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.

Sing Sing is a profoundly moving exploration of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, inspired by a true story. Directed with a commitment to authenticity, the film immerses viewers in the lives of incarcerated men who find purpose and connection through a theater group within the walls of the infamous Sing Sing Correctional Facility. What emerges is not just a story about imprisonment but about liberation—of the mind, spirit, and humanity.

From renowned auteur Jacques Audiard (Rust and Bone, A Prophet) comes Emilia Pérez, a genre-defying cinematic marvel that reimagines the musical as a visceral, emotionally charged odyssey. Set in Mexico, the film blends liberating song and dance, striking visuals, and a poignant exploration of identity, freedom, and authenticity. This audacious tale follows the intersecting lives of four remarkable women, each navigating their own pursuit of happiness. 

Megan Park’s My Old Ass is a fresh, high-concept coming-of-age story that effortlessly balances whimsy, heart, and introspection. The premise alone—a free-spirited 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella) encountering her wisecracking 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza) during a mushroom trip—suggests a raucous comedic ride. However, what truly makes this film shine is its surprising restraint, focusing on the everyday challenges and triumphs of Elliott’s life rather than veering too far into the outrageousness the concept might imply. This tonal choice elevates My Old Ass into a deeply human and resonant story, making it one of the year’s standout films.

Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain is a poignant and thoughtful exploration of family, identity, and the weight of inherited trauma. The film follows mismatched cousins David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) as they embark on a trip to Poland to honor their late grandmother’s memory. Their journey, however, becomes far more than a simple tribute as old tensions resurface, and the haunting legacy of the Holocaust intertwines with their personal struggles.

Sean Baker’s Anora, which deservedly clinched the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, is a poignant, raw, and unforgettable exploration of love, class, and identity. In typical Baker fashion, the film delves into the lives of individuals on society’s margins, presenting their stories with compassion, complexity, and a refreshing lack of judgment.

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.

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.

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.

The film's ability to paint a damning picture of our world's sociopolitical state while maintaining a focus on characters and story underscores its significance in the realm of speculative fiction.