At RUSSH, we're never short of a recommendation – whether it be films, books, or music that spark joy (or tears) in between deadlines.
This month, our editors have been all over the place in the best way possible. Some of us have gone deep into comfort rewatches (Sex and the City never fails), while others have been floored by documentaries or even fallen asleep mid–Francis Ford Coppola musical. Diane Keaton marathons, Beetlejuice on a plane, Memento for the first time – there’s been no shortage of variety.
Our playlists have been just as eclectic: Tame Impala and Sleep Token on repeat, Lily Allen’s West End Girl stealing hearts (and leaving mouths agape), plus podcasts from comfort watches like Emma Chamberlain and Rachel Sennott. And when it comes to reading, it’s everything from memoirs and novels to Substacks and even recipe books.
So, here’s what we’ve been watching, listening to and reading in October.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Features and Production Editor
Watch … I managed to catch One Battle After Another in cinemas before starting on a Diane Keaton marathon: Godfather I and II, The First Wives Club (a forever classic), and Something’s Gotta Give. I also caught the first half of Martin Scorsese’s George Harrison: Living in the Material World.
Listen … Of course, it’s been a big month as the office’s resident Tame Impala fan club president. Deadbeat has been on repeat.
Read … I’m still finishing off Nova Scotia House (it’s beautiful, it’s hot, it made me bawl like a baby). But I’ve also started Heaven by Mieko Kawakami (dreamy, melancholy, enjoying very much so far too). I also loved Amelia Dimoldenberg’s profile on The Gentlewoman.
Jaime Carmody
Digital Marketing Specialist
Watch… I’ve gone back to Sex and the City this month, which is starting to become more of a ritual at this point. Endlessly quotable and never gets old. No notes.
Listen… The Marias have been providing the perfect soundtrack to slow mornings, while Emma Chamberlain’s podcast has kept things delightfully chaotic and honest. A balance I didn’t know I needed.
Read… I’ve found myself diving into Marina Abramovic's memoir. It’s intense, fascinating, and completely immersive. Her perspective on performance, life and endurance is unlike anything I’ve read before.
Alys Hale
Music Editor and Creative Producer
Watch … It is no secret that I love Tom Waits and Natassja Kinski, so I started watching Francis Ford Coppola's One From The Heart. Honestly, I fell asleep before the end so I’m looking forward to finishing it, although I was not expecting it to be an unusual take on a musical. I also recently re-watched Napoleon, very compelling although I am such a softie that I cannot watch the horses die in battle and averted my eyes.
Listen … Lots of things as I prepare for the October Monthly Music Wrap, some very relatable new releases from U.S Girls, I’ve been enjoying the new Dry Cleaning and a little bit of Gorecki to keep the classical music in balance.
Read … I’m in need of a new book and a holiday, I also want time to read Miranda July’s Substack.
Stacey Gaskin
Consumer Revenue Manager
Watch … I rented Materialists over the weekend. I know there is some debate on how the movie ended but I really enjoyed it. The cast was great. I also have been watching the Fast & Furious movies with my husband and it’s definitely a fast (sorry, had to) trip down memory lane.
Listen … Tame Impala’s Dracula has been on repeat. Also Sombr’s I Barely Know Her album and Maddison Beer’s new track, Bitter Sweet.
Read … I reread Fourth Wing and had fun feeling all the feelings again. I love getting wrapped up in a book even if the hangovers are mind numbing. I finished Alchemised in a couple days, and the rest of my time reading has been spent rereading over my own written work. A romantasy I hope will be completed within a few months.
Samantha Corry
Social Media Coordinator & Assistant to Editor In Chief
Watch … I watched One Battle After Another and it was brilliant! No notes. It has been a while since I left the theatre utterly shocked (in the best way possible). I also watched on Netflix The Perfect Neighbour and absolutely sobbed. Such a strong documentary. I also watched the two Beetlejuice films on the plane, and was a bit disappointed…
Listen … LILY ALLEN. West End Girl. Break ups truly are the key to success it seems. Because this album is superb.
Read … Recipes and our next special issue that is coming out very soon...
Emily Algar
Beauty Editor
Watch … I did comfort-watch Uptown Girls on the weekend. The fashion is so fun – it made me miss Brittany Murphy.
Listen … Just plugged in my headphones with plans to listen to Lily Allen's West End Girl from start to finish. I am also very into all the Nancy Meyers playlists on Spotify. RIP Diane Keaton.
Read … Emails. Ha. Substack is it for me right now (I’ll get back into my pile of books post deadline). Emily Sunberg’s Feed Me feels necessary for anyone working in or adjacent to the media industry. I also love Neelam Noted and Ali LaBelle’s A la Carte – topics include house jewellery, pyjamas and summer bucket lists.
Olivia Repaci
Creative Studio and Campaigns Manager
Watch … Memento – for the first time (which feels crazy as its such an iconic film). Really enjoyed it, had to fully commit to watching without distractions (i.e phone), which I think is a sign of a good film.
Listen … Rachel Sennott on her I Love LA podcast tour – specifically on Jake Shane and Caleb Heron’s podcasts. I love her! And I love hearing about her process! So keen for the show. As well as Ethel Cain’s latest album Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You. Phenom.
Read … Nagi Maehashi’s Recipe Tin Eats – I just moved out, and now cooking is a reality for me. Thank you Nagi for helping me nourish myself.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
Watch… I watched Hallow Road the other night which I really enjoyed. The twist was great and it really did keep you on the edge of your seat even though most of the film happened in a car. I also saw The Lost Bus. True stories like that are always uncomfortable but I thought it was very well done.
Listen… I’d be lying if I tried to deny that this month’s playlist hasn’t been mostly repeats of my favourites from Sleep Token and Lana Del Rey. But my partner did also introduce me to some newness from Ninajirachi plus the new Fred Again… with Amyl & the Sniffers.
Read… I finally started the Throne of Glass series. I’m one book in so far and have just started the second. My hard copy of Alchemised arrived, but I haven’t started it yet.
