October’s Literary and Cinematic Highlights

Baltimore, October 1, 2025

News Summary

October’s book selections feature a range of genres including a cozy romance set in Baltimore, a gritty thriller in Atlanta, and true-crime narratives. Alongside, John Waters presents his annual list of The Best Movies of 2024, showcasing unique films like ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ and ‘Queer’. These selections aim to resonate with diverse literary and cinematic tastes, reflecting cultural themes and engaging stories.

Baltimore, MD – October’s book selections feature a cozy romance, a gritty thriller, and a true-crime chronicle, appealing to a wide range of literary tastes. The cozy romance is set in Baltimore, providing a local flavor that readers can easily connect with. A gritty thriller unfolds in an Atlanta nightclub, offering suspense and excitement to thriller enthusiasts. Additionally, a narrative nonfiction book takes a deep dive into modern relationships in the Midwest, while another exposes issues of injustice in Florida. A further narrative nonfiction work tells the story of a notorious Atlantic Ocean voyage with significant historical implications.

In conjunction with the book picks, John Waters has unveiled his annual list of The Best Movies of 2024, showcasing unique films that some critics may have overlooked. The list was published on Vulture.com, featuring innovative storytelling and diverse themes.

Waters’ top pick is “Love Lies Bleeding,” directed by Rose Glass. This romantic thriller stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian and revolves around a lesbian relationship entwined with crime. Following closely is “Queer,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, set in 1950s Mexico City and starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey. The third film on the list is “The Brutalist,” a lengthy film directed by Brady Corbet that chronicles the struggles of a visionary architect.

Ranked fourth by Waters is “Hard Truths,” directed by Mike Leigh, which offers a portrait of an exceptionally unpleasant sourpuss woman in cinema. The fifth film, “Messy,” directed by Alexi Wasser, follows a promiscuous woman’s quest for love in New York City.

Waters’ sixth choice is “Joker: Folie a Deux,” directed by Todd Phillips, which explores the complex relationship between Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn. Seventh on the list is “Femme,” directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, presenting a twisted love affair between a drag queen and a gay-basher. The eighth film, “Emilia Perez,” by Jacques Audiard, centers on a musical-drama surrounding a Mexican drug syndicate.

Ninth on Waters’ list is “Babygirl,” directed by Halina Reijn and featuring Nicole Kidman as a business executive in an affair with a younger intern. The list rounds out with “Viet and Nam,” from director Truong Minh Quy, focusing on two young gay coal miners who flee to foreign shores, having premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. More details about Waters’ selections can be found in the article on Vulture’s website.

Key Highlights from October’s Selections

• Cozy romance set in Baltimore
• Gritty thriller set in an Atlanta nightclub
• Narrative nonfiction on modern relationships in the Midwest
• Narrative nonfiction exposing injustice in Florida
• Narrative nonfiction about a historical Atlantic Ocean voyage

John Waters’ Best Movies of 2024

• 1. Love Lies Bleeding – Directed by Rose Glass
• 2. Queer – Directed by Luca Guadagnino
• 3. The Brutalist – Directed by Brady Corbet
• 4. Hard Truths – Directed by Mike Leigh
• 5. Messy – Directed by Alexi Wasser
• 6. Joker: Folie a Deux – Directed by Todd Phillips
• 7. Femme – Directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping
• 8. Emilia Perez – Directed by Jacques Audiard
• 9. Babygirl – Directed by Halina Reijn
• 10. Viet and Nam – Directed by Truong Minh Quy

Background Context

Each of these literary and cinematic selections shines a light on diverse narratives, offering readers a mix of genres from romance to true-crime, and significant cultural reflections through film. October provides a platform for both emerging and established voices in storytelling, creating a tapestry of experiences and insights that resonate with audiences across the board.

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Additional Resources

• Washington Post: New Books to Read
• Baltimore Fishbowl: John Waters’ Best Movies of 2024
• Good Morning America: Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens MNF Thriller
• New York Times: Three Days in June
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Michael Gordon

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

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