In the new trailer for the Hereditary director’s follow-up film, Dani (Florence Pugh) suffers an unnamed tragedy, and decides to join her terrible boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) on his boy’s trip to a Swedish summer festival. Little does Dani know that Christian has wanted to end things with Dani for a year prior to this trip.
At first, everything is great, and it’s all flower crowns, sunshine, and springtime folly. Then, Dani notices that the people of this particular town really, really don’t want them to leave...which, in a horror movie, is the first sign that you should GTFO.
“We only do this once every 90 years,” says one member of the festival, just before the images in the trailer become increasingly horrific. There’s a person with their leg broken and bloody. Another with their face swollen. An animal with its insides on full display. It's all gross and ghastly, despite the very lovely springtime in Sweden setting.
“Of all the people,” says a Swedish festival goer to Dani, “I was most excited for you to come.”
The reason why these people wanted Dani to attend the festival, specifically, is likely the most horrific part — but we’ll have to wait for the film’s arrival to get all the answers we crave.
Self-tanner mistakes are unfortunate, but not permanent. Whether you're a bridesmaid in your BFF's wedding and desperately need to tan your back before slipping on that sleeveless dress or you're panicking because your orange fingers make it seem like your diet consists of — and only of — Cheesy Wotsits, we've got a solution for you. Thanks to Isle of Paradise founder Jules Von Hep, we've compiled a list of all the worst self-tanner mistakes and how to fix them. Read his advice, ahead.
I used too much self-tanner — now what?
Von Hep assures us that, yes, you can get tooglowy; but, no, you don't have to over-scrub to tone it down. "Over-scrubbing will result in sensitive skin and patchiness," he explains. He suggests using your usual body scrub and adding about one drop (two, at most) of a body oil. Gently rub the mixture on your skin and repeat until you feel good about the level of glow.
How can I even out self - tanner patches?
"If your tan has developed a bit patchy and needs a quick fix, grab a product made with glycolic acid," advises Von Hep. "Glycolic acid helps to strip your tan without harming your skin." Luckily, most self-tanner removers utilise the exfoliating ingredient to safely fade old or patchy tanning formulas.
Von Hep reminds us that you can avoid patches completely by prepping your body before smoothing on self-tanner. "Prep is just as important as the product you use," he says. "Make sure you take the time to exfoliate beforehand. Dry skin soaks up extra product, which can cause patches."
How do I avoid my self-tanner turning orange?
Turning orange isn't always your fault. Sometimes, it's the formula. When a self-tanner is formulated with too much dihydroxyacetone (DHA) — the colourless chemical that reacts with the amino acids in your skin to produce a temporary pigment — it can develop with an unsavoury orange tint that looks unnatural. Avoid this by patch-testing before buying and using a product. Von Hep recommends colourless self-tanners that also include colour-correcting actives that are there to boost your natural complexion as opposed to dye it orange.
Why are my hands developing darker than the rest of my body?
"Hands tend to be a bit tricky as they can really absorb excess product, which makes them develop darker than the rest of your skin," he says. The solution: Buff the palms of your hands, between your fingers, and around the fingernails before and after putting on your self-tanner. Immediately after you smooth on the tanner, add a quarter-sized amount of moisturiser to the bottoms of your palms and inner wrist, and blend out for a flawless glow. If your wrists begin to develop with a muddy colour, Von Hep suggests rubbing a towel in between your wrists to remove excess tanner.
I've got major streaks — how do I fix them?
"The best way to fix self-tan streaks without removing your entire tan is to use a gentle body exfoliator on the areas where you have too much pigment," says Von Hep.
How can I tan my back — and every other awkward area — without it looking splotchy?
Sure, tanning your back — and other hard-to-reach areas — is easy when you have a pro spraying you in a tent, but what happens when you're alone? Although Von Hep's suggestion is unconventional, it works. He says to go in your kitchen, grab a wooden spoon, and attach a self-tanner mitt to it with a rubber band to cover those awkward areas.
Sound too complicated? Von Hep says an alternative to using a cooking utensil is opting for a tanning water instead. In that case, he says to just lean forward and spray above the back. Bonus: Most of these sprays are clear self-tanners, so you don't have to worry about a guide colour staining your surroundings if this method gets a little messy.
Photographed by Rockie Nolan.
What should I do if self-tanner stained my nails?
"The best way to avoid orange nails is to use a tanning mitt and avoid contact all together," says Von Hep. To make the process even more foolproof, he suggests rubbing a thin layer of lip balm on your nails to create a barrier that can easily be wiped away, along with any excess product that may have left stains.
My elbows and knees are looking streaky. What went wrong?
"Discolouration in those drier areas of your body is often caused by too much product absorbing into the skin," says Von Hep. "Start with ensuring that you're properly moisturised ahead of self-tanning. If you’ve already self-tanned and spot the problem on your elbows, ankles, neck, or knees, your best bet is to go in and lightly exfoliate the skin until it evens out to match the rest of your body."
How do I keep my self-tanner from fading unevenly?
Just because you made it through the self-tanning process without a stain or streak in sight, doesn't mean your work is done. Self-tanners — like tattoos and piercings — have after-care routines. The only way to keep the perfect glow from fading at an uneven and awkward rate is to keep it hydrated. Don't forget: Use an oil-free moisturiser. You may consider your go-to the best body lotion, ever, but if it includes oils it will break down the DHA and you can kiss that seamless glow goodbye.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Just as your emotions were beginning to subside from the Fleabag -inspired storm they'd been whipped up into, more Andrew Scott-shaped clouds are beginning to form on the horizon.
Season 5 of Black Mirror has just been announced and Andrew Scott, or Fleabag 's Sexy Priest to you, is the star of one of the episodes.
The trailer for the new season, which is set to drop on Netflix on 5th June, provides a thrilling glimpse into more dystopian futurescapes from the minds of Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones. It stars, as well as Andrew Scott, Anthony Mackie of Avengers/Hurt Locker fame, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Topher Grace and...Miley Cyrus.
There's little info on exactly what each of the three new episodes will be about but it's safe to say that from the tagline, we're not in for a comfortable ride:
Five Groundbreaking Seasons. Three All-New Stories. One Future We Should Have Seen Coming...
The trailer provides even less solace. It features Andrew Scott in a smartphone-induced mania, Anthony Mackie in a Tinder-induced domestic conundrum and Australian actress Angourie Rice struggling under the mental weight of being an influencer. There's also a creepy doll-shaped home assistant with sinister intentions and Miley Cyrus as a pop star with suspiciously bot-like movements.
Knowing Charlie Brooker, it's a mistake to take these observations at face value as each episode will no doubt delve far deeper into what these different elements of tech have unleashed on our lives. Not only that – he's guaranteed to deliver a crushing conclusion to what kind of tech-mad dystopian future we've got to look forward to.
The new episodes come just six months after the release of the show's phenomenally successful choose-your-own-adventure episode, Bandersnatch.
Roll on 5th June.
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The moment you master winged eyeliner, the classic shape becomes the only thing you want to wear. It's like the first time you learn how to properly cut an avocado, and you instantly transform into a Masterchef — in your mind — and post perfectly plated avocado toast on Instagram every morning. (You go, Glen Coco.) But that black flick can get real old, real fast — and that's when it's time to start challenging yourself.
On Instagram, celebrities and makeup pros are always experimenting with different winged eyeliner looks. From graphic shapes to bold colours, there are hundred s of variations that you've haven't tapped into yet. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the best wings that we've saved lately so that you don't have to go digging through your feed for inspiration. Oh, and if you're not the best at eyeliner, no worries — some of these not-so-basic shapes are meant to be abstract.
Draw a cat-eye without filling it in for a negative-space effect. Still want to take it up a notch? Dust on pink and orange pigments for that bright pop of colour that will make your black liner stand out even more.
Celebrities have been lovingthe neon eyeliner trend on the red carpet. This gorgeous blue wing on Sophie Turner adds a subtle hint of colour to an otherwise neutral makeup look.
Speaking of celebrities, they can't get enough of white eyeliner, too. If you do decide to go for it, Fenty global makeup artist Priscilla Ono advises to go minimal with colour on the rest of your face. "Remember it's a bright colour, so it actually really stands out; sometimes less is more," she previously told Refinery29.
This winged look on makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes combines all our favourite summer colours: an orange floating crease, a seafoam highlight in the inner corners, and a fuchsia cat-eye.
Once you've mastered a jewelled wing like this one, there's no turning back. You'll want to make this your statement accessory at every event.
To add a graphic element, you can loop your wing back over your crease as seen here and layer a complementary colour underneath to really make the lines pop.
Or, just leave the graphic shape without colour. It'll still make just as much of a statement.
Lucy Boynton serves eye makeup lewks on every red carpet she attends. We're putting this sharp, double-ended wing on our summer must-try list.
Sometimes, two is better than one. That's the vibe celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo went with when he layered white and blue on the top and bottom lids to create this fun look.
You can bring an assortment of trends together like winged white eyeliner, coloured mascara, and glossy lids to recreate the dreamy look that Janelle Monáe rocked at Paris Fashion Week.
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.
Remember when your grade-school teachers would tell you to draw inside the lines? Yeah, no. Get artistic and take your lines wherever you want.
Whoever said glitter eyeliner isn't ideal for everyday wear needs to have a little bit more fun if you ask us. We especially love how this look has a contrasting shade on the bottom lashline.
Take a winged outline in black then fill it in with a pastel shade to really make your liner pop.
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When it comes to inclusive dating apps, OkCupid reigns supreme. The app serves 22 gender options and 13 sexual orientation options, was one of the first players to create a comprehensive app experience for non-binary users, and supports a growing polyamorous community.
But it also has a key differentiator when it comes to setting up your profile. Whereas other apps stick to photos, a short bio, and maybe an ice breaker like "peanut butter or jelly?," OkCupid has 3,000 questions that users can choose from to answer on their profiles and is constantly adding in new ones — especially questions related to current events and social issues.
Here's how it works: when you set up your profile, you're given a series of questions that you can elect to skip or answer, which then contribute to your match percentage with prospective matches (a.k.a. how compatible you are with someone). You're only required to answer 15, but the average OkCupid user answers 50. The app then tells you if you agree or disagree with a potential match on an issue, or lets you click to find out. Because of this feature, you can find out if the person whose profile you're checking out watches Game of Thrones, would date a messy person, or cares about climate change all in one glance.
Across the app and all of its users, the most popular questions are: Do you smoke? Do you enjoy discussing politics? About how long do you want your next relationship to last? Is astrological sign important at all in a match? Could you date someone who was messy? How frequently do you drink alcohol? Do you like scary movies? Are you a workaholic? Which best describes your political beliefs? Are you a pet person?
"What we know from science and working with social psychologists and studying relationships is that when you have things in common and you care about the same things, those are ingredients to long-term healthier relationships. So we try to do good job with that and make it about much more than just location and hot selfies," said OkCupid CMO Melissa Hobley to Refinery29.
Ahead, we talked to Hobley about how you can optimize your OkCupid profile to maximize matches and connect with people you'll actually like once you meet IRL. Those hard-hitting questions will come up eventually, so isn't it best to get 'em out of the way from the get go? (Of course, it's also worth noting that filtering out potential matches solely based on how they answer a question could prevent you from giving an otherwise awesome person a chance IRL. Alternatively, though, it will eliminate the possibility of showing up to a first date with a dude who's wearing a MAGA hat.)
Talking Politics On Your Profile
People who talk politics on OkCupid get more matches than those who don't. In fact, profiles that contain keywords related to politics (like “Trump” or “liberal”) are 52% more likely to have mutual likes and 78% more likely to have a successful conversation than users who don't. In the past year alone, there has been an 64% increase in political terms on dater profiles, and more than 2 million people have answered the OkCupid question: "Do you support Trump's wall?" As far as voting, as many as half of all women on OkCupid won't date someone who doesn't vote in elections.
"What's great is that the questions act as filters basically. We don't just ask you, 'Hey would you date someone who didn't vote?' You can say: 'I vote in every election and this is how I would like my potential matches to answer.' And then you tell us how important that is," said Hobley.
Users can also indicate whether they support Planned Parenthood with a profile filter. Over 400,000 users have opted into the badge, with supporters getting four times more matches with the badge than without it. And men with the badge are nine times more likely to be liked and 7.5 times more likely to match.
"We're the only dating app with this filter, and we're so proud of that. We were hearing from young women who said 'I wish I knew how he felt about this.' So this has actually had a fundamental and powerful impact on how straight women in particular view guys on the app," said Hobley.
OkCupid's Tips For Getting More Matches
"The first thing I would say is take the time to set up your profile. We're proud that it takes longer to set up your OkCupid profile than it does to get a Lyft or an Uber," says Hobley. "I always say to my friends who are having trouble finding people, when did you set up your profile? Have you updated it? Three out of four profiles on all dating apps have not been updated since they were set up.
