In an engaging evening at The Blond in 11 Howard, the event series One Nightstand brought together a vibrant mix of celebrity readers and writers to share their literary passions and insights. Among the notable attendees was actor Elizabeth Olsen, renowned for her iconic role as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although Olsen has stepped away from Instagram, she expressed a longing for a curated online presence. “There’s part of me that wishes I could have one that I can curate,” she admitted, as she spoke about her desire to create an online space filled with art, recipes, and philosophical quotes, while also acknowledging the rampant issue of doomscrolling.
Olsen has remained busy, intentionally choosing projects that resonate with her artistic vision. Her latest venture, A24’s romantic comedy Eternity, showcases her alongside Miles Teller and Callum Turner in a unique love triangle set within the afterlife. “David Freyne, the filmmaker and co-writer, created this reflection of what we’ve become as a society — this obsessive consumerism,” she explained. “The backdrop of death revealing more consumerism provides a funny, nihilistic lens to explore ordinary love.”
Beyond her acting career, Olsen has been delving deeper into literature, reflecting on how her reading habits have evolved. She described her early academic life as a period when her reading choices were largely dictated by syllabi. “As an adult, I probably read one or two books a year until the last six years,” she noted, emphasizing her newfound appreciation for reading.
Olsen shared four of her favorite books during the event. The first was When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut, recommended by playwright Brian Watkins. She described the book’s exploration of major scientific advancements over the past century, noting its themes of madness and human persistence. “It kept my childhood curiosity about science alive,” she acknowledged, reminiscing about her AP Chemistry days and how much she enjoyed scientific pursuits.
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Her second selection was The Possibility of An Island by Michel Houellebecq, which she read while working on her upcoming sci-fi thriller Assessment. This book, which delves into a future world ravaged by nuclear war and populated by “neo-human” clones, resonated with Olsen’s concerns about technology and AI. “It did predict the future in a really wild way,” she stated, connecting it to contemporary discussions about transhumanism and societal shifts.
Olsen’s third choice was All Fours by Miranda July, a modern cult classic that captivated her with its liberating narratives. “Every intrusive thought you’ve ever had… she’s fully exploring it,” she remarked, praising July’s ability to evoke laughter and deep connectivity through her writing.
Finally, her last recommendation was Circe by Madeline Miller, which she read while preparing for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The thematic parallels between her character’s journey and the struggles faced by Miller’s protagonist resonated deeply with Olsen, echoing her longstanding admiration for classic literature.
Olsen’s reflections provide a glimpse into her multifaceted interests, revealing how literature continues to shape her artistic journey and personal growth. The evening not only celebrated her favorite books but also offered attendees a deeper understanding of her as an artist navigating the complex intersections of culture, creativity, and consumerism.
For those eager to catch all the insights from the event, a full interview is available on Spotify.
