Critics at Large

Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the Broadway hit is the latest iteration of a quintessentially American form. Why has the musical endured—and where might it go next?

Films such as “Gladiator II” underscore our long-standing obsession with the Roman Empire—a fixation that’s evident in both culture and politics. Why are we so desperate to reclaim ancient history?

A new documentary reveals social-media platforms’ iron grip on the lives of teen-agers, one that’s increasingly being linked to a slew of mental-health issues. How scared should we be?

In the days since Donald Trump’s reëlection, art has offered a distraction for those reeling from the news. But what does it mean to turn away when circumstances demand our attention?

In projects like “Problemista” and HBO’s “Fantasmas,” the multihyphenate uses uncanny flourishes to make sense of our most convoluted bureaucratic systems.

In the era of influencer experts and “Am I the Asshole,” advice-giving has become an integral part of our information landscape. The hosts of Critics at Large take stock of the phenomenon—and enter the fray.

“The Apprentice” looks at the early career of the former President. Why are we so enamored with such origin stories, and what—if anything—do they have to teach us?

In the age of Botox and Ozempic, we have countless ways to tweak, boost, and polish our unwieldy physical forms. Two new films ask: at what cost?

Depictions of high finance have oscillated between glamorizing Wall Street types and condemning them. In the latest season of HBO’s “Industry,” is greed good again?

The Irish writer’s fourth novel, “Intermezzo,” embodies her trademark interest in the emotional minutiae of millennial life. Is Rooney’s work a form of realism or an aspirational fantasy?

A new documentary makes the case that the sixteenth President of the United States was a “lover of men.” What difference does it make?

A new crop of influencers showcasing regressive gender roles has soared in popularity in recent months. Is this life style a harmless personal choice or an existential threat to feminism?

A fascination with mysticism has swept across the culture, cropping up in astrology apps such as Co-Star and shows like “The Curse” and “True Detective.” What does our obsession with predicting the future say about our present?

The city was designed to be an entertainment capital—and shows up across our entertainment landscape, from “Hacks” to “The Hangover.” How do such cultural overlays shape our understanding of the very real place underneath?

This summer’s releases have breathed new life into the genre—and underscored the challenges of staying relevant in a cutthroat music landscape.

Her campaign has ushered in a rush of political energy, evidenced by a deluge of memes and pop-culture mashups. Can this new optimism last?

Revelations about the celebrated writer have reignited debates about how to reckon with artists who do terrible things. Have the years since #MeToo yielded any answers?