Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now
Emily St. James

Emily St. James

Former Critic at Large

    Latest articles by Emily St. James

    Culture
    Why everyone who sees the Paddington movies can’t stop raving about themWhy everyone who sees the Paddington movies can’t stop raving about them
    Culture

    Paddington 2 is currently the best-reviewed movie of all time on Rotten Tomatoes. With good reason.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    A woman was nominated for a Best Cinematography Oscar for the first time ever. Yes, ever.A woman was nominated for a Best Cinematography Oscar for the first time ever. Yes, ever.
    Culture

    Rachel Morrison breaks a 90-year streak for her sumptuous work in Netflix’s Mudbound.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Breaking Bad became one of the best TV shows ever by borrowing a trick from ShakespeareBreaking Bad became one of the best TV shows ever by borrowing a trick from Shakespeare
    Culture

    The show balanced improvisation and careful planning thanks to its overarching structure.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Blue Planet II, explained in 5 fishBlue Planet II, explained in 5 fish
    Culture

    (Okay, not all of them are fish. But they all live in the sea! Or at least near it.)

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Writing about acting is tough. 3 critics delve into why.Writing about acting is tough. 3 critics delve into why.
    Podcast
    Culture

    The best performances of 2017 were often the ones that were hardest to describe.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Comedy Central’s Corporate finds dark humor in selling your soul to the company storeComedy Central’s Corporate finds dark humor in selling your soul to the company store
    Culture

    This sneakily audacious new sitcom about workplace hell is funny, we promise.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    American Crime Story’s Versace season is far more about the murderer than the murderedAmerican Crime Story’s Versace season is far more about the murderer than the murdered
    Culture

    The most important word in the title The Assassination of Gianni Versace is the second one.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Eliza Dushku accuses True Lies stunt coordinator of sexually abusing her when she was 12Eliza Dushku accuses True Lies stunt coordinator of sexually abusing her when she was 12
    Culture

    True Lies director James Cameron responds to Dushku’s account as well.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal on the beauty of self-disciplineEverybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal on the beauty of self-discipline
    Podcast
    Culture

    Why self-imposed standards are the best thing a creative project can have.

    By Emily St. James
    Culture
    Disney could use an outlet for prestige TV. Enter FX.Disney could use an outlet for prestige TV. Enter FX.
    Culture

    The Disney-Fox deal could result in FX becoming Disney’s answer to HBO. Maybe.

    By Emily St. James