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 Valentina Arrieta
A still from the movie “Deadstream” in which a white middle-aged man runs across a dark hallway. The man is wearing a GoPro camera on his forehead.

Review: ‘Deadstream’ is a fresh and hysterical horror debut

“Deadstream,” now streaming on Shudder, follows a disgraced influencer as he miserably live streams his stay at a haunted house.
Valentina Arrieta, Contributing Writer November 1, 2022

Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for “Deadstream.” “Deadstream,” a film co-written, directed, produced and edited by Joseph Winter and Vanessa Winter,...

A black-and-white illustration of a young woman with long, dark hair and bangs sitting upright in a fetal position with her head on her knees. The background is made up of halftone black and white textures.

Review: Poppy paints an intimate portrait of her psyche with ‘Stagger’

Singer-songwriter Poppy's first release since “Flux” continues on a path of more emotive, focused lyricism that finally lets us see beyond her persona.
Valentina Arrieta, Contributing Writer November 1, 2022

On her latest EP “Stagger,” Poppy shows growing ease and comfort as a rock artist. The singer-songwriter develops her lyricism to show a typically unseen personal side. On...

As lovers celebrate their romantic holiday, Valentine’s Day can be the perfect time to enjoy a heartbreaking breakup album. (Staff Illustration by Aaliya Luthra)

This Valentine’s Day, listen to a breakup album

If you’re bitter about being alone on Valentine’s Day, check out the breakup albums we rounded up so you didn’t have to.

We’ve all been there — as Feb. 14 approaches, it seems impossible to escape anything red, pink or heart-shaped. If you’re single, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something...

“Memoria” is director Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s latest feature film. The movie is a beautiful and deeply thoughtful journey through Colombia. (Image courtesy of Neon)

Review: ‘Memoria’ is hauntingly immersive

In his first film produced outside of Thailand, Apichatpong Weerasethakul paints a stunning picture of Colombia.
Valentina Arrieta, Staff Writer October 28, 2021

“Memoria,” Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s latest feature film, follows Jessica (Tilda Swinton), who is haunted by a loud, consistent bang that only she hears. As she tries to...

When the pandemic hit, the drag culture was hit just as hard. Many queens, such as Honey Davenport, turned to the internet and social media, attempting to translate the extravagance of a live performance to a camera. (Staff Illustration by Arnav Binaykia)

New York drag queens share struggles and successes of online performance

Drag queens speak on the drastic changes that New York City’s drag culture experienced during the pandemic.
Valentina Arrieta, Staff Writer May 6, 2021

Drag is a performance of gender expression, most commonly seen when someone performs femininity, or personifies a female character, as a drag queen. Regardless of gender identity,...

After the talent manager Scooter Braun acquired ownership of her music in 2019, artist Taylor Swift is on a mission to re-record her catalog and make it something new.  Her re-recorded version of “Fearless,” titled “Fearless (Taylor’s Edition)” features 26 songs which include her tracks featured on her original platinum edition of the album, alongside six unreleased tracks from her vault. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

Taylor Swift embraces her past in “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”

On her re-recorded version of “Fearless,” Swift’s artistry has never been more apparent.
Valentina Arrieta, Staff Writer April 27, 2021

Taylor Swift’s “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” is worlds away from the original album she released 13 years ago. In response to the talent manager Scooter Braun acquiring...

“Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” is Lil Nas Xs latest music video. Everything about the video is meticulous and seems to have a double meaning, particularly the inscriptions in both paradise and hell. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

Lil Nas X’s ‘Montero’ video is a conceptual masterpiece

Lil Nas X rises above religion in his new video.
Valentina Arrieta, Staff Writer April 8, 2021

If you have been on the internet at all in the past week, you have more than likely heard of Lil Nas X’s rather controversial video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).”...

Charli XCX is an English singer and songwriter, focusing on pop music. She actively engages with her fans and uplifts queer voices, while creating pop hits. (Image via Wikimedia Commons, Stuart Sevastos)

Celebrating iconic women in music: Charli XCX

In honor of Women’s History Month, WSN writers share their most influential female artists.
Valentina Arrieta, Contributing Writer March 30, 2021

Charli XCX is the future of pop music. She is my favorite female artist of all time. As a queer woman and someone with an affinity for amazing music, I would be remiss not to honor...

The Grammy Awards is presented by the Recording Academy to recognize achievement in the music industry. While the Grammy Awards preach diversity, they fail to recognize LGBTQ+ artists and artists of color. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

In Memoriam: The Grammys

The Recording Academy preaches diversity, but still neglects to recognize LGBTQ+ artists and artists of color.
Valentina Arrieta, Contributing Writer March 22, 2021

Watching the Grammy Awards this year, it became evident the Recording Academy is entirely disconnected from its audience and artists. After a year of tragic losses, I found myself...