The hottest Film Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

There are two mes

Austin Kleon • 3636 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. There are two sides to everyone: the public persona and the real self. Recognizing this helps us understand people better.
  2. Life is a learning journey where experiences shape how we live. This idea emphasizes the importance of staying curious and open to growth.
  3. Children's creativity is pure and inspiring. To create great work, we can learn from their open-mindedness and natural expression.

The Truth About Bob Dylan’s Falling Out with Pete Seeger

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4229 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Bob Dylan's conflict with Pete Seeger was more about differing political views than Dylan going electric. Seeger and others were concerned about Dylan's lack of interest in their leftist politics.
  2. Dylan's career has played tricks on fans and critics alike, creating misunderstandings about his true beliefs and intentions. His complex lyrics and infrequent interviews lead to lots of interpretations, some far from the truth.
  3. The film 'A Complete Unknown' attempts to provide a straightforward take on Dylan's early career, but it misses the bigger picture of his unique relationship with the political scene around him. Dylan chose his own path, moving away from the expectations of his folk singer peers.

The Weekend Press: My Spare Embryos

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 287 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. IVF leaves many couples with hard choices about what to do with unused embryos, forcing them to grapple with when life begins and whether embryos are more than biological material.
  2. New technologies like polygenic risk scoring are encouraging people to treat embryos as predictors of future traits, which raises ethical and social concerns about designing or judging potential children.
  3. Those ethical questions are presented alongside a broad mix of cultural and practical content — interviews, advice, reviews, and weekend recommendations — aimed at informing and provoking reflection.

A Portal to the Past

Animation Obsessive • 1793 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The 1980s were a special time for Shanghai Animation Film Studio, making it a leader in Chinese animation.
  2. A rare brochure was digitized to preserve and share the studio's history and artworks from 1957 to 1987.
  3. The article expresses gratitude to readers for their support and mentions excitement about an upcoming trip to a festival.

‘Eddington’ Remembers When We All Lost Our Minds

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1377 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. People reacted strongly during the pandemic, often leading to conflicts over issues like mask-wearing. Even in places with mild restrictions, tensions were high between different groups.
  2. In different parts of the country, the reactions to the pandemic varied greatly, with some expressing extreme views and others feeling frustrated by the response. It shows how divided opinions can lead to chaotic situations.
  3. The events of the past five years highlighted how quickly people can lose their composure and how societal pressures can bring out intense emotions. The cultural responses were different across regions, reflecting broader political divides.
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Links for January

By Reason Alone • 84 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. A wide-ranging roundup recommends books, music, films, podcasts, and events, and points readers toward youth programs and speaking opportunities. It’s a mix of cultural picks and practical links for careers and learning.
  2. Public debate and policy often rest on sloppy language or bad reasoning — for example, ‘speculation’ in housing debates conflates opposite practices, and counting regulation-driven hiring as a net benefit confuses costs with benefits. Clearer terms and economic thinking are needed when discussing land, rents, and public investment.
  3. On AI and machine learning the emphasis is on technical clarity and history: be careful about what people mean by ‘reinforcement learning’, learn by implementing ideas, and pay attention to recent research on issues like capability forgetting and early AI milestones.

11 Best Things of 2025

SatPost by Trung Phan • 244 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Deep, long-form storytelling — from multi-hour documentaries to investigative podcasts and narrative books — still cuts through and gives people context and payoff that short-form streaming often doesn’t.
  2. Scarcity and presence drive cultural and commercial value: phone-free live shows and limited-schedule events (like major sports) command attention, higher prices, and more memorable experiences.
  3. The online attention economy is split between AI-generated "slop" and nostalgia-driven viral moments, yet original films, breakout songs, and solid investigative work can still break through and shape culture.

A Few Things You Won't Learn About Lee Miller From the Recent Biopic

Paris Unlocked Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. Lee Miller was a significant surrealist photographer, not just a model or muse. She created her own impactful art rather than just inspiring others.
  2. The biopic focuses on her role as a WWII photojournalist, but it doesn’t fully cover her complex legacy and contributions to art.
  3. Miller also documented the horrors of Nazi death camps, highlighting her important work in photojournalism during a crucial time in history.

Mike Leigh’s gloriously inefficient filmmaking process

Subtle Maneuvers • 2220 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. Mike Leigh's filmmaking process starts with no script or story idea, just actors talking to create characters.
  2. Leigh's method involves months of rehearsals where actors improvise to bring characters to life before scripting.
  3. Leigh's unique and time-consuming approach to filmmaking results in fully realized, human characters and unforgettable movies.

Q&A: What Would You Do with $43 Million to Fight Racism?