"Also, most dating apps reward users who update their profiles. When you add a new picture or a little anecdote, the algorithm treats you like a new user and shows you more people. So make sure to do so every two or three weeks. And then get a bottle of wine and a good friend who can describe you. It's so much easier for your friends to say you're self-deprecating, curious, loyal, you love a good brunch, you hate pizza, whatever!
"And the more questions you answer, the more you're improving your chances at making matches, so it's in your interest to answer more questions.It also gives people a good excuse to talk to you. Dating is hard, and we know that. It's scary putting yourself out there. But the questions make it easier to reach out to people."
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They called them the Manson Girls. These women were forever defined by their relationship to Charles Manson, a notorious cult leader and orchestrator of a mass murder. "Our lives started when we met Charlie," Patricia Krenwinkel (played by Sosie Bacon) says in the movie Charlie Says, out May 10 in the US (UK release TBC).
The movie Charlie Says focuses on three women who fell under Manson's charismatic sway and were persuaded to commit the shocking murders of nine people, including actor Sharon Tate, on the evenings of August 8 and 9, 1969.
But maybe "Manson Girls" isn't a fair nickname. Charlie Says repositions Leslie Van Houten (Hannah Murray), Susan Atkins, (Marianne Rendon), and Patricia Krenwinkel (Bacon) — the perpetrators of the murders, among other members of the Family — as victims of Manson's manipulations. They were independent women before they became Manson's. Charles Manson died in prison in 2017. How did the women in his so-called Family fare?
Leslie Van Houten
Who Is She: In late 1968, a 19-year-old Leslie Van Houten met Charles Manson and became entranced by his commune. Less than a year later, she was directly involved in the awful crime he orchestrated. Specifically, she stabbed Rosemary LaBianca 16 times.
Where Is She Now: Like Manson and the other two women in Charlie Says, Van Houten was sentenced to death in 1971, but was eventually given life in prison after the California Supreme Court ruled capital punishment unconstitutional. Every year since 2016, a parole board has recommended Van Houten be released, as she's no longer a threat to society. Each time, former governor Jerry Brown blocked the release. As of January 2019, her case is being reviewed once again.
Patricia Krenwinkel
Who Is She: Patricia Krenwinkel met Charles Manson in coffee houses in the '60s. She and Manson were sexually involved.
Where Is She Now: On the day of her sentencing, Krenwinkel walked into the courtroom with Atkins and Van Houten, laughing. That legacy as a remorseless killer stayed with her. " It took five years for those women to feel anything for their victims," Nikki Meredith, who wrote a book about Krenwinkel and Van Houten, told AETV. Yet her mind has been changed about Manson. "Pat does needlepoint and she described it…as having this big ball of thread. One strand at a time, she looked at her relationship with [him] and started to understand how he had seduced her and perverted her views," Meredith continued.
Krenwinkel has yet to be granted parole, and is now state of California's longest-serving woman prisoner. She received a Master's degree while in prison.
Susan Atkins
Who Is She: Atkins was a devoted Manson Family member — and one of its most violent. She claims to have murdered Sharon Tate. Before joining the Family, she worked as a stripper in San Francisco. Manson renamed her Sadie Mae Glutz.
Where Is She Now: In 2009, Atkins passed away from brain cancer at age 61 while serving a life sentence in prison.
Linda Kasabian
Who Is She: Kasabian was the Family member who eventually turned on the Family. She kept a lookout during the Tate-LaBianca murders, but didn't participate. Eventually, she testified against the perpetrators, saying that Manson was the "devil, not this wonderful man that I was led to believe." Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi said he doubted Manson would have been convicted without her testimony.
Where Is She Now: Kasabian got immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying. She spent 18 days on the witness stand. Documentarian Nick Godwin tracked Kasabian down to where she was living, in a trailer park under an assumed name. She participated in Godwin's TV documentary, Manson. Kasabian is played by India Ennega in Charlie Says.
Charlie Says is out in the US on May 10 (UK release TBC).
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On Wednesday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law a measure that bans abortion at any stage of gestation, except in cases in which the woman's life is in danger. The legislation makes no exceptions for rape or incest, after an amendment to include these cases failed to pass in the state Senate.
House Bill 314, which makes performing an abortion a felony offence and would punish health providers with up to 99 years in prison, now goes to Republican Gov. Kay Ivey for a signature. If signed into law, HB 314 would go into effect after six months.
Experts say the bill is unconstitutional, and it will likely be blocked by the courts. However, that's exactly the goal of state Rep. Terri Collins, who sponsored HB 314. In an interview with the Washington Post, Collins said the goal is to bring the legal challenge that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that guaranteed a woman's right to choose.
"This bill is very simple," she said. "It’s not about birth control or the morning-after pill. It’s about not allowing abortion once the woman is pregnant. The entire bill was designed to overturn [ Roe v. Wade] and allow states to decide what is best for them."
HB 314 is part of a larger wave of anti-abortion legislation that has been passing at the state level with the goal of overturning or undermining Roe.More than a dozen states have passed measures banning abortions as soon as a foetal heartbeat is detected, which typically happens at around six weeks of gestation, and four states have signed those bills into law. These foetal heartbeat bans are unconstitutional due to Planned Parenthood v. Casey. And in the first three months of 2019, anti-choice lawmakers in 41 states introduced over 250 bills restricting access to abortion care.
Alabama ranks #46 nationwide when it comes to healthcare, according to a new U.S. News & World Report ranking published this week. Patients seeking an abortion in the state already go through several obstacles in order to obtain this type of care. There are currently only three abortion providers left in the entire state. Abortion care is banned in Alabama after 21.6 weeks of gestation, and women seeking to terminate their pregnancies must undergo a 48-hour waiting period and state-mandated counselling before they can access the procedure.
"[It is] a dark day for women in Alabama and across this country. Banning abortion is bad enough. Imprisoning doctors for providing care goes beyond the brink," Staci Fox, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates, said in a statement provided to Refinery29. "Alabama politicians will forever live in infamy for this vote, and we will make sure that every woman knows who to hold accountable." She added: "In the coming days, we will be mounting the fight of our lives — we will take this to court and ensure abortion remains safe and legal. For now, Planned Parenthood's doors are open for the many patients who need access to care."
HB 314 passed in the state Senate 25 to 6. Everyone who voted for the legislation was a white man.
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From zombie apocalypse dramas to totalitarian regimes of the future, dystopian stories have long captivated readers with their ability to entertain and terrify in equal measure; to fantastically speculate and ominously warn – and in recent years their popularity has reached unprecedented levels, spanning books, films, TV series and podcasts. One of our latest obsessions in this realm is the new BBC Sounds podcast, Forest 404, part sci-fi thriller, part ecological drama, which imagines a world in which nature no longer exists. Futuristic? Of course. But also worryingly plausible as our planet plunges ever deeper into a global warming crisis.
The addictive 9-part series, written by Timothy X Atack, takes place in the 24th century in the wake of a data crash known as The Cataclysm, and centres on a 28-year-old sound archivist named Pan (voiced by Doctor Who ’s Pearl Mackie). From her dark office block, situated four hundred levels below available sky, Pan listens to the terabytes upon terabytes of sound files recovered from before the crash – an era dubbed The Slow Times. "Data costs, that’s what our ancestors didn’t get," our heroine tells us, and so it’s up to her to sift through "the total pits of history" and patiently assess the value of these ancient noises in the modern age (The Fast Times).
...a spellbinding and eerie meditation on what the world would be like if all semblances of the natural environment were wiped out...
It’s a task at which she excels, tuning into everything from Obama’s speeches on global warming to Neil Armstrong’s moon landing and rendering most of them deletable in the blink of an eye. That is until she stumbles across a sound that pierces her very core. At first she thinks it’s a type of music but soon realises it’s something much more profound. It is, the listener is instantly aware, the hum of the rainforest, replete with the sounds of chirping birds, trickling water, the buzz of cicadas. But for Pan, who has never experienced nature in any form, it’s a strange reawakening to a past that feels somehow familiar, although she can’t begin to imagine why.
Soon we are following our determinedly curious heroine deep into the underworld, and down into the murky depths of what remains of the ancient past (our own present day), in search of answers. She, in turn, is being pursued by her interfering and conflicted boss Daria (Tanya Moodie) and the so-called Hands, sinister agents of the new world’s ruling powers who are determined to derail her quest to unearth the truth. The resulting story – told across three interweaving narratives and set to powerful theme music by Bonobo – is a spellbinding and eerie meditation on what the world would be like if all semblance of the natural environment were wiped out, and how our future might unravel if the artificial intelligence we create should achieve an autonomy of its own.
Illustrated by Charlie Green
Dystopian fiction emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction to early utopian novels and the visions they conjured of paradisal societies. In modern terms, according to writer Jill Lepore in her 2017 essay "A Golden Age for Dystopian Fiction ", the genre can be defined as something "apocalyptic, or post-apocalyptic, or neither, but it has to be anti-utopian... a world in which people tried to build a republic of perfection only to find that they had created a republic of misery." So why has this gloomy genre tightened its grasp on modern audiences in recent years, with a wealth of new stories such as Forest 404 holding listeners in their grasp?
In large part it is a reflection of the politically and socially troubling times in which we now find ourselves. "Perhaps the only good thing about Trump is that he’s been fabulous for Orwell’s sales," Peter Stansky, a George Orwell biographer and professor emeritus of history at Stanford University says with a wry chuckle. "Orwell was writing in 1948, under the threat of the Soviet Union and long before the computer revolution, but he anticipated 'alternative facts' – the idea that newspapers could be rewritten, that facts could be changed – and also the extent to which our privacy could be invaded." But although society has supposedly evolved immeasurably since then, the issues Orwell confronted feel horribly current and largely unresolved. That, plus the host of new, escalating problems the modern world faces, is undoubtedly driving our search for answers through tales of bleak imagined futures, both old and new.
"I think our renewed interest in dystopian stories involves a combination of different fears and desires," expands Dr John Morillo, professor of English at NC State University. "Many people are afraid that major structures of the natural and social world that they have been able to assume and count on as reasonably stable – including the global climate, many animal populations, democratic politics, our ability to solve rather than create problems with technology, and the very definition of what it is to be human – are all under threat simultaneously. And they are all changing rapidly enough to generate fears."
The parts of dystopian fiction that haunt us the most are the ones that ... sound uncannily like the moment we are living in right now.
There’s no doubt that stories such as Forest 404 pack such a powerful punch because of how attuned they are to such fears: it’s much easier to immerse yourself in – and terrify yourself with – the tale of a future without nature, say, than one in which zombies roam the planet. "I think scientific findings around climate change specifically can make these stories even scarier," says Dr Rebekah Fitzsimmons, a researcher in Young Adult dystopian literature and American culture at Georgia Institute of Technology. "The idea that there might come a point at which the damage we have done to the Earth is irreversible; that catastrophic changes are coming to the world in our lifetime. The parts of dystopian fiction that haunt us the most are the ones that mirror headlines or point to an origin story that sounds uncannily like the moment we are living in right now."
But what are we looking for in these stories: a guide to survival? How fictional mistakes can help us solve more urgent, contemporary concerns? Or just a good story? "If we look to the historical precedent of dystopian fiction, I think the vast majority of writers who tackle dystopian worlds are trying to enact a critique strong enough to change the world. There is definitely a certain activism [involved]," muses Fitzsimmons. Morillo proffers that such stories remind us that things could always be worse. "I think we often use dystopian fictions to cope with our problems, rather than just wallow in misery," he says. "They can allay our fears by showing them in extreme, and then often reintroduce some kind of heroic narrative to console those anxieties rather than just magnifying them. Consolation often comes from individual heroic action, as if one good person’s acts will indeed save the world." There’s no doubt that while much of Forest 404’ s appeal lies in its urgent interrogation of the damage we are inflicting on the natural world (expanded upon in a series of insightful accompanying talks on the issues each episode raises), there is undoubtedly a sense of hope and encouragement offered by the defiant, funny and self-sacrificing heroine at its heart.
Much of the coverage and consternation around Extinction Rebellion's (XR) "climate rebellion" involved calling out white middle-class activists, who many said could afford to take time off work to protest. The protestors got slack for purchasing single-use plastics and takeaway lunches as they brought parts of London to a standstill last month. Of course, much of this was a lazy attempt to deflect discussion from the real issues the movement is designed to draw attention to (our current ecological and climate emergency, no less); but that doesn't mean this iteration of climate activism is beyond criticism – especially when it comes to diversity and inclusivity.
Earlier this month, the grassroots collective Wretched of the Earth (comprised of members of Black Lives Matter UK, various anticapitalist groups and others) wrote an open letter effectively calling on Extinction Rebellion to check its privilege, and to better understand the centuries-old colonial projects that have caused the climate crisis. "For centuries, racism, sexism and classism have been necessary for this system to be upheld, and have shaped the conditions we find ourselves in," the letter said. "In order to envision a future in which we will all be liberated from the root causes of the climate crisis – capitalism, extractivism, racism, sexism, classism, ableism and other systems of oppression – the climate movement must reflect the complex realities of everyone’s lives in their narrative."
