Friday Picks #6
- New Mean 4u
- Dec 5, 2025
- 4 min read
I must be honest: this movie didn't exactly surprise me with the plot, but that doesn't mean I wasn't seated and watching it. This intriguing story really caught my attention regarding a subject I've been wanting to talk about for a while: twins!
Starting with the movie 'Twinless' that led us here—directed by James Sweeney and starring the amazing Dylan O'Brien (who I’ve been in love with since his role in 'All Too Well: The Short Film')—I finished this piece feeling fulfilled, like I truly had a good time. Is it a flawless masterpiece? No. There are definitely things that could've been done better, especially since I clocked the plot right at the beginning (my friends literally asked me if I had seen it before because I guessed it so fast). But honestly? It’s still super entertaining and the perfect comfort watch to make you feel lighter after a stressful day.
I don't know about y'all, but I have this habit of going down a research rabbit hole about subjects from movies I just finished watching. Because of that, I found this amazing book called 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. For those who don't know her, she is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and a powerful voice in contemporary literature, known for exploring complex themes of race, family, and identity.
I'm putting this book in this Friday Picks as a little spoiler for what's coming next in 'From the Bookshelf to the Book Club' because, for the first time, I'm listing something I haven't actually read yet. The way the description of this book grabbed me was absolutely absurd, and I literally can't wait to start it. So, I'm here in advance to say: please read this so we can talk about it! I have a feeling this book is going to change our lives.
Continuing my deep dive into all things twins, I stumbled upon the incredible story of two Brazilian brothers. They are a duo best known as OSGEMEOS (which literally means "The Twins" in Portuguese). For those who don't know, Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo are iconic graffiti artists from São Paulo who took the art world by storm with their distinct, yellow-skinned characters and colorful, hip-hop-influenced murals that you can now see on buildings across the globe.
In this specific article I found, they open up about their unique telepathic-like connection and how they invented a fantastical universe they call Tritrez. It’s a shared dream world they claim to have visited together since childhood, which serves as the main inspiration for their surreal art. No more spoilers here, but you can check out the full story and enter their world by clicking the button below.
It wouldn't be a twin-themed Friday Picks if we didn't talk about the most iconic movie ever made on the subject: 'The Parent Trap'. This is one of my favorite movies EVER, and honestly, I was just looking for an excuse to put it on this list and talk about it. I've been obsessed with this film and using it as a comfort movie since before I could even say my own name.
Sometimes I wish I could go back to my childhood and find a long-lost twin just to pull an "Annie and Hallie." Well, that seems fun through a child's eyes... but if I had kids nowadays and they pulled a stunt like that, I’d be terrified! Almost as terrified as I am by the fact that the parents in this movie actually agreed to split them up in the first place. That deal was crazy, right?
One of the themes explored in the movie is how the main character deals with his anger. It's not the main subject, but it plays a huge role in making the narrative work. That’s why I have to mention this important piece: 'The Anger Book' by Elias Baar.
For those who don't know, this is actually an interactive journal designed to help you physically and creatively release your rage. It’s full of prompts that encourage you to rip pages out, scribble aggressively, or write letters you'll never send. I felt I had to bring it up for two reasons: first, because it's hands down one of the most cathartic experiences I've ever had with this kind of book. And second, it fits the Twinless narrative perfectly—watching the movie, I kept thinking, "I really need to give a copy of this to that specific character right now."
You can also check out the post on our Instagram page and share your thoughts there, just like you can here. I am seriously so invested in this 'New Mean 4u' project because I love hearing what y'all have to say. This experience of exchanging cultures, ideas, and life experiences is exactly why I built this entire website and revamped the format of our Friday Picks. So, please, make yourself at home! Let me know your thoughts on the movie, the books, the articles, and the whole "twins" subject in the comments below.
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