This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little bit), then we’ve done our jobs.
This April, we bring you a new set of picks to feed both your mind and body! From coffee and books, to shows and music, we’re sharing some recent releases and personal favorites you might want to try out.
Photo sourced from El Union’s website
El Union’s Coffee for Humans Harvest Pack
I started brewing my own coffee during quarantine to appease the caffeine addict in me. Over the past few months, I’ve been branching out and trying different beans and roasts. This limited edition harvest pack from El Union will be sold only until stocks last and features four of their best selling beans, all of which come from the Cordilleras. This is perfect for people who are just beginning to make their own coffee, or at least those looking to elevate their coffee journey. –Therese
Photo sourced from Goodreads
The Sanatorium (2020) by Sarah Pearse
The Sanatorium (2020) is Sarah Pearse’s debut novel, a mystery set in a modern hotel that used to be an isolated tuberculosis sanatorium in the Swiss Alps. When a detective goes there to celebrate her estranged brother’s engagement, she gets caught up in the hotel’s dark history.
Though I don’t usually gravitate towards thriller novels, The Sanatorium managed to pique and hold my interest. It was such a captivating read, the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I finished this in one sitting—I think that says more than enough. –Daniela
Photo sourced from Temple of Geek
Marvel’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (2021)
Release: March 19–April 23, 2021
Marvel continues to expand its universe in the small screen format with The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (2021), a global espionage adventure that puts the titular former sidekicks of the franchise into the forefront of the action. Together, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) face the threat of super soldier extremists, old foes like the nefarious Baron Zemo (Daniel Bruhl), and a new Captain America (Wyatt Russell).
The series follows the Captain America trilogy to deliver the action, suspense, and heart that one can enjoy in the typical Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fashion. Yet, unlike other entries of the MCU, the series deals with more political themes—and surprisingly handles such topics even better than I initially expected. Racism, government cover-ups, and the treatment of international refugees are some of the heavier themes that the show brings to light, and I’m all for seeing these tackled in mainstream media. With the finale coming up, I can’t wait to see how the creators close the series that had me at the edge of my seat every Friday. –Gab
Photo sourced from Goodreads
Transcendent Kingdom (2020) by Yaa Gyasi
Yaa Gyasi is more popularly known for her debut novel Homegoing (2016), but in 2020, she also released her second novel Transcendent Kingdom. This book follows Gifty, a neuroscience PhD candidate studying reward-seeking behavior, depression, and addiction. Set in modern America and framed by the struggles of an immigrant family, Transcendent Kingdom paints the story of Gifty’s attempt to understand suffering while processing love, loss, and trauma by turning to science. I bought this over the break because I found my curiosity piqued by Gyasi’s perspective of the immigrant story, where she manages to weave themes of faith, religion, and the female experience. –Therese
Photo sourced from Roger Ebert
This Is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist (2021)
Release: April 7
One of Netflix’s latest documentary miniseries is This Is A Robbery (2021), which tells the story of the 1990 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft. Two men posing as policemen stole millions of dollars worth of art, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas, and Manet. This series is seven years in the making, and I’m interested in seeing how Netflix frames this case. As someone who loves true crime and art history, this seems like such a fascinating watch! –Daniela
Photo sourced from Pitchfork
Daddy’s Home - St Vincent (2021) by Annie Clark
Release Date: May 14, 2021
Long past her indie rock days, Annie Clark is here to deliver another stellar record with Daddy’s Home–a ‘70s inspired follow-up that echoes the sounds of David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and Steely Dan. The record was co-produced by Clark herself and her constant collaborator Jack Antonoff, who worked on hit albums such as Melodrama, Folklore, and NFR.The recently released singles “Pay Your Way in Pain” and “The Melting of the Sun” feature psychedelic tunes which are some of my favorite tracks over the past two months, and I can’t wait until the full album is released. Since her previous record Masseduction (2018) was already one of my all-time favorite albums, I wouldn’t be surprised if Daddy’s Home (Year) follows in the same trail. - Gab