Vikram Murthi

Vikram Murthi is a Brooklyn-based critic and a contributing writer to The Nation. He also edits Downtime Magazine, and his freelance work has appeared in Filmmaker MagazineReverse ShotCriterionVulture, and sundry other publications.

Michelle Pfeiffer in French Exit

The Caustic Grace of ‘French Exit’ The Caustic Grace of ‘French Exit’

This surreal “tragedy of manners” is a showcase for one of Hollywood’s most compelling actresses—Michelle Pfeiffer.

Apr 29, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi

Alia Shawkat in ‘Search Party’

The Rigorous Satire of Search Party The Rigorous Satire of "Search Party"

In its fourth season, the HBO show cements its status as cutting, if imperfect, send-up of millennial self-actualization.

Apr 15, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi

The Places John Lurie Can Take You

The Places John Lurie Can Take You The Places John Lurie Can Take You

A cult musician, actor, and director returns with a television show that’s nominally about painting but is in reality a creative and spiritual journey.

Mar 31, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi

John Wilson’s Magically Poignant Urban Histories

John Wilson’s Magically Poignant Urban Histories John Wilson’s Magically Poignant Urban Histories

His documentary series for HBO is a head-spinning interrogation of the chaos of New York City life.

Dec 1, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi

The Perils of Creativity and Capitalism in ‘Tesla’

The Perils of Creativity and Capitalism in ‘Tesla’ The Perils of Creativity and Capitalism in ‘Tesla’

Michael Almereyda’s biopic of the eccentric inventor is a portrait of the tensions that arise when art and commerce intersect.

Sep 23, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi

‘Superstore’ Is the Only Sitcom That Gets Progressive Politics

‘Superstore’ Is the Only Sitcom That Gets Progressive Politics ‘Superstore’ Is the Only Sitcom That Gets Progressive Politics

The NBC comedy openly confronts issues of unionization, health care, and immigration. 

Oct 31, 2019 / Vikram Murthi

‘Ramy’ Presents a Nuanced Slice of Life for Millennial Muslims

‘Ramy’ Presents a Nuanced Slice of Life for Millennial Muslims ‘Ramy’ Presents a Nuanced Slice of Life for Millennial Muslims

By turns thoughtful and didactic, the Hulu show is steeped in tensions that you almost never see on TV. 

May 10, 2019 / Vikram Murthi

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