Wed Dec 24 23:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Defector Staff Reveal Their Favorite Cultural Moments of 2025

NEW YORK, NY – December 23, 2025 (10:54 AM EST) – As the year draws to a close, the staff at Defector, the collectively owned sports and culture blog, have shared their most memorable art and entertainment experiences of 2025. From critically acclaimed films to immersive art installations, the Defector team showcased a diverse range of cultural highlights.

David Roth lauded Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love” and Carson Lund’s baseball film “Eephus” for their unique ability to capture fleeting moments and the passage of time. Patrick Redford praised Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” for its unique spin on the vampire genre, while Alex Sujong Laughlin reminisced about the “Secret Mall Apartment” art installation in Providence.

Lauren Theisen explored the surreal world of David Lynch through retrospectives following the director’s death, while Luis Paez-Pumar was impressed by the long awaited “28 Years Later” and its fresh take on the zombie apocalypse. Kathryn Xu appreciated the raw emotionality in Sasha Gordon’s paintings at David Zwirner studios, and Drew Magary highlighted a powerful scene in “Andor” for its minimalist approach and stellar acting.

Ray Ratto praised “Ludwig,” a crime-solving series starring David Mitchell, while Justin Ellis was blown away by Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another.” Kelsey McKinney was profoundly moved by Terrence Malick’s “Days of Heaven,” and Sabrina Imbler found solace and inspiration in Raúl de Nieves’s “In Light of Innocence” installation.

Israel Daramola remembered the power of experiencing “Twin Peaks: The Return” on the big screen, following David Lynch’s death. Giri Nathan recounted the profound impact of seeing “One Battle After Another” as a new parent, and Barry Petchesky offered a concise review of the animated film “Flow.”

These selections offer a glimpse into the diverse tastes and perspectives of the Defector staff, reflecting a year filled with impactful and thought-provoking artistic experiences.

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