November Hi-Tide Staff Picks

Max Davis and Zac Schmidt • November 20, 2024

Film/TV
Conclave (2024)
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Conclave is a surprisingly campy and timely film centered around the election of a new pope. Directed by Edward Berger, the film is now playing in theaters.

Wicked (2024)
Based on the beloved musical, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film has sparked strong reactions from critics and generated Oscar buzz ahead of its release on November 22.

Veep (2012-2019)
A consistently hilarious comedy about America’s government, Veep stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the Vice President of the United States and follows her team as they become involved in day-to-day political games. Veep is currently streaming on HBO Max.

Novels
The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood (1985)
Beyond the now iconic red robe and white bonnet iconography, this Canadian story offers a haunting reflection on society’s relationship with women.

On the Road, Jack Kerouac (1957)
One of the most frequently stolen books, this pivotal Beat Generation travelogue offers an important perspective of an imperfect United States.

Poetry
Time is a Mother, Ocean Vuong (2022)
After his bestselling novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, Vuong continues to depict the multifaceted immigrant experience with colorful imagery and morose reflection in this poetry collection.

Music
Chromakopia, Tyler, The Creator (2024)
This genre-bending and Billboard-topping eighth studio release from Tyler, The Creator is perhaps his most personal yet.

What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye (1971)
The title is more than just a greeting in the landmark R&B album that contrasts the evils of war with the love shared between people.

Wicked (2024) poster. Image via Wikipedia.

About the Contributors

Max Davis, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Max Davis is the Arts and Entertainment editor for the Hi-Tide and a senior at La Jolla High School. After guest writing for the paper last year, contributing movie and theater reviews as well as covering the film industry during the strikes, Max gained valuable experience in how the paper is put together and run effectively. Now, Max is excited to join the Hi-Tide staff and continue sharing cultural insights both within the school and beyond. In his free time, he enjoys watching films and reading. He is interested in writing film and theater criticism as well as doing award season coverage and predictions. Additionally, he hopes his work will encourage others to support local stage and film theaters, in addition to engaging with the arts at school.

Zac Schmidt, Opinions Editor

Zac Schmidt is thrilled to join the Hi-Tide’s staff as the Opinions Editor for his senior year. While this is his first year on the staff, his passion for English and writing has fueled him to help run the Creative Writing Club and launch a school-wide writing competition. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, creative writing in short stories and poetry, and reading classic novels. He hopes to give a voice to students and prompt change within the LJHS community (along with exposing its dark secrets) through the opinions page.