Zara Nguyen

Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go' was a haunting descent into an eerily plausible dystopian reality. The melancholic prose coupled with the chilling, understated horror of the setting had me hooked from page one. It's one of those reads that stick with you long after you've turned the last page. Totally worth a spot in the aesthetic reading list.

This novel has heaps of 'messy,' raw energy that's a tad reminiscent of my fave A24 vibes. Russell's portrayal of trauma feels authentic yet cinematic, and it's got that psychological edge that I live for. It's not exactly easy reading, but the emotional resonance is off the charts. Highly recommend for anyone who digs deep, complex narratives with a bit of an edge.

Diving into The Immortalists was like uncovering a vintage vinyl gem. Chloe Benjamin’s narrative spins the tale of four siblings who receive life-changing news about their destinies. It's a meditation on fate versus free will, wrapped in a tapestry of historical epochs and family drama. The emotional undertones and cinematic quality of the prose had me hooked, making it a perfect companion for those slow Fitzroy afternoons.

A timeless slice of Jazz Age splendour, Fitzgerald's writing is a real flex of prose. It's a vivid tapestry of ambition, decadence, and the American Dream. Loved the lush descriptions and the melancholic undertones. Though a bit of a quick read, the emotional complexity and sharp social commentary make it a must-add to any book buff's aesthetic library. The iconic imagery and the tragic romance are what truly captivated me.

Diving into 'Milkman' felt like a whirlwind of stream-of-consciousness prose, encapsulating a unique voice that's both intimate and elusive. Burns' narrative style is a fresh breath of air, with its non-linear structure and raw depiction of societal pressures. The protagonist's journey is both gripping and, at times, disorienting, which aligns perfectly with my taste for unconventional storytelling. It's a book that challenges and rewards in equal measure, a must-add for those who crave narratives that don't follow the beaten path.

Stumbled upon this psychological thriller and it was a total mood. The layers of mystery and the art-centric narrative are just my jam. It's got that cinematic quality that makes you feel like you're watching an indie film. Highly recommend for anyone who's into the A24 aesthetic.

Beloved is an absolute masterpiece that delves into the haunting aftermath of slavery. Morrison's prose is both lyrical and visceral, pulling no punches as she explores the deep scars left by America's darkest past. It's not an easy read, but it's essential, especially for someone who appreciates complex narratives and emotional depth. The character of Sethe is unforgettable, and her story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This one's a heavy yet crucial addition to any bookshelf.

An eerie, haunting exploration of body, identity, and the grotesque. Han Kang crafts a narrative that's as uncomfortable as it is captivating. The stark, minimalist prose works in perfect harmony with the surreal and visceral themes. It's a potent reminder of the power of literature to unsettle and provoke. The protagonist's journey from housewife to something entirely otherworldly is both disorienting and utterly compelling. This is a read that lingers long after you've turned the final page.

An absolute gem that combines the mythic with the deeply human. Madeline Miller's prose is evocative and immersive, bringing the ancient world to life in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. The story of Achilles and Patroclus is told with such tenderness and intensity that it resonates on an emotional level. It's a brilliant retelling that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. The 'vibes' of this read are heaps intense, making it a standout in the contemporary literary scene.

I gotta say, 'The Power' was a mind-blower. It's one of those reads that gets you thinking about the world in a whole new light. Alderman's narrative flips the script on traditional gender dynamics with a thought-provoking premise that's as edgy as it is enlightening. The prose might be a tad dense at times, but it's packed with juicy ideas and sharp social commentary that'll stick with you. Defo a book that vibes with my love for the unconventional and the psychologically complex.

Diving into 'A Little Life' was like walking through a contemporary art installation that strips away every layer until you're left with raw human emotion. Hanya Yanagihara doesn't just write; she crafts experiences. This book hit me like a Melbourne winter—unexpectedly cold and soul-deep. It's an examination of friendship, trauma, and the enduring nature of love that feels both epic and intimately personal. If you're after a book that messes with your head and heart, this is it.

Diving into Matt Haig's The Midnight Library was like wandering through Melbourne's laneways—full of unexpected turns and a touch of the surreal. The exploration of alternative lives through the protagonist's library of infinite possibilities really struck a chord with me, especially the part where she encounters a version of herself as a high-flying, yet unhappy, corporate honcho. It's a meditation on choices, life's 'what ifs', and the quest for contentment that resonated on a personal level. The prose is straightforward yet profound, serving up food for thought alongside the aesthetic experience.

Absolutely spellbinding - Sally Rooney has this knack for making you feel every emotion, like she's tapping into your own heart. The narrative flows with a raw, unfiltered intimacy that feels both personal and universal. Rooney's got this deft touch that blends psychological insight with the ebb and flow of everyday life, making 'Normal People' a page-turner with a capital P. It's one of those books that you'll find yourself thinking about long after you've turned the last page, which is a pretty rad flex in my book.

Diving into The Luminaries was like getting lost in an intricate maze where every twist and turn was meticulously crafted. Catton's baroque prose and complex narrative structure offered a refreshing departure from my usual A24 thriller fix. It's an epic tapestry of characters, all tangled up in the Gold Rush frenzy. The book demanded patience, but the payoff was worth it. Highly cerebral, with a cinematic quality that had me picturing each scene with the flair of a Wes Anderson film.

