Rachel LaBonte

The animators bring this world to life with expert skill.

The Quiet Girl is an earnest depiction of family and unexpected connections that lingers long after the credits roll.

Pixar's latest big screen adventure, Elio, is a big-hearted tale about friendship, family, and connection, and it will both delight and wreck you.

It's an absurd and stunning story, but it also holds such heart and authenticity that it feels deeply relatable.

It's a testament to the care that went into this movie, the hard work of the cast and crew, and the power of the story itself that I left the theater both moved and inspired. This is a movie that will likely stick with me for some time, and I'm glad; I think it's not one that should be forgotten.

With top-notch performances and production design, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a worthy addition to the Hunger Games franchise.

Save for the tiniest of things, Wicked is a worthy screen adaptation of the musical, guaranteed to make viewers feel like they could defy gravity too.

By not giving into what might be expected from a typical immigrant story, Chung has given the material space to breathe on its own, creating a space that can be appreciated by all kinds of people. The cast shines, the story hits home, and Minari stands as a winner.

Nomadland might tell an unconventional story, but thanks to Zhao's careful hand and McDormand's performance, it will resonate with all audiences.

Sorry, Baby is the kind of movie that will linger and stick with you. It is far more than a story about trauma; it's also about friendship and growing up, concepts that will feel deeply relatable to anyone.

The Harder They Fall is a crowd-pleasing and worthy addition to the Western canon that knows how to have a good time with a familiar story.

The whole Armand cast is stellar, perfectly conveying the characters' shifting allegiances and uncertain moral stances.

Twisters is the kind of blockbuster the summer movie season was made for, and it proves sequels don't need to be beholden to what came before.

Poetic License has a classic sort of feel that makes it a very enjoyable watch. It keeps a good pace, mixes the heart with the hilarious, and spotlights an incredible collection of performers.

Bolstered by a star-making performance from Simu Liu, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings gets the MCU's newest hero off to a promising start.

Grief and trauma don't provide easy answers and The Fallout doesn't either. But it does take viewers on a poignant journey right alongside its heroine. It can be heavy, but it can also hold moments of humor and joy.

This movie is as close to a perfect ending as the franchise could get.

First and foremost, this remains a film for the fans. As such, Downton Abbey: A New Era is a triumph. After several tumultuous years, returning to a well-known universe with beloved characters is a balm and anyone who has followed along with the Crawleys will find plenty of enjoyment within the film.

The jokes fly and mostly land, though that's largely thanks to the skill of the cast.

With such incredible performers as Colman and Cumberbatch at the center of it all, though, it's easy to have a blast. You'll want them to break up just as much as you want them to make up, and that is the most impressive thing of all.

It's a fascinating and sympathetic look at the anxiety that can arise and the ways OCD can affect a person's relationships with those they love most.

Even with its flaws, it’s largely an entertaining film with plenty of humor and a story that truly must be seen to be believed.

Though messy at times, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an impactful examination of grief aided by excellent character work and exhilarating action.

Led by two powerhouse performances, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom soars when it lets its stars shine, hitting the audience with a gut punch of emotions.

Anchored by excellent lead performances from Ed Helms and Patti Harrison, Together Together is a charming crowd-pleaser with a lot of heart.

Led by a stunning Emma Mackey, Emily is a striking depiction of a woman embracing her individuality while crafting an iconic piece of literature.

Scrap is ultimately an unflinching and sensitive portrait of a woman faced with the terrifying uncertainty of rebuilding her life. Though some of the harsher realities of being homeless aren't explored in much depth, and the ending is a touch too neat, Kerr crafts a compelling journey for us to go on, one that should linger after it's over.

This is the kind of movie I'd like to see more of, the kind that wears its heart on its sleeve and takes us on a ride. A meandering ride, sure, but even a long trip can have its perks.