lost in a film scene
Taylor Swift Reframes Her Legacy in The Official Release Party of a Showgirl
In the film released Friday, the Grammy Award winner steps out of the framework laid for female artists and celebrates her new soft girl era.
Endings
And Just Like That’s Finale Was Messy, but Maybe Just Right
We didn’t say goodbye to Carrie Bradshaw and friends in the way we expected, but that might be a good thing.
Review
Alien: Earth Is a Creepy, Crawly Wonder
Noah Hawley’s science-fiction horror is the best Alien franchise entry in years.
review
Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson Make Beautifully Dumb Music in The Naked Gun
At its best, this reboot of the beloved comedy franchise is a blissfully stupid delight.
letter from Massachusetts
Jeremy O. Harris Remakes the Williamstown Theatre Festival in His Own Image
The productions Harris oversees as the fest’s creative director are bold, messy, experimental—and more often than not, they really work.
for your consideration
Fantastic Four: First Steps Is a Hit. Is That a Good Thing?
The movie is bland and perfunctory—and if it had failed, the studio might have been forced to try harder next time.
second helping
What Is Ari Aster Really Trying to Say With Eddington?
A second viewing of the film helps clarify things—and deepens our critic’s appreciation for what Aster is doing.
Review
Superman Knows Exactly What a Superman Movie Should Be
Director James Gunn’s fresh take on an old character gets it (mostly) right.
Review
Even Jurassic World Rebirth Isn’t Sure Why It Exists
This pointless sequel has its merits, but does little to sustain a sagging franchise.
big finish
Squid Game’s Ending, Explained: What’s Cate Blanchett Doing Here?
The series finale of Netflix’s ultra-violent, smash-hit series has arrived, so let’s talk about that ending. Spoilers ahead.
Review
The Bear Season Four Serves Up the Same Tired Meal
The lauded FX drama returns with a dull season that highlights the show’s worst tendencies. Mild spoilers to follow.
Critic’s Notebook
Brokeback Mountain Still Feels Like the Future
Our critic reflects on watching Ang Lee’s beloved film for the first time in theaters in 20 years.
Review
Danny Boyle Goes Medieval in Scary, Strange 28 Years Later
The long-awaited zombie sequel swerves into curious new territory, with bracing results.
Review
Elio Won’t Rescue Pixar From Its Creative Slump
Charming as it often is, this alien adventure shows us little new.
Review
In The Gilded Age Season 3, Divorce, Death, and Violence Come Calling
HBO’s elegant period piece returns for more upper-class melodrama, with some added bang.
Review
Materialists Is Not a Romcom, and That’s Okay
Celine Song’s follow-up to her Oscar-nominated debut is more rom-dram than anything else.
Critic’s Notebook
So How Much Is John Wick in Ballerina After All?
Whispers about Keanu Reeves swooping in to save an ailing spin-off seem greatly exaggerated.
Review
The Life of Chuck Is a Tearjerker That Left Me Dry-Eyed
Mike Flanagan’s earnest, ambitious Stephen King adaptation fails to uplift.
Review
Billionaire Tech Freaks Get the Succession Treatment in Mountainhead
Jesse Armstrong’s HBO film is an only occasionally effective satire of the oligarchs leading us to ruin.
reviews
Come, Let's All Follow And Just Like That Into the Abyss
Yes, it's frivolous—even more so in season three. Yes, these women live in an alternate universe. So what?
Cannes 2025
Gorgeous, Gripping Sentimental Value Tackles Trauma with a Light Touch
Joachim Trier’s latest film is a worthy successor to The Worst Person in the World.