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Abby Monteil’s Journalist Portfolio

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Get a jumpstart on your own urban jungle with this KC-based plant subscription service

Get a jumpstart on your own urban jungle with this KC-based plant subscription service

kansascitymag.com — Want to create your own indoor garden but not sure where to start? Kansas City's Tiny Greenhouse KC has you covered with its new plant subscription service. It's a monthly plant subscription box-like Blue Apron for trendy house plants. Each box includes three to five "tiny" plants (three inches tall) for in-store pickup or delivery to your address.

Revisiting the Summery Domestic Horrors of Agnès Varda's 'Le bonheur,' 55 Years Later

Revisiting the Summery Domestic Horrors of Agnès Varda's 'Le bonheur,' 55 Years Later

screen-queens.com — "I imagined a summer peach with its perfect colors, and inside, there is a worm. And impressionist paintings, which emanate such melancholy, though they depict scenes of everyday happiness. I listened to Mozart, I thought of death's preponderance." So said director Agnès Varda when reflecting on her 1965 film Le bonheur (Happiness), a film...

Every Winona Ryder movie, ranked according to critics

Every Winona Ryder movie, ranked according to critics

INSIDER — Winona Ryder is an actress known for movies like "Beetlejuice," "Heathers," and "Edward Scissorhands." The actress received two Oscar nominations for her work in "The Age of Innocence" and "Little Women." Her highest-rated film is 2009's Star Trek." Below are the movies that Ryder has starred in throughout her career, ranked by critics' scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Back to the Future' 35 years later

THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Back to the Future' 35 years later

INSIDER — The classic '80s sci-fi movie "Back to the Future" first hit theaters in July of 1985. It starred Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time and interferes with his parents' lives. Fox has had guest roles in a number of shows in recent years, including "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "The Good Wife," and "Survivor."

A history of LGBTQ+ representation in film

A history of LGBTQ+ representation in film

Stacker — While cinema has been around for 200 years and is one of the youngest art forms in the world, the LGBTQ+ community has always existed within societies around the world. Depictions of queer and trans people have also been present within the medium of film since its inception.

7 famous kisses in movies that weren't originally in the script

7 famous kisses in movies that weren't originally in the script

INSIDER — No matter how much planning goes into movie-making, sometimes memorable moments wind up being unplanned, whether they're the result of actor improvisation or something that the film's director came up with on the spot. Kisses are no exception, and a number of major onscreen moments weren't in the movies' original scripts. For example, Emily Blunt decided to kiss her "Edge of Tomorrow" costar, Tom Cruise, in one scene, while Mark Hamill improvised kissing Carrie Fisher's forehead in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." Here are 7 movie kisses that were never supposed to happen.

19 hidden gems you can watch on Amazon Prime Video right now

19 hidden gems you can watch on Amazon Prime Video right now

INSIDER — Amazon's current streaming platform, Amazon Prime Video, has a large library of both new and classic films to pick from. Here's a list of underrated movies streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you're likely aware of the popular offerings on Amazon Prime Video like "Fleabag" or "The Marvelous Mrs.

Every Kristen Bell movie, ranked according to critics

Every Kristen Bell movie, ranked according to critics

INSIDER — Actress Kristen Bell is known for her roles in movies like "Frozen" and "Bad Moms." So far, Bell has appeared in 39 movies throughout her career (37 of which have a critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes). Her best film, according to critics, is the documentary "Pandas."

27 great movies by women that you can watch on Netflix right now

27 great movies by women that you can watch on Netflix right now

INSIDER — While movies are immersive and captivating to watch, it's important not to forget that Hollywood still has a gender disparity issue behind the camera. Although the number of female directors is increasing, a study by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that only 10.6% of 2019's blockbusters were directed by women. Still, that doesn't in any way diminish the incredible worlds that many women have created and captured in their movies, from Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's emotional rom-com "Someone Great" to Beyoncé's concert documentary "Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé." Luckily, an abundance of acclaimed, female-directed films can be found and streamed on Netflix, and Insider has compiled a list of them to help you get started.

The 10 best fantasy movies to watch on Netflix

The 10 best fantasy movies to watch on Netflix

INSIDER — Sometimes you just want to forget about your real-life responsibilities and get lost in the faraway, magical worlds of fantasy. Netflix has you covered. The streaming site has plenty of fantasy films to choose from. Standouts include the classic satire "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," the award-winning dark fairytale "Pan's Labyrinth," and fantastical romantic comedies like "About Time" and "Groundhog Day."

15 details that fans might have missed in the 1993 movie 'Jurassic Park'

15 details that fans might have missed in the 1993 movie 'Jurassic Park'

INSIDER — In the background of Dr. Ellie Sattler and Dr. Alan Grant's trailer, there's a sign on the wall that says, "No animal released without paperwork completely filled out." The sign is ironic considering that they're paleontologists and only study extinct animals.

20 LGBTQ movie characters who were played by LGBTQ actors

20 LGBTQ movie characters who were played by LGBTQ actors

INSIDER — Increased LGBTQ visibility has led to more queer and trans characters in film, as well as more actors openly identifying within the LGBTQ community. Openly LGBTQ actors have been able to portray queer characters in films spanning many genres, from Cheryl Dunye in the romantic comedy "The Watermelon Woman" to Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor in the crime dramedy "Tangerine" to Ian McKellen in the biographical drama "Gods and Monsters." Here are 20 LGBTQ movie characters played by LGBTQ actors.

