People are craving comfort. Amid what can feel like a state of constant crisis – a layering of traumatic societal events – it can sometimes seem like we’ve lost a sense of scale and cohesion. In the face of this, the desire to retreat into nostalgia is more seductive than ever.

The success of Pixar's animated filmTurning Redsignals a desire for films to take on more diverse social issues with greater on-screen representation. As demands for authentic storytelling grow, brands that employ an intersectional approach can better encompass people's experiences.

Disney’s short filmReflectfeatures its first-ever plus-size heroine, a ballet dancer who struggles with body image and battles her own reflection. As young viewers push for media authenticity, they’re looking for diverse character representations that challenge cultural standards.

Production company A24 is becoming a firm favorite among casual viewers and cinephiles alike, producing indie films and TV with mainstream appeal. Through highly successful releases on a budget and opportunities for fans to signal their insider status, it has acquired a significant cult following.

Between a pandemic, social unrest, and political uncertainty, stress is abundant in everyday life. Yet while some people are escaping the reality of 2020 with light-hearted entertainment, others are indulging in fear-inducing films and TV. Why is horror proving so popular among critics and viewers?