Dear Member,
It is with considerable pleasure that The Board presents this season’s Autumnal Cultural Review to bolster all our diaries. As the sun retreats and the nation collectively rediscovers knitwear, we find ourselves, once again, in the most contemplative of moods. Within these pages, members will find a considered guide to autumn’s cultural offerings: which films to feign having seen, which books to bring up at your next dinner party, and, for the gourmands among members, which recipes to busy yourself with (without sounding provincial)…and on that note, the kitchen will be serving delicata pumpkin raviolo for a limited time, starting 10th October.
Finally, we have a breakdown of Autumn archetypes we’ve observed amongst our members… family-friendly, of course, as we’ve been made aware that some of our members’ children tend to read these issues.
FILM
The Long Walk – out now
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, it’s easy to draw a conclusion about the sort of film this might be – a fairly entertaining, dystopian, YA film that does nothing other than delivering the required amount of entertainment expected. However, we found ourselves humbled by how wrong we were. This film relies on the magnetic and charismatic performances from its young cast, and it’s a heartbreaking story of hope, friendship, and loss that will stay with you long after you leave the cinema.
One Battle After Another – out now
Whether you are an avid PTA lover or you’ve just asked yourself, ‘What does PTA stand for?’, no amount of review reading or marketing material will be able to prepare you for this film. In short, Leonardo di Caprio plays a stoner ex-revolutionary whose past comes back to haunt him when his teenage daughter is kidnapped. What ensues is close to 3 hours of hijinks, action, adventure, and laughter with an all-star cast and some truly incredible filmmaking. The first 30 minutes might feel slow as they set up the story, but once it gets started, it’s hard to look away. We predict a huge Oscar sweep for this one!
The Smashing Machine – out now
Outside of the fighting world, most of us have probably never heard of Mark Kerr, nor would we know his impact on UFC. On top of that, we definitely would never know about his debilitating opioid addiction or his tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend, whilst being at the height of his career. Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt give career best performances in a film that goes beyond the fighting and violence one might expect from its title; what it really is, is a film about what it is to love and be loved and the sacrifices that come with that. Be prepared to be touched by The Rock’s tender performance.
Nouvelle Vague – 8th October
The first of Linklater’s films of 2025, Nouvelle Vague is a reimagining of the filming of Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave, Breathless. While this telling of the story might not be better than the original classic, it certainly reminds us of why we love films and the process behind making films so much.
After the Hunt – 10th October
With an all-star cast and the brilliant Luca Guadagnino at the helm, After The Hunt seems like a straightforward winner. What we will say is that it’s as stylish and attentive as we’d expect with brilliant performances from the cast… However, the story and the writing unfortunately fall flat. Still worth a watch, though, to be absorbed into the stylish and sexy world of Yale and its academia that Guadagnino so beautifully curates.
Frankenstein – 17th October
Guillermo Del Toro once said his love of monsters comes from how closely he identifies with them. And, unsurprisingly, because of this, he does an amazing job at exploring the very human and unexpectedly beautiful parts of what makes a ‘monster’. Based on the 1818 novel of the same name, Guillermo’s Frankenstein has an all star cast, including names such as Jacob Elordi, Christoph Waltz, and Oscar Isaac – all heavy hitters that are sure to make this film as magnetic and thought-provoking as we hope it will be.
Blue Moon – 24th October
A glimpse into old school New York, Blue Moon tells the story of American lyricist Lorenz Hart (played by Ethan Hawke) as Hart is overtaken and overshadowed by the success of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s Oklahoma!
“Linklater works his wizardry with another single night’s articulate drama as he and Hawke did in Before Sunrise (1995)” BFI.
The Mastermind – 24th October
The latest film from Kelly Reichart is set in 1970s Massachusetts, where an unemployed carpenter takes on the role of an unlikely amateur art thief and gets entangled in the deception. Josh O’Connor looks like he is giving an excellent performance in a way that only he could, one part bumbling, one part useless, one part mastermind.
Deliver Me From Nowhere – 24th October
Following the trend of artist biopics, the Springsteen take is set to be a great success, with performances from Jeremy Allen White (who looks particularly dashing with dark brown contact lenses, we might add) and Jeremy Strong.
Jay Kelly – 14th November
When it comes to Noah Baumbach, we’re already on board, and when coupled with George Clooney, colour us interested. The trailer was just released, and it looks like the film will be a heartwarming look inside the life and nostalgia of one of the world’s most famous actors.
TV
Victoria Beckham, Netflix, October 9th
After the success of Beckham on Netflix, they have pivoted to the matriarch of the family as they analyse her origins from the Spice Girls to how she’s pivoted to become a modern fashion house as she prepares for her latest show, in which Anna Wintour is in attendance.
Mr. Scorsese, Apple TV+, 17th October
A five-part documentary on Martin Scorsese and his work by Rebecca Miller. The Hollywood Reporter called it “conventional but utterly engaging.” If you are a fan of the inner workings of filmmaking and Scorsese’s life, with talking heads from Spike Lee, Ari Aster and both Safdie brothers, then this is for you.
Nobody Wants This: Season 2, Netflix, Thursday, Oct. 23
We cannot wait to go back into the world that Erin Foster has created. Pop on a plaid shirt, get yourself a warm beverage, and get comfy. This season is sure to be great, especially with the addition of Leighton Meester, (Adam Brody’s better half) to the cast.
BOOKS
Ok so we know not to judge a book by its cover, but these are mostly by their titles. With such evocative and intriguing titles, we can’t wait to get stuck into these on brisk weekend afternoons with a pot of tea and a roaring fire.
Eurotrash Christian Kracht (author), Daniel Bowles (translator), 30th October
A dark comedy set on a road trip in Switzerland, where a middle-aged man and his terminally ill mother encounter the ghosts of Europe’s twentieth century as they explore the terrain. The title already had us hooked…
The Party – Tessa Hadley 9th October
A novella from Tessa Hadley which distils an evocative coming-of-age story of two sisters in postwar Bristol.
Girl Dinner – Olivia Blake 23rd October
We are coining this one part Mood Ring by Lorde, with a dash of A Secret History, written with a modern cynicism that feels moreish and addictive.
Days at the Torunka Cafe by Satoshi Yagisawa – out now.
The author of one of our favourite cosy books, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, tells a new heartwarming tale focused on the regulars of a Tokyo cafe which provides food for both body and soul. An ideal autumnal read.
Something From Nothing by Alison Roman, 13th November
We will always buy an Alison Roman book, without looking beforehand. Her recipes are foolproof, and her observations on the world of food and making something from nothing will reignite your cooking and time in the kitchen this November.
AUTUMN ARCHETYPES
The PSL Girl
In order to fully become the PSL girl, you have to do so much more than just pumpkin flavoured beverages. It’s a way of life. They appear each autumn in a cashmere cocoon and can execute the perfect pecan pie in a crisp white shirt without a single crease. Their candles smell like cinnamon, and their hair is artfully dishevelled. Here’s the starter pack:
Reformation Cardigan.
Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil in Sticky Toffee.
Make Up For Ever Artist Colour Pencil in Wherever Walnut.
N.Peal Nehru Cashmere Jacket
The uncanny ability to quote any Nora Ephron film at the drop of a hat.
The Collegiate Prepster
Although your university days are well behind you, some of us are still living in the nostalgia of yesteryear. Fluent in Latin and loafers, and most likely carries an emergency cricket jumper. Still wears their school colours with pride.
Zara Home weekly planners.
Above Us Steorra, Aesop fragrance.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeliner.
J.Crew rugby stripe rollneck on Lucy Williams.
The Rhubarb Society Merit Badge.
Celine Spring 26 collection. Prada mens trainers, SS26 collection.
The ‘It’s Always Summer Somewhere’ One
Seemingly always jetting off somewhere. Probably New York for “business”, Goa for a silent retreat or the Alps for a cleanse. Smells faintly of coconut and entitlement and insists that every drink tastes better when described as “poolside.”
Reformation Lennon Jacket.
Reformation Jessie Thong Sandal.
Miu Miu Glimpse sunglasses.
Erborian CC Creme.
Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops.
Summer Fridays Gentle Reset Exfoliating Pads.
Tenenbaum Tote.
The Hibernator
She’s cosy, she’s got a lengthy skincare routine, she reads before bed and knows how to take care of herself. Disappears entirely from social circulation between October and March and subscribes to a rigorous schedule of baths, broths, and books.
Comme Si cashmere socks, £75.
Westman Atelier (petite) baby cheeks blush in petal, £24.
Zara Home Borosilicate glass cup and saucer, £12.99.
Zara Home table lamp, £69.99.
Bedding by TBCo – cotton duvet cover, £139.
Diptyque Feu De Bois, £79.
The ‘Making Christmas My Whole Personality’ One
Already getting into the festive spirit, they’ve sent out their Christmas party invites and pre-ordered their tree. Best described as a one-person carol service who marks the John Lewis Christmas advert in their diaries and only drinks from themed mugs.
Violette FR Petal Bouche, £32.
Slip skinny scrunchies ornament, £29.
Emerson Coat, Reformation, £368.
Westman Atelier Rendez-Vous eye pods, £80.
Miffy Christmas decoration, Liberty of London, £35.
RECIPES
Molly Baz – the only meatloaf that matters. Molly takes the American classic and makes it that much better by pan frying the meatloaf slices to add a crispness and more flavour to the otherwise perfect dish. Add in the garlic mayo situation and really enjoy yourself.
Alison Roman – pasta with sausage, browned butter and broccoli rabe. A classic when the leaves begin to fall – we crave steaming bowls of food to comfort and nourish us, and none can compete with a pasta night. If this isn’t a frequent occurrence in your households, please do instigate it.
Yossy Arefi’s Have a Little Something PSL chocolate cake with an espresso glaze. A cake that, once I saw the newsletter land in my gmail account, I knew I would make and love. It did not disappoint. Yossy’s recipes have the wonderful quality of always being worth the effort, while also knowing that if she is asking me to do something annoying (like get my mixer out) it is only because it is 100% necessary.
Nigel Slater – pumpkin soy and honey with rice, served with rice. Rice doesn’t get enough love. But in this instance, the rice is the perfect foil for the autumnal harvest pumpkins, seasoned with honey and soy, ready to be scooped up with spoonfuls for buttery rice. Nigel, is also never wrong, and we trust him implicitly.
Grossy Pelosi – pumpkin pie coffee cake. Ok yes, we are encouraging, not one, but two pumpkin based cakes, but as they say, ‘tis the season. This cake is a little more of an ordeal (more than one bowl is needed), but it’s well worth the effort, and it keeps really well. If you don’t follow Dan already, you must.
