If you are looking for a staggering, shocking, and startling airplane read, I beg you to get The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. The novel follows Alicia Berenson, a celebrated painter who shoots her husband and then goes mute, and Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who tries to convince Berenson to open up about what landed her in the mental hospital. This book will keep you enthralled in its duality, suspense, and twists and turns. If you ever see it in Barnes and Noble or a duty-free airport shop, buy it! I promise you will not be disappointed.
– Esha Bagora, Media Production Editor
The Iron Claw, released on Dec. 22, is a biographical film about the Von Erichs–a family of famous wrestlers–and the tragedies surrounding them. Directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw tells the story of Von Erich patriarch, Fritz Von Erich, and his six sons. When Fritz Von Erich died, only one of his sons, Kevin, survived what the public called the “Von Erich Curse,” which refers to three of Fritz’s sons committing suicide. While the story is hard-hitting, the actors and producers make the movie accessible to all audiences, from those familiar with the story to those who have no interest in wrestling. Specifically, Jeremy Allen White and Zac Effron deliver standout performances as Kevin Von Erich and Kenny Von Erich respectively. Effron and White convey powerful emotions as members of a family going through grief and fame, which is only amplified by the captivating cinematography and editing. Highly anticipated, The Iron Claw exceeded audience and box office expectations, with the National Board of Review naming it one of the Top 10 films in 2023. (Sources: The Hollywood Reporter)
– Megan Hastings, Center Editor
For romcom lovers, pretentious film bros, and horror junkies alike, Letterboxd is the perfect way to log your favorite movies while showing off your superior taste and sense of humor. Similar to Goodreads, Letterboxd allows users to log and review movies, curate a “Top 4 Favorites” list, and add movies to a watchlist. With roughly 10 million users, Letterboxd provides a haven for people to bond over their favorite movies and directors, write lengthy reviews or funny one-liners, and keep a film diary complete with the date watched and a star rating. Perhaps the best part of Letterboxd is the ability to follow other users — whether that’s friends or celebrities — and judge their recent reviews. Whether used for serious reviewing or a fun diary, Letterboxd is a must-download for any film enthusiast.
– Nadia Liu, Editor-in-Chief
The 2023 novel Water, from best-selling author John Boyne, is a hauntingly evocative tale of trauma, mystery, and grief. Boyne, known for his incredibly impactful novels like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, paints a heartbreaking story about sacrifice and identity. Set on the coast of a small Irish island, Boyne tells the story of a mother attempting to reconcile her grief while confronting the mysteries of her past. Water is a must read for anyone looking for a poignant story of human nature,Water explores the emotional toil of loss and betrayal.
– Nessa Purdy, Culture Editor