Skip to Main Content
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

Kaylee DeFreitas

Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Managing Editor

Kaylee DeFreitas is a senior (Yikes!) majoring in Journalism and Educational Theatre with a minor in Irish Studies. When she isn’t writing for WSN, you can find her watching “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” doing embroidery and taking care of her plants. Born and raised in New Jersey, she will fight anyone who says Central Jersey doesn’t exist or calls a pork roll sandwich a taylor ham. Follow her and say hi on Twitter and Instagram at @kaylee_defre.

All content by Kaylee DeFreitas
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...

(From left) Pete Davidson and director Judd Apatow with crew members on the set of "The King of Staten Island." (Photo by Kevin Mazur / Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

Judd Apatow Finds the Humor in Grief in ‘The King of Staten Island’

Judd Apatow talks to WSN about grief, heroism and his new film, “The King of Staten Island.”
Kaylee DeFreitas, Arts Editor June 10, 2020

Judd Apatow has always found himself drawn to stories of underdogs. From working on “Freaks and Geeks,” the TV show about high school misfits, to his directorial debut “The...

Directed and co-written by Annie Silverstein, “Bull” centers around 14-year-old Kris who discovers a passion for bull riding with mentor Abe Turner. “Bull” was released last week and was meant to be screened at SXSW. (Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films)

‘Bull’ Offers an Intimate Glimpse Into Rodeo Life

Annie Silverstein’s intimate narrative brings intense realism and powerful performances that make the film worth watching.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Arts Editor May 3, 2020

From the beginning of Annie Silverstein’s “Bull,” it is apparent that Kris (Amber Havard) has become resigned to her circumstances. The adults around her show her little...

Online gift cards, donations, live streams and more are still viable options during this time. The WSN Arts desk lists some ways you can still support independent artists from a safe social distance. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

How to Support New York’s Vibrant Independent Arts Scene

Even though New York is on pause, that doesn’t mean you still can’t support your favorite local bookstore or movie theater from home.

One week ago, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered New York City movie theaters to shut down as part of many initiatives to hopefully “flatten the curve.” Earlier in...

The annual Tribeca film festival since 2002 hosted in Manhattan shows a wide variety of independent films. The festival has now been cancelled due to COVID-19. (Illustration by Cicek Erel)

Tribeca Film Festival Postponed Due to Coronavirus

Yet another film festival has fallen to the coronavirus pandemic. Tribeca Film Festival, which normally runs during the month of April in New York City, announced its decision to postpone.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Arts Editor March 12, 2020

The Tribeca Film Festival made an announcement on their website this Thursday, stating that due to the coronavirus and New York Governor Cuomo banning gatherings of over 500 people...

The lost boys race up a slope behind Peter Pan, played by Yashua Mack. Ben Zeitlin’s “Wendy” gives a unique new look at the classic Peter Pan story. (Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures and Samantha Fetner)

A Seven-Year Journey To Neverland

Oscar-nominated director and writer Benh Zeitlin returns with his second feature film “Wendy,” a new take on the classic “Peter Pan.”
Kaylee DeFreitas, Arts Editor March 2, 2020

From a young age, director/writer Benh Zeitlin and his sister Eliza were captivated by the tale of Peter Pan, a boy who would never grow up.  “We were for some reason terrified...


“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is now playing in cinemas. The film explores the blossoming relationship between two women in the 18th century. (Staff Photo by Kaylee DeFreitas)

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’: A Masterful Exploration of Love

The Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay Winner is a stunning portrayal of love through the gaze of an artist.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Arts Editor February 18, 2020

The Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay Winner is a stunning portrayal of love through the gaze of an artist. A group of women hum different notes around a fire....

In the mood for love? WSN recommends some Valentine singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)

Staff Recs: Valentine’s Day Edition

The Arts Desk recommends the best films, music and galleries for you to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.

Ashley Wu, Deputy Arts Editor  Even though Valentine’s Day was invented by Hallmark to sell greeting cards, let’s try to forget about capitalism for a second and celebrate...

A poster of the stars of And Then We Danced, Sweden’s Oscar submission at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, set in Georgia, tells a compelling coming-of-age story of young dancers and serves as the director’s tribute to his heritage. (Staff Photo by Kaylee DeFreitas)

‘And Then We Danced’ Shows the Freedom Within the Language of Dance

A Georgian coming-of-age story that uses dance as a way to communicate words left unsaid.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Arts Editor February 10, 2020

Sweden’s Oscar submission opened to buzz at the Cannes Film Festival, but in Georgia, the country the film is set in, it opened to intense protest. Due to the LGBTQ+ content...