Glenn Loury • 1845 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The Center for Antiracist Research raised $43 million with little to show for it in terms of research on racism.
  2. One approach suggested to fight racism with $43 million was to start a center for the rigorous study of race in America with elite scholars and promising grad students.
  3. Another proposed idea was to use the money to fund a movie dramatizing the shift in black political thought in 1966, which would showcase how certain ideas contributed to present-day racial divisions.

Facing the truth, and what comes after

Disaffected Newsletter • 1159 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Sometimes, we realize things about people we never noticed before. This can lead to uncomfortable truths about our relationships.
  2. People often look up to celebrities who remind them of their own life struggles, using them as symbols of their hopes or fears.
  3. Movies like _Mildred Pierce_ explore complex family dynamics and the pain of becoming like someone we fear or dislike.

Kristen Stewart Needs You to Know She Thinks Method Acting Is Cringe

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 241 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Kristen Stewart says method acting is cringe and seems to reject the solemn seriousness some actors bring to their craft.
  2. She quietly rebuilt her career after Twilight by favoring indie projects and moving into directing instead of courting mainstream fame.
  3. Her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, is a bold but divisive film that left audiences split between admiration and bafflement.

Studio as a verb

Austin Kleon • 3217 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The word 'studio' comes from a verb, which reminds us that being creative is an active process. It means that we should always engage in making, experimenting, and creating.
  2. To generate great ideas, start by getting rid of your lesser ones first. Sometimes copying others can lead you to unique insights and inspiration.
  3. You can connect with people in special ways, like through shared interests. For example, cartooning helped a son bond with his elderly father, showing how creativity can strengthen relationships.

Screw You Guys, I Root For Muad'Dib

Freddie deBoer • 8446 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. In the Dune universe, the writer roots for Paul Atreides despite knowing it won't end well
  2. The Dune 2 movie is praised for being a meticulously crafted, popular film with excellent cast and stunning visuals
  3. Despite the warnings about not rooting for Paul due to the themes of the story, the writer still finds him and his rebel army cool and follows Muad'Dib passionately

Professional human loser

Austin Kleon • 3816 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Embracing the idea of being okay with failure can lead to a more fulfilling outlook on life. It's all about learning and growing, even when things don't go as planned.
  2. Creative expression, like making blackout poems, can be therapeutic and inspiring. It's important to find joy in the creative process regardless of others' opinions.
  3. Sharing your work can help you connect with others and build an audience. Don't be afraid to put your creativity out there and see where it leads.

Small requirements

Austin Kleon • 3577 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. It's important to let go of perfection and just share your work, like Joan Baez says about drawing. Sometimes, you just have to put it out there.
  2. Telling your story is crucial for holding onto your memories and who you are. If you don't share it, you might lose it.
  3. Creative work can be like gardening: you take your time, grow slowly, and eventually leap into your projects with confidence.

What Are You Watching?!? (in August)

Culture Study • 961 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Being busy outdoors can disrupt your usual TV watching habits. It's normal to go through periods where you watch less.
  2. Getting back into a routine can help you enjoy watching shows again. Just like picking up a book, finding a way to get back into watching can make it easier.
  3. Using reminders or strategies can help keep your viewing habits consistent. It's all about creating the right environment for your interests.

Links for December

By Reason Alone • 114 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. AI is a major focus, covering its history, the recent scaling era, and interpretability research like toy models of superposition, alongside practical debates about preserving old model weights and deployment economics.
  2. There is a strong emphasis on Irish culture, history, and civic work, from essays on Protestant magic to infrastructure reform and active local reading and maths initiatives.
  3. The post is a wide-ranging media roundup with clear recommendations across books, films, music, and podcasts, highlighting specific discoveries and thoughtful reactions to each.

Best of The Ruffian 2025

The Ruffian • 165 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Most-read pieces mixed practical life advice (on ageing, happiness, and reading) with cultural criticism and technology commentary (music, AI, and online movements).
  2. Readers are invited to engage actively by sharing posts, suggesting topics for the year ahead, and asking questions in an AMA.
  3. Content came in varied formats—essays, lists, reviews and podcasts—showing a wide range of topics and styles that resonated with the audience.

It’s a Fascist! It’s a Communist! No, It’s Superman!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1052 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The new Superman movie has sparked a big debate, with people on the right calling it 'superwoke' because of its themes. It shows how even a superhero film can get caught up in political arguments.
  2. Director James Gunn emphasized that Superman is an immigrant, which some people on the right found very controversial. This added fuel to the fire of political opinions about the film.
  3. Not everyone on the left is happy about the film either, indicating that opinions about Superman are divided among both sides of the political spectrum.

