Swarm’s Most Dangerous DevotionThe Prime Video series about a murderous stan falls short in exploring the ways female companionship can be amplified into something more sinister.
Miley’s Californication Is CompleteEndless Summer Vacation showcases a more unified and refined version of Cyrus, but is almost too meticulously crafted to soundtrack summers.
The Last of Us Is Faithful to the EndThe season finale’s climax effectively streamlines its source material but illuminates the show’s narrowing adaptational ambition.
ByNicholas Quah
movie review
I Give UpIt’s Scream 6’s world. We’re just living in it.
Poker Face Toes the Thin Blue LineIs it possible to make a show about crime and punishment that isn’t copaganda? That’s a mystery season one couldn’t quite solve.
Perry Mason Has Solved the Case of Perry MasonSeason two of the HBO revival moves beyond its protagonist’s origin story and into the courtroom, and becomes the show it was meant to be.
The Seagull Heads for the ShawangunksParker Posey stars in this update of Chekhov, swapping familiar New York intelligentsia types for the Russian bourgeoisie.
This Is a Cry for HelpNobody in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania looks like they want to be there. They don’t even look like they know where there is.
ByBilge Ebiri
close read
Physical: 100 Isn’t Built to Be BrutalDon’t be fooled by the Squid Game aesthetics: Netflix’s Korean reality competition may just be the best example of good sportsmanship on TV.
ByQuinci LeGardye
movie review
With Return to Seoul, a Star Is BornPark Ji-min’s remarkable lead performance elevates this withholding yet moving meditation on identity and culture to a masterwork.
Party Down Has Time on Its SideThe cultishly beloved cater-waiter comedy returns in peak form, using the 13-year gap between seasons to its best advantage.
Magic Mike Shouldn’t DateChanning Tatum’s Mike Lane is the holy hunk, and his own desires seem incidental — tough stuff when you’re supposed to be half of a steamy couple.
