Regression – Syndication

Rosalind Eleazar finds the role of a lifetime in Chris Rock's TIFF standout 'Misty Green'

When Rosalind Eleazar first got a breakdown of Chris Rock’s “Misty Green,” it had a stress-inducing description of the character, a strong-headed, self-destructive actor in Los Angeles. It said Misty is a really talented actress. The good news: Eleazar is, and anyone who sees “Misty Green” will be immediately convinced of that fact. The 38-year-old British actor has been a standout on “Slow Horses” and on London stages. But in “Misty Green,” Eleazar’s first lead role in a film, she’s poised for a much bigger breakthrough. The result is plainly one of the best performances of the year, a scintillatingly complex portrait of Hollywood struggle, overflowing with rage and, yes, talent.

Some Democrats are recalibrating their approach to transgender issues as they seek a path to power

An increasing number of Democratic leaders have begun to push back against their party’s unflinching support for the transgender community this midterm season. The shift comes after years of Republican-backed attacks against Democrats on the issue of transgender athletes. That issue affects a relatively small group of people but it has emerged as one of the GOP’s most potent political weapons. It's a delicate and dangerous issue for Democrats, who have already triggered a backlash from their party’s progressive base in some states. But for others, there is a sense that the party must evolve on an issue that the overwhelming majority of voters agree with President Donald Trump on.

The great American road trip, fueled by — and undercut by — the automobile that created it

The road trip holds a special place in Americans' hearts. It evokes images of long drives and iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon or Death Valley. Despite the love we have for the idea of a road trip, most of us opt for cheap air travel or fast interstates when vacationing. Historian Susan Rugh notes that the post-World War II era was the golden age of road trips, with families exploring national parks and historic sites. These were vacations but also served to educate children as citizens. While modern travel prioritizes speed, it's still possible to experience the charm of slower journeys, tolerating the minor inconveniences in exchange for the delight of unexpected discoveries.