The Return of Noname The Return of Noname
In her new album, Sundial, the rapper melds her activism and artistry seamlessly.
Aug 17, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
The Strange Legacy of “Francisco,” a Novel of Black Bohemianism The Strange Legacy of “Francisco,” a Novel of Black Bohemianism
Over the years, Alison Mills Newman has become disillusioned with her work of experimental fiction. Its story is now caught between radical aesthetics and conservative politics.
Jul 12, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
M. Night Shyamalan’s Strange Renaissance M. Night Shyamalan’s Strange Renaissance
After watching his latest, Knock at the Cabin, one can't help but wonder: What is fueling his career revival?
Apr 5, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
The Melancholy Return of “Black Panther” The Melancholy Return of “Black Panther”
After the death of Chadwick Boseman, the makers of the superhero movie had to reimagine the series. The result makes for a sobering and affecting sequel.
Dec 8, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
Jordan Peele’s Extraterrestrial Americana Jordan Peele’s Extraterrestrial Americana
Telling a tale of cowboys, aliens, and Hollywood, the director's third feature film, Nope, is his most successful cinematic spectacle to date.
Sep 6, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
The Immortal Influence of Greg Tate The Immortal Influence of Greg Tate
His writing will be a touchstone for generations of critics to come.
Feb 14, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
Is “The Matrix Resurrections” About Authorial Anxiety? Is “The Matrix Resurrections” About Authorial Anxiety?
At times myopic and contrarian, the latest entry in the series feels more like a copyright renewal than a narrative.
Feb 9, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
Dave Chappelle’s Comedy of Bitterness Dave Chappelle’s Comedy of Bitterness
In his recent special The Closer, and his response to critics of it, he outlines a strange version of identity politics where comedians are always the victims.
Nov 9, 2021 / 2021 Year in Review / Stephen Kearse
All Eyes on Lil Nas X All Eyes on Lil Nas X
His debut album, Montero, is attuned to the spectacle of celebrity, but doesn’t cohere into compelling music.
Sep 28, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
Barry Jenkins’s American Saga Barry Jenkins’s American Saga
In The Underground Railroad, Jenkins focuses how people survived slavery rather than on its brutality.
Jul 27, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse