This week in Screen Time, if you’re looking for a way to beat the summer heat, there are a few shows and movies I think are worth a watch, like Madelyn Cline and KJ Apa in The Map That Leads to You. I also share what’s all over my FYP — like absolutely perfect fan reactions to The Summer I Turned Pretty Episode 7 — and what we’ve got going on over on BuzzFeed Celeb’s YouTube channel, plus so much more. Listen, I even find time to talk about one of the most memorable movie theater experiences I’ve ever had. Thanks for joining me!
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Also, have a question for me, or want to tell me what you’re watching right now, or have a suggestion of what I should watch next? Send it to me now at screentime@buzzfeed.com, at this Google form, or let me know in the comments below.
The Map That Leads to You — watch for: Madelyn Cline and KJ Apa’s chemistry
Prime Video
Streaming on Prime Video
Based on the book of the same name, The Map That Leads to You follows Heather (Madelyn Cline), who meets Jack (KJ Apa) while traveling Europe. Soon, the duo embarks on a whirlwind summer of romance and travel, as Jack visits locations his grandfather wrote about in a journal.
Prime Video
So, I bought stock in Madelyn Cline way back during Outer Banks Season 1, and it has rewarded me time and time again. I adored this movie. I think it was the perfect young adult romance, with Cline and Apa’s chemistry making this a streaming movie you need to watch. It was just so wholesome and heartbreaking, and reminded me of a 2000s rom-com. I also commend Cline for always finding projects where she gets to just be in the sun and have the best summer filming ever.
Prime Video
Honey Don’t! — watch for: Adding another lesbian Aubrey Plaza character to my list of favorites
Karen Kuehn / Focus Features / Everett Collection
In theaters now
Directed by Ethan Coen and written by Coen and his wife Tricia Cooke, Honey Don’t! Follows Honey (Margaret Qualley), a private investigator who is tasked with investigating a woman’s death and connection to a religious cult. This marks Qualley, Coen, and Cooke’s second film in a “lesbian B-movie trilogy” after 2024’s Drive-Away Dolls, which I had fun with.
Karen Kuehn / Focus Features / Everett Collection
But yes, if you haven’t already guessed, the real reason you need to watch this one is for Aubrey Plaza. I genuinely believe she is one of the most versatile actors, and her chemistry with Qualley is great. Plus, Plaza playing a lesbian is always a win for the LGBTQ+ community. And, I love seeing Chris Evans in a fun indie-like movie again. While it’s not the best movie I’ve seen all year, it’s still always fun to watch an out-there Plaza performance.
Focus Features / Everett Collection
Alien: Earth — watch for: Xenomorph horror Alien fans will die for
Patrick Brown / FX / Hulu
Streaming on Hulu, new episodes every Tuesday
Set in 2120, in the world of the Alien film franchise, Alien: Earth follows a deep-space research vessel that suddenly crash-lands on Earth. Now, a ragtag group of soldiers is about to come face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat. What’s important to note about this Alien entry is that it follows Wendy (Sydney Chandler), the first hybrid prototype.
Patrick Brown / FX / Hulu
This show boasts a stellar, and I truly mean STELLAR, ensemble cast led by Chandler, alongside Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, Timothy Olyphant, and more. I consider the Alien movies some of my favorites, and with only three episodes so far, I am already loving how this show is adding even more to the lore of the franchise’s universe. Plus, Xenomorph jump scares are so freakin’ cool in any setting.
Patrick Brown / FX / Hulu
BuzzFeed
These are some of my favorite things from my FYP, feed, and more:
It’s still the summer I defended Conrad Fisher with my life. This week’s The Summer I Turned Pretty episode is one fans have been eagerly awaiting, as Conrad finally found out about Jeremiah cheating on Belly, which led to the iconic beach confession. Christopher Briney must have been possessed by the spirit of Jess Mariano, Noah Calhoun, and Theodore Laurence while delivering Conrad’s “I still love you” speech. And then, “loml” by Taylor Swift plays in the aftermath. I even watched this episode in a crowded bar in NYC with countless other fans. It was like a Super Bowl watch party:
Prime Video / Via x.com
Remember when TV used to come out faster and none of this waiting two years in between seasons nonsense? Well, The Pitt has heard our prayers, and it’s not only already filming Season 2, but we have a release month AND a teaser trailer already. The teaser for the upcoming season dropped this week, and we get to see all of our returning favorites back at work after 10 months when a new shift begins. Everyone is already so excited, and I cannot wait, too:
You can watch the trailer below:
BuzzFeed
This week, over on BuzzFeed Celeb, we had Manny Jacinto return for Thirst Tweets Part 2. That’s right. It’s been five years since Manny read everyone’s initial thirst tweets about him and The Good Place, but as the years have gone on, everyone’s lust over this man has gotten even more…feral. So, Manny read a whole new bunch of rather thirsty tweets about himself, The Acolyte, and so much more. And yes, he even made this wholesome:
BuzzFeed
Where I answer YOUR questions about TV, movies, fandom, and more:
What’s the most memorable moviegoing experience you’ve had?
I grew up in the age of midnight premiere movies with Twilight, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games, but somehow, my most memorable movie theater experience might be extremely cliché, but it was watching Avengers: Endgame opening weekend. Sitting in a sold-out theater as Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) radioed Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and said, “On your left” before the portals scene started was a movie theater-going masterpiece. People yelled. People sobbed. It was so memorable. As a huge Marvel fan, this was my Super Bowl. I don’t know if anything will ever top this.
Marvel
And we’re continuing the discussion over here: Tell me, which movie theater experience has been the most memorable for YOU?
Well, that’s all I’ve got for this week’s edition of Screen Time. Come back every week to get more TV and movie recommendations, find out which celebs we’re working with, and so much more!
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Have a question for me, or want to tell me what you’re watching right now, or have a suggestion of what I should watch next? Send it to me now at screentime@buzzfeed.com, at this Google Form, or in the comments below!