The Small Gestures and Big Questions of Annie Baker’s Plays The Small Gestures and Big Questions of Annie Baker’s Plays
In Infinite Life, Baker asks: How do you reach out to others when everyone ultimately suffers alone?
Oct 31, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
Yo La Tengo’s Lifelong Love Story Yo La Tengo’s Lifelong Love Story
Across decades, the venerable band has quietly pioneered an intimate form of rock, at once adventurous and deeply personal.
Jul 3, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
Paul Schrader’s Unlikely Optimism Paul Schrader’s Unlikely Optimism
Master Gardener seems designed to provoke. But in his late age, the filmmaker has settled into an earnest style, fixated on love and second chances.
Jun 15, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
The Janus-Faced End of “Succession” The Janus-Faced End of “Succession”
At once cruel and compassionate, the finale of the much-loved HBO show revels in the space between tragedy and comedy.
May 31, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
The Biting Workplace Comedy of “Party Down” The Biting Workplace Comedy of “Party Down”
Returning over a decade after it was originally canceled, the cult series remains a potent satire of meritocracy and Los Angeles.
Apr 11, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
The Anxious Influences of Netflix’s “White Noise” The Anxious Influences of Netflix’s “White Noise”
What has Noah Baumbach wrought in his adaptation of the 1985 postmodern novel?
Jan 25, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
The Honesty of “Atlanta” The Honesty of “Atlanta”
After four seasons, Donald Glover’s television show leaves behind a fascinating and complicated legacy.
Jan 12, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
The Ghosts of “Irma Vep” The Ghosts of “Irma Vep”
Olivier Assayas's clever and beguiling HBO miniseries responds to the state of cinema in the age of streaming.
Oct 19, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
The Real Butt of Nathan Fielder’s Joke The Real Butt of Nathan Fielder’s Joke
His awkward social comedies always leave you wondering: Whom should you be laughing at?
Sep 29, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
“The Kids in the Hall” Stands the Test of Time “The Kids in the Hall” Stands the Test of Time
In a recent reboot, the comedy troupe’s work remains as trenchant as ever.
Jul 6, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi