Entertainment
First Minister of Scotland Denies Trump White House Invite
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend a White House state banquet.
A spokesperson for the Scottish government told The Independent on Tuesday, April 21, that Swinney, 62, had “politely declined” a seat at the Tuesday, April 28, event as the timing clashed with his campaigning efforts ahead of May’s Holyrood elections in Scotland.
The outlet also reported that a “four-minute phone call” between Trump, 79, and Swinney took place on Monday, April 20, and “it is understood the invitation was the focus of the call.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish National Party also told the outlet, “As the First Minister has said previously, he will continue to engage with the president where it is in Scotland’s interest, but will be clear on the areas where he disagrees with actions of the U.S. administration such as on their actions in Iran.” (Swinney has served as Leader of the Scottish National Party since 2024 following a previous stint between 2000 and 2004.)
The White House banquet dinner will include King Charles III and Queen Camilla in attendance, staged as part of Charles’ first visit to the U.S. since becoming king in 2022. Buckingham Palace confirmed in March that Charles, 77, and Camilla, 78, were invited by Trump to visit the U.S.
Buckingham Palace said, per reporting by USA Today on Tuesday, that the trip “will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence.”

John Swinney Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
As for Swinney, the Scottish politician visited Trump at the White House in September 2025 to “discuss a potential deal to exempt Scotch whiskey from U.S. import tariffs,” per reporting by BBC.
One week after the visit, Swinney attended a state banquet at Windsor Castle that honored Trump.
Just two months prior, in July 2025, Trump had visited Scotland and publicly described Swinney as a “special guy” while formally opening the Trump International Scotland golf course in Aberdeenshire.

President Donald Trump Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
A report by Sky News at the time stated that Trump had asked Swinney to stand up and be recognized for his political contributions at the opening ceremony. “John Swinney is a terrific guy – and loves golf and loves the people of this country, and we really appreciate it,” Trump told on-site reporters before directing his praise directly to Swinney.
“You’re really a very special guy. Thank you very much for everything, John,” Trump said.
Entertainment
Why Angel Reese Says Men Feud With Independent Women
Angel Reese carved her own path, and she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. During her appearance on Michelle Obama‘s “IMO” podcast, the WNBA superstar got candid about relationships. Speaking with the former First Lady of the United States, Reese explained why she believes some men may struggle being with a woman who “has her own.”
Angel Reese And Michelle Obama Discuss Being Powerhouse Women In A Male Dominated World
While discussing dating, Reese told Michelle and her co-host, Craig Robinson, that she doesn’t believe some can handle being in relationships with women who are as successful, if not more successful than they are.
“I think a lot of men are not able to,” she said, adding, “I think it’s hard. I think it takes a strong man to be able to be open to a woman who has her own, works on her own, does her own things, and doesn’t necessarily need you.”
Michelle, who authored the best-selling memoir “Becoming,” emphasized Reese’s point before adding that successful women can’t cater to their partners as past generations did.
“You’ve got your own pathway, and it is a difficult thing,” Michelle said, adding that her husband, Barack, had to be OK with who she was before they tied the knot.
Angel Reese Gets Real About Struggles Of Becoming A Millionaire At 20

Indeed, Reese has her own. According to a previous report by The Blast, the former Chicago Sky star earned over $9 million in 2025, making her the highest-paid Black woman in professional basketball.
Reese’s growing bank account is thanks to her brand deals with Beats by Dre, Reebok, and Reese’s. In the past, the 23-year-old opened up about being blessed with “financial freedom.”
However, managing millions hasn’t always been easy for the LSU alum. “I got money so fast I didn’t know what to do with it,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh sh-t, I’m a millionaire at 20?’ They do not teach you how to file taxes at school.”
Reese is fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive crew, including her mom, Angel, her grandmother, and her brother, Washington Wizards player Julian Reese.
Reese added, “My grandmother would tell me to save money for a rainy day, but really, I’m the first in my family to have this kind of financial freedom.”
Michelle Obama Praises Angel Reese During Vulnerable Conversation On Podcast
At the beginning of the podcast episode, Michelle spoke highly of Reese, who not only began her third season with the Atlanta Dream but also became the first WNBA player to star in a Victoria’s Secret campaign, praising her for what she’s accomplished both on and off the court.
“You are handling yourself beautifully,” Michelle said. “It’s not just what you do, it’s the way you carry yourself.” Michelle added, “It is really a joy to watch you manage it all, and you do it with a smile on your face, with an excellent attitude.”
Reese Is Making Over $300,000 This WNBA Season

This WNBA season is all about new beginnings for Reese. According to The Blast, Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on April 6, 2026, just days after a new CBA was signed.
In addition to securing new teammates, Reese (and every other WNBA player) is seeing a significant pay raise. Last year, Reese earned just shy of $75,000. This year, she’ll bring in over $350,000, according to SportRac.
The new WNBA season will begin in early May 2026, and Reese is already looking forward to getting her roots planted in the Peach State.
“It’s literally a dream come true,” Reese said. “I’m really grateful to be part of an organization that, one, really cares about their players as you can tell.”
“I’m just really grateful for everything,” she continued. “I’m soaking it all up. I know the people will come out and support us. The culture here is phenomenal.”
Why Did Reese Want Out Of Chicago?

For those who may be unfamiliar, Reese signed with Chicago in 2024; however, she recently revealed that she wanted out of the Windy City to play for a team with which she was more aligned.
“I enjoyed being able to grow within my first two years, but I wanted more. I love to win, I love to compete and I wanted to be surrounded by people that can make me better,” Reese said.
Entertainment
17 Billowy Spring Dresses That Give Hamptons Energy From $7
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If looking like you just went on a Hamptons shopping spree is high on your list, you’re in the right place. Because few things hit better than breezy, coastal dresses that offer an instantly polished look — no weekend getaway required. But what’s better than a one-and-done silhouette that works for a Montauk escape and an antique-shopping stroll alike? A slew of affordable picks.
I found 17 chic, billowy dresses at Walmart, ranging from tiered maxi dresses to ruffle-sleeve minis. Everything from square-neck designs to tie-front finds is included, with prices starting at just $7. So, whether you’re heading out east or are just dressing like you are, these spring picks won’t disappoint.
17 Billowy Spring Dresses That Belong in a Hamptons Boutique
1. Editor Favorite: It’s hard to find a little black dress that works for spring without feeling heavy or dull, but this tiered ruffle dress does it just right. Enjoy a front button closure, front tie and comfortable fabric.
2. Sweet and Flirty: An elegant scoop neck, flowy skirt and fitted bodice make this pick a closet must-have. Pair it with strappy sandals and a woven bag for a foolproof outfit.
3. Everyday Staple: Whether you’re headed to a farmers market or brunch with friends, this pleated mini dress does the job. For peak versatility, secure the neutral tan color.
4. Waist-Defining: This square-neck, smocked dress is flattering on everyone, offering a drop waist, stripe design and maxi length.
5. $7 Find: Can you ever go wrong with a classic, lightweight V-neck mini dress? The answer is no. So, choose from 20 colors to secure your favorite version.
6. Flower Child: If whimsical prints are your thing, you’re going to want to add this tassel-adorned, V-neck maxi dress to your cart. The elongating floral print takes it to another level.
7. Coastal Blues: Lean into the seaside theme and secure this breathable spaghetti-strap maxi dress. You’re sure to turn heads thanks to the polished print.
8. Minimal and Unfussy: Sometimes, less is more — and that’s certainly the case with this ruched, tie-front dress. Not only is it ultra-flattering, but the piece rings in at just $10.
9. Classic Stripes: There’s a reason stripes never go out of style. Finished with ruffle sleeves, front pockets and a dipped neckline, this one is an instant win.
10. Charmingly Playful: Have some fun in this knitted skirt dress. A halter neck tie keeps things sultry, while intricate texture adds a beach-ready feel.
11. Everyday Staple: From dropping the kids off at school to a well-deserved mani-pedi, this is the dress for you. With a relaxed fit, simple crew neckline, and solid hue, it’s an easy throw-on-and-go staple.
12. Flower Power: Looking for something more elevated? Then, don’t skip this flowy, floral-adorned maxi dress, which boasts cap sleeves and a tiered skirt.
13. Button-Down Ease: Picture this navy, button-down dress paired with easy sandals and a wide-brim raffia hat — could it get any better?
14. Extended Sizes: You can’t go wrong with a belted dress, especially when it includes a refined collar and pleated back. So, secure this chic number before it’s too late.
15. Immediate Yes: Let this smocked mini dress do the talking for you, including puff sleeves, a scoop neck and vibrant blossom print.
16. Off-Duty Ensemble: There’s nothing easier than a dress you don’t have to think twice about. Wear this ruffled-hem T-shirt dress with sneakers, flats or heels.
17. Pop of Pink: Add some color to your wardrobe with this halterneck sundress. The removable waistband cinches the waist, while the flowy silhouette keeps things breathable.
Entertainment
‘The Boys’ Could Say Goodbye To Its Core Team If It Follows the Comics
With The Boys entering its final stretch, the possibility of the show saying goodbye to its core team has begun to look like a legitimate endgame. And while Prime Video’s adaptation has spent years diverging from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s source material, it has also preserved many of the comics’ ugliest instincts, particularly when it comes to the idea that victory in this world never comes without collateral damage. If the series follows the comics where it matters most, even without reproducing them scene for scene, then the odds of the team making it out intact look increasingly shaky.
Part of what makes the theory stick is that the groundwork has been laid both inside and outside the story. Eric Kripke has repeatedly warned that the final season opens the door to major casualties, while Karl Urban has leaned into the same sense of instability, suggesting that nobody is protected anymore. A-Train’s death has already signaled that the show is willing to start thinning the board early, and the ominous clues surrounding later episodes have only fueled suspicions that the final season is not building toward a conventional triumph. For a series that has always treated heroism as something compromised, messy, and often fatal, a darker ending would hardly come out of nowhere.
