. Neighbors, classmates and friends, they were inseparable. Sasha, a bit of a latchkey kid, found belonging in the warm comfort of Marcus’ home, especially as Marcus’ mom taught her how to cook. When Marcus’ mom dies suddenly Marcus and Sasha have a blow out and end up heading off to different colleges and losing touch with each other.

More than 15 years later their paths cross again when Sasha, now a celebrity chef, returns to her hometown to open a new restaurant. Marcus, still living with his dad and working at the family business, makes a difficult reunion more awkward. Despite the rocky reconnection, the two soon find their way back into friendship – and possibly more.

Written by and starring real life friends, Wong and Park, Always Be My Maybe had a limited theatrical release and was met with enthusiasm when its Netflix release followed quickly. Critics and viewers alike raved about the smart, funny and heart-warming plot and the excellent comedic timing and chemistry of the leads.

This film is chock full of really special moments but none as wonderful and viral as the special cameo by a Hollywood favourite. I won’t spoil the surprise but I will give you a few hints. He plays a version of himself, one that is fleshed out by rumors and urban legends. Some of the funniest bits he added himself and it was funny that drew him to this project as he is a huge fan of Ali Wong’s stand-up comedy.

This is a fantastic rom-com, comfort food for the soul in these trying times. Bless Wong and Park for their humor, wit and charm. This is the movie you didn’t know you needed to watch. Always Be My Maybe, available now on Netflix.

Toni Collette is one of the most underrated actors on the planet. That statement could be the whole post but, for you, I’ll elaborate.

Toni Collette does it all. This Australian born force of nature can act, sing, song write and produce films. She has been nominated for Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys, Academy Awards, BAFTA and Tony Awards. She has appeared in more than 60 films and has dozens of television and film appearances under her belt as well.

She has a appeared in some of the best films of our time but I’ll narrow my fan-girling to my five favourite Tonis … all available on Netflix now!

About A Boy is one of my very favourite flicks. Hugh Grant is brilliant as, Will, the self-absorbed son of a music has-been who lives off royalties and does nothing that doesn’t suit him … until he meets Marcus, the only child of a clinically depressed single mom (Collette). Suddenly, Will is sucked into Marcus’ strange world where he begins to see that no man is an island, really.

Unbelievable is a limited series that explores the tragic reality that far too many victims of sexual assault face when their credibility is questioned. Collette is Detective Rasmussen, the lead investigator on a rape case. Rasmussen barely has a chance to assess the scene before doubts about the victim begin to surface. Reports of attentions seeking behavior and accusations of outright lying muddy the investigative waters but Rasmussen and her team push on to discover the truth on this tension-filled drama series.

Fun Mom Dinner is the chaotic and heart-warming tale of a group of moms who decide to let off a little steam. Their adventure begins with a little music, a little chatting and, perhaps, a little too much alcohol. Before you know it, these four moms who couldn’t seem more different discover they have a lot more in common than they’d first imagined. This flick shows us the brilliant comedic side of Collette and I couldn’t love this side of her more!

Hereditary is a psychological thriller/horror flick that is deliciously terrifying. The story centers around a family who returns to the mother’s, Annie (Collette), family home after the death of her mother. While grieving and sorting through her mother’s belongings, Annie discovers a dark past that has present day repercussions.

Pieces of Her has the internet bussing and I cannot wait to know why! I’ve not seen this limited series yet but everything I hear is amazing. Toni Collette portrays a mom with a past that is catching up with her. Laura (Collette) is pulled into a violent situation and in order to save her daughter she must act quickly, but that split second decision opens the door to a past she had worked hard to hide. This new series is available now on Netflix. Check out the trailer below!