Believe it or not, we’ve made it to October. There’s lots to look forward to this month, like Halloween and (hopefully) fall weather, but stress may be looming as midterms creep closer and closer each day. Ease your mind and treat yourself to Italian street food, a new binge-worthy Netflix series and more this week.
“A Beginner’s Mind”: Sufjan Stevens is back again with his second album this year, this time in collaboration with musician Angelo De Augustine. A chilling mix of melancholy and nostalgia, “A Beginner’s Mind” is a perfect soundtrack to accompany the changing of the season. This album draws heavily on Stevens’ older works — if you, like myself, are still hanging onto his 2015 “Carrie & Lowell” era (arguably his best), this new album won’t leave you empty handed. I highly recommend putting it on while you study or relax, and allowing yourself to get lost in the soft vocals and dreamy instrumentals in each track. -Macy Harder
“Gone Girl” (2014): “Gone Girl,” the psychological thriller flick that has quickly risen to contemporary classic status, celebrated its seventh birthday on Sunday. Lead actress Rosamund Pike delivers such a stunning performance as Amy Dunne that it can be easy to forget how perfect Ben Affleck is in his opposing role as her clueless, occasionally sleazy husband, Nick. However, “Gone Girl” is more than just a well-acted drama; writer Gillian Flynn uses the narrative to explore the enthusiastic media sensationalism and gender dynamics that come into play everytime a Gabby Petito-like tragedy grabs national headlines. Whether you are a long-time fan of the “cool girl” monologue and Nick’s ill-advised smile or you have yet to enjoy this movie’s many twists, this is a great week to watch “Gone Girl.” -James Schaak
un dito: Inspired by Sicilian-style street food, the menu at this tiny joint features a variety of small plates, sandwiches and beverages. Seating is limited, but I’d venture out to say that even take-out is worth the trip to south Minneapolis for this gem. Try the Melone Insalata if you’re looking for something lighter and refreshing or the Arancini for something on the heartier side. -Sophia Zimmerman
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage”: This film is the sequel to “Venom” (2018) and Tom Hardy reprises his role as both Eddie Brock and Venom – seeing as Hardy isn’t a stranger to playing two roles in one movie (“Legend”). Much like the original, this film was marketed as a horror film, but wound up being a buddy-cop genre that people either loved or hated. Cletus Kasady aka Carnage is played by Woody Harrelson, and the film focuses on his transition into the malevolent Carnage, a Marvel villain fans have wanted to see since Tobey Maguire’s Spiderman. Carnage is as scary, dangerous and villainous as a rated PG-13 film could present him. -Jarrett George Ballard
“Squid Game”: Some call the world of “Squid Game” dystopian, but it seems just like the one we’re living in now. The Korean drama, directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk blends the absurd with the occult, creating a world where indebted citizens play children’s games for a grand prize. “Squid Game” is equally a critique on capitalism as it is a thrilling nine-part binge worthy series. -Nina Raemont