The 40-Year-Old Version, Lingua Franca, and video rental stores

We discuss The 40-Year-Old Version and Lingua Franca, two films by multi-hyphenate talents with personal stories to tell. 04:14 The 40-Year-Old Version, streaming on Netflix, is about a Black playwright who was once considered a rising star, but is now struggling to create the art that she wants as she approaches her 40s. 24:26 Lingua Franca, also on Netflix, is about an undocumented trans Filipina caretaker whose attempts to fix her immigration status gets muddied once her client's adult grandson moves in. 42:15 Plus, culture notes about a TikTok of a video rental store replica that a couple built in their basement. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus bonus bullshit — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu Find out more at https://criticism-is-dead.pinecast.co