Mae Abdulbaki
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Critic & editor @screenrant | Rotten 🍅 approved | Podcast cohost | @WAFCA, @CriticsChoice, @AWFJ, @BlackReelAwards | She/her |
Articles by Mae Abdulbaki
Review: 'Lupin' Part 4's Lower Stakes Don't Derail a Wildly Exciting Season
It’s been three years since Lupin Part 3 was released on Netflix, and yet it feels like it was yesterday. The sleek French series starring Omar Sy as Assane Diop, who is inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, is a rush of adrenaline. No matter where the story goes, I can never get enough of it. That hasn’t changed in Lupin Part 4, an eight-episode season with so many twists and turns that even I didn’t see the ending coming (maybe because I didn’t want to believe it).
Review: 'Klara and the Sun' Can't Stand the Darkness for Too Long
When it comes to movie adaptations of books, there will always be a desire to compare them. Was the book better? What changes were made? Which characters and moments got left out? In the end, the mediums are so different, and it’s not always easy to translate something from page to screen.
Clayface' is an Uneven But Effective Body Horror
It’s so nice to have a film set in the same universe and city that Batman calls home, but isn’t about the Caped Crusader at all. We’re still patiently waiting for The Batman: Part II, which has faced several delays since The Batman’s 2022 release. In the meantime, we’ve got Clayface to tide us over. The film follows the titular character’s villainous origins. The film goes in a different direction genre-wise.
Review: 'Sense and Sensibility' is an Exquisite, Touching Adaptation
It may not be as popular as Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 version holds a special place in my heart), but Sense and Sensibility is pretty up there with the best of Jane Austen’s novels. Like the former, it’s had a plethora of adaptations, the most popular among them being the 1995 adaptation starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.
'The Social Reckoning' is a Strangely Tepid Follow-Up to 'The Social Network'
Writer-director Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to the successful The Social Network is The Social Reckoning, a film about journalist Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White), who published a series of stories called The Facebook Files for The Wall Street Journal in 2021, and Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen (Anora’s Mikey Madison).
I Couldn't Stop Thinking About Social Media While Watching 'Digger'
Spoilers ahead for Digger. I couldn’t stop thinking about social media while watching Digger, director Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s latest film. Digger wasn’t well received by critics, but the film—its themes and its play-within-a-story execution—deserve closer inspection. Regardless of how one feels about it, it’s hard to deny it’s a conversation starter, and the way it switches back and forth between its story settings is reminiscent of our social media reality.
Anne Hathaway Can't Save 'Verity'
Verity, among many psychological thrillers, hinges on the manipulation of the truth. Crucially, it focuses on our perceptions of women and whether we believe them. We’ve seen this with The Housemaid and The Invisible Man, among others. The more sinister question Verity poses is this: Why do we want to believe the worst in one of these women while being set up to feel sorry for the other? The answer seems obvious — patriarchy, misogyny, etc.
Review: Wow, 'The Love Hypothesis' Really Nails the Rom-Com Formula
It’s nice to see the romantic comedy genre thriving (on streaming and on the big screen, but mostly on the former). It’s even better when the movie is based on a beloved book. Enter The Love Hypothesis, Prime Video’s latest rom-com entry. There’s a lot to like about this movie: it’s breezy and lighthearted, with snappy and funny dialogue, good character relationships, and enough heat between the main couple to keep the spark alive.
Review: 'The Weight' is Weightless Despite A Good Cast Led By Ethan Hawke
The Weight’s title holds the promise of something dramatic — an emotional burden that must be lifted, a torturous journey carried out by a desperate man, a guilt hanging over someone’s conscience. Directed by Padraic McKinley from a screenplay by Matthew Booi and Shelby Gaines, the film never fully captures a sense of urgency or gritty drama, primarily because it doesn’t dwell long enough on its core father-daughter relationship. A great cast is then left wandering without a lifeline to hold onto.
Brad Pitt's 'Heart of the Beast' Is Contrived Emotional Drama
Heart of the Beast is guilty of being overly sappy, tugging at our heartstrings in ways that are contrived. The film may give us a genuine friendship between two clearly traumatized beings, but it weaponizes our emotions to tell a very bare-bones story that doesn’t have much going for it. It all leads to a tearjerker ending that is equal parts tender, unearned, and forced.