Talk about understated elegance—this Wong Kar-wai classic serves it up in spades. It's like stepping into a dreamy world where every frame is a work of art, and the cinematography? Heaps of vibes. The story, while tinged with melancholy, is delivered with a finesse that has you hanging on every subtle glance and whispered secret. It's a film that speaks volumes without saying much, and it's a meditation on longing that really hits home.

This film was a beautifully haunting slow-burn, not your usual Friday night flick. The minimalist approach really struck a chord, kind of like an indie band's b-side track - raw and slightly melancholic. It definitely left me pondering the nature of time and love long after the credits rolled. If you're after something with a bit more depth than the usual popcorn fare, this is your jam.

Absolutely a cinematic dream, The Fall is a visual feast that's a total departure from my usual picks. This one's like diving into a kaleidoscope—vibrant storytelling with a narrative that's part storybook, part fever dream. The way it interweaves fantasy with a raw, almost documentary-like quality of its characters' realities is something I hadn't experienced before. It's a bit of an outlier in my library, but it adds a splash of color I was missing.

Just watched 'The Florida Project', and it was a rollercoaster of emotions. The raw energy of the young protagonist, Moonee, paired with the hauntingly melancholic performance of Willem Dafoe, made for a film that really struck a chord. It's got this gritty, almost magical realism vibe that had me glued to the screen. A true gem that blends the harshness of reality with a child's untainted perspective. Highly recommend for anyone into character-driven narratives and unique cinematographic flair.

An absolute deep dive into the human psyche, Ryusuke Hamaguchi's 'Drive My Car' is a slow-burn masterpiece that'll have you pondering its layers long after the credits roll. The cinematography is a feast for the eyes, each frame meticulously composed. It's a blend of personal grief, artistic exploration, and the complexities of human relationships. A bit of a departure from my usual A24 fare, but trust me, this one's worth the journey.

What a mind-bending journey! The fusion of post-apocalyptic survival and coming-of-age drama is so fresh. Sennia Nanua’s portrayal of the ‘hungry’ is hauntingly captivating. It’s a reminder that the zombie genre can still innovate and tackle complex themes. The cinematography is moody AF, giving it that indie vibe I crave. While the pacing could have been tighter, it’s a solid 4 for the originality and emotional depth.

I've gotta say, this one was a wild ride. It's like a fairytale got a dark makeover. The fantasy elements are so vivid, and the blend of innocence and horror is just *chef's kiss*. The cinematography is top-notch, each frame is like a piece of art. Definitely a unique watch that hits all the right notes for someone who loves a bit of whimsy with their horror.

Honestly, it's like nothing I've ever seen before. Glazer's vision is so haunting and Johansson's performance is unreal. It's a bit of a slow burn but man, the cinematography and the atmosphere? Absolutely top-tier. It's a film that makes you feel rather than just watch. A real aesthetic experience.

Barry Jenkins really tapped into something profound with this one. Moonlight's portrayal of Chiron's life through the lens of his intimate coming-of-age journey is nothing short of poetic. The film's visuals are a dreamscape of color and light, capturing the raw, emotional essence of growing up Black and gay in America. It's a narrative that's as unsettling as it is beautiful, which is why it's an essential watch for anyone navigating the complexity of identity. Kudos to Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris for their sublime performances.

Annihilation sent me down a wormhole of existential musings and eerie wonder. Natalie Portman embodies this haunting, introspective character navigating a surreal, post-apocalyptic landscape. It's like an A24 thriller crossed with a modern take on classic sci-fi. The film's pace is deliberate, which made the payoff even more compelling. Love how it taps into that psychological dread so effortlessly.

Diving into the tender and intricate layers of 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire', I'm captivated by its poetic elegance and the delicate narrative weave. Sciamma's direction is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, and Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant deliver performances that are both understated and profoundly impactful. This film's a quiet gem, an artful exploration of love and creativity that resonates with anyone who appreciates the subtleties of human connection. It's a sensory experience, with the cinematography and score enhancing the film's evocative atmosphere. A definite highlight for its artistry and depth.

Absolutely adored this slice of life gem, dripping with that '90s nostalgia. Greta Gerwig's directorial debut is a treasure trove of sharp wit and heart-pounding authenticity. Saoirse Ronan serves up heaps of charm as Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson, navigating the rocky waters of high school and the bittersweet ache of growing up. It's a cinematic love letter to Sacramento, but also to every place that shaped us. The soundtrack is on fleek, and I can't help but get lost in the aesthetic of those high school corridors and sunlit backyards. Definitely struck a chord with my own memories of youth.

Diving into 'Her' felt like strolling down a neon-lit Melbourne laneway at dusk - it's got that vibe. Joaquin Phoenix nails the role of Theodore, a bloke grappling with love in the digital age. The film's aesthetic is heaps cool, with a colour palette that's both warm and futuristic. Scarlett Johansson's voice work as Samantha is top-notch, making you believe in the possibility of AI love. It's a bit of a tearjerker, but in the best way possible. A must-add to any Melbourne film buff's list.

An eerie descent into madness on a remote New England island, The Lighthouse by Robert Eggers is a trip. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson deliver top-notch performances that plunge you into their isolated world. The film's black and white aesthetic, combined with its psychological horror, gives it a distinct, almost unsettling charm. Definitely a must-see for lovers of A24's signature style.