Isabella Trimboli

Isabella Trimboli is a writer who has contributed to publications such as The Nation, Times Literary Supplement, n+1, New Left Review and Metrograph Journal, among others. She is a current MFA candidate at New York University.

Outlets: Metrograph Journal, The Nation, HEAT.

Instagram: @isabella.trimboli

Website: isabella--trimboli.com

Location: New York City

Movie location I call home: The burning dragon amusement ride in Le Pont Du Nord.

What was the film or experience that made you want to write about the screen? Seeing Rik Mayall’s head get flattened in Drop Dead Fred as a kid. 

What do you think are the major issues facing contemporary film criticism? The destruction and hollowing-out of arts publications. 

How can film criticism stay vital in 2026? Critics need to refuse to write the inane blabber that AI could produce, and instead put their energies into crafting beautiful, strange sentences.

What’s one piece of advice that you’d give an emerging critic today? Do as much research on the subject you are writing about as you can and tunnel into your freakish interests.

Who’s a critic that has inspired you? Gary Indiana

Who’s a critic that everyone should be reading right now? Beatrice Loyaza

What’s the best thing you’ve seen this year so far? Boris Barnet’s By the Bluest of Seas

What’s your MIFF 2026 theme music? ‘Station to Station’ (from Christiane F.) – David Bowie