Welcome back to classes! As we enter spring, arts releases are picking up again, finally breaking the bit of winter hiatus we’ve seen this year. If you’re looking to take a much-needed breather from the whirlwind of exams and papers, we’ve got good news — there’s a lot to dive into.
The much-anticipated sports biopic Air releases in theaters, along with the Bob Ross-inspired comedy Paint. If action adventure speaks more to you, catch the film festival darling and eco-thriller How to Blow Up a Pipeline. On streaming, On a Wing and a Prayer releases on Prime Video and Beef premieres its first episode on Netflix.
In books, the hilarious and inventive The Society of Shame is out on the shelves. At the same time, another comedic novel, the closely observed Romantic Comedy: A Novel, promises to take us on a journey with an idiosyncratic comedy sketch writer.
English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding is back with her new album Higher Than Heaven, as is indie rock musician Blondshell with her eponymous debut album.
Here is what to watch and watch for this week. Enjoy!
To watch...
Air, directed by Ben Affleck — April 5
This fast-paced biopic follows executive Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) as he works to convince Nike to take on then-rookie Michael Jordan in what would become a transformative partnership.
Beef, created by Lee Sung Jin — April 6
After a road rage incident, two strangers (Ali Wong and Steven Yeun) spiral into a dark and vengeful feud that wildly escalates, bringing out the worst in their humanity.
On a Wing and a Prayer, directed by Sean McNamara — April 7
Based on an incredible true story, plane passenger Doug White (Dennis Quaid) must attempt to safely land a plane after its pilot mysteriously dies mid-flight.
Paint, directed by Brit McAdams — April 7
Painter Carl Nargle (Owen Wilson) enjoys his success as a premier public television painter, but when a new painter is hired for the channel, he begins to question his talents.
How to Blow Up a Pipeline, directed by Daniel Goldhaber — April 7
Environmental activism meets high-stakes heist in this compelling story following a group of young radicals as they plot to dismantle an oil pipeline in Texas.
To read...
Romantic Comedy: A Novel, by Curtis Sittenfeld — April 4
A comedy writer is thrown when a charming pop star comes on her SNL-esque show, forcing her to rethink her views on dating, gender relations and love.
The Society of Shame, by Jane Roper — April 4
After her politician husband’s indiscretions throw her into the limelight, a woman stumbles across a group of those like her, trying to change their lives after scandal.
To listen...
Higher Than Heaven, by Ellie Goulding — April 7
Goulding’s fifth studio album is set to be energetic and synth-fuelled, a departure from the darker, more introspective melodies of past albums.
Blondshell, by Blondshell — April 7
Emerging singer-songwriter Blondshell’s breakthrough album promises to expand the rock genre into more vulnerable, empathetic and emotional territory than ever before.
