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I really wanted to like I Care a Lot. Rosamund Pike is one of my favourite actresses, and I was excited to see her in yet another ‘sexy blonde woman is a baddie in both senses of the word’ flick. Plus, it’s always refreshing to see queer couples on screen. Unfortunately (in my humble opinion) … it’s just not very good. Continue reading Review: I Care a Lot
Charli XCX announced that she was working on her fourth album via a zoom call with fans on April 6th, giving herself the close deadline of May 15th. At a few points in the month it felt as though meeting this deadline would be a close call, but once again, Charli has lived up to the hype and released an 11-track record reflecting on life in quarantine in California. Before I press play, I think we need to acknowledge that this was written, produced, and released in the space of 39 days. OF COURSE, it would be Charli to set herself this challenge while living through a pandemic. With her third full album release being only 8 months ago, I think this album proves that she deserves all the credit she gets for being one of the most innovative, hardworking people in music at the moment. Continue reading Review: how i’m feeling now by Charli XCX
The second instalment of the third season sees many fan-favourites reunite in a tense and gripping episode. Written by Anna Jordan, it opens on a grim scene, in which Eve, Carolyn and Konstantin all attend Kenny’s funeral. Carolyn’s daughter (Gemma Wheelan) also appears, inisisting that her mother take time to process her loss, much to Carolyn’s chagrin. Eve takes a dislike to one of Kenny’s ex-colleagues, and, while drunk, shouts at Carolyn before leaving early. Oh’s portrayal of Eve’s downward spiral and the loss of control she has over her life, having now lost her closest remaining friend, is heartbreaking, complimented by Fiona Shaw’s flawless performance as the grieving Carolyn. She is far less stoic than usual, but maintains some of her eccentricities. Continue reading Living for Killing Eve: Ep. 2 – Management Sucks
My sister and I gave The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse to our mum for Christmas – a wise present it turns out, seeing as I’ve now read it more times than she has. Looking at it again this past week has been a comforting escape. The book is formed from a collection of beautifully expressive ink illustrations with handwritten words, stitched together by a gently anchoring narrative. We follow four friends: an inquisitive boy who asks questions about the world and ponders his relationships with the others; a mole full of reassuring words, whose thoughts are also largely occupied by cake (which makes for some of my favourite moments); a fox who is reserved and quiet because of their past, yet loved by the others no matter what; and a wise horse who reveals an ability to fly. The story’s subtle linearity stitches the order of the pages together, but you don’t need to read it cover to cover. Each page is an isolated piece of art and storytelling in its own right, so dip in and dip out; you’ll never be lost in the story. Continue reading Reading Corner: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
After the success of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before when it was released in 2018, it was unsurprising that Netflix announced that a sequel would soon be on the cards. However, cut to the 12th February 2020 and I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by To All the Boys: PS I Still Love You. Continue reading Review: To All The Boys: PS I Still Love You
Last Friday night I went to the RAMM for just the second time since I’ve lived in Exeter. As an English student and exhibition lover, I find it strange that there is such a valuable resource in the centre of town that I have never used. The RAMM Lates event highlighted the fact that the RAMM is a great resource that has real relevance to the student community. Museums allow us to experience culture up close and without the filter of computer screens that we have become accustomed to. After learning about Native American culture and history last term I found it eye-opening to be able to see firsthand authentic artefacts – such as traditional clothing and weapons – from Native American culture. So surely this is a resource we should all be using more often? Continue reading Review: RAMM Lates
Ever since it debuted at Cannes Film Festival in May 2019 and won its prestigious Palme d’Or, Parasite has been making waves. With two Baftas, four Oscars (including best picture – the first time a foreign film has ever won) and countless other accolades under its belt, it has dominated the awards circuit and catapulted writer-director Bong Joon-Ho to international fame. A much-celebrated director in his native South Korea, Bong’s work often touches upon social issues. Okja, for example, deals with environmental issues, capitalism, animal rights and corporate greed, whilst The Host explores dictatorships, governments and power, amongst other things. Continue reading Politics on Screen: Parasite
Spork! is a delightful evening of poetry, comedy, rap and performance, which brings together local artists in celebration of spoken word. Hosted by Chris White, Spork! is full of the weird and wonderful, it’s variety making each show unique, exciting and guaranteed to include something for everyone. On Tuesday 11 February, I was lucky enough to see their ‘Valentine(ish)’ special, in which poetic performances were based (loosely) on theme of love. Continue reading Review: Spork! The Valentine(ish) Edition @ Exeter Phoenix
Footlights tackles the musical version of the 1990 film Ghost at the Northcott Theatre. Due to stellar performances and innovative technological choices, the production warrants its four stars. Continue reading Review: Footlights’ Ghost the Musical @ Northcott Theatre
