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Netflix's new romantic sci-fi movie gives time travel a charming twist — and it's already cracked the top 10

Netflix's new romantic sci-fi movie gives time travel a charming twist — and it's already cracked the top 10

Yahoo18 hours ago

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Netflix's top 10 movies list is showing a wide mix of genres right now, with Gerard Butler's action-thriller holding the No. 1 spot, a shocking documentary about the OceanGate disaster, and, quite randomly, the meme-heavy 'Bee Movie' creeping its way up.
But amid the usual action flicks and thrillers, a Mexican romantic sci-fi movie caught my attention and it's one I didn't expect to be so charming. 'Our Times' tells the story of a 1960s couple who accidentally time travel to 2025, and the whole premise might sound a bit cheesy (to be honest, it is).
But what surprised me most was how relatable and genuine it felt, even with the sci-fi trappings. While the setting revolves around time travel, the story is about how two people from a very different era try to make sense of a future that's completely alien to them.
Since its release on June 11, it's been steadily climbing Netflix's U.S. charts, cracking the top 10 and holding its ground in the No. 8 spot. So if you're looking for something a little different that still tugs at the heartstrings, this time travel romance might be exactly what you need on your watchlist. Here's everything to know about 'Our Times' on Netflix.
'Our Times' follows Nora (Lucero) and Héctor (Benny Ibarra), a married couple of physicists from 1966 who invent a time machine. When their experiment doesn't go as planned, they find themselves unexpectedly transported decades into the future — the year 2025.
Thrown into a world completely unfamiliar to them, they must navigate modern technology and the challenges of adapting to a time far beyond their own. As they explore this new era, both Nora and Héctor find their relationship being tested in ways they never anticipated.
The story follows their journey as they try to make sense of their situation. With the help of people from the future, they work toward finding a way back to their original time, and then deciding if that's even what they truly want.
Time travel movies usually center around characters trying to fix something (whether it's a personal heartbreak or a full-blown global disaster) by changing the past, but 'Our Times' flips that idea on its head.
Instead of going backward, the characters are thrust into the future, and the story becomes less about rewriting history and more about how they adjust and live in the now. This is what makes the premiere quite refreshing, and I'm glad the movie doesn't want time getting into the meat of the story.
We're first introduced to a brilliant scientist couple from the 1960s who are just as devoted to each other as they are to their work. But when their groundbreaking invention accidentally launches them into the year 2025, their bond is truly tested when one of them begins to thrive in the future, and the other can't wait to get back to the past. As you can probably guess, this sets up some juicy conflict.
Lucero and Ibarra bring a fun, lighthearted energy to their roles as they try to make sense of life in the 2020s. They have some humorous, awkward moments, like struggling to use modern tech or reacting with suspicion to today's fashion trends. But beneath the comedy, there's a more serious undertone: they're both especially struck by how much attitudes around gender roles and sexuality have evolved.
It's then that 'Our Times' starts to peel back the layers of its premise, digging into how people evolve when everything they once knew is upended. And for most of the movie's 90-minute runtime, this messaging works.
The only thing that made this sci-fi flick less effective was the third act. It felt a little hurried and uneven to me, with an ending that didn't quite land emotionally especially after how strong and engaging everything leading up to it was. 'Our Times' could've benefited from being slightly longer to go beyond surface level.
Still, if you can tolerate the weak ending and some occasionally muddled messaging, 'Our Times' is enjoyable enough that it never feels like a chore to watch or like time you'll regret spending.
At the time of writing, 'Our Times' doesn't have a Rotten Tomatoes score yet, but there are reviews from seven critics. Three out of seven are positive, which means this movie has had a pretty mixed reception.
Maddy Casale from Decider said: 'Even if it might be an unsatisfactory ending for some, the ride to get there was entertaining, engaging, and unique enough to make Our Times still feel worth a watch.'
Meanwhile, Polygon's Samantha Nelson stated that 'rather than obsessing over the idea of fixing the past, Our Times is a bittersweet meditation about personal growth and the way relationships shift with circumstances.'
On the other hand, Inverse's John O'Brien said: 'With only 90 minutes at its disposal, Our Times can't go much beyond surface level – this is one of the rare occasions when you wish a Netflix running time had lasted longer.'
Casey Chong from Casey's Movie Mania put it simply: 'A promising Mexican sci-fi rom-com that tries to be different but misses the mark.'
While reviews are mixed, it does seem like viewers are enjoying it. One user said 'its gentle treatment of important issues and avoidance of cliche makes it an enjoyable experience.' Another user claimed it's 'a proper Sunday afternoon feel good movie.'
If you love time travel movies like 'About Time' and 'The Time Traveler's Wife' then you'll probably find something to enjoy in 'Our Times.' This new Netflix movie turned out to be a surprisingly charming watch.
Lucero and Benny Ibarra share a natural, believable chemistry that makes their relationship easy to invest in right from the start. Across the board, the cast delivers strong performances, all backed by detailed sets, convincing effects, and props that really sell the time period.
'Our Times' shows a lot of promise as a new take on the rom-com, but it definitely could have benefited from a stronger script and a more polished storyline (mainly to fix that ending). Regardless, it stands as a bittersweet reflection on how we grow and how relationships evolve when life throws us curveballs.
You can stream 'Our Times' on Netflix now. For more streaming recommendations, see what else is new on Netflix in June 2025.
This new on Netflix action-thriller movie soars to No. 1 spot
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'I Have Zero Straight Men In My Life': Emily Ratajkowski Enters Her Free Era
'I Have Zero Straight Men In My Life': Emily Ratajkowski Enters Her Free Era

Elle

time34 minutes ago

  • Elle

'I Have Zero Straight Men In My Life': Emily Ratajkowski Enters Her Free Era

Photographs by Morgan Maher, Styling by Natasha Wray Emily Ratajkowski might be your favourite woman's favourite woman. You just know a night out with her would be a blast. She can toggle from Joan Didion and political discourse to reality TV and TikTok memes, high fashion and handbags – you're going to have a good time. Indeed, women are at the centre of Ratajowski's universe right now. 'Not centring men is really wonderful,' she tells me. 'In general, in our world, men have somehow filed this space, but what I found instead of it is community.' The 34-year-old model, actor and author of the bestselling essay collection My Body – is sitting in front of a beautifully curated bookshelf in the New York apartment she shares with her four-year-old son Sly. On her T-shirt is an R Crumb illustration of a hairy, naked woman with large breasts doing a handstand. FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE 'I still like men,' she adds. 'I just have zero straight men in my life, unless they're a romantic interest. In the hierarchy of needs, that's at the top of the pyramid, which is nice. [Men are] pleasure and fun, but not a part of my core. The rest of my life is community with other women and queer people, and being a mom.' Having dinner and drinks with these women – one of them being the model and actor Adwoa Aboah – is among her favourite things to do. 'It's so fun to talk sh*t with my friends,' she says, laughing. The pair are going on holiday together this summer and, yes, 'it'll be brat' (Charli xcx is another good friend). Morgan Maher Emily Ratajkowski wears top, £1,100 and shorts, £1,980, both PRADA Aboah and Ratajkowski also appear in this summer's most- anticipated TV show, Lena Dunham's new Netflix series Too Much .Ratajkowski plays Wendy, the model/influencer rebound girlfriend of the lead's ex-boyfriend. It's the first series Dunham has writtenand directed since the iconic Girls ended in 2017, and stars Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe as made-for-each-other lovers navigating the various pressures of their thirties. The hilarious script, brilliant performances from a cast that includes Andrew Rannels, Richard E Grant and Naomi Watts and Dunham's zeitgeisty grip on the neuroses of a generation are sure to make it a huge summer hit. 'Lena leans in to some of the more 'feminine' ways of directing – over communication, consideration of everyone on set. Instead of being this domineering presence, her power lies in grace and in the ability to make everyone feel comfortable,' explains Ratajkowski, who has been friends with Dunham for more than a decade. They met when Ratajkowski first shot to fame after appearing in a Robin Thicke music video, which she later described as a pretty horrific experience: 'I didn't have any real power as the naked girl dancing around,' she wrote in the essay 'Blurred Lines', which was part of her book. 'I was nothing more than the hired mannequin.' Dunham, she tells me, was a welcoming and understanding ally, 'when no one really was, to be honest'. They went on to share drafts of their books and give each other notes. Now, 'it's a really beautiful friendship'. Dunham wrote the part especially for her friend, so Ratajkowski really couldn't turn it down, which is something she often does these days. 'I don't agree to a lot of offers,' she says. It's because she's busy writing and parenting. But also, she adds: 'I really value control. In my twenties, I didn't have a lot of it in my career. Now, I like making things and I like not being an addition to them. 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America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Where is Victoria Kalina now?
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Where is Victoria Kalina now?

Cosmopolitan

time41 minutes ago

  • Cosmopolitan

America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Where is Victoria Kalina now?

If you're anything like us, you've been busy this week watching America's Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The second season of the Netflix docuseries follows another cohort of rookies as they compete to make the cut for a coveted position on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad. And, yep, there's some major drama as the competition gets increasingly cut throat. This series saw some amazing character arcs (we'll forever root for Dayton!) but fans of the show might have been missing a certain someone from season we're talking about Ms Victoria Kalina. So, what has Victoria been up to since season one? And where is she now? We get into it below... Victoria Kalina is a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader who was featured on the first season of America's Sweethearts. She first tried out in 2018, but didn't make the cut. She then joined the squad in 2019, but took a hiatus in the 2021 - 2022 season to cope with her mental health. Before appearing on America's Sweethearts, she was featured in seasons 13, 14 and 15 of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, a show which aired from 2006 to 2021. In total, she spent four years on the squad and followed in the footsteps of her mother, also a former DCC, who was even friends with the DCC director Kelli Finglass. Throughout the show, she was outspoken about her experiences with depression and disordered eating. She emerged as a fan favourite in season one, however, the show saw her walk away and avoid re-auditioning for another year. Cheerleaders can only be a part of the group for a maximum of five years and, ahead of trying out for her final year, Victoria spoke with Kelly and DCC choreographer Judy Trammell about whether she might expect to occupy a leadership position in the squad. However, the duo indicated that this would be unlikely, leading Victoria to not re-audition. Since leaving the show, Victoria has opened up about the difficult decision to Us Weekly. 'In the meeting, y'all saw five minutes of it, but it was an hour and a half. It was what everybody else saw on Netflix, just longer. Since I wasn't hearing what I wanted to hear, I ultimately was going like, 'Well I'm just gonna hang it up on no now.' But I never wanna make a rash decision. I wanted to sit on it. I wanted to get my mom's opinion. And after talking about it with her, she was like, 'No.' As a fifth year going into auditions, I felt like my place on the team was threatened. As a fifth year — I know leadership is not guaranteed — but you wanna go in like feeling cloud nine [so] you can lead these other teammates.' She continued: 'Anyone in any career position, having four years under your belt, you wanna see where you're going, you wanna see growth. So I just decided to put my time and energy elsewhere.' In an interview with The Cut following her departure from the DCC squad, Victoria shared that she was preparing the audition for the Rockettes, a legendary Radio City dance squad. She revealed on Instagram in April 2025 that she was sadly not cast as a Rockette, writing: "This year is a 'not now' for the Rockettes but I can't wait to continue to push this next year and continue to see what other spectacular things unravel in this magical city". Speaking to The Cut last year, Victoria shared that she was teaching private and group dance classes and had moved to New York City. She still appears to be living in NYC and has a robust social media following (499,000 TikTok followers and 461,000 Instagram followers). On her social channels she posts dance videos, and seems to have a particular soft spot for the discography of fellow dance queen Tate McRae. America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is available on Netflix now

I finally binged 'The Bear' to catch up before season 4 — and it's transformed how I watch TV
I finally binged 'The Bear' to catch up before season 4 — and it's transformed how I watch TV

Tom's Guide

time2 hours ago

  • Tom's Guide

I finally binged 'The Bear' to catch up before season 4 — and it's transformed how I watch TV

In the fast-paced world of streaming, the newest releases tend to steal the spotlight. The best streaming services like Max, Netflix, and Disney Plus constantly push their latest shows and movies to the forefront. But that makes it hard to catch up on all the must-watch TV shows if you're not much of a binge-watcher (guilty) or tend to be skeptical of anything that's universally hyped (also guilty). The latter may sound overly cynical (eh, I can be guilty of that too), but you have to understand that, out here near Chicago, people adore "The Bear." They will not shut up about it. The onslaught of "The Bear" recommendations began with literally the first episode, which includes a one-line shoutout about Rockford, where I'm based, that was the talk of the town for weeks. I wish I was exaggerating. Tired of hearing about how much I just have to watch "The Bear," I finally sat down at the start of the month to check out Hulu's Emmy-winning comedy-drama series. With "The Bear" season 4 premiering on June 25, I doubted I'd be able to catch up in time. And I was wrong. Turns out, binge-watching is for me after all — and my sleep schedule already hates me for it. I severely underestimated how bingeable "The Bear" would be. The hype was all well-deserved. Pretty much from the first episode, I was glued to my couch, devouring all three seasons in just a few short weeks. I can already feel you seasoned binge-watchers shaking your heads — that must be a snail's pace by comparison — but like I said, I don't tend to binge-watch shows. Every once in a while, one like "Yellowjackets" gets its hooks into me, but I thought it was the exception rather than the rule. After two or three episodes, my attention span tends to be on its dying legs; meanwhile, my actual legs are itching to get up and do something else after sitting for so long. I prefer savoring series, taking regular breaks to reflect on what happened, sit with the characters' choices for a bit, and appreciate the pacing or overarching themes. Even the juiciest of cliffhangers are rarely enough to convince me to hit "next episode" once I'm tired of watching TV for the day. But "The Bear" has made a binge-watcher out of me yet. While I considered pacing myself, "The Bear" felt almost tailor-made for a binge. Between the short episode lengths (a bite-sized 30 minutes) and the way each installment plays out like a self-contained stage play, I found myself only hungry for more by the time the credits rolled. Set in Chicago, "The Bear" tells the story of fine-dining chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) who returns home to rescue his late brother's floundering restaurant — and it's nothing short of remarkable. The dizzying highs and crushing lows as Carmy whips The Beef into the restaurant he and his brother always dreamed of having are captivating to watch unfold. Part of that secret sauce is how each episode adds new ingredients to play with. Flashbacks that illuminate each character's motivations and struggles. Explosive fights (and there are a lot of those) that reveal more than the characters mean to. Or small moments that add up to heart-wrenching realizations several episodes — or even seasons — later. With its raw, chaotic portrayal of family dynamics and mouth-watering food, I'm not surprised "The Bear's" achieved such cult status. The constant simmer of conflict threatened to burn me out at times, but then a quieter, more reflective episode would reset my palette. I particularly enjoyed season 3's debut episode, "Tomorrow," which completely upended my understanding of who Carmy is with a series of contemplative, devastating flashbacks of his career. I adore it anytime a show makes me fall in love with a character I initially despised, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Cousin Richie is one for the history books. He goes from a complete asshole to an asshole worth cheering for. Beneath the bravado and outbursts, he's grieving, insecure, and trying (however messily) to find his place in a world that's evolving without him. One of my favorite moments in the show so far was seeing him belt out Taylor Swift's "Love Story" in the car after coming into his own in season 2. While there's truly no universal rule for how to watch TV shows, "The Bear" has made me reconsider my stance on binge-watching. As much as I prefer giving stories space to breathe between episodes, I can't deny that "The Bear" was improved by devouring its twists and turns in an insatiable marathon. Binge-watching still isn't my default, but for the right show, it can be the ideal way to experience things.

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