A fortnight prior, gal-dem's Leah Cowan charged XR with "whitewashing climate justice" with its focus on civil disobedience, i.e. getting arrested. The group's rhetoric, she wrote, "fails to recognise that the very institutions they are so keen to interact with, such as police and prisons, have been systematically killing people of colour and lacerating our communities since day one."
It falls on people of colour within climate groups to actively educate the rest.
Simmone Ahiaku, 21, fossil-free campaigns coordinator at People & Planet, agrees that XR's "glorifying of arrests" and perception of the police and criminal justice system as benign structures "smacks of race and class privilege". Ahiaku credits them for bringing the issue to the masses in the UK but like Wretched of the Earth, she also argues that it glosses over the historical causes and impact of the problem. "I do think Extinction Rebellions are exclusionary to people of colour," she told Refinery29.
Courtesy of Simmone Ahiaku
In her own capacity as an activist, Ahiaku says she has felt unwelcome in university climate societies because of their "lack of race and class analysis". On one occasion when she emphasised the disproportionate impact of rising sea levels on low-lying Pacific islands in the global south, her fellow activists "did not entirely understand how it was specifically a 'race issue', so [they] thought it would be better to frame this as 'all people are suffering under climate change'."
"This is something several of my PoC climate peers have also found frustrating, because it falls on people of colour within these climate groups to actively educate the rest, when there should be a collective effort to not only understand racism and the different ways it manifests, but the ways we can tackle it."
Youssra Elmagboul, 21, co-president of equality and liberation at the SOAS students' union, has felt similarly out of place. She told Refinery29 she didn't take part in XR's civil disobedience actions out of "fear [of] the white, Eurocentric narrative around climate change activism". "Though I've had my criticisms of climate marches in the past, it has never stopped me from going to them because it is hard to have a movement that perfectly aligns itself to all of your political beliefs. The difference with XR is that it is fundamentally based on an ideology (so-called 'civil disobedience') that I cannot engage with."
Courtesy of Youssra Elmagboul
Elmagboul believes a movement that puts arrest at the forefront, as XR does, "is not only exclusionary to people of colour, it is offensive. To not recognise the racist and brutal nature of the police and the experience people of colour have with them, is in itself racist," and ignores "the very real and violent struggle that people of colour and, in particular, black people have when interacting with the police on a daily basis." She says that while some XR supporters have told her they are strategically using their white privilege to garner media and government attention for its aims, she doesn't believe this sentiment is recognised by the group as a whole.
"When the movement release a video that says they do not want to give more work to the 'overworked and undervalued police force', they tap into the white, liberal belief that the police are here to serve and protect everyone. I just cannot imagine thousands of people of colour collecting peacefully and it not being seen as a 'threat' or 'endangering' members of the public."
Zamzam Ibrahim, 24, vice president of society and citizenship at the National Union of Students, believes the recent spurt of interest in climate change in the global north, just as we're beginning to feel its impact ourselves, is itself indicative of our privilege – and this extends way beyond XR to other groups. "For decades, our families and communities in the global south have faced land exploitation and poisoning, toxic waste dumping and ecological disasters," she emphasises. "While entire communities were facing catastrophe in the '80s from climate catastrophes, [the wider environmental movement] chose to focus on penguins, polar bears and fluffy animals, thereby sending the clear message that they did not care about these communities."
I just cannot imagine thousands of people of colour collecting peacefully and it not being seen as a 'threat'.
As for the accusation that climate activism is "just a group of middle-class left-wing activists", XR pre-empts this criticism on the FAQ section of its website. "Extinction Rebellion is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. From under 18 to over 80 year olds – there are thousands of people willing to put their liberty on the line to fight the climate and ecological emergency and protect biodiversity and atmospheric health," it says, but admits it needs to do more to welcome the less financially secure, who cannot afford to skip work and/or risk arrest for the cause. "We are working to improve diversity in our movement."
"I’m a black, Zimbabwean-born and raised person and have felt welcomed from the moment I started at Extinction Rebellion," says Samantha Moyo, who works between the group's International Solidarity, Media and Messaging and Regenerative Culture teams. She says one of the group's founders introduced her to an elder woman of African heritage "so that I could speak to someone should any emotions arise regarding postcolonial pain".
The group is launching a new programme called Extinction Rebellion Together, Moyo says, which focuses on anti-racism, decolonisation and anti-oppression. "We are beginning with a training programme for the internal teams and will then start hosting public events to better understand [critiques and] barriers of entry that people of colour and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have."
She highlights the fact that people of colour can work for XR in other ways without being on the frontline and being targeted by police, and that it offers volunteer living expenses to everyone regardless of their role, gender or race. "The expenses system is based on need rather than status or skills, so you end up with the people who are traditionally paid less for their work claiming more than those normally on higher salaries."
While the rhetoric surrounding climate change is in many places still too individualistic and focused on consumers' capacity to shun plastic and take public transport – as opposed to challenging the massive corporations responsible for the majority of carbon emissions (and disproportionately ruining lower income people's lives around the world) – positive change is happening. Other groups are also striving to put people of colour at the forefront of their goal to fight climate change and lobby the government: Elmagboul points to SOAS' Decolonising Environmentalism society, while People & Planet and of course Wretched of the Earth share a similar vision. Greta Thunberg's #YouthStrike4Climate has engaged a new age demographic on the importance of environmental protection and standing up to authority, while the newly launched Labour campaign for a Green New Deal seeks to bring Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's vision of greater economic equality and climate justice to the UK.
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While it's often difficult to find high street products that live up to the impressive formulas, incredible staying power and Instagrammable packaging of higher end buys, sticking to a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality. To professional makeup artist Caroline Barnes, achieving a flawless, expensive makeup look lies mainly in application techniques rather than the products. From foundation to mascara, she talks us through how to get the most out of affordable makeup.
Always use a makeup primer
Some makeup artists are against primer, opting for a slathering of moisturiser instead, but for Caroline, applying primer to certain areas of the face is a key step to achieving a great base.
"The reason for using primer is to ensure that your foundation is lighter," said Caroline, so you avoid the heavy, cakey look and feel. "Primers with a green, colour correcting undertone are especially important if you have rosacea, sunburn or any kind of redness. The trick is to create a puzzle effect with it. I will strip back skincare on the T-zone and just apply a mattifying primer. When I then go to put foundation and powder on, I need very little. The more powder you put on the skin, the less refined makeup looks." And while many of us shy away from silicone in primer, Caroline champions it. "I think it makes the skin look really smooth."
To help makeup look more like skin and less like a mask, Caroline employs two shades of foundation. "I use a flat brush to apply a darker shade of foundation to the perimeter of the face and the lighter shade in the centre. Simply dab them on with your brush, then whisk the two shades together, migrating the lighter shade into the darkest shade. It's just an effortless way to highlight and shape your face and the makeup looks more like skin."
Avoid applying makeup to these areas of your face
When you get a tan, it tends to hit the bridge of your nose, your forehead and your cheeks, so Caroline advises applying blusher and bronzer as if you are wearing a pair of oversized sunglasses. "Avoid putting any blusher or bronzer around that area because you want to brighten up the face here. A lighter shade of concealer on this area will amplify your face shape and stop you from looking too flat."
Try not to define your brows too much
Of course, how you do your eyebrows depends on what look you're going for, but Caroline prefers more of an understated vibe. "Simply brush brows up using a brow groomer or a spoolie brush and use a brow pencil that will allow you to draw really faint hairs for a soft look. It feels more contemporary and fresh if brows aren’t too solid, and it saves time, too." Try Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil & Brush, £8.50.
Recycle old lipstick
Not all of us have the budget to stock up on the newest makeup products every season, but seeing as subtle pink and coral-toned eyeshadow is taking over spring and summer makeup mood boards, Caroline suggests recycling your old lipstick collection. Think just a subtle wash of colour on the lids. "Because of the typical staying power of lipstick, it rarely smudges," said Caroline. "To create a soft swathe of colour, use a nice big brush all the way across the eye and sweep out at the outer corner. The trick is to set it with a flash of bronze eyeshadow powder concentrated on the centre of the lid for a sunset feel."
Juxtapose textures
If your eyeshadow is matte, Caroline suggests going for something soft and balmy on the lips, to make your look less two-dimensional. "It’s nice to have shine back on the lips, but stay away from anything too sticky," advised Caroline. "You want to bounce the balm on to your lips so you get a nice, soft finish. Then, apply some cream blush using a small, soft, fluffy brush." R29 rates Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, £9.99.
Backcomb your eyelashes
When it comes to mascara, think about backcombing your lashes using simple up-down motions – and give it some welly. "This really helps wedge the mascara into the roots of the lashes, ensures you get a larger volume of product and helps lift the lashes, especially in the centre," said Caroline. She recommends 'tubing' mascaras, as they define lashes delicately without any clumps. Her go-to is DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection, £15.90.
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If you are reading this, it's likely you are a destitute, potentially heartbroken opportunist in desperate need of a tan or (less likely) you dig a lot of contact time with ol' mum and/or dad. It may not feel like it right now, but a holiday with your parents is a true gift. This is your chance to sail uninhibited into your destiny, to read a menu aloud in slow, phonetic Spanish, get off your face on Limoncello and sing "just one Cornetto" at the top of your lungs without fear of judgement.
The truth is that although you may feel like a legend now, with your trendy rap music and your bucket hat, your cyborg grandchildren will be laughing their heads off at pictures of you in 40 years' time. One day you will get marmalade on your chin and wish people safe journeys. You will be drawn to bird feeders and say "that's lovely" when taking a sip of tea. Your parents are the ghosts of past, present and future, so buckle your seatbelt safely, sister, and enjoy the ride, because getting to know them is more fun than you think.
Before you go
First things first, this isn’t Fyre Festival, so take this rare opportunity to breathe through your mouth and stop showing off for five minutes. Nobody wants to see #content of your dad’s burned pot belly floating among the waves or "take me back" posts of your mum in a Per Una kaftan. Save that precious phone battery for figuring out when you took a wrong turn on the way to a UNESCO world heritage site.
Takeoff
There’s a good chance your dad will bring some proper '90s, Kevin McCallister levels of stress to the airport, but remember he’s recalibrating. Parents come from a time when people used to smoke on planes and sexually harass air stewards. Hopefully you have convinced your dad to let you carry your own passport by now, but be patient when he puts his reading glasses on at the passport gate. It could be low-level stressful watching your mum try and jam a jar of Sudocrem into a sandwich bag but keep those cortisone levels down; this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Instead be grateful that the Ryanair seat lottery means you’ll be sat next to someone else’s dad who may also whack his head on the overhead lockers the moment you touch the tarmac. A strong gin and tonic and a tube of Pringles (£15) will normally see you nicely into any European destination with a sense of anticipation and a cracking sour cream and onion headache.
At your destination, purchase one large bottle of water and pop two paracetamol, which you will need for the quest for the hire car. Once you’ve got your first obligatory hot Fiat Punto argument out of the way, it’s time to unleash the music. Make sure you have packed the only two CDs you will ever need: Toploader and David Gray's White Ladder. Is there any family argument that cannot be diffused by "Dancing in the Moonlight"? Let me answer that for you: no.
Paying for stuff
Almost the moment you exit passport control you will have regressed by 15 years, so by all means seize this opportunity to embrace your inner child. Ride the trolley around Carrefour, tossing in wheel after wheel of brie then looking baffled at the checkout. When the receipt tumbles out of the register, shrug: "I dunno who put all those beers and bars of Milka in there but I’m sure they’ll get eaten."
When it comes to cash flow, it’s probably best not to try and be Billy Big Nuts. Baby boomers can d-r-i-n-k which means that unless you are a hedge fund manager, restaurant bills featuring Irish coffees will be off limits. Save yourself the humiliation of fingering about in your souvenir coin purse. I recommend you employ yourself as head of "Who wants an ice cream?" and repay your debt in Maxibons and bonhomie.
Trivial pursuits
Have you ever wondered what your dad has been banging on about for 25 years? Well guess what? All that late night Wikipedia-ing on the family computer means he actually knows some stuff! Tune into Radio Pops for some ancient trivia and see if you can’t restore some fragments of that quite expensive university degree they helped finance. A couple of parched ruins and arguments with Sally Sat Nav later and you could achieve some quite adorable family bonding.
If humanities homework isn’t your thing, there’s always the rich oral history you can get from your mum after three pale rosés. The cocktail witching hour is the perfect time to remind yourself how great feminism is with the litany of earth-shattering truths that come tumbling from her lips. Harrowing accounts of things that "seemed like a good idea at the time" because "that was just how things were in the '70s, darling."
