Political Pandora

When Fantastic Four was released in 2005, nobody knew what to do with superhero movies. It  is probably best understood as a mainstream studio’s attempt to capitalise on their recent unexpected success without quite understanding the catalysts of their popularity.

From subversive thrillers to gothic-pop odysseys, Pandora’s entertainment staff weighs in on the films and albums that have defined 2025 so far. Here are our mid-year favourites, spotlighting the boldest, strangest and most unforgettable works of the year.

In the 1920s, New Orleans saw the emergence of a new genre within its African-American communities. It was an expression of their musical culture and a form of resistance against classical styles. Since jazz in the U.S. was formed as a resistance against the oppression faced by the African-Americans, were these values retained in the Indian Jazz scene? Did it stay closely linked to the elite audiences who consumed it, or did it also culturally emancipate certain populations?

The gravitational pull of Cruise’s star power and the enticing spectacle of watching him do his big stunts warped the franchise into being predominantly about those two things — Cruise and his stunts.

Long-running horror franchises are either defined by their reinvention or lack thereof. To watch the series in order is to witness a distinct evolution. From Bride of Chucky onwards, the series moves away from the familiar trappings of 80s slasher cinema into a much more distinctly queer text.

While Viviani is often forgotten by many, his work serves as a lens into an Italy of the time. An Italy that was built on a violent mythologized past, one that led the way to fascism.

“Deceptive” is sort of the operative word when it comes to Theroux — the question of how much of his bemused, questioning affect is legitimate, and how much of it is him playing up for the camera. This is what makes Theroux the perfect documentarian for a topic like this — his straightforwardness in approaching a subject cuts through the mire and arrives at a crystal clear center.

On March 21, 2025, Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White was released in theaters. Beset by controversy and bad press, the film ended up having an expectedly tepid performance at the box office. But according to Disney executives, the source of all the film’s woes could be placed at the feet of one person and one person only: Rachel Zegler, who tweeted her support for Palestine.

Wicked arrives on the big screen with lofty expectations based on its legendary Broadway legacy and tumultuous production journey.

Edward Berger’s Conclave isn’t your typical Vatican drama. The film is about power, who has it and who wants it.

In the neon-steeped underbelly of New York City, Sean Baker's Anora erupts onto the screen like a fever dream. (An Anora Review)

Los Colonos has garnered praise for its unflinching portrayal of the Selk’nam genocide and its attempt to reframe narratives.

The Substance, a stark and chilling exploration of popular culture’s obsession with youth, beauty, and innocence.

Festivals serve as platforms to highlight and celebrate the best films of the year and as crucial catalysts in the evolution of cinema.