The Russian drama is now playing at the Film Forum on Houston St. (Staff photo by Kaylee DeFreitas)

In ‘Beanpole’ Peacetime is Anything But

Russia’s Oscar entry for Best International Feature focuses on the bond between two women as they try to seek ways to heal from the traumas of war.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Arts Editor February 3, 2020

When war is over, is there ever peace? What happens to those most affected? How do they go back to the lives they had before the war? All these are questions posed by the film...

Six Steps Towards Sustainability

Six Steps Towards Sustainability

Sustainability can be hard, but have no fear: with these six easy steps you will be on your way to achieving your green goals in no time.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Arts Editor December 5, 2019

Many assume that going green also involves spending a lot of money, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Instead of throwing away old glass jars that used to hold salsa, save...

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, directed by Marielle Heller, is a story based on the real-life friendship between journalist Tom Junod and television star Fred Rogers. (Via Facebook)

‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ is a Lesson in Forgiveness and Healing

The new film about children’s television icon Mr. Rogers is a touching tribute to how one man’s kindness helped shape the life of someone in need.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Arts Editor November 25, 2019

How should we deal with anger? Why do we hold onto it instead of attempting forgiveness, hard as forgiveness may be? How can we begin to constructively deal with feelings holding...

From "Mamma Mia!" to "Joker", the Arts Desk recommends several last-minute, movie-inspired costumes for Halloween. (via Warner Bros)

Staff Recs: Halloween Costumes

Scrambling to put together a last-minute Halloween costume? The Arts Desk has you covered with these costumes based on characters from some of our favorite movies.

Donna Sheridan from “Mamma Mia!” (the movie version) Be the ultimate dancing queen this Halloween in your very own Donna Sheridan costume from “Mamma Mia!” Halloween...


Jojo Rabbit is a satire movie about Nazi Germany now playing in limited release. (via Fox Searchlight Pictures)

‘Jojo Rabbit’: Not Your Typical Coming-of-Age Story

Taika Waititi’s latest film satirizes the Third Reich with comedy and heart, but lacks the teeth to say anything truly profound.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Arts Editor October 20, 2019

Most children have an imaginary friend growing up. For Jojo, that imaginary friend just so happens to be Adolf Hitler. The film follows 10-year-old Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis),...

A New Champion in the Fight for Tech Equitability

A New Champion in the Fight for Tech Equitability

Ashley Jane Lewis has made great strides in the new media art world, and she doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Arts Editor October 16, 2019

When asked about the one thing she wants people to take away from her work, Tisch graduate student Ashley Jane Lewis splits the question into two categories: art and education....

Hustlers, starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, is an empowering film that broke traditional barriers in Hollywood. (via Facebook)

‘Hustlers’ Is the Female-Driven Crime Drama Everyone Has Been Waiting For

“Hustlers,” featuring Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez, tells the unbelievable true story of a group of strippers-turned-criminal-masterminds who take on Wall Street. Originally featured in New York Magazine, their story has now hit the big screen in a film full of female empowerment.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Arts Editor September 16, 2019

Drugging Wall Street men with a mix of MDMA and ketamine and making them max out their credit cards on booze in strip clubs? It may sound crazy — it sure sounded that way to...

Staff Rants & Raves: Textures

Staff Rants & Raves: Textures

Some things are fun to touch, and some things aren’t — it’s not too complicated. Let our staff tell you why.

Staff Rants On Manicures By Lauren Gruber, Deputy Culture Editor Let me preface this by saying I love getting my nails done. I love not being able to use my phone for thirty...

Larry David at a film festival in 2009. (Via Wikimedia)

Unpopular Opinions: Unconventionally Hot Girl Summer

The Arts Desk weighs in on some underrated hotties in the entertainment industry.

Hot Girl Summer is ending and with so many unconventionally attractive additions to the Hot Girl Summer canon (Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Beto O’Rourke), we at the Arts Desk thought...

arts-theirishman

Is Netflix’s Next Step a Deep Dive Into the Film Industry?

It would appear that Netflix is beginning to make the full commitment to film distribution by appeasing critics. Is this change due to the big-name stars or is there another reason?
Kaylee DeFreitas, Deputy Arts Editor September 3, 2019

As awards season approaches, more films are beginning their campaigns in hopes of an Oscar. Meanwhile, the debate over whether streaming services’ films should be considered...

Former Rolling Stone bassist Bill Wyman pictured with instrument. (via Susan Norget Film Promotion)

‘The Quiet One’ Tells a Rock Star’s Life Story Through His Own Archives

The documentary focuses on Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, who built his own archives throughout his career.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Staff Writer May 2, 2019

Sitting alone amid piles of cameras, photos, videos and more, Bill Wyman begins to give the audience a trip through the archives he has built across five decades. The former Rolling...

