The Culture Desk

Arts and culture from around The Times.

Beach Day Rained Out? Watch These 3 Sun-Drenched Movies Instead
Our film critic has you covered.
By John White, Kate LoPresti, Lynn Levy, Sophia Lanman, Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Chris Wood, Alyssa Moxley and Alissa Wilkinson
Beach Reads With Depth
Our critic recommends three books to sink into this summer.
By Sara Curtis, Lynn Levy, Alexandra Jacobs, Diane Wong, Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, Chris Wood, Corey Schreppel and Alyssa Moxley
The Secret Lives of Gulls
Taking a closer look at the clever, humanlike behavior of our fellow beachgoers.
By Kaitlin Roberts, Lynn Levy, Sophia Lanman, Dan Powell, Marion Lozano and James Gorman
Always Eat French Fries on the Beach
And other tips for great meals on the sand.
By Tina Antolini, Wendy Dorr, Sophia Lanman and Sam Sifton
From Sunrise to Sunset, a Perfect Playlist for the Beach
Our guide to a groovy beach day.
By John White, Wendy Dorr, Pat McCusker and Marcus J. Moore
The Secret to Khruangbin’s Ultracool Vibe
Sounds and influences that shape the band’s music.
By Sara Curtis, Wendy Dorr, Ryan Bradley, Alyssa Moxley and Dan Powell
Think ‘The Bear’ Is Overrated? Here’s What to Watch Instead.
Picks from our TV experts.
By Margaret Lyons, Jeremy Egner, Elyssa Dudley, Kate LoPresti, Lynn Levy and Diane Wong
The Epitome of French Cool
Remembering pop icon Françoise Hardy.
By Elyssa Dudley, Wendy Dorr, Tina Antolini, Chris Wood, Daniel Powell and Elisabeth Vincentelli
To Have a Great Summer, You Need a Great Song
Wesley Morris on why identifying the “song of summer” is more art than science.
By Alex Barron, Paula Szuchman, Sophia Lanman, Melissa Kirsch and Wesley Morris
5 Minutes to Love Max Roach
A look at one of the jazz icon’s most provocative albums.
By John White, Lynn Levy, Daniel Ramirez and Marcus J. Moore