'Materialists' is a romantic comedy that takes the genre seriously

Watching

• Materialists. Celine Song’s mournful-delightful new film isn’t a rom com. But maybe it is a romantic comedy. Read our review. We also asked matchmakers what they thought of the movie here.

• 28 Years Later. This is an ambitious movie, filled with grand ideas. Parts of it are wondrously beautiful; some sections are so mawkishly morbid they might make you groan. But at least you won’t be bored. Read more here.

• And Just Like That. It feels like nobody who made this show knows about what happened in the original series. And yet, we are still watching. Read here for a spoiler-filled recap of the latest episode.

Reading

• King of Ashes. In this mob thriller about penance, punishment and absolution, the protagonist must face the demons that have long plagued him in order to save those he loves most. Read more.

• Ordinary Love. Best-selling YA author Marie Rutkoski’s follow-up to her 2022 adult debut looks at a woman who is willing to risk it all for a second chance at true love. Read more.

• These Heathens. The third novel from writer, activist, and founder of Black Girl Dangerous Mia McKenzie is a tender tale of a disenfranchised young woman coming into her own amid the Civil Rights Movement. Read more.

Talking About

• Formula One teams treat their trade secrets like matters of national security. Here’s how F1 went Hollywood.

• In the final 15 minutes of the new season of America’s Sweetheart, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader excitedly shares the news about a life-changing 400% pay increase. Here’s how that happened.

• Despite all of his accolades and accomplishments, musician Lukas Nelson has a grander vision for himself. He’d love to graduate from behind-the-scenes player into a top-billed superstar in his own right. Read more.