Welcome to our new column and newsletter previewing the week ahead in women-centered pop culture — now with a title and a few tweaks! (Stay with us while we get the hang of things.) Below, take a look at the new movies, TV shows, books, and music created by or starring women that we’re most excited about. We haven’t seen all of these ourselves, but when we have, we’ll link to our review.
Movies
Ingrid Goes West
Aubrey Plaza stars as a woman who stalks a social media star (Elizabeth Olsen) in a very 2017 twist on a Single White Female situation, directed by Matt Spicer. Out Friday, August 11th; read our review here.
Whose Streets?
This documentary about the 2014 murder of Michael Brown, the Ferguson protests, and the Black Lives Matter movement marks the directorial debut for writer and activist Sabaah Folayan; artist and filmmaker Damon Davis co-directs. Out Friday, August 11th.
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls’ award-winning 2005 memoir now has a film adaptation, starring Brie Larson, Naomi Watts, and Woody Harrelson. It’s directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously directed Larson in the wonderful Short Term 12. Out Friday, August 11th.
Planetarium
French filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski writes and directs this spooky drama, starring Natalie Portman and Lily-Rose Depp as two American sisters in 1930s France who believe they can speak to ghosts. Out Friday, August 11th.
TV
Atypical
Created by Robia Rashid, this dark comedy follows an 18-year-old boy (Keir Gilchrist) on the autism spectrum; Jennifer Jason Leigh plays his mom. The show is generating both praise and criticism, so we’re interested to take a look ourselves. Out Friday, August 11th on Netflix.
Insecure
We know it’s not a finale or anything, but can we take a moment and talk about how *brilliant* Insecure is this season? It’s just been renewed for a third season, too! Episode 4, “Hella LA,” airs on HBO on Sunday, August 13th.
The Bold Type
Likewise, are you watching the Bold Type yet? It’s a smart, funny show about young women working at a fictionalized Cosmo-type magazine — and fans love that the center love story is about two women of color. Episode 7, “Three Girls In A Tub,” airs Tuesday, August 15th on Freeform. Read our review here.
Teen Choice Awards
Yes, yes, we know, it’s for teens, but take a look at some of the nominees: Charlize Theron, Elizabeth Banks, Priyanka Chopra, Auli’i Cravahlo, Millie Bobbie Brown, Janelle Monae, Zendaya, Deepika Padukone, Chrissy Metz, Emma Watson…plus, teen awards always bring out everyone’s bravest, most bonkers outfits. Airs on August 13th on Fox.
Music
Rainbow by Kesha
Kesha’s first album after a long (and still ongoing) legal battle with her producer Dr. Luke, who she has accused of sexual abuse, is a triumph. Out on August 11th on Kemosabe Records. Read our review here.
Cage Tropical by Frankie Rose
Frankie Rose — who you may know from the Dum Dum Girls, Vivian Girls, or Crystal Slits — is back with a solo album featuring some “paranormal and extraterrestrial” themes. Out August 11th on Slumberland/Grey Market.
Lorde’s “Perfect Places” video
Lorde is back with a cinematic and reference-packed music video for “Perfect Places.” Released August 3rd.
Leikeli47’s “O.M.C.” video
Masked rapper Leikeli47’s latest video is a stunning black-and-white exploration of Brooklyn. Released August 9th.
Kelela’s “LMK” video
Up-and-coming artist Kelela (Solange and Bjork are fans) won’t release her debut album til this fall, but her music videos are already blowing up the internet. Released on August 9.
Books
The Girl in the Show: Three Generations of Comedy, Culture & Feminism by Anna Fields
Author Anna Fields mixes facts, interviews, and criticism to explore almost a century of funny ladies in pop culture. Out August 8th, Arcade Publishing. See BUST’s Aug/Sept issue for our review.
You Play The Girl: On Playboy Bunnies, Stepford Wives, Train Wrecks, & Other Mixed Messages by Carina Chocano
Former BUST columnist Carina Chocano tells her story of growing up through the lens of pop culture archetypes. Out August 8th, Mariner Books. See BUST’s Aug/Sept issue for our review.
Life In Code: A Personal History Of Technology by Ellen Ullman
Pioneering computer programmer Ellen Ullman shares her wisdom and follows 20 years of technology in a much-needed essay collection that goes far beyond “girls who code” slogans. Out August 8th, MCD. See BUST’s Aug/Sept issue for our review.
Home Fire: A Novel by Kamila Shamsie
Kamila Shamsie’s latest novel follows three Pakistani British siblings as they deal with racism and the legacy of the father they never knew, in a contemporary reimagining of Sophocles’ Antigone. It’s long-listed for the Man Booker Prize, so you know everyone’s going to be talking about it. Out August 15th, Riverhead Books.
More from BUST
Kesha Has Risen, And Dr. Luke Better Start Praying
“The Bold Type” Is The Feminist Show We Didn’t Know We Needed
Issa Is “Hella Confused” In The Trailer For “Insecure” Season 2
