This week, I'm breaking from form to highlight a few standouts that captured my attention this month. As we approach the arrival of summer and its promise of fun and relaxation, I'm drawn to lighthearted content that fits the laid-back vibe of the warmer months. With this in mind, I present the perfect summer movie, an entertaining look at AI companions, and a song that demands to be played on a long, breezy drive with all the windows down.
Challengers
For those curious about the next wave of A-list movie stars, this film serves as an excellent stage for the undeniable talents of Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, each exuding a leading star charisma that is hard to ignore. The film revolves around a love triangle between three rising tennis prodigies told over a decade. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, balancing the more dramatic beats with some comical scenes. It’s an incredibly sexy film with countless shots of sweaty bodies both on and off the court. The film was slated for release last summer but moved to this summer due to the actors' strike. During the strike, actors could not promote their work, and the producers wisely knew they needed Zendaya’s massive Instagram following to promote the film properly. Luca Guadagnino does a terrific job piecing together the backstory to explain why the central tennis match has so much at stake. It’s a movie that will make you want to play a round of tennis, among other things.
Meet My A.I. Friends by Kevin Roose
Kevin Roose is one of the leading journalists covering consumer-facing artificial intelligence platforms. His memorable article last year featured a Microsoft chatbot that tried to convince him he wasn't in love with his wife, a pivotal moment in AI journalism. In a recent experiment for The New York Times, Kevin embarked on a thirty-day relationship with AI companions. Using platforms like Replika and Character.AI, he created multiple personas and chatted with them daily, individually and in group chats. It's worth a read, even if you’re skeptical of people having robot friends. He explores some use cases for an AI companion I hadn’t considered. For example, one AI friend whom he assigned the profession of therapist gives him some surprisingly sound advice regarding anxiety he was feeling about a work situation. It’s a candid look into how AI technology will infiltrate every aspect of our lives in surprising ways.
Split Screen by Kings of Leon
In 1999, Kings of Leon burst onto the music scene with a reputation for hard-partying lifestyles, feuds, and high-profile romances. However, their talent for crafting stadium-filling hits propelled them to mainstream success. Their musical style has undergone a notable transformation in recent years, becoming less bombastic and more contemplative. Once reflecting their global fame, their lyrics now embrace domestic themes. The single Split Screen from their latest album exemplifies this new sonic direction, a quieter, more reflective song, yet no less catchy. The album's producer, Kid Harpoon, has been on a hot streak lately, working with artists like Harry Styles, Lizzo, and Miley Cyrus. There's something heartening about these former southern rebels, once the embodiment of a rockstar lifestyle, now singing earnestly about the joys of family and the relatable anxiety of balancing it with their day job, even if that day job is being a rockstar.