The Arts Desk’s weekly picks for television, movies, music and more
By IQRA AHMAD — arts@theaggie.org
Song: “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean (2025)
Some songs politely ask for your attention — “Man I Need” demands it in the smoothest way possible. Built on a laid-back groove with a hint of bossa-nova, the track feels like warm summer air drifting through an open window; It’s intimate and irresistible. This song is about wanting someone to show up, speak up and not be afraid of asking someone to be the person you need them to be. Lines like “I kinda like it when you call me wonderful” balance sweetness with a playful confidence, while the repeated refrain of “Talk to me” becomes both plea and command. It teeters between flirtation and urgency. This song pulls you in with its catchy vocals, and is great for anyone with a sweet spot for pop and classic melodies.
Books: The “Mara Dyer” trilogy by Michelle Hodkin (2011)
A series as eerie as it is addictive, Michelle Hodkin’s “Mara Dyer” trilogy has it all: psychological suspense, supernatural twists and a swoon-worthy romance in its midst. It all begins when Mara wakes up in a hospital bed, unable to remember the tragic accident that killed her friends and left her the sole survivor. After being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she moves with her family to a new town in hopes of starting fresh; However, trauma continues to follow her. Strange visions blur the line between reality and hallucination, leaving both Mara and the readers questioning what’s real. Hodkin’s writing thrives in that tension, slowly unspooling the mystery piece by piece.
What makes the trilogy stand out are its characters. Mara is both flawed and defiant, which is what makes her so compelling. Enter Noah Shaw: dark, witty, compassionate and hands-down one of the most beloved young adult love interests out there. Rounding out the cast is Jamie, the sarcastic, steadfast best friend every heroine deserves, whose humor and loyalty shine through the darker moments. With creepy scenes and unsettling side characters, this series is perfect for readers who want all the chills without any of the nightmares. Whether you’re drawn in by the psychological mystery or the unforgettable romance, the “Mara Dyer” trilogy delivers a wild, engrossing ride.
Movie: “Drive Me Crazy” dir. John Schultz (1999)
Remember when all a teen romantic comedy needed was a scheme, a makeover and a Britney Spears song to seal the deal? “Drive Me Crazy” is that late 90’s teen rom-com that is charmingly predictable. Based on Todd Strasser’s novel “How I Created My Perfect Prom Date,” the film pairs Nicole Maris (played by Melissa Joan Hart), an A+ student and dance committee chair, with Chase Hammond (played by Adrian Grenier), the too-cool prankster next door. Once childhood besties — now sworn opposites — they hatch a fake-dating plot to make their exes jealous. Cue the inevitable: messy feelings, stolen kisses and the shocking realization that, “gasp,” opposites attract. The plot is straight out of the rom-com starter pack, where a preppy girl meets a rebel boy, jealous exes stir the pot and someone learns that true love looks better without an “easy out clause.”
TV Show: “My Lady Jane” dir. Jamie Babbit and Stefan Schwartz (2024)
“Was that a withering look? Consider me withered.” If you love witty banter, historical fantasy with bouts of romance and a little bit of magic, “My Lady Jane” is the perfect, binge-worthy show for you. This one-season wonder reimagines the story of Lady Jane Grey, who finds herself married off to the dashing Lord Guildford Dudley after her father’s death leaves the family in need of security. But Guildford isn’t just a pretty face with a quick wit; He’s hiding a secret. He’s an Ethian, a human who can turn into an animal — in his case, a horse. Meanwhile, Jane herself is secretly named heir to her cousin King Edward VI’s throne, who soon vanishes under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly, she’s thrust into queenhood. But what happens when you have to navigate treacherous politics, dangerous plots and a marriage complicated by an unbreakable enchantment? A clever, must-watch twist on history that asks what might have happened if fate — and a little magic — intervened: “My Lady Jane” has all the answers.
Written by: Iqra Ahmad — arts@theaggie.org
