2025-08-15 18:00:23.024

In the fall of 2021, director Julia Loktev filmed a documentary in Moscow, shadowing independent journalists labeled "foreign agents" by the Russian government. The film, initially intended to focus on the journalists' daily lives under pressure, became a poignant record of the final gasps of independent media before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The documentary follows several young female journalists, including Anna Nemzer, Sonya Groysman, and Olga Churakova, who, despite the risks, continued to report and document their experiences. The film highlights their courage in the face of government intimidation, including surveillance, apartment searches, and the imprisonment of colleagues. Their work, alongside that of other journalists like Ksenia Mironova (whose fiancé was jailed), Irina Dolinina, Alesya Marokhovskaya, and Elena Kostyuchenko, created a vital record of truth as the independent media landscape collapsed. The documentary contrasts the journalists' quiet determination with the seemingly normal life continuing around them, highlighting the cognitive dissonance of living under an authoritarian regime. Loktev draws parallels between the situation in Russia and concerning trends in the US, noting similar suppression of dissent and free press. The film concludes with the journalists' exodus from Russia after the invasion, as they continue their work in exile. Loktev's documentary serves as a powerful testament to the importance of independent journalism and the courage of those who fight to preserve it.

2025-05-08 06:00:20.407

Amazon's $100 million deal with Phoebe Waller-Bridge may have had other plans, but the result is Octopus!, a nature documentary that's as unexpected as it is captivating. The show features stunning footage of octopuses, expert commentary, animated sequences, celebrity interviews (including Tracy Morgan!), and Waller-Bridge's signature witty narration. While some may find the comedic asides clash with the scientific content, the documentary's gorgeous cinematography and insightful exploration of octopus behavior make it a worthwhile watch. The film traces the history of our understanding of octopuses, from Aristotle's assessment of them as "stupid" to their modern recognition as intelligent creatures. Experts like Dr. Jenny Hofmeister and Piero Amodio provide valuable insights, contrasting with celebrity appearances that some may find distracting. Despite some questionable choices, Octopus! is ultimately an entertaining and educational journey into the fascinating world of these eight-armed wonders.