Leisure

Reviews and think pieces on music, movies, art, and theater.

Leisure

Barbie: A hot pink return to monoculture

This summer, however, pink has dominated in both the box office and the zeitgeist—so much so that it may have temporarily revived the Anglo-American monoculture. 

By August 29, 2023

Leisure

Oppenheimer plays with fire

In Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan is begging us to learn from our past.

By August 29, 2023

Leisure

With Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), Taylor Swift says “Long Live” to an iconic album

Speak Now (Taylor's Version) represents the pinnacle of Swift’s preoccupation with using her music to connect with fans and control her own narrative.

By and August 12, 2023

Leisure

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse weaves a perfect web of story, style, and sound

Woven into Across the Spider-Verse's colorful animation and humor is a deft exploration of the complexities of morality and destiny.

By August 1, 2023

Leisure

Exclusion tactfully tackles representation in Hollywood by contemplating what’s true, what sells, and what’s funny

Exclusion investigates who gets the power of the pen and who gets silenced through a skillful incorporation of critical comedy.

By May 26, 2023

Leisure

Let Carmen dance you through darkness

A story of unlikely companionship, Carmen urges its audience to question what family means when blood runs out.

By May 25, 2023

Leisure

The Origin of Evil is tacky, timely, and true

The beauty of The Origin of Evil, and of Filmfest DC writ large, lies in its capacity to create kinship within hardship.

By May 23, 2023

Leisure

“Finding your inner diamond”: Diamanté reveals that self-love is in vogue

Diamanté highlights individuality by providing creatives of color at Georgetown an opportunity to express themselves through clothing.

By and May 19, 2023

Leisure

Nomadic Theatre’s Last Summer at Bluefish Cove is a touching tribute to lesbian community

Despite its sunshiney exterior, there’s much more bubbling beneath the surface in Bluefish Cove.

By May 9, 2023

Leisure

The Capital Art Book Fair connects independent artists with the greater D.C. community

Nearly 40 artists and independent presses gathered in the North Hall of Eastern Market to find art books to peruse at their pleasure.

By May 2, 2023

Leisure

Renfield is a bloody good time!

Renfield embodies everything that one would hope for in a hilariously horrifying film. 

By April 30, 2023

Leisure

(no) pressure showcases Georgetown’s Asian American community and talent 

The musical explores multiple dimensions of the Asian American experience through five distinct story arcs that cross over into hilarious and touching moments. 

By April 29, 2023

Leisure

“Queer chaos” returns to Georgetown with The Rocky Horror Picture Show

More than anything, Rocky Horror is about self-acceptance, a sentiment immediately exposed to the audience.

By April 29, 2023

Leisure

Fall Out Boy returns to pop-punk mastery on So Much (For) Stardust

If a little pop punk and old-school emo have been missing from your life, So Much (For) Stardust is exactly what you need.

By April 25, 2023

Leisure

Unknown Mortal Orchestra is “So Good at Being in Trouble,” but even better at lighting up the stage

While the band has yet to make the full jump into mainstream consciousness, their vast experience as a touring act was evident in the well-crafted, dynamic setlist.

By April 25, 2023

Leisure

On UGLY, Slowthai lets it all out

Slowthai’s dogged insistence on finding joy is deeply hopeful, and his commitment to exposing the ugliest parts of himself is undeniably cathartic.

By April 20, 2023

Leisure

Dragonette took us back to the “Twennies” at Union Stage

With every song, Sorbara was able to embody and exude a vibrant, youthful energy.

By April 19, 2023

Leisure

National Portrait Gallery’s Kinship provides a reflective glimpse into our closest relationships

Featuring eight contemporary artists, Kinship depicts the complexities of human relationships through various media.

By April 18, 2023

Leisure

BRAVE: Black women in the arts are in “A Never Ending Renaissance”

This year’s theme, “In the Black Fantastic: A Never Ending Renaissance” celebrated Black women and femmes in the arts.

By April 17, 2023

Leisure

AIR is the perfect sneakerhead movie

The film, shot with the precision and smoothness of Michael Jordan’s own jumper, masterfully honors both the shoe line and the player.

By April 16, 2023