july media-digest
join me as I dive into july's standout moments, from intriguing discoveries, to personal adventures and reflections—here's what captured my attention this month.
Hey there!
Welcome to the very first edition of my Monthly Roundup! 🌟
I’m so excited to kick off this new series where I’ll be sharing all the things that grabbed my attention over the past month—whether it’s a new book I couldn’t put down, a film that left me thinking, or just some interesting tidbits I stumbled upon.
Think of this as our little monthly catch-up, a place where we can unwind, explore, and maybe even discover something new together. I’ve gathered a mix of highlights that I think you’ll enjoy, so grab a cozy drink, settle in, and let’s dive into what made July special 🧃
July was really special to me.
First of all, because I got my graduation this month. I still can't quite believe it, and as I think is happening to most of us, time has flown by so quickly. I've reached the first of my big milestones that this journey is slowly leading me to, and I'm super proud of what I'm gradually building.
This month has been packed with activities: I went to Milan for the Eras Tour, where I was lucky enough to hear one of my favorite singers live, Taylor Swift; I graduated, and I went on a girls' trip to Budapest with one of my closest university friends. Unlike June, I didn't watch many movies, but I still want to tell you about two films in particular that caught my attention.
As for TV series, one in particular stood out to me, especially for its original storyline. I've also discovered several new artists—keep reading to find out about my latest musical obsessions.
So here we are, let's get right to it!
📺 Watching
MOVIES:
The Bikeriders (2024) - One of the films that has been circulating in theaters for a couple of months now. To be honest, I was quite skeptical about how the narrative would unfold and especially about how the director would develop the story at its core.
The Bikeriders is a thought-provoking film that offers a fresh perspective on the biker genre. It’s not just a story about rebellion and the open road; it’s a deep exploration of identity, belonging, and the price of freedom. The Bikeriders is set in the heart of America and follows the story of the Vandals, a motorcycle club led by the charismatic leader Johnny (played by Tom Hardy). The film's narrative unfolds through the eyes of Kathy (played by Jodie Comer), the wife of one of the club’s members, Benny (Austin Butler). Kathy's perspective offers a personal and often heart-wrenching glimpse into the turbulent world of the bikers, where loyalty, brotherhood, and violence intertwine. Johnny’s leadership becomes increasingly unstable, and Benny finds himself torn between his love for Kathy and his loyalty to the club. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the darker sides of the biker lifestyle—violence, betrayal, and the constant threat of losing everything—but it also humanizes its characters, showing their desires, fears, and the strong sense of brotherhood that binds them together. And that’s precisely what struck me the most.
There’s Still Tomorrow (2023) - This is definitely one of the films that has impacted me the most recently. I'm not sure why I took so long to watch it. This movie is a touching Italian drama set in 1950s post-war Italy. Directed by and starring Paola Cortellesi, the film follows Clara, a resilient mother struggling to hold her family together amid financial hardship and an indifferent husband. As she navigates the societal pressures of the time, Clara begins to question her choices and dreams of a better tomorrow.
There’s Still Tomorrow is a deeply moving film that resonates on many levels. What struck me most about the film was its portrayal of the often-unseen struggles of women during this time. Clara's story is one of resilience and hope, but also of the sacrifices that many women were forced to make in order to maintain their families and their own sense of identity.
TV SERIES:
Severance (2022) - this is definitely a brilliant series that managed to unsettle and captivate me at the same time. It’s produced by Apple TV and OF COURSE it would have made an excellent product.
Severance is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller series that delves into the unsettling concept of splitting one’s work and personal life—literally. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, the show is set in the near future and centers around employees of Lumon Industries who undergo a procedure known as "severance." If you’re not familiar with what this process is, this procedure consists of surgically dividing their memories, creating two separate personas: one for work and one for personal life, with neither side aware of the other.
Severance is one of the most intriguing and unsettling series I’ve watched recently. The concept alone is enough to hook you, but it’s the execution that really stands out.
What struck me most was how Severance explores the cost of disconnecting our work selves from our personal lives, raising questions about identity, memory, and the lengths we go to avoid pain. The series is a slow burn, but it's worth the investment as the layers of the plot peel away, revealing a complex and thought-provoking narrative.
If you’re into mind-bending thrillers with a dash of dark humor, Severance is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
📚 Reading
A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder (by Holly Jackson) - I’ll be honest: lately I haven't been dedicating much time to reading. I've read few books, including this latest one that's keeping me company during these sweltering summer days. But it’s not my fault—between exams and writing my thesis, my only escape has been movies, to give my eyes a break from the white pages of the manuals I’ve had to study.
Back to us, a book that is catching my attention is “A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder” on the advice of some friends. I know this book was going to be super engaging, and having been on reader’s block for months, it was the main reason.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson is a gripping YA thriller that follows high school student Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she investigates a decades-old murder case for her senior project. The story blends mystery and suspense with a strong, relatable protagonist, making it hard to put down.
Jackson’s debut is a standout in the genre, blending suspense with a fresh and dynamic protagonist. Pippa’s investigative journey is both thrilling and relatable, and the novel's format—featuring case files, interviews, and personal notes. Although I haven’t been reading much lately due to exams and thesis work (as I said), this book has been a refreshing escape.
It’s a must-read for fans of mystery and intrigue!
BONUS: The first season - following the first book of the series - is coming out SOON on Netflix!!!!
🎧 Listening
Stargazing by Myles Smith - One of the songs that has been keeping me company lately. I don’t remember where I first heard this song, but it definitely made an impression on me. Myles Smith is by far a very talented artist who is slowly starting to make his voice heard in the world. Stargazing stands out for its emotional depth and serene vibe. Smith's voice surely conveys a sense of wonder and tranquility, making it easy to get lost in the music- FOR REAL.
“Shawn” by Shawn Mendes - GUYS!!! It’s happening: Shawn is coming back 🥹 Two days ago he announced the release date of his new album called “SHAWN” and ALSO the release date of his two new songs coming this 8th august, on his birtday!!!
I’m so so so happy and proud of him. I’ve been following Shawn since 2014 (TEN YEARS AI KNOW) and for all these years I’ve felt so close to him. His songs were my medicine during the high school years in which I often felt left apart. I was supposed to see him in 5 dates in his previous world tour, but with all his mental and emotional difficulties, he cancelled the tour. I’m so glad that now he’s back stronger than ever, feeling comfort in his own world, and the name of his new album is a proof of that. We’ll discuss it further in a future post; for now, enjoy these great updates.
That wraps up my July recap and all the media I’ve been diving into—films, books, and songs that have shaped my month!!!
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into what’s been keeping me entertained and inspired. I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.
What have you been watching, reading, or listening to lately? Feel free to share your favorites or any new finds you think I should check out.
Thank you for reading and for staying with me, see you soon! xx
- Michela.