Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright‘s divorce drama is far from over.

What began as a public split has continued to unravel through accusations, denials, and disputes over what is really delaying the end of their marriage. 

Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright first met in 2015 before marrying in a lavish Kentucky ceremony in 2019. The pair welcomed their son, Cruz, in 2021, but Cartwright announced their separation in early 2024 before filing for divorce later that year 

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Taylor is forcefully rejecting claims that he has been dragging out his divorce from Cartwright, insisting he has been trying to bring the legal battle to an end for months. Through his attorney, the reality star denied being responsible for the latest setback and argued that he wants the case resolved as quickly as possible.

His lawyer also claimed Cartwright’s side arrived at the latest court conference unprepared. According to attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan, Taylor participated in an all-day settlement conference only to learn that the necessary financial records had not been prepared, preventing meaningful negotiations from taking place.

Kaplan maintained that Taylor wants to move forward, stating, “The idea that he is the reason holding up the divorce is completely false,” while adding that resolving the case would ultimately be in everyone’s best interest, especially the former couple’s son.

Court Talks Grind To A Halt After Settlement Conference Fell Apart

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What was expected to be a major step toward ending the couple’s divorce instead became another setback after the settlement conference reportedly failed to produce any progress.

Rather than bringing the legal battle closer to an end, the conference concluded with both sides still far apart, leaving the former couple no closer to finalizing their divorce despite spending the day in negotiations.

According to Us Weekly, Kaplan insisted a resolution is still possible but stressed that both sides must come prepared before meaningful progress can be made, saying it is impossible to settle the case when only one party appears ready to move forward.

Jax Taylor And Brittany Cartwright Have Been Here Before

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The fallout from Taylor’s latest romance has also revived memories of another relationship that once put the former couple’s personal lives under the same microscope.

Long before Lori Krebs entered the picture, Cartwright faced similar scrutiny over her own dating choices following their separation. At the time, the reality star sparked headlines after becoming romantically linked to Taylor’s friend, Julian Sensley.

Cartwright later explained that the relationship was never meant to hurt her estranged husband, insisting there had never been an agreement preventing either of them from dating within their wider circle of friends.

The relationship ultimately proved short-lived after Cartwright allegedly discovered Sensley had not been truthful about his living situation and relationship status.

The Blast reported that she later admitted lingering resentment toward Taylor influenced some of her decisions during that period, bringing an unexpected layer of irony to the current controversy.

Past Allegations Continued To Shadow The Reality Star

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The recent buzz about Taylor’s alleged love affair also reignited speculation about his previous love affairs. The reality star had been the subject of allegations of behavior off-camera prior to the Mexico trip.

A number of people who formerly worked at Taylor’s bar in Los Angeles have claimed in the past that he pursued relationships with female staff members that were inappropriate, and that he used his job to induce a lack of professional boundaries.

Other women reported that they thought they were the sole workers affected when they later learned that there were others. The Blast reported that multiple former staffers accused Taylor of using the same approach with different women.

At the same time, one employee alleged she later discovered she was not the only coworker he had been involved with. Taylor has not publicly addressed those specific allegations.

Jax Taylor Focused On Recovery Amid Personal Turmoil

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While his personal life continues to generate headlines, Taylor has repeatedly said his priority is maintaining his sobriety and improving his mental health.

Earlier this year, the reality star celebrated reaching 18 months sober, describing the milestone as one of the most meaningful achievements of his life after returning to the treatment program he previously attended.

Taylor has also been candid about his struggles with addiction, admitting that he used drugs and alcohol for years to cope with deeper mental health issues rather than confronting them directly. He has credited treatment and ongoing recovery with helping him build a healthier path forward despite the challenges surrounding his divorce.

Taylor marked the milestone by participating in a recovery-focused 5K during Mental Health Awareness Month, calling his sobriety journey difficult but worthwhile while expressing gratitude for reaching one and a half years sober.

Will Jax Taylor’s focus on recovery help him finally move past the drama surrounding his personal life?

Usher has seemingly responded to the viral controversy surrounding a fan who appeared uncomfortable during one of his sensual onstage routines. Three days after abruptly ending his interaction with concertgoer Gabrielle Cheyenne, the R&B superstar issued a blunt warning before inviting another woman to join him during a Birmingham, Alabama, tour stop. Although Usher did not mention Cheyenne by name, his comments about reluctant participants and “pretty privilege” appeared to reference the highly publicized encounter.

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Before performing “Can U Handle It?” at Protective Stadium on Tuesday night, Usher paused to establish some new ground rules. “Now before we get started, don’t bring your a-s up here if you don’t want to be here,” the eight-time Grammy winner told the audience. “God don’t like ugly. But he most certainly don’t feel too good about pretty privilege either.”

Chris Brown, who is co-headlining the “R&B Tour” with Usher, was reportedly seen laughing after the Jumbotron turned toward him. Usher then selected a woman from the audience to join him. Unlike the previous interaction, the new participant enthusiastically embraced the performance and helped put on a show for the crowd.

The warning came after Cheyenne referenced “pretty privilege” while defending herself against the backlash she received following the Nashville incident.

Usher Removed Gabrielle Cheyenne From The Stage

During the tour’s Saturday stop in Nashville, Usher invited Cheyenne to participate in his steamy “Can U Handle It?” routine. The shirtless singer attempted to move closer to her while performing beside a bed prop. However, Cheyenne remained stiff and appeared to pull her body away from him.

After noticing her reaction, Usher stopped the interaction and turned toward the audience. “I don’t think she wants to be on the stage, huh?” he asked.

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The “OMG” singer then walked away, waved his hands, and motioned for members of the production team to remove Cheyenne from the stage.

Video of the awkward encounter quickly circulated online, with viewers debating whether Cheyenne had deliberately rejected Usher or had simply been uncomfortable with the nature of the performance.

Gabrielle Cheyenne Defends Her ‘Pretty Privilege’

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Cheyenne later responded to her critics in a fiery Facebook message explaining how she and her mother ended up near the stage. “My mom and I had FLOOR SEATS. Their team approached us and moved us to VIP before the show even started !! PRETTY PRIVILEGES something you hoes will never know about!!” she wrote.

