The Best Movies of 2025 (So Far)
Armand
There was no doubt in my mind, heading into Armand, that Renate Reinsve was going to deliver: She was enchanting as a restless millennial in Joachim Trier's wry and exquisite 2021 film The Worst Person in the World. In the Scandi drama Armand, the debut film by writer-director Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel—the grandson of Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullmann, though there are more flashes of Gaspar Noé here—we meet Reinsve as Elisabeth, a mother summoned to her young son Armand's primary school.
In the dark, ominous classroom setting, as she hears the accusations that he sexually abused another child, Elisabeth descends into a fit of incredulous, bitter laughter. And she keeps going—it lasts five painful minutes. Each giggle hits like a shovel, excavating new levels of horror, knocking at the walls we put up around uncomfortable truths and societal values. An interrogation evolves into an emotional spiral that's hard to look away from.
At first slow and elongated, then at grotesque, breakneck turns, Tøndel presents an intense psycho-drama, with slashes of surrealism and a striking, geometric visual language. He offers no easy answers, only the tools to keep digging into the murk of our own humanity long after the film ends. —Anna Cafolla
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Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What to Watch This Weekend (July 26-27): 9 Best New Movies and Shows to Stream Now (Including One That'll Take You Back to the '90s!)
Here's where to watch the top nine best movies and shows the weekend of July 26-27 If you're craving a walk down memory lane, this is the weekend for you: we've got a number of nostalgia hits this time around, and they're just getting started. This weekend, July 26-27, Netflix is throwing it back to the 1990s with the release of a sequel to a nearly 30-year-old movie. Over in theaters, one Marvel group of heroes is getting its third reboot in 20 years. Basically, it's a big week for fans of the "good old days." Not into revisiting the glory days of yore? All good, each streaming platform has something fresh for you, from a new installment of Netflix's Trainwreck docuseries to a frightening Hulu true crime about a dentist who murdered his wife on a safari. And there's more! Here's a list of the nine best new movies and shows to watch this weekend and where to stream them. The Fantastic Four: First Steps Pedro Pascal, welcome back to the big screen for the third time this summer. 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It may sound like the plot of an Agatha Christie murder mystery, but it is actually the true story of Larry Rudolph's murder of his wife, Bianca, in 2016. Trophy Wife: Murder on the Safari delves into the details behind the murder, which was believed to be a tragic incident on a hunting trip until five years later, when suspicion began to turn onto Larry. Now, both Larry and his mistress are serving time. Watch Trophy Wife: Murder on the Safari on Hulu. Justice On Trial Judge Judy is back — and is just as ruthless as ever. In her new series, Justice on Trial, the famous judge and her legal team recreate notorious trials from history to evaluate whether following the law truly felt "just" in the outcomes. Watch Justice on Trial on Prime Video. 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Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Why The Labubu Craze Became A Nostalgic Social Currency
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 12: Close-up detail view of seven Labubu monsters / charms / dolls / plus from ... More "Big Into Energy" collection : Loyalty, Happiness, Luck, Hope, Serenity, Love an Secret, during a street style fashion photo session, on June 12, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) The distinctive grin of Labubu, a small, elf-eared creature with serrated teeth, has become widespread across social media feeds, celebrity red carpets, and fashion shows worldwide. What began as a collectible toy from Hong Kong-based Pop Mart has evolved into something far more complex: a cultural phenomenon that generated $423 million in revenue for the company in 2024 alone, transforming a playful figurine into a coveted symbol of exclusivity and insider knowledge. People wait in line to visit the new Pop Mart store selling Labubu toys at a shopping mall in Berlin ... More on July 25, 2025. Labubu is a brand of collectible designer plush toy monster elves created by Hong Kong-Dutch designer Kasing Lung and marketed by and sold exclusively at China-based retailer Pop Mart. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo by TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images) This isn't just another toy craze. The Labubu mania reveals something deeper about consumer psychology, nostalgia, and how objects become vessels for social status in the digital age. Through three distinct lenses—as a nostalgic product, a form of social currency, and a fleeting fashion statement—the Labubu phenomenon offers insights into modern consumer behavior and the mechanics of viral culture. The Power of Labubu's Nostalgic Design At the heart of Labubu's appeal lies a sophisticated understanding of nostalgia and emotional resonance. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2016, the character draws from Nordic folklore and European fairy tales, creating what author and fashion historian Robert Ossant describes as a 'fascinating combination of cute and ugly that taps into the 90s and Y2K aesthetic of Furbies, Garbage Pail kids, Troll dolls and cartoons like Rugrats and Ren & Stimpy.' Lung, born in 1972, spent part of his childhood in the Netherlands, and his design philosophy blends childhood memories with universal mythological elements. The result is a character that feels simultaneously new and ancient or something that resonates across cultural boundaries while tapping into collective childhood memories. "The large eyes and tiny nose resemble childlike characteristics, upping the cute factor and appealing to the anime and manga trends we're seeing in the current zeitgeist," explains Nina Vargas, a global beauty strategist, in her analysis of the toy's psychological appeal. These 'anthropomorphic qualities' don't just make the character endearing, but they create an emotional bridge that allows consumers to project feelings and memories onto the object. The timing of Labubu's global breakthrough in 2024-2025 wasn't accidental. After nearly a decade of relative obscurity, the character found its moment during a period when consumers were particularly receptive to nostalgic comfort items. In fact, if you scroll TikTok, you will see millions of videos of consumers listening to 90s music, revisiting fashion trends from that decade, or rewatching their childhood favorite movies and TV shows. The Labubu's ability to evoke childhood security while remaining contemporary enough for adult fashion sensibilities created the perfect storm for viral adoption. Labubu Is An Exclusive Social Currency Perhaps no aspect of the Labubu phenomenon is more revealing than its transformation into a form of social currency or an investment piece. The collectible toy market has long understood the power of scarcity, from Pokémon cards, Barbies and Beanie Babies, but Labubu has elevated this concept to new heights through strategic use of "blind box" purchasing and limited releases. "The Labubus became a social currency because to have a rare Labubu communicates an insider knowledge of trends and value. It began as 'if you know you know' (IYKYK) style statement and a widely understood, talisman of taste," Ossant explains. CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 17: Zufi Alexander wears an all Miu Miu look made of butter yellow long summer ... More dress and straw Miu Miu bag with attached Labubu bag charms during day five of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by) The economics are straightforward yet powerful: initial drops are priced modestly (around $30), but artificial scarcity quickly drives secondary market prices to multiples of their original value. This creates multiple tiers of social signaling. Owning any Labubu demonstrates cultural awareness, but owning a rare variant or paying premium resale prices communicates having insider knowledge, and frankly, the financial means. The unboxing ritual central to Labubu culture amplifies this social currency effect. "The unboxing and reveal of which character emerges from the packaging intrigues the viewers, making them eager to seek their own unwrapping experience in the hopes of having their own (hopefully rare) character," Vargas notes. Social media feeds filled with unboxing videos create a feedback loop of desire and FOMO (fear of missing out) that drives continued purchasing. Retail strategist Jeanel Alvarado, Founder & CEO at RETAILBOSS, identifies a crucial parallel: "Many collectors of Labubu for instance turned out to be luxury buyers. Affluent shoppers who typically seek out rare watches, handbags and limited edition pieces." This crossover reveals how Labubu functions as what Alvarado calls "recession-core": a lower-cost luxury that satisfies the same psychological needs as expensive handbags or watches during times of economic uncertainty. How Labubu Transcends Style And Fashion While Labubus have become ubiquitous fashion accessories, dangling from designer bags and celebrity outfits, their role transcends traditional fashion logic. Rather than following seasonal trends or aesthetic movements, it is a commentary on consumption, and generational divides. PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 08: A guest wears a burgundy bordeaux woven Bottega Veneta Andiamo leather ... More bag, light blue Labubu bag charm, cream Labubu bag charm, outside Elie Saab, during the Paris Fashion week Women's Fall/Winter 2025-2026 on March 8, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) "Labubus represents more of a social statement than a fashion statement," states Anna Pompilio, Strategy Director at Marks. "It shows not only that you're tapped into the micro-culture of the moment, but that you either have the A) time to spend on Pop Mart hunting down your own Labubu or B) the money to spend on a resold one.' The fashion industry has taken notice. Luxury brands like Burberry and Celine have responded with their own character-based accessories, signaling recognition of the trend's commercial potential. However, this mainstream adoption may paradoxically signal the beginning of the end for Labubu's cultural cache. Ossant sees the trend as serving "as a critique of fashion's most ridiculous extremes, influencer culture and the relentless churn of trends, but also a commentary on different generations." According to him, it's become a tool for millennials to mock Gen Z's seemingly mindless consumerism, while Gen Z uses it to highlight just how much millennials are missing the irony. SHANGHAI, CHINA - JUNE 09: Labubu figures and dolls are seen on display at a Pop Mart store on June ... More 9, 2025 in Shanghai, China. From Southeast Asia and Europe to the United States and the Middle East, Labubu - the beloved character from Chinese toy company Pop Mart - is taking the world by storm. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) As with most viral phenomena, Labubu's future remains uncertain. The very mechanisms that drove its success such as social media amplification, artificial scarcity, and FOMO-driven purchasing are notoriously fickle and feed into overconsumption. Many, like Ossant, argue that Labubus are an entry level luxury where the value is tied up in rarity and exclusivity rather than actual cost. "Customers are fatigued with fast-fashion, and collector items and limited edition items have continued to catch waves with limited drops," Alvarado adds. Yet she also acknowledges the fundamental tension: once a trend reaches mainstream saturation, its value as social currency diminishes. Whether Labubu endures or fades, its impact on understanding consumer behavior, social media marketing, and the psychology of collectibility will likely persist. As Alvarado succinctly summarizes: "It shows the value is in the eyes of the beholder, for those who understand the collector and resale market potential for limited items it's a lucrative play, in addition to the clout they can get online. For others it's just an 'ugly toy.'" A man walks with two Labubu plush toys of Pop Mart hanging from his backpack straps along a ... More pedestrian street on The Bund in Shanghai on July 4, 2025. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Jennifer Lopez Exposes Bedroom Secrets On Stage And Ben Affleck Isn't Amused
Jennifer Lopez has lit a firestorm of controversy during her European tour, unveiling sexually charged performances and brutal breakup anthems that seemingly target ex-husband Ben Affleck. From stage moans to unapologetic lyrics, the singer bared it all, literally and emotionally. However, while Lopez sizzles under the spotlight, Affleck is reportedly not pleased with her "childish" theatrics. Jennifer Lopez's Bold Comeback Sends A Clear Message Lopez has never shied away from pouring her heart into her music. But her latest tracks, which debuted during her current European tour, seem to pack more heat and venom than ever, especially toward ex-husband Ben Affleck. The couple's split in August 2024, after a second attempt to rekindle their romance, appears to have fueled two explosive songs: "Up All Night" and "Wreckage of You." In "Up All Night," Lopez declares, "I'm up all night, dancing on somebody, living my best life / I bet you wish that you were by my side / I got tired of you breaking me down / Look at me now." If that wasn't enough, "Wreckage of You" dives even deeper, "Thank you for the scars you left on my heart / For showing me that stars shine brighter in the dark / I won't fall apart because of who you are / And all your broken parts. Because of you, I am stronger, wiser / Better than I've ever been." Both tracks are seen as lyrical attacks at Affleck, who has long struggled with alcoholism, a detail fans suspect is referenced in the line about "broken parts." Ben Affleck Shrugs Off Lopez's Explosive Lyrics While Jennifer Lopez's musical daggers may have fans buzzing, Affleck is reportedly unfazed. A source close to the 52-year-old actor told the Daily Mail, "If this song or any others bash him, what can he do? It's childish and not something he wants to entertain." The insider emphasized Affleck's decision to take the high road, adding, "It is something he can't control, so he isn't going to let it hurt him and he's definitely not going to give it life by reacting." According to the same source, Affleck saw this coming from miles away. They shared, "He's known her long enough and been given a nod on plenty of her music before so he is more than aware that this was coming." As someone fiercely private, Affleck is choosing silence over spectacle. Jennifer Lopez Doubles Down With Risqué Onstage Acts Beyond the lyrics, Lopez has taken her raw expression to new heights and deeper levels on stage. During her ongoing European tour, her performances have gone from passionate to downright provocative. At Tenerife's Cook Music Fest, she took fans' breath away with a series of raunchy moves. Dressed in a barely-there silver bodysuit, she dropped to all fours before a shirtless dancer, straddled another mid-routine, and provocatively touched two others. Her most jaw-dropping moment came at Italy's Lucca Summer Festival, where Lopez let the crowd in on her bedroom preferences. Before performing her song Moments, she confessed, "I have to be honest with you, sometimes I get in different moods at night. I don't know about you, but I do, and sometimes I like it hard." Megyn Kelly Slams Lopez Jennifer Lopez continued, "Other days, I am feeling a little romantic. You put on candles and soft music. On those days, I like it real slow." Then she added with a smirk, "But there's other days... maybe because it's a new kind of time for me, maybe because it's summertime and it's hot outside — I feel a little more naughty." Unsurprisingly, Lopez's naughty confession went viral, and not everyone was impressed. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly slammed the pop diva's antics on X, writing, "So she's a soft p-rn star now. Great choices!" Jennifer Lopez's Record Label Drops Her After Album Flop As reactions continued to trail Lopez's latest onstage antics, news reports claimed she had parted ways with her record label BMG. According to The Sun, the label ended its partnership with the superstar after her 2024 album, "This Is Me... Now," failed to meet sales expectations. BMG had signed Lopez on a one-album deal now terminated after what insiders call dismal sales. The "Jenny From the Block" singer had previously released music with Columbia, Epic, and Capitol Records.
