A24’s new thriller blends classic horror with religious discourse

By ELIZABETH BUNT — arts@theaggie.org 

Anyone who spends any amount of time online has probably seen advertisements and trailers for the new horror movie “Heretic.” The film is produced by well known company A24, known for such hits as “Midsommar,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Moonlight” and “Lady Bird.” With rave reviews from critics and a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is safe to say that “Heretic” is the latest addition to A24’s long list of hits; but what is the movie really about and why is it special?

At face value, “Heretic” is about two young women who are tricked inside of an older man’s house. Once inside, they realize that the old man isn’t quite what he seems and that they will have to think on their feet to make it out of his house alive. Any fan of horror will be familiar with this plot; it is the classic cat-and-mouse game of the genre. Where “Heretic” differs is the details. 

The young women who become trapped in the house are Mormon sister missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton. The opening scene of the movie shows the two canvasing houses in the neighborhood, hoping to convert residents. When they meet Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), they are happy to find someone who not only invites them inside, but seems excited to talk to them about the faith. True to Mormon conventions, the sisters are unable to enter the house unless another woman is present. Mr. Reed tempts them by saying that his wife is just in the other room. 

From this point on, the film takes place almost entirely within the labyrinthine house. But unlike many other horror movies, “Heretic” does not rely on jump scares or unnecessary gore to keep its audience spooked. Instead, it is very dialogue heavy. 

Set in one small house with a cast of only three characters, it relies on long exchanges and thought-provoking monologues to move the plot forward. In fact, it may be more accurate to call “Heretic” a psychological thriller rather than a conventional horror film. When the girls are truly stuck in the house, Reed begins a conversation about religious beliefs that turns into an inquisition. His questions clearly come from an atheist point of view and his goal seems to be to force the missionaries to speak against the Mormon church. Determined to contradict his entrenched beliefs with their own, the young women think on their feet and defend their faith to the end. If there is a critique to be made, it is that the missionaries have perhaps turned into symbols of stubborn belief by the end of the film rather than the three-dimensional characters they began as. 

Despite receiving positive feedback from critics and many viewers, “Heretic” has caught flak from religious organizations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) has commented that the representation of Mormon missionaries was done in poor taste and their conduct sensationalized. Other Christian publications have raised the complaint that the atheistic Mr. Reed depicts the secular bias of Hollywood productions. 

Religious controversy aside, “Heretic” is a must-see for horror and thriller fans because it takes classic tropes and reworks them into something almost philosophical. It’s odd to think of a horror movie like this as thought-provoking, but that is the best way to describe “Heretic.” A24 has created a creepy fishbowl in which viewers can see religious conviction tested by odd and extenuating circumstances, untainted by cheap scares. Audiences will leave the theater with much more to think about than just how to escape an eerie cabin in the woods.  

Written by Elizabeth Bunt — arts@theaggie.org 

The highly anticipated “Wicked” film adaptation reminds us cinema can be engrossing

By AALIYAH ESPAÑOL-RIVAS — arts@theaggie.org 

“Wicked” has been everywhere. From phone ads, Target commercials and the “Defying Gravity” riff being stuck in everyone’s heads, there has been no escaping the promotion for the film. However, only a movie as grand as “Wicked” needs a promotional run just as big.

The musical “Wicked” is a prequel to the film “The Wizard of Oz” that follows the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, on their journeys to becoming who they are. Originally adapted loosely from a book by Gregory Maguire from 1995, the musical debuted on Broadway in 2003 and is now the fourth longest-running Broadway show in history. 

The film adaptation of “Wicked,” however, was announced in 2016 and took nearly eight years to complete. Starring Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), the film began filming in 2021 and only wrapped in Jan. 2024 due to the pandemic and the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.

Part one of “Wicked” was released on Nov. 22, 2024, giving fans the first half of the musical. In an interview with Deadline, director Jon M. Chu described the decision to split the film into two. 

“It was also the most obvious thing to do, because every time we tried to make it one movie, you had to rip out songs,” Chu said. 

As a result, one half of “Wicked” was released this year, and the second half will be released on Nov. 21, 2025. 

The film itself was breathtaking: The costumes, sets and songs built an immersive experience that entranced the viewer to no end. As each song pushes the story forward, the film becomes more engrossing alongside the inevitable emotional connection to each character. Though its runtime of two hours and 40 minutes at first seems like a feat, by the end of the film, it’s bothersome how fast it feels.

Both Erivo and Grande gave jaw-dropping performances that showcase their range as actresses. Erivo, a previous Broadway actress, used her powerhouse vocals in every song she’s a part of, carrying the emotional weight of Elphaba’s character in every note while also doing all of her own stunts. Elphaba’s character growth throughout the film is illuminated by Erivo, showing Elphaba going from timid and insecure to confident and absolutely fearless. 

Grande, on the other hand, breaks through her popstar persona and goes back to her Broadway roots to give the most comedic performance of her career. Overly optimistic and conniving at first, Grande shows the eventual softness and heart Glinda has by the end of the film. Both actresses utilize their facial expressions to the highest degree and show the emotional journey the two go through as they go from enemies to friends. 