Why Billy Butcher May Be the Real Threat to The Boys
If the show draws from the comics in any major way, the most important element to watch may not be Homelander’s (Antony Starr) downfall, but Butcher’s (Karl Urban). One of the source material’s cruelest twists is that the central conflict does not end with the team united against its greatest enemy; rather, it implodes from within. After Homelander falls, Butcher’s genocidal plan to eliminate all Supes turns him into the story’s final antagonist, forcing the very people who followed him to stand against him. Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso) dies, Frenchie (Tomer Capone) and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) die, and Hughie (Jack Quaid) ultimately kills Butcher himself.
The series has not copied that arc directly, but it has been inching closer to a version of its logic for some time. Butcher has become increasingly unstable, both morally and physically, Ryan’s (Cameron Crovetti) existence has complicated every choice he makes, and the introduction of the supe virus created a weapon capable of pushing his extremism into something catastrophic. Even without adapting the comics literally, the show has built enough of an infrastructure to steer Butcher into a final act in which he becomes as dangerous as the enemies he set out to destroy. If that happens, the threat to the team no longer comes from Homelander alone but from the man who built The Boys in the first place.
Even if the show does not kill Frenchie, Kimiko, and Mother’s Milk in a direct adaptation of the comics, the symbolism is hard to ignore. The final season appears aware of the parallels, and it seems willing to play with them. That alone gives the theory weight. And if The Boys wants to preserve the tragic force of the source material while still surprising viewers, reshaping those losses rather than replicating them would be exactly how the show has always operated.
Black Noir, Ryan, and the Show’s Biggest Comic Detour
Of course, the strongest argument against a fully comic-accurate ending is also the strongest argument for why the show may still reach a version of it. The adaptation has changed too much to simply photocopy what happens in the books. Black Noir (Nathan Mitchell) is not the same character; Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) absorbed major pieces of comic mythology, and Ryan now occupies a role with enormous narrative importance that never existed in the source material.
The growing focus on Black Noir’s suspicious silence, theories about whether he has been replaced, and the repeated emphasis on Oval Office imagery have revived speculation that the show may still be circling some variation of Homelander’s comic-book death. But even if Black Noir does not fulfill that role, Ryan might. In many ways, Ryan already feels like the adaptation’s answer to several comic concepts folded into one character. If the show redistributes who performs certain functions in the endgame, it would be doing what it has done for years.
Why Losing the Core Team Would Fit ‘The Boys’
Final seasons are where stories cash in their risks, and Kripke has said as much. Once there is no future season to preserve characters for, consequences can land harder, sacrifices can become permanent, and the idea of major characters dying can suddenly feel like narrative inevitability.
And this doesn’t mean every member of The Boys is doomed. Hughie and Annie (Erin Moriarty) may yet emerge as the survivors the comics position them as. The show may choose a less nihilistic route, but even a softer version of the source material may still involve the destruction of the team as viewers know it. Some goodbyes come through death and others come through a fracture.
If the series follows the comics where it matters most, not in literal plot mechanics but in tragic structure, then yes, The Boys may be preparing to say goodbye to its core team. At this point, the evidence suggests viewers should at least be ready for the possibility.
Entertainment
The 25 most underrated Disney movies of the 2000s, ranked
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Justice for ‘Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.’
Entertainment
Isaac Rochell and Allison Kuch’s Relationship Timeline
Allison Kuch and Isaac Rochell have taken the internet by storm with hilarious hijinks and their sweet love story showcased on TikTok.
The twosome met while attending the University of Notre Dame and started dating in late 2014. After Rochelle completed his college football days, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers. Kuch and Rochell remained together as he set off for California and she finished up her studies.
In May 2018, the social media personality graduated and announced she was headed back to her home state of California for a “big girl job” in Los Angeles. Once reunited, the Orange County native attended her then-boyfriend’s games and cheered him on throughout the season. The following year, the influencer created her TikTok page where she posted vlog-style videos about being an NFL girlfriend. In July 2020, Rochell popped the question to his longtime love.
The two tied the knot in Cabo San Lucas in April 2021 but revealed at the end of the year they had actually eloped prior to their destination wedding. They welcomed their first baby in December 2023.
Throughout their relationship, Kuch documented the pair’s lives as Rochelle bounced around between several NFL teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders. Rochelle announced he was retiring from the NFL after seven seasons in February 2025. Nearly two years later, Kuch and Rochell shared that they are expecting their second baby.
They welcomed their second child, another daughter, in April 2026.
Keep scrolling to see Kuch and Rochell’s relationship timeline:
Entertainment
Robert Pattinson’s Electric Sci-Fi Adventure Is Officially an HBO Max Sleeper Hit
When Parasite defied the odds to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards (a very cool and well-deserved win), it raised the stakes for Bong Joon Ho’s follow-up film. So, when it was announced that he would be making an English-language sci-fi comedy adapted from Edward Ashton’s Mickey7, people were excited. And while Mickey 17 was well received by critics, it was a major bomb at the box office.
Mickey 17 has a 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 73 percent from users (meaning this isn’t a “critics oversold it” situation). However, it only made $133 million off of a reported $118 million budget, which is quite bad. Luckily, the movie has found new life streaming on HBO Max, where it has consistently appeared on the platform’s top 10 list. That makes Mickey 17 a certified sleeper hit.
What Happens in ‘Mickey 17’?
In the far-ish future, a man named Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson, doing one of the weirdest voices in movie history) joins the crew of an expedition planning to colonize a frozen planet called Niflheim with his friend Timo (Steven Yeun). Mickey’s job is to be an “Expendable,” which means he gets exposed to deadly conditions/pathogens/whatever so the ship’s crew can learn from his death. He is then cloned and his memories are uploaded into the new body so he can continue his work, with the main protagonist of the movie being the 17th Mickey — hence the title.
Tasked with capturing one of the creatures that lives on Niflheim, Mickey 17 falls into a pit and is left to die (because cloning him is easier for everyone than trying to rescue him). An 18th Mickey is “printed” back at the colony ship, but Mickey 17 returns and convinces the new clone that they should both stay alive so they can make their lives easier (even though the survival of multiple clones is against the rules). Along with Mickey’s (both Mickeys’) love interest, played by Naomi Ackie, they somewhat inadvertently help orchestrate a rebellion against the tyrannical, Trump-esque politician (Mark Ruffalo) who leads the colonization mission with his Lady Macbeth-esque wife (Toni Collette).
Why Was ‘Mickey 17’ a Flop?
While the reviews for Mickey 17 were positive, its RT score isn’t in the 80s or 90s. That means it wasn’t overwhelmingly positive, so prospective moviegoers might’ve been turned off by the marketing or the general buzz surrounding the movie. Some of us love to see Robert Pattinson play a total weirdo, for example, but his The Batman was his last movie before Mickey 17, so perhaps people were put off by the fact that he’s not cool in this movie. (One could argue that his Batman is as much of a weirdo as anyone, but that’s still a cooler movie than Mickey 17.)
With Mickey 17 now on streaming, the barrier of entry is a little lower. You’re not committing yourself to buying a ticket and sitting in a theater for over two hours with Pattinson’s character’s bizarre voice, you’re just hitting a button on your remote and settling in on your comfy couch. Then you can take the time you need to get used to his voice and give yourself over to what the movie is doing and what it’s saying about capitalism and the way our world treats workers.
- Release Date
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February 28, 2025
- Runtime
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137 minutes
- Producers
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Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Marianne Jenkins, Dooho Choi, Jesse Ehrman
Entertainment
10 Psychological Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Hooked From Start to Finish
Psychological thrillers operate on a different frequency from most movies, trading spectacle for tension, and action for unease. Rather than dazzling you with explosions or action, they disorient you with uncertainty: what is real, what is hidden, and what is about to be revealed.
The best entries in the genre understand that the human mind is far more unpredictable than any external threat. They build suspense through ambiguity and suggestion. You’re hooked by the feeling that something is off, even if you can’t yet explain why.
10
‘Stranger by the Lake’ (2014)
“I saw you.” This one’s deceptively simple. Set almost entirely around a secluded lakeside cruising spot, Stranger by the Lake follows Franck (Pierre Deladonchamps), a man drawn into a dangerous attraction with Michel (Christophe Paou), whose charm is matched only by the violence he is capable of. Early in the film, Franck witnesses Michel commit a murder. What makes the story so unsettling is what follows: he chooses to stay. The narrative becomes less about uncovering the truth and more about understanding why Franck continues to pursue someone he knows is dangerous.
Director Alain Guiraudie builds tension through repetition. Days pass, routines repeat, conversations circle around the same ideas. By the time the movie reaches its final stretch, the mood has shifted from quiet curiosity to near-total dread, and the consequences feel inevitable.
9
‘Red Rooms’ (2024)
“I want to understand him.” Red Rooms is a sharp statement on obsession in the digital age. The main character is Kelly-Anne (Juliette Gariépy), a woman who becomes fixated on a high-profile trial involving a man (Maxwell McCabe-Lokos) accused of producing and distributing violent “red room” videos on the dark web. She attends the trial daily, studies the evidence, and begins to blur the line between observer and participant.
The tension builds gradually, driven by what is withheld as much as by what is revealed. Kelly-Anne’s motivations remain ambiguous, her behavior increasingly difficult to interpret. The audience is left to question not just the accused, but those watching him. This was a challenging role to play, but Gariépy is great in the part, believable as someone on a path of self-destruction. Not for nothing, Red Rooms swept the awards at that year’s Fantasia Film Festival.
8
‘Decision to Leave’ (2022)
“My heart is beating… like I’m insane.” This neo-noir gem from master Park Chan-wook transforms a murder investigation into something far more intimate. In Decision to Leave, detective Hae-jun (Park Hae-il) is assigned to a case involving a man who has fallen to his death, and his attention quickly turns to the victim’s wife, Seo-rae (Tang Wei). Is she innocent? Is she manipulating him? And perhaps more intriguingly, does he even want the truth?
While not as ambitious as the director’s masterpieces, Decision to Leave is still satisfyingly labyrinthine, serving up twists and narrative trickery at every turn, along with the sumptuous cinematography Park is known for. His direction here is elegant and assured, constantly shifting in tone and perspective but keeping the intricate storylines totally controlled, ultimately winning the Best Director award at Cannes for his efforts.