During a separate interview with Brown’s backup dancer Lance Savali, Cheyenne insisted that she did not hold a grudge against Usher. According to Yahoo, she said she had “no bad blood” toward the singer before adding, “I don’t feel a way toward him. It’s just, I got onstage.”

Cheyenne also explained that she did not attend the concert primarily to see Usher. Instead, she described herself as a bigger fan of his tourmate. “It’s nothing against Usher or anything like that, but I’m more of a Chris Brown fan than I am of Usher,” she told TMZ, adding that there would not have been any “stiffness” if Brown had been the performer interacting with her.

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Fan Says Her Reaction Would Have Been Different With Chris Brown

Cheyenne continued clarifying her allegiance to Brown while discussing the viral moment. “Me, solely, I went to the concert for Chris Brown; it’s nothing against Usher,” she explained. “So, of course, it would have been a different reaction with Chris Brown. It wouldn’t have been the stiffness or whatever the internet is portraying.”

She also addressed the combative Facebook post, explaining that it was aimed specifically at people in her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to Cheyenne, many of the critics who went “ballistic” over her behavior were from the city. She characterized those detractors as “crabs in a bucket.”

Despite the online drama, Cheyenne maintained that she did not intend to disrespect Usher and had no personal issue with him.

Usher Defends Touring With Chris Brown And Makes The Case For R&B

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Ahead of the tour, Usher stressed that the R&B Tour represents something larger than two established stars sharing a stage. Speaking with The Associated Press, he said the controversies and legal issues surrounding Brown never made him reconsider working with the singer. “Absolutely not,” Usher said. “He’s my brother, and he’s amazing as a performer. That’s who I see. He works hard for his fans, and his fans support him.”

Brown pleaded not guilty in London last year to charges connected to an alleged 2023 nightclub assault. He was previously released on bail to continue touring. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to felony assault after attacking his then-girlfriend Rihanna.

However, Usher said the tour is ultimately intended to celebrate the genre and its audience. “It’s not about me and my brother coming together,” he explained. “We come together in support of our fans of R&B.”

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There’s no denying the fact that action movies are immensely popular, arguably more so than any other genre of cinema. But there is a common misconception that action cinema, with its rollercoaster-like narratives and focus on effects and visuals, is somehow less of an artistic achievement than more “serious” genres. That simply isn’t true, at least not with the greatest films of the genre, many of which arose from the minds of cinema’s most legendary filmmakers.

A lot can go wrong with an action movie, and a great director can make or break the production, which is why the most acclaimed films ever made in the genre have usually had some truly visionary filmmakers behind them. Their artistry and technical skill have played a great part in making these movies so very popular among both critics and audiences. So, without further ado, here’s our ranked selection of some of the most perfectly directed action movies of all time.

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‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

The long-delayed fourth entry in George Miller’s Mad Max film series, Mad Max: Fury Road is an epic post-apocalyptic action movie co-written, co-produced, and directed by Miller. Set in a wasteland dystopia where water and fuel are precious commodities, the film stars Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky, who allies himself with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) against the warlord Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). Nicholas Hoult, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee, Courtney Eaton, and more star in supporting roles.

The most acclaimed and commercially successful film of the Mad Max franchise, Mad Max: Fury Road is easily one of the greatest action films of the 21st century so far, with great worldbuilding, compelling performances, and incredible effects. The movie is also arguably the best directorial work George Miller has done in the genre, which is saying a lot considering the auteur’s extensive filmography. Fury Road earned several accolades, including Best Picture and Best Director nominations at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes.

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‘Speed’ (1994)

Image via 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved

A ’90s cult classic directed by Jan de Bont in his feature directorial debut, Speed revolves around a fairly simple premise: a criminal mastermind rigs a bomb on a city bus that’s set to detonate if its speed drops below 50 miles per hour. Keanu Reeves stars as LAPD officer Jack Tavern, who rushes to prevent a possible disaster, and Sandra Bullock stars as Annie, a passenger who becomes unexpectedly involved in the rescue mission. The movie also features Dennis Hopper, Joe Morton, Jeff Daniels, and Alan Ruck in key roles.

Largely inspired by 1985’s Runaway Train and the Japanese action classic The Bullet Train, Speed lives up to its name and theme by delivering a tense, high-octane film propelled by outstanding acting. Unlike most action thrillers, the film uses its very simple premise as the basis for a gripping high-stakes chase, delivering relentless tension throughout its runtime. A film with complete focus on action and suspense, Speed is a virtual thrill ride that seamlessly flows from one action sequence to another, and a testament to Jan de Bont’s directorial abilities.

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‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Image via Warner Bros.

Written and directed by The Wachowskis, The Matrix is an iconic sci-fi action movie starring Keanu Reeves as hacker Thomas Anderson, aka Neo. After meeting the mysterious Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo learns that his world is a simulation created by artificial intelligence and joins the human rebellion, discovering his own unique destiny in the process. The film also stars Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, and more in significant roles.

One of the most influential cyberpunk action movies of all time, The Matrix is widely regarded as a classic ‘90s sci-fi movie with some of the best action sequences ever attempted on screen. The film is an action masterpiece, with impeccable choreography by the legendary Hong Kong action director Yuen Woo-ping, which combines beautifully orchestrated gun fights with high-octane martial arts. In the decades since its premiere, The Matrix has gone on to inspire a successful multimedia franchise that includes multiple sequels, but the first film is still the best in terms of direction and action.

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‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

Image via Tri-Star Pictures

Co-written and directed by James Cameron, Terminator 2: Judgment Day is the movie that transformed the Terminator franchise into the sci-fi action landmark it is today. A sequel to 1984’s The Terminator, the film sees Arnold Schwarzenegger reprise his role as the cyborg T-800, now reprogrammed to protect the young John Connor (Edward Furlong) and stop a newer, more advanced killing machine, the T-1000. Linda Hamilton reprises her role as Sarah Connor as well, and the movie features Robert Patrick, Earl Boen, and Joe Morton in supporting roles.

