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Lovia Gyarkye

Arts & Culture Critic

Lovia Gyarkye is the Arts and Culture Critic at The Hollywood Reporter, where she reviews film, TV and the occasional Broadway show. Previously, she was an editor at The New York Times‘ monthly print section for kids and a researcher for The New York Times Book Review. Her essays and reviews have been published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vogue and The Nation.

More from Lovia Gyarkye

‘Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)’ Review: Questlove’s Admiring Portrait Gives Sly Stone His Flowers

In his follow-up to 'Summer of Soul,' the award-winning producer explores the legacy of the legendary musician and the challenges faced by Black artists in America.

‘One of Them Days’ Review: Keke Palmer and SZA Make a Rowdily Funny Duo in Issa Rae-Produced Comedy

Two friends race to avoid eviction in this comedy directed by Lawrence Lamont and co-starring Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams, Janelle James and Maude Apatow.

‘From Ground Zero’ Review: In Palestine’s Striking Shortlisted Oscar Entry, Gazans Find Hope Amid Wreckage

The anthology feature, produced by Rashid Masharawi and executive produced by Michael Moore, showcases 22 shorts by filmmakers documenting life in Gaza.

10 Arts and Culture Favorites From 2024

An uproarious revisionist take on history, a charming stop-motion feature and a particularly juicy season of reality television are among the picks by THR’s arts and culture critic.

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Review: Barry Jenkins Can’t Quite Save Disney’s Scattered Prequel

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Blue Ivy Carter and Kelvin Harrison Jr. lend their voices to the "live-action" animated origin story about the young cat (Aaron Pierre) who becomes Simba's royal father.

‘Cult of Love’ Theater Review: Shailene Woodley and Barbie Ferreira Make Their Broadway Debuts in Leslye Headland’s Electric Family Drama

Zachary Quinto and Roberta Colindrez also star in the new play from the creator of 'Russian Doll' and 'The Acolyte,' about the toxic dynamics within a devoutly religious family at Christmastime.

Hollywood Reporter Critics Pick the Best Films of 2024

A heady rush of romantic addiction, a transcendent reflection on community, a searing refugee drama and an empathetic portrait of fury rank among THR film reviewers' favorites of the year.

‘Carry-On’ Review: Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman Face Off in Netflix’s Satisfyingly Tense Airport Thriller

A TSA agent is blackmailed by a shadowy figure trying to get a mysterious package aboard a Christmas Day flight in the latest feature directed by Jaume Collet-Serra ('The Shallows').

‘Waves’ Review: The Czech Republic’s Oscar Entry Is a Thrilling Affirmation of the Importance of Independent Journalism

Inspired by the true story of a Czechoslovakian public radio station, the Jiri Mádl-directed drama centers on two young brothers during the Prague Spring and the aftermath of the Warsaw Pact invasion.

The Hollywood Reporter’s Critics Pick the Best Movie Performances of 2024

THR celebrates the most dazzling screen turns of the year — from a furious Marianne Jean-Baptiste to a kinky Nicole Kidman, a towering Adrien Brody to a magnetic Denzel Washington.

‘Moana 2’ Review: Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson in a Visually Dazzling but Narratively Uninspiring Sequel

Disney Animation's follow-up to its 2016 hit sees its wayfinding heroine assembling a ragtag crew for a dangerous quest to find a lost island, in order to save her own community.

‘Spellbound’ Review: Rachel Zegler and Nicole Kidman in an Animated Netflix Fantasy That Conjures as Much Déjà Vu as Magic

Produced by Skydance Animation's John Lasseter and directed by 'Shrek' co-helmer Vicky Jenson, the musical follows a teenage princess trying to undo the curse that turned her parents into monsters.