Movies
'The Farewell' Captures the Chinese-American Experience in a Way I Never Thought I'd See on Screen
Going to China as a second-generation Chinese American is a deeply personal and overwhelming experience—and this movie evokes it beautifully.
'Midsommar' Offers a Vision of What Awaits Us After Society Collapses
Ari Aster isn't a political filmmaker—but his films are all the more disturbing when considered as previews of what could emerge after a political or climatic breakdown.
In 'The Dead Don't Die,' the Real Monster Isn't Climate Change—It's Our Own Passivity
Jim Jarmusch's new movie is an accusation aimed at his audience.
The Forgotten History of Jewish Arab Life
I was raised on recollections of a lost world that had existed for as long as we could remember—only to end suddenly in my grandparents' generation.
'Everything Wrong and Broken in the Criminal-Justice System': An Interview With Edward Zwick
The director discusses his new film about wrongful conviction and the death penalty—and why audiences sometimes hold "issue" movies to a higher standard.
Why Is Hollywood So Liberal?
New research provides one possible answer: Highly creative people have a stronger ability to see things from other people's perspectives.
We're Hiring a Contributing Editor for Books and Culture
Pacific Standard is looking for a part-time contract editor to help us expand and elevate the profile of our books and culture coverage.
The Resurrection of Aretha Franklin in 'Amazing Grace'
The newly released concert film is a joyous celebration of faith—and of how Aretha moved even secular audiences toward the holy.
Alex Kotlowitz Sees Hope in Chicago 'Despite the Bloodshed'
The author discusses his new book, the tragic violence in Chicago, and his love for the city's "messy vitalities."
'Free Solo' Celebrates Man vs. Nature—but Nature Lost Long Ago
When will we stop heroizing men for risking the world along with their lives?
Viewfinder: Spike Lee Attends the Oscars
Spike Lee, director of BlacKkKlansman, attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards, wearing the "Love" and "Hate" rings from his 1990 film, Do the Right Thing.
Why I Walked Out of 'Green Book'
Don Shirley's actual life was remarkable. In the movie, he's a prop for a white person.
How Hollywood Lets Real Fascists Off the Hook
Far from helping us fight fascism, Nazis on film may do the opposite.
Think Barbie's Waistline is Absurd? Check out Elsa or Mulan.
New research suggests that cartoon princesses hurt young female viewers by offering them unobtainable ideals of physical perfection.
How Humans Evolved to Love Horror Movies
New research suggests evolution predisposes us to seek out horror films.
PS Picks: Josie Rourke's 'Mary Queen of Scots'
PS Picks is a selection of the best things that the magazine's staff and contributors are reading, watching, or otherwise paying attention to in the worlds of art, politics, and culture.
Should Animals Win Acting Oscars? A Pacific Standard Investigation.
It's a question of whether animals featured in movies are acting in the first place.
The Weird History of Unorthodox Sentencing in the U.S.
A man convicted in an illegal, multi-year deer poaching scheme, was sentenced to watch Bambi once a month. While the punishment is certainly unique, the methodology isn't.
'Widows' Is a Thriller About Women's Liberation
In director Steve McQueen's new movie, the heist is about much more than money.
'The Wizard of Oz' Is the Most Influential Movie of All Time
As the film approaches its 80th anniversary, a new ranking shows that the classic retains its cultural cachet.
More Evidence Linking '13 Reasons Why' With Teen Suicide Attempts
A survey of youths at high risk of suicide found that half had watched at least one episode of the Netflix series.
PS Picks: A New 'Halloween,' as Fresh as the Original
PS Picks is a selection of the best things that the magazine's staff and contributors are reading, watching, or otherwise paying attention to in the worlds of art, politics, and culture.
'Every Story Has a Function': An Interview With Jennifer Fox
The writer and director explains what she learned by putting the true story of her childhood sexual abuse on screen.
PS Picks: Documenting the Artifice of North Korea in 'Under the Sun'
PS Picks is a selection of the best things that the magazine's staff and contributors are reading, watching, or otherwise paying attention to in the worlds of art, politics, and culture.