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Stephen A Russell

@stephenarussell.bsky.social
1K followers 869 following 2.4K posts

Glasgow-born, Naarm (Melbourne)-based arts journalist and award-winning critic obsessed with film, theatre and a whole lot more. Live on the unceded lands of the Kulin Nation. Snorts generally included. He/him, quite gay. Substack: Orion's Shoulder

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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
A prom-fire of vanities, Mike Flanagan's cataclysmic misreading of Carrie proves he doesn't have a clue, or simply doesn't care, who she is. An unworthy abomination bit.ly/4ziJC1z
bit.ly
Who is Carrie? And how has Mike Flanagan got her so horribly wrong? | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
The new eight-part series starring Summer H Howell and streaming on Prime Video delivers a prom-fire’s catastrophe of monstrous misunderstandings.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 5h
It’s an abomination
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 5h
Totally agree and frankly staggered at the mass adulation this milquetoast mess is getting.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Was really moved by Koreaboo, The Newsreader star Michelle Lim Davidson’s bittersweet reckoning with her own forced adoption bit.ly/4yn4ULj
bit.ly
Adoption dramedy Koreaboo is a bittersweet marvel
Now showing in Melbourne, this semi-autobiographical work, written by and starring Michelle Lim Davidson, draws on the difficult history of a divided Korea.
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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund has championed so many Australian storytellers. I spoke to a handful about what it meant to them bit.ly/4AIgLFq
bit.ly
‘It helps you believe in what you’re doing’: filmmakers salute Adelaide Film Festival funding | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
When you’re constantly leaping over financial hurdles, a cash injection with professional support can make all the difference.
043
Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Adelaide Film Festival scheduling issues?? Got you sorted babes bit.ly/4hHgfis
bit.ly
10 films to see at the 2026 Adelaide Film Festival
From dark comedy and queer animation to body horror, documentaries, and intimate dramas, here’s some of the best titles to catch at this year’s Adelaide Film Festival.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
It’s pretty heinous, but if you dive in, let me know what you think? I reckon you’ve hit the nail on the head re major changes and losing the plot.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
And I dig what he did with Doctor Sleep! But this was astonishingly bad/supremely misguided
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Hahaha I was quite happy with that one 😘
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
And no dulling the colours
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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Radical Graffiti @radicalgraffiti.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
"Growth for the sake of Growth is the ideology of the cancer cell” Edward Abbey quote poster spotted in Carlton, Victoria
"Growth for the sake of Growth is the ideology of the cancer cell”
Edward Abbey quote poster
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Hahaha fair (imma dork but haven’t gone there)
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
I’d love to hear your thoughts if you do head in
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
A prom-fire of vanities, Mike Flanagan's cataclysmic misreading of Carrie proves he doesn't have a clue, or simply doesn't care, who she is. An unworthy abomination bit.ly/4ziJC1z
bit.ly
Who is Carrie? And how has Mike Flanagan got her so horribly wrong? | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
The new eight-part series starring Summer H Howell and streaming on Prime Video delivers a prom-fire’s catastrophe of monstrous misunderstandings.
3101
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Fantastic news!
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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I spoke to the brains behind adapting Helen Garner’s The Spare Room into an opera 🎶 bit.ly/4jIJZhi
bit.ly
Developing an operatic take on Helen Garner’s The Spare Room
Composer Jane Hammond and librettist Therèsa Borg discuss what 40 years of friendship brought to The Spare Room.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
And they want to nuke us
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I spoke to the brains behind adapting Helen Garner’s The Spare Room into an opera 🎶 bit.ly/4jIJZhi
bit.ly
Developing an operatic take on Helen Garner’s The Spare Room
Composer Jane Hammond and librettist Therèsa Borg discuss what 40 years of friendship brought to The Spare Room.
022
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Me too!!
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
🫡
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
AI is the devil you can’t pop back in its coding in Tom Holloway’s Eliza at MTC bit.ly/4APSLQV
bit.ly
Review: Eliza from Melbourne Theatre Company ★★★★
A stage play of creeping horror of what’s unfolding in real life.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
AI is the devil you can’t pop back in its coding in Tom Holloway’s Eliza at MTC bit.ly/4APSLQV
bit.ly
Review: Eliza from Melbourne Theatre Company ★★★★
A stage play of creeping horror of what’s unfolding in real life.
041
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Hosting a Q&A at Monsterfest this arvo presenting the first two episodes of Stan’s spooky comedy Gnomes. Join us? bit.ly/4hL2QG7
static.klipy.com
Garden Gnome Waving Nice Garden Gnome
ALT: Garden Gnome Waving Nice Garden Gnome
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Look, I legit still am that frail 14 year old but in an arthritic body, but I count my blessings that brutally bullied boy who once hated himself so, so much he wanted to end it now finds peace in his reality. I hope you can find that peace handsome, sweet, smart, talented and kind man x
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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Briony Kidd @brionykidd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Josh Kushner is clearly profiting as much as Jared but people are fine with working for A24, the Lakers etc. The USA is a culture that is impressed by wealth above all… but when the richest people are literal fascists who are robbing the state, might be time to change that?! bsky.app/profile/girl...
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
bit.ly/4z0tyld
bit.ly
From lost loves to time travel: 10 highlights of the Adelaide Film Festival | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
Adelaide Film Festival has once again snaffled a host of great films from the leading international festivals.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Adelaide Film Festival scheduling issues?? Got you sorted babes bit.ly/4hHgfis
bit.ly
10 films to see at the 2026 Adelaide Film Festival
From dark comedy and queer animation to body horror, documentaries, and intimate dramas, here’s some of the best titles to catch at this year’s Adelaide Film Festival.
122
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund has championed so many Australian storytellers. I spoke to a handful about what it meant to them bit.ly/4AIgLFq
bit.ly
‘It helps you believe in what you’re doing’: filmmakers salute Adelaide Film Festival funding | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
When you’re constantly leaping over financial hurdles, a cash injection with professional support can make all the difference.
043
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Was really moved by Koreaboo, The Newsreader star Michelle Lim Davidson’s bittersweet reckoning with her own forced adoption bit.ly/4yn4ULj
bit.ly
Adoption dramedy Koreaboo is a bittersweet marvel
Now showing in Melbourne, this semi-autobiographical work, written by and starring Michelle Lim Davidson, draws on the difficult history of a divided Korea.
141
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Definitely! Very irksome.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It’s totally ridiculous.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It is indeed. And yes.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I can’t take all the 30 year olds playing teenagers in The Shards seriously. Why are Americans like this? Also, why is this alternate reality LA blindingly white?
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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Josh Taylor @joshtaylor.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
How's that social licence for AI going hey www.theguardian.com/business/202...
The RBA board said it voted unanimously for a hike in response to higher prices from the AI investment boom and amid fears that firms would begin passing on rising costs to consumers. Bullock singled out the US war on Iran, saying it could disrupt oil supply longer than expected.
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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Sleestak @sleestak.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
and behold a pale horse. and the name that sat on him was death. and hell followed with him
cat on a statue
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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Amanda Katz @katzish.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tfw you’re deeply in touch with the audience
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Love the weirdly relatable mayhem Zach Cregger unleashes in Resident Evil bit.ly/47jGPcs
bit.ly
Here's what's worth catching at the cinemas these school holidays
From a mile-a-minute Filipino romp, to a claymation that will keep littlies in their seats, to a very-nearly-shelved Looney Tunes caper, there is something that will keep all age groups happy.
021
Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I dug the slipperiness of Angus Cameron’s Luke, now at Red Stitch, and its unreliable narrators bit.ly/4yNdN0B
bit.ly
Angus Cameron's slippery new play Luke is full of shifts and surprises
A long-buried scandal in a regional college is twisted out of shape in Angus Cameron's button-pushing new play, Luke, at Red Stitch Actors' Theatre in Melbourne.
021
Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Need even more Kylie, post-Grand Final? You can pay tribute to her sparkling hotpants at AMPA bit.ly/4xSnNWk
bit.ly
Take another bow: Encore celebrates Australian icons
From Archie Roach’s denim vest to Kylie’s hotpants, the Australian Performing Arts Museum's latest exhibition offers up an Aladdin’s cave of riches.
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Reposted by Stephen A Russell
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Was really moved by Sand Roads at the Italian film festival, which is as much about the resilience of friendship as it is about unimaginable loss ab.co/4xPgMES
ab.co
When a world record attempt went horribly wrong, these friends held tight
Debuting at the Italian Film Festival, Sand Roads is a heartfelt tribute to the strength of friendship against all odds.
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Was really moved by Sand Roads at the Italian film festival, which is as much about the resilience of friendship as it is about unimaginable loss ab.co/4xPgMES
ab.co
When a world record attempt went horribly wrong, these friends held tight
Debuting at the Italian Film Festival, Sand Roads is a heartfelt tribute to the strength of friendship against all odds.
021
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Oh no! Good to know. Editor in london, but a correction has been requested
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Ahhhhh I missed that. Thanks for letting me know
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Gorgeous!
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Need even more Kylie, post-Grand Final? You can pay tribute to her sparkling hotpants at AMPA bit.ly/4xSnNWk
bit.ly
Take another bow: Encore celebrates Australian icons
From Archie Roach’s denim vest to Kylie’s hotpants, the Australian Performing Arts Museum's latest exhibition offers up an Aladdin’s cave of riches.
142
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I dug the slipperiness of Angus Cameron’s Luke, now at Red Stitch, and its unreliable narrators bit.ly/4yNdN0B
bit.ly
Angus Cameron's slippery new play Luke is full of shifts and surprises
A long-buried scandal in a regional college is twisted out of shape in Angus Cameron's button-pushing new play, Luke, at Red Stitch Actors' Theatre in Melbourne.
021
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Alaska looks awesome in David Ayers’ familiar if diverting Heart of the Beast (which Uber obvs steals from Brad Pitt) bit.ly/4ruWuz5
bit.ly
Heart of the Beast review: Brad Pitt takes an Uber into the Alaskan wilderness
David Ayer’s survivalist drama is solid but unspectacular
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Love the weirdly relatable mayhem Zach Cregger unleashes in Resident Evil bit.ly/47jGPcs
bit.ly
Here's what's worth catching at the cinemas these school holidays
From a mile-a-minute Filipino romp, to a claymation that will keep littlies in their seats, to a very-nearly-shelved Looney Tunes caper, there is something that will keep all age groups happy.
021
Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
It IS!!
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Stephen A Russell @stephenarussell.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
LOVE
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