The songs in the film are enhanced beautifully with each calculated change. There is no shortage of runs, riffs and falsettos in each song, and the instrumentals synchronize perfectly with the vocals. 

As many fans of the original musical gathered to watch it on screen for the first time, it was apparent that passion was at the heart of this project. From the actors to the production to the promotion, there is no doubt the people involved in the project had nothing short of love for their creation. Not only does “Wicked” defy your expectations, but it changes your life “for good.” 

Written by: Aaliyah Español-Rivas — arts@theaggie.org

A reflection on Taylor Swift’s worldwide tour before it comes to an end this December

By NATALIE SALTER—arts@theaggie.org 

It’s impossible to ignore how much singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s popularity and fame has grown over the course of the nearly two decades she has been on the music scene. Swift is undoubtedly one of the most popular musical artists worldwide, with a massive fanbase and 11 albums under her belt. 

Perhaps one of the most major moments of her career as of late, however, has been her expansive global tour — “The Eras Tour.” With 149 shows across five continents, the tour is easily one of her most important accomplishments, and with the last show of the tour set for this December, it’s the perfect time to look back at what the “The Eras Tour” has done not just for Swift but for the industry as a whole. 

Each night of “The Eras Tour” — all of them in packed stadiums — comes out to a total of nearly 3.5 hours of Swift performing on stage. For those three hours, she goes through numerous outfit changes and entire set transformations. One moment she dons a flowing white dress while lounging on a moss-covered rooftop in the woods, singing to the audience the poetic and flowery lyrics of “folklore”; the next, she’s all sparkles and short skirts, dancing to the infectious pop tunes of “1989.” The “Eras” part of the tour’s name is taken very seriously — almost every one of her 11 albums, with their own unique aesthetics and sounds, are given the chance to shine. 

The performances themselves are carefully crafted to enhance the stories each song tells. For example, “the last great american dynasty” — a song chronicling the life of Rebekah Harkness, the previous owner of Swift’s Rhode Island mansion — is choreographed with spinning dancers in old-fashioned gowns and suits. A mournful ode to feeling unwanted and unappreciated in a relationship, “tolerate it” is portrayed on stage by Swift carefully setting a table and then destroying it while her disinterested lover looks coldly on. This level of cinematic storytelling that she pours into her performances brings them to life and makes each one unforgettable. 

Another standout part of the tour is the surprise song set. Each night, Swift performs two unique acoustic songs from her catalog, giving every show a moment special to them alone. As the tour dates progressed, Swift shifted to singing mashups, combining different songs from multiple albums to create entirely singular performances. 

During certain shows, Swift brought guests on stage to sing alongside her. This star-studded list of cameos includes Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams and Florence Welch of “Florence + The Machine,” as well as her long-time co-producers, Jack Antonoff from “Bleachers” and Aaron Dessner from “The National.”  

Given that the tour has been running for nearly two years, many achievements have been claimed by Swift during her time touring. She announced and released two re-recordings of previous albums — “Speak Now” and “1989” — during the United States leg of “The Eras Tour” and released 31 new songs with her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” in early 2024. The latter of these events resulted in Swift shaking up her already extensive set list by adding an entirely new section of the concert devoted to the album. 

The economic impact of “The Eras Tour” is not to be underestimated. It has earned itself the title of the highest grossing tour of all time. Local economies felt Swift’s impact — wherever her tour landed, business boomed thanks to the influx of fans and the massive social media coverage that followed. Swift herself made a financial impact at each stop, sending massive donations to food banks in each city she visited. 

Fan collaboration has also been celebrated throughout the course of the tour’s run. Following a lyric on “You’re On Your Own, Kid” — “Make the friendship bracelets / Take the moment and taste it” — fans started a tour-long trend of making handmade friendship bracelets themed after Swift’s various songs and albums. Bracelet making and trading has remained a crucial part of every “The Eras Tour” date from the very first. 

Though the tour has generally been a triumph, it has not been without its hardships. In Vienna, the three scheduled concerts had to be cancelled after local authorities intercepted a plan to bomb and attack the shows. This resulted in heightened security at the following shows and a greater fear presented for fans. 

 “The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows,” Swift said on her Instagram after ending the European leg of the tour. “I was heartened by the love and unity I saw in the fans who banded together.”

For those who grew up with her music and those new to her fanbase alike, “The Eras Tour” has provided a safe space to express their love of her music and find community. Every concert serves as a sort of love letter from Swift to the people who made her success possible. 

In no moment is this better seen than in her nightly “22” performance, in which a fan is selected from the audience and taken to the edge of the stage for a special interaction with Swift. Each time, after putting her signed hat on their head, Swift shares a tender moment with the fan, hugging them and exchanging friendship bracelets. This sweet moment carries in itself a clear message: Taylor Swift loves what she does and pours that love into every song and every performance. 

If “The Eras Tour” shows us what happens when she’s doing what she loves, it’s obvious how she has stayed a prominent aspect of the music industry for so long — a trend that fans hope she will continue in the years to come. 

