
Melissa Roth

Flee
The most urgent and relevant Oscar-nominated film of 2022, Flee is a deeply personal documentary about a man’s childhood as a refugee that inspires as it creates empathy for those forced out of their homelands.

Charlie Wilson’s War
A suddenly timely look back at how the U.S. first escalated involvement with Afghanistan in the 1980s, told through an eye-opening story that feels like it had to be made up by its Oscar-winning screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin.

The Last Letter from Your Lover
A date night movie that transports you to a lush 1960s French Riviera, the adaptation of the JoJo Moyes novel entwines two eras and two sharply contrasted romances, delivering a wistful summer escape watch.

Sex and Lucía
A cinephile’s choice for a Netflix and Chill night, Sex and Lucia is a steamy and intoxicating portrait of two lovers … and their other lovers … that explores the blurry lines between reality and imagination, love and lust, tragedy and obsession.

My Neighbor Totoro
A joyful, enchanting classic, My Neighbor Tortoro is the rare film that can captivate all ages, from young kids to their parents and grandparents.

Origin Story: How Friends Became the Ultimate Watercooler Hit
After a year-long delay due to the pandemic, the much-anticipated Friends Reunion Special finally has a “stream date”: Thursday, May 27th, a tribute to its original “Must-See TV” night. The big event has already driven legions of fans sign up for HBOMax, turning the service into “Must Stream TV.” David Janollari was a young development

I May Destroy You
An addictive, provocative, Emmy-nominated limited series that challenges how we think and feel about our own relationships – romantic, platonic, and professional. Creator and star Michaela Coel captivates.

Dolores
A gripping history lesson that also sheds light on the methods, risks, and compromises required to organize and sustain a movement.

I Am Greta
Surprising and inspiring, I Am Greta is a testament to the power of one voice — no matter the age. Watch it with the disenchanted young student in your life.

Melissa Roth

The Bear
The Bear is a fast-tempo character study set behind the scenes of a family-run Chicago restaurant. It invites you in to pull up a chair and watch the drama unfold, but never lets you get too comfortable.

The Umbrella Academy
The Umbrella Academy is a wildly imaginative take on the superhero genre, but it works mainly because of the strong characters and dysfunctional family at its core.

Rutherford Falls
Rutherford Falls is a clever and sweet satire similar to Michael Schur’s other half-hour comedies. Like Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, it’s surprisingly deep and deserves just as much attention.

Cha Cha Real Smooth
Cha Cha Real Smooth is a sweet, intimate antidote to all the noisy summer blockbusters out there. Filmmaker Cooper Raiff proves he’s someone to keep a close eye on.

The 10 Best Episodes of Love, Death + Robots
Netflix’s animated anthology Love, Death + Robots includes so many worthwhile episodes, but these 10 are a great place to start.

We are Lady Parts
This is a funny, endearing, fresh show that demonstrates what proper representation looks like.

Why I’m Watching Ms. Marvel and You Should Too
Ms. Marvel delivers the representation Muslims finally deserve. And you don’t have to be Muslim to appreciate it.

Understanding Russia & Ukraine: What to Watch for Context
The best films and series to watch for a deeper understanding of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the historical events that led up to the current conflict.

Oscar Broadcasts Then and Now: How the Academy Awards Have Changed
The Academy has drawn criticism for changing the format of the Oscars this year, but it’s not the first time they’ve switched things up.

King Richard
A riveting and thoughtful look at all of the extraordinary members of the Williams family, King Richard is the rare Oscar caliber film that entertains as it inspires, shedding new light on the lives of two of the most iconic athletes of our time and what they and their parents had to overcome.

No Exit
A slow-paced, unpredictable thriller with a surprise twist, No Exit challenges the viewer as it tests its protagonist to overcome her painful past. The chilling world and intense final act make the movie a must-watch.

Severance
Severance is unlike any other show on TV right now. It builds slowly, drawing you in with stylish minutiae, but then intensifies, goes deeper, and becomes more paranoia-inducing with each successive episode.

An Ode to Midge and Susie: The Real Love Story of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Midge’s suitors may be a more obvious focal point of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but the real love story of the show is the one between her and Susie.

Dive into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre-verse
It’s time to rev up those chainsaws because Leatherface is back, and this time he’s ready to take down some gentrifying hipsters. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre film franchise is getting a new entry with the creative title Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a direct sequel to the original 1974 film premiering on Netflix this Friday, Feb. 18.

The Worst Person in the World
The Worst Person in the World is a fluidly told story not about love, but instead about self-awareness, acceptance, and the persistent insecurity that accompanies the pursuit of both.

Letterkenny
Contrary to typical portrayals of small-town folks, the residents of Letterkenny are quick-witted and fully aware of broader social issues. Though they trade unrelenting insults, the warring factions come together more than once to defend one of their own.