What to Watch this Valentine’s Day

By: Dara Udobong ‘23

Nothing says Netflix & Chill like Valentine’s day ’21 mid-pandemic.

With restrictive local and state guidelines and (honestly) nowhere to go, the thought of recreating the festive atmosphere in your bubble can start to feel very claustrophobic. Without all the fancy shenanigans—candles, chocolates or violins (give me a break)—streaming platforms are gearing up for the long weekend with new releases, movie premieres and special episodes. Here are some of my favorites:

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: Always & Forever | Netflix

I hate me a good rom-com, so it came as quite the surprise to my friends and I that I loved this entire franchise. Centered around a high school girl whose cheesy middle school love letters accidentally get sent out to their addressees, the Netflix franchise manages to be relatable, funny and romantic without being sappy or played out. The film also incorporates the hard decisions we’re faced with when having to choose between family/friends and purpose. The last movie in the three-part series, Always and Forever is a must-watch this weekend for all the love birds, especially for prospective student’s dealing with maintaining connections after moving away for college.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things | Prime Video 

If you loved Groundhog Day, then you’re definitely going to love this one. Quite similar to Hulu’s Palm Springs (very similar, actually), The Map of Tiny Perfect Springs follows two teenagers who are stuck in a 24-hour time loop, doomed to spend the same day over and over again. Deciding instead to seize the day and not let the day “seize them”, the two embark on a mission to document all the beautiful moments the day provides within their little town. Streaming on Amazon Prime from Feb 12, this movie takes quarantine to a whole new level.

WandaVision | Disney+

As a non-Marvel fan, I can proudly say that this mini-series has me hooked. I’ve always felt that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is very niche, and as a person that isn’t that invested in the whole shebang, I left new releases for the fans. However, Marvel pushed boundaries with WandaVision, venturing out of its action-packed genre into period sitcoms starting from the 50’s. A refreshing spin on modern day television, WandaVision caters to a variety of viewers while weaving in a love story like no other.

Premature | Hulu

An ode to 90’s love stories, music and art, Premature is a “spellbinding story of summer love will make viewers long for heart flutters triggered by their first true loves.” The story illustrates the experiences, romance and adventure that encapsulates the proverbial summer before college. As the protagonist falls in love with the new music producer in town, she is faced with the decision to pursue a feeling or follow her dreams. Ironically, Premature is set for more mature audiences, and delves into the struggles of young love and emotions.

The Photograph | HBO

I actually watched this movie a year ago today in theaters for a school event (thanks USC!) and you best believe I was crying into the empty popcorn bag less than an hour into the film. Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield team up in a phenomenal performance in The Photograph to portray a young museum curator and rising journalist as they search for meaning, passion and truth in an old photograph. The movie explores the hurt we are left to deal with from the past, the blessings from the present and the hope for a better future.

Five Feet Apart | Showtime 

Cole Sprouse reprises his role as a cynical and charming teen in Five Feet Apart, a film that follows the life of restriction of two teens living with cystic fibrosis. While some might be unconvinced that this isn’t another Fault in Our Stars, Five Feet Apart offers a new and refreshing spin on the power of love and humanity over disease. Despite health restrictions and boundaries, the two teens set out to find themselves in the chaos and embrace their humanity in a closed off world.

 Separated from a loved one? Use Teleparty (formerly known as Netflix Party): a browser extension that allows synchronized video playback, allowing you to watch your favourite shows and movies in sync with multiple people! Watch HBO, Showtime and Amazon Prime for free/discounted as a USC student.

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