Criticism
A platform for insightful analysis and passionate discourse on cinema and television.
Our criticism section offers reviews, essays, and interviews that deepen engagement with the films and series featured. It champions thoughtful, cinephile-driven critique.
By fostering dialogue between critics and audiences, it enriches the understanding of cinematic art in its many forms.
Criticism
Mike Flanagan's 'Carrie' Series Flattens Horror in a Too-Tame Teen DramaA fresh take on Stephen King's horror classic struggles under the weight of its own gentleness, turning what could be a fiery adaptation into a subdued teen drama.
Criticism
‘You Can See Everything’ Examines Elizabeth Holmes’s Last Days with Boundary-Pushing AbsurdityNathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s documentary blurs the lines between investigation and performance, exposing the murky reality behind Elizabeth Holmes’s final months before prison.
Criticism
‘Fjord’ Review: Cristian Mungiu Explores Cultural Clash and Religious Tensions in NorwaySebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve star in Cristian Mungiu’s latest film, a tense drama examining religious conservatism and liberal intolerance amid Norway’s idyllic landscape.
Criticism
Oscars 2026: Conan O’Brien’s Second Host Run Delivers Cinephile Charm and Genuine GratitudeThe 98th Academy Awards proved that a host who loves movies and isn’t afraid to be himself can elevate the ceremony beyond rote spectacle, with Conan O’Brien once again striking the perfect balance of humor and heartfelt sincerity.
Criticism
Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics Opening: A Quiet Show of 'Harmony' Amid Sparse EnergyThe 2026 Winter Olympics opening in Milan and Cortina aimed for harmony but delivered a more subdued spectacle, with an emphasis on tradition over eccentricity.
Criticism
‘Whalefall’ review: Austin Abrams grapples with daddy issues inside a killer whale’s bellyA brutal underwater survival thriller that dives into trauma as much as it does into visceral body horror, ‘Whalefall’ balances emotional baggage with jaw-dropping effects.
Criticism
‘VisionQuest’ Wraps Up Marvel’s Shortsighted MCU TV Era with a Tedious Self-Discovery SagaMarvel’s latest series, ‘VisionQuest,’ signals the end of an era for MCU television, delivering a drawn-out, monotonous meditation on identity that leaves little to the imagination or excitement.
Criticism
‘The Lowdown’ Season 2: Ethan Hawke and Betty Gilpin Shine in a Gritty, Charismatic MysterySterlin Harjo’s second season deepens its noir roots, with Hawke and Gilpin delivering compelling performances that elevate the series’ dark, layered storytelling.
Criticism
‘Sense and Sensibility’ (2026) Review: Daisy Edgar-Jones and George MacKay Bring Earthy Sensuality to a Faithful Austen RevivalGeorgia Oakley's latest adaptation of Jane Austen's classic is a meticulous, understated take that emphasizes naturalism and sensuality over flashy modernization.
Criticism
‘Crystal Lake’ Fails to Elevate Its Gore-Laden Prequel Despite Flashy KillsA24’s ‘Friday the 13th’ prequel stumbles over its undercooked story, leaving viewers with over-the-top kills and little else to savor.
Criticism
Reviving Community Cinema: How the Rockaway Film Festival Is Reimagining the Future of Film CultureIn a landscape where traditional cinemas shutter and remote locations become ‘cinema deserts,’ the Rockaway Film Festival exemplifies a grassroots effort to keep the cinematic experience alive and local.
Criticism
Ben Affleck’s ‘Animals’ Flops with Tedious Plot and Lack of Style on NetflixAiming for political intrigue, ‘Animals’ stalls in blandness, revealing itself as forgettable TV rather than a compelling feature.