loved this in 2025
a short and incomplete list of a few things I loved in 2025—media-wise.
a short and incomplete list of a few things I loved in 2025—media-wise.
The Year of Joan Hackett
Completing Joan Hackett’s filmography was a lovely 2025 journey. She gave such warmth onscreen and throughout the year, I felt so stabilized every time I returned to her fold to check off another film. You can read the complete journey here.
Cutthroat Island (1995)
I cannot believe you all let this fail at the box office! Geena Davis, a tall lady pirate. I'll let that sink in because it's really all you need.
She really threw herself full-body into this role and it is a delight. No daintiness to be seen. It's all full-fisted punches to the faces (theirs and hers) and scrambling over rocks and cliffs and ships and smashing through walls and shaking it off (ala Daniel Craig running through drywall in Casino Royale).
She is very cool and hot and tall, and our pirate king.
Sea battles! So much boat! So much real boat!
Movies like this, you see the craftspeople's work! You see the skills! You see the magic! Oh, what we have lost! Streamers and AI don't understand how much the children long for real boat!
Josh O’Connor Autumn
Josh O’Connor had four cinema releases in the fall of 2025 and I went to see every one in cinema. Unfortunately, the final film was not playing in any theater in my city. This did not stop me. I did have to take a ferry and journey onwards to see Farm Dreams (err Rebuilding), but it was worth it. Hilariously, aside from me and my friend, there were four other people at my screening and at least two of them had made the same out-of-town journey as we did for the exact same purpose of completing the Josh O’Connor Fall 2025 Cinema Quartet. I made a zine to commemorate. If you also completed the quartet, please feel free to save, print, and fold your own.
Thunder Rock (1942)
A film with more potential than it managed to realize, but I found it deeply moving nonetheless. Probably a product of my deeply religious childhood, but I can be stirred by a well-orated sermon with an empathetic message. There is no preacher doing more stirring than a broken Michael Redgrave with tears in his eyes. A film set right in the thick of World War II, it does fail to interrogate the rise of fascism in the US and the UK. It puts sins of inaction and complacency alone on the two empires rather than active evil. But, I could not fail to be moved by Michael Redgrave’s hopelessness in the face of such complacency. His performance is visceral. The urge to shout the truth and expect it will cause people to act and to change and to rise up and to fight. Only to find that people are munching popcorn while watching news reports of Hitler’s invasions. Later in the same week of seeing this, I saw From Ground Zero in a sold-out cinema while people munched popcorn. A disturbing mirror to our own complacency. I am prone to the hopelessness. The cynical disbelief in my fellow humans. But, it must not be. Courage! We must have courage! Despair is a tool of fascism then, now, and always.
a few of the songs I left on repeat all year long
Always on My Mind - Pet Shop Boys
There’s A World - Sufjan Stevens
Jesus Christ - Woody Guthrie
Friends are Miracles - Le Ren
When I’m Gone - Phil Ochs
Ramblin’ Boy - Tom Paxton
Long Long Time - Linda Ronstadt
Without Her - Harry Nilsson
some favorite first-time reads
These are ten books I probably loved most of all the books I read for the first time in 2025. A couple were gifts from friends, and let that be a lesson to always read whatever books your friends lend or give you because they are always right. (This is a PSA to you if I have given or lent a book to you.) In alphabetical order by author.
The Cemetery of Untold Stories (2024) - Julia Alvarez
Washington Square (1880) - Henry James
Fair Play (1989) - Tove Jansson
The Summer Book (1972) - Tove Jansson
Thunder Song (2024) - Sasha taqwšəblu LaPointe
The Memory Police (1994) - Yōko Ogawa
The English Patient (1992) - Michael Ondaatje
The Book of Form and Emptiness (2021) - Ruth Ozeki
Trance by Appointment (1939) - Gertrude Trevelyan
Desert of the Heart (1964) - Jane Rule
Brother John (1971)
A fascinating film built from the premise that Sidney Poitier can comfortably play an exalted human being whose mere presence can bring holy comfort or holy terror to those who deserve it.
And everyone knows innately which they deserve.
The girls know I love magical realism, and I love an allegory, and I love Sidney Poitier. So I loved this.
This plays in some ways as an extended Twilight Zone, but there is no neat tie-up and final moral justice. Some of the people who interact with Poitier are changed, but what does it say that this powerful visitor is unable to save this town or its residents from the machinations of racism. The town is dying--choking to death through the mining company refusing to recognize the union of Black workers and through the very work the mining company is doing to destroy the natural world. It's choking to death through the racism of its systems, both bureaucratic and, of course, policing.
It is suffocating, so naturally, Poitier's presence brings comfort because he is powerful he is a symbol he can do something.
But a symbol has no humanity, no room for the rhythms of daily life, no room to exist in contradictions or complexities.
Sidney Poitier's character here feels a bit like the logical conclusion of all the requirements that were made on Sidney Poitier to be Sidney Poitier, public figure from all corners.
White America couldn't deny Sidney Poitier; couldn't stop his ascension. But white America desperately wanted to contain and control his persona and his reach. This is exactly how the white people in this film interact with him: anger, suspicion, violence, and fear. Fear that he will expose them.
