The days are getting longer and the air is warmer, which can only mean one thing: October is already upon us. While it certainly feels like the year is slipping away from us, the RUSSH team have still managed to consume some (read: a lot) of media. From binge-worthy Netflix series to must-read Substacks, here is everything we've been watching, reading, and listening to in September, 2024.
Emily Algar
Beauty Editor
Watch… I’m a few episodes into the second season of The Last King of the Cross. One of my favourite Instagrams is @oldkingscross and I kind of love the OTT way the show comes together. Much of my early 20s was spent at World Bar and the Kings Cross Hotel, so it’s fun to watch.
Read… I’m going to be honest and say I’m not actively reading anything right this minute, but I am however enjoying Jane Pratt’s new Substack — she’s a legendary editor and her now defunct media site XOJane really was the blueprint for the intimate kind of beauty writing I love to read.
Listen… Another month, another eclectic mix of music. Right now I’m into Ladyhawke, Neil Young, The Lagoons… also enjoying these curated playlists by the jewellery brand Lie Studio.
Samantha Corry
Assistant to Editor In Chief
Watch… I recently watched Long Legs, the horror film with Maika Monroe. It was all amazing except the ending, which was a bit frustrating–but still a good journey. Last weekend, I did binge Vogue: In the '90s, and it was so incredible. It’s everything fashion trends, models, and designers–which to me is incredibly fascinating. After bingeing, I was in a fashion mood and watched High and Low, the John Galliano documentary, another fashion piece I recommend. And because I am crazy (about fashion) I also watched The First Monday of May this month– if you like The Met Gala, you'll love this.
Read… I haven't done much reading this month, but I am still powering Cleopatra and Frankenstein and have at least nine books to read over. I think that is my bad habit: I get too excited to read the next book, I don't finish the current one and move on to the next…
Listen… Olivia Dean! I do love British artists, it seems. In particular, I have been listening to her songs Ladies Room and Ok Love you Bye. And besides that the usual artists of Inhaler, Blood Orange and Chappell Roan at the moment.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
Watch… I dove straight into Presumed Innocent this month. I hadn’t seen the original so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It really did keep me guessing. I also decided to embrace spooky season early and have been watching a few films adapted from Stephen King novels. I’d never seen The Mist, so that was first. I also rewatched IT - it’s really good. I also plan to rewatch all the Fear Street movies. They’re my favourite.
Read… I’m not ashamed to say that most of my reading this month happened on AO3. If you know you know. However, I did also start Rage. It’s Bob Woodward’s follow up to Fear, a chronicling of the Trump presidency. With the US election nearing, it felt like the right time to pick it up.
Listen… In typical fashion, I’ve been diving into the archives. I’ve been listening to a bunch of old Deftones tracks. A bunch of Incubus too. That’s when I’m working though. When I’m in the car, it’s exclusively Chappell Roan.
Phoebe Holden
Designer
Watch… I finally got around to watching Zoe Kravitz’s Blink Twice which was just as unsettling (and grossly relevant) as everyone said it would be. Like the rest of the world, I binged Monsters on Netflix. This has mixed reviews but I loved it (mostly for the fashion and soundtrack). Naturally, I am now making my way through TikTok’s trending catalogue of courthouse footage from 1993 and Robert Rand’s book The Menendez Murders.
Read… I recently joined a new book club that had The Years by Annie Ernaux as this month's read. I didn’t make our meet-up but I am thoroughly enjoying it so far. Before this, I hopped on the All Fours train. Miranda July is brilliant, and it’s totally worth the hype. Next on my list are Notes on Camp by Susan Sontag and The Duke In His Domain by Truman Capote. I picked up both from the counter at Berkelouw on Oxford Street last weekend.
Listen… Girl I’m Gonna Miss You by Milli Vanilli (blame Chloë Sevigny) and a lot of Marlon Williams. What’s Chasing You is currently on repeat in my house.
Olivia Repaci
Creative Studio and Campaigns Manager
Watch… I decided to have a solo movie night last week and binged 3 movies in a row. It was an eclectic mix, beginning with Georgia Rule, followed by Drive Away Dolls and then Of An Age. I can’t tell you what possessed this viewing order, but it kinda slapped. I wouldn’t rate Georgia Rule, but I would recommend Drive Away Dolls and Of An Age! I also watched Kinds Of Kindness by Yorgos Lanthimos, but I’m still processing that one.
Read… I got my hands on a copy of Lucinda (Froomes) Price’s book, All I Ever Wanted Was To Be Hot and I have heard its amazing. I can’t wait to tear into it!
Listen… I’m loving Ethel Cain’s new cover of American Football’s song For Sure, it’s all I’ve had on repeat for weeks.
Nikki Gatland
People and Culture Manager
Watch… I’ve been watching Kaos on Netflix and absolutely loving this modern reimagining of the ancient Greek myths. Already a classics fan, I came for the stories but have stayed for the sharp writing and dark humour. Jeff Gouldblum is hilarious, utterly rouge, and as Zeus, giving big daddy energy. I’m here for it. A deviation from my usual reality trash, this show has me hooked and racing home to escape the real world, while also reflecting on the chaos we create here on earth.
Read… As a true crime enthusiast, I was excited to spot The Last Victim by Tracy Hall in the office and managed to devour it in one weekend. This tale explores the all-too-familiar story of swiping right on the wrong man. The wrong man being Hamish McLaren. Also known as Hamish Watson. Also known as Hamish Maxwell. Set against a backdrop of Sydney, Tracy Hall provides a detailed account of meeting Max, falling for Max and ultimately unravelling Hamish. Her story delves into the human in all of us, illustrating how the intensity of our desires can lead us to lose our way and trust in ourselves in pursuit of what we want most. I was completely captivated from start to finish.
Listen… The Who The Hell is Hamish podcast. This is the same story told by Tracy and additional victims swindled by Max, or Hamish.. or whatever it was he was calling himself. So many 'HOW' and 'OMG' moments along the way, this was a goodie! Bonus: This is a a good true crime podcast to listen to on a walk as it's not packed with jump-scares.
Kirsty Thatcher
Digital Editor
Watch... I devoured all ten episodes of Nobody Wants This in one weekend, and it's safe to say, I'm now firmly on the Adam Brody bandwagon. I'm already planning on feeding my obsession with a rewatch of The OC (and plenty of TikTok compilations in the meantime, obviously).
Read... I'm incredibly late to the party, but I recently read Meg Mason's Sorrow And Bliss, and I've fallen in love with her hilariously heartbreaking style of writing. Now I'm on the hunt for a copy of her debut novel, You Be Mother.
Listen... My current playlist is still almost exclusively Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet (particularly now that my TikTok FYP is flooded with videos of her touring the US), but when I'm in the mood for something different, I've been rediscovering my love for Jungle.
