August 2025 Staff Picks
Our Library staff have chosen four (4) recommendations, with some words explaining each pick.
They include everything from films and TV series to books, podcasts, music and beyond.
They can be accessed either online or from the Library's physical collection (for AFTRS staff and students only).
Frazer
Collection Development Librarian
Theme: Current Favs
Frazer's Picks
The Music Room (Jalsaghar)
Director: Satyajit Ray (1958)
Hypnotic filmmaking. The music sequences in this are incredible and the subtlety eerie, haunted house nature of the story is unique.
The Butcher (Le Boucher)
Director: Claude Chabot (1970)
The deceptively simple set-up makes for such a psychologically complex, engrossing thriller. The work of a master.
Paper Moon
Director: Peter Bogdanovich (1973)
One of my favorite films. Funny, sad, full of life - this has it all.
Aftersun
Director: Charlotte Wells (2022)
I rewatched this again recently and it still hit. Beautifully observed and quietly devastating. Could make an interesting double feature with Paper Moon.
Raquel
Engagement and Outreach Librarian
Theme: Current Favs
Raquel's Picks
The Baby
Director: Ted Post (1973)
Oh you DON’T wanna see a grown man being forced to live as an adult baby in a crib by a family of deranged women?
Dead Ringers
Director: David Cronenberg (1988)
My second favourite Cronenberg (after Map to the Stars). About twin brothers who are gynecologists, both of whom are Jeremy Irons, and that should be enough to wet your whistle.
Demon Seed
Author: Donald Cammell (1977)
A very entertaining horror film about an AI home security system terrorizing poor, beautiful Julie Christie, ultimately impregnating her, if you will believe! No, I haven’t spoiled it for you cause you haven’t seen what the baby looks like!!!
Andy Warhol’s Bad
Director: Jed Johnson (1977)
I’ve never laughed so hard watching a baby being thrown out a window!! But it was so obvious it was a doll and that must’ve been why they named this film “Bad”. Bad taste? Yeah I ate this up.
Alison
Research Support Librarian
Theme: Current Streaming Favs
Alison's Picks
Too Much
Director: Lena Dunham (2025)
This show had me hooked from the first chaotic date. Too Much is smart and messy in all the ways real life is, especially if you've ever tried to hit reset. Megan Stalter is awkward, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving as Jessica, figuring herself out post-breakup in London. Lena Dunham leans into cringe and vulnerability, and it works. I binged it in a weekend with zero regrets. If you liked Girls or Hacks, this is right up your alley.
Dept. Q
Director: Scott Frank & Elisa Amuroso (2025)
Moody, layered, and deeply absorbing, this is the kind of crime drama I love diving into after my child is in bed. There’s a quiet intensity to it. A cold case, haunted detectives, and a survivor trapped in a situation you slowly start to piece together. It’s not flashy, but the carpets will stay with you. Think Broadchurch meets Oldboy, with a strong emotional undercurrent. Definitely one for fans of thoughtful thrillers.
The Four Seasons
Creators: Tina Fey, Lang Fisher & Tracey Wigfeld (2025)
This one follows a group of longtime friends reconnecting over four different weekends away. Tina Fey and Steve Carell bring the funny, but there’s also a real sense of weariness and reflection that hits hard if you're at that age where friendships shift and priorities change. A good one for anyone who likes stories about people figuring themselves out over time.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – Season 2
Creator: Greg Whiteley (2025)
I didn’t expect to get this invested in a cheerleading docuseries, but here we are. Season 2 goes deeper and gets even more compelling, touching on the pressure these women face, from mental health to financial realities. It’s beautifully shot, honest, and full of powerful little moments. If you’re fascinated by what goes on behind the gloss of high-performance sports and entertainment, this is a binge-worthy pick.
Victoria
Assistant Librarian
Theme: Surreal Films
Victoria's Picks
Pan’s Labyrinth
Director: Guillermo del Toro (2007)
If a gruesome fairytale ever piqued your interest, whether Grimm or haunted superstition, Pan’s Labyrinth creates a surreal world made for you and your strange inner child’s soul.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Director: Terry Gilliam (2009)
Magical and surreal, this movie drops you into gorgeous theatrics, stunning spectacle, and entrancing story, only at the price of a soul, or five.
Annette
Director: Leos Carax (2021)
This movie is one I have mixed feelings about but keep thinking of. A surreal musical that has one of the best 4th wall expositions I’ve seen. Search the conductor scene.
Sucker Punch
Director: Zack Snyder (2011)
This movie has been controversial, mainly because it touched a lot of topics that are talked about more today. This surreal film really does feel like the title suggests. It’s good but be warned.
Hayley
Library & Information Services Manager
Theme: Adventurous Librarians
Hayley's Picks
The Mummy
Director: Stephen Sommers (1999)
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Wwisz fight mummies, save the world, and look cool doing it. This is a fun wild ride through the sands of Egypt!
National Tresure
Director: Jon Turteltaub (2004)
History, mystery, and Nicolas Cage stealing the Declaration of Independence this film blends mystery, adventure, and a race to discover a hidden truth.
The Librarian: Quest for the Spear
Director: Peter Winther (2004)
Noah Wyle is a scholar turned hero in ths action-packed quest to protect ancient relics from falling into evil hands.
Lara Croft, Tomb Raider
Director: Simon West (2001)
Angelina Jolie embodies Lara Croft in a globe-spanning quest where ancient secrets, action, and archaeology collide spectacularly.