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A weekly read for those who prefer art over algorithms. Every Thursday, The Swell highlights the films, shows, music and books that are being made — by humans — to last.

Melanie McFarland

Melanie McFarland

I'm Salon's Senior Culture Critic. When I'm not watching TV and films, you will find me touching grass.

Archive

Who was your first boy band?

Sep 24, 2026

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5 min read

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Who was your first boy band?

Hey hey, Boomers and Gen X afterschool TV kids: this one's for you.

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
Why can't we get "The Black Dahlia" right?

Sep 17, 2026

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6 min read

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Why can't we get "The Black Dahlia" right?

On the 20th anniversary of Brian De Palma's misfire, let's apply some hindsight to pop culture's hottest cold case

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
Your instant mood fix soundtrack

Sep 10, 2026

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5 min read

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Your instant mood fix soundtrack

There's a reason that singing along to "September" feels so good

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
This Agatha Christie show proves great chemistry never gets old

Sep 3, 2026

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7 min read

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This Agatha Christie show proves great chemistry never gets old

And it tops our guide to a very watchable fall TV season

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
The Dolly Parton covers everyone should hear

Aug 27, 2026

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4 min read

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The Dolly Parton covers everyone should hear

5 artists channeled the Queen of Country's spirit through their own

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
What silent films have to tell us

Aug 20, 2026

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6 min read

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What silent films have to tell us

Sometimes the best dialogue is none at all

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
Here's why we like some heroes more than others

Aug 13, 2026

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6 min read

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Here's why we like some heroes more than others

Being chosen as opposed to being worthy makes all the difference

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
What the Ted Lasso Way doesn't get about women in sports

Aug 6, 2026

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6 min read

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What the Ted Lasso Way doesn't get about women in sports

For some professional athletes, believing isn't the main challenge

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
A Miyazaki film that sees our heart

Jul 30, 2026

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5 min read

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A Miyazaki film that sees our heart

"Howl's Moving Castle" is many things, but ultimately it's an honest appraisal of the human spirit

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
Your magical burnout cure is in this Miyazaki film

Jul 23, 2026

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6 min read

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Your magical burnout cure is in this Miyazaki film

"Kiki's Delivery Service" is a family movie that holds practical magic for adulthood

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
"Princess Mononoke" is a warning we didn't heed

Jul 16, 2026

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6 min read

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"Princess Mononoke" is a warning we didn't heed

Hayao Miyazaki's gorgeous epic is also his most humanist

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
The quiet joy of "My Neighbor Totoro"

Jul 9, 2026

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5 min read

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The quiet joy of "My Neighbor Totoro"

To understand the heart of Hayao Miyazaki, start with this masterpiece

Melanie McFarland
Melanie McFarland
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The Swell

A weekly read from Salon.com for those who prefer art over algorithms. Every Thursday, Salon's Melanie McFarland highlights the films, shows, music and books that are being made — by humans — to last.