RIOTUS

The New Yorker is, simply—and rather understatedly—put, iconic. As this documentary playfully illustrates, it’s known around the world for its sharp cartoon satire, its brilliant fiction section, and its hard-hitting journalism, having permeated pop culture consciousness. My own awareness of the magazine, as a Brit, was shaped by Gilmore Girls, Sex and the City, The French Dispatch, and The Good Place, to name a few. 

From the outside looking in, The New Yorker always struck me as something those “in the know” read; for those who want to stay informed while projecting an aura of coolness only true New Yorkers can obtain. Reading it became a status symbol; while it is undoubtedly widely consumed, it still felt exclusive. For a century, the magazine has shaped publishing as we know it, and has held the line against the decline of media literacy. Now, for the first time in its history, The New Yorker is opening its doors and taking us into the newsroom to show us how the magic happens.

Directed by Marshall Curry, The New Yorker at 100 follows editor David Remnick and his team in the fall of 2024 as they plan and execute the magazine’s seminal 100th anniversary issue. Alongside this fascinating snapshot of a deceptively complex machine, the documentary mixes archival footage with staff interviews to take the audience through the magazine’s trailblazing history, highlighting some of its most controversial choices and influential articles. And the film neatly ties this into how the magazine’s dedication to its craft informs each choice the team makes to this day.

You’ll learn more about the magazine’s influence on other media, from the beginnings of The Addams Family from celebrated New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addams, to the original inspiration for Brokeback Mountain, adapted from the short story by Annie Proulx in the October 13, 1997 issue. The stars show their support too, with narration from Julianne Moore, and color commentary from the likes of Ronny Chieng, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jesse Eisenberg, and more. And it’s topped off with a carefully curated soundtrack, including Matt Berninger & Ronboy’s cover of Taylor Swift’s “Welcome to New York” (because the original simply wouldn’t have been unconventional enough). 

Throughout the documentary, the staff and those involved in its long history paint a vibrant picture of what it takes to tell real stories at the topmost level; in an age of misinformation and AI slop, the work that goes into each issue is refreshing in its attention to detail. It’ll give you a renewed sense of appreciation for journalism and storytelling, particularly when you connect with the creative minds who bring their art to life. 

The New Yorker at 100 is a must-watch for literary and journalism fans, and required viewing for anyone who needs reminding why we must fight for the truth. The New Yorker’s unflinching dedication to telling stories that matter is something we should all aspire to; long may it continue.