British writer and film critic; Guardian’s chief film critic since 1999
Andrey Zvyagintsev has used his Cannes Grand Prix acceptance for Minotaur to appeal directly to Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, saying millions on both sides "dream" of an end. The director has sent the message to the Kremlin through official channels; the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has refused to relay it.
Olivia Wilde’s The Invite has sparked a broader conversation about modern relationships. The film, directed by Wilde and starring her opposite Seth Rogen, centers on a couple whose marriage unravels during a dinner with liberated neighbours. The conversation touches on identity, societal expectations, and the purification of self within intimate life.
The live-action Moana remake has drawn sharp criticism from Independent and Guardian reviewers who label it cynical and copy‑paste. Johnson’s return as Maui is described as stiff, with debate over whether the film adds anything new beyond the animated original.
Disney’s live-action Moana opens to a global $95 million, underperforming the $60 million U.S. target and facing scathing critics who call it a “shot-for-shot” redo. Audiences are warmer, with a CinemaScore A- and a largely female 66% share, while competition from new releases looms.
The Odyssey has launched, with Matt Damon in the title role. Reports highlight Devyn Dalton as the standout stunt performer whose arms impressed Damon during a Laestrygonians sequence, prompting discussions about stuntwomen’s visibility. Interviews with cast members reveal training regimens, diet changes, and commitment behind the film’s physical demands.
Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey has opened strongly, with critics praising its visual scale and memory-driven focus. The film, shot in IMAX across six countries, reframes Homer’s tale around Odysseus’ determination and the cost of action. Box office and critical reception signal a sharp convergence of cinema and classical myth in a modern spectacle.
Zendaya and Tom Holland have reportedly married in a private ceremony. The couple, who have kept their relationship largely out of the spotlight, confirm the wedding through limited statements and social media hints. The event marks a long-awaited milestone in their public life, while their professional commitments continue.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has opened with a record domestic debut, while The Odyssey leads the global box office, underscoring a year of mega releases. The industry is buoyed by premium formats and high ticket prices, even as overall audiences lag behind pre-pandemic levels.
David Robert Mitchell has released The End of Oak Street, a 1982‑set sci‑fi horror that transports a suburban neighbourhood into a dinosaur‑infested prehistoric landscape. Critics have praised Anne Hathaway’s performance and the film’s technical craft, but they have criticised its uneven tone, derivative Spielberg pastiche and an undercutting finale. Reviews started publishing 12 August 2026.