Sally Rooney reluctantly creates a ‘Beautiful World’ on the brink of collapse

By Aalia Jagwani | September 15

“‘What are your books about?’” Felix asks Alice, a novelist and one of the two female protagonists in Sally Rooney’s newest novel, “Beautiful World, Where Are You.” “‘Oh, I don’t know,’ she said. ‘People.’” A more accurate description of Rooney’s own writing is difficult ...

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Met Gala underwhelms due to disorganization

By Cecilia Barron | September 14

While the Met Gala is usually an opportunity to indulge in the pure aesthetics of wealth and fame — the red carpet flooded with celebrities and ridiculous costumes — this year’s theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” demanded more than a quick glance. The Met Gala is the annual fundraiser ...

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‘Dear Evan Hansen’ translates seamlessly to big screen

By Rebecca Carcieri | September 10

The “Dear Evan Hansen” film adaptation, to be released in theaters Sept. 24, proves that some musicals can shine both on and off stage. The six-time Tony Award winning coming-of-age musical originally captivated audiences at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. in July 2015, before transitioning ...

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Despite best efforts, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” return misses the mark

By Peter Swope | September 8

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” a sitcom created by Michael Schur and Dan Goor centering around the lives of the detectives of Brooklyn’s 99th NYPD precinct, has always tried to be a “progressive” show. The show works to portray diversity and address social issues for a younger, more socially progressive ...

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‘The Chair’ is Netflix’s love story in disguise

By Cecilia Barron | September 7

By now, you should have heard of “The Chair.” Starring a blazer-clad Sandra Oh, the Netflix original released Aug. 20 caters to the bookish, academic, higher ed-obsessed niche of the American population. If you’ve heard a lot about it, chances are you fit into that niche. And if you fit into that ...