When it first hit theaters, Terminator 2: Judgment Day was hailed as a revolutionary action movie that raised the bar for the genre with its technical advancements and unmatched direction. And though filmmaking technology may have come a long way since then, the film’s stunning action sequences, make-up tech, and CGI still hold up to this day. It’s easily one of the greatest, most impeccably crafted crowd-pleasers of all time, and a true landmark of action cinema.

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‘The Fall Guy’ (2024)

Image via Universal Pictures 

Inspired by the 1980s TV show, The Fall Guy is an action comedy movie directed by David Leitch and written by Drew Pearce. Ryan Gosling stars as an out-of-work stuntman who is hired to work on his ex-girlfriend’s directorial debut, but his already-awkward situation turns into something far worse when he learns that the movie’s star has disappeared. Besides Gosling, the film also stars Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, and Winston Duke in key roles.

The Fall Guy hit theaters in 2024 to critical acclaim, but it didn’t perform very well at the box office, which is ridiculous considering it’s easily one of the most entertaining movies of the 2020s so far. A genre-bending love letter to practical effects and stuntwork, it’s a fun and sincere movie with mind-blowing stunts on par with (and sometimes even better than) big, famous IPs like the Mission: Impossible franchise. But even as we marvel at the explosions and car-flips, the story stays rooted in the lives and dynamics of its relatable characters, which elevates the whole experience.

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‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

Image via The Weinstein Company

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds is a World War II black comedy thriller that follows two parallel plots converging in a plan to assassinate the Nazi leadership. At a Paris theater, its French-Jewish proprietor Shosanna Dreyfus seeks revenge for the murder of her family, while simultaneously, a black ops unit of Jewish American soldiers, aka “the Basterds,” led by U.S. Army lieutenant Aldo Raine, attempt to assist a confidential British operation. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, Til Schweiger, and Mélanie Laurent in main roles.

Violent, action-packed, and darkly funny, Inglourious Basterds is a wild thrill ride, with Tarantino gleefully playing with WWII history to deliver a high-stakes, revisionist revenge thriller. In this deconstructed take on the war thriller genre, the director forgoes traditional war movie tropes and replaces them with enduring suspense and explosive outcomes. With its character-driven plot, hard-hitting dialogues, and well-choreographed action pieces, Inglourious Basterds is easily one of the best films of the 21st century so far, and it may just be Tarantino’s masterpiece.

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‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Image via Paramount Pictures

A classic action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, Raiders of the Lost Ark is the movie that introduced the world to Harrison Ford’s iconic character, Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones Jr., and launched the beloved Indiana Jones franchise. The movie follows Indy, a globetrotting archaeologist, as he races against the Nazis to find the lost Ark of the Covenant with the help of his former lover, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen). The film also features Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, and Denholm Elliott in supporting roles.

A swashbuckling treasure hunt, Raiders of the Lost Ark is unarguably one of the best action films ever made. Anchored by Harrison Ford’s performance as the iconic character, the movie takes viewers on a thrilling adventure that is masterfully directed by Steven Spielberg. With cutting-edge (for its time) practical effects, a brilliant story, and well-choreographed action sequences, Raiders of the Lost Ark elevates the genre with its artistry and marks a breakthrough in action-adventure storytelling.

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‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)

Image via Toho

Often hailed as one of the greatest films of all time, Seven Samurai is a 1954 samurai movie co-written, directed, and edited by Akira Kurosawa. Set in 1586, during Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku period, the film revolves around a group of samurai who are hired by desperate villagers to protect them from bandits. Takashi Shimura, Yoshio Inaba, Daisuke Katō, Seiji Miyaguchi, Minoru Chiaki, Isao Kimura, and Toshirō Mifune star as the titular warriors.

Akira Kurosawa’s contributions to action cinema are undeniable, and Seven Samurai is arguably the filmmaker’s greatest masterpiece within the genre. In its day, the film was the most expensive ever made in Japan, and its success was equally impressive, as it became a globally celebrated icon. In the decades since, the action epic has been remade, referenced, reworked, parodied, and even outright ripped off by numerous filmmakers, all aspiring to capture the brilliant direction, well-crafted production, and engaging narrative of Kurosawa’s original.

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Release Date

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April 26, 1954

Runtime

207 Minutes

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Director

Akira Kurosawa

Writers

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Akira Kurosawa

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Young and the Restless spoilers for August 3-7, 2026 have Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) in big trouble and the entire Newman family is worried. And also, Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn) gets every single thing that he’s ever wanted and his sort of brother Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) is going to hate that.

Also, the week of August 3rd through the 7th, we’re going to see Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) bickering with Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford), some steamy stuff, and lots more.

And as we always do on early edition day, we’re going to talk about what’s happening the rest of this week, and then we’re going to get into what is ahead next week. So, let’s get into it.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Huge Progress for Lily & Cane

On Wednesday, July 29th, Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) is dressed in a sexy tight shirt with her black lacy bra peeking out when Cane shows up with wine for their dinner date. He says Lily must like him since he’s been back to Genoa City a year, and this is the first time she invited him over. And Cane teases Lily about wanting to be alone with him.

She made enchiladas, and she and Cane send a selfie to their kids who call them rude for eating Lily’s famous enchiladas without them. And Cane asks if Lily regrets meeting him. She says, “Not at all.” Cane loves her, but he doesn’t think he deserves to have Lily back after what he put her through.

And Lily admits that she had moved on from him and then was really angry when she found out he was a different person. But she says Cane’s charm swept her up again. And Lily does want a relationship, but one that is honest this time. So, Cane asks if she can ever love him again. And Lily kisses him.

And then the two of them make love. So. she and Cane do the deed on her couch. And at first glance, I was worried that it was Devon Hamilton Winters’ (Bryton James) cheating couch where he got caught with Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway) remember? But it’s not. They were both off-white sofas, but Devon’s sex sofa had a chaise built into one side.

