Spectrum
A family’s season of revelations in the middle of lockdown
Ann Patchett’s latest novel is an antidote to dystopian hysteria.
- by Susan Wyndham
Latest
‘The pop star disappeared’: How Platon exposed Adele and other icons
Platon’s artistic leanings emerged far from the centres of fame and power. From hours of quiet observation, he came to understand how the body expresses energy and emotion.
- by Tara Kenny
The search for true beauty beneath the surface of Melbourne
Angus Trumble’s account of Helena Rubinstein’s years in Australia reveals the foundation of her beauty empire.
- by Damien Woolnough
What if Wes Anderson came to Melbourne? He’s already here, on TikTok
The city is reborn in colour-rich symmetry as locals mimic a “beautiful way of seeing”.
- by Jamie Tram
★★★★
Review
Stick with The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, it pays off in spades
Alycia Debnam-Carey and Sigourney Weaver headline a challenging but rewarding drama about the legacy of abuse and the chances of escaping it.
- by Karl Quinn
‘Hero worship must never be blind’: The lesson from Chris Masters
The veteran journalist’s account of the investigation into Ben Roberts-Smith shows the crucial need for truth and perspective.
- by Albert Palazzo
Think you know what Australian poetry is? Think again
What we’re seeing now is “new and unexpected and flipping language on its head”.
- by Jane Sullivan
Opinion
Wellbeing
When I found myself tearing up in Bunnings, I knew I needed a rest
The business of tuning out during holidays can be hard work.
- by Genevieve Novak
What to read: A tale of heaven and hell, and the end of a giant shark
Our reviewers cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp
Wes Anderson is famous for his all-star casts. How does he do it?
Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston – Asteroid City is another star-studded outing in which Wes Anderson left nothing to chance.
- by Stephanie Bunbury
What does a TV showrunner do? Basically everything, says Gretel Vella
Australian Gretel Vella, 29, is a showrunner of her own drama series Totally Completely Fine. She’s also its creator, writer and executive producer.
- by John Bailey