By Suhana Limbu and Isobel Carnochan, Associate Culture Editor and Senior Culture Editor
In selecting our favourite works across page, screen, and sound, there’s an inevitable pressure to choose something good––something that could leave a lasting impression, potentially begin someone’s new obsession, or, if anything, fits the constraints of what’s cool. Nonetheless, I’m sure everyone has a soap opera or secret playlist they indulge themselves in, as long as the curtains are closed and the door is locked. Or, maybe they have a brewing hot take waiting to erupt, but must bite their tongue back. So, in this article, Isobel and I will embrace these guilty pleasures and displeasures. We are going to shake off external influences, unlock a couple doors, and present to you our favourites, honestly.
– Suhana
Film and TV
Isobel’s Guilty Pleasure – Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)
Like most people, sometimes all I crave is a nice cosy evening, tucked under my duvet with a bowl of popcorn and a bad netflix series (that I’ll inevitably only half pay attention to). Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has been my staple in this for years. Is it bad? Yes, absolutely. Are the characters underdeveloped, the plot points melodramatic and cliche? One thousand percent, yes. Admittedly, I even had to start skipping entire sections of the later episodes, because I draw the line at characters spontaneously bursting into song for no discernible reason. But CAoS is packed with just enough occultish spooky scenery to make me forgive it… partially, at least. Naturally, it’s teeming with badly used slang and surface level political commentaries, and almost always reads like an out-of-touch attempt at relating to teenagers – but sometimes a poorly written and slightly (read: very) cringe series is all you need, so I’m going to continue loving CAoS anyway.
Suhana’s Guilty Pleasure – Selling Sunset (2019-)
It’s hard to admit that I truly love reality TV shows. While some people are grated by the scripted fights and obnoxious personalities, I am easily entertained and, unfortunately, I’ve watched enough to have a favourite. Selling Sunset is a Netflix reality show first aired in 2019––the show follows a glamorous, all-female cast of real estate agents under The Oppenheim Group. These ladies tackle not only the competitive Los Angeles market, but also each other. The show combines insight on the process from a ‘For Sale’ sign to a successful escrow, with the personal lives of the agents’ relationships, families, and friendships. Where else can you watch agents sell luxury homes while wearing 12-inch heels and a basketball handbag?
Music
Isobel’s Guilty Displeasure – Grace (1994)
This may be one of my most controversial cultural opinions by far, but I’ve never particularly enjoyed Jeff Buckley’s Grace. I think it’s okay… but that’s all I really think about it, to be honest. Despite having received piles of praise, and being rediscovered and worshipped by a new generation of teens every year, I don’t quite get the hype. That’s not to say it’s a bad album, necessarily. But if you were to play it at SU-afters, I’d ask for something else. Ironically, I actually really do love Buckley’s later album, Sketches for My Sweetheart The Drunk – so even I am disappointed in myself for not enjoying Grace in the same way. Unfortunately, it just falls completely flat to my ears, and is one of my guiltiest displeasures.
Suhana’s Guilty Pleasure – Hamilton (2015)
I’ve never had a particular interest in musical theatre. Nonetheless, after a friend’s pleading, I watched the filmed version of the original Broadway musical, Hamilton. Although I couldn’t confirm myself as a part of the avid fandom, its soundtrack reoccurs within my playlist on rotation for different purposes. When I’m frantically writing an essay, ‘Non-Stop’ admittedly helps me survive the time pressure. Or, Aaron Burr’s solo, ‘Wait for It’, finds itself in my gym playlist. The musical’s blend of traditional Broadway show numbers with Hip Hop, R&B, and jazz elements makes the soundtrack diverse and engaging. But, it’s one I can listen to outside the privacy of my own earphones.
Poetry and Prose
Isobel’s Guilty Displeasure – Pride and Prejudice (1813)
After making the rounds in 2020 ‘BookTok’, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice seems to be one of the most beloved books of classic literature. Yet, I’ve never been able to force myself all the way through it. In all honesty, I’ve never actually been able to finish any of Austen’s novels, bar Northanger Abbey – and even that was through gritted teeth. I understand the cultural importance of Austen, and of works devoted to the intimate lives of 18th century women, told by women themselves. But even then, Austen’s works only capture a very narrow view of womanhood, confined to the normative experiences of the broadly middle class. And, to be completely honest, they’re just so boring: Pride and Prejudice especially so. Maybe one day I’ll be able to get all the way through it, and maybe then I’ll change my mind. But until that day occurs, Pride and Prejudice will always be a guilty displeasure.
Suhana’s Guilty Pleasure – Catcher in the Rye (1951)
I first read Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger when I was fourteen and, honestly, I despised it. I found living within the teenage angst of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, distractingly irritating. Turning pages felt like clawing at a chalkboard. However, most frustrating of all, I just didn’t get the book. The novel begins with Holden’s expulsion from Pencey Prep and journeyed into, what felt like, a pointless wander. It concludes with Holden in a state of ecstasy while watching his little sister ride on the Central Park carousel. Then, Holden refuses to tell the reader anymore. Looking back on this book, I’ve realised that my frustration was the book’s point––coming-of-age is inherently frustrating. Adolescence is complex, often hypocritical, embarrassing and full of ‘phonies’. I’ve honestly come to love Salinger’s ambiguous ending, preserving something for only Holden to keep as he ventures into manhood.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash