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Kogonada Tries an Experimental Movie After His Big Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell Flop

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Michelle Mao in zi

With his first two films, Kogonada created a style for himself that felt just right, telling stories that managed to be light, yet powerful. 2017’s Columbus and 2021’s After Yang were soulful and simple, but exquisitely crafted and emotionally wrecking. Even his video essays on different filmmakers like Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Stanley Kubrick, and many other filmmakers with distinct styles still managed to capture his own flourishes and talents.

But last year, Kogonada took a shot at something more mainstream with A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie. This romantic fantasy, which wasn’t written by him, felt like Kogonada trying to bring his specific style into a narrative that didn’t quite match his tone. The movie was a curious failure, and a film that felt like Kogonada trying to stretch himself and losing a bit of himself in the process.

Finding himself exhausted by the logistics of making a bigger film, Kogonada went to Hong Kong with a few friends after the opening of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, and in just three weeks, they made the film zi. Almost as though Kogonada was actively attempting to fight back against the last film he made, zi was made with an incredibly small team, shot spontaneously, and trying to build the story as they went along. The result is a film that feels like Kogonada attempting to get back to where he once was before A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, but with a movie that feels more like an experiment than anything else.

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Kogonada’s Latest Is More Ephemeral Than Most of His Movies

Michelle Mao in zi
Michelle Mao in zi
Image via Sundance

Set in Hong Kong, we meet Zi (Michelle Mao), a woman who keeps having visions of her future self that she can’t escape. Zi is waiting for the result of a scan, and is struggling with the uncertainty of what’s going on when she meets L (played by Kogonada favorite, Haley Lu Richardson), who offers to help her. We also find that these two are being followed by Min (Jin Ha), who we discover had a decade-long relationship with L, and since he works at the neurology center Zi was observed at, it seems he knows more than he lets on about what’s going on in Zi’s head.

Kogonada’s films usually take their time, quiet pieces that feel impeccably structured and regimented, yet zi is decidedly bucking that trend. There’s an intentionally ephemeral quality to the story, as though all of this could be a dream, or it could all be a hazy reality. Because of that, it certainly owes plenty to Wong Kar-wai, who also frequently films without a clear idea of where the story is going. Unfortunately, that doesn’t entirely work as well here as it does with Wong Kar-wai, with a story that slides through your fingers just when it seems like you’ve found something to grasp onto.

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Because of that, zi isn’t what you’d call a return to form for Kogonada, but rather, somewhat of a reset artistically for the writer-director-editor. Zi is a character presented as lost, confused in her life, and especially unsure about what she keeps seeing as her future self that keeps coming into her field of view. It’s hard not to see this as symbolic of what Kogonada must be feeling now as a filmmaker, uncertain of his future, unsure of where to go, but desperately searching for answers. It’s also a film that’s likely more intriguing for its meta-narrative than for the story that was obviously being made up on the spot as Kogonada’s team went.

‘zi’ Feels Like Kogonada Is Trying To Find His Love for Filmmaking Again

Jin Ha and Haley Lu Richardson in zi
Jin Ha and Haley Lu Richardson in zi
Image via Sundance

In a way, zi does feel like Kogonada falling in love with filmmaking again through this experimental process, and in doing so, he’s sticking with a small team of people he obviously trusts. His cast and crew are all producers on this project, and it does feel like an effort of love. Richardson is never better than when she’s in Kogonada’s camera, and she’s a burst of life in this story. Mao is decent as a character we can’t quite pin down and of which we don’t get many solid answers about, while Jin Ha as Min is best when he’s put alongside Richardson and reckoning with their recent relationship that fell apart — yet frustrating as a character who has answers that he refuses to share about what’s going on.

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Kogonada also brought along his After Yang and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey cinematographer Benjamin Loeb, who makes Zi’s foggy world come to life in beautiful, confusing ways, while the soundtrack mostly relies on the music of Ryuichi Sakamoto, who the film is dedicated to. As an aesthetic piece, zi is undoubtedly successful, and even when the story is hard to parse, it’s hard to not get wrapped up in the pleasing sights and sounds of what Kogonada is going for.

Jake looking intently at something off-camera in After Yang


The Director Behind ‘The Acolyte’ Episode 3 Made One of the Best Sci-Fi Films of the 2020s

Kogonada’s 2022 film is brilliant a examination of living with modern technology.

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But again, zi is a film that is more of an experiment than a movie, and that’s what ultimately hurts it. We can feel the run-and-gun nature of this story in every scene, the unclear direction that’s obviously being made up on the spot, and the performances that don’t quite know what to play because they don’t know enough about their characters. zi almost comes off like a mood board for a potential Kogonada film more than a concrete Kogonada film. Every once in a while, zi seems like it’s moving forward to finding the structure it so desperately needs, close to latching onto some semblance of narrative that we can fully connect with, but it soon fades away like a passing vision. Like Zi, we watch the film searching for answers and clarity that never come.

Even though zi isn’t quite the powerhouse of independent cinema that films like Columbus and After Yang were, it does feel like the work that Kogonada needed to do in order to right his sails and figure out where to go next. zi is essentially a cinematic palette cleanser for the filmmaker, and while it’s interesting to watch him work through his issues after the failure of his last film, and hopefully, fall back in love with film, it’s just not entirely there. At the beginning of zi, the title character asks if she’ll be lost forever. With zi, Kogonada proves that he’s no longer lost, but he’s at least on the right track to finding where he needs to be.

zi premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.


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Release Date

January 24, 2026

Runtime
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99 Minutes

Director

Kogonada

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Writers

Kogonada

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Producers

Kogonada, Michelle Mao, Jin Ha, Haley Lu Richardson, Christopher Radcliff, Benjamin Loeb

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Cast

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Pros & Cons
  • Kogonada’s latest is an aesthetically pleasing experiment.
  • The three main characters are intriguing, if a bit underwritten.
  • This is also more experiment than movie.
  • You can tell this story was made on the fly, rather than working with an actual script.
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A curling match at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games was affected briefly.

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‘ANTM’ Model Blasts Tyra Banks As A ‘Narcissist’ And ‘Slimy Snake’

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Tyra Banks, Netflix.

Former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant Lisa D’Amato isn’t holding back when it comes to Tyra Banks, branding the iconic supermodel a “narcissist” and firing off warnings about the upcoming Netflix docuseries exploring the show’s place in pop culture history.

Banks has been under fire since audiences began rewatching old seasons of “America’s Next Top Model” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many social media users called Banks and the producers out for often featuring problematic challenges and for harshly criticizing the contestants’ bodies and personal features.

In the new Netflix docuseries “Reality Check,” Tyra Banks admitted she went “too far” but seemed to place some of the blame for the show’s outrageous antics on its fans, which led to even more pushback across platforms.

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Former ‘ANTM’ Contestant Slams ‘Narcissist’ Tyra Banks For Being A ‘Slimy Little Snake’

Speaking with TMZ, “America’s Next Top Model” winner Lisa D’Amato warned potential viewers of “Reality Check” that Banks is a producer on the upcoming series and will try to “soften the truth” of what really went on behind the scenes.

While Banks is not listed as a producer, D’Amato said, “She’s a producer,” before branding her a “narcissist” who won’t take real accountability for the harm she’s allegedly caused people because she doesn’t know how.

“If she was really upset about it, then she wouldn’t still be making millions of dollars because this same franchise is still be licensed in other countries around the globe,” D’Amato said.

And her bold comments didn’t stop there. She went further, blasting Banks as a “slimy little snake.”

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D’Amato Says Tyra Banks Rushed To Release Netflix Series Ahead Of Upcoming Tell-All On Rival Network

Tyra Banks, Netflix.
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Elsewhere during her conversation with TMZ, D’Amato claimed the only reason Banks inked a deal with Netflix was that the former Victoria’s Secret model allegedly caught wind that she and other “ANTM” contestants had signed on to be part of a tell-all on the E! Network in March 2026.

D’Amato said the two productions would differ. Netflix would likely focus on on-camera behavior, whereas the E! network would focus on the “psychological warfare that they did to us behind the scenes.”

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Tyra Banks Finally Opens Up About ‘ANTM’ Backlash In Netflix Docuseries

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According to The Blast, Banks will star in “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” premiering on February 16, 2026. The series is said to be reflecting on the modeling competition show’s “complicated history.”

In the teaser, Banks addresses some of the backlash, admitting that she “knew I went too far.” She added, “It was very, very intense, but you guys were demanding it, so we kept pushing it, more and more and more.”

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“Reality Check” is directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan—filmmakers known for their work on the streamer’s “American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden”—and will feature Banks, co-creator Ken Mok, and former judges and contestants.

Social media users clapped back at Banks online after hearing her above comments, accusing the TV personality of “gaslighting.”

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Another ‘ANTM’ Contestant Comments On ‘Reality Check’

Tyra Banks is seen at the Daily Show with Trevor Noah in NYC in 2018
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Season 1 winner Adrianne Curry, however, had different feelings about the series, according to The Blast.

In a social media post, the former reality star called the pushback against Banks and the reality series “absurd.”

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She expressed her gratitude for the series and blasted people for “psychoanalyzing” the show “over 20 years later.”

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Middle School Counselor Dead After Inappropriate Messages Sent to Teen

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A middle school counselor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been found dead after he was accused of allegedly inappropriately messaging a former 14-year-old student.

Police confirmed that Quinton Dixon was found dead at the age of 44 of an apparent suicide in an unused building at Glen Oaks Middle School on January 28, according to People.

Dixon’s death came two weeks after he had been placed on administrative leave from his job at Westdale Middle Magnet School. While he was on leave, an investigation was launched into the allegations made against him.

In January, he was accused of messaging the teenage girl via Instagram between November 2025 and January 2026.

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A warrant was filed in late January for his arrest on four counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, according to court records viewed by People.

The girl recounted to police that she came into contact with an adult male counselor from her former middle school. She said that he stopped his car next to hers and told her she looked familiar. She then told police that they briefly spoke before he asked her for her phone number or Instagram profile.

After she shared her Instagram information, she said she started to receive likes and messages from the man on Instagram.

The girl also told police that the man’s name was Dixon, adding that he said he coached the football team at the high school she is currently a student at. The victim also told police that Dixon allegedly called her “fire” and that he never forgot about her after she graduated from middle school.

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Police investigated the messages exchanged between Dixon and the student, which they characterized as being “consistent with grooming behavior in pursuit of an intimate relationship with the minor victim,” according to the warrant.

The warrant added that Dixon likely started talking to the girl on November 10, 2025, when he allegedly asked her about her sexual orientation in response to a photo of her with a female friend. The warrant also alleged that he asked the girl where she lives and offered to give her a ride home several times.

Following Dixon’s death, a spokesperson for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System told WBRZ that they were aware of the employee’s passing.

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The attorney for missing Virginia high school football coach Travis Turner addressed the charges of child pornography and solicitation levied against him amid his disappearance. “We remain prayerful for his safe return and for everyone affected by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance,” attorney Adrian Collins said in a statement on behalf of the Turner family […]

“We extend our condolences to the school community, family and loved ones as they process this information during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said in the statement.

Redell Norman, who attended Glen Oaks and coached football with Dixon, also opened up about his passing.

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“It’s unfortunate the circumstances of his untimely demise, but yes, I did know him and the situation is just so unfortunate, we just got to pray for everybody,” he told the outlet.

Meanwhile, a resident of the area said that the situation as a whole was upsetting. “It’s tragic all the way around, something that you really can’t explain about,” the person said.

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The Baton Rouge Police Department did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding Dixon’s arrest.

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Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi Attend ‘Wuthering Heights’ London Premiere

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Travis Kelce Hints At Very Boozy Nuptials With Taylor Swift

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Attend Karen Elson Wedding

Travis Kelce has shared a rare insight into his wedding plans with popstar Taylor Swift, saying that his wedding reception will be filled with a lot of drinking.

The NFL star and the Grammy-winning singer are expected to walk down the aisle soon, but details about the day or event proceedings remain scarce.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Taylor Swift has already asked some of her famous friends and A-list stars to join her bridal train.

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There Will Be A Lot Of ‘Garage Beer’ At Travis Kelce And Taylor Swift’s Wedding Reception, NFL Star Reveals

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Attend Karen Elson Wedding
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Not much is known about the upcoming nuptials between Kelce and Swift, but the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end has now weighed in on what can be expected.

The lovebirds started dating in the summer of 2023 and got engaged in an intimate manner in August of last year.

They’ve remained low-key on their wedding plans ever since then as the football star endured a disappointing season with the Chiefs.

While entering the venue for his “New Heights” podcast’s Super Bowl party on Wednesday, Kelce implied that there would be a massive amount of beer at his and Swift’s wedding after being asked by a TMZ reporter, “How many kegs of Garage Beer will be at that reception?”

In response, he said, “Man, I can’t even count that high.”

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Kelce and his brother, Jason, co-own the brand, Garage Beer, which has taken the liquor world by storm since its release.

Later that evening, the Chiefs star got friendly with fans who camped outside the venue, cracking jokes about his golf skills and signing autographs.

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The Singer Is Trying To Put Travis Kelce In A ‘Better Mood’ Following His Disappointing Season

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce celebrate Chiefs Super Bowl
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Kelce taking part in the pre-Super Bowl festivities seems a little bit off, as he’s used to playing football’s biggest game over the last couple of years.

He and his teammates at the Kansas City Chiefs have appeared in five Super Bowls since 2019 and have been victorious in three: LIV, LVII, and LVIII.

However, this season was quite a disappointing one for his team as they endured a run of dismal performance, which eventually led to rumors about the football star’s retirement.

Due to the Chief’s loss, reports suggested that Kelce and Swift were facing their “first real test” in their relationship as uncertainty around the football player’s future continues to raise eyebrows, prompting the “Bad  Blood” singer to shift focus away from the wedding plans.

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An insider told the Daily Mail that Swift is “trying to put him in a better mood by spending more time with him and not bombarding him with wedding plans.”

They added: “She would want him to focus on [the wedding] after he makes his career decision because she knows how important that is to him.”

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Taylor Swift Sees This Phase As Their ‘First Real Test’

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce celebrate Chiefs Super Bowl
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The couple has remained supportive of each other since they went public with their romance a couple of years ago.

Kelce has previously joined in to support her on her Eras world tour, while she has returned the favor several times as she joined other fans to cheer him up at the games.

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However, the insider went further to add that the “Fate Of Ophelia” singer sees this phase as the “first real test of their relationship,” and is seemingly putting effort into keeping things Rock solid.

Kelce is expected to make a decision on his future soon, but the insider shared that he may ultimately decide to return as he misses taking to the pitch.

“He is used to still be playing, and he is missing not being on the field,” the source explained.

“We will know a few weeks after the Super Bowl if he will be returning or not. That is his timeline that he has set to make a decision to play one more year or not,” the insider added.

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The Singer Is Gradually Building Bridal Train

Taylor Swift
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Meanwhile, the Grammy winner has reportedly been making plans behind the scenes on how she wants to turn out and what she wants her big day to look like.

Reports claim the singer has already extended an invitation to her model friend Gigi Hadid to join her bridal train, and she was “thrilled” about it. She has also invited singer and friend Selena Gomez, who recently tied the knot with lover Benny Blanco.

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Noah Kahan Is Giving Fans the Chance to Attend a Listening Party (and Win Prizes), Thanks to Mastercard

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Noah Kahan Is Giving Fans the Chance to Attend a Listening Party (and Win Prizes), Thanks to Mastercard

Music lovers, rejoice! Noah Kahan teamed up with Mastercard to debut his official music video for his latest single, “The Great Divide,” during a 2026 GRAMMY Awards commercial break in Los Angeles, California, on Feb. 1.

Not only did fans get a look at the emotional music video ahead of his forthcoming album, dropping Friday, April 24, but now they’re getting the chance to experience the music live – both through Mastercard Priceless Experiences with Kahan and on The Great Divide Tour kicking off Thursday, June 11.

To celebrate, Mastercard launched a sweepstakes, encouraging eligible cardholders to find as many Easter Eggs as possible in the music video for a chance to attend an intimate album listening party with Kahan in Nashville, Tennessee, or a Priceless Experience to his summer tour inspired by The Mastercard Collection, a global suite of elevated dining, entertainment, and travel benefits. Be sure to check out priceless.com/noahkahansweeps today for more – the sweepstakes ends Feb. 11.

“’The Great Divide’ has taken on a life of its own because of the fans,” he said in a press release.

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“This partnership with Mastercard felt like a natural way to honor that connection and turn it into something we can experience together. From the video to the moments we’re creating, it’s all about celebrating the community that’s been there from the start,” the songwriter added.

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And Kahan is just as excited about what’s ahead.

On the GRAMMYs red carpet, the hitmaker told ET’s Kevin Frazier, “It’s gonna bring a lot of really, really cool opportunities to fans to get closer to the music process.”

This includes hearing more about what inspired the heartfelt track.

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“The song is about two people who are friends, but there’s a lot of distance between them. … I’m really happy to see people connecting with it and finding their own people in their lives that they wish they could reach out to as well,” he told ET.

“I’ve worked really hard to make this music as emotional as possible and have as much representation of where I am in my life and I hope they feel that too, he continued.

Christopher Polk/@polkimaging

And even if you don’t snag one of the sweepstakes prizes, you can still join the fun. Mastercard is giving World Elite and World Legend Mastercard (TM) cardholders special access through The Mastercard Collection to Preferred and VIP tickets for Kahan’s summer tour beginning Feb. 12.

For official rules and to enter the sweepstakes, ending on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, visit priceless.com/noahkahansweeps. No purchase is necessary to participate. Open to Mastercard cardholders prior to 2/2/26 who are permanent legal residents of 50 US/DC & legal age of majority.

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