As the year winds down, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for being part of my journey. Your likes, comments, and thoughtful engagement mean so much to me. Watching our little community grow and inspire one another has truly been incredible.
With that in mind, I’d love to share some of the moments and insights that have touched me this December — a reminder that it’s never too late to learn, to feel deeply, and to connect meaningfully.
Which is why my first recommendation is the new Elton John documentary on Disney+ called “Never Too Late.” Elton John looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in this emotionally charged, full-circle journey. You can watch it here.
Just when I thought I had seen all of the best documentaries, I found this list: The 12 best documentaries of 2024
My next watch will be Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story for sure.
Lastly, I’ve always been a huge Smartless fan, but this episode with Denis Villeneuve has to be the best interview I’ve heard this year. It opens with a discussion of Denis’s film “Arrival,” along with the short story it was based on, “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang (which you should definitely read if you have a few mins, it’s online for free).
In the director’s words, the story is about “Living in the present time, to make the best out of it, and not to be afraid of living for the fear of death.” Amid hardship, it is valuable to take a step back and look at what really matters in life: your relationships.
Nobody ever asks to see their awards one last time when they are on their deathbed. No one asks to hear their career achievements listed one last time. We ask to see the people who we love.
This holiday season, as we take time to surround ourselves with family and good friends, I recommend that you try to appreciate those moments and not let the worries of tomorrow cloud them. As Will Arnett says in the episode, “Life is in session. Surrender to it.” Happy holidays.
Warm regards,
Brian
