The Criterion Collection
Jul 27, 2010 — Americans got The Secret of the Grain. In France, they got La graine et le mulet (The Grain and the Mullet)—basically, “Couscous and Fish.” Depending on whose table you eat dinner at, the French title can seem as elemental as...
Essays
Jan 16, 2024 — Drawing on the influence of a wide range of genres, John Sayles creates a densely layered narrative that unfolds across two timelines and explores the long-hidden secrets of a small border town in Texas.
The actor, comedian, and screenwriter shares why he thinks Secrets & Lies is Mike Leigh’s “juiciest” work, praises the powerful simplicity of The Celebration, and selects contemporary films that have inspired him, like Anatomy of a Fall and The Worst...
The writer, director, and actor talks about the formative influence of Richard Linklater and the Coen brothers, does his best impression of Brenda Blethyn in Secrets & Lies, and shares why Close-up transcends the bounds of cinema.
The actor shares her personal connection to Blow-Up, talks about being inspired at a young age by Laura Dern’s performance in Smooth Talk, and takes home favorites like Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Secrets & Lies.
The Daily
Oct 6, 2023 — Notes on a “gobsmacking” Mexican classic, Isabelle Adjani’s secrets, and underground cinephilia in Iran.
Mar 30, 2021 — Mike Leigh’s midcareer masterpiece is one of the finest examples of his ability to construct riveting drama from ordinary life.
On the Channel
Mar 18, 2026 — This month’s highlights include a collection of corporate thrillers, a survey of an emerging generation of trans auteurs, and a new installment of Adventures in Moviegoing with Mary Bronstein.
Oct 30, 2025 — Classics of the genre—including Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession and David Cronenberg’s The Fly—explore the gory extremes of corporeal experience.
Features
Oct 24, 2025 — This French art-horror master shocked audiences with a string of sexy vampire movies often centered on complex female friendships and women-ruled fantasy worlds.