An Epistle

Dear Netflix,

[cue "Endless Love"] I have never hid my love for you ever since the first day we entered the three-at-a-time unlimited movie circle of trust. Those surprise, perfectly crafted red envelopes brightened my day, even though I had received at least two email updates saying exactly when they would arrive. My queue grew longer and our love grew deeper.

[start "Unchained Melody"] My love pushed beyond what I ever imagined possible when we were granted unlimited, on-demand streaming. Oh, the movies we loved--and all on a whim! Movies I may not have been willing to add to our insanely long queue became some of my favorites. I can't imagine what my life would be like without having watched Persepolis, A Walk to Beautiful, and The Education of Shelby Knox. And, if that weren't enough, the fact that you remember exactly where I am in a movie should I get interrupted has given me the green light to start drafting tattoo designs to confirm my affections.

[transition to "Halo"] But now? Part of me wonders if I should start slowly side-stepping away, hoping you won't see me leave. You have to admit that it is kind of creepy that you know me THAT well. The bigger part of me, though, wants to jump up and down, consumed with this fire of love for you swelling through my entire body. You've given me suggestions before in very obvious, generic genres, such as "foreign films" or "independent documentaries." I was impressed when "movies about Germany" came up, but I never expected it to get this far. My heart skipped at least three beats* (and shouted at least a couple hallelujahs simultaneously) when I saw the new list of movies under "documentaries featuring a strong female lead." I don't think my own husband could have summed up my taste in movies as accurately and succinctly! Color me impressed. Very impressed.

So here's the deal: you keep supplying endless suggestions of feminist documentaries, critically-acclaimed foreign films, and quirky independent comedies that I most definitely will love--and I won't be creeped out that you know so much more about me than I will ever know about you. Yes?

In the meantime, I'll be pulling a Mad Mary.**

Affectionately,
S.


*For those of you wondering, skipping two beats would be fairly common. But skipping three...

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