Yeah, I see what you're saying for sure, and it's definitely a balance especially with studio horror. I guess I appreciate the maximalist approach since so much horror these days goes minimal. (Although there's a maximalist horror movie out there from this year that I *really* didn't like, I'll DM).

CONCLAVE
An Oscar contender on this list! For good reason: It’s a tightly scripted, beautifully shot, thrilling drama. Love to see a strong screenplay (shoutout Peter Straughan) get in the hands of a talented director (Edward Berger) and watch the two elevate each other. Ralph Fiennes is phenomenal.

SMILE 2
I liked the original Smile; Smile 2 improves upon it in every way. Set in a world (pop music) that's perfect for making the most of the brilliant original concept, it's anchored by a truly excellent (and taxing) Naomi Scott performance. That dancers scene is everything horror should be.

REBEL RIDGE
Now *that's* how you do an issue movie. The film spotlights its topic via an intense-yet-grounded throwback thriller that would work even without the political element. Brilliant hero (Aaron Pierre) and villain (Don Johnson) performances. Most pulse-pounding first act since Fury Road.

THELMA
A pure delight. Sweet but not sappy, profound but not preachy, and F-U-N-N-Y (you can tell writer-director Josh Margolin knows comedy). June Squibb is perfect as always, and Richard Roundtree (RIP) and Fred Hechinger are right there with her. Should be an Oscar contender, but alas...

Hahaha I'm honored, was just about to add the next one

RED ROOMS
A gut-wrenching knockout (sorry to sound like a pull quote). Moody but not meandering, it once again proves you can go heavy on vibes without sacrificing story. And while it is topical, nothing feels forced. Juliette Gariépy is terrifying (compliment). And that one courtroom scene…woof.

Thank you, I appreciate the low bar!

I'm not an Aussie and I can't tell you everything about cricket but I can tell you Bairstow was out fair and square (they would never let me say this on Twitter)

I'm a cat scientist and in my scientific opinion that cat lives there

Then by golly I'm rich! (found 5 dollars)

I just want a place where my usual 0 likes is normal, like eating alone in an empty restaurant vs. eating alone in the school cafeteria

Soon.

Oh I do too and not even as a joke, the last 2 seasons and 4 games have been the worst of my life as a fan. Loving the Mercury tank though!

That’s 19 too many wins for me tbh

I’m sorry I’m sorry, the Suns were about to get good and I didn’t like that!