Roxana Haddadi

Roxana Haddadi, a Vulture TV critic, delves into the complexities of the film Sentimental Value, focusing on themes of absentee fatherhood and artistic obsession. She discusses Stellan Skarsgård's portrayal of a filmmaker struggling to balance his career with family connections. The conversation explores generational trauma, the ethics of autobiographical storytelling, and how the film contrasts artistic collaboration with the lone-genius myth. Expect thoughtful insights on familial relationships and the art-making process.

In this discussion, TV critic Roxana Haddadi and NPR's Andrew Limbong delve into the latest HBO series The Penguin, featuring Colin Farrell's transformation as Oswald Cobb. They explore Gotham's dark underbelly, marked by a gripping turf war, and the impact of a crime boss's daughter, played by Cristin Milioti. The duo analyzes character complexity, power dynamics among goons, and the evolving portrayal of villains like the Penguin, mixing traditional traits with antihero elements. Their take on the series leaves listeners pondering its future.

Roxana Haddadi, a Vulture TV critic, joins to discuss the film 'Warfare,' which offers a raw, realistic portrayal of the Iraq War through the eyes of Navy SEALs. The conversation explores the tension between star power and authenticity in war films, highlighting how its young cast shifts traditional narratives. Haddadi delves into the emotional weight of memory and storytelling in the film, evaluating its impact on veterans and questioning Hollywood's representation of military experiences. The discussion urges for deeper, more nuanced portrayals of war.

Roxana Haddadi, a TV critic at Vulture, dives into the dark and stylish world of 'Nosferatu,' where Lily Rose-Depp plays a newlywed haunted by a malevolent vampire. They discuss how this film reinterprets classic horror elements, emphasizing female agency and the grotesque nature of vampirism over romantic ideals. The conversation also critiques the balance between admiration and disappointment in the film's originality compared to its 1922 predecessor, and encourages viewers to consider 'Nosferatu' as a unique pick for holiday movie marathons.

Roxana Haddadi, a Vulture television critic, and Christina Tucker, co-host of Wait Is This a Date, dive into the absurdity of Ryan Murphy's show All’s Fair. They discuss the outrageous casting of Kim Kardashian and the soap opera elements that blend camp with excessive drama. Christina makes a case for the fun in the show's excess, while Roxana raises concerns about its shallow tones. They explore issues of class politics and the portrayal of older women in media, all while debating the show's longevity. Plus, they share what currently sparks joy in their pop culture lives!

Roxana Haddadi, a Vulture TV critic, dives into the HBO series Task, featuring Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey. She discusses the show's gripping cat-and-mouse structure and grounded performances, while praising the emotional depth found in small character moments. Haddadi highlights the strong family dynamics amidst crime and grief, yet critiques the portrayal of female characters, with Maeve standing out as a well-rounded figure. The conversation also touches on Philadelphia's authenticity and the controversial ending that left some feeling unfulfilled.

Join Roxana Haddadi, a TV critic at Vulture, Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music and culture journalist, and Jordan Cruciola, host of Feeling Seen, as they dive into the nostalgia of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.' They explore the sequel's connection to its '90s roots and discuss how modern storytelling blends with past horror tropes. Expect debates on audience reactions and comparisons with 'Scream,' highlighting the need for richer character development in today's horror films.

Roxana Haddadi, a TV critic at Vulture, brings her keen insights to discuss the Netflix series Mo, co-created by standup comedian Mo Amer. They explore the show's heartfelt blend of humor and serious themes like immigration and identity through the lens of a Palestinian-American protagonist. Haddadi highlights how the series navigates family challenges, grief, and addiction while critiquing absurd bureaucracies. The conversation also touches on cultural representation, culinary controversies, and the vibrant context of Houston, enriching the narrative.

TV critic Roxana Haddaddy, from Vulture, dives into Netflix's gritty Western, American Primeval. She discusses the fierce battle for survival faced by a mother and her son caught between a violent militia and the federal government. Haddaddy examines the show's neo-Western themes, character dynamics, and the portrayal of historic tensions, all while critiquing character depth and Indigenous representation. The conversation also lightens up with a humorous pitch for a spinoff starring Shea Wiggum, blending insight with entertainment.

Quinta Brunson, creator and star of Abbott Elementary, shines alongside her talented writing team as they celebrate their Roomie Award for collaborative excellence. TV critic Roxana Haddadi expertly moderates a lively discussion. The team shares fascinating insights on the unique process of simultaneous production in television, revealing behind-the-scenes chaos from their Halloween special. They also navigate challenges like child actors' illnesses while maintaining humor, highlighting the delicate balance of storytelling and character development. Exciting plans for future crossover collaborations are teased!