Review: Netflix's 'Best of the Best' is an Enjoyable Dance Comedy That Doesn't Rely On Nostalgia
There are so many movies vying for attention every week, but Netflix’s latest, Best of the Best, should instantly make it to the top of your viewing list. Inspired by Bollywood dancing and collegiate competitions, the film, directed by Lena Khan from a screenplay by Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam, is a good mix of humor, a fun atmosphere and characters with depth.
Review: 'Practical Magic 2' Lacks the Original's Eccentricities
Practical Magic may have become a cult classic in the nearly 30 years since it was released, but I remember it being a very forgettable viewing experience as a kid. Rewatching it in adulthood, it’s admittedly more whimsical than I remember. The characters, namely Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the cursed witch sisters Sally and Gillian, were sweet yet unmemorable, and the eccentric plot was fine but somehow inconsequential.
'Off Campus' Is the Wholesome Yet Sexy Romance Show I Didn't Know I Needed
There has been an influx of sports romances—Heated Rivalry chief among them—and for that we should all be grateful. This influx, which includes vertical dramas like Love Score, is a bit why I was hesitant to watch Off Campus, the Prime Video adaptation of the series of novels by Elle Kennedy.
Review: 'In the Hand of Dante' Is the Most Uninteresting Film of the Year
There are occasions when a movie is so bad that it’s almost incomprehensible how it got made to begin with. In the Hand of Dante is one such film. Directed by Julian Schnabel and co-written by Schnabel and Louise Kugelberg, the film, which had its premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, is not even something I would call pretentious so much as it is arduous and overly dull. At two and a half hours long, its length is never justified by a competently told or intriguing story.
The Death of Robin Hood Review: A Dark Reimagining That Comes Close to Separating Myth and Man
A dark reimagining of the tale of Robin Hood, The Death of Robin Hood has something interesting to say about the stories we tell — to each other, to ourselves, and the myth that stems from the blurred lines between them. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, the film teeters on the brink of going fully in-depth. Still, it holds itself back a bit with an ending that softens the rough edges surrounding its titular character.
'Toy Story 5' Review: The 'Toy Story' Franchise Has Never Been More Relevant
Pixar’s most successful — and one of its more creative — franchises is back with a new installment, Toy Story 5. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t disappoint.
‘Power Ballad’ Review – John Carney is Back and Better Than Ever
Power Ballad has something to say and isn’t afraid to say it. It takes a minute to get started, but the film, co-written by Peter McDonald and John Carney, who also directed, knows how to lay the groundwork before getting to the crux of its story. If we live in a world full of curated “content” and artists who are dubbed geniuses or legends or singular, then Power Ballad becomes a takedown of celebrity and the industry power that protects it.
'Backrooms' is One of the Most Interesting Horror Films This Year
Backrooms is unsettling. It gripped me in ways I wasn’t immediately able to shake off. I didn’t know why at first, but the longer I sat with the film, the clearer the reason became. As a society, we talk a lot about change — in behavior, habits, lifestyle, looks, one’s feelings toward something, the list goes on.
'Backrooms' is One of the Most Interesting Horror Films This Year
Backrooms is unsettling. It gripped me in ways I wasn’t immediately able to shake off. I didn’t know why at first, but the longer I sat with the film, the clearer the reason became. As a society, we talk a lot about change — in behavior, habits, lifestyle, looks, one’s feelings toward something, the list goes on.
The Return to A Galaxy Far, Far Away Has Never Felt More Pointless
The Mandalorian and Grogu is one of the most uninspired movies I’ve seen this year. It’s less of a movie and more of a prolonged episode of television, one that comes between two big storylines in the season and serves as more of a filler than anything else. Character development? Practically nonexistent. Even Grogu’s cuteness level has faded into the background. Maybe the novelty has finally worn off.
Living Twice, Dying Thrice: Karim Lakzadeh’s underground odyssey of miners, dreams, and absurdity Original
Iranian filmmaker and playwright Karim Lakzadeh has long moved along the edges of form and genre. Graduating from a theatre school in 2004 and studying TV directing, he has developed into a filmmaker working between alternative fiction and multi-genre storytelling. His work resists easy categorisation, leaning instead into experimentation — both in narrative and process.
Review: 'Is God Is' Offers a Deeper Side to Revenge
The consequences of revenge have long been explored in films. If someone irreparably and unjustly harmed or killed another, does a character have a right to revenge? What does that look like? An eye for an eye might bring closure, but what does the action of vengeance do to someone if the result is more violence? Written and directed by Aleshea Harris, Is God Is examines these questions with curiosity and a passion for answers.
