Here at the Arts desk, we believe that a year of juggling exams, extracurriculars and jobs deserves a worthy celebration. If you’ve spent your days cramming in a reserved study room or at tech rehearsals, chances are you’re behind on your favorite show or haven’t gotten around to visiting a museum. So what better way to mark the end of another academically rigorous year than finally seeing that movie everyone’s talking about or reading that book that’s been sitting on your shelf? Here’s what you need to catch up on first.

‘Boots’ on Netflix

I know this series was hit by the Netflix cancelling after one season curse, but “Boots” was too entertaining of a watch to not recommend. Based on the military memoir “The Pink Marine,” this comedy follows a gay 18-year-old Cope (Miles Heizer) in a training camp pre-“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as he’s hazed and whipped into shape by his intimidating sergeant Sullivan (Max Parker). Thankfully, it doesn’t reuse the tired coming-out trope and instead just focuses on Cope forming relationships with the other trainees and finding his confidence. The show does a great job at balancing Cope’s storyline with that of his peers, including his childhood friend Ray (Liam Oh), who we see becomes a subject of intense anti-Asian racism by leadership. While “Boots” can be a frustrating, sexually repressive watch and none of Cope’s crushes ever pay off, it’s still interesting to see the show tackle a notoriously homophobic organization and humanize each of its trainees. Too bad it wasn’t given a second season to dig deeper romantically. 

– Dani Biondi, Arts Editor

‘So Much Country ‘Till We Get There’ by Westside Cowboy

If you, like me, want to be annoying about discovering a new band before they’re big, listen to Westside Cowboy. Their self-coined “Britainicana” sound — which combines the classic ‘90s alternative sound with folksy lyrics — shines on their latest EP “So Much Country ’Till We Get There,” released Jan. 16. The opening track, “Strange Taxidermy” is reminiscent of Black Country, New Road’s “Concorde,” with a slow musical build, shaky vocals and contemplative lyrics which all explode in its final moments. The band is currently touring with Geese for their European leg, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a similar boom in the alt-rock scene sometime soon.

— Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor

‘No Other Choice’ dir. Park Chan-wook

After a U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival in October, the South Korean black comedy thriller “No Other Choice” seemed like it would be director Park Chan-wook’s breakthrough in the States. But after the film was shut out of the Oscars in March, Park has yet to become a household name — though his status as a genius, innovative filmmaker and master storyteller has never been more clear. Adapted from the 1997 novel “The Ax” by Donald Westlake, “No Other Choice” follows a paper industry worker (Lee Byung-hun) who, after getting fired, decides to methodically kill off his competition for a new job in order to provide for his wife and children. Lee’s slapstick yet emotionally gripping performance will have you curling up in second-hand embarrassment and fist-pumping in triumph, while Park’s stupefying direction will have you wondering how he even composed some of the shots. Superfans of “Parasite” and “The Office,” this one is for you.

— Leo Field, Film & TV Editor

‘But What The Hell Do I Know’ by Alemeda

After a year of exciting pop breakthroughs, from Zara Larsson to Addison Rae, it’s always tempting to predict who’ll be next. While still relatively new to the industry, rising rock and pop singer Alemeda will be the next artist to brag that you knew before anyone else. Her second EP, “But What The Hell Do I Know,” released last November, brims with charisma and attitude, pairing perfectly with her youthfully fresh stage presence. She’s already caught the attention of artists like Doechii and Rachel Chinouriri, both of whom are featured on the EP. Following an impressive 2025 festival run including memorable sets at Lollapolooza and All Things Go, it’s only a matter of time before the world will recognize her guitar-driven anthems like “Losing Myself” and “1-800-F**K-YOU.”

— Amelia Knust, Music Editor

Marcello Hernandez’s ‘American Boy’ on Netflix

I spent most of last semester actively dodging the Netflix comedy homepage, assuming the trending tab was just another Matt Rife fever dream I didn’t want to participate in. But if anything deserves my post finals brain rot, it’s Marcello Hernandez’s debut stand up special “American Boy.” I put it off for weeks but it’s surprisingly refreshing compared to the other low payoff specials Netflix has been pushing lately. Hernandez delivers high-energy, risky material with enough charisma to make it feel like you’re on a personal facetime with the guy. His work largely centers around growing up in a Cuban-Dominican household and the cultural whiplash he experienced in college. He’s a masterful storyteller with a wildly funny imitation of his mother. If this semester you’ve cried more than you’ve laughed, Hernandez is here to help. 

— Rhea Kohli, Fine Arts Editor

‘Is This a Cry for Help?’ by Emily Austin

For the Bobst warriors already missing their study pods, let Emily Austin’s latest novel, “Is This a Cry for Help?” bring you back to the library. We meet Darcy, a librarian at a local library branch, in the aftermath of a mental health crisis as she grieves her ex-boyfriend and processes her feelings of compulsory heterosexuality and survivor’s guilt. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s also stuck dealing with impending book bans and protests about the library’s DEI policies. “Is This a Cry for Help?” is by far the most emotionally mature addition to Austin’s repertoire of literary fiction about depressed lesbians — her characters are chaotic and lovable, and she expertly balances real-world issues with her signature dry wit and humor. It’s the perfect read for when you find yourself yearning for Bobst’s chaotic energy over the summer.

— Chantal Mann, Performing Arts Editor

‘Heartbreak High’ on Netflix

I would’ve never expected the Netflix reboot of an Australian TV show from the ’90s to steal my heart, but alas, it did. I’ve been addicted to “Heartbreak High” since it hit the streaming platform in 2022, and its third and final season — which dropped in March of this year — was the perfect ending to a stellar run. With a diverse, dynamic cast led by the hilarious Amerie (Ayesha Madon), the show follows the eccentric students of Hartley High who are forced to take a Sexual Literacy Tutorial class (which they call “sluts”) after a graffiti diagram outlining which students have been sexually involved is discovered at the school. By Season 3, the “sluts” have become a tight-knit friend group, looking forward to ending their senior year on a high note. A major wrench is thrown in their plans when a prank-gone-wrong leads to a classic whodunnit, causing paranoia and doubt to fester within the squad. Like the series’ previous installments, the season has some ridiculous plotlines, like when new student Taz (Aki Munroe) turns the school’s sensory room into a rentable sex room. But the show also depicts marginalized communities with care, including significant plotlines that demonstrate the experience of Indigenous and disabled characters.

— Annie Emans, Staff Writer

‘Ö’ by Fcukers

If you’re “L.U.C.K.Y,” maybe a song by New York-based duo Fcukers has already made its way onto your pregame playlist. If not, Fcukers’ debut album “Ö” awaits you, with a perfect medley of catchy electronic pop and slower, laidback garage beats. Vocalist Shanny Wise exudes effortlessness over layered synths from producer Jackson Walker Lewis on each track, with very little deviation in tempo throughout the album’s 11 tracks. Though it’s been three years since its first sold-out show at Baby’s All Right in 2023, “Ö” was created merely over the course of two weeks. This debut reflects just some of the collaborations Fcukers has done over its time as a duo, including Geese producer Kenny Beats and 100 gecs member Dylan Brady. The album’s energy moves and fluctuates at a measured clip, and flirts with the more intense side of electronica and dubstep culture that it pulls inspiration from. You’ll surely be seeing more of Fcukers soon — this summer, it’s embarking on the festival circuit, opening for Harry Styles this summer in Saõ Paulo and Rüfüs du Sol for a smattering of concert dates in the United States.

— Karina Rower, Staff Writer