7
‘Knife in the Water’ (1962)
“You’re not afraid, are you?” This movie is lean both in terms of runtime (it’s just 94 minutes) and setting, taking place almost entirely on a boat. However, it feels expansive in its psychological scope. A married couple (Leon Niemczyk and Jolanta Umecka) invites a young hitchhiker (Zygmunt Malanowicz) to join them on a sailing trip, setting the stage for a tense and increasingly volatile dynamic. The husband asserts dominance, while the younger man challenges it.
Meanwhile, the wife observes it all with a quiet, ambiguous presence. Power shifts constantly between them, and the film never lets you settle into a clear sense of control or safety. Indeed, what makes Knife in the Water so compelling is its ability to generate tension from minimal elements. Rather than melodrama, it operates on subtle shifts: glances, gestures, small acts of provocation.
6
‘The Vanishing’ (1988)
“I want to know what happened.” The Vanishing is dark and bleak but undeniably brilliant. During a road trip, a young woman (Johanna ter Steege) disappears without a trace at a rest stop. Years later, her boyfriend, Rex (Gene Bervoets), is still searching for answers, unable to move on without understanding what happened. The film takes an unusual approach by revealing the identity of the abductor early on. Instead of focusing on who committed the crime, it shifts the emphasis to why, and to what lengths Rex is willing to go to find out.
Equally unsettling is the portrayal of the man responsible (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu). He isn’t presented as a larger-than-life villain. Instead, he appears ordinary, even methodical. That normality is disturbing in its own way. It strips away the comfort of thinking that evil is always obvious or exaggerated.
5
‘Blow-Up’ (1966)
“I thought I saw a murder.” Blow-Up turns perception itself into the central mystery. Thomas (David Hemmings), a fashion photographer drifting through 1960s London, accidentally captures what he believes may be evidence of a murder while photographing a couple in a park. As he enlarges the images, again and again, the truth seems to emerge… and then slip away. The more Thomas examines the photographs, the less certain he becomes.
Here, reality itself feels unstable, shaped as much by interpretation as by fact. In this sense, the movie resists traditional thriller mechanics, instead going for something a little deeper and more thematic. This comes through clearly in the phenomenal final scene, a pitch-perfect moment that sums up everything that came before. Themes aside, Blow-Up is simply compelling as a snapshot of Swinging London.
4
‘Caché’ (2005)
“Someone is watching us.” Caché (meaning “hidden”) begins with a simple, unsettling premise: a Parisian couple (Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche) starts receiving anonymous videotapes of their home, filmed from a distance. There are no demands or explanations, just the quiet implication that someone is watching. As the tapes continue, Georges, the husband, becomes increasingly paranoid, suspecting connections to his past.
The film gradually expands beyond the immediate mystery, uncovering buried guilt and unresolved history that complicate any straightforward interpretation. Its conclusions go way beyond the individual characters at the heart of the drama. Michael Haneke directs it all with cold precision, often holding the camera in static shots that force the viewer to question what they’re seeing. In the years since, Caché‘s critical stature has continued to grow, and it’s now frequently ranked among the best movies of the 21st century.
3
‘The Conversation’ (1974)
“I’m not afraid of death… I’m afraid of murder.” Francis Ford Coppola delivered this paranoid masterpiece between Godfathers. The Conversation is built on a single recording and the uncertainty surrounding it. Harry Caul (Gene Hackman), a surveillance expert, is hired to record a conversation between a young couple. He analyzes the audio, becoming convinced that their lives may be in danger. Along the way, the film becomes as much a character study as a thriller, anchored by Hackman’s strong performance.
The movie really traps you inside the protagonist’s mind. He’s intensely private, almost emotionally sealed off, yet his work forces him into the most intimate corners of other people’s lives. That contradiction creates a slow psychological fracture. As he becomes more consumed by the recording, his sense of reality begins to shift, and you feel that instability with him.
2
‘M’ (1931)
“I can’t help what I am!” This classic is one of the defining films from Fritz Lang, director of Metropolis and The Testament of Dr. Mabuse. It’s a proto-noir about a series of child murders terrorizing a German city, prompting both the police and the criminal underworld to hunt for the killer. The investigation unfolds across multiple fronts, each with its own methods and motivations. When the killer is finally captured, the narrative shifts in unexpected directions.
M. is almost a hundred years old at this point, so some aspects of it will feel a little inaccessible to modern audiences but, overall, the film holds up. Here, Lang uses sound in an especially effective way. For instance, the killer is associated with a simple whistled tune. In an era when sound film was still new, this was incredibly innovative, and it still works. You hear it, and tension spikes instantly.
1
‘Les Diaboliques’ (1955)
“I saw him.” Les Diaboliques begins with a perfect crime, or what appears to be one. A headmaster’s wife (Véra Clouzot) and his mistress (Simone Signoret) conspire to murder him (Paul Meurisse), carefully planning every detail and disposing of the body in a school pool. But when the body disappears, the certainty of their plan begins to unravel. The women, once united, begin to fracture under the pressure, their fear feeding into the growing sense that something is terribly wrong.
The atmosphere plays a huge role. Shot in stark black and white, the film leans into shadows, reflections, and empty spaces. Silence is used just as effectively as sound, making even the smallest noise feel significant. And then there’s the legendary third act. Without relying on spectacle, it delivers a payoff that recontextualizes everything that came before.
Diabolique
- Release Date
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January 29, 1955
- Runtime
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117 Minutes
- Director
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Henri-Georges Clouzot
- Writers
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Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jérôme Géronimi
Cast
Entertainment
Taylor Frankie Paul Set For ‘Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ Return
Taylor Frankie Paul’s reality TV future is finally coming into focus after weeks of headlines, legal drama and production delays.
As Hulu prepares to restart filming on “The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives,” new details reveal where Paul stands with the show, and how she’s handling the fallout behind the scenes.
While her return appears to be on the table, it won’t be immediate, as she continues focusing on family, legal battles and rebuilding her life after a turbulent period.
Taylor Frankie Paul Set To Return As ‘Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ Production Restarts

According to a report from TMZ, Taylor Frankie Paul is expected to make her way back to “The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives” as production gears up again.
Hulu confirmed that filming will resume after being abruptly halted earlier this year due to the controversy surrounding Paul.
While the streamer hasn’t given a specific date, insiders suggest cameras could begin rolling very soon.
According to production sources, Paul is still part of the show’s future. However, her return may not happen right away.
Instead, she is currently prioritizing time with her children and personal matters before stepping back in front of cameras.
Despite the uncertainty around timing, insiders say she has remained in communication with the production team and intends to rejoin the cast.
Her fellow cast members, including Jen Affleck, Jessi Draper, Miranda Hope, Whitney Leavitt, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley and Layla Taylor, are reportedly supportive of her comeback.
Paul’s Legal Victory Clears Path For Comeback

Taylor Frankie Paul’s return comes shortly after a major legal update that shifted the narrative around her case.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that no charges would be filed against her in connection with a recent domestic violence investigation.
That decision followed a detailed review of allegations made by her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
Officials noted that some reported incidents fell outside the statute of limitations, while others did “not rise to the level of criminal offenses.”
In cases that were within the legal timeframe, prosecutors determined there was not enough evidence to prove the claims “beyond a reasonable [doubt].”
The office of the Salt Lake City district attorney Sim Gill ultimately concluded per The Blast, “Based on the evidence submitted for screening by the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declines to file any charges against Taylor Frankie Paul.”
Following the decision, Paul shared her emotional response online, writing, “Cried when I got the call” and adding, “THANK YOU to those that have stood with me.”
Authorities also confirmed her probation status would not be affected, leaving her free to move forward both personally and professionally.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Past Incidents Continue To Cast A Shadow

Even with the legal win, Paul’s history remains a central part of the ongoing conversation.
Her professional setbacks began in March when allegations from Mortensen resurfaced, including claims of a physical altercation.
A previously recorded 2023 video showing the reality TV star throwing chairs during an argument, with one striking her child, reignited scrutiny.
The footage led to a major consequence as ABC canceled her upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” just days before it was scheduled to premiere.
In a statement, the network said per The Blast, “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.”
Paul had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in relation to that earlier incident, though additional charges were dropped as part of a legal agreement.
At the same time, both Paul and Mortensen have accused each other of abuse, with each side obtaining temporary protective orders.
Paul And Mortensen’s Ongoing Legal Battle Intensifies

The situation between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen remains unresolved, with both parties making serious claims.
Mortensen alleged that Paul choked him during an argument, forced him into a window and struck him.
He described the situation as “chaotic” and “frightening,” noting that their young son, Ever, woke up during the altercation.
As part of his filing, he requested temporary custody and restrictions on Paul’s behavior during parenting time. A judge granted the request, along with a temporary restraining order.
In response, Paul filed her own protective order, claiming Mortensen had shown a “pattern of abusive conduct and coercive control.” She also submitted alleged evidence, including text messages and images of injuries.
After a court hearing, the judge allowed Paul limited supervised visitation, up to eight hours per week, with their son. This arrangement is set to remain in place until their next hearing, scheduled for April 30.
Taylor Frankie Paul Opens Up About Coping Amid Public Scrutiny

Away from the courtroom and cameras, Paul has shared glimpses of how she’s managing the emotional toll of the situation.
In a recent Instagram post, she expressed gratitude for the support she’s received, writing, “Just want to say THANK YOU to those that have all helped carry.”
The TV personality added that the messages, gifts and acts of kindness had been “essential for me through this specific time.”
Reflecting on her experience, she described it as something deeper than just public drama, noting, “There is the human side of this and then it gets to a point of it being miraculous when you start to see it from a bigger lens.”
Paul also revealed that simple gestures, including a drink with a note reminding her she is “loved,” had helped her stay grounded.
She appeared to be leaning into her faith as well, sharing items like a religious image gifted by her mother and a book meant to bring “peace and comfort through the good and bad days.”
In another emotional moment, she shared a tearful selfie alongside the message, “It’s miraculous that every essential or reminder I’ve needed was GIVEN through people.”
Entertainment
Rif Hutton, “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and “General Hospital” actor, dies at 73
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The veteran character and voice actor died after a 13-month battle with glioblastoma, his wife confirmed.
Entertainment
‘Street Fighter’ Star Confirms Long-Term Franchise Plans Are Already in Motion
Summary
- Collider’s Steve Weintraub talks with CinemaCon 2026’s Star of Tomorrow, Noah Centineo.
- Centineo is set to lead Street Fighter, John Rambo, and Gundam.
- In this interview, Centineo discusses when filming begins for Gundam, the behind-the-scenes work for Street Fighter, and how he became John Rambo in the franchise’s upcoming prequel.
While at CinemaCon 2026, Collider’s Steve Weintraub had the opportunity to catch up with Noah Centineo, who was celebrated with the Star of Tomorrow award at the Big Screen Achievement Awards this year, alongside fellow honorees James Cameron, Queen Latifah, Adam Scott, and more. This particular accolade highlights stars on the rise with an epic slate of projects on the horizon. Centineo, best known for his roles in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Black Adam, Warfare, and Netflix’s The Recruit, couldn’t be a more fitting recipient with the lineup of features he’s got coming our way, including this year’s Street Fighter with Paramount Pictures.
From director Kitao Sakurai (Beef, Butterfly), this hotly anticipated arcade adaptation takes audiences back to 1993 and reintroduces all our favorite characters on the biggest screen. The movie is filmed for IMAX, and will feature all of the game’s most iconic moves, Hadoukens, and a story that reunites Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Centineo), when Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament. Street Fighter also stars Jason Momoa as Blanka, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, Eric André as Don Sauvage, 50 Cent as Balrog, Mel Jarnson as Cammy, and Olivier Richters as Zangief.
Check out the full conversation in the video above, or in the transcript below, where Centineo discusses the intense training regimen he and the cast underwent to prepare for Street Fighters before ever calling action, who out of the cast is the best Street Fighter player, and which scene he can’t wait for fans to see on screen. This Star of Tomorrow also shares details on how he became John Rambo for the prequel film, from Sisu director Jalmari Helander, and the emotional scene that became his “North Star” throughout filming, as well as teases the live-action adaptation of Gundam, alongside Sydney Sweeney.
‘Street Fighter’ Movie Recreates Psycho Crusher, Tornado Kicks, and More Classic Moves
“We did six weeks of training before we ever said action.”
COLLIDER: Let’s talk about the most important thing, which is that the Street Fighter footage looks awesome. One of the things I have really taken away from here at CinemaCon is that you guys have recreated moves from the game, specifically Street Fighter II, for the movie. Talk a little bit about that.
NOAH CENTINEO: Absolutely. Jon Valera, our stunt coordinator, is a monster. He’s revered in the stunt industry, and now I know why, certainly. When designing the fights, they wanted to stay true to the real characters and their different fighting styles and their special moves, and so we did six weeks of training before we ever said action, me, [Andrew] Koji, and Callina [Liang]. Callina, their fighting style was more wushu. Koji had more gōjū-ryū mixed with Shotokan karate, and I was more Shotokan karate mixed with a little bit of Muay Thai kickboxing and boxing.
So, with all of the characters’ actual fighting styles in mind, that was how Jon Valera organized all of the fights in the film. Then, you see it in the trailer, you see it in the teaser that was released as well, they’re just all in there, whether it’s the Psycho Crusher or Koji’s tornado kick. The list goes on and on.
Who in the cast is the best at Street Fighter II?
CENTINEO: I think it’s Andrew Schulz. I’m the worst, that’s for sure. I’m not good.
Did you play Ken in the game and you’re terrible?
CENTINEO: No, yeah. When I grew up, I always played with Blanka or Dhalsim.
Dhalsim? You have to be awesome to win with that character.
CENTINEO: Yeah, yeah, he’s a difficult character to play with.
I like Ken, and I like Zangief a lot.
CENTINEO: Zangief is crazy. I know that Koji always played with Ken or Ryu, and Callina only played with Chun-Li.
That makes sense.
CENTINEO: Well, it makes sense, too, because for her, she was like, I’m struggling to remember exactly what she said, but just like she was the first playable female character in the Street Fighter game, and she was Chinese, and Callina is also Chinese, so she was just like, “That’s me.” So she played with her.
Totally.
This thing is loaded with action, and it just looks cool. Which sequence is that one that you’re like, “I cannot wait for Street Fighter fans to see it?”
CENTINEO: I don’t think I can tell you a bunch, but there’s a sequence where all the lighting is like purple, and it’s in the trailer. It’s not red and blue, it’s purple, and Zangief is involved, and that sequence is raw. I won’t tell you why. I just love that whole sequence.
There’s no way they’re thinking about it as a one-and-done movie, so talk a little bit about how much of the story did they tell you in terms of, like, “If this is successful, we’re thinking about this kind of an arc for Ken, or this kind of an arc for this universe,” and how much is sort of like, “Let’s just make one movie and let’s see what happens?”
CENTINEO: You’re definitely spot-on. They definitely want to do as many as they can, Legendary, Paramount, and I do too, in success. I would love it. It was so fun. I don’t know how much I can tell you, but I’ll say this: at the end of the movie, there is a feeling of, like, you finally know who these characters are, and they settle, and you go, “Oh, this is the group? I fuck with this, and I want to see it again and again and again.”
So, I don’t want to tell you where they want it to go, because you have to know how this one ends first, but I will say that when this one ends, you really understand who the characters are, and it leaves you in a place, at least for me when I finished it, where I went, “Oh, that’s a group of people that I want to see again and again and again.” So hopefully fans feel the same way.
‘John Rambo’ Prequel Is Inspired by ‘First Blood’s Most Emotional Scene
Centineo discusses how he went from rom-coms to an iconic action franchise.
John Rambo: Where are you in the filming? What do you want to tell fans about the movie?
CENTINEO: We wrapped on Wednesday.
Oh, wow.
CENTINEO: So it’s done. We wanted to do justice to [Sylvester] Stallone’s and Rambo’s monologue in First Blood at the end of the movie, with him and Trautman at the police station, when he breaks down, and he explains he can’t keep a job, and the trauma of what happened before. At least for me, that was my North Star for this prequel, because our John Rambo is the prequel to that story. We want people to have a visceral understanding of what he went through that led him to become this revered character that we’ve all come to know.
So that’s what you can expect, and that’s what I think we’ve done. Now, obviously, we’ve wrapped it five days ago, so who knows? I don’t know what the end result is going to be, but it feels really, really good. Jalmari [Helander]’s a monster, our director.
Is it PG-13, is it R? Is there violence? What’s the tone?
CENTINEO: It’s not G. I’ll tell you that.
What was it about the script, though? It’s an iconic character. Was there any hesitation about taking the role? And what was it about the script that said, “I need to do this?”
CENTINEO: First, before I even read the script, I just heard about it, and I thought, “I need to do that.” I don’t really know how to explain it. I just went, “I need to be that guy. I need to try this.” I just had a feeling. Then Jalmari wouldn’t meet with me, for good reason. I think I was To All the Boys. I think my public-facing persona on my Instagram, it’s very easy to look at that and go, “Oh, this is the type of person that is,” and that’s super fair. He’ll tell you this, too. We love telling this story, Jalmari and I.
But he took a meeting eventually. We wore him down. In that meeting, I had read the script, and we got to talking, and I don’t know, I guess I lied, cheated, and stole my way into it, and burrowed my way into his head a little bit, and he started considering it. He was now open to consideration, and we kept talking. We just kept talking and talking. We would Zoom. I was filming Union County at the time. We just kept talking, and one day he called me, and he said, “You’re Rambo.” It was so surreal. I don’t know. It was a feeling.
“What ‘First Blood’ did to me when I was 10 years old basically changed my life.”
Noah Centineo Says ‘Gundam’ Will Be “Fan-First” Just Like ‘Street Fighter’
Production is now underway.
I’m almost out of time with you, but I have to ask you about Gundam because I’ve been waiting for this. I’ve been waiting for Robotech. I’ve been waiting for Voltron. I’ve been waiting for these properties. What do you want to tell people about Gundam? Where and when are you filming?
CENTINEO: Dude, I leave for Australia on Saturday. Saturday night.
Oh, wow. So it’s project to project?
CENTINEO: Correct. Sydney Sweeney is there now. I think the announcement for the start of production is coming out soon, but we’re starting production. You can put it out. I don’t think they’ll be too upset. So, I go on Saturday. It’s going to be huge. Jim Mickle, our director, he’s got all heart. He’s so sensitive, all heart, and he builds these wonderful massive worlds. I’ve seen some of the previs, and I’ve seen what he’s trying to do and looking to do, and it’s very exciting.
Sydney’s so sweet, man. She’s giving everything she’s got to this. I’m really excited to get out there and do this with her. I think it’s going to be lovely. We have such a phenomenal ensemble around this, as well. Yeah, man, I think people are going to like it.
The thing about Gundam is that it means so much to so many people. Maybe not in America, but in Asia. In Japan, it’s massive.
CENTINEO: Yes.
Just massive. Huge. So, how familiar were you with it, and how do you think the movie will honor the fans of the material based on the script and what you know?
CENTINEO: In the same way that we were fan-first on Street Fighter, we’re fan-first on Gundam. Legendary’s doing both of those, so for them it’s very important. That’s definitely the priority for them, so fans can expect the same level of meticulous attention to detail when it comes to respecting the property and the IP that we’ve all come to know and love.
I knew the show. I would watch it back when I was a kid, but other than seeing it on Cartoon Network or Tsunami or something like that, that was pretty much the extent of my knowledge of it. But now, after getting on board and watching more of it, it’s great, dude. It’s going to be great.
Street Fighter opens in theaters on October 16.
- Release Date
-
October 16, 2026
- Director
-
Kitao Sakurai
- Writers
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Dalan Musson
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