'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Should Be a Blueprint for Future Sequels
I was dreading The Devil Wears Prada 2, and it wasn’t because I didn’t think I would enjoy it, but because I was worried that it, like so many other sequels, would be so bad that I’d want to forget it ever existed. So you can imagine how surprised I was when The Devil Wears Prada 2 was actually good, if not great. That’s no easy feat considering the original movie was released 20 years ago. It’s a solid blueprint for what sequels should be moving forward.
Widow's Bay Review: Apple TV's Mystery Thriller Manages To (Mostly) Balance Its Horror & Humor - TV Review
Created by Katie Dippold, Widow’s Bay is surprisingly funny in parts and spine-tinglingly scary in others. The new Apple TV series knows how to balance its comedy with its horror, and, more often than not, it succeeds. Even with its characters, Widow’s Bay gives voice to those who believe in the island’s myths and those — like Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) — who wear their skepticism like it’s a personal armor.
Visually Gorgeous Animated Biopic Is Unfortunately Lacking Something Deeper
The animation of Sylvain Chomet's latest, A Magnificent Life, is immersive. There isn't a moment when I wanted to look away from the screen. Chomet's animation has always been a standout, but the US version of the film loses something in translation: a spark, emotion... something that would have made it less of a dry and by-the-book story of Marcel Pagnol's life.
Khoảnh khắc đáng nhớ nhất của Oscars 2026 không phải Phim hay nhất
Phim hay nhất. Đạo diễn xuất sắc nhất. Nữ diễn viên chính xuất sắc nhất. Nam diễn viên chính xuất sắc nhất. Kịch bản xuất sắc nhất. Đây là năm hạng mục thường được gọi là “Big Five” của Oscar, những giải thưởng luôn thu hút nhiều sự chú ý nhất trước và trong đêm trao giải. Tuy nhiên, đã đến lúc danh sách này nên được mở rộng để bao gồm cả hạng mục Phim quốc tế hay nhất.
The 2026 Oscars’ Most Vital Moment Won't Be Best Picture Original
Photographer: Photographer: Les Films Pelléas; Jafar Panahi Productions (Bloomberg Opinion) -- Best Picture. Best Director. Best Actress. Best Actor. Best Screenplay.
The Friend’s House is Here: Improv, courage, and survival in Iran’s most celebrated Sundance film
Film Interview: We speak to the minds behind 'The Friend’s House is Here', a Sundance sensation that uses art to resist oppression in Iran At a time when Iranian cinema continues to draw global attention, The Friend’s House is Here stands as a testament to the power of art and the political intersection at which it exists.
Improv, courage and survival in The Friend’s House is Here
At a time when Iranian cinema continues to draw global attention, The Friend’s House is Here stands as a testament to the power of art and the political intersection at which it exists. Iranian writer-directors Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz premiered the film at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, telling the story of an underground theatre group whose days are spent in community while politics colour their daily lives.
Commentary: Whitewashing ‘Wuthering Heights' now hits differently
Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” has been adapted to the big screen numerous times and, save for Andrea Arnold’s 2011 version, has largely been consistent in one disappointing way: the whitewashing of Heathcliff. So when the complaints about the colorblind casting in Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” came, they didn’t feel entirely unfamiliar. What’s changed is the terrain.
Whitewashing 'Wuthering Heights' now hits differently
Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" has been adapted to the big screen numerous times and, save for Andrea Arnold's 2011 version, has largely been consistent in one disappointing way: the whitewashing of Heathcliff. So when the complaints about the colorblind casting in Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" came, they didn't feel entirely unfamiliar. What's changed is the terrain.
Whitewashing ‘Wuthering Heights’ Now Hits Differently
Warner Bros. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- has been adapted to the big screen numerous times and, save for Andrea Arnold’s 2011 version, has largely been consistent in one disappointing way: the whitewashing of Heathcliff.
Commentary: Whitewashing ‘Wuthering Heights’ now hits differently
Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" has been adapted to the big screen numerous times and, save for Andrea Arnold’s 2011 version, has largely been consistent in one disappointing way: the whitewashing of Heathcliff. So when the complaints about the colorblind casting in Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” came, they didn’t feel entirely unfamiliar. What’s changed is the terrain.
Jason Statham's Latest Actioner Is Far Too Run-Of-The-Mill To Be Memorable
Jason Statham is no stranger to protecting others onscreen, including little girls. He continues the tradition of male characters who make it their sole mission in movies-Liam Neeson in and Denzel Washington in Man on Fire, just to name a few.
This Is the ‘Bridgerton’ Love Story That We Needed to See
Netflix (Bloomberg Opinion) -- is finally giving us a proper older couple romance in Season 4, and the rest of Hollywood should take note. The Netflix Inc.
I Was In Like, But Not In Love With Netflix's People We Meet On Vacation
Two best friends. A multitude of dreamy vacation spots. A blooming romance that could make or break a relationship. That's what we're in for in People We Meet on Vacation, the new Netflix rom-com adapted from author Emily Henry's popular novel and directed by Brett Haley. I had just finished the book before pressing play on the movie, so it was fresh on my mind.
Amanda Seyfried Is Deliciously Unhinged In Paul Feig's Addictive Psychological Thriller
The Housemaid is shamelessly addictive. If you're like me, who deeply and unabashedly enjoyed A Simple Favor, then director Paul Feig's The Housemaid-written by Rebecca Sonnenshine and based on the book by Freida McFadden-is a must-watch. It's a deliciously dramatic psychological thriller that plays on our own biases and sexism.
An Aggressively Average Film That Is Saved By Its Wholesome Sincerity
Despite being set in 2008, Ella McCay feels like it's of a different era-it could easily have been made in the early 1990s. It just looks older than it actually is. And perhaps that's the point considering the film's characters, led by Sex Education's Emma Mackey in the titular role, speak in a way that no contemporary characters-or real people-do. It's almost too idealistic in parts and unabashedly saccharine in others.
The Beast In Me Review: Claire Danes & Matthew Rhys' Sinister Onscreen Friendship Keeps This Compelling Mystery Thriller Going
Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association. The Beast in Me is a study in perception.
All Her Fault Review: Sarah Snook & Dakota Fanning Are Superb In A Mystery Thriller That Masterfully Toyed With My Mind & Emotions
Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association. All Her Fault instantly brings us into the action.
Down Cemetery Road Review: Emma Thompson & Ruth Wilson Are Superb In Apple TV's Exciting, Deliberately Paced Mystery Thriller
Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association. In a series that sees Emma Thompson at the top of her game, how could I not like Down Cemetery Road?
Queens Of The Dead Review: Stylish Zombie Horror Comedy Underwhelms When It Comes To Its Most Important Elements
Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association. Following in the footsteps of her father, the late George A.
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Review: Hulu's Underwhelming Psychological Thriller Needed To Delve Deeper Into Its Intriguing Ideas
Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association.
Is This Thing On? Review: Bradley Cooper's Honest Relationship Dramedy Is A Perfect Blend Of Humor & Heart
Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association. Movies about divorce can be funny yet heartbreaking or wildly dramatic and hard to watch.
TRON: Ares, Roofman, After The Hunt & More: ScreenRant's Review Roundup
Jared Leto in his grid suit in Tron: AresWalt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association.
The Woman In Cabin 10 Review: Keira Knightley Leads A Compelling Psychological Horror That Doesn't Go Overboard
Keira Knightley in The Woman in Cabin 10 Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association.
She Loved Blossoms More Review: Trippy Sci-Fi Horror Is Brimming With Creativity & Style But Not Much Else
Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association. She Loved Blossoms More is a surreal film that is as equally weird as can be interesting.
The Smashing Machine, Shell, Anemone & More: ScreenRant's Review Roundup
Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt in The Smashing Machine Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association.
Play Dirty Review: Mark Wahlberg & A Funny Ensemble Cast Fail To Save This Charmless, Convoluted Action Comedy From Itself
Mark Wahlberg as Parker in Play Dirty Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association. Play Dirty feels like an action comedy pulled from the past.
Anemone Review: Daniel Day-Lewis's Performance Is Far Superior To This Inert Psychological Drama
Mae is the Senior Reviews Editor and Critic at ScreenRant. Her previous work can be found at Inverse, Pajiba, CinemaBlend, The Mary Sue, Looper, and more. She has also served as a film festival juror at SXSW, LightReel Film Festival, and more. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association. Anemone is like recalling a memory; its sharpness dulled by a vagueness that blurs over time.
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