Yes, Bridgerton does mirror real life with its diverse cast. Here’s the history.

Exploring the real-life inspiration for a multiracial society in the hit Regency romance

Some commentators criticize Bridgerton for its racially diverse representation of the upper classes in 19th-century London. But An Nichols, who knows the real history, loves this aspect of the show.

An Nichols

Feb 03, 2026 · Essays · 6 minute read

The BSR February 2026 repertory movie roundup

John Waters, Gaslight, and obsessive love at the Film Society

Films for Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and more populate February screenings. Stephen Silver rounds up.

Stephen Silver

Jan 27, 2026 · Previews · 5 minute read

Earth’s Greatest Enemy gets its Philly premiere at a Fallser Club screening on January 28

A new documentary identifies the US military as the world’s largest polluter

Journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin will attend the Philly premiere of her new documentary about the US military’s ecological impact, Earth’s Greatest Enemy, at the Fallser Club on Wednesday, January 28. Adryan Corcione learns more.

Adryan Corcione

Jan 19, 2026 · Features · 4 minute read

The BSR January 2026 repertory movie roundup

Zohran’s mom, more David Lynch, and a Rob Reiner classic

Philadelphia Film Society celebrates Mira Nair, more David Lynch, and a screening of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Stephen Silver previews.

Stephen Silver

Jan 07, 2026 · Previews · 6 minute read

The BSR December 2025 repertory movie roundup

It’s a Wonderful Whole Bloody Affair Life

A special screening of the Kill Bill duology, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Shining, and the holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life screen in the Philly area. Stephen Silver previews.

Stephen Silver

Dec 02, 2025 · Previews · 4 minute read

Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Festival presents Lost Cause, All God’s Children, and Fantasy Life

An ambitious lineup of documentaries, drama, comedy, and more

The 2025 Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Festival imagines Stephen Miller’s Yom Kippur, explores dialogue between a Black church and a synagogue, and evokes Woody Allen with a twist. Stephen Silver reviews.

Stephen Silver

Nov 18, 2025 · Reviews · 5 minute read

Previewing the 45th Annual Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Festival

Since Adam bit the apple

The Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Festival is back, tackling themes of cultural tension, traditions, and wrestling with assimilation. Lisa Grunberger previews.

Lisa Grunberger

Nov 12, 2025 · Previews · 2 minute read

Journey Arts presents MIWA | Talie and Lunise Cerin

A multidisciplinary exploration of Haitian American experiences

MIWA, created by two Haitian American sisters, is a film and music experience running this weekend. John Morrison previews.

John Morrison

Nov 05, 2025 · Previews · 2 minute read

The BSR November 2025 repertory movie roundup

Twin Peaks, Heathers, Glengarry Glen Ross, and more

More from the Film Society's David Lynch retrospective, Heathers in 16mm, and more. Stephen Silver previews November movies.

Stephen Silver

Oct 29, 2025 · Previews · 5 minute read

The 2025 Philadelphia Film Festival opens with Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Director Rian Johnson joins his new mystery at the revamped Film Society Center

The 34th Philadelphia Film Festival kicked off on Thursday, October 16, at the newly renovated Film Society Center and runs through Sunday, October 26. Stephen Silver reviews the opening-night film, Wake Up Dead Man.

Stephen Silver

Oct 20, 2025 · Reviews · 4 minute read