Feeling bored of books and movies that tell different versions of the same predictable tales? Looking for a way to break the mundane cycle of working a 9 to 5 and then going home and binge-watching Netflix? If your answer to either of those is question yes, then I’ve got some suggestions for you. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite pieces of mind blowing media that will have you questioning your perspectives, attitudes, and the meaning of life.

ASAP Rocky – LSD

A beautiful ode to love and drugs that will have you feeling like you’re in a different plane of consciousness. LSD is a transcendent song by rapper ASAP Rocky that takes listeners on a journey through the psychedelic experience. The song is a sonic landscape of dreamy synths, pulsating beats, and ethereal vocals that create a sense of otherworldliness. The lyrics speak to the transformative power of the hallucinogenic drug, exploring themes of love, spirituality, and self-discovery. The song invites listeners to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the unknown, to open their minds and explore the depths of their consciousness. A piece of music that blurs the lines between reality and imagination and leaves a lasting impression on all who hear it.

Haruki Murakami – Killing Commendatore

Haruki Murakami’s “Killing Commendatore” is a mind-blowing work of fiction that takes readers on a journey through the intricacies of the human mind and the mysteries of the universe. Murakami’s writing style is poetic and mesmerizing, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions of characters and settings that are both familiar and otherworldly. The story itself is a labyrinthine puzzle that slowly unravels as the protagonist, a portrait painter named Tomohiko Amada, discovers a hidden painting in his attic and embarks on a surreal journey to unravel its meaning. Along the way, Amada encounters a cast of unforgettable characters and grapples with themes such as love, loss, and the search for identity. “Killing Commendatore” is a masterpiece of modern literature that will leave you questioning the nature of reality long after you turn the final page.

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Fight Club

No list of eye-opening, perspective shifting media would be complete without the cinematic masterpiece that is Fight Club. Directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, is a visually striking examination of masculinity, consumerism, and societal dissatisfaction. Edward Norton plays the unnamed narrator, who, struggling with insomnia, finds solace in attending support groups. He meets Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt, and together they form Fight Club, an underground organization where men release their pent-up aggression through brutal fistfights. Without giving too much away, it features a brilliant twist that is sure to blow your mind.

The film is a poignant commentary on the destructive nature of capitalism and the emptiness of consumer culture, featuring sharp dialogue and innovative storytelling. Norton and Pitt deliver powerful performances that perfectly capture the film’s themes of identity, power, and violence. Fight Club is a bold and thought-provoking film that will leave a lasting impression. It is a must-see for fans of Fincher’s work and those interested in exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche.

Atlanta Season 4 Episode 10 – It Was All a Dream

Since it premiered in 2016 Donald Glover’s award-winning series Atlanta has been one of the most groundbreaking and thought-provoking pieces of television out there. With its unique brand of Afro-surrealism, absurdist humor, and poignant social commentary it is unlike almost anything else that’s come before. The show’s finale managed to live up to the high expectations the series had already set and end off with a bang.

In a very dreamlike episode we join the eccentric Darius, played by fan favourite LaKeith Stanfield, on a trip to a clinic to use a sensory deprivation tank. Whilst he is there the lines between reality and fiction become blurred and the viewer is taken on an intriguing emotional and spiritual journey with Darius. Whilst being quite a heavy watch, in trademark Atlanta style there are some moments of hilarity to balance things out. I highly recommend watching the entirety of the series and can ensure you it will be one of the most rewarding watches you can have, and when you get to the finale it will prove to be the cherry on top.

Inside No. 9 – The 12 Days of Christine

“Inside No. 9” is a critically acclaimed British anthology series created by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, who also star in each episode alongside a revolving cast. The show features standalone stories that take place inside different No. 9 locations, such as a flat, a hotel room, or a museum exhibit. Each episode is a unique blend of genres, including horror, comedy, drama, and thriller, and often features mind-bending twists and surprise endings. In my opinion it is as good if not better than its better-known counterpart Black Mirror. Series 2’s second episode “The 12 Days of Christine” is a 2015 mini-masterpiece that left viewers blindsided. Starring Sheridan Smith, it follows Christine’s life as it unravels after meeting Adam at a New Year’s party. A dozen holidays, 13 months apart, provide snapshots of her life with clues gradually building into something deeply moving. In just 29 minutes, this tour de force of storytelling, craft, and chronology unfolds like an arthouse film, culminating in one of the most unforgettable and devastating twists in television history.

Black Mirror – White Bear

“White Bear” is the second episode of the second season of the anthology series Black Mirror. The show is known for exploring the dark side of technology and its potential consequences. However, “White Bear” is a departure from the usual theme, focusing instead on the concept of memory and punishment. The episode follows a woman who wakes up with no memory of who she is or why she is there. She is pursued by people who seem to be under the influence of some kind of signal transmitted through their phones or tablets. Throughout the episode, the woman tries to figure out what is going on and how she can escape.

“White Bear” is a thrilling and thought-provoking episode that raises questions about the nature of justice and punishment. It also explores the idea of memory and how it shapes our sense of self.