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Emily St. James

Emily St. James

Former Critic at Large

    Latest articles by Emily St. James

    Culture
    10 Cloverfield Lane is a tension-filled thriller that’s worthy of the secrecy around it10 Cloverfield Lane is a tension-filled thriller that’s worthy of the secrecy around it
    Culture

    John Goodman and Mary Elizabeth Winstead are terrific in this nervy little movie.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    American Crime’s brilliant direction, explained in 5 shotsAmerican Crime’s brilliant direction, explained in 5 shots
    Culture

    This ABC drama is somber, striking, and essential television.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Why House of Cards is so obsessed with the ClintonsWhy House of Cards is so obsessed with the Clintons
    Culture

    Netflix’s drama only increases its fascination with the former first couple in season 4.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    How the O.J. Simpson trial predicted the future, according to The People vs. O.J. SimpsonHow the O.J. Simpson trial predicted the future, according to The People vs. O.J. Simpson
    Culture

    The FX miniseries argues the trial was the perfect harbinger of modern America.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Lilly Wachowski, co-director of the Matrix trilogy, comes out as transLilly Wachowski, co-director of the Matrix trilogy, comes out as trans
    Culture

    Her sister and co-director, Lana Wachowski, is also a trans woman.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Fargo turns 20 today. Its fans are still arguing about this scene.Fargo turns 20 today. Its fans are still arguing about this scene.
    Culture

    What’s up with Mike Yanagita, anyway?

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Zootopia wants to teach kids about prejudice. But is it sending the wrong message?Zootopia wants to teach kids about prejudice. But is it sending the wrong message?
    Culture

    The film’s central metaphor doesn’t entirely work once you start to break it down. But does that matter?

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    5 things that made this the best Walking Dead episode in months5 things that made this the best Walking Dead episode in months
    Culture

    Finally, an episode where Rick Grimes isn’t 100 percent right all of the time.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    House of Cards season 4 is a weird, ridiculous mess — but better than you’d expectHouse of Cards season 4 is a weird, ridiculous mess — but better than you’d expect
    Culture

    The show no longer even pretends to be based on our reality. Good.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Zootopia is the best animated kids movie about prejudice and police brutality everZootopia is the best animated kids movie about prejudice and police brutality ever
    Culture

    It’s also the only one — but it’s surprisingly deft in discussing the topic.

    By Emily St. James