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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

Dani Biondi

Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor

Dani Biondi is a sophomore studying journalism and cinema studies at the College of Arts & Science. When she’s not making the most of her AMC A-List membership, she’s building her social media empire, curating the perfect Chipotle bowl or practicing a stand-up set in her head. You can find her on Instagram @mrworldwidee_, or on Letterboxd @swagmasterdani.

All content by Dani Biondi
An illustration of a circular cookie with the word “DEC” in the center and the astrological symbols in red and green icing around it. Around the cookie are illustrations of each zodiac symbol with winter accessories and snowflakes.

Photo: Your December horoscope: Winter break projections

December 4, 2024

(Dani Biondi for WSN)

An illustration of a poster on a utility pole with a woman in the center with a question mark over her face. Above are the words “LINDA MILLS” and below are the words “Lookalike Contest.”

Off-Third: Linda Mills lookalike contest brings new crowd to Gould Plaza

Move aside, rat men of the month. There’s only one doppelganger search that matters.
Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor December 3, 2024

Off-Third is WSN’s satire column. The celebrity lookalike contest fad hasn’t left NYU’s campus just yet. With the infamous Oct. 28 Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Competition...

10 songs for your cold-weather playlist

10 songs for your cold-weather playlist

It’s finally feeling like winter is near, and these songs will let you lean into your chilly-weather sensibilities.

Sure, it hit 80 degrees on Halloween. But as we creep into the second half of November, it’s hard to deny that students are breaking out their winter coats and bracing for colder...

An illustration of the words “STAFF RECS” written in white on a blue background with white stars. In the bottom right corner, a white cloud says “MEN’S EDITION.” Surrounding the text are illustrations of a razor, a cotton swab, cologne and lotion.

Staff recs: Men’s beauty products

From Q-tips to home remedies, WSN has you covered with men’s beauty essentials.

Some think beauty products are reserved for women, but that is far from the truth. For the good of humanity, we must acknowledge that taking care of yourself is not inherently...

A person wearing a black leather jacket and a white shirt in front of a pier looks to the side.

Harley Chamandy on NYU, Werner Herzog and ‘Allen Sunshine’

WSN spoke with the NYU alum about being the youngest recipient of the Werner Herzog Film Award for his feature debut “Allen Sunshine.”
Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor November 11, 2024

NYU has yet another film accolade under its belt — 2021 Global Liberal Studies graduate Harley Chamandy was just named the youngest recipient of the highly acclaimed Werner Herzog...

White text reading “Staff Recs” on a pink background, surrounded by illustrations of beauty products.

Staff Recs: Beauty products

From hair masks to foot balms, we’ve got you covered — head to toe.

In the age of social media, we’re constantly being pushed to add new products to our beauty regimens. From influencers touting PR packages to brands releasing suspiciously similar...

An illustration of a woman screaming and text that reads “STAFF RANTS.”

Staff Rants: Post-election feelings

WSN staff shares their feelings in light of the 2024 presidential election results.

The Democrats have severely underestimated the power of the insecure white man.  — Yezen Saadah, Editor-in-Chief To the women from our grandmothers’ generation and to the...

An illustration of Donald Trump, depicted in red, and Kamala Harris, depicted in blue, side-by-side.

Staff Recs: Election season

We are all exhausted, but for the love of God, get out and vote tomorrow.

Nov. 5 is Election Day in the United States, and we at the Arts Desk implore you to vote. Politics and art have always been intrinsically intertwined and oftentimes ignite each...

A look-a-like in a Willy Wonka costume smiling with a microphone in front of him while people behind him smile and raise their hands in the air.

Rats don’t run this city, Timothée Chalamet lookalikes do

The Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Competition brought swarms of doppelgangers, mega-fans and the Oscar-nominated actor himself to Washington Square Park.
Dani Biondi and Olivia Condell October 29, 2024

On Sunday afternoon, Alexander Dueve middle-parted his curly brown locks, suited up in a leather jacket with matching gloves and tied a black knit scarf around his neck. He transformed...

A movie ticket booth with popcorn and 3-D glasses on the roof. Above it hangs a neon sign that reads “INSIDE THE BOXD” and a star that reads “WSN”.

Inside the Boxd: ‘After,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Cuckoo’ and more

Inside the Boxd is a column documenting WSN staffers’ recent film reviews on Letterboxd. Grab some popcorn and get that watchlist ready!

With roughly 10 million site-wide users in 2023, including the likes of NYU alumni Martin Scorsese and Ayo Edebiri, Letterboxd has become the premier social media platform for...

