A song that seemed nearly too easy to rise has amazingly taken over the charts in recent months. Alex Warren’s song “Ordinary” has now topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks in a row, a feat that many seasoned musicians strive for throughout their careers. But this chart-topper’s reassuring simplicity—rather than its astounding vocal range or experimental beat—is what really makes it stand out. “Ordinary” conveys emotional sincerity with a hint of poetic familiarity, strikingly resembling a handwritten love note. Listeners characterize it as “unexpectedly moving,” “honest,” and “relatable”—all modest terms that seem remarkably effective in a streaming ecosystem…
Author: Sam Allcock
Outrage spreads quickly, frequently outpacing logic. The response to American Eagle’s denim campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney was nearly immediate. All it took to spark widespread online ire was a pun on the word “genes” that was twisted into the tagline, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” On closer examination, however, the intensity of the backlash might be more indicative of prevailing cultural tensions than the campaign itself. The marketing team at American Eagle has defended the advertisement in recent days, calling it a celebration of denim and individuality. According to the brand’s Instagram post, the tagline was “about the jeans.” Her…
Few films have upended Pakistani cinema’s foundations as much as Zibahkhana, despite the genre’s gradual shift toward experimentation in recent years. Directed by Omar Ali Khan and released in 2007, this low-budget horror film, which was remarkably effective despite its limitations, bravely introduced the nation to a genre that had previously been ignored. Zibahkhana is more than just nostalgic gore for horror fans, particularly those who enjoy subversion; it is a remarkably similar echo of genre-bending cult classics with a distinctly local twist. The idea may seem familiar—a group of teenagers get lost on their way to a concert and…
Golden hour has subtly become a sought-after phenomenon among photographers seeking to capture dimension, softness, and warmth in their images across the United States. The hour immediately after sunrise or before sunset turns any scene into something remarkably cinematic, whether it’s a family photo session in the Colorado foothills or an editorial shoot in downtown Chicago. The difference is instantly apparent to those who have experienced it; it’s like switching from fluorescent to candlelight, but much more natural and flattering. The popularity of golden hour has increased dramatically in recent years due to the rise of influencer marketing and social…
Newborn photography has subtly become a beloved rite of passage throughout the United States. Many families now understand that the true magic is in those tender, brief days immediately following birth, rather than waiting for the baby’s first steps or birthday. Photographers like Saren Cassotto create their most emotionally impactful images during this short window, which is typically only the first five to twelve days. They capture babies at their tiniest, sleepiest, and most unique stage. Cassotto makes sure that every session is more than just a photo shoot by turning her studio in Connecticut into a haven of coziness…
Perhaps the most unexpected newcomer to Pakistan’s acting scene is Dananeer Mobeen. She was once well-known for a funny video clip, but she is now a consistent presence on screen. She moved into acting with an authenticity that silenced critics by carefully utilizing her social media fame. She competed with more seasoned actors in her breakthrough role in Sinf-e-Aahan. She is especially relatable to audiences, especially younger ones who grew up with TikTok and Instagram. Many people hope that, like Mahira Khan in her early years, she will bring a fresh energy to the silver screen when she makes her…
With their gripping plots and multi-layered character arcs, Pakistani dramas are making a dramatic return in 2025, bringing back the emotional depth and incisive storytelling that made them popular television shows. Aina Asif, who plays both lead roles, does a remarkable job of bringing the story of twin sisters who are separated by fate and shaped by misunderstandings to life in Judwaa, one of the most intriguing of the top contenders. She sets a high standard for younger actors attempting to break into serious roles with her particularly inventive dual performance. Sanam Saeed’s pivotal performance in Zindagi Gulzar Hai, in…
Although the film industries have grown and changed across continents, South Korea is increasingly cited as the country that produces the best films outside of the US. This East Asian country has become a very powerful force in world cinema over the last 20 years, creating films that speak to audiences on all levels—emotionally, intellectually, and socially. South Korea has gone from being a niche attraction to attracting international attention thanks to its remarkably distinct cinematic voice. The Academy Award for Best Picture for Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite signaled a change in the way people view and watch foreign films. Not…
Even though filmmaking equipment is now more widely available, no industry regularly produces films with the same caliber of craftsmanship as Hollywood. Even though the entertainment industries in South Korea, Nigeria, and India are flourishing, Los Angeles’ combination of size, skill, and ambition continues to set an unrivaled standard. Hollywood’s extraordinary budget capacity is one of the most obvious differences. Studios allow directors to work with highly skilled crews, cutting-edge visual effects, and extremely sophisticated equipment by spending hundreds of millions of dollars on each film. With over $350 million in funding, a movie like Avengers: Endgame is not only…
It appears that 2025 will be a landmark year for horror television. Horror fans are in for an incredibly successful lineup that combines nostalgia with daring new experimentation, featuring a wide variety of prequels, sequels, and original concepts. IT: Welcome to Derry is one of the announcements that has created the most buzz. The series, which is set in the eerie 1960s, delves into Pennywise’s origins and the cursed town that made his terror possible. The project, which is led by Andy Muschietti, is especially inventive in that it connects emotional trauma across generations while also extending Stephen King’s mythology.…