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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

Arts

Theaters like the Independent Film Center (IFC), located on 323 6th Avenue, have placed multiple safety measures to allow New Yorkers to experience film culture again. The precautions set to ensure their customers are safe result in lower ticket sales for independent theaters. (Photo by Kaylah Haye)

As theaters reopen, film culture blossoms

A survey of multiple theaters in New York City pointing to a new vision of cinephilia where the online sphere and curatorial practices create new viewing patterns.
Quan Zhang, Contributing Writer March 15, 2021

Last weekend, a new withdrawal appeared in my bank account: $23.95, the price of AMC’s A-List. This is approximately 1.3 times the monthly cost of a premium Netflix subscription,...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Weekly Radio Roundup: March 5 – March 11

Read about the most notable singles released this week.

This past week’s releases provided a glimpse into the new sounds and influences trending in the music industry.  From soul music to 1970s glam rock, these tracks gave us an...

The third feature by writer-director Eliza Hittman, “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” follows Autumn, a pregnant teenager from Pennsylvania who struggles to find local resources to get an abortion. The film is available for free to NYU students through NYU Stream, as well as HBO Max for those living in dorms. (Staff Illustrated by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

“Never Rarely Sometimes Always” is always gripping

Beautifully simple, this film is a must-see this awards season. “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” is available for free to NYU students through NYU Stream, as well as HBO Max for those living in dorms.
Sebastian Zufelt, Staff Writer March 11, 2021

Content warning: This article mentions abortion while reviewing scenes from the movie. For a while, it seemed like this awards season was going to be unique. Many predicted...

March is Women’s History Month, and WSN's Arts desk is highlighting inspiring women artists. Amanda Gorman, Janis Joplin, Kelly Reichardt, and SOPHIE are women artists that create, experiment, and innovate inspiring work in their respective fields. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Staff Recs: Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Arts Desk recommends female artists who have inspired us through their work, passion and character.

What brings you joy? Challenges you to raise your voice? Acts as a shoulder to cry on when you are down? Perhaps it is a song, photograph, book or film that makes your eyes glisten,...

Arab Strap's latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” depicts statuesque bodies on its album cover. “As Days Get Dark” is Arab Strap's first studio album in 16 years. (Staff Photos by Alexandra Chan, Manasa Gudavalli, Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

‘As Days Get Dark’ Review: Arab Strap’s Latest Offers Drab Diction and Lulling Lyrics

Arab Strap’s latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” comes at a depressing time with saddening songs. Featuring a bout of lackluster experimentation, the album doesn’t amount to much despite its intentions.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor March 9, 2021

With their latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” Arab Strap doubles down on the thickness of their Scottish brogue while delivering deliberately dreary dance tunes. Fluctuating...

"WandaVision," a miniseries recently released on Disney+, is the newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The release of "WandaVision" and its highly anticipated finale has entertained Marvel fans and newcomers alike. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

How ‘WandaVision’ Became More Than Just a Show

As a wise android once said, “What is grief, if not love persevering?”
Elizabeth Winters, Contributing Writer March 8, 2021

Spoiler alert: this article mentions important scenes from the show.  My roommate and I were among the millions of Marvel enthusiasts who caused Disney+ to crash in anticipation...

“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry,” released on Apple TV+, is a music documentary about singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. The documentary showcases both the good and bad moments of Billie Eilish's life and stardom.
(Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Billie Eilish’s documentary breaks barriers of pop stardom

This candid-but-unfiltered documentary is as unconventional as Eilish herself.
Ana Cubas, Music Editor March 8, 2021

“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry,” directed by R.J. Cutler, whose past documentary films include “The September Issue” and “The War Room,” is the newest...

Luca Guadagnino's new HBO series “We are Who We Are” follows two teens and their families on an American army base in Chioggia, Italy. The series shows the struggle of the characters, played by several well known celebrities such as Chloe Sevigny and Scott ‘Kid Cudi’ Mescudi, as they navigate through teenage life and the exploration of their sexualities and identities. 
(Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

‘We Are Who We Are’ Is An Artistic Triumph For The Coming-of-Age Genre

The new series by Luca Guadagnino tells the story of teenage self-discovery with the backdrop of a U.S. army base in Italy.
Kaylee DeFrietas, Arts Editor September 28, 2020

A drama about coming-of-age in a small town in Italy by Luca Guadagnino? You may think I am talking about the 2017 critically acclaimed film “Call Me By Your Name” but I am...

Characters like Joe Goldberg in “You” and Nate Jacobs in “Euphoria” are great examples of toxic and manipulative men that young girls continue to idealize because they are conventionally attractive. These characters normalize problematic behaviors in TV shows marketed towards teenages who then see these relationships as common and worth seeking. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

Dear Teen TV Shows: Can We Please Stop Glorifying Toxic Men?

A reflection on some of the biggest shows, characters and relationships that shaped this generation of young women and a call for healthier depictions of love and boundaries.
Samaa Khullar, Staff Writer September 28, 2020

Content warning: this article contains themes of sexual assault, and emotional and physical abuse. When the teen mystery sensation “Pretty Little Liars” first aired on ABC...

"Tea for Tillerman 2" is Cat Stevens's reimagining of his original album in 1970. Although the album is undoubtedly beautiful, it fails to capture the vulnerability of his previous work. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

Cat Stevens Revisits ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ and Creates New Magic

Despite lacking the vulnerability and simplicity of the original, this revamped album is dramatic and experimental.
Izzy Salas, Staff Writer September 25, 2020

“Tea for the Tillerman 2” by Yusuf/Cat Stevens is as lovely as the first time around but leans heavily on sounds instead of lyrics. It all feels very indie movie-esque, very...

Originally released in 1991,“Thank You and Good Night” was restored by IndieCollect and acts as a love letter to Jan Oxenberg’s grandmother, Mae Joffe. Choosing to infuse the film with a childlike wonder, a sense of nostalgia blossoms that illustrates the beautiful dynamic between her existence as a child being attached to a notion of care bestowed by her grandmother (Photo Courtesy of Nico Chapin)

‘Thank You and Good Night,’ A Film Like No Other

Jan Oxenberg’s newest movie,“Thank You and Good Night”, acts as a love letter to the director’s grandmother as it grapples with themes of death and decay.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Film & TV Editor September 25, 2020

It is rare for a filmmaker to be present in every single frame of a film, to envelop themselves in every speck of celluloid and convey themselves in their own art; yet somehow...

Movies like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro will transport you to new places without leaving the comfort of your bedroom. As the nights get colder and longer, the Washington Square News staff wants to make sure you have great movies to watch. (Staff Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

Staff Recs: Comfort Movies

Sometimes when the outside world becomes too much, a good movie is the best form of escapism.

“Fiddler on the Roof” by Norman Jewison Sasha Cohen, Arts Editor My grandma and I sing “If I Were a Rich Man” a lot. What can I say? We just love practicing our “biddy...