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.

As the mysteries deepen, so do the characters, creating a narrative tapestry that is as intricate as it is engaging.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a monumental achievement, a film that not only tells an important historical story but does so with a level of artistry that is rare in modern cinema. It is a film that demands to be seen, not just for its masterful performances and direction, but for the vital history it brings to light. Scorsese has once again proven why he is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, delivering a film that will be remembered as one of the defining works of his illustrious career.

It has been four years since Todd Haynes released a narrative feature (2019’s Dark Water), almost a decade since his last great film (2015’s Carol). This time Haynes partnered with Netflix for May December, a somewhat dark comedy, but mostly a character-driven, true crime-inspired drama.

Past Lives is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, a deeply affecting exploration of love, destiny, and the roads not taken. Directed by first-time filmmaker Celine Song, this modern romance tells the story of Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), childhood friends who are separated when Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for a week that forces them to confront the emotional complexity of their connection and the lives they’ve chosen.

Netflix’s Nyad is a cinematic venture that plunges into the depths of human tenacity, brought to the forefront by Annette Bening's stellar performance. As Diana Nyad, Bening masterfully captures the essence of resilience and courage, breathing life into the remarkable journey of the marathon swimmer. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that the film's structure, while commendable, may be better suited for the documentary format.

From its emergence in the pop culture canon in the late 70s to its satirical self-evaluation in the 90s to its current state in the 2020s, the slasher subgenre is beginning to reinvent itself again, most recently in the new Amazon Prime film, Totally Killer, which sees a subgenre mashup of slasher and time travel comedy.

Since the release of his film Once in 2007, John Carney has established himself as an indie-directing staple, consistently weaving thematics of music with the human condition. Through his following films, Begin Again and Sing Street, as well as his work on the Amazon series Modern Love, inspired by the New York Times column, his comprehension of soul is consistently ever-present throughout his work. Carney’s latest, Flora and Son, is no exception.

Heart of Stone, directed by Tom Harper, is an action thriller that seeks to carve out a space for itself in the crowded genre of espionage films, but despite its high-octane stunts and polished visuals, it ultimately falls short of leaving a lasting impression. Starring Gal Gadot as Rachel Stone, an intelligence operative tasked with protecting her organization’s most valuable—and dangerous—asset, the film has all the makings of a blockbuster on paper. Unfortunately, in practice, it’s weighed down by a formulaic script and a surprising lack of emotional depth.

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is a bold, vibrant reimagining of the iconic doll, infused with sharp humor, insightful commentary, and a dazzling aesthetic that makes it as much a visual feast as it is a cultural critique. Starring Margot Robbie as the titular Barbie and Ryan Gosling as her ever-loyal Ken, the film delves into the complexities of identity, gender roles, and the influence of capitalism, all while keeping its tongue firmly in its cheek.