This makes his "fight" with the cop so off-kilter, but satisfying. All power in all forms is stripped from the cop, even his ability to speak and he is forced to cower and slink away silently--after wreaking such violence on the Black family in that home. He is never seen again.
Ultimately though, Poitier here is a mystery and a cipher. He has some kind of mission, some compulsion, that keeps him from being allowed to live and exist and stay.
Here, Poitier's John Kane has seen too much and knows too much. He bears witness and seems to intervene only occasionally.
All this to say, I bought in fully to this film as an angry, resigned (?) poem beautifully orated.
my 20 favorite films released in 2025
All films seen in the cinema with the exception of Rabbit Trap which never played in a cinema (in my state? anywhere? believe me, I tried).
Some of these films I loved for being transcendent works that made me think and feel in new ways or in the oldest ways. Some of these films I loved because I had a wonderful, fun, or engaging experience watching them.
Click through on titles for more information about each film.
Well, there ya go. A very short and incomplete list of things I loved in 2025. I started this post on New Year’s Eve, and I am actually publishing mid-February, so you can imagine my 2026 so far. Here’s to more wonderful art in the next year!
-Meg
QUIZ: Who is Your Classic Film Character Summer Fling?
I love a personality quiz. When I was a kid, I lived for the quizzes in my American Girl magazines. Which kind of dog are you? What famous female athlete are you? What kind of cheese are you? It did not matter. I wanted to answer the questions, and then proudly know that I was unique. I was not like other girls. I was a border collie (as true now as it was then).
We’ve reached the highpoint of summer. Heat domes all over the place. Honestly, too much sun, if you ask me. (No thank you, sun. I’m good.) The time is right to kick back with a cold beverage and take my little quiz and learn who your perfect classic film summer fling is going to be (oooooooh)....from the 7 options I am giving you (to be frank, they were the ones top o’ my mind, and all delightful characters).
Here is how it’s going to work: as you go, write down the number of your answer to each question, and at the end, add up your answers to find your perfect partner for this season. Aka if you answer mostly 1s, then 1 is your summer fling or mostly 5s, etc. I have included an answer key at the bottom. If you’re more love ‘em and leave ‘em, then consider a ranked choice system to come up with your top three beaus!
QUESTION ONE: It’s summertime! It’s time to take a holiday. You’ve been working hard, and you deserve a break. Your ideal vacation is______.
1. Kicking it back in an Italian villa. You like to spend your time in luxury, and you are not looking to do much else but chill out. Maybe a vespa ride around the countryside or a dance here or there, but mostly you like lounging out in the sun.
2. Taking a trip on a sailboat. You don’t even mind working as crew–you just want to get out there on the waves and experience that freedom that only the open ocean can provide.
3. Staycation! You live in the big city, and you enjoy your life. There is always something new to do, or explore. You do not need to go anywhere to relax.
4. Nothing planned. You are all about spontaneity. You pick a new place to visit and just go exploring. You are sure you will find an adventure.
5. Not a family vacation! You are trying to get away from your family, not spend more time with them.
6. On a train. You love to travel by train and stop off along the way throughout the countryside and little towns. Hiking, running, scrambling over rocks–anything that gets you outside and active.
7. VACATION? Who has time for vacation? You do not. You have things to accomplish, and nothing else matters.
QUESTIONS TWO: Ahh food! There are few things better in the world than sitting down to eat your perfect meal. The food you crave most is____.
1. Italian food paired with a perfect wine.
2. Well, food does not really satisfy you in itself–but you love an experience. You have always wanted to have a real picnic!
3. This little Japanese restaurant down the street that has an incredible, authentic menu.
4. Whatever food is right in front of you! You love to feast and feast and feast. You keep snacks next to your bed–just in case–and a jar of pickles is never unwelcome.
5. A home-cooked meal from someone you love. It does not matter what it is, it is worth all your money.
6. Simple fare. Anything that is easy to find along the road. You love a sandwich.
7. FOOD? Who has time for food? You do not. You have things to accomplish, and nothing else matters.
QUESTION THREE: What is the most played song on your playlist?
1. "Mambo Italiano" by Rosemary Clooney
2. "bad guy" by Billie Eilish
3. Anything new and avant-garde.
4. "I Love It" by Icona Pop
5. "I’m On Fire" by Bruce Springsteen
6. "Run for Your Life" by The Beatles
7. You don’t listen to much music, but you love to sing. People always know you’re around when they can hear you singing.
QUESTION FOUR: What was your favorite game to play when you were a kid?
1. Musical Chairs. You love group games, dancing, and making sure everyone is having a good time.
2. Wink Murder. No one ever guessed it was you even though you drew the murderer card every time.
3. Anything you could make a bet on. You knew how to win and make money from a young age.
4. Games with rules are boring. And don’t even get you started on board games: you get tired of them easily and tend to flip the board!
5. Spin the Bottle. hehe.
6. Hide and Seek. You were always the best.
7. Clue. You are clever, patient, and determined. You always found the murderer.
QUESTION FIVE: What is your favorite animal?