Conversation
My guess is that you haven’t come on holiday with your parents for the craic alone. It’s likely you are varying degrees of heartbroken and skint and, as a result, unusually thin-skinned. Remember, a bit of light patronising and historic bullying is par for the course here so you will just need to suck it up, I'm afraid. Red flag topics best left undiscussed aren't limited to but do include: data roaming charges, things your mum saw on Facebook, European bureaucrats, speed cameras and Princess Diana.
Photographed by Meg O'Donnell
If debating whether political correctness has gone mad gets a bit much, don’t retreat to your room to thrash around in sandy sheets with your phone because you will likely just die of FOMO. Take yourself for a wander, nick a cigarette off a sexy waiter. Look at the sea, smell a flower, buy some bangles, do several shots of the local aperitif – whatever you need to do to feel like you, girl.
Finding your chi
If there’s one way to truly find your centre, it’s through keen observation of men over 50, because let me tell you, they are the most mindful people on Earth. This is a species who can sit in a hard chair and stare into space for well over an hour, or become so utterly absorbed in a jamón sandwich that he can’t hear a word you’re saying.
Your dad is likely living meal to meal, moment to moment, thinking very little until he falls instantly into dead, dreamless sleep that sounds like a pig being throttled. You might lie awake at night wondering if he’s going to swallow his own tongue but guaranteed he’ll be up at 7am in his chino shorts, clapping his hands in the doorway and saying "allons-y!" He is the true zen master and you must learn everything you can from him.
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Remember that night when the number of rounds you bought in the pub was in direct ratio to your self-loathing? When your extroversion increased the smaller you felt? Then you’ll know how Joseph, portrayed by one of the finest actors of our generation, Stephen Graham – freshly resurrected from Line of Duty – is feeling. The Virtues is a slow-paced, high-intensity four-part drama. It centres around this man with nothing left to live for or lose, returning to his home in Ireland to make peace with the demons of his past – drawn from painful experiences of the childhood of writer, director and Graham’s long-time collaborator, Shane Meadows.
Stephen Graham, fresh from 'Line of Duty', is one of the finest actors of our generation.
None of this is explained in the opening episode, which has been hyped to infinity with front page newspaper ads, billboards and a celeb endorsement from the ubiquitous James Corden: "This will be, without question, one of the best things on television this year."
For all the drama and pomp, this hourlong episode is a hushed, clandestine affair with gritty production and zero staged announcements of intention. Like much of Meadows’ work (most famously the film and subsequent TV series This Is England), it feels like we’re watching real life act out from a corner of the room. Only it feels like everything he’s made has been leading up to this point.
Courtesy of Channel 4
Early in the episode we find Joseph at the home of his ex-partner, their beloved son and her new partner as they enjoy a last dinner before the three of them start a new life in Australia without him. Our telly-watching brains might be hard-wired to look for the passive-aggressive power plays, but it’s rooted in realism: it’s a split family, with each adult straining to show that everything is just fine, which makes it all the more devastating when the son mumbles to Joseph while chatting: "It will be nice when we’re there, but I’m gonna still really, really miss you." It’s a gut punch that makes Joseph break down and cry at the table, full of apologies just like any of us would be.
Once he’s said his goodbyes, it’s also enough to drive him, a recovering alcoholic, to the drink. The night is startlingly hollow and realistically depicted, but these moments of human vulnerability are the hallmark of the series; in this instance, they have you squinting away from the screen as much as his retching and vomiting the next day.
It’s a measure of his character that instead of descending further, Joseph picks up his bags and heads for a ferry. Even if the attendant comes across all I, Daniel Blake and refuses to sell him a ticket for the next ferry out. But there’s humour in it somewhere. "I hope your mother loves you," Joseph tells him, faux cordially. "Yeah she does." "Yeah good because I fucking don't," is his superbly limp reply.
And so he waits. And we wait with him. Because unlike certain other programmes rushing at a rate of knots, there’s all the time to breathe in the air of his world and get into his mind a little, accompanied by PJ Harvey’s haunting soundtrack in the background. Before we know it, it’s time to set sail, and by God do we want to go with him.
Emotion invested, the next episode is where it all starts to unravel: the long-lost family, the buried secrets, the hidden past. However it might play out, it’s rooted by astounding perception and compelling acting, which can only make for a turbulent ride. Strap yourselves in now.
The summer of 2019 sounds a lot like classic rock. The music of the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John are the backbone for three of the season's most anticipated movies. In 50 years, let's hope we get three movies devoted to Cardi B, Lorde, and Ariana Grande.
So if the summer of 2019 sounds like dad music, what does it look like? Superhero school trips, CGI Simbas, blue genies! Oh my, indeed. Avengers: Endgame, out in late April, set the tone for the rest of the summer: Expect many reboots and franchise continuations. The fandoms will get to flex.
But don't let the indies get lost amid the blockbusters. We've highlighted the best indie movies to support this summer as well.
Wild Rose Release Date: 12th April Director: Tom Harper Starring: Jessie Buckley, Julie Walters, Sophie Okonedo
Fresh out of prison, Rose-Lynn (Jessie Buckley) wants her first destination to be Nashville, where she’ll finally become a famous country singer. But there are complications. Following A Star is Born, Her Smell, and Vox Lux, Wild Rose is another fascinating portrait of a woman whose ambitions for stardom are somewhat impeded by earthly obligations.
Avengers: Endgame Release date: 26th April Director: Anthony and Joe Russo Cast: Literally everyone who has ever been in an MCU movie.
What better way to kick off summer than with the biggest blockbuster of the year? Avengers: Endgame picks up where Avengers: Infinity War left off: Thanos has snapped his Infinity-stone-clad fingers and wiped out half the universe. Avengers: Endgame is a fittingly epic conclusion to the series, and to an era in the MCU. The movie will reward those who already are familiar with the franchise's 22 movies — though it's enjoyable for newbies, too.
Long Shot Release Date: 3rd May Director: Jonathan Levine Starring: Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Andy Serkis, June Diane Raphael, with Bob Odenkirk, and Alexander Skarsgård
Journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is unqualified for the role of boyfriend to Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), one of the world's most accomplished women politicians. He's also unqualified for being her speechwriter when she decides to run for president. But Charlotte feels kinship with Fred, since their relationship stretches back to childhood. Long Shot is a satisfying and unconventional rom-com.
Detective Pikachu Release date: 10th May Director: Rob Letterman Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Kathryn Newton, Rita Ora, all of your favourite Pikachu
A noir mystery featuring a CGI-animated Pikachu voiced by Ryan Reynolds? Yeah, Detective Pikachu is the kind of movie you have to watch to understand. But we guarantee one thing: You’ll have a blast.
The Hustle Release date: 10th May Director: Chris Addison Cast: Rebel Wilson, Anne Hathaway
Wine Country Release date: 10th May Director: Amy Poehler Cast: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, and Paula Pell
Mix Girls Trip with the hey-day of aughts SNL, and you get Wine Country, Amy Poehler’s directorial debut landing on Netflix. After a long reunion, six friends travel to Napa Valley to celebrate a 50th birthday. The only way this movie could get wilder is if Cersei Lannister showed up with a sneer and a goblet of red.
John Wick 3: Parabellum Release date: 17th May Director: Chad Stahelski Cast: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Anjelica Huston, Lawrence Fishburne, Ian McShane, Asia Kate Dillon
John Wick is the kind of stylish, off-kilter action franchise that appeals to people who usually avoid (or fall asleep) during action movies. John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is a retired hit-man pulled back into the criminal underworld after a Russian crime boss killed his pet beagle. By the third instalment, he’s still doing what he does best: assassinating. Come for the visuals, stay for the fun (and Keanu Reeves on a horse).
See You Yesterday Release Date: 17th May Director: Joanna Hogg Cast: Eden Duncan-Smith, Dante Crichlow, Brian “Stro” Bradley
Black Lives Matter meets Back to the Future in this out-of-the-box drama. CJ Walker (Duncan-Smith) and Sebastian (Crichlow) are two teenage geniuses who invent a time machine. When CJ's brother is murdered by the police, she becomes fixated on using the time machine to change the past — but as any time travel movie would tell you, that's not possible.
Aladdin Release Date: 24th May Director: Guy Ritchie Cast: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Nasim Pedrad, Naomi Scott
The movie’s not even out yet, but people already have opinions about the live-action version of Aladdin. Namely, that Will Smith’s Genie is low-key nightmare-fodder. Still, we’re excited for another foray into Agrabah. It probably won’t be a whole new world, but rather a return to an old favourite.
We’re calling it now: This big-hearted, raunchy teen comedy will be the movie that stays with you long past the summer. Right before they graduate, two high-school overachievers try to make up for all those years spent studying. They’re going to do it. There's a lovely symmetry to this movie as well: In 2007, Jonah Hill starred in Superbad, a movie that redefined teen comedies; his sister, Beanie, is set to do the same with Booksmart.
The Perfection Release Date: 24th May Director: Richard Shepard Starring: Allison Williams, Logan Browning
There are enough disjointed images in this trailer to write a thesis. After watching, it's hard to know precisely what The Perfection is about — but the movie's creepy mood is palpable. In The Perfection, musical prodigy Charlotte (Allison Williams) seeks out a friendship with Elizabeth (Logan Browning), her old academy’s current star student.
Ma Release Date: 31st May Director: Tate Taylor Starring: Octavia Spencer, Diana Silvers, Luke Evans, Missi Pyle, Juliette Lewis
Octavia Spencer said she was searching for something “fucked up” for her next project. Enter: Ma. Like the 2019 movie Greta, the villain of Ma is a lonely middle-aged woman whose desire to give maternal affection curdles into something awful. Ma’s house becomes the new hotspot for a teenage friend group's parties. But the teenagers are playing into her trap.
Rocketman Release Date: 31st May Director: Dexter Fletcher Starring: Taron Edgerton, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard
Watch the formation of an iconic pop star as he travels from Reginald Dwight, a shy kid in an English village, to Elton John, the sparkle-clad, piano-playing singer who has captivated stadiums from the ‘70s to this day. Incidentally, Rocketman is directed by Dexter Fletcher, who was tasked with finishing Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer was fired. Unlike Bohemian Rhapsody, this portrayal of a gay pop star will actually get sexy. We think it’s going to be a long, long time before we get over this biopic.
Always Be My Maybe Release Date: 31st May Director: Nahnatchka Khan Starring: Randall Park, Ali Wong, Keanu Reeves
Fifteen years after splitting up, former high school sweethearts Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) are tempted to hit the reset button. But their drastically different socioeconomic situations cause obstacles.
Dark Phoenix Release Date: 7th June Director: Simon Kinberg Starring: Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult, James McAvoy
Sophie Turner is trading in her Sansa Stark all-black uniform for that of Jean Grey, one of the most powerful members of the X-Men. Actually, too powerful: She loses control of her powers and unleashes “Dark Phoenix,” an alter ego.
Late Night Release Date: 7th June Director: Nisha Ganatra Starring: Mindy Kaling, Emma Thompson
Imagine a world in which a woman hosts a long-running late night talk show. Gasp! That world exists in Late Night, but it's no feminist paradise. Host Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson) has always been reluctant to hire a woman writer. Molly Patel (Mindy Kaling) is brought on — and she brings her big ideas along with her.
The Dead Don’t Die Release Date: 14th June Director: Jim Jarmusch Starring: Simply everyone. Tilda Swinton, Adam Driver, Bill Murray, Chloe Sevingy, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Selena Gomez, Tom Waites
The zombie movie genre has reached its natural climax: A star-studded satire which features Tilda Swinton as a sword-wielding fighter with a Scottish Accent. The Dead Don’t Die appears to be an American Shaun of the Dead.
Men In Black: International Release Date: 14th June Director: F. Gary Gray Starring: Tessa Thompson, Chris Hemsworth, Liam Neeson, Rebecca Fergusen, Kumail Nanjiani
From fellow Asgardians in Thor to fellow alien-hunters in Men in Black: International, Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson have quite a cinematic history. The new MIB movie exists in the same universe as the Will Smith trilogy, but follows different characters — and features a whole new sleek aesthetic. It’s a perfect entry point for people who never got around to the originals.
Shaft Release Date: 14th June Director: Tim Story Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Regina Hall, Jesse T. Usher
Shaft has been a 1971 blaxploitation film, 2000 noir reboot, and now, a 2019 action movie with slightly comedic undertones. John Shaft Jr. (Jesse T. Usher) is an FBI agent who calls upon his legendary cop father, John Shaft II (Samuel L. Jackson) to investigate his friend’s death. The next chapter in the Shaft franchise has, perhaps, the most amusing tagline of the summer: “More Shaft than you can handle.”
The Last Black Man In San Francisco Release Date: 14th June Director: Joe Talbot Starring: Jimmie Falls, Danny Glover, Jonathan Majors
San Francisco is no longer the city Jimmie Falls (Jimmie Falls) and Montgomery (Jonathan Majors) grew up in. As the city changes, all Jimmie wants is to refurbish the old Victorian house his grandfather built. The Last Black Man in San Franciscogarnered exuberant reviews out of Sundance — the kind of reviews that make you buy tickets for opening weekend, just to see for yourself.
Toy Story 4 Release Date: 21st June Director: Josh Cooley Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele
Andy’s grown up, but Woody (Tom Hanks) & Co. are forever in the landscape of childhood. Their latest human companion is a little girl named Bonnie. Allegedly one of Bonnie’s new toys, fashioned from a fork, has an “existential crisis” about being a toy. Utensils in crisis mode? Sign us up for another foray into the interior lives of objects.
Child’s Play Release Date: 21st June Director: Lars Klevberg Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Hamill, Brian Tyree Henry, Gabriel Bateman
Unfortunately for people terrified of dolls, this is a summer full of movies about sentient, murderous ones. As in the original Child’s Play, a boy’s (Gabriel Bateman) life goes haywire when he’s given a Chucky doll (here, voiced by Mark Hamill of Star Wars). Will Child’s Play be able to compete with Annabelle Comes Home, out a week later? Play nicely, kids.
Yesterday Release Date: 28th June Director: Danny Boyle Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Hamill, Brian Tyree Henry, Gabriel Bateman
Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) wakes up in a world that doesn’t know the Beatles. So, he does what any struggling singer-songwriter would do: Pass off their songs as his own. Next thing he knows, he’s the most popular singer in the world. Such is the magic of Lennon/McCartney. Written by Love Actually ’s Richard Curtis, Yesterday is poised to be a nostalgic, joyous ode to the impact one band has had on shaping the world as we know it.
Annabelle Comes Home Release Date: 28th June Director: Gary Dauberman Starring: Vera Farmiga, Mckenna Grace, Patrick Wilson
Annabelle Comes Home will unite the Annabelle and Conjuring series in one grim symphony. The Warrens, the paranormal hunters in The Conjuring, lock Annabelle the doll in a room, along with other haunted possessions. For a truly damaging double feature, watch Child’s Play and Annabelle Comes Home back-to-back. Side note: After starring in this andThe Haunting of Hill House, is young Mckenna Grace impervious to fear?
Midsommar Release Date: 5th July Director: Ari Aster Starring: Florence Pugh, Will Poulter
Spider-Man: Far From Home Release Date: 2nd July Director: Jon Watts Starring: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei, Zendaya, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders
Peter Parker (Tom Holland) thinks he can take a break from his Spider-Man duties while on a school trip to Europe. He thought wrong. While swinging off of Venetian bridges, Peter comes to terms with the fact that being a superhero is a lifetime job. Spider-Man: Far From Home will also expand the MCU universe’s scope exponentially by introducing Mysterioso (Jake Gyllenhaal), a superhero from one of the other Earth’s in the multiverse.
The Farewell Release Date: 12th July Director: Lulu Wang Starring: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Zhao Shuzhen
A year after Crazy Rich Asians, Awkwafina stars in another movie featuring a large all-Asian ensemble cast — but The Farewell is decidedly more bittersweet in tone. Billi (Awkwafina) objects when her family decides not to tell her grandmother (Zhao Shuzen) that she has terminal cancer. The movie, which is based on director Lulu Wang’s real life, garnered ecasatic reviews out of Sundance.
The Lion King Release Date: 19th July Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Donald Glover, Beyoncé, James Earl Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keean-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
The story of The Lion King is crowned with the voice of Beyoncé and cutting-edge technology. But is CGI animation necessarily an upgraded version of storytelling? We’ll see.
The Nightingale Release Date: 2nd August Director: Jennifer Kent Starring: Aisling Franciosi, Sam Claflin, Harry Weaving, Baykali Ganambarr
There are few heroines tougher than Clare (Aisling Franiosi), an Irish ex-con who tracks down her husband and son’s murderers through the Tasmanian Outback. The Nightingale is the sophomore feature-length film from Jennifer Kent of Babadook fame. If The Babadook is any indication, Kent won't shy away from exposing the ugly, brave, extraordinary actions women are capable of taking in The Nightingale.
Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw Release Date: 2nd August Director: David Leitch Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Eiza Gonzalez, Vanessa Kirby, Idris Elba, Helen Mirren
Fast cars. Villainous speeches. Men cracking jokes during action sequences. Mystifyingly, Helen Mirren. For fans of Fast and the Furious movie franchise, Hobbs & Shaw will be more of the same beloved formula, plus some upgrades (by the name of Idris Elba). In this spin-off, Hobbs (Johnson) and Shaw (Statham) will have to work together to battle a genetically enhanced villain.
The New Mutants Release Date: 2nd August Director: John Boone Starring: Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton
The Stark sisters are each getting their own X-Men movie this summer. Sophie Turner headlines Dark Phoenix, and Maisie Williams gets The New Mutants, a genre-bending movie set at a facility where five teenage mutants are forced to undergo experimentation. It seems terrifying.
Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark Release Date: 9th August Director: André Øvredal Starring: Soe Margaret Colletti, Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Javier Botet, Natalie Ganzhorn
The books that kept you awake at night as an elementary schooler become the movie that keeps you awake at night as an adult. In 1968, a group of kids in rural America discover a book of scary stories written by a troubled woman. The movie features some of Scary Stories ' greatest hits, like "The Red Spot" and "The Big Toe." Guillermo del Toro serves as a producer, so we can expect a movie that blends horror with generous imagination.
The Kitchen Release Date: 9th August Director: Andrea Berloff Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, Elisabeth Moss
When their husbands are incarcerated, three wives take over their business and become Hell's Kitchen mobsters themselves. Girl power, indeed.
Matt Baron/Shutterstock
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Release Date: 14th August Director: Quentin Tarantino Starring: A sun-kissed bunch — Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning, Austin Butler, Al Pacino, Kurt Russell, James Marsden, Lena Dunham, Margaret Qualley, and the late, great Luke Perry
Once upon a time in Hollywood...an awful crime happened that we can’t stop retelling. Tarantino’s ninth movie joins the long list of works about the Charles Manson murders to come out in 2019. Technically the movie is about a TV actor (Pitt) and a stunt double (DiCaprio) trying to make it in Hollywood, but Sharon Tate (Robbie), the actress murdered by Manson’s cult-members, factors into the action.
Blinded by the Light Release Date: 14th August Director: Gurinder Chadha Starring: Viveik Kalra, Kulvinder Ghir, Nell Williams, Hayley Atwell
When Sarfraz Manzoor discovered Bruce Springsteen in 1980s England, he found his wings out of his dead-end town. Blinded by the Light is an exuberant, unabashedly sentimental movie adapted from Manzoor’s memoir, and directed by Bend it Like Beckham’s Gurinder Chadha (also a Springsteen super-fan). In the movie, the music of Springsteen helps initiate a young Pakistani Muslim boy's awakening. The music we love as teenagers stays with us forever. It often defines who we are.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? Release Date: 14th August Director: Richard Linklater Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kristin Wiig, Judy Greer, Troian Bellisario, Emma Nelson, Laurence Fishburne, Billy Crudup
Bernadette Fox (Cate Blanchett) was once an award-winning architect. Now, she's a house-bound stay-at-home mom. When Bernadette dips out of the competitive Seattle suburb and runs away, her daughter, Bee (Emma Nelson) goes on a cross-continental journey to find her.
47 Meters Down: Uncaged Release Date: 16th August Director: Johannes Roberts Starring: John Corbett, Nia Long, Sophie Nélisse, Sistine Rose Stallone, Brianne Tju
This sequel to 47 Meters Down takes the ingredients of the 2017 horror movie starring Mandy Moore (terrifying sharks, women trapped in cages) and multiplies them (more sharks, more women trapped in cages). The trouble begins when four girls go diving in an "underground city" and encounter sharks. The clear lesson: Just stay out of the water.
The Souvenir Release Date: 30th August Director: Joanna Hogg Cast: Tilda Swinton, Honor Swinton Byrne
In The Souvenir, a young woman (Honor Swinton Byrne) finds herself sublimated by an intense relationship with an older man. It’s a story you’ve heard before — or maybe even lived. Yet it’s rarely depicted with such ferocity, seriousness, and emotional accuracy. Tilda Swinton acts alongside her real-life daughter, Honor Swinton Byrne.
It: Chapter Two Release Date: September 6 Director: Andrés Muschietti Starring: Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Bill Skarsgard, James McAvoy
Twenty-seven years after the events of It, the Losers Club is all grown up — but their problems haven't gone away. Specifically, their problem is a shape-shifting alien that preys on the children of Derry, ME. They beat It once. They’re going to beat It again. The first It movie was a miraculous blend of terrifying and warm and hilarious. Our expectations are high.
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Stepping outside of your swimsuit comfort zone is easier said than done. Once you’ve found your go-to silhouette and brand, they’re your ride-or-dies until the end of time (or the elastic wears out). Every brand approaches swim design differently from their fit down to their fabric quality. So, trying out a new brand is a big bet. But you may discover a new line that trumps all others and becomes your go-to. Thicker fabrics, more compression, fun textures, the opportunities are endless. The swim market is blossoming with shiny new swim brands with innovative fits and sustainable practices.
The best part? The right swimsuits also double as clothing. One pieces? They're practically bodysuits. Bikini tops? A sporty bra to layer over and under your clothing. Ahead, 12 swimsuit brands you'll want to wear on repeat come summertime.
Inspired by youth culture, nostalgia for the '80s and '90s and New York street style, Danielle Guizio's eponymous label has grown rapidly from the statement graphic t-shirts she started with; thanks in part to Danielle's It girl status (she currently has 322k followers on Instagram). Her swimwear designs reference retro sportswear and sport graphic logo designs and rhinestone embellishments.
Danielle Guizio Lure Bikini Top, $115, available at Farfetch
Danielle Guizio Lure Bikini Bottoms, $111, available at Farfetch
Anemone is a fashion girl's dream. Inspired by Kate Moss's '90s wardrobe (particularly citing Moss circa the MET Gala 1995 in that yellow Calvin Klein dress), their simple, seamless designs recall the very best of '90s dressing. Complete with skinny straps, square necklines and ditsy floral designs. These are pieces pretty enough to wear out of the pool with cut-off shorts or a beach cover-up.
Anemone Swim Navy Balconette Underwire Bikini Top, $111.62, available at Anemone Swim
Anemone Swim Navy High Waisted Cheeky Bottom with Floral Embroidery, $150.07, available at Anemone Swim
Australian brand Bamba favours '80s-inspired minimal designs, daring high-leg cuts, bright and bold colours and patterns (such as neon and animal print). They partner with ECONYL® to recover waste nylon from the world's oceans and recycle it to make their swimsuits.
Bamba Bella Bikini Top - Zebra, $47.96, available at Bamba
Bamba Elle Bikini Bottoms - Zebra, $42.58, available at Bamba
Spotted on the likes of Kim Kardashian-West, Irina Shayk and Dua Lipa, Italian-based Reina Olga is known for creating designs for those who think less is more on the beach. Founders, designers and sisters Guia and Isotta Cleps clearly know what makes Instagrammable swimwear (itty-bitty string bikinis, square-neck 'scrunchie sets' and halter-neck swimsuits with major cut-outs).
Reina Olga Bardot Underwired Swimsuit, $160, available at MatchesFashion.com
Founder and designer Roxana Salehoun created the eponymous brand because of her love for the glitz and glamour of vintage swimwear. Her designs feature pretty ruching, ruffled necklines, embellishment, retro-inspired prints (paisley bikini anyone?) and flower appliqués.
Roxana Salehoun Halter Bikini Bra, $110.78, available at Roxana Salehoun
Roxana Salehoun Side Ruffle Bikini Bottoms, $80.78, available at Roxana Salehoun
Remember those neon underwired, patchwork bikinis with bold black edging that everyone seemed to have in 2015? The style was courtesy of Triangl, an Australian swimwear brand that makes their pieces from technical fabrics such as neoprane. They continue to produce bright and bold designs that the Insta' set love.
Launched in summer 2018, Youswim made quite a splash in the swimwear industry with their bold body-inclusivity stance; they claimed that they had designed one single swimsuit to fit all women in standard sizes 6 to 14 and adapting to the natural changes of the body (the Aplomb swimsuit). They have now extended their collection to feature two bikini styles (also with their for-all fit technology). All Youswim's pieces are ethically woven, dyed, cut and sewn in England using European-sourced nylon and elastane, and sent from the brand's base in London in totally biodegradable packaging.
You Swim Aplomb One-Piece, $99, available at You SwimCourtesy of Ebony Talijancich.
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The worldwide outrage over Alabama passing a law that would make abortion illegal in virtually all circumstances – including in cases of incest and rape – has been palpable, particularly on social media. The law – which was passed by 25 white male Republicans and is the most restrictive in the US – would only permit the procedure in cases where the woman's life is in danger, and make performing an abortion a felony offence carrying 99 years in prison. (That's more jail time than her rapist would face if convicted.)
