'The Hunting Wives' is a zany Netflix murder drama set in Texas that explores red-state culture through the lens of wealthy women, featuring a mix of social commentary, scandal, and over-the-top humor, but it loses some coherence as the plot progresses.
The fraud trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX crypto exchange, has attracted a mix of powerful legal professionals and crypto influencers, creating a clash of cultures in the courtroom. Crypto YouTubers, podcasters, and commentators, including a streamer known as Taco, have been attending the trial and providing updates to their online followers. The trial has brought together the staid environment of federal court with the hyper-online world of crypto enthusiasts, with reporters competing for seats alongside crypto influencers. The trial has also seen the need for explanations of crypto jargon and the presence of unconventional characters, such as a lawyer specializing in working with crypto investors and an anonymous account providing analysis and speculation on social media.
Hamtramck, Michigan, the first city in the US to elect a Muslim-majority city council, has passed legislation banning Pride flags from being flown on city property. The move has been met with dismay by many liberal residents who viewed the power shift and diversity as a symbolic rebuke of Islamophobic rhetoric. The resolution, which also prohibits the display of flags with ethnic, racist and political views, comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under assault worldwide. The ban has been supported by some outside rightwing agitators connected to national Republican groups.
Pixar's latest film, Elemental, tells the story of Ember Lumen, the daughter of a first-generation immigrant family in Element City, a clear metaphor for the immigrant experience in America. Director Peter Sohn was inspired by his own Korean immigrant parents and their struggles. The film explores the culture clash between different elements, with Ember's father carrying prejudice against her budding romance with a water element. The film opens on June 16.
"About My Father" is a comedy film starring Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert De Niro, directed by Laura Terruso. The movie follows an Italian-American man named Sebastian who falls in love with a woman from a WASP family, leading to a culture clash between the two families. The film attempts to replicate the success of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and the "Fockers" franchise, but falls short of being genuinely provocative or disturbing. De Niro's performance is the highlight of the film, but it would have worked better as a period piece.
British director Ken Loach's latest film, "The Old Oak," tackles the issue of Syrian refugees arriving in a failing blue-collar town in northern England and the anger it provokes among certain residents looking for a scapegoat to pin their problems on. The film follows the friendship between Yara, a young Syrian refugee, and TJ, an aging local who's given up hope in a place on the brink of collapse. Loach's natural intimacy and slow-burn narrative build up to emotional high points, showing how culture can bring people together.
Amazon's Big Tech culture is causing tension with its entertainment arm, Prime Video, as Hollywood executives are unhappy with the company's "agile seating" arrangements and compensation structure. Amazon caps base pay for employees at $350,000 with stock options, which is not the norm in Hollywood or other big streaming companies. Additionally, tech-based streamers tend to let metrics drive decisions, while Hollywood-based streamers are more willing to gamble on gut feelings. Despite spending $7 billion on video and music last year, Amazon's streaming service has not seen a significant increase in subscriber count, leading some to question the company's Hollywood ambitions.
The proposed merger of Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse faces the challenge of uniting two fierce rivals with different cultures. While both banks have struggled with declining profits and increased regulatory pressure, the merger could result in significant cost savings and a stronger competitive position. However, the success of the merger will depend on the ability to navigate cultural differences and integrate the two organizations effectively.