Shania Russell
Latest articles by Shania Russell
![Irene and Clare walk side by side in Passing.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2S5Qa9PdqPmdAMTjfo25rG-320-80.jpg)
‘Passing’ review: a poetic and restrained study of race and identity
By Shania Russell last updated
Passing uses evocative lyricism and its top-notch cast to explore nuanced themes of race and acceptance.
![Candyman animation from Nia DaCosta's 'Candyman'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/54zGYgFagbcPjge7jhY4wM-320-80.png)
‘Candyman’ Review: A haunting reclamation that leaves no ground unsettled.
By Shania Russell published
Candyman…Candyman…Candyma—
![Daenerys riding her dragon in Game of Thrones](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xS9F5puQHQn5FsanZoTzR6-320-80.jpeg)
Every 'Game of Thrones' spin-off in the works right now
By Shania Russell published
After loudly airing their grievances about the final season, fans were content to let Game of Thrones fade into the past. But HBO is less willing to let the property go quietly.
![Harry Shum Jr. in Broadcast Signal Intrusion](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uuhGsxxMrbpk44AJtHA6An-320-80.jpeg)
SXSW 2021 Review: Follow ‘Broadcast Signal Intrusion’ down a winding rabbit hole
By Shania Russell published
Who doesn’t love a good mystery?
![Rickey Wilson Jr. "Tony Michaels" and Shannon DeVido "Sage"' in Best Summer Ever](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GuMLHvsoqcBCwAixPf2RSV-320-80.jpeg)
SXSW 2021 Review: ‘Best Summer Ever’ is guaranteed to put a smile on your face
By Shania Russell published
If High School Musical and Grease had a very campy baby.
![Jeffery Robinson with civil rights activist and lawyer Faya Ora Rose Touré and Senator Henry "Hank" Sanders on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jCYq6FFQskw28jN9gjeVU5-320-80.jpeg)
SXSW 2021 Review: ‘Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America’ is a powerful call to action
By Shania Russell published
An extensive look at the history of anti-Black racism in America and our collective responsibility to overcome it.
![Demi Lovato sits, staring straight into the camera](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bZCqkmrAVAKdYLUGtFt3t3-320-80.jpeg)
SXSW 2021 Review: The brutal honesty of ‘Demi Lovato: Dancing With The Devil’
By Shania Russell last updated
Demi’s story reflects how tragedy is so much bigger than a single person.
![Ludi sits on the bus, staring forward](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e8KtMuW59UN4dz9z54qPDL-320-80.png)
SXSW 2021 Review: ‘Ludi’ is equal parts beautiful and tragic
By Shania Russell published
Ludi thrives in the intimacy of the world it creates.
![Antônio and Capitu surrounded by a crowd](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZvbtMTmwt9k8K9XXuTRYFQ-320-80.jpg)
SXSW 2021 Review: ‘Executive Order’ is undeniably urgent
By Shania Russell published
Dystopia is well within reach.
![Joshua (Rogelio Balgatas) on the phone, under a painting of Jesus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HgRYXGU2dnfS82JuudF3KB-320-80.jpg)
SXSW 2021 Review: ‘Islands’ beautifully reflects our fears of loneliness
By Shania Russell published
Grappling with the looming weight of the future, Islands is an insightful examination of our collective fear of loneliness.
![Rodrigo sits in front of a fire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Dkd5Sa9VqaQBiAmoKVHYYS-320-80.jpg)
Reel Love Fest: ‘Summer White’ is an aching emotional journey
By Shania Russell published
Summer White begins with the click of a lighter. A bright flame flickers on screen, spreading an ominous warmth and providing our first look at young protagonist Rodrigo.
![Milo and Roger touch each others lips.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LeAVwfQUEeZbWJugypsjJM-320-80.jpg)
Reel Love Fest: ‘Milkwater’ balances light comedy and emotional depth
By Shania Russell published
A tender exploration of friendship and personal growth.
![Bella poses on a raft in the pool](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rwSoBgnG5cUUmSVwq4wZpR-320-80.jpg)
Sundance 2021 Review: In ‘Pleasure’ discomfort becomes tangible
By Shania Russell last updated
Pleasure is a candid exploration of the LA porn industry with keen commentary on the nature of consent and the complex power dynamics that permeate porn’s production.
![The storyteller, surrounded by his audience](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MXyiChCm5r8eiUU2QHxNFS-320-80.jpg)
Sundance 2021 Review: ‘Night of the Kings’ is a love letter to storytelling
By Shania Russell published
Night of the Kings is a love letter to storytelling, with a simple yet fascinating premise. You can get a little lost in the dual narrative, but it's worth being transported to a beautiful new world.
Get the What to Watch Newsletter
The latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more!