Contributor Katherine McLaughlin

Two people, a man and a woman, walking together down a city street. The man wears a grey coat and the woman wears a checkered blue coat.
Review

Maggie’s Plan

by Katherine McLaughlin

Greta Gerwig has the time of her life in Rebecca Miller’s shallow portrait of middle-class ennui.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
An older, bald man wearing a suit and tie sits on a sofa, holding a young boy in his arms who is dressed in a suit.
Review

Central Intelligence

by Katherine McLaughlin

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart prove perfect comedic bedfellows in this snappy crime caper.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Tropical beach scene with palm trees, blue creature, and girl in grass skirt dancing on sandy shore.
If You Like...

How When Marnie Was There evokes the melancholy of Lilo & Stitch

by Katherine McLaughlin

Studio Ghibli’s latest and Disney’s 2002 film both deal with themes of abandonment, alienation and loss.
Black cat and woman looking thoughtfully into each other's eyes in dim lighting.
Festivals

Elle – first look review

by Katherine McLaughlin

Isabelle Huppert delivers a stunning, unflinching performance in this blackly comic rape-revenge thriller.
A smiling family of six people, including a man and woman with four young daughters, posing outdoors in a lush, green garden setting.
If You Like...

How Mustang evokes the coming-of-age melancholy of The Virgin Suicides

by Katherine McLaughlin

Sofia Coppola and Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s films speak of innocence lost and the trials of young womanhood.
Couple stand in rain, holding hands, red backdrop
If You Like...

How Midnight Special channels the cosmic force of Starman

by Katherine McLaughlin

Jeff Nichols’ new film maps a similar thematic route to John Carpenter’s classic 1984 sci-fi.
Three people standing in a dimly lit room, with a blue barrel in the foreground.
Review

10 Cloverfield Lane

by Katherine McLaughlin

This frisky and frenetic sort-of-sequel to Matt Reeves’ 2008 monster movie boasts a trio of amazing performances.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A person sitting on a couch, reading a book near a window in a dimly lit room.
If You Like...

How Anomalisa echoes the existential blues of Chantal Akerman’s Je, Tu, Il, Elle

by Katherine McLaughlin

Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson’s meditative drama is the spiritual cousin of the late Belgian director’s 1974 debut.
Two people, a man and a woman, sitting together on a beach. The woman has long blonde hair and the man is wearing a checked shirt. They appear to be talking and smiling at each other.
Review

Freeheld

by Katherine McLaughlin

Julianne Moore and Ellen Page can’t salvage this tame dramatisation of a momentous civil rights case study.

4
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
A smiling woman with curly blonde hair wearing a black jacket and a name badge that says "Pick a Time" standing in an indoor setting.
If You Like...

How Our Brand Is Crisis evokes the sparky political satire of Election

by Katherine McLaughlin

Sandra Bullock’s spin doctor reminds us of another memorably strong and highly strung antiheroine.

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