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

All content by Dani Biondi
A girl posing in Times Square.

Musician Sloane Simon on finding harmony in community

The frontwoman of the 2024 UltraViolet Live Best Group Performance winner and a Clive Davis first-year, Sloane Simon spoke with WSN about how interpersonal connection has grounded her musically.
Dani Biondi, Staff Writer April 4, 2024

Clive Davis first-year Sloane Simon conquered her awkward phase in middle school by landing music gigs at local restaurants. Simon performed covers ranging from Frank Sinatra to...

Three people sitting in front of a screen with bright, colorful strokes.

Review: ‘Harold Cohen: AARON’ proves that art needs a human touch

The exhibition, which tracks the evolution of the first AI art program, is currently on display at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Dani Biondi, Staff Writer March 7, 2024

Before online AI art generators like DALL·E or Midjourney, there was AARON, a software developed by British painter-engineer Harold Cohen. The “Harold Cohen: AARON” art exhibition...

A still of two people fighting with small swords in front of a group of people and aliens.

Review: ‘Dune: Part Two’ resonates now more than ever before

Frank Herbert’s “Dune” may be nearing its 60th anniversary, but Denis Villeneuve’s continuation of the 2021 film adaptation reinvigorates the epic sci-fi story.
Dani Biondi, Staff Writer March 4, 2024

Frank Herbert’s “Dune” is a behemoth of a series, with six parts and — for some reason — 20 spin-off novels expanding the universe. Despite its extensive worldbuilding...

A woman sits at a laptop while a man stands next to her, looking at a piece of paper from a black envelope. Behind them is a full bookcase and a painting.

Review: ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ makes vulnerability sexy

Co-created by NYU alum Donald Glover and a twist on the 2005 film of the same name, the series is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Dani Biondi, Staff Writer February 26, 2024

Warning: This review contains spoilers for “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” You probably didn’t watch “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005) for the plot, unless that counts ogling...

A man wearing protective goggles looks through a small circular window that is emitting bright light.

The case against ‘Oppenheimer’

Leading the pack with 13 Oscar nominations, including best picture, it’s time to ruffle some Nolan-heads and reassess the biopic.
Dani Biondi, Staff Writer February 13, 2024

Content warning: This article contains mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation. It’s hard to ignore Christopher Nolan’s success as a filmmaker. With eight Academy Award...

There is a man in a purple outfit and a big hat standing on the trunk of a tree. There are pink leaves and absurdly large cherries hanging from the tree.

Review: ‘Wonka’ is a sweet treat for your inner child

WSN spoke with actors Timothée Chalamet and Keegan-Michael Key about Paul King’s whimsical homage to the iconic story.
Dani Biondi, Contributing Writer December 15, 2023

I’ll be the first person to admit that I was deathly afraid of Willy Wonka as a child. Maybe it’s because I read Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” a few...

A person in a black hat and shirt with white pants and shoes stands in a dark room on a platform in front of a large curved digital screen with a projection of a blue sky with white clouds and white ground.

WLab carries filmmakers into the future of the entertainment industry

Partnering with NYU Tandon @ The Yard, WLab provides students with access to virtual production technology in its motion capture studio.
Dani Biondi, Contributing Writer December 6, 2023

Filmmakers now have the opportunity to test out the industry’s newest technology at WLab, a virtual production studio, partnered with NYU Tandon @ The Yard. Founded by a group...

A recreation of the main stage of the “Saturday Night Live” set on display at a museum. There are three brown door-like frames against the back wall of the set. Musical instruments sit in the dark on the stage. On either side of the stage are television screens, both under an illuminated lamp attached to each side of the wall.

Live from New York: it’s your Saturday Night!

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or your favorite stars are hosting, here’s your best shot at making it into Studio 8H.
Dani Biondi, Contributing Writer November 7, 2023

If you’re tired of breaking the bank on a Saturday night out, or you found out that you missed Taylor Swift or Pedro Pascal hosting at NBC Studios the next day, try your hand...

Actresses Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott as characters Josie and P.J. in the film “Bottoms.” They are standing in an indoor basketball court.

Review: ‘Bottoms’ delivers punches and punchlines in its teen sex story

Director and NYU alum Emma Seligman ushers in a new era of queer media through this hilariously horny teen film.
Dani Biondi, Contributing Writer September 15, 2023

The high school-teen-sex-comedy is a universally adored subgenre. Our infatuation with the caricatures and inflated archetypes that live within the genre allow us to see ourselves...