Oliver Stevens

We Are Turning Everything Into Allegory

It has quietly become assumed that every film and series is there to give us clear commentary about the here and now. But in thinking this way, we shut down the interaction between art and culture and let culture call all the shots.

Evil Does Not Exist Refuses to Give Easy Answers

Ryûsuke Hamaguchi's contemplative tale of mankind's offenses against nature will not let itself be reduced to a simple fable of good and bad.

Juror #2 and the Perils of Intertextuality

Clint Eastwood's courtroom drama has a compelling concept, until it goes out of its way for a scene to recreate 12 Angry Men beat for beat. In doing so, it obscures its own thematic interests.

Why You Should Never Skip Intro

A television show's opening credits give free reign to creativity and style, leading to stunning sequences that become indispensable parts of their series.

Plot Does Not Matter

Plot points. Plot twists. Plot holes. The plot thickens. Watch it for the plot. How about we focus on actual artistry instead?

Your Local Theater Needs You

Movie theaters are an endangered species, but they are an indisposable part of the cinematic ecosystem. If you care about film, support the ones near you.