“Birth/Rebirth” (IFC/Shudder), the feature-length debut from Laura Moss (who also co-wrote the screenplay), puts a distinctively female spin on the reanimator concept. We watch as an unlikely bond develops between a socially awkward pathologist name Rose (Marin Ireland) and OB nurse Celie (Judy Reyes), all in the name of love and science.

Even the best cooks and bakers among us know that not every attempt at food preparation turns out to be the way it was intended. Part essay collection/part cookbook, writer and creative-director Alison Riley’s “Recipe for Disaster: 40 Superstar Stories of Sustenance and Survival” (Chronicle Books, 2023) folds in humorous and heartfelt tales to satisfy almost every appetite.

Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent are what it takes to make it on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but Canadian queen Jimbo has, once again, changed the game entirely.

Magic, murder, betrayal, and more betrayal are what Rebecca Mix wanted to include in "The Ones We Burn."

“The Pod Generation” (Roadside Attractions) is a good example of a high-concept movie that runs out of juice just as it’s about to say something profound. It wants to be edgy but it’s dull. It also can’t decide if it’s meant to be funny or serious and ends up being neither.

These days, it seems that gay romcoms are as prevalent as right-wing religious fanatics protesting said movies. There is even a preponderance of gay Christmas movies.