Arts’ Beacons

MEDIA THAT BRINGS JOY AND COMFORT TO THE MODA ARTS SECTION

Written by Moda’s Arts Section—Kora Quinn, Arts Editor, Nina Johnson, Arts Editorial Assistant, Sam Downey, Arts Staff Writer, Cate Tarr, Arts Staff Writer, Noa Chamberlin, Arts Staff Writer, Jack Ives, Arts Staff Writer, June Glenney, Contributing Writer, Kylie Hynes, Contributing Writer | Graphics by Alexa Kantor, Staff Graphic Artist

Kora - “Endless” by Pinegrove

I think it’s safe to say we’ve all had those days in which we feel low-energy and, not to be dramatic, but almost lifeless—not necessarily sad, but stagnant. The song “Endless” perfectly captures all these emotions while simultaneously twisting them into something peaceful and hopeful. When your burdens feel endless, Evan Stephens Hall says, “But it’s an honor to feel this way / To feel the color of the longest day / ‘Cause it’s a shadow that many know / And while it’s feeling pretty bad to me / I don’t think it goes on endlessly.” It’s a good reminder that those feelings aren’t endless. This song has always uplifted me when it’s easy to forget that.

Nina - “Writers & Lovers” by Lily King

“There’s a particular feeling in your body when something goes right after a long time of things going wrong. It feels warm and sweet and loose,” Casey, a late 20-somethingyear-old living in Boston, tells readers. “Writers & Lovers” follows Casey Peabody as she narrates her life through two avenues: writing and love. The elegant prose is never devoid of grief, romance, nostalgia, pain or joy—confronting us with emotions that we often refuse to acknowledge. An ode to the power of the novel is King’s gutwrenching ability to have you sitting with tears streaming down your face, suddenly so grateful for all that you’ve experienced and everyone that you’ve loved. This story still leaves me with a softness and warmth with which I take to approach each day.

Sam - “Mamma Mia”

I will never not be down to re-watch this movie, no matter how many times I’ve seen it before. In case you’ve never had the fortune of seeing this cinematic masterpiece, it follows protagonist Sophie’s efforts to determine which of three possible dads should walk her down the aisle, set against the backdrop of a small Greek island hotel run by her mother. It’s one of those blissfully comforting pieces of media where nothing bad happens, and each successive ABBA song, gleeful reunion and twinkling turquoise ocean shot takes you further away from your own troubles.

Cate - “Little Miss Sunshine”

“Little Miss Sunshine ‘’ is a film that might evoke a tear and a need for reflection, yet still provides moments for laughter. By telling a story about a unique yet familiar family dynamic, this is the perfect film to watch if you’re looking for something to smile about. Not only does it contain aesthetically beautiful shots, imploring sunlight visuals and various light, neutral shades, but it also holds a meaningful message about relationships. The film features a family that embarks on a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Redondo Beach, California for a beauty pageant in support of their daughter who hopes to be crowned Little Miss Sunshine. Full of laughter, arguments and instances of heartbreak, “Little Miss Sunshine” solicits a spectrum of emotions while still finishing with a feeling of comfort. MODA | 14

Noa - “You’ve Got Mail”

One of my favorite rom-com films is “You’ve Got Mail,” which takes place in the upper west side of New York where strangers, Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox, live and work near each other. They communicate through an internet chat room where they find themselves fully confiding in one another, despite not knowing each other’s identities. You can’t help but feel joy watching the love story unfold in this unique and touching film, something I know I can always count on for comfort.

Jack - “Burlesque”

I find myself rewatching this classic early 2000s movie on a weekly—sometimes even daily—basis. The movie follows Ali, a small-town girl with an astounding voice, who leaves her bleak life behind and heads for Los Angeles. In LA, she lands a job as a waitress at the Burlesque Lounge, famous for its star-studded performances led by proprietor Tes. Her determination to join the performing crew drives her from the bar to the stage in an attempt to restore the club’s former glory. With the flow of emotions, sweet romance and amazing performances by Christina Aguilera and Cher, “Burlesque” never fails to raise my spirits.

June - “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

My ultimate comfort book is Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” It begins by introducing the shy and observant “wallflower” Charlie, a teenager starting high school. The story follows Charlie’s life as he makes two older friends and navigates all the good, bad and ugly of high school. Unlike other stories that tend to draw unrealistic or glamorized illustrations, Chbosky gives a brutally honest and authentic depiction of what being a teenager is like. Chbosky doesn’t sugarcoat this difficult and confusing time—he maintains the goodness of these years by weaving in loveable characters and beautiful memories that cannot be replicated outside of the teenage sphere.

Kylie - “The Selection” series by Kiera Cass

“The Selection” is a young adult series similar to “The Bachelor,” but better. Though I read this series for the first time in middle school—and have read hundreds of books since— “The Selection” continues to be one of the series I keep coming back to. Maybe it’s the rags-to-royalty trope, maybe it’s my inner desire to be a princess or maybe it’s just Prince Maxon, but this series makes me giddy every time I read it. It takes place in a dystopian kingdom and follows America Singer as she navigates a competition against 35 girls to win the prince’s heart—and crown. Filled with lovable characters, a sweet romance, friendship and endless drama, this story is one I keep coming back to time and time again. ■