Written by: Natalie Salter—arts@theaggie.org

Jewelry by Dozer creates unique pieces for any occasion 

BY SHREYA KUMAR — arts@theaggie.org 

Amid the vibrant buzz of the Davis Craft and Vintage Fair, one booth stands out — not just for its dazzling handmade jewelry but for the warmth and personality it brings. Jewelry by Dozer, a small business known for its eclectic handmade jewelry and fuzzy mascot, has quickly become a favorite among Davis locals.

Lo Chappell, an artist and fourth-year aerospace science and engineering major, is often joined at the fair by Dozer, a cuddly, sweater-sporting beagle and the name behind the brand.

Chappell’s journey into jewelry making began during their first year as a way to handle academic stress. They started by simply making gifts for friends and family, but as their skills improved, they decided that they wanted to try and take their hobby to the next level. 

“The anxiety I felt when selling for the first time was why my emotional support animal Dozer came with me,” Chappell said. “Turns out, people love cuddly dogs in sweaters and they also loved my jewelry. The more I sold, the more recognition I got for my art and eventually it needed a name. It felt right to name it after Dozer because of the courage he gave me to start this business in the first place.”

Balancing their studies with Jewelry by Dozer isn’t always easy. Chappell juggles rigorous coursework, a part-time job and the many responsibilities of running a business. Between getting permits and licenses, organizing markets, advertising and communicating with customers, it’s easy to start feeling stretched thin. Chappell admitted that there are moments when the demands of balancing a small business with being a full-time student can feel overwhelming but finds that the community they have built through their craft makes it all worth it (along with the extra pocket change).

To get a unique piece tailored to your style or as a meaningful gift for a loved once, you can request a custom order by filling out a Google Form on their Instagram page. Each piece from Jewelry by Dozer is crafted with care and Chappell ensures each order is packaged carefully and thoughtfully, always including a little bag with hand-drawn stickers of Dozer that are sure to brighten up anyone’s day.

“I want people to know that every piece is unique and handmade with so much love,” Chappell said.

Despite being in their final year of college, Chappell hopes to continue Jewelry by Dozer and jewelry making as a hobby well past graduation. 

For those eager to see Chappell’s work in person and grab a special sparkle for yourself, Jewelry by Dozer will have a booth at the Davis Craft and Vintage Fair on Nov. 24. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a piece of jewelry infused with creativity, passion and a little inspiration from Dozer himself. If you get lucky enough, you may even see Dozer’s best friend and Lo’s newest dog, Kurtis, as well!

To learn more about Jewelry by Dozer and browse their wares, be sure to visit their Instagram or online store. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a meaningful gift, Chappell’s creations offer something truly special — jewelry with a story and a heart.

Written by Shreya Kumar — arts@theaggie.org 

Local band “Your Tax Dollars at Work” rocked The Aggie basement 

By AALIYAH ESPAÑOL-RIVAS — arts@theaggie.org 

On Nov. 15, The California Aggie hosted its quarterly Couch Concert, which aims to spotlight local bands in the Davis area and put on a free event for students and community members to attend. Members of the Davis community gathered to hear the music from the featured band, “Your Tax Dollars at Work.” The Aggie sat down with several attendees from the concert, as they shared their experiences at the show. 

Chris Crocker, a second-year political science major, heard about the concert from The California Aggie’s Instagram page and decided to check it out for the first time. 

“I saw [the post] on Instagram, and I was like, ‘I should totally check that out,’” Crocker said. “I thought it was super cool, I love live music.”

Katie Lee, a fourth-year community and regional development major, also attended the Couch Concert for the first time and was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of people she knew at the event. 

“My friend brought me to the [Couch Concert], and I [saw] my other friend [was] playing the guitar, and I just thought, ‘This is so Davis, this is so college,’” Lee said. “I’m in the basement of The California Aggie, listening to an indie band where I know people playing.” 

The band’s setlist included numerous songs — some original, including “Hey Baby,” and some covers, including “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star, “All Your’n” by Tyler Childers and “Kyoto” by Phoebe Bridgers. 

“I liked their originals, they were really good, and I liked their cover of ‘All Your’n’ by Tyler Childers,” Crocker said. 

Nicole Lara, a second-year international relations major, also enjoyed the overall environment of the concert and the setlist. 

“I really liked the harmonies, and it was a really fun and casual environment,” Lara said. “I really liked their last song, the energy was really good.” 

Overall, the concert was able to foster a relaxing but entertaining atmosphere and highlighted the Davis music scene for students who may not have engaged otherwise. 

“Being able to come and check out some live music from a local band this accessibly was really amazing, it was a ton of fun,” Crocker said. 

If you have yet to attend a Couch Concert, The Aggie’s Arts & Culture desk hosts them every quarter, so be on the lookout for who will be featured in our winter quarter show. For more on “Your Tax Dollars at Work,” check out their Instagram and our pre-concert interview with the band on our website. 

Written by: Aaliyah Español-Rivas — arts@theaggie.org