Artificial Intelligence is the new obsession. I’ve used it to market my work and even to help edit a few recent books. My latest titles? Yes, they’ve had some input from AI. But let’s be honest — AI can’t replicate a human voice. It can’t deliver that spark that makes a story stick. That’s why storytelling still holds its ground. And why film — as a medium for telling stories — still cuts through the noise.
When we crave perspective, when we want to understand life from another angle, we turn to stories. That’s why books still sell. That’s why true stories — like those tied to the Epstein saga — still get people talking. And that’s why we keep watching movies.
How Film & Storytelling Connects us
Film and storytelling connect us. They build empathy. They remind us we’re human. Whether it’s a futuristic allegory or a historical drama, we’re drawn to stories that reveal truths — even old truths — in new ways.
Take, for instance, the new documentary on George Orwell that hits eerily close to home in our divided political landscape. Or The Dead Man, starring Russell Crowe, which revisits the Nuremberg trials. Then there’s Bugonia, a film about conspiracy culture and economic inequality — a timely reflection of our fractured world.
Essays and hot takes can shout into the void. But storytelling stays. It’s shaped my own creative journey — and it still drives our culture forward.
Spotlight: What We’re Watching and Why It Matters
With classic themes reappearing — from Frankenstein to Star Wars — the phrase “What’s old is new again” has never felt more relevant. Here’s a look at what’s lighting up our screen and sparking conversation:
🎬 One Battle After Another
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Based on: Vineland by Thomas Pynchon
Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this dive into post-’60s America during the Reagan era. Critics love it — audiences, not so much. As a longtime Pynchon fan, I’m still waiting for someone to bring to the silver screen a stellar version of my favorite of his books: The Crying of Lot 49. But meanwhile, here’s a link to some other great works from Pynchon!
🧟 Frankenstein Returns
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Director Del Toro brings Mary Shelley’s Gothic legend back to life. Expect shadows, sadness, and soul. There’s a lot of buzz right now about the real story behind Frankenstein — from the literary origins to its modern-day symbolism.
🌌 Star Wars: (Or…Return of the “Returns?!)
It’s never truly gone, is it? The saga returns to theaters, and over on Friday Flix, we’re diving into fan theories — including whether Earth exists in the Star Wars universe. (Spoiler: Yes. Sort of.)
🎭 Hamnet
A fictionalized take on a real tragedy: the death of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, at age 11. This film imagines how that loss may have shaped his greatest work- Hamlet. It’s a story of grief, legacy, and what art can do with pain.
Ken Burns’ American Revolution
Coming soon — and not a moment too soon. Burns takes us back to the founding of American democracy. In a time of division, this might be the kind of historical reset we need. Here’s hoping it inspires us to protect and preserve the 250-year-old experiment we’re still living in.
From the 6 Degrees Blog
Here’s what’s new and worth checking out:
- Some Spiritual Guideposts
- 6 Degrees of Film Recommends…
- Caregiver’s Notes: You Are Not Alone
What we’re reading and watching:
- The Origins of Frankenstein – [History.com]
- Cities in Space – The 1970s vision of tomorrow
- Most Banned Books of the Year
- TikTok & YouTube: The New Gatekeepers of Criticism
Coming Soon: Two New Books
We’re excited to share what’s next from 6 Degrees:
📘 The Pursuit of Happiness
Years in the making, this book draws from self-help wisdom, personal growth journeys, and the principles we’ve built in our “Growing Group” program since 2020.
📗 The Caregiver’s Guide to Happier
This book is born from real conversations and shared experience. The Caregiver’s Guide is for anyone who’s cared for a parent, a partner, a sibling — or a friend. Caregiving is a quiet, powerful act of love. This book is about honoring that journey.
What’s Next at 6 Degrees
As we wrap up 2025, we’re rolling out new features on the website, prepping new releases, and highlighting the best of the year. Stick around — the stories aren’t over yet.