Here's to you, "Mrs. Robinson"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 399 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The song 'Mrs. Robinson' from the movie 'The Graduate' became a cultural icon and reflected the generational divide of the 1960s. It showed the struggles of young people against their parents' expectations.
  2. Both the film and the soundtrack were huge successes, winning numerous awards and ranking high on various lists, highlighting the powerful impact of music in cinema.
  3. Paul Simon's creative process led to the song's development during filming, showcasing how spontaneous ideas can turn into timeless classics that resonate with many people.

To be everywhere is to be nowhere

Austin Kleon • 3557 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Being everywhere can make you feel lost and disconnected. It's better to focus on a few places or activities to have a more meaningful experience.
  2. Reading full books can be more enjoyable and informative than just scrolling through news or articles. They can give you a deeper understanding of a subject.
  3. It's important to support artists, whether through buying their music or attending events. This helps keep creativity alive in our communities.

2025 Is Finally Over—But Not Soon Enough

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 154 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Conservative media is cannibalizing itself. Influencers often attack one another because they won’t challenge their leader, and politics has largely turned into entertainment rather than a real contest of ideas.
  2. Pop culture feels stuck and fragmented — the old monoculture is gone, nostalgia is everywhere, and streaming plus AI are devouring and hollowing out the internet; still, you can find unexpected gems if you bother to hunt for them.
  3. Keep writing and creating even when you feel malaise, because it helps clarify thought and can be its own reward; small humane acts and humor in hard times also give real inspiration and steadiness.

Quitting the chocolate factory

Austin Kleon • 2118 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Sometimes, we can find ourselves doing work that doesn't feel right for us, like Charlie running the chocolate factory. It’s important to think about what truly makes us happy.
  2. Mid-life crises are common and can lead to big changes in our lives. Reflecting on our choices can help us make better decisions moving forward.
  3. Stories about characters facing big life choices, like Charlie and Peter Pan, can inspire us to evaluate our own paths and dreams.

'Moonstruck' Creator Dies

Daily Dreher • 1061 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The creator of 'Moonstruck,' filmmaker Norman Jewison, has passed away.
  2. The article discusses various topics including Feds defending invasion and Black Magic's Reality.
  3. Read more by subscribing to Rod Dreher's Diary for a 7-day free trial.

"Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan" as Franchise Hinge: Wednesday Comfort Watching

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 138 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Star Trek had two franchise hinge moments: the second pilot that launched the series and The Wrath of Khan, which turned it into a cultural and economic powerhouse.
  2. Nicholas Meyer rescued the movie by reframing it as a Hornblower‑in‑space naval adventure, stitching together multiple drafts in twelve days, and using tight direction and editing to get powerful performances and earn Spock’s death.
  3. After Wrath of Khan, a deliberate strategy of lower budgets, character‑first storytelling, and smart syndication (like TNG) let Star Trek grow into a long‑lasting franchise; without Khan it likely would have died after the first film.

Two & a Half Hours into "Avatar: Fire & Ash"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The film mashup mixes many genres and stories, turning familiar tropes into a dense, collage-like epic that feels both sprawling and familiar.
  2. It layers striking motifs — a biblical-style sacrifice, massive whale/sea sequences, and a high-tech military that makes reckless identification and tactical choices like building a base on a giant oil refinery — creating surprising tonal shifts.
  3. The Odyssey trailer is tightly handled: it tells the Trojan Horse story simply and effectively, evokes a realistic Late Bronze Age Anatolia, and presents Odysseus as a morally complicated, even villainous, character.

Time is not a butler

Austin Kleon • 3517 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Don't stress about finding your own style; focus on creating instead. It's okay if your style evolves over time.
  2. Learning from others doesn't mean copying them; it’s about using reference images to grow as an artist.
  3. Meeting new experiences, like seeing a screech owl or watching unique movies, can inspire your creativity and add joy to your life.

Can Any Woman Resist a Rich Husband?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1159 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The film 'Materialists' explores the tension between love and financial stability. It shows how a woman might struggle between marrying for love or for wealth.
  2. The movie compares modern dating dilemmas to classic romantic literature, like Jane Austen's 'Persuasion'. It highlights how societal pressures still influence personal choices today.
  3. Despite a contemporary setting, 'Materialists' aims to bring back the feel-good vibe of romantic comedies, but it doesn't quite succeed in achieving that goal.