A still from the documentary “Framing John DeLorean,” which had its world premiere last night at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film, which focuses on the automobile titan’s involvement in a cocaine scandal, uses a unique blend of narrative techniques to tell DeLorean’s story. (via Sundance Selects)

‘Framing John DeLorean’ Attempts to Capture the Man Behind the Name

The new documentary — which premiered last night at the Tribeca Film Festival — is the first film to tell the story of the auto executive’s involvement in a multi-million dollar cocaine smuggling scandal.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Staff Writer April 30, 2019

When you hear the name DeLorean, what do you think of? “Back to the Future?” The car itself? Cocaine scandals? No matter what image the name conjures, many people have something...

Wendell Pierce as a preacher "Burning Cane" (via Susan Norget Film Promotion)

Presenting the Youngest Director in Tribeca Film Festival History

At age 19, Tisch first-year Phillip Youmans is the youngest director in history to have a feature film premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Staff Writer April 29, 2019

For most people, junior year of high school consists of hustling to maintain their GPA, gearing up for college applications, hanging out with friends and dreaming about prom. Phillip...

Julianne Moore starring in the 2018 film Gloria Bell. (Courtesy of A24)

‘Gloria Bell’ Gets the Remake Game Right

Julianne Moore shines in the quirky romance ‘Gloria Bell,’ a remake of an Oscar-nominated Chilean film.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Staff Writer March 4, 2019

From its opening shot, “Gloria Bell” fulfills its intentions effectively and fearlessly. In a room full of people, the titular character (Julianne Moore) seemingly blends in...

Bengt Ekerot and Max von Sydow in "The Seventh Seal," playing a chess match of life and death. (Courtesy of Nico Chapin [CMPR])

‘The Seventh Seal’ Is Revitalized at Film Forum

Kaylee DeFreitas, Staff Writer December 5, 2018
Ingmar Bergman’s iconic film is revived in new 4K restoration.
Bryan Cranston in "Network," an adaptation of the 1976 film. (Courtesy of the National Theatre)

‘Network’ Is a Genius Adaptation of the Film

This new play featuring Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston hopes to find the same success it had on the West End on Broadway.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Contributing Writer December 3, 2018
This new play featuring Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston hopes to find the same success it had on the West End on Broadway.
Stills of Willem Dafoe as Vincent Van Gogh for the "At Eternity's Gate" review running tonight. (Courtesy of CBS Films)

‘At Eternity’s Gate’ Is a Masterful Portrayal of Van Gogh’s Final Years

Academy Award-nominated actor Willem Dafoe has been receiving critical acclaim ever since the film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Staff Writer November 20, 2018
Academy Award-nominated actor Willem Dafoe has been receiving critical acclaim ever since the film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.
Theodore Pellerin and Lucas Hedges in "Boy Erased." (Courtesy of Focus Features)

‘Boy Erased’ Depicts the Jarring Realities of Gay Conversion Therapy

Based on a true story, the Oscar hopeful is one of two dramas this year that focuses on gay conversion therapy.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Contributing Writer November 5, 2018
Based on a true story, the Oscar hopeful is one of two dramas this year that focuses on gay conversion therapy.
Cory Michael Smith in a still from "1985." Courtesy of 1985thefilm.com

‘1985’: A Gripping and Private View into the AIDS Epidemic

Kaylee DeFreitas October 29, 2018

Based on his short film of the same name, Yen Tan’s “1985” follows Adrian (Cory Michael Smith) as he visits home in Fort Worth, Texas after moving to New York and not returning...

The poster for "Stella's Last Weekend." (via facebook.com)

‘Stella’s Last Weekend’ Is a Family Film Project That Fails to Charm

Kaylee DeFreitas, Contributing Writer October 17, 2018
"Stella's Last Weekend" is a nice family effort from Nat and Alex Wolff and their mother, Polly Draper, but it fails to build a sincere, emotional connection with the audience.
Timothee Chalamet in "Beautiful Boy." (via youtube.com)

Chalamet’s ‘Beautiful Boy’ Scratches the Surface of Addiction

Kaylee DeFreitas, Contributing Writer October 15, 2018
Based on memoirs by David and Nic Sheff, "Beautiful Boy" tackles the weighty topic of addiction, but fails to contribute anything new to the genre.
 "Love, Gilda" looks back on the career and life of Gilda Radner.

‘Love, Gilda:’ An Intimate Tribute to a Comedic Legend

Kaylee DeFreitas, Contributing Writer September 27, 2018
"Love, Gilda," a new documentary profiling renowned comedian Gilda Radner, looks back on a life filled with both laughter and sadness.