In 2022, it was reported that over 4,200 cases involving missing or murdered Indigenous women in the US remained unresolved. Creating a film that addresses this serious issue with both respect and truthfulness is quite an accomplishment. Achieving this while also celebrating Native American culture is truly remarkable. This is precisely what the creators of Apple TV’s Fancy Dance have managed to do, with the film being written, directed, and performed by a predominantly Native American cast. The movie features Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone as Jax, a Seneca Cayuga woman who becomes the main caregiver for her niece, Roki, after her sister disappears. While dealing with a child protection agent aiming to place Roki with her semi-disconnected white grandparents, Jax vows that her mother will return by the next powwow, an event central to Indigenous life in the US. As our reviewer, American studies professor Jacqueline Fear-Segal notes, Fancy Dance is a moving and unsettling film that places culture, resilience, humor, and love at its forefront.
The name Naomi Campbell has become synonymous with “supermodel.” As one of the five models who defined the fashion scene in the 1990s, alongside Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, and Cindy Crawford, she is a globally recognized figure. The exhibition Naomi In Fashion, currently at the V&A, is the first of its kind, showcasing Campbell’s career in a show created in collaboration with her. Our reviewer, fashion culture expert Tania Phipps-Rufus, found the exhibition spectacular, describing it as “a testament to how significant the Black British model has been to broader culture and representation within the fashion industry and beyond.”
This summer is a notable period for female pop stars, as six of the top ten albums in the UK chart this week are by women. One standout album is The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan. If you have yet to experience Roan’s music, you’re in for a delight. Imagine a blend of Kate Bush, Cyndi Lauper, and drag queen icon Divine. Her tracks are playful, catchy, and sometimes deeply moving. She belongs to a new wave of queer women artists who are dominating Pride playlists and festival stages this summer. L. Holland, who is pursuing a PhD in queerness in pop music, describes Roan’s music as “intoxicating and atmospheric,” admiring her seductive lyrics and remarkable vocal ability.
Reaching number two on the charts is Charli XCX’s latest album, Brat. This is her sixth studio album, and while she has had a devoted fan base for years, this record seems to mark her breakthrough into the mainstream. The album is danceable, with incredibly fun tunes, but it also features lyrics filled with raw, sincere emotion. A year ago, Charli jokingly declared on Twitter that she was the voice of her generation, and with this album, she makes a strong case for it. Our reviewer, who has been a fan for a long time, considers this album a piece of imagist poetry that confidently reclaims the art of ‘bratty’ women.
On streaming platforms, House of the Dragon has returned to Sky and Now TV for its second season. Establishing a unique identity for this series, which is a spin-off of the immensely popular Game of Thrones franchise, was always going to be challenging. However, the second season appears to achieve this goal. This series is subtle, gripping, and highly binge-worthy, with cliffhangers scattered throughout and some stunning special effects. The dragons, which were among the most beloved aspects of Game of Thrones, are particularly utilized to great effect. For Mark Lorch, a professor of chemistry, they also inspire scientific curiosity. In his article, he explores what real-world biological mechanisms and chemical reactions might be possible if dragons existed, suggesting ideas involving oils, exothermic reactions, and even electric eels.