Multiple pieces of cake on a table.

Confectionaries build community at Food Network’s Halloween Sweets & Treats

WSN spoke with Food Network chefs and television hosts Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown about Halloween Sweets & Treats, a family-friendly event at the New York City Wine & Food Festival.
Dani Biondi and Lauren Ng October 24, 2024

On the 102nd floor of the One World Observatory, everything feels a little magical. With 360-degree views of Manhattan and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the Observatory would...

A girl in a red glitter dress dancing under purple lighting in a club.

NYFF 62 Review: If ‘Anora’ is a Cinderella story, the clock’s already struck midnight

In NYU alum Sean Baker’s newest film, which screened at the 62nd New York Film Festival, there’s nothing princely or charming about the uber-rich.
Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor October 18, 2024

Most of us turn a blind eye to sex workers. Director and NYU alum Sean Baker holds up a camera to them instead. Whether chronicling the lives of transgender sex workers in Los...

A collage of actors' polaroids arranged on a four by five grid with the words “SATURDAY NIGHT" in the center.

Review: ‘Saturday Night’ represents the whirlwind that established ’70s TV

The original “Saturday Night Live” cast and crew definitely don’t remember the 1975 premiere. But Jason Reitman’s reimagining of the 90 minutes leading up to the cold open will make you feel like you do.
Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor October 11, 2024

Since 1975, Americans have sat in front of their TVs every Saturday night at 11:30 p.m., flipped to Channel 4 and complained that “Saturday Night Live” isn’t funny anymore....

A large skull with orange vines wrapped around it. There are orange and purple pumpkins, and "STAFF RECS" is written above the skull on the dark blue background.

Staff Recs: Some scary stuff

Halloween haters and lovers alike are welcome here.

BOO! It’s the Arts Desk. We’re back with some particularly spooky recommendations as October kicks off. Whether you’re an avid hater of the holiday and will spend the entirety...

Two people stand against a cityscape, one of them looks through a scope.

NYFF 62 Review: ‘Megalopolis’ is a fever dream of conspiracy plots and over-the-top flaunts of wealth

Rome may not have been built in a day, but not even four decades of workshopping could keep Francis Ford Coppola’s new science-fiction drama from crumbling.
Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor September 30, 2024

If Francis Ford Coppola had TikTok in 2023, he’d tell you he’s been thinking about the Roman Empire for over 40 years — a thought that’s cost him over $120 million out...

Surrounded by other people, a person in a red shirt stands under letters on a white wall which reads, “HOW DO WE PLAY?” in rainbow colors.

‘How Do We Play?’ will revitalize your inner child

In an exhibition furnished with photography, paintings and swings, viewers can immerse themselves in an artistic playscape meant to reinvoke feelings of joy and curiosity.
Dani Biondi and Eleanor Jacobs September 25, 2024

A girl dancing at a party with purple lights.

WSN’s guide to the 62nd New York Film Festival

In anticipation of this year’s New York Film Festival, WSN has put together a list of must-see movie premieres that you will want to secure tickets for before they sell out.
Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor September 9, 2024

This year, the New York Film Festival — which runs from Sept. 27 to Oct. 14 — will celebrate its 62nd anniversary. With the festival’s Main Slate featuring films from 24...

On a dark purple background, hand-drawn white letters spell “BACK TO SCHOOL STAFF RECS” with a C.D. and musical notes, an open book, and a black film clapperboard surrounding them.

Staff Recs: Falling into autumn

The best media to cozy up to during the fall semester.

The endless summer is coming to an end, and with autumn comes our favorite fall media. Maybe you are a sweater weather enthusiast restarting “Gilmore Girls” for the 10th time,...

A man holds onto the back of a vehicle while crossing a bridge. There are several other cars behind him.

Review: Prepare to fall for ‘The Fall Guy’

American filmmaker David Leitch’s action comedy sticks the landing in its celebration of the stunt teams and production crews that craft movie magic.
Dani Biondi, Staff Writer May 2, 2024

In his nearly three-decade-long career, American filmmaker David Leitch has been a prominent figure in the action film genre, with credits as a producer on the “John Wick”...

A woman and a man look at each other while both holding the same whiskey glass.

Review: ‘Challengers’ volleys between on and off-court tension

Fear not, athletically challenged viewers: Luca Guadagnino’s new tennis drama centers on the sport, but the real heat is off the court.
Dani Biondi, Staff Writer April 30, 2024

Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino has mastered erotic subtext in his filmography; by means of cannibals in “Bones and All” and even peaches in “Call Me by Your Name,” his...

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...