17 classic LGBTQ movies that everyone should see in their lifetime

17 classic LGBTQ movies that everyone should see in their lifetime

INSIDER — Increasing LGBTQ visibility in recent years means that more accessible queer films are being made. However, it's important to acknowledge that LGBTQ movies have always existed (even in times of censorship) and are important parts of queer history. Insider compiled some of the LGBTQ films that are from 1990 or earlier that everyone should watch.

The 6 essential Ava DuVernay movies and TV shows that everyone should see

The 6 essential Ava DuVernay movies and TV shows that everyone should see

INSIDER — Ava DuVernay is one of the most acclaimed directors working today. Since beginning her directing career in 2008, she has broken down numerous industry barriers facing both Black directors and female directors of color in Hollywood. From "Middle of Nowhere" to "When They See Us," DuVernay's body of work highlights both the complexities of Black American life and the country's systemic racism.

The 16 best sci-fi movies you can stream on Netflix right now

The 16 best sci-fi movies you can stream on Netflix right now

INSIDER — Sometimes you just want to escape your real life and get immersed in the futuristic, mind-bending worlds of science fiction. Luckily, Netflix has you covered.

25 LGBTQ TV characters who were played by LGBTQ actors

25 LGBTQ TV characters who were played by LGBTQ actors

INSIDER — Increased LGBTQ visibility in recent years has inevitably led to more queer and trans characters on TV, as well as more actors openly identifying within the LGBTQ community. Because of this, more than ever before, actors within the community are getting more opportunities to portray LGBTQ characters (who are often informed and enriched by an actor's own personal experiences navigating their sexuality and/or gender identity). Openly LGBTQ actors have been able to portray queer characters on a wide range of shows, from Dan Levy on the heartfelt sitcom "Schitt's Creek" to Janelle Monáe on the psychological thriller "Homecoming" to Sarah Paulson on the horror anthology "American Horror Story."

24 LGBTQ actors who are the future of Hollywood

24 LGBTQ actors who are the future of Hollywood

INSIDER — Breakout "Pose" star Indya Moore, 25, is trans non-binary. Although Moore began their career as a model, they broke into Hollywood by playing background characters in TV shows and films. They've since rocketed to fame by playing a trans woman and aspiring model named Angel on FX's "Pose," a trailblazing show about New York City's 1980s underground ballroom culture.

The 18 best LGBTQ movies to stream right now that aren't about coming out

The 18 best LGBTQ movies to stream right now that aren't about coming out

INSIDER — Many LGBTQ movies center on coming out narratives. While these stories are a vital part of capturing queer experiences onscreen, only showing this side of LGBTQ lives and relationships in media can make representations feel imbalanced. To highlight the wide range of LGBTQ stories in movies, Insider compiled a list of 18 great LGBTQ movies not about coming out that you can stream.

The 20 best LGBTQ movies of all time, according to critics

The 20 best LGBTQ movies of all time, according to critics

INSIDER — The Rotten Tomatoes' editorial team put together a list of the most highly-rated LGBTQ movies of all time, according to critical consensus. These are the top 20. The movies mentioned include modern classics, such as "Moonlight" and "Portrait of a Lady on Fire." Seminal works like "Victim" and "The Watermelon Woman" are also present.

Fans are covering or removing their 'Harry Potter' tattoos after J.K. Rowling's comments about tr...

Fans are covering or removing their 'Harry Potter' tattoos after J.K. Rowling's comments about tr...

INSIDER — Over the years, many dedicated "Harry Potter" fans have gotten tattoos inspired by the series. However, J.K. Rowling's recent comments about trans people and gender identity have prompted many people to make plans to remove or cover their tattoos.

How J.K. Rowling, controversies, and delays put the future of the 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise in...

How J.K. Rowling, controversies, and delays put the future of the 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise in...

INSIDER — Controversy surrounding the "Harry Potter" offshoot "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" franchise has been bubbling up for a while. "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling has recently been criticized for her comments regarding trans people and gender identity.

The 19 best international movies you can stream on HBO Max right now

The 19 best international movies you can stream on HBO Max right now

INSIDER — HBO's new streaming service HBO Max launched in May. Many critically acclaimed international movies can be streamed on the site. Musicals such as "Black Orpheus" and "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" are available to watch, as are comedies like "Amélie" and "Daisies." There are also classic dramas like "In the Mood for Love" and "Persona."

13 franchises on HBO Max to watch for your next movie marathon

13 franchises on HBO Max to watch for your next movie marathon

INSIDER — HBO's new streaming service HBO Max launched in May. Popular fantasy franchises like "Harry Potter," "The Lord of the Rings," and "The Hobbit" are available on HBO Max. So are horror properties such as "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Jaws." All four iterations of "A Star Is Born" now exist on the platform.

Every Studio Ghibli movie, ranked according to critics

Every Studio Ghibli movie, ranked according to critics

INSIDER — Since the 1980s, the Japanese animation giant Studio Ghibli has released some of the world's most beloved animated films. Almost all of the Ghibli films are now available to stream on HBO Max, giving international viewers the chance to easily access them together.
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