être dans la lune

Aw yis, my favourite type of prompt 8) Here are a few things I have loved recently.

In Defence of Amy and Laurie • Little Women (2019) • Meta (Video Essay)
I love this channel! It has a lot of thoughtful video essays that don't take two hours out of your day. This movie hit me hard (my friend kept laughing at me for gasping and crying too loudly in the cinema) and the book is firmly situated in my childhood, so to see people — especially those who don't hold the same nostalgia for it that I do — appreciate and think critically about the movie makes me happy. Amy is also my favourite character in the film, so meta about her is right up my alley. If you've seen the movie, I'd say this is a worthwhile watch for sure.

The Whole Plate: Film Studies through a Lens of Transformers • Transformers (Bayverse) • Meta (Video Essay)
If you've ever been curious about movies — directing, script-writing, analysis — this is a really good watch. It explores, through the absurdity that was the Michael Bay Transformers adaptations, various film study basics like critical theory, representation, and videography. You don't have to be a fan of Transformers (or have watched all of Bayverse) to appreciate this series. It's educational, and interesting, and also very validating/satisfying if you are a TF fan. Lindsey Ellis is a general recommendation from me because I love her stuff, but this is in particular, I think, is not something to be missed.

This viva la revolution art is my phone background • Transformers: Prime x IDW2005 • Art (MegOP)
I can't even put into words how much I love this art. TFP Megatron and IDW1 Optimus both fit very specifically into a niche Type of mine (giant angry buff idiot) and the idea of them meeting up and going absolutely fucking mental is the funniest thing to me. They would validate and encourage each other's worst habits. They'd be such besties, spreading chaos and carnage all in the name for their vision, I can't even— I love it so goddamn much. It's horrifying and hilarious and tailor-made to my tastes. (This artist's other works are also phenomonal, btw! For example, check out their human!Megatron. *swoons*)

Paragon • Transformers • Fic (MegOP, 7k)
Oh man, this made me feel things. The tension is thick enough to cut with a knife, the characterisation is subtle, the pace controlled, and the writing has such a beautiful melancholy quality. Megatron as an unreliable narrator feeling all the things and trying to convince himself that he has never felt a single feeling in his life is *chefs kiss* Very Good. It's the kind of story that the second I finished reading, I immediately wanted to write fic for it.

These Games We Play • Transformers • Fic (JazzWave, 321k)
It was the characterisation in this that led me from being a fond fan to dedicatedly obsessed with this rarepair. The setting is wholly bleak, and I don't usually read angst of this sort, but I'm so glad I did this time. I recommend this cautiously, because there's a lot here that might frighten people off, but if you are someone who can enjoy the darker themes, wow — you will not find better. It is masterfully written, with so much heart and thought put into the characters and their slow burning relationship (and trust me, it is the most smouldering and delicious of slow burns) that once you've read it once, you never really stop thinking about it. ♥w♥ This story is up there with my all-time favourites ever.

On the Knees of my Heart • A Song of Ice and Fire • Fic (JonAerys, 4.5k)
This self-contained Dany/Jon story from 2012 is very fulfilling for any fans of the ship who feel burned by the finale that will not be discussed further. And for those who don't care, it's a beautifully written melancholy-tinged piece about war, pining, leadership, and integrity. I love the dynamic as it's written here; there's such a distinct atmosphere and flavour to it all.

Every time I make a rec list, I look at all the stories that I want to recommend and am reminded that this is something I'd like to do more often. lol