J. Lo’s New Movie Takes an Unexpected Twist with a Familiar Sci-Fi Theme

Atlas is now streaming on Netflix, and Jennifer Lopez's new movie oddly flips the concept of another sci-fi film that debuted five years ago. Lopez takes on the role of a counterterrorism analyst in Atlas, and her title character is forced to grapple with the nuances of artificial intelligence throughout the film. Despite living in a technologically advanced future, Atlas Shepherd remains extremely skeptical of AI. It doesn't help that she's hunting down an AI terrorist named Harlan (played by Shang-Chi's Simu Liu), who once belonged to her family and was raised alongside her.

Lopez's character is bent on finding and destroying Harlan, but she winds up utilizing an AI-powered mech suit named Smith in order to act out her mission. Through its title character's journey, Atlas offers a poignant commentary on AI technology — one that feels all too relevant at the time of its release. Part of its premise also feels reminiscent of another sci-fi movie that premiered on Netflix five years ago. However, it reverses the key roles of that project, making for an interesting comparison.

Jennifer Lopez's Atlas Flips 2019's I Am Mother

Both Feature Parent-Child Relationships Between AI & Humans

Atlas' Harlan storyline flips the concept of another one of Netflix's sci-fi movies: I Am Mother. I Am Mother debuted back in 2019, and the film explored a parental bond between a robot and a human, much like Atlas. However, while Atlas sees a human treating an AI like her son, I Am Mother follows a robot raising a human child. In I Am Mother, the robot is tasked with repopulating the Earth after humanity's demise. However, its lies and manipulation are exposed throughout the film, raising questions about whether humans and AI can truly have bonds amid clashing goals.

This theme also runs throughout Atlas, as Harlan comes to betray the woman who raises him. The scenario surrounding the movie's villain feels like the reverse of I Am Mother, even if the rest of the story differs from Netflix's 2019 sci-fi film. I Am Mother also fared much better critically despite featuring similar themes. While I Am Mother currently has a critic score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, Atlas has gotten a "rotten" score that is one of Lopez's lowest.

Why I Am Mother Got Such Good Reviews

The Themes Were Elevated By Suspense & Twists

I Am Mother got excellent reviews after its 2019 release, and the Netflix movie's suspenseful narrative and thrilling twists are at least partly to blame. Numerous Rotten Tomatoes reviews cite these as strengths, and there's no denying that the film takes viewers on a wild ride. The themes of the sci-fi movie are also thoughtful and well conveyed, making for an interesting reflection on technology and the relationship humans have with it. While Atlas sparks a similar conversation, it doesn't seem to be hitting viewers nearly as hard. Perhaps that will change once the film has been out longer.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.

The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026.

Pistola Kinsley Flare Jeans

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

Spanx SpanxSculpt ReDefine Flare Jeans

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

Clooney opted for a pair of medium-wash jeans with subtle fading (another Y2K reference, IMO). Her blues had an ultra-high waist—so high, in fact, that they appeared to hit at the ribcage. It’s the complete opposite of the controversial low-rise denim, so it’s a possible sign that the high-high waist is coming back, too. Not to mention, Clooney’s jeans had a slightly oversized fit from the thighs to the ankles, but it’s that flared hem that has all my attention; it’s taking me back to my middle school days when I’d wear my True Religion flares every single day. (No joke.)

Gap High-Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

Mother The Weekender Jeans

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

It’s undeniable that Clooney’s jeans have that nostalgic flair (ahem, flare, wink, wink), but it’s also undeniable that celebs are clamoring to the style because it’s incredibly flattering. The blues basically act like an optical illusion, making legs look super long, especially when paired with a style that has an extra-long hemline and sky-high platforms á la Lopez; the singer is 5-feet-5-inches, but don’t you agree with me that she looks way taller in these jeans? Yeah, that’s thanks to the flares. The flare hem and longer inseams help create the look of legs for days, but add in a high-waisted cut, platform heels, and a crop top, and you’ll fool people into thinking you’re inches taller.

Leg-elongating factor aside, there’s no denying that flares are fun and nostalgia-inducing—and that’s exactly what I need right now. So, shop some more fun, funky flares from Frame, NYDJ, and Mavi below.