Monday, November 10, 2025 |
Where editors share their weekly musings on pop culture—and recommend what to watch, read, and listen to right now. This week, we discuss Frankenstein and Rosalía's new album Lux. |
|
|
| Erica Gonzales, deputy editor, culture: I'm so excited to finally talk about Frankenstein. When I first heard that Guillermo del Toro, the man behind Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, was taking on the challenge, I was thrilled. The man loves his monsters. What were your first impressions, Lauren? |
|
|
| Lauren Puckett-Pope, culture writer: I watched a screening of the film back in August, and I'll quote my notes directly: "Even as literal Frankenstein's monster, Jacob Elordi is oddly beautiful." I think it says a lot about del Toro's vision that this version of the monster—or, as the movie calls him, the "Creature"—is as visually striking as he is. Not merely horrifying, but striking. You want to look closer. |
|
|
Erica: I'll say it: He's still hot! But I also appreciate his committed performance as a being finding his way in a world that constantly rejects him. I also have to shout out the prosthetics, makeup, hair, and wardrobe departments—some of which are led by del Toro's longtime collaborators—for getting Elordi Creature-fied. He was in the makeup chair for 10 hours!
Lauren: I read that he spent that time preparing: practicing his voice, working on his lines, etc. But I can't imagine he didn't listen to an audiobook or 12, right? I mean, he's only human!
Erica: Well, if he ever wants to sit through another 10 hours of makeup, he should put the new Rosalía album, Lux, on repeat. It's haunting—in a different way from Frankenstein. Also haunting? Some of this year's Grammy snubs. Keep reading for the latest news. |
|
|
Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited Frankenstein is a loving, reverent adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel—but it does exercise some significant creative license. Less of a horror film than (as actor Jacob Elordi himself put it) a "gothic fairy tale," the movie is sumptuous and ultimately hopeful. If you haven't already caught Frankenstein in theaters, you can watch it now on Netflix. Afterward, join us at the link below as we discuss whether or not del Toro's project does justice to Shelley's vision.—LPP |
|
|
If you missed Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, show creator Vince Gilligan has a new series for you. Pluribus follows Carol (Rhea Seehorn), a grouchy romantasy writer who's one of the few survivors of a strange, extraterrestrial epidemic. The show is somewhat sci-fi, somewhat kooky, and somewhat existential at the same time. And it's fun to watch Seehorn rage against the frustrations of her uncanny new world. The first two episodes are now streaming on Apple TV. See more binge-worthy recommendations below.—EG |
|
|
The Strength of the Few by James Islington |
James Islington's epic fantasy The Will of the Many made major waves on BookTok and beyond following its release in 2023, and readers—yours truly included—have been eagerly anticipating its sequel, The Strength of the Few, which finally lands tomorrow. I'll spare you spoilers, but to call Islington's series (which involves multiple universes and a fascinating magic system) ambitious would be to sell it short. If you're looking for not one but three immersive, intricate, all-consuming fantasy worlds to hibernate in as the weather grows cold, Islington has left the doors wide open.—LPP | |
|
WHAT YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO: |
I didn't want to recommend the same artist two weeks in a row, but I can't help it: Rosalía's new album is just that good. She fuses opera, classical, flamenco, electronic sounds, and 13 languages into one transcendent record that makes pop music sound downright divine. A few of my favorite tracks are "Reliquia," "Mio Cristo Piange Diamanti," and "De Madrugá," but you really should just listen to the whole thing, front to back, on repeat. For a deeper dive into Lux, check out our breakdown and initial reactions here.—EG |
|
|
In this juicy Lux track, Rosalía drags an ex, calling him a playboy, a walking red flag, and many other insults. But this line, which translates to "emotional terrorist / world-class fuck up" takes the cake. On the heels of Lily Allen's dishy West End Girl album, I'm all for women calling men out in song.—EG |
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment