Ep 22: Obsessions - Ingrid Goes West & The Secret Patient

In this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff take a close look at Obsessions.  Specifically they look at characters with unhealthy lifestyles, infatuations, and self-destructive habits that cloud their morals.

Heather beings the show by presenting The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.  Told through the perspective of two main characters, Heather unfolds the story which deals with mental illness, murder, mystery, and the obsessions that drive the main characters.  Heather was able to finish this book, which says a lot, and was actually blown away by a huge twist in the tail end of the novel.

Did you know?  The Silent Patient debuted on the NYTimes bestseller list at #1.  Not bad!

Jeff brings us back for part 2 of the summary portion of the show, outlining the film Ingrid Goes West starring Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen.  The story follows Ingrid, as Jeff mentions, who is addicted to her phone and also may need professional treatment for other issues.  Jeff thinks the movie really picks up once Ingrid lands in California and befriends Dan, and later Taylor (Olsen).  Our host mentions that this is a dark comedy and may not be for everyone, but conveys a lot of social commentary on our lives with phones and internet influencers.

Fun Fact!  Much like his character in the film, Wyatt Russell does not participate in social media at all.

Following these reviews, Heather and Jeff dive into commonalities between the two works such as admiration, healthy fandom, comparing lives, going too far, and self esteem issues.

Listen in to hear Jeff and Heather’s candid thoughts on the masterpiece scenes of each story, how Ingrid Goes West and The Silent Patient compare, and how Jeff and Heather relate the two. Share this episode with everyone who loves thrillers in your life!

Heather’s rating for Marley And Me: Very Nice – A great read that you’ll blow through once you get going.

Jeff’s rating for Ingrid Goes West: Very Nice – Top notch acting and an interesting plot push this rating past just Nice.  A thought provoking take on what social media does to a person.

Watch Ingrid Goes West here: https://www.amazon.com/Ingrid-Goes-West-Aubrey-Plaza/dp/B074T4MBHB

Read The Silent Patient here: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Patient-Alex-Michaelides/dp/1250301696

About Parallel Fiction:

Parallel Fiction is the perfect supplemental companion to all of the stories you consume. We will be covering movies, television, books, graphic novels, video games, and music whenever it applies. Learn more about things you love, and get to know us a little bit better as we give you a peak into our lives and opinions.

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