The Girlboss Is Sleeping with the Intern

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2606 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. There is a growing sense of dissatisfaction among women, leading some to seek out new experiences or break commitments. Many women feel trapped in their current lives and long for excitement or change.
  2. The film 'Babygirl' explores the character Romy, who seems successful but feels unfulfilled in her marriage. Her search for pleasure and connection leads her to an affair with her younger intern.
  3. Romy's journey highlights the complexities of desire and the risks people take when chasing what they think will make them happy. It raises questions about love, commitment, and personal satisfaction.

What Movie Are We In?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The country is portrayed as a dystopian spectacle where powerful elites are consolidating control and everyday life keeps going despite a deeper, worsening political decay.
  2. Media and tech consolidation is turning major outlets toward state-friendly propaganda, and there's a growing push to weaponize AI for surveillance and warfare.
  3. The Epstein saga and the removal of investigative files suggest deep corruption and possible cover-ups that protect the powerful and silence victims.

Oscar, Actors and the Double Exposure Effect

The Ankler • 923 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Actors can benefit from the Double Exposure Effect when they have multiple great performances out at the same time, boosting their chances in award competitions.
  2. Timing is crucial in the entertainment industry; a well-timed release can elevate an actor's Oscar campaign, while an ill-timed one can damage it.
  3. The overall career and public perception of an actor can also influence their chances in award shows like the Oscars, showcasing the importance of a strong body of work.

How long is a sitting?

Five’s Substack • 319 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. A 'sitting' when reading should ideally be about two hours. This time allows readers to enjoy a story without too many breaks.
  2. The writer plans to expand their blog to discuss not just fiction but also film, music, and art. This shows a desire to connect with more topics and audiences.
  3. A recent hospital visit prompted the writer to find calm in music. They discovered a special song that may become part of their wedding, showcasing how important moments can inspire creativity.

When Japanese Animation Cracked the Oscars

Animation Obsessive • 6099 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. Japanese animation made a significant impact at the Oscars when 'Spirited Away' won in 2003, marking the full acceptance of Japanese animation into Hollywood's mainstream.
  2. Koji Yamamura's film 'Mt. Head' brought Japanese independent animation into the spotlight, showcasing a unique style and storytelling approach that influenced a new generation of animators globally.
  3. The animation world mourned the passing of Akira Toriyama, a legendary manga artist known for 'Dragon Ball,' whose work has had a lasting impact on global animation and storytelling.

A Fun (And Predictable) New Zealand Flick

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The movie 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' is a comedy from New Zealand that is fun and entertaining, even if it isn't an art film.
  2. The main character, Ricky, goes from being a troubled kid to finding friendship and adventure while on the run with an old man, Hector.
  3. The film has humorous moments and a predictable plot, but it still delivers enjoyable entertainment with charming characters.

Culture Study Classifieds, Heart of Winter Style

Culture Study • 2372 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. The classifieds section connects readers from all over the world, allowing them to share services and create groups like book clubs.
  2. People can post about services they offer, skills they want to share for free, or projects they're proud of to gain support and praise.
  3. This space encourages readers to find recommendations, make new friends, or even trade items, creating a supportive community online.

Cranking back the years

Brands Mean a Lot • 44 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Entertainment is leaning heavily on older work instead of new ideas. Big streaming shares and top box office hits now come from catalog tracks, sequels, or established franchises.
  2. Politics is showing a similar pull toward the past, with movements and policies that aim to restore earlier versions of the country and even echo old-style land grabs and authoritarian practices.
  3. These cultural and political retro trends feed each other, encouraging isolationism and slower change that makes ego-driven actions more plausible, even as many people continue to find comfort in older art.

How to Adapt an Unadaptable Story

Animation Obsessive • 1973 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film
  1. Kenji Miyazawa is not very well known outside Japan, but he has greatly influenced Japanese literature and animation. His stories have been cherished by generations of Japanese readers.
  2. The film 'Night on the Galactic Railroad' is a unique adaptation that captures the emotional depth of Miyazawa's work. Director Gisaburo Sugii aimed to express the feelings in Miyazawa's stories through animation.
  3. The film is different from typical animated features, focusing on abstract ideas and emotions instead of concrete realities. This approach makes it a deeply mysterious and emotional experience.

The Nominee You Didn't See

Animation Obsessive • 6189 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film
  1. The film 'Funny Birds' is a remarkable César nominee with rich realism and attention to detail.
  2. The creation of 'Funny Birds' involved deep research, natural sound recordings, and a documentary-like approach.
  3. The animation process of 'Funny Birds' focused on capturing spontaneous energy and specific performances from real-life sounds.

Split on Film

Cosmographia • 1597 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Film
  1. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for a specific audience.
  2. The author mentions a podcast called Gone to Timbuktu, highlighting a recommendation for listeners who enjoy their content.
  3. The post features images and links, showing visual elements and ways to engage with the content.