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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Film

An illustration of Ingrid, a porcelain doll and main character from the short film “Bestia.” She sits at a table smoking a cigarette and is wearing a red collared blouse. Below her is a teacup and other food items.

An overview of this year’s Oscar-nominated animated shorts screening at IFC

Catch up with the animated shorts screening at the IFC Center before the Oscars.
Sebastian Zufelt, Staff Writer March 9, 2022

Every year the Oscars’ novelty seems to diminish. This year is no exception, with the primary categories filled with familiar faces. Avoid this fatigue by checking out the short...

A group of incarcerated men sit in an auditorium. All of them are wearing light blue denim collared shirts and dark blue jeans. Two of the men are smoking cigarettes.

Review: ‘Great Freedom’ exposes hope on trial in the face of institutionalized cruelty

Sebastian Meise’s film is a moving portrait of a gay man in a country that criminalized his identity. “Great Freedom” is playing in select theaters.
Alexandra Bentzien, Contributing Writer March 7, 2022

Sebastian Meise’s “Great Freedom” unveils the shameful and barbarous past of Germany’s criminalization of homosexuality. While difficult to watch, the film also reveals...

A close-up shot of bright orange lava.

Q&A with ‘Rock Bottom Riser’ director Fern Silva

WSN spoke with Fern Silva about Hawaii, Dwayne Johnson, colonialism and cinema as a point of inquiry.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor March 7, 2022

At first glance, Fern Silva’s “Rock Bottom Riser” is a documentary about Hawaii. But through Silva’s tapestry of visceral sights and sounds, it becomes a sui generis piece...

An illustration of a computer on the right of a bed with a blue blanket; the screen displays a Hindu wedding scene from “Monsoon Wedding.” In front of the computer is a small teacup.

Off the Radar: ‘Monsoon Wedding’ offers a window into Indian tradition

“Off the Radar” is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. "Monsoon Wedding" is available on NYU Stream.
Indranil Basu, Contributing Writer March 4, 2022

“Monsoon Wedding” is a 2001 Hindi-English language drama film directed by Mira Nair. It is, like “Salaam Bombay!” (also available on NYU Stream) and most of her other films,...

A silhouette of swaying palm trees in front of a burnt orange sunset. In the center of the background is a giant golden sun surrounded by an orange cloudy sky.

Review: ‘Rock Bottom Riser’ rocks

Fern Silva’s feature-length debut is an electrifying documentary on Hawaii. “Rock Bottom Riser” opens this weekend at the Metrograph.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor March 4, 2022

Through his exploration of myth, Fern Silva brings out the realness of places. His feature film debut, “Rock Bottom Riser,” digs deep into the long and complicated history...

Left to right: Lilan Bowden, Will Arnett and Marshawn Lynch in a morgue with colorful balloons flying out of one of the cabinets.

Review: ‘Murderville’ is hilarious… sometimes

Netflix’s new improv comedy series starring Will Arnett offers a fun spin on the murder mystery genre. The first season of “Murderville” is available to stream.
Lucy McHugh, Contributing Writer March 2, 2022

The new Netflix comedy series “Murderville” combines unscripted comedy and murder mystery, and it’s as entertaining as it sounds.  Will Arnett leads the show as senior...

An illustration of a frog wearing a red suit and magenta pants. The frog is playing the saxophone and is on top of a blue background speckled with stars and spotlight rays.

Review: ‘Strawberry Mansion’ is a sweet delight

“Strawberry Mansion” marks Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney’s second collaboration after the success of “Sylvio.” It is currently playing in select cinemas.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor March 1, 2022

Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney’s “Strawberry Mansion” is like a René Magritte painting brought to life. Channeling the wild imagination of Terry Gilliam and filtering...

A still from season 2 of the HBO show “Euphoria” features the main cast of Lexi's school play. The five actors are seated on the steps of the stage and look ahead.

Recap: ‘Euphoria’ S2E8: When the curtain finally falls

The “Euphoria” season finale delivered a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave viewers eagerly anticipating a third season. “Euphoria” is available to stream on HBO Max.
Shreya Wankhade, Contributing Writer March 1, 2022

Spoiler warning: This review includes potential spoilers for Euphoria seasons one and two. On the last Sunday before a two-year break, viewers gathered around their devices,...

An illustration of a computer on the right of a bed with a blue blanket; the screen displays Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler. In front of the computer is a small teacup.

Off the Radar: ‘The Fallout’

Introducing “Off the Radar,” a new weekly series from the Film & TV editors that surveys overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships.
Shreya Wankhade, Contributing Writer February 28, 2022

An unlikely pair bond together following a traumatic school shooting in HBO’s new original film “The Fallout.” Vada (Jenna Ortega), a chill and unapologetic tomboy, would...

An illustration of Jennifer Lopez holding a $100 bill. Wearing a light blue shirt and small gold hoop earrings, she stands in front of a rose-colored background.

‘Marry Me’ is a Where’s Waldo of soulless product placement

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re not Jennifer Lopez. Neither am I. We are safe from her here.
Elizabeth Crawford, Contributing Writer February 28, 2022

Remember the early aughts, when J. Lo was the Michael Jordan of romantic comedies? “Jenny from the Block” did not miss. We got “The Wedding Planner” (2001), “Maid in...

Australian film, “Friends and Strangers” follows the lives of Ray (Fergus Wilson) and Alice (Emma Diaz) through the fumbles of growing into adulthood. (Image Courtesy of Grasshopper Film)

Review: ‘Friends and Strangers’ is an artful portrait of awkward Australians

James Vaughan’s directorial debut observes the fumbles of growing into adulthood. “Friends and Strangers” opens this weekend at Metrograph NYC.
Sebastian Zufelt, Staff Writer February 25, 2022

Apart from “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Australian cinema hasn’t been on the world’s radar since the peak of the Australian New Wave of the 1970s. With his directorial debut,...

An illustration of characters from famous romantic comedies. On the right, the couple from “Crazy Rich Asians” shares a kiss. In the middle, Lara Jean Covey from “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.” On the right, Jenna from “13 Going on 30” hangs off a street light pole.

Romantic comedies deserve to make a much-awaited comeback

The fun and hijinks of romantic comedies is needed now, more than ever.
Sunny Sequeira, UTA Staff Editor February 24, 2022

For years, romantic comedies have comforted viewers, defined romance and provided a nice way to spend a Saturday night. But while the ’90s and 2000s were saturated with iconic...