5 Criterion Closet Picks to See in Case Lav Diaz Gets His Own Episode

Here are five standout episodes of Criterion’s iconic “Closet Picks” series, featuring memorable appearances from Ayo Edebiri, Cillian Murphy, and Filipino filmmaker Isabel Sandoval. While cinephiles await a possible release of Lav Diaz’s second visit to the Criterion Closet, these highlights remind us why the series remains beloved among film fans.

Lav Diaz’s Second Visit

Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz visited the Criterion Closet for the second time in October, following his first appearance in 2023. Although the footage from this visit has not been released, Criterion confirmed his selections: David Lynch’s Lost Highway, Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï, and box sets Letters from Fontainhas: Three Films by Pedro Costa and Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema.

“More to come,” Criterion teased, hinting at a potential “Closet Picks” video featuring Diaz.

Ayo Edebiri’s Playful Enthusiasm

Comedian and actor Ayo Edebiri brings infectious energy to her episode, exploring the shelves like a kid in a candy store.

“Thank you, Criterion, for letting me in the closet. I was disgustingly greedy,” she admits with good humor at the video’s close.

Her picks traverse a wide range of styles and emotions:

High and Low by Akira Kurosawa — for its sharp precision
Charade by Stanley Donen — for its elegant charm
The Funeral by Juzo Itami — for its biting satire
To Sleep with Anger by Charles Burnett — for its dark humor and surreal tone

Cinema’s Favorite Room

The Criterion Closet continues to captivate viewers by offering an intimate glimpse into filmmakers’ inspirations and cinematic obsessions. Each episode blends personal taste with film history, celebrating cinema’s past and present through passionate curation.

Author’s Summary

The Criterion Closet celebrates filmmaker passions through intimate selections — Lav Diaz, Ayo Edebiri, and others show how cinephiles turn admiration into artful discovery.

Rolling Stone Philippines — 2025-11-04