1. Definitely not parakeets.
2. Sharks. You saw a group of sharks attack an injured shark once and have never forgotten the spectacular sight.
3. Anything wild and free. No domesticated cats.
4. Honey Bees. You're here for a good time, not a long time.
5. Geese. When you've found the right partner, you're in it for life.
6. Foxes. You love their cozy little hidden dens.
7. A lone wolf. You admire their ability to track and hunt.
QUESTION SIX: What is your greatest fear?
1. Not being taken seriously.
2. Not getting to see the sunrise one last time.
3. Getting trapped.
4. Being bored and/or running out of snacks.
5. Being disrespected.
6. Someone telling lies about you.
7. Not fulfilling your purpose in life.
QUESTION SEVEN: You’ve been shipwrecked and stranded on a desert island, but you managed to carry two items with you from the sinking boat that you knew you needed to survive. Those items are_____.
1. A portable two-way radio and signal flags.
2. A knife and a gun.
3. An inflatable lifeboat and a compass.
4. A pair of scissors and a large jar of pickles.
5. Flint and a first aid kit.
6. A tarp for shelter and a machete to cut open coconuts. I guess you live here now.
7. Does it matter? You’ll figure a way out.
QUESTION EIGHT: Your favorite way to interact with other people online is___.
1. You are on every app at all times and have literally thousands of devoted fans, errr, friends.
2. Twitter. It is both the source of your sickness and its only antidote.
3. LinkedIn. Professional use only. The real life is happening offline.
4. Tumblr, baby! You know how to curate!
5. Exchanging numbers with your Tinder matches and then texting for 12 hours straight.
6. Signal messaging via burner phones only please.
7. You do not really have time for this, but okay, you sometimes post cryptic yet wistful poetry on your old LiveJournal. It reminds you of a different time when you were younger and happier.
ANSWER KEY
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY 1's....
Your summer fling is Lisa Fellini as played by Gina Lollobrigida in Come September (1961). You are fun and flirty and a great communicator. You love to socialize and everyone sees you as the life of the party. You know what you want and you have great boundaries. Enjoy riding that vespa around the Italian Coast with the most beautiful woman in Italy. She demands respect, honesty, and commitment–so do not mess this up!
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY 2's....
Your summer fling is Elsa Bannister as played by Rita Hayworth in The Lady from Shanghai (1947). The people that know you would say that you are intense. But they also cannot look away from your allure. You are mesmerizing and totally misunderstood (but also a little evil, sorry!). Your cynicism is a good match for Elsa, and you both are not expecting more than you can offer. You and Elsa are either going to have a great summer or immediately break up. Hard to say, but it will be a wild ride while it lasts! Good luck!
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY 3's....
Your summer fling is Jack Parks as played by Sidney Poitier in For Love of Ivy (1968). You are independent and reliable, and undeniably cool. You know all the best places to eat and hang out. You live in the city and you love it at every hour–day and night. Just like Jack, your community is important to you, and you work hard to make sure the people around you are taken care of each day. You and Jack are both not looking to settle down…or are you?
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY 4's....
Your summer fling is Marie I and Marie II as played by Jitka Cerhová and Ivana Karbanová in Daisies (1966). You are chaotic, unpredictable, and totally vibrant! You are not big on plans and love to take each day as it comes. You deeply understand the futility of society and choose your own path of joyful nihilism. You absolutely do not like to be left alone for any amount of time, and neither do the Maries! Get ready for a summer of feasting, snacking, and decadent food fights. Grab a baguette and jump in–the milk bath temp is wonderful!
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY 5's....
Your summer fling is Clara Varner and Ben Quick as played by Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman in The Long, Hot Summer (1958). You’re intense and focused, but also a hopeless romantic. You have high standards and a great deal of self respect. You are not going to settle for anything less than the best, but once you have your sights on the best–watch out! Clara and Ben saw you from across the bar and liked your vibe…
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY 6's....
Your summer fling is Richard Hannay as played by Robert Donat in The 39 Steps (1934). Frankly, you have a lot going on. You are a busy person always on the go, go, go. A natural traveler, you feel comfortable in every situation and circumstance and you make friends easily. There is nothing quite like a scramble over the rocks or a walk through the moors, and you do well outdoors. Although incredibly likable and adaptable, you and Richard both tend to hide your true selves and have trouble trusting other people. This may make your relationship a short-lived one, but if you can find a way to let each other in–maybe you go the distance together!
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY 7's....
Your summer fling is Tetsuya "Phoenix Tetsu" Hondo as played by Tetsuya Watari in Tokyo Drifter (1966). You do not have time for a relationship, as you are all-consumingly focused on your life’s mission. Everything else fades in the background. You must complete your task; you must fulfill your purpose. You are lonely, and although you might sometimes seem like a hard-hearted island of a person, you are actually very tender and gentle in your soul. There is a real softness about you, and if you could just be free of your work–free of your drive–you know that you would choose a very different life. Tetsu is on a parallel path as you, and together maybe you finally accomplish that
originally published on The Classic Film Collective on 08/11/2022.