Each week, Daily Arts writers evaluate the latest movies, shows, books, music, games and more. They watch, read and listen for the next standout artistic trends and then write about what that means for us in the art world and beyond. Come Friday, we highlight what Daily Arts loved most — here’s what will keep you captivated this weekend.
— Zoe Phillips and Elise Godfryd, Managing Arts Editors
Read: “The Committed” by Viet Thanh Nguyen
In “The Committed,” Nguyen brings a sharp, savvy balance of intellectual questioning and suspense. His tendency to eloquently break down and analyze cultural exchanges and sharply identify the scars of colonialism and materialism makes “The Committed” an easy award season pick.
Read more from Elizabeth Yoon here.
Watch: “Allen v. Farrow” from HBO
“Allen v. Farrow” succeeds in drawing the viewer into this extremely strange and sad story. Through the extensive use of home-video footage shot by Mia Farrow, the viewer is provided with a vivid portrait of what family life looked like for the Farrow family. By showing Dylan and her siblings in their childhood and as adults in present-day interviews, the documentary creates a sense that we know these people, which makes the already deeply personal subject matter feel all the more consequential.
Read more from Aidan Harris here.
Listen to: An Overview on Phenomenal Nature from Cassandra Jenkins
With seven tracks and a runtime of just over 30 minutes, Jenkins intertwines encounters with strangers and other snippets of time into a beautifully brief work of art. Jenkins, who completed the album in a week with producer and instrumentalist Josh Kaufman, solidifies her place in folk-pop with misty, amber vocals and tender lyricism.
Read more from Nora Lewis here.
Play: “Hollow Knight” by Team Cherry
“Hollow Knight” has some of the best boss battles in recent memory. Whether you’ve never played the original or you’re a veteran waiting for any news of “Silksong,” take the time to truly appreciate the iconic game. The art, the music, the gameplay and the story are all developed so thoughtfully, but what makes this game so special is what it pushes you to do for yourself.
In order to triumph in this game, you have to be persistent, yet it never feels like a chore. Losing the first or the hundredth time makes it feel like you only need one more try. These games are once in a decade, and every victory feels as if conquering the world.
Read more from Maxwell Lee here.
Watch: “Tom and Jerry” from Warner Bros. Pictures
Seeing the dynamic duo walk the streets of Manhattan and cause chaos in a real hotel room was surprisingly enjoyable. The feeling of seeing Tom and Jerry in the real world was similar to seeing a teacher in a grocery store, but in a good way — it’s somewhat comforting to know that Tom and Jerry have continued to live on outside of the confines of their original series.
Read more from Laura Millar here.