Netflix’s new miniseries Zero Day is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that raises pressing questions about truth, control, and the very fabric of reality in an era dominated by conspiracy and uncertainty. At its core, the series forces viewers to examine whether the crises tearing the world apart are the work of external forces beyond our grasp, or whether we ourselves are complicit in their creation. It’s a timely, relevant, and unsettling watch that refuses to provide easy answers, making it one of the most compelling shows of the year.

In its sophomore season, The Recruit finally seems to find its footing, delivering a sharper, more confident narrative that capitalizes on its strengths. After a promising but uneven debut season, the show has refined its tone, balancing action, humor, and suspense in a way that feels more natural. Season 2 is more unpredictable, more polished, and ultimately more engaging, making it a significant step up from its predecessor.

In Conclave, director Edward Berger crafts a masterful political thriller that unfolds within the Vatican's hallowed walls, blending the grandeur of faith with the suspense of power plays and secrets. Following the death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is thrust into the center of a high-stakes election to determine the next leader of the Catholic Church. However, as the conclave begins, Lawrence stumbles upon hidden truths about the deceased Pope that could not only derail the election but shake the very foundations of the Church itself.

Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl is an intriguing, intimate character study that captures the melancholy and resilience of reinvention. The film, centered on a seasoned showgirl grappling with the abrupt closure of her show’s 30-year run, is more than just a narrative about the end of a career. It’s a reflection on identity, purpose, and the inevitability of change. While the movie occasionally suffers from an unfocused narrative and a meandering pace, these aspects seem almost intentional, mirroring the disorientation of its central character.

Marielle Heller’s Nightbitch, starring Amy Adams, had all the ingredients to be an audacious exploration of motherhood, identity, and the sacrifices demanded by domestic life. Based on Rachel Yoder’s acclaimed novel, the film promised a surrealist take on a woman unraveling the complexities of her existence after pausing her career to embrace stay-at-home motherhood. Yet, despite its intriguing premise and Heller’s previously lauded directorial efforts (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood), Nightbitch ultimately disappoints, falling short of its ambitious goals.