Several pro-choice hashtags began trending on Twitter on Wednesday – including #WomensRightsAreHumanRights, #AlabamaHatesWomen and #AlabamaAbortionBill – and one, #YouKnowMe, started by the actor Busy Philipps to encourage women to share personal experiences of abortion, continues to go from strength to strength.
1 in 4 women have had an abortion. Many people think they don't know someone who has, but #youknowme. So let's do this: if you are also the 1 in 4, let's share it and start to end the shame. Use #youknowme and share your truth.
"1 in 4 women have had an abortion. Many people think they don't know someone who has, but #youknowme. So let's do this: if you are also the 1 in 4, let's share it and start to end the shame. Use #youknowme and share your truth," Philipps tweeted, echoing the #MeToo movement and garnering close to 7,800 retweets and 40k likes by the time of writing. On Thursday morning, women were still sharing their powerful and at times heartbreaking stories.
My boyfriend at the time said I could either have an abortion or he could beat “it” out of me. I cried the entire time. And months after so hard I would vomit. I count the age with every passing year, But it’s probably the only reason I’m alive today. 1 in 4. #youknowme
22, very scared, unstable relationship, grieving my moms death the year before. Prayed on my knees the morning of. Cried and cried and cried. No regrets. #YouKnowMe
I had a second trimester abortion. Our son never formed an airway. Had he survived birth he would have been brain dead. That wasn’t the life I wanted for him. It was the first true parenting decision I ever made. I am not a monster or a criminal. #youknowme
— Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt (@Erica_DSW) May 16, 2019
I was 26, happily married and excited for the pregnancy. We got a non compatible with life diagnosis - the skull didn’t form. We ended the pregnancy at 13 weeks. We made the best choice for us and now have a happy and healthy baby #youknowme#1in4
I was 19, in college, and supporting my alcoholic father and little brother with a shit job. I was on the pill. I was doing everything I was "supposed" to do to pull myself from poverty. I'm now married to the father and we are raising 2 children in a great life #youknowme
But there was a glaring omission in some British people's irate tweets about the situation in Alabama – the fact that abortion law in one corner of the UK is even more draconian. Women in Northern Ireland are subject to one of the most severe abortion bans in the world – under a law from 1861, it's banned in all circumstances other than when a woman's life is at risk – and women in Northern Ireland also face life imprisonment themselves if they procure an abortion, as well as the medical staff who carry out the procedure.
For anyone horrified by Alabama’s proposed abortion ban, or calling it Gilead. Look closer to home! Northern Ireland does not permit abortions even in cases of rape, incest or fatal foetal abnormality. The ONLY exception is endangerment to a woman’s life.
Grainne Teggart, Amnesty UK’s Northern Ireland campaign manager, urged people to "remember that in the UK we’re no better – women in Northern Ireland are subjected to one of the most severe abortion bans in the world which also carries criminal penalties of up to life imprisonment. It’s shameful that our government is allowing such a violation of reproductive rights to continue to blight the lives of so many.
"The UK government’s silence on the situation in Northern Ireland is putting the UK in the same camp as those US states pushing women’s reproductive health back into the dark ages. We should be leading on this issue, not lagging behind. We call on the government to stop ignoring the cruel reality of our law and urgently legislate for change so that the harm caused is brought to an end."
Women in Northern Ireland, including Derry Girls ' Siobhán McSweeney, have been flagging the disparity in many people's anger over the situation in Alabama versus the ongoing battle for women to access basic healthcare right on their doorstep in Northern Ireland.
I've literally just had someone from GB tell me today that she feels it's worse to hear the news about America because they're thinking of rolling back women's rights, rather than having treated women like this for years. Well thanks for that...
— Shirley-Anne McMillan (@shirleyannemcm) May 15, 2019
— Alliance for Choice Derry (@a4cderry) May 15, 2019
What you can do
It's easy to feel powerless and despairing, but there are concrete ways to help Northern Irish women. Start off by putting pressure on your MP. With a pre-written email and online form, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service's (BPAS) Now for NI campaign makes this process seamless.
Alabama abortion law is utterly appalling. But remember- women in Northern Ireland still have no access to legal abortion care in their own country. We cannot condemn Alabama while women in the UK continue to be denied access.
I'm hearing from a number of English people saying that their MPs have said there's nothing they can do about NI. Honestly. Sack any politician who ever says 'There's nothing we can do'. It's their JOB to 'do'. They are basically admitting incompetence.
— Shirley-Anne McMillan (@shirleyannemcm) May 16, 2019
If they reply saying there's nothing they can do, which many people have already reported happening, remember that it's the job of our elected representatives in Westminster to ensure the country's laws are compliant with human rights (which the UN said in March was not the case for Northern Ireland's abortion law). "Devolution – even when functioning – does not relieve the UK government of their responsibility to uphold human rights in Northern Ireland," said Amnesty International UK's Grainne Teggart.
Donating to charities that provide vital services to women in Northern Ireland is always welcome. There's the Abortion Support Network, which provides financial assistance to those forced to travel for abortion care, and the campaign group Alliance for Choice. Using hashtags including #NowForNI, #TheNorthIsNext and #WeTrustWomen on social media will also amplify the campaign's messaging.
This isn’t true. They are using the excuse of devolution as an excuse to not reform. https://t.co/ziy1El9XVE
— Siobhán THE NORTH IS NEXT McSweeney (@siobhni) May 15, 2019
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"I can say that cold brew has changed the trend, for coffee drinkers, from the traditional iced coffee," Miguel Gonzalez, the manager of Goldfinch Coffee Shop located in The Time New York Hotel, recently told Refinery29. Walking around on a summer day, you can tell Gonzalez is right. New Yorkers are no longer suffering through sips of hot coffee in the midst of sweltering weather. Instead, they're cooling off with refreshing gulps of cold brew. While cold brew might be the most common thing on coffee shop menus this summer, many places are coming up with inventive new ways to prepare it.
Ahead, real baristas and coffee shop owners share their unique takes on cold brew and iced coffee. These professionals reveal unexpected ingredients, surprising flavours, and different brewing techniques that result in what they think will become big summer coffee trends. Take a look and consider changing your regular order.
Summery Herbs
"We're always experimenting with innovative ways to showcase our responsibly-sourced coffees with unexpected seasonal flavour pairings. This summer we have a great lineup of cold drinks, including the Espresso Mint Julep made with our housemade basil-mint syrup, textured milk, and a double shot of espresso served over ice.
The summery herbs in the simple syrup are definitely a bit unexpected, but they pair really well with the espresso without overpowering its nuances. The result is a very refreshing drink that's complex and not overly sweet." — Allie Caran, director of education atPartners Coffee(formerly Toby's Estate) in Brooklyn, Queens, & New York, NY
Photographed by Asia Coladner; Courtesy of Partners Coffee.
Multi-Purpose Coffee Drinks
"We've always tried to incorporate local ingredients — right now we do a honey ginger latte both hot and iced with local ginger and local honey, and a lot of guests are getting it with oat milk (which is a crazy trend and and of itself - oat milk is everywhere now!) We've also been working on a coconut espresso shot — we crack open a cold young coconut and add a shot of espresso. It's refreshing, especially in a hot climate like Charleston.
I think both drinks point towards trends of 'multi-purpose' coffee drinks — people aren't just ordering them for the caffeine or the taste, they want an added bonus that comes with ingredients like honey (anti-inflammatory, allergy relief) and coconut (electrolytes, nutrients, antioxidants)." — Laura Ryan, marketing director at The Daily by Butcher & Bee in Charleston, SC with input from co-owner Melody Shemtov
Cold Brew Coffee Liquor
"At Two Hands, we're always thinking of new trends in coffee, particularly in cold coffees like cold brew and iced lattes. This summer we're working on drinks such as a cold brew bubble coffee and an alcoholic iced latte that includes Mr. Black, we're very excited about that one." — Giles Russel, co-owner of Two Hands in Brooklyn & New York, NY
"Specialised coffee drinks in cafes tends to be catered to a sweeter clientele, and I think acidic coffee drinks are the next evolution of cold brew. Mr. Black is fun to play with in coffee cocktails because it adds a little extra sweetness along with unexpected depth. Almond and coffee bring an interesting bitter component to a drink that is then brightened by coconut water and the unexpected acidity from lemon juice in our Pretty Ricky drink. Moral of the story is, add something bright to cold brew and you have something unique that plays well to a summer crowd." — Tommy Flynn, beverage director at Paper Daisy in New York, NY
Experimenting With Coffee Blends For Cold Brew
"The classic is always cold brew. Cold brew, in general, is really smooth, and I think that’s why people like it... We brew ours for at least 15 hours. We use ice cold water and brew it so it slowly extracts the coffee. That's how it gets that really smooth flavour. There are certain coffees that are better for this than others... We use a blended Columbian coffee. We like those better because they create this really delicious black iced coffee that you don't have to add anything to. It's smooth and nutty and chocolatey. There are really good flavour notes. Different types of coffee are going to give you different flavour profiles, so that's kind of a fun way to mix up your cold brew. If you did an Ethiopian cold brew, it's going to taste more like tea: more floral notes and lemony. It's not going to be that darker, nuttier flavour most people have become accustomed to." — Claire Chan, owner of THE ELK in New York, NY
Iced Matcha
"We're gearing up for iced matcha season. That's such a big one for a coffee alternative. A lot of people find cold brew to be pretty strong, so iced matcha is good mellow caffeine option. We're getting ready and finding the best techniques to make it fast but keep that really good quality." — Claire Chan, owner of THE ELK in New York, NY
Canned Cold Brew
"As larger craft coffee companies lead the way with their endless resources, I believe they are starting the trend that smaller roasters are beginning to also jump into: cold brew coffee available in cans. As coffee has been spring-boarding off of the craft beer industry for years, marketing shelf-stable coffee in cans is the obvious next step. Not only are cans seen as reminiscent of the bygone 1950s, they are functional, renewable, and appeal to our grab-and-go culture. Also, shelf-stable liquid coffee is an easy way to help a roaster begin wholesaling and marketing outside of bean sales. While many folks can be convinced to buy freshly roasted coffee beans weekly, grind and brew them every morning at home, there is an appeal to our busy instant-gratification culture that wants fresh coffee already ready and waiting in the fridge for them every morning.
There are companies now that are beginning to sell small canning lines for small businesses with just this idea in mind. Check out Oktober Design, which was recommended to me a couple years ago. Additionally, cans offer an opportunity for artwork (coffee shops love artwork) and design (coffee shops also love design). So cans really appeal to both coffee companies and consumers alike!" — Andrea Grove-Musselman, creator, owner, & roaster at Elementary Coffee Co. in Harrisburg, PA
Cold Brew Infusions
"This concept can also be put into a can, so it jumps onto another predicted trend: cold brew coffee infusions. As in, beyond just nitro infusions, I believe we are going to see a trend of a lot more being added to coffee for interesting flavours and effects. Years ago we played around every summer with hopped cold brew coffee (using our local home-brew store). I also infused cold brew with juniper and agave (tasted like gin!), cocoa powder, black pepper, and cascara. I believe coffee companies will continue to play around with infusions because (1) it's fun (2) it sets them apart from other companies that are solely producing standard cold brew (3) it sells because it's different. Our current consumer culture loves things that are different. Throw an infused cold brew in a can with a good design? Everyone is going to want it." — Andrea Grove-Musselman, creator, owner, & roaster at Elementary Coffee Co. in Harrisburg, PA
Cascara Coffee
"As Starbucks continues to bring cascara to public attention, craft coffee companies will finally have the opportunity to market the cascara-based drinks they have been possibly offering for years. Cascara, the dried coffee cherry, contains interesting flavours of fermented fruits and tobacco. Brewed as a tea, it is intriguing, but made as a simple syrup or mixed with cold brew, it can be an amazing addition to a coffee beverage. We recently made a cascara syrup as a replacement for the Vermouth in a standard Manhattan for a local bar. People are beginning to welcome this by-product of the coffee bean and take an interest in its various uses. I do think we are only seeing the beginning to what cascara can look and taste like." — Andrea Grove-Musselman, creator, owner, & roaster at Elementary Coffee Co. in Harrisburg, PA
Coffee Tonics
"[The Secondary Dominant] was made by one of our baristas who cares and thinks a lot about the detail of the glass. It is served shorter and smaller with the intention of drinking it in-house (although you can get it to go if needed). She wants guests to hold something beautifully and tenderly for a moment amongst the hectic day. She uses acidity (in this case lemon) to add levity and help highlight the natural sweetness that the coffee offers. The coffee used for this is a natural process, meaning that the skin of the coffee cherry was dried with the coffee, as opposed to most coffees which are washed first removing that skin then dried.
I think coffee tonics, in general, offer an approachable way to try something that you might not necessarily try. They are usually well-balanced and offer a refreshing and grounding experience." — Breezy Sanchez,partner at Amethyst Coffee Co. in Denver, CO
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The movie, which opened at SXSW to rave reviews, is an instant high school comedy classic that feels at once comfortingly familiar, and immensely creative —a love letter to every overly intense, over-achieving teenage girl. It's a portrayal that has so far been left out of on-screen representation of young women. Be prepared to see Rosie The Riveter boiler suits like protagonists Molly and Amy's everywhere this summer.
Feldstein plays Molly, a type-A high school senior who is dismayed to realise that while she and best friend Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) were busy studying, their classmates were living it up — and still got into their dream colleges. And so begins one debaucherous night of partying, during which Molly and Amy learn important life lessons about friendship, growing up, and how not to hijack a stranger’s car.
It’s Feldstein’s first leading role, a moment that the 25-year-old actress, born Elizabeth Greer Feldstein in Los Angeles (her nickname, “Beanie,” was a parting gift from a British nanny), has steadily been building up to with small but memorable roles in films like Neighbours 2 and Lady Bird, the Broadway revival of Hello Dolly!, and Taika Waititi’s FX vampire comedy series What We Do in The Shadows.
Feldstein is obviously funny. She's perfected a particular kind of delivery that cautiously skirts the line between earnestly sweet and comically intense. But more than that, she’s kind. She belongs to a new generation of Hollywood women, committed to inclusivity and body positivity, and to savvily empowering herself and others. In 2017, she wore her senior prom dress to the Screen Actors Guild Awards and took her mum, fashion stylist and costume designer Sharon Ly, as her date — a gesture that earned her the internet’s undying devotion.
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Back when she was still known as “Jonah Hill’s younger sister,” (the Academy Award nominee is nine years her senior) Feldstein made her film debut in 2016’s Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising, as a freshman sorority sister outraged at the misogyny of the Greek system. She was instantly touted as the film’s breakout star, and she’s been stealing scenes ever since.
Feldstein followed up with a turn in Whitney Cummings’ The Female Brain as an assistant to a scientist trying to disprove stereotypes about women, a beloved part in Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird (which gave birth to her much-quoted line about “the titular role”), and made her Broadway debut as Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly! alongside Bette Midler in 2017. (Those major career achievements were tempered with tragedy: In December 2017, her oldest brother Jordan died suddenly of a blood clot at the age of 40.) And then came Booksmart, directed by Wilde and written by Katie Silberman, Susanna Fogel, Emily Halpern and Sarah Haskins.
Although a decade apart in age, Feldstein and Wilde, 35, share common ground. The two made their Broadway debut around the same time. (Feldstein in Hello Dolly!, and Wilde in an adaptation of 1984 so brutal that it caused Jennifer Lawrence to throw up.)
They also grew up around fame: Beanie around Hill (he took his middle name as his stage name), who starred in 2007’s Superbad when she was still in middle school, and Olivia around the Washington D.C. cultural and political circles fostered by her parents, famed 60 Minutes producer Leslie Cockburn and British journalist Andrew Cockburn. (Writer Christopher Hitchens was her babysitter.)
What’s more, the two attended academically-minded schools — Harvard-Westlake (where she met BFF Ben Platt, and future Booksmart co-star Billie Lourd) and Wesleyan for Feldstein; Georgetown Day and Phillips Academy for Wilde, who was accepted to Bard College but deferred to pursue acting — and share a passion for making others laugh.
Next up, Feldstein will be trading in her perfect diction for a Wolverhampton accent as the lead in How To Build A Girl, adapted by Caitlin Moran from her best-selling book of the same name. It’s an edgier role, and a logical next step for a performer primed to take her place in the spotlight.
But first, she and Wilde have a lot to discuss. What follows is their conversation before the Billboard Music Awards, which covered everything from meeting at Anna Wintour’s house (casual) to how to act opposite your real-life best friend. Spoiler alert: It’s gutting.
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Olivia Wilde: “I guess we should start with where we originally met, because I can remember every detail of it, at Cafe Un Deux Trois.”
Beanie Feldstein: “Well, technically that wasn’t the first.”
O.W.: “Oh fuck, that’s right!”
B.F.: “It was at Anna Wintour’s house!”
O.W.: “You were honestly the reason I went to that event. I was like, ‘Who’s going to be there? Oh my god, all the Broadway people? Oh, everyone in the big shows?!’ And if you remember, we each had a little cake with our show Playbill.”
“I was wearing 17-inch heels, because I remember coming over and realising that you very much came up to my navel. I was like, ‘I just want to hold you!’’ Then we got to actually hang out at Cafe Un Deux Trois, at the corner table. You ordered hot water with lemon and honey, and I got six shots of espresso.
“I think doing 1984 was what made me realise I really wanted to make a comedy, and I really wanted to make something life affirming. I wanted to dive headfirst into Booksmart, and make it the most colourful, human story. “
B.F.: “Every comedy is rooted in a real truth, and typically a painful one of sorts. In Hello Dolly!, it’s about a widow trying to move on to the next stage of her life. In Lady Bird there are so many heart-wrenching moments. And in Booksmart, the friendship between Molly and Amy is not always the easiest. And when they realise that, it’s so painful!”
O.W.: “Comedy is like a slingshot. It only works if the tension is pulled back. But it’s so true that the stories that you’ve chosen to tell are all about someone very human, like choosing the path of light and love.”
B.F.: “I don’t know if I choose it, but I genuinely feel that it chose me. I actually learned this from Lady Bird. My character is a depressed person, and she has that beautiful line: ‘Some people aren’t built happy.’ That was the greatest difference between the two of us—I’m not that way at all. I think I’m actually built happy, and I’ve had a lot of not happy things happen to me.”
O.W.: “It’s such a great example that you’re giving people by saying, I choose to laugh and love and live life. It’s the same with Bette [Midler]!”
B.F.: “The definition of fearless. She was in her 70s, and she never sat down during our performances on Hello Dolly! I would be panting, grasping for my water, and she would never take breaks.”
O.W.: “That’s you though! When we were working on Booksmart, the cast was working in different capacities, so some people had more to do than others, but you had the most to do. And you never seemed exhausted by it. It's a great example to everyone else. Like, If Beanie’s not tired, nobody’s tired. Kaitlyn and you both did that together.”
B.F.: “It was definitely a partnership. Kaitlyn and I had been supporting players in other incredible stories, and had been led by example in that too. So when we knew that we would be leading this cast, we didn’t take it lightly. I had just worked with Saoirse [Ronan] and then Bette! I drew from both of their brilliant examples, especially from Saoirse, how to lead as a young person.”
O.W.: “One of the reasons I’m so excited to see How To Build A Girl is because I know it’s going to be a completely different Beanie. It’s remarkable in Booksmart how you departed from yourself. Yes, you have the same intelligence and ambition as Molly…”
B.F.: “Yeah, I don’t feel like a Molly.”
O.W.: “You’re not Molly. The whole time, I was like the person who is departing the most here is Beanie. You had to take a big risk by putting on the shield that Molly wears.”
B.F.: “What I loved about Molly was that you got to see her that way, but then see her with Amy, silly, and gross, and that’s how every smart girl that I know is. Molly's judging others so that they won’t judge her first. She is gooey and mushy underneath, she’s just putting up her armour."
O.W.: “A great example of that is your scene in the bathroom. [Editor’s note: Early on in “Booksmart,” Molly overhears classmates talking behind her back in the school's bathroom. When she confronts them, she finds out that contrary to her assumption, they all got into the colleges of their choice, despite having partied in high school.] I love the way you played it. The defiant way that you flush that toilet and walk out the door, and drop the mic on them with that amazing little monologue. I remember sitting at the monitor and thinking, I fucking love this girl. She’s not playing this as weepy, broken. ”
Ganni Embellished Mesh Dress, available at Ganni.com; Escada coat; Simone Rocha Backless Loafers, available at Farfetch.com
B.F.: “Again, talking about covering up something — I was playing opposite Molly Gordon, who’s my best friend in the world. Every look she gave me, I had never seen on her face towards me before. The air was buzzing because I felt cut by these looks!”
O.W.: “Someone we think of as our adversary or someone who has an energy that makes us feel strongly — the difference between loving them and hating them is so small.”
B.F.: “Sometimes it’s really hard to love someone who’s a lot like you. My youngest nephew Charlie and [my brother] Jonah [Hill] would get into intense fights, because it’s literally like looking in the mirror. They would just yell at each other, [like] one person cut in half, except one is 4 and the other 34. And that explains why [Molly Gordon’s character] Triple A and Molly are adversaries in the film. There is this sort of energy between them that could go either way.“
O.W.: “[Triple A] has one of my favourite lines in the movie, which is: ‘I knew the guys would say this shit, but I didn’t think the girls would.’ If there’s one thing women could take away from the movie, it’s [that we should] stop participating in this cycle of slut-shaming and all types of shaming. We don’t even realise sometimes that we are part of this cycle of patriarchal abuse. And it starts in adolescence.”
O.W.: “It becomes Lord of the Flies — everybody find their team! —and it’s really intense in a way Booksmart was intended to acknowledge. The high stakes. A lot of people have been leaving Booksmart and saying ‘I need to call that person.’ Molly and Amy do have a pretty healthy separation. You know you’re going to have to let her go."
O.W.: You started your career working with a lot of women, and it’s really interesting how that has shaped you.”
B.F.: “The first film that I did was Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising, and it was a feminist anthem, low-key. It dealt with women wanting to party. Then I did the Whitney Cummings movie, [ The Female Brain,] which was so fun. And then Lady Bird, Hello Dolly!, and Booksmart.”
O.W.: “And then How to Build a Girl. You are on a roll of putting yourself in professional situations where you respect the people you work with — a lot of strong female energy.”
B.F.: “Why would you want to be part of a story that you wouldn’t want to watch?”
O.W.: “It’s interesting because going back to the beginning of my career, I did feel objectified, and I didn’t respect everyone I worked with. I did things I didn’t want to see — not a ton, but it took me longer than you to find the kind of confidence it takes to curate the career you really want.”
B.F.: “Jonah says the same thing. I don’t know if it’s college, but I think maybe, because I was a little bit older, I had maybe a few more years — and those are pretty formative years. I had to take myself completely out of the running, and study sociology, and come back, and be like, Oh, I know what I want. ”
O.W.: “When a lot of people go wrong in Hollywood, I think it’s because they’re looking for fulfilment from the attention. It took me 10 years before I really understood what kind of stories I wanted to tell and who I really was within this business. Then another 10 years to end up where I am now.”
B.F.: “I’m so excited for people to see you tell such a ridiculously special story. You watch Booksmart, and you see that Olivia Wilde is a Fucking. Director.”
O.W.: “It’s amazing that we come away from it creating the friendships that the movie is celebrating.”
B.F.: “It’s interesting because How To Build a Girl is a story about a girl who doesn’t have friends. If she’d had friends she wouldn’t have done all of this, and she needed to do all of this to tell her story. It’s a portrait of a 15-year-old without a best friend, and it was heartbreaking to be in.”
With that, Feldstein and Wilde had to go get ready for the Billboard Music Awards. They reunited that evening on the red carpet. Clad in a sunny yellow Shrimps dress, Feldstein captured the moment on Instagram with a characteristically enthusiastic caption: “just a completely normal night!!!! with our community!!! we so belong!!!!!” It’s a joke rooted in truth. And as she says, that’s the best kind.
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One of my most vivid memories from my childhood is the night in 1994 when I first saw Spike Lee’s Crooklyn with my family at the drive-in theatre near our house. I watched my parents search for the radio station playing the movie audio as my older sister and I sat in the backseat cuddled up with blankets and pillows.
That night I met Troy Carmichael, a rough and tumble nine-year-old tomboy who could both jump double dutch and outrun the boys on the block, who rocked beautiful braids and beads in her hair and who refused to take mess from anyone on her block or in her brownstone. On the screen, I saw a little Black girl that reminded me so much of myself — either that, or I decided in that moment that I wanted to be just like her.
Spike Lee’s film, which premiered 25 years ago this week, chronicles the bittersweet story of a Black family and their Brooklyn neighbourhood in the 1970s. The movie is a nostalgic masterpiece revisiting the music and style of that era, with a soundtrack that featured artists from Bill Withers to The Delfonics, and colourful costumes compliments of Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter.
The story is told through the eyes of the sole girl in a crowded house of rambunctious boys. I watched as Troy, played by Zelda Harris, both took in the world around her and took her place in it — from stuffing tissue in her bra as her little brother bangs on the bathroom door, to stealing her oldest brother’s prized Buffalo nickels to buy ice cream after he smashes her first cone in her face. At a time when Black femme protagonists were rare, Troy’s coming of age story made young, Black girls feel seen and laid the foundation for future characters like her (I strongly believe Marsai Martin’s character Diane on Black-ish couldn’t exist without Troy).
Although Lee, who won his first Oscar this year, was the director who brought her tale to the big screen, Black women — both on and off the screen — are largely responsible for bringing Troy’s story to life.
The screenplay for Crooklyn, originally entitled Hot Peas and Butter — the name of a street game the kids used to play — was the first ever written by Spike’s sister Joie Lee. The story was based on her memories of life as a young girl.
“Crooklyn is my story,” Joie said. “It’s a family effort, but the idea was not a collective thing. It’s a script that I gave birth to, which is why it’s Troy’s story.”
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Joie said she wanted to celebrate memories of her and her brothers as “street kids” in Brooklyn, and honour their mother who died when she was 14 years old. She explained how her brother Cinqué encouraged her to continue to write the script. He eventually showed it to their older brother Spike, who decided he wanted it to be his next film. Joie sold her script to her brother (for an amount she’d rather not disclose), but she fought to maintain her credit for writing the screenplay.
“What was most important for me was that I received my ‘story by’ credit,” she said. “Sometimes certain things are more important than the money. The money means nothing to me now. The fact that I have ‘original story by’ credit means everything, because people don’t even think I wrote the film. Business is business even with family, and that was a hard fight.”
Although she respected her brother’s creative ability, she said she immediately had second thoughts about not directing the film herself, out of fear the integrity of the story would be lost. But she went on to play a large role behind the scenes (she also played the role of Troy’s Aunt Maxine onscreen). Spike consulted her on what the set should look like, including the family’s house, where she stressed there were no doors — hence Troy’s desperate need for privacy. She also coached the child actors, spending the most time with Zelda Harris who played her fictional doppelganger.
Finding the right young actress to play Troy was an extensive search. But Joie said she and her brothers knew Harris was the one as soon as they saw her.
“She wasn’t actor-y. She was natural, she was organic, she was real,” Joie said. “She was eight years old, but had a certain type of wisdom. She just had that it factor. I was blown away by this little girl.”
Harris, who now lives in Los Angeles and sings lead in her band Zelda & the Lo Los, recalls coming in for several auditions, including one where she had a fever over 100 degrees. She eventually got the role and spent her summer learning from veteran actors like Delroy Lindo, Alfre Woodard and Joie herself.
“Joie was like your older sister’s coolest friend,” Harris said. “When I met her I was so taken aback by her beauty and her whole aura. But as we dug deeper into the work of acting, I saw her more as a coach. Like someone who trains an individual for a boxing match or the Olympics. Like she’s gonna chisel me. I’m the slab of marble that is to become Troy, and she’s showing me the steps I need to take in order to go there.”
Joie taught Harris, who was the oldest of three girls, what it was like being the only girl in a house full of brothers.
“She would give me these little pointers like just the way I walked down the street. She would say, ‘When you’re hanging out with boys, you have to make sure your walk lets them know who’s in charge. When you walk, you’re sending a message to the other boys like I can play. I can hang with you. I can do whatever.’”
On screen, Lee’s coaching translated seamlessly. Harris’ performance of Troy is incredibly authentic and her brothers take no mercy on her, something Alfre Woodard also found impressive.
“She took on a huge role and was the leader of all that testosterone,” Woodard said.
The actress joined the cast after Spike left a challenging message on her answering machine saying she was scared to come to Brooklyn to be in his film. She took on the role of Carolyn, the matriarch of the Carmichael clan, which extended off screen.
“I let Zelda be feistier than the other kids,” Woodard said. “I would kinda pull the reins of the boys quicker and tighter. But I didn’t pull her reins because I don’t believe in putting out the fire of a young girl. I don’t believe in trying to get a girl to temper her fire. So I wanted her, especially around all those boys, to make sure she could fire back at them. And it was for Zelda, but it was also for me.”
Courtesy of Forty Acres And A Mule Filmworks
For Harris, so much of that summer in 1993 was spent bonding with her onscreen brothers, and learning how to play double dutch and stratomatic baseball — all of which resulted in a truly authentic portrayal of youth during that period. She also credits Woodard and Joie for not only helping shape her impressive portrayal of Troy, but also for their mentorship.
“If every Black girl could spend their summer gleaning insights from Joie Lee and Alfre Woodard everything would be different,” she said.
At the time of its release, Crooklyn received praise for its universal portrayal of a middle-class family everyone could relate to (it also received criticism for stylistic choices, like the anamorphic lens Spike uses to portray Troy’s visit to see her relatives down south). A quarter century later, the film stands strong as a cinematic feat on the director’s extensive resume.
“To my knowledge, we hadn’t seen a Black family that was just presented as we are in life, as human beings,” Woodard said. “I get told in Belgium by white Belgians ‘I love Crooklyn, it reminds me of growing up.’ Which is what happens when you tell a story from a specific point of view, you don’t have to mention race. You didn’t get up this morning like ‘I’m a black woman that wants a cup of coffee.’ You just want a cup of coffee. It was us as we are. Just us being fabulous, complex, funny, delightful, and making ends meet. And seeing, even within that story, that we’re not monolithic.”
Although the film didn’t shove race in viewers’ faces, it didn’t shy away from it. Troy’s conversations about good and bad hair, both on the stoop with her girlfriends in Brooklyn and while her aunt takes a hot comb to her curls in the South, are quintessential reflections of a young Black girl’s experience.
“The specificity is what makes it universal,” Woodard said. “Diversity is not the point; showing reality is the point.”
For Harris, playing Troy gave her a freedom she hadn’t experienced in other roles.
“It was liberating because I didn’t have to sterilise myself as an actor in order to portray that role,” she said. “Other Black girls I would see on auditions, their hair was pressed with lots of curls, almost like more of a pageant look. You speak in more of a sing-songy tone. And I knew, that’s not me, that’s not how the kids I know talk. But I knew this is what the grownups are looking for, so that’s what I’m gonna go for.
This is a human girl who’s out there living her life. And she looks like me. And her family looks like me. And her mom and dad look like my mom and dad. And she lives in a neighbourhood with people like the people in my neighbourhood.”
The film’s enduring power lies in Spike’s ability to capture the heart of what love and loss looks like for the Carmichael family, and by extension, any family. For me, putting a Black girl at the centre of a story anyone in the world could relate to only solidifies the film’s legacy.
But for Joie Lee, who was simply writing a story about herself and her family, race was never a question.
“I don’t think of Crooklyn as cerebral, I think of it as celebratory,” she said. “ Crooklyn is a film about memory.”
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We’ve spent more hours than we care to admit putting together Pinterest boards, picking the brains of stylists, and thumbing through celebrity Instagram feeds all to land on the perfect haircut. But in our pursuit, we’ve overlooked another way to make us look our best, all through an entirely different type of hair cut that's far simpler — and definitely less expensive — than messing with the strands on our head: brow shaping.
“The brow shape has a major influence over other facial features,” says Joey Healy, a New York-based celebrity brow specialist. His rule of thumb for landing on the brow shape most likely to draw out your best features? “Play against the natural angles of your face,” he says, by looking to angled brow shapes to balance more rounded faces and more flowing brow shapes to soften faces with sharper features. “It's all about balance and overall facial harmony."
Of course, this is the 21st century, and we can have any brow shape we're after — no matter how our natural brows grow. For this, Benefit Cosmetics global brow expert Jared Bailey suggests a three-step method called brow mapping for the most flattering results when carving out your optimum shape.
First, find the perfect starting point for your brows by aligning it straight up from the sides of your nose. (Using a ruler helps.) To zero in on the arch, point a ruler from the corner of your nose to the centre of the eye. Finally, land on your brows’ end by tilting that ruler from the corner of the nose to the outer corner of the eye. “Following these three measurements helps keep your brows in the right proportion with the rest of your face and features,” Bailey says.
Not sure which brow shape you want to tackle? Find both pros' breakdowns of what each can do to bring out your best side, ahead.
Straight Brow Shape
According to Bailey, a straight brow with low-to-no arch can make your eyes look bigger and brighter. "If you think about your face in three different planes, you have the forehead to the brows, brows to the lips, and lips to the chin. A straight brow will block out these proportions, and as a result, make the eye appear more open," he says.
2/3 Arch Brow Shape
It's tempting to want to take anything Beyoncé does and make it your own, but when it comes to brow shapes, Healy says that Bey's 2/3 arched brow may land best on those with oval face shapes. "With other features on the face being so balanced, a more bold look works for this face shape," he says. Bonus: The arched look can also feign the look of higher cheekbones.
When wearing a fuller brow, Healy also advocates for more thoughtful trimming, as brow hairs that may seem too long can actually make the look. "Often the length of the existing hairs can prove to be a wonderful asset, allowing you to do a brow comb-over and direct them in a helpful way," he says. His go-to for guiding brow hairs and fixing them in place? Using a clear brow gel, like Joey Healy Brow Structure Clear Set.
Tapered Brow Shape
There's a reason some of the world's most famous women with the sharpest cheekbones (see: Debbie Harry, Angelina Jolie, Kerry Washington) choose a brow shape that subtly narrows at the tail. "Tapered brows are great for people with heart-shaped faces who may have sharper features," like Gemma Chan, "because it softens them and makes your face look more delicate," Bailey says.
Curved Brow Shape
Sometimes called "S"-shaped brows, a curved brow shape very slightly dips down and up, like a comma on its side. "This is great for people who have a round or square face because it elongates the face shape," says Bailey. "Having these highs and lows in the brow actually creates the illusion of a longer face."
Thin Brow Shape
On some faces, thinly-plucked brows may feel like a '90s throwback — but according to Bailey, the shape looks right at home on those with delicate features, like Kate Mara. "The thickness of your brow should be proportional to your face," he says. "If you have smaller eyes and a smaller nose, thinner brows typically look better because they mirror the features you already have."
Thick & Short Brow Shape
"If you have a small face, a long brow can be overpowering," Bailey says. "Keeping them thick and a little shorter can help to fill out a small face. Thickness also creates a youthful appearance." The key to shaping a shorter brow is to find the right endpoint for your own face shape. To do this, Bailey suggests measuring the angled line from the outer portion of the nose across the outer corner of the eye.
Feathered & Textured Brow Shape
"Texture is something that everyone is looking for in their brows," Bailey says. "It’s about being able to see individual brow hairs." Even if your brow hairs don't naturally peacock on their own, the look can be achieved with some smart makeup application. "You can create a natural-looking feathered look by using multiple shades of micro-lining brow pencils like Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil," he explains. "Pick pencil shades that fall into warm or cool tones depending on your hair colour, and then alternate shades through the brow to make it look highly texturised."
Steep Arched Brow Shape
A well-done eye lift can work miracles in terms of making a face look more awake, but there's a far less pricey — and painful — way to accomplish the same thing: shape your brows with a steep arch. "It provides maximum lift to the face," Healy says.
Minimal Arched Brow Shape
Talk about brow shaping often focuses on finding and emphasising an arch, but as Healy points out, some can benefit from downplaying the arches altogether. "If you have a smaller forehead, subtle arches allow for more forehead to show," he says, noting the shape can also work well on those who have strong angles in the face "because it plays against them."
Rounded Brow Shape
Healy singles out a rounded brow shape as a flattering option for those with stronger features who want to soften them. What's more, a rounded shape with a slight centre arch also makes almond-shaped eyes look especially mesmerising.
Exaggerated Tail Brow Shape
Disney villains may have the corner on brows shaped with an exaggerated tail, but there's an easy way to keep the look from feeling cartoonish IRL, according to Healy. "An exaggerated tail is great if the brow tail isn't very steep," he says. Thandie Newton's mild arch provides an elegant example of how to shape an exaggerated tail, as well as how the brow shape can add the illusion of width to a narrow face.
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Animal print anything — from a bodysuit to a handbag — can seem like an intimidating (and impractical) addition to a jeans and T-shirt kind of wardrobe. But as of late, animal-inspired patterns are everywhere — from the leopard-print silk midi skirts all over Instagram to your best friend's manicure with cute cow spots.
Luckily, for those looking to Marie Kondo their closet, we're leaning into the latter, low-commitment version of animal print: the spotted manicure — which can be worn, admired, then wiped away with a little acetone. From snow leopard spots to chic brown tortoiseshell designs, we've created a guide to this summer's best animal-print manicures, ahead.
Leopard
Animal print can be considered neutral when the tips are short and the base is bare. It's like the polka dot's cool, older sister.
Or, if you've got the length and a sleek almond shape, try a leopard-print accent on just the tip.
Zebra
If you've long been a stripes type of girl, a zebra design is an easy upgrade.
Essie makes handy zebra-print stickers that you can just press on to get the classic design in a snap — minus the striping brush and intense concentration.
Cow
We've been thinking about this look ever since Kendall Jenner told the world she loves cow print. A crisp white nail bed with imperfect black spots sprinkled over the top is the nail trend we never knew we needed.
Sprinkle your white tips with cow spots for a fun take on the traditionally stiff French manicure.
Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell is a popular pattern for fashion accessories, like glasses and jewellery, and we love the glossy camel and black-spotted print on nails, too — even more so when it's mixed with a floral tip on the opposite hand.
Note to self: Plan your tortoiseshell manicure around your next trip to the pool.
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