Superman

James Gunn didn't tell us a Superman origin story. He told us what it feels like to lose him. David Corenswet's Clark carries Christopher Reeve's innocent gaze, but beneath his eyes lingers the exhaustion of our era. Rachel Brosnahan's Lois is in love with the man—but even more in love with his ideals. And Krypto… That scruffy creature steals the entire film in his first frame. That dog's unconditional faith in his owner was the purest moment in cinema this year. Luthor's thousand cruelties committed in service of a single 'good' act is the most painful mirror yet held up to today's silicon valley prophets. The film isn't perfect; its pacing stumbles, Guy Gardner's bowl cut unsettles more than it amuses. But that final scene… Clark watching the corrupted message as Jor-El whispers, 'We gave him the freedom to choose who he would become.' That moment forgives every flaw. This isn't a superhero film. It is a father's faith in his child, screamed across two dead planets.