Y&R Spoilers: Nikki & Victor Elated

Also, Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) is excited that she has her vision back, and Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) is happy for her. Nikki tells him about the good news. Then Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) shows up and gets the good news. She calls Nikki’s doctor who says, “Wear sunglasses outside and rest her eyes a lot.”

Nikki wants to call Nick and tell him the good news, but Victoria puts her off. Nikki won’t let it drop. And then Victor finally says Nick checked himself into rehab. Victoria says Nick will be gone a few weeks and Victoria says that Nick went to rehab to keep from falling off the wagon and using.

Of course, Nikki blames herself and wishes that she could have prepared Nick for rehab. Victor promises to take Nikki to see Nick tomorrow. And Nikki also wants to go horseback riding with the grandkids, but Victoria and Victor are horrified. Their daughter goes, and Nikki asks, “Where does she and Victor go from here?”

Young and the Restless: Love and Deception

We’ve got Billy confronting Adam and accusing him of bullying Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) into giving back Newman Media. Adam says it was the best way to protect Sally from Victor. Adam blames Billy for stealing Newman Media to start with because Adam says Billy painted a target on Sally when he did that and Adam says he’s the one who saved her. Billy keeps harassing Adam who lets Billy believe that he just took the company from Sally and Billy threatens to take it back and Adam says it’s too late.

Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) is eavesdropping on them and Billy leaves and then Phyllis starts grilling Adam about the argument and Phyllis goats Adam who won’t give her any info and then Phyllis pokes Adam about whether he got a role at Newman Enterprises and Phyllis says Victor wouldn’t have it back if she hadn’t given it. She talks about how she beat Victor and Adam reminds Phyllis she was forced to give the company back but she calls Adam a sad loser.

Y&R Spoilers: Phyllis Taunts Adam

Phyllis also reminds Adam that Victor gave her a company and asks if Adam got one, too. And he tells Phyllis his life is great. And Adam tells Phyllis all she has is sociopath Matt Clark (Roger Howarth), who wants to leave town and leave her, too. Adam threatens her and then walks out. And Phyllis calls Matt immediately to join her at the bar and asks if he’s staying in Genoa City.

Billy goes home and Sally asks if he confronted Adam and tells him, “Please don’t harass him.” Billy keeps pressing and Sally finally admits that Adam paid her for Newman Media and she signed an NDA. And Sally says it was a big chunk of change. And she says Adam had to convince Victor that he yanked it back from her, otherwise Adam’s dad would have still been chasing revenge.

Billy thinks Adam’s happy that Sally lied to him and she says she knew Billy wouldn’t take it well. He thinks she’s protecting Adam, but Sally says it’s hard to be honest when Billy flies off the handle. He says sorry and then they kiss and make up.

Young and Restless: New Connections and Troubling Returns

Thursday, July 30th, Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei) is back on screen and he tells Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway) it looks like she could use a friend and Daniel asks if she will settle for him. So, he listens to Abby as she talks about her problems. I’m sure this has to do with Devon’s anger that he can’t seem to get past.

Daniel is a good person for Abby to talk about this with because he’s been where Devon is. Daniel had anger issues that broke up him and his ex, Heather Stevens (Vail Bloom) for a while if you remember. Lily lays out some boundaries with Cane on Thursday. Lily does want an honest relationship and they just got intimate, but Lily may not want to go too fast.

I mean, I’m sure she doesn’t want to get married again right away. Someday maybe Cane would be at the church with her if he could. Phyllis and Matt toast to each other and their future after Phyllis pries off Matt’s ankle monitor. Now at least Victor can’t track him down and Phyllis says you’re a free man, but I doubt Matt’s leaving town. We’ll see if they celebrate this new development between the sheets.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Mariah Returns

Friday, July 31st, we are going to have Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes) home by the end of the week. Camryn Grimes returns to Young and the Restless and her character is healthy and whole and Mariah is in a much better place. Of course, Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) is going to be happy to have her daughter back, but Devon’s anger may intensify when he sees that Mariah is doing well and is back in Genoa City out of the psych ward.

He may feel like she’s an ongoing threat to his son. And of course, Mariah is the reason for Devon’s anger issues in the first place. Hopefully, Mariah can help him work through it and get past it. She’s got new tools from all that intensive therapy and maybe she can show Devon how to use some of those tools because he really needs to get a grip.

Sharon tells Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) that Nick had a setback and went to rehab. Now, the setback might have been him wanting to call his dealer or he might have confessed to Sharon he did use. We’ll see. But she might be keeping a secret from the family that Nick has fallen off the wagon. Meanwhile, Matt is determined to make amends with Sienna Bacall (Tamara Braun). And I’m curious how Matt plans to do that because Noah wants Matt as far away from Sienna as possible. But Matt’s ex does seem to have a soft spot for him now that she thinks he’s changed and that’s going to keep bothering Noah. Nikki and Victor look forward to a fresh start.

Y&R Spoilers: August Developments

August 3rd through the 7th, we should see Martin Laurent (Christopher Cousins) back on screen again soon when Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) has her in-person visit with him up at the prison trying to get the location of the summer home that Dr. Laurence Markham (Jere Burns) used to go to with Martin’s dead brother, Alan Laurent.

Because that’s where they’re hoping they might find Markham to make sure he’s not an ongoing threat to Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters). The Newmans rejoice now that Nikki can see again. We’ll see if they actually visit Nick in rehab or if all of that takes place completely offscreen like a lot of important things do these days on Young and the Restless. Lily and Cane are falling in love all over again and Devon and Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) are going to hate that.

Billy won’t like it either since he resents every single thing that Cane gets. Look for more on Kyle Abbott’s (Michael Mealor) plan to take down Victor. Phyllis and Matt get closer, but Victor’s going to rant about the ankle monitor coming off. And Mariah and Abby may work together to help Devon find some much needed peace of mind.

Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz wrote a children’s book that she dedicated to her six kids just three years before her husband, Kristopher Karolkiewicz, killed her and their family in an apparent murder-suicide.

Krystal Kramer, who illustrated Mandy’s September 2023 book, The Magical Mantra, took to Instagram on Tuesday, July 28, to explain that she worked closely with Mandy, 39, on the project and that they became close during the process of making the book.

“There are some moments that simply don’t make sense and it’s unfair,” she began in the caption, which was shared alongside a photo of the book jacket. “I have sat here staring at this screen, trying to find the right words after learning of the unimaginable loss of Mandy Karol (Amanda Karolkieicz) and her six beautiful children. Like so many others, my heart is absolutely broken for her family, her loved ones, and everyone whose lives were touched by theirs.”

After sharing that she had the “incredible privilege of working closely with Mandy while illustrating her book,” she said they “spent countless conversations talking about the story, but more importantly, about life.”

“We shared stories about our families, our children, the challenges of motherhood, and the little victories that made our hearts full,” Kramer continued. “Every conversation reminded me how deeply she loved her family. Anyone who has worked with me knows – we become friends and connected by an experience that is incredibly special.”

Kramer went on to say that Mandy “loved her children with every part of her being.” She continued, “Fiercely. Wholeheartedly. Unconditionally. That love is woven into every page of The Magical Mantra.”

“Mandy once shared with me why she wrote the book. After growing up believing that there was nothing inherently good within herself, motherhood changed everything. Raising her six children showed her something profoundly different—that we are born good,” she said. “That kindness, compassion, love, and worth already existed within. And if that was true for them, it had to be true for herself, too.”

Kramer explained that Mandy dedicated the book to her six kids and added a kind message at the end that read, “You are each so good.”

Related: Florida Mother Allegedly Killed Her 2 Children Then Died by Suicide

Police in Florida are investigating what could have led a mother to slaughter her two children in a double murder-suicide that has left neighbors stupefied. Deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a call on Thursday, February 26, from a troubled father traveling abroad at the time, concerned after he was unable to reach […]

“As I illustrated the story, I added a small heart patch on the little girl’s chest. My hope was that it pale pink heart would slowly become a vibrant red as the story unfolded, just as the flowers blossomed around her — a gentle reminder that the way we speak to ourselves has the power to help love grow.”

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Kramer concluded the message by writing, “Rest peacefully, Mandy with your children who I know you are holding tight in your arms. I hope for justice and I will forever remember your kindness.”

As Us previously reported, Kristopher, 47, killed Mandy and their six children inside of their home in Grand Haven Township, Michigan, on the morning of Friday, July 24. Authorities confirmed that Amanda and the children were fatally shot before Kristopher set the home on fire as part of an apparent murder-suicide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

This year, Apple TV has brought back some of its biggest fan-favorite series with acclaimed new seasons. Shrinking Season 3 released in January, For All Mankind returned in March, followed by Season 2 of Jon Hamm‘s Your Friends & Neighbors in April, while Silo recently premiered its highly anticipated third season. The streamer still has several major returning titles to come, including Slow Horses, Dark Matter and perhaps the most anticipated of them all, Ted Lasso. With the multi-Emmy-winning comedy finally set to return after three years away, new details have emerged about what lies ahead.

When Ted Lasso concluded its third season in 2023, the finale felt like a fitting farewell, bringing the stories of its central characters to a satisfying close. But the comedy’s enduring popularity, coupled with Jason Sudeikis‘ admission that he realized he needed the show as much as its fans did, inspired the formation of another chapter. However, rather than loosening tight threads from the past to continue the story, Season 4 will focus on a new set of players who make up AFC Richmond’s newly formed women’s team. After stepping away to prioritize his family and mental well-being, Coach Ted will once again find himself in unfamiliar territory as he takes on the challenge of coaching the club’s women’s side.

Now, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sudeikis revealed that he has already mapped out a long-term plan for Ted Lasso‘s return. Much like the original run, the new era is envisioned as a three-season arc centered on the new players. While the premise could easily have served as the foundation for a spin-off, the choice to instead continue under the Ted Lasso banner was perhaps an intentional effort to preserve the spirit and identity that made it a sensation. Fellow star Brett Goldstein also expressed confidence in the new season, saying it recaptures much of the magic that made Season 1 so beloved. Sudeikis further revealed that the opening episodes will feature a shorter runtime than those in Season 3; however, how this could impact some of the issues viewers criticized in Season 3 remains to be seen.

Who Else Is Coming Back in ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4?

Ted Lasso Season 4 is keeping much of its championship-winning lineup intact, which bodes well for fan reception as they won’t have to spend too much time getting acquainted with an entirely new squad. Goldstein returns as Roy Kent, who begins the new season as AFC Richmond’s head coach, while Brendan Hunt is back on the touchline as the ever-reliable Coach Beard. Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham also reprises her role as club owner Rebecca Welton. New signings include Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), Faye Marsay (Andor), and Abbie Hern (My Lady Jane), while Grant Feely takes over the role of Ted’s son, Henry.

Whether Apple TV extends the series beyond Season 4 will essentially depend on how audiences respond, but Sudeikis is confident and is already taking a leap of faith, revealing that the writers’ room for Season 5’s story is set to open this August. If Season 4 can rediscover the winning formula that made Ted Lasso a sensation, the series could be well on its way to a return leg victory when it kicks off on August 5. Fingers crossed.

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Release Date

August 14, 2020

Network

Apple TV

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Directors

Declan Lowney, MJ Delaney, Erica Dunton, Matt Lipsey

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Gypsy-Rose Blanchard is spilling the tea on beauty treatments she plans to undergo.

The media personality went into detail, sharing with fans the cosmetic procedures she has settled for to achieve the facial look she wants. Besides restoring her skin’s radiance, the procedures also help to treat underlying skin issues.

Gypsy-Rose Blanchard is no newbie at cosmetic procedures. She previously underwent a rhinoplasty, which involved altering the shape and appearance of her nose.

Blanchard, in a recent video, gave fans an update on her big upcoming plans to get that “Summer glowup.” She admitted that she was nervous about going in for the procedures before detailing them and her reasons for choosing to go that route with her face.

The media personality shared that she was going to get GlowTox, which she explained is a “professional-grade chemical peel and tox.” She explained that she was getting this treatment after research on options to help with her ”wrinkles and fine lines” which were not fully visible in the video due to the full makeup she had on.

To give fans a proper visual, Blanchard included a picture of her face in its natural state with no filters or makeup. She also explained that she has some hyperpigmentation on her cheek, blemishes, acne, and dark spots as well. The mom of one hopes that the ”skin peel will help with all that and clear that all up.”

The Munchausen By Proxy Victim Shared A ‘Controversial’ Cosmetic Procedure On Her List

Over a minute into the Instagram video, Blanchard dropped a bombshell on a procedure she would be getting in addition to the GlowTox. She revealed that she would be going in for a lip filler as well.

The 35-year-old admitted that getting lip fillers is often controversial but quickly clarified that she does not “want anything crazy” and would not be going “insane with the filler.”

The mom of one stressed that she was going for a subtle and natural look with the filler before telling viewers she was freaked out by the thought of having needles stuck into her lips. She also promised to carry her fans along during the process with vlogs.

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Finally, on Blanchard’s list are hair extensions. She disclosed that she would probably be getting the K-tip extensions, which are strand-by-strand hair extensions that use a heated keratin bond to attach real human hair to a person’s natural hair.

Overall, the media personality noted that she is “excited for [her] summer glowup.” In one comment, she told fans she was getting the procedures for herself, her confidence, and self-esteem.

The Mother-Of-One Was Excited About Her Nose Job

Blanchard underwent cosmetic surgery for her nose on April 5 2024. After the procedure, which she stated went great, she expressed how she could not wait to see the final results despite the pain from the process. “I can’t breathe through my nose because of the packing, but that comes off on the 10th. I want to see it so bad!” she told PEOPLE. 

At that time, the mom of one shared that she was undergoing a “personal transformation journey.”  This transformation included some changes to her physical appearance as well, like the nose job and getting tattoos with Urker.

According to her close friend, Nadiya Vizier, the rhinoplasty had been on Blanchard’s list for the longest time. In Vizier’s words, “The main thing is that she wanted a more feminine-looking nose. She just wants to fix it up and give it a more feminine look.” 

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Blanchard rose to fame after she reportedly conspired with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to murder her own mother, Claudia “Dee Dee” Blanchard, in 2015. She was a victim of Munchausen by proxy, where her mother forced her to live like a disabled child suffering from various ailments, including cancer.

To keep up the appearance that Blanchard was a cancer patient who had leukemia and was undergoing chemotherapy, Dee Dee shaved her head regularly. This fostered a complicated relationship with the online personality and her hair.

Last year, The Blast reported that the 35-year-old got real with her fanbase, explaining that she often wore wigs because her hair was damaged from years of bleaching and she did not “feel confident with short hair.” She shared this update while posting a picture of herself in a way fans never saw: with very short natural hair. 

Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Spent Almost A Decade Behind Bars

Blanchard was arrested after her mom was found stabbed in her Springfield home. She pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and spent eight and a half years of her 10-year sentence behind bars for her participation in orchestrating the death of her mother.

Her then-boyfriend, on the other hand, was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Dee Dee reportedly portrayed her daughter to the public as a frail disabled child, subjecting her to a wheelchair, feeding time, and unnecessary surgeries even though Blanchard was healthy.

While still behind bars, the media personality married Ryan Anderson in 2022, who waited outside the prison for her release. In an interview with ABC News, she admitted her regrets for getting married in prison but noted that she did not regret her relationship with Anderson.

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Their love story was, however, short-lived as they divorced in 2024 and Blanchard moved on to Ken Urker, with whom she welcomed her daughter Aurora.

Will Gypsy-Rose Blanchard get the glow-up she wishes for?

Days of Our Lives spoilers for August 3-7, 2026 excite with Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) exiting Salem thanks to her brother EJ DiMera’s (Dan Feuerriegel) revenge plan. Plus, Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) is celebrating his daughter’s homecoming, but he may have even more reason to celebrate very soon.

Also, next week we have more people searching for Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien). We’ll have Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) having a change of heart and Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) is finally allowed to go home from the hospital. But we have to wait and see how long she sticks around Salem.

And as we always do on early edition day, we start with what’s coming the rest of this week, then we dive into what is happening next week.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Leo Turns to Rafe for Help

So, on Wednesday, July 29th, we’ve got Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) asking Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) for his help. And Leo may mention the dead man’s switch letter and how desperate he is to find Gwen, and he wants the FBI’s help. Rafe may ask Leo to find out exactly what he knows. And of course, Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) already gave Rafe the letter that Gwen left for Leo, and they’re already using it. But I bet that Rafe and Cat are going to leave Leo in the dark.

Susan Banks (Stacy Haiduk) is back in Salem. So Stacy Haiduk is doing double duty as EJ’s mama and his mean sister Kristen this week. And Susan is convinced that EJ’s gone too far and her psychic senses are tingling. Susan rants at EJ that he is not Stefano. And Susan says she will never let EJ be that monster. But come on, it’s too late for that. He’s already gone bad. I wonder if Susan’s Psychic Network will give her specific info on what Elvis Jr’s been up to lately, because it’s all bad deeds.

DOOL Spoilers: Chanel & Johnny’s Baby’s Comes Soon

Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) tries to cheer up Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens). We’re going to see Johnny and Chanel spending time with adorable little Trey. And of course, they’re getting ready for their baby to be born. Chanel is going to go into premature labor soon. And it could be touch and go given her cancer and the chemo situation making Chanel a high-risk pregnancy.

Abe Carver (James Reynolds) and Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews) catch Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford) in a lie on Wednesday. She told them she was going alone to see her mom, but Lexie’s really going off to die alone, and Kristen convinced her to swap spots and head to DiMera Island to die instead of her, which EJ will hate. But with Lex’s symptoms coming back, she may not be thinking clearly, and that’s why she’s caught in a lie.

Days of Our Lives: Confrontations and Shocking Developments

Then on Thursday, July 30th, Gabi shocks Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). Not only do they wind up in each other’s arms this week, but it sounds like Gabi really hurt Philip when he said he was hurt by Gabi’s false accusations the same way that she hurt Theo by jumping to a bad conclusion.

So, Gabi may agree to invest in Titan and stick to their deal. And Philip’s wondering if she now suspects Dimitri of selling fake Gabi Chic bags since it might have happened on their watch. Arianna Hernandez (Vico Escorcia) did let a prototype out of her sight. So clearly somebody took snaps of it.

Rachel Black (Lorelei Olivia Mote) is officially out of Bayview and Brady, Belle, and Tate are all celebrating. But will Kristen be there to celebrate Rachel’s freedom also? Or does EJ already have her picked up by then? Maybe he’ll be kind to let Kristen see Rachel one last time before his henchman grabs her up.

Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) reassures Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) that he will never agree to the terms that Joy Wesley (AlexAnn Hopkins) wants and her custody terms are kind of ridiculous. She doesn’t want Stephanie around Kelsey ever. Now, I can understand that Joy is still upset at this moment because Stephanie nearly shot her.

But I think that she is being slightly unreasonable. Belle Black (Martha Madison) gets a visit from Joy who wants some advice. So, I wonder if she’s going to talk to Belle about a restraining order because of the shooting or Joy might revisit pressing charges to pressure Alex into accepting her terms.

Days of Our Lives: Family Surprises and Desperate Searches

Then on Friday, July 31st, Lexie’s got a big surprise in store from Abe and Theo. They want to make up for lost time. So, Abe and Theo do a Christmas in July thing with a tree and presents. All of that for Lexie to make up for all the holidays they missed out on as a family.

And this Theo and Abe surprise could be why Lexie is late to meet up and swap with Kristen. EJ and Kristen share a moment of honesty at the end of the week. And this may be right before EJ’s henchman shoves Kristen into a shipping container and tells Kristen, “Have a nice flight.” So, she may be pounding on the walls and devastated that Lexie doesn’t show up.

Javi Hernandez (Jacob Martinez) and Gus (Michael Ocampo) discuss the future. Also this week, Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) asked Leo why he thinks Dimitri von Leuschner (Peter Porte) took Gwen. And Leo says he texted Dimitri to see where Gwen was. And he got a reply that sent all of Leo’s spidey senses tingling.

So, he’s trying to get to Alamania as fast as possible, and he may head out of town with Chad and Belle. Also, Chad has an update for Rafe about Gwen. So, we’ll see if Leo gets Belle and Chad to help him find Gwen before they head off to Italy on the chess set mystery.

DOOL: August Fallout and Long-Term Consequences

Then the week of August 3rd through the 7th, we may see Kristen is gone for good or at a minimum gone for now. Rachel will be devastated and I’m guessing that Brady may suspect EJ, but we know that he will lie and deny and in the end Brady should send EJ an edible arrangement to thank him for getting Kristen out of Rachel’s life.

She’s a bad influence. Stacy Haiduk confirmed a while back that she has wrapped her run. She’s now over on recurring status on Young and the Restless at the moment, but I’m sure Days of our Lives will bring Kristen back at some point.

Lexie misses her opportunity to sneak away and swap so she can die alone on the island. And the stress of all of this may cause her to collapse. Theo and Abe are going to rush her to the hospital. Lex’s death is imminent and EJ’s going to be distraught. Abe and Theo, too, and they’ll be raging at EJ.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Chad & Bell Take Off

Belle and Chad are headed for Italy to crack the chess set mystery, but Gwen’s disappearance may trigger a detour to Alamania. Leo is desperate to get his bestie back and now suspects his and Gwen’s mutual ex, Dimitri, took her and not EJ. Dimitri von Leuschner is back on the scene soon.

And it looks like he may have snatched Gwen for a little revenge since she kidnapped him with EJ’s help. Very soon, Leo’s trying to convince Dimitri to cut a deal with him if he won’t bargain with Rafe. Chanel could go into labor soon. She is in her third trimester, and we know she’s going to be rushed into the hospital in distress.

And Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) is there hustling everybody out as Chanel begins to hemorrhage. Philip and Gabi may be on the road to reconciliation or maybe not. So, Philip may be playing Gabi on Xander Cook’s (Paul Telfer) orders so they can get her money. Philip is totally capable of playing Gabi like this.

On the other hand, she might be toying with Philip, too. They are a lot alike. Also, we’ll find out more about who is stealing Gabi’s designs and selling them to a knockoff company. I’m very suspicious of Gus based on the timing and how little we know about him.

Days Spoilers: Holly Learns the Truth

Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) considers romance with Foster and Holly’s out of the hospital soon and she may find out that EJ planted the pills to cover his butt in the whole arsenic cover up. Not too long until Holly leaves Salem since Ashley Puzemis was fired from Days. So, Holly and Tate because the actor was also fired may head to Paris together to be near her mom and little brother.

And in way way way ahead spoilers, these are for June 2027. So, 11 months from now, Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney), Carrie Brady, Lucas Horton (Bryan Dattilo), and Will Horton (Chandler Massey) are heading back to Salem for a big Brady family reunion. Maybe for Sami’s wedding to Dante Vitali. I just hope that it’s not because something is wrong with Roman Brady (Josh Taylor).

You know a psychological thriller when you see one, even if the term “psychological thriller” isn’t the easiest to define. Most thrillers get at least a little psychological, but also, you’d call the Mission: Impossible movies thrillers, but they’re not really psychological thrillers, you know? The focus might be more on action, or the thrills might come from something that’s more universal rather than personal, and so with those sorts of thrillers, they may not really be psychological.

But also, some psychological thrillers do also function as action movies, and really, if something has a focus on a person’s internal struggles with some kind of high-stakes or otherwise stressful situation, then it can qualify as a psychological thriller, for present purposes. The more important distinction to make here might be the notion that something released in the year 2000 technically isn’t eligible to be counted among the best 21st-century psychological thrillers, just because that year was technically the final one of the 20th century (sorry, Memento, American Psycho, and Unbreakable).

25

‘Split’ (2016)

Image via Universal Pictures

That intro you either just read or scrolled past mentioned Unbreakable, which was a unique superhero movie of sorts that was probably more of a psychological thriller, albeit one that, you know, had people with superpowers at its center. It was directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and then he also did Split, which was a pretty twist-heavy and unusual movie, with the big twist being that, like, it was actually something of a sequel to Unbreakable.

Sorry if that’s a spoiler, but it’s also hard to avoid nowadays, since Split is known for being ultimately the middle chapter of a trilogy that began with Unbreakable and concluded with the flawed (but still interesting) Glass. Split might well be the best of the three, in any event, focusing on a man with dissociative identity disorder, and a handful of young women who have to survive after being kidnapped by him. It does a lot with a little (the premise is simple and all), and also boasts a knockout central performance from James McAvoy.

24

‘Caché’ (2005)

Image via ©Canal+/Wega Film

Caché is more thrilling than most Michael Haneke movies, since he’s a director who more often operates within the realm of psychological dramas than psychological thrillers. There are enough by way of thrills here, though, once you get past the very patient pacing, with Caché being about a married couple who find themselves the target of an unknown adversary who keeps sending them unsettling videotapes.

It’s a film all about surveillance, and the sense of discomfort that comes with being watched, scratching the same unsettling itch as something like 1997’s Lost Highway, all the while also standing out for being quite Hitchcockian with the kind of suspense it ultimately delivers. Caché is well-executed, and it does succeed at lingering in one’s mind long after it’s over, even if parts of it might not technically be super thrilling while the whole thing’s actually playing out.

23

‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Shutter Island is almost a case of Martin Scorsese doing a crowd-pleaser, because there is a bit more that’s conventionally appealing here than some of the other films he’s done recently (and a more digestible runtime, too). It’s still dark, though, and not really a crowd-pleaser in the traditional sense, being about a pair of detectives who go to an island, investigating the disappearance of a patient from a criminal psychiatric facility on said island.

Where it goes beyond that can be spoiled quite easily, with Shutter Island being the sort of movie that’s most memorable because of the sudden turns in the narrative it has. Good twist, though… or twists? What are you in for? Wouldn’t you like to know? No, don’t know. If you’ve somehow not had a movie like this ruined for you, and are still yet to see it, it’s worth prioritizing, because therein lies something appealing about psychological thrillers: the sense of surprises (or series of surprises) they often contain.

22

‘Buried’ (2010)

Image via Lionsgate

The premise of Buried couldn’t be simpler, and it’s always easy to summarize by saying, “Imagine that one scene from Kill Bill where the Bride is trapped underground in a coffin, but stretched out for a whole movie.” That’s the film. And, to make it sound even more ambitious, Ryan Reynolds plays not just the main character, but really, the film’s only character (at least the only one you see on-screen), and he might not ordinarily sound like the kind of person who could carry a movie like this.

In this more serious role, though, he’s surprisingly good, and then, unsurprisingly, Buried is also extremely stressful and claustrophobic for its whole runtime. The commitment to having the camera stay inside the coffin pretty much the whole time is bold, and it pays off. In the right hands, a movie about a guy who can’t move while getting stressed and calling people for about 90 minutes really can turn out very compelling.

21

‘Mother!’ (2017)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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If not for a soon-to-be-mentioned movie about burning salt (not really, but it’s fun to be ambiguous, for now), Mother! is probably the most divisive film you’re going to see mentioned here, and it is fairly understandable how/why it’s not for everyone. There’s a lot of allegorical stuff going on here, and Mother! jumps back and forth between feeling on-the-nose and kind of obscure, more or less without warning whether it’s going to be one or the other.

At its core, Mother! is about a woman trying to deal with a bunch of people who keep coming to her house, and disrupting her peace. Allegorically, it’s in line with biblical stories, and it’s interesting to engage with it in that way, sure, but the visceral nature of what Mother! offers, just as an emotional experience, is as immense as it is intense. That sheer immensity/intensity is why it’s here (sorry to you if you’re someone who has a problem with that).

20

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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Christopher Nolan likes getting in the heads of his characters, and also seems fond of getting in your head (yes, you!) as the viewer, since he’s pretty good at the whole psychological thriller thing. Memento is one of his best but, as mentioned before, that did technically come out in the 20th century, as did Following, which was his first film, and does honestly remain one of his most interesting.

There’ll be one more Nolan movie mentioned later on, but for now, here’s The Prestige, which is a twist-heavy psychological drama/thriller movie with some interesting science fiction elements, too. There is also one historical figure who plays a decently important role in The Prestige, Nikola Tesla (played by David Bowie, in an inspired casting choice), but don’t expect this to be a historically accurate film in the same way Oppenheimer (for the most part) was.

19

‘Saltburn’ (2023)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

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Saltburn is that one previously alluded to movie that might well have more detractors than Mother!, just because… who knows why, actually? If you’re a detractor, you know why. Good for you. But as someone who likes this film, it’s difficult to understand some of the vitriol. It’s about class warfare, shown from the perspective of a psychologically troubled person, and there is a very intentional flip in perspective/sympathy, at a point.

Maybe some people don’t really like who’s villainized, and who is eventually shown to be a bit more sympathetic than originally seemed. It’s the sort of film that can be disliked for more than one reason, and at least two of those reasons are incredibly different. But if you can get behind the roller-coaster ride Saltburn provides (or get onboard, maybe?), then there is a great deal to appreciate and think about here.

18

‘Burning’ (2018)

Image via CGV Arthouse

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The best thing to do, with Burning, is to just not say what it’s about. “Oh, are you being lazy and trying to get out of summarizing a plot synopsis?” you might be asking. No! Not really. It’s just that Burning only has a few main characters, and the story they’re involved with takes a very long time to play out, with the film having an almost epic-length runtime (just under 2.5 hours) while very deliberately not being an epic.

So, if you say too much, the whole thing’s ruined. You do just have to watch it, provided you have enough free time, all the while trusting that you’re in good hands. Those hands belong to director Lee Chang-dong, who turned in his best and most acclaimed movie here, and it’s also based on a story by the always interesting Haruