Melissa Roth

Melissa Roth has written for Rolling Stone, VanityFair.com, Marie Claire, and The Washington Post, among other outlets.
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The Serpent Queen

If you’re looking for some historical context for all the news and fictional obsession with monarchs, The Serpent Queen brings a modern, often funny take on one of the most powerful female rulers in history, one that sheds light on our current preoccupation with all things royal.

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Irresistible

A post-election escape watch from Jon Stewart, the 2020 political satire works as an entertaining crash course on local campaign organizing while doubling as an expose on the dysfunctions of the “election economy.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

Melissa Roth

Melissa Roth has written for Rolling Stone, VanityFair.com, Marie Claire, and The Washington Post, among other outlets.
Featured Image

The Serpent Queen

If you’re looking for some historical context for all the news and fictional obsession with monarchs, The Serpent Queen brings a modern, often funny take on one of the most powerful female rulers in history, one that sheds light on our current preoccupation with all things royal.

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Banshees of Inisherin

Riotously funny while weighted by tragicomic depth, Banshees of Inisherin is exquisitely crafted with sharp writing and stunning photography that bring a distinct time and place to life. Expect to laugh, gasp and cry before the credits roll.

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All you need to know about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

With five movies that led up to it and eight key characters with complex back stories, you will need this quick guide to prepare for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – which is sure to win the box office.

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Tulsa King

A fish out of water mob drama from a combined team of Yellowstone and Boardwalk Empire creators, Tulsa King brings a swaggering, charming Stallone to the small screen with a healthy dose of humor and a round-up of equally fun supporting cast members.

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Irresistible

A post-election escape watch from Jon Stewart, the 2020 political satire works as an entertaining crash course on local campaign organizing while doubling as an expose on the dysfunctions of the “election economy.”

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Dead to Me (S3)

A form of cinematherapy, Dead to Me’s final season brings a big plot twist, one that can be emotionally provoking as well as a cathartic and entertaining conversation starter.

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Till

Capturing the wake of a critical moment in history through the eyes of a mother’s grief, Till walks a tightrope balancing the devastation of what happened with the power of what it inspired. It’s a movie you won’t want to turn away from.

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An Explainer Guide to ‘Black Adam’

Despite struggling to get made for a full decade, the Dwayne Johnson blockbuster Black Adam has officially topped the box office for three weekends in a row. The films brings new life to the DC Comics universe (aka DCEU), but as superhero worlds become ever more sprawling and overlapping, it can be hard for viewers

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20th Century Girl

A sweet and sentimental 90s-set rom-com, 20th Century Girl is an endearing YA K-drama that reminds us of how important coming-of-age friendships can be.

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The Big Door Prize

A quirky and sweet comedy that also doubles as a mystery. The Big Door Prize’s biggest question is that regardless of how much we have, are we ever truly satisfied? And that’s a poignant query in our consumer-driven, must-document-every-moment-on-social-media world.

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Movies to Watch After a Breakup

They say two things in life are inevitable: death and taxes. I argue that there is a third inevitability: the breakup. No matter how you protect your heart, if you care for someone you will have your heart broken in time. It doesn’t matter if you are the one ending the relationship or not, the

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Succession S4

Come to Succession for the palace intrigue, stay for the relevance of watching the top one percent plot, scheme, and masterfully insult each other as they face the same fears of obsolescence as the rest of us.

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How to Jump in to Yellowjackets (Season 2)

Trying to understand all the buzz around Yellowjackets? The Watercooler created a guide to help you figure out why it’s captured such a following and how to catch-up before Season 2.

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Lucky Hank

An antidote to the darker worlds currently trending across the streamers, Lucky Hank also delivers a refreshingly new Bob Odenkirk character, a guy whose meltdown might just deliver your own much-needed catharsis — leaving you laughing and pondering and lingering to see what comes next.

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Predictions for Succession‘s 4th Season? A Look at the Real Life Inspirations

As the fourth and final season of HBO’s Emmy-winning juggernaut promises to stir up several months of media and social buzz, casual viewers might find themselves scratching their heads, mystified at all the attention the scripted series earns against the backdrop of far more urgent news stories. But the show’s jolting clash of send-up, family

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Extrapolations

An urgent, provocative, all-star sci-fi series that imagines a near future impacted by climate change, Extrapolations will grab your attention and make you think — while ultimately prompting you to act.  

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The Glory

An often-riveting South Korean revenge thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Glory is also a thoughtful meditation on power, wealth, and the rigid hierarchies that make school bullying systemic — all around the world.

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What’s New to Watch?

As we recover from the Oscars, it’s a ripe time to re-up on some fresh content. This weekend is jam-packed with new series premieres, and if you’re not too busy with Ted Lasso’s return, we’ve got four new shows ranging from raunchy animation to sobering thinkpiece to vie for your attention this weekend.   Agent Elvis

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