The Perfect Couple on Netflix taps into the now-familiar blend of drama, mystery, and glamour, focusing on the ultra-wealthy, much like Big Little Lies or The Undoing. Set on the scenic and affluent island of Nantucket, the show centers on Amelia Sacks, played by Eve Hewson, who is on the verge of marrying into the powerful Winbury family. Her future mother-in-law, Greer Garrison Winbury, portrayed by the ever-dominant Nicole Kidman, is a famous novelist with a perfectionist streak. Greer’s lavish plans for the wedding are upended when a body turns up on the beach, setting off a domino effect of secrets, scandals, and revelations.

Oz Perkins' Longlegs is a chilling foray into the dark world of serial killers, occult mysteries, and the psychological toll of hunting the inexplicable. Starring Maika Monroe as FBI Agent Lee Harker and Nicolas Cage as the enigmatic Longlegs, the film crafts an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. Though it wears its influences on its sleeve—most notably Silence of the Lambs and the works of David Fincher—it manages to carve out its own unique place within the genre.

Lee Isaac Chung’s Twisters, the much-anticipated follow-up to his Oscar-winning Minari (also shot in Oklahoma), attempts to rejuvenate the disaster film genre with mixed results. This sequel to the 1996 classic Twister brings an intriguing premise, updated for today’s generational audience, and a strong cast but ultimately falls short of delivering its predecessor's emotional and suspenseful impact. With stunning visuals, uneven character development, and an overabundance of tornadoes, Twisters provides a thrilling yet ultimately frustrating cinematic experience.

A Family Affair, directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King, is a romantic comedy that promises to delve into the complications of love, sex, and identity. Unfortunately, despite a star-studded cast and a seemingly intriguing premise, the film ultimately falls short, delivering a story that feels more shallow than insightful.

Thelma is a delightful and surprisingly poignant film that blends the heartwarming with the adrenaline-pumping, offering a fresh take on the action genre through the eyes of a 93-year-old protagonist. Directed with a blend of humor and heart by Josh Margolin, and based on his actual grandmother’s story, the film follows Thelma Post, played by the incomparable June Squibb, as she embarks on a daring quest across Los Angeles to reclaim the $10,000 stolen from her by a con artist. What could have easily been a gimmicky premise instead turns into a moving exploration of resilience, family, friendship, and the determination to fight back, no matter the odds.

Back To Black, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and starring Marisa Abela as the legendary Amy Winehouse, attempts to capture the essence of the singer’s life and music, tracing her journey from adolescence to the creation of her iconic album. However, despite Abela’s committed and striking performance, the film struggles to rise above a surface-level recounting of Winehouse’s story, offering a portrayal that feels more like a quick skim through a Wikipedia article than a deeply engaging character study.

George Miller returns to the dystopian wasteland of the Mad Max universe with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a prequel that dives into the origins of the fierce warrior we met in Mad Max: Fury Road. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as the young Furiosa and Chris Hemsworth as the ruthless Warlord Dementus, the film is a visual and visceral spectacle that carries the torch of its predecessor, leaning into the bizarre and chaotic energy that has defined the franchise for over four decades.

Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater and starring Glenn Powell, is a captivating blend of comedy, drama, and suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This film tells the story of Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered professor who leads a double life as a pseudo-hitman for his city's police department. His unconventional job involves posing as a contract killer to, more or less, entrap those seeking to hire a hitman, resulting in a series of comedic and thrilling encounters.

Babes is a film that delivers plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments, buoyed by strong performances from Michelle Buteau and Ilana Glaser, and guided by Pamela Adlon’s deft directorial hand. While its loose grasp on reality may detract from its overall impact, the film’s portrayal of friendship and the more bizarre aspects of pregnancy ring true, making it a relatable and entertaining journey into the madness of impending motherhood.

​​The Fall Guy, helmed by director David Leitch, himself a former stunt coordinator, bursts onto the screen with adrenaline-pumping action and somewhat slapstick wit. In this action-comedy, Ryan Gosling steps into the shoes of Colt Seavers, a seasoned stunt double forced to confront his past when he finds himself back on set after an 18-month hiatus due to a near career-ending injury. However, the twist comes when Colt realizes that the film he's working on is being directed by none other than his ex whom he recently ghosted, Jody Moreno, portrayed by Emily Blunt.

The Idea of You, directed by Michael Showalter and starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, is a film that takes a contemporary love story and weaves it into the fabric of today’s pop culture. Based on the novel of the same name, the movie centers around Solène Marchand (Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mother who unexpectedly falls for 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Galitzine), the heartthrob lead singer of one of the world’s most popular boy bands, August Moon. While the film treads familiar ground within the romance genre, Hathaway's magnetic performance and Showalter's deft direction elevate the material into something that resonates emotionally.

Baby Reindeer emerges as a gripping limited series that delves into the complexities of human connections and mental health struggles. Written, created, and starring Richard Gadd, the show draws inspiration from his own life experiences, infusing the narrative with a raw authenticity that is both compelling and deeply personal. Based on real-life events but artfully reimagined, the story centers on Donnie, portrayed by Gadd, as he navigates the tumultuous journey of chasing his comedic dreams while contending with the unsettling fixation of Martha, brought to life with haunting depth by Jessica Gunning.

Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater and starring Glenn Powell, is a captivating blend of comedy, drama, and suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This film tells the story of Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered professor who leads a double life as a pseudo-hitman for his city's police department. His unconventional job involves posing as a contract killer to, more or less, entrap those seeking to hire a hitman, resulting in a series of comedic and thrilling encounters.

BRANDY HELLVILLE & THE CULT OF FAST FASHION is a documentary that takes a piercing look at the rise of Brandy Melville, a clothing brand that became synonymous with the early Tumblr aesthetic of the 2010s, and the darker truths behind its success. Through candid interviews with former employees, fashion insiders, and even disillusioned executives, the film exposes the toxic work environment, discriminatory practices, and unattainable beauty standards that helped Brandy Melville cultivate its image of effortless cool. Directed by Eva Orner with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering uncomfortable truths, the documentary broadens its scope to examine the global implications of fast fashion and the environmental devastation caused by the mass production of disposable clothing.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire roars onto screens as the highly-anticipated follow-up to its predecessor, Godzilla vs. Kong, promising an adrenaline-fueled spectacle of colossal proportions. Directed by Adam Wingard, known for his work in the horror genre, the film plunges viewers into a world where giant CGI titans reign supreme, dominating the landscape with their epic clashes.

The lack of a clear resolution or takeaway leaves the audience pondering the significance of the journey they've just witnessed. While I do have a soft spot for romcoms, Players might be a bit too soft, so to say the film may not leave a lasting impact or provide a memorable experience beyond the charm of its lead. Despite its shortcomings, the film offers a lighthearted and entertaining viewing experience for those seeking a classic romantic comedy.

Ultimately, Argylle is a disappointing effort from Matthew Vaughn, failing to live up to the high expectations set by his previous works. While there are moments of enjoyment to be found, particularly in the performances of Howard and Rockwell, they are overshadowed by the film's underdeveloped script and nonsensical twist ending.

Lover, Stalker, Killer is another Netflix must-watch for true crime enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the dark side of online relationships. While it may not redefine the documentary genre, its well-crafted storytelling, expert interviews, and edge-of-your-seat editing make it a captivating exploration of a disturbing real-life saga.

The character-centric approach is a notable strength of They Called Him Mostly Harmless. Instead of merely presenting facts, the documentary delves into the lives and motivations of the individuals involved in the case, both the unidentified hiker and the online sleuths. This shift in focus transforms the film into a compelling character study, adding depth to the storytelling.

Love Me undeniably raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of love, consciousness, and the potential capabilities of artificial intelligence. Yet, the film's inability to transcend its own established boundaries ultimately hampers its impact. While the visual spectacle and the performances of the lead actors are commendable, the overall execution falls short of the lofty ambitions set by the directors.