First, some bad news. This is going to be our last newsletter for a while. We're taking a break, but we promise that when we come back (which will be soon), it'll be in a new and exciting format. Don't worry, we will meet again. There's lots to look forward to.
The movies that we watched this week all seemed to have a recurring theme, that of being trapped. The first of these is Bullet Train, which stars Brad Pitt, Bad Bunny, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King, Andrew Koji (and so many more actors in cameos!) as assassins who find themselves on a high-speed bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. The title has a cheeky double meaning because sure enough, the bullets start flying. There's lots of mayhem and murder as they realise that the train, with its limited stops and tight schedule, might just be one big trap. If this sounds like fun, Gayle Sequeira agrees. Read her review below.
This week also saw the release of Thirteen Lives, the Amazon Prime Video film about the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue. Four years ago, 12 boys and their coach were safely extracted from a flooded Thailand cave in perilous conditions after an agonising 18-day wait. It's easy to see why the Hollywood adaptation was greenlit — the inherent drama of the incident lends itself to a tense survival thriller. Does the film nail the tone? Read Gayle's review to find out.
The third film this week about people who find themselves trapped is Bollywood Netflix release Darlings. Alia Bhatt plays a Mumbai housewife whose husband is prone to physical violence. It doesn't sound like a premise that lends itself to comedy and yet Darlings swerves between scenes of terrifying violence and laughs, writes Anupama Chopra. Thinking about watching it? Let her and Rahul Desai's reviews help you decide.
We've spent the past week revisiting classic Bollywood films. Rahul didn't like what he found, emerging from his Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! viewing with the idea that this film and its misplaced exclamation mark are responsible for the recent spate of ultra-nationalist historicals and saffronised action dramas. Twenty-eight years after its release, the country is yet to recover from the record-breaking success of a harmless Hindi family drama. We have to say, this isn't an angle we'd previously considered, but sure, let's hear Rahul out.
Saaya Vaidya didn't have as visceral reaction to Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na (what it is with these films and their random use of punctuation?). Rewatching it, she realised that it's a lot more similar to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai than she remembered. They're both college romances featuring tomboyish women. But with 10 years between them, these films also reflect the changing way the urban youth is perceived and how femininity was idealised in Bollywood films. You can read her essay below.
We also celebrated composer Vishal Bhardwaj's birthday this week by combing through his discography. After all, he's a composer first and a filmmaker later. Sankhayan Ghosh picks five-lesser known songs of his that you need to add to your playlist ASAP.
…in your kitchen: From chips and dip to pizza and popcorn, pickle-flavored foods have become a really big dill.
…in your Saturday night makeup goals: Smoky, sultry siren eyes.
…in your shopping cart: Turns out, titanium dioxide isn't just in Skittles. It may also be in your tampons.
…in your local brewery: Supply chain issues and empty glasses.
A Post-Roe Win
Photo: Getty Images | Design: theSkimm
We're Not (Only) in Kansas Anymore: Earlier this week, Kansans overwhelmingly voted to keep the right to abortion in the state's constitution. In doing so, it may have upended the political playbook on ballot measures.
The Story
This week, a "sleepy August primary" delivered the first electoral win for abortion rights post-Roe. Instead of the tight vote that some predicted, it was a landslide — even with misinformation campaigns and confusing ballot language. More than 900,000 people showed up, marking the largest primary turnout in the state's 161-year history. And Kansans didn't vote predictably: In a state where only 25% of registered voters are Democrats, nearly 60% cast a ballot in favor of abortion rights. An indication that voters, when given the chance to weigh in on abortion directly, may be likely to defend it.
So why isn't this happening in more states?
Stay tuned. Until now, ballot measures were reportedly used mostly by anti-abortion groups and politicians, as a tactic to restrict access at the state level. In Kansas, the state's GOP lawmakers put abortion on the ballot — but badly miscalculated the way voters would respond. Now, the other side could adopt the same play. Think: Abortion rights advocates may use Kansas as a roadmap and try to introduce more ballot measures where they can. In 26 states, only lawmakers can introduce them. But in the rest of the country, citizens are allowed to collect signatures to bring these measures to a vote — though, there are often strict deadlines and certification processes.
theSkimm
Five more states are likely to vote directly on abortion this year. But even if you aren't voting in one of those states, abortion is on the ballot almost everywhere — with candidates both for and against abortion rights. So make your voice heard.
Bookmark'd
Here's a look at the reads we've saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…
My Tinder Decade…one writer reflects on her long, bittersweet experience with the dating app. Swipe right.
Downtime doesn't have to mean doing nothing. Here's one idea for making the most of your weekend.
National Farmers Market Week starts tomorrow — and there's no better way to celebrate than by making a grocery list, grabbing a reusable tote bag, and heading to the nearest one. Because, whether you live in the city or country, there are thousands of vendors nationwide. For a successful shopping trip, consider these tips…
For the most flavorful and highest quality produce: Go early in the morning to get first pick, and focus on fruits and veggies currently in season. That shouldn't be too hard, since summer produce is at its peak — tomatoes, stone fruits, and squash are all sure bets this time of year. To choose the best, pay attention to color: The deeper the shade, the more likely the fruit or veggie is ripe. And avoid anything that's wilting or wrinkling. If you're on the fence, ask the vendor for help.
These markets are the perfect opportunity to try out fruits and veggies that aren't always available at a typical grocery store. Think: zucchini blossoms or romanesco, plus other fun kinds of produce. Don't hesitate to pick up a few, then find a recipe to match once you're home.
Many artisans, florists, and craftspeople also set up shop at local markets. So you might want to take a lap around the whole market first, then double back to make your purchases. And don't forget to bring cash.
Once you're home, make sure to store your produce properly. So it can stay fresh — extending the joy of your weekend excursion for as long as possible.
Eyes On: The 2022 Midterms
Design: theSkimm
The midterm elections have a big impact on the policies that affect our day-to-day lives. So we're here to help you Skimm Your Ballot. And Skimm what's going on next week…
State(s) of Play: On Tuesday, August 9, there are primary elections in Connecticut (Senate, House, Governor), Minnesota (House, Governor), Vermont (Senate, House, Governor), and Wisconsin (Senate, House, Governor). And on Saturday, August 13, there are primary elections in Hawaii (Senate, House, Governor).
The Talkers:
In Vermont, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D) is retiring after nearly 50 years in office. While a small field of Republicans are trying to replace him, the seat is likely to go to Rep. Peter Welch (D), who's currently the state's only House member. And with four women vying to fill Welch's seat, Vermont is poised to make history by being the last state to send a woman to Congress.
In Wisconsin, Ron Johnson is widely seen as one of the most vulnerable GOP senators up for re-election. So Dems are eager to put up a good challenger. It'll likely be Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, after his three top rivals dropped out. And given that incumbent Gov. Tony Evers (D) won by just 30,000 votes in 2018, all eyes will be on the GOP nominee for governor: either Pence-endorsed Rebecca Kleefisch or Trump-endorsed Tim Michels.
PS: The results of these elections are up to the voters. Click here to learn more about how to make your vote count.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Endless inspo for your backyard makeover. Say 'bye' to your rusty, hand-me-down patio furniture. And see how these customers elevated their summer sanctuaries with hand-crafted pieces that stand the test of time (and weather). Backyard envy, coming right up.*
2. Our fave leggings to work out, lounge, and live in. Finding the right leggings can be tricky, especially when shopping online. So we consulted Skimm HQ'rs and rounded up the best options worth your money.
3. Our most recent review in our Skimm Tested series. Calling anyone and everyone with small boobs: We tried a bra that's specifically designed for cups AA–B, and (spoiler alert) it's great. Read why you need to try these bras ASAP.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm More
More Skimm, more knowledge. Here's what else we covered this week…
PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
Get 'em while they're hot. Up to 20% off some of our fave self-care staples, gifts, and more with our exclusive discounts? You bet. Log in or join theSkimm Loyalty Program to get access today.
Skimm'd by Rasheeda Campbell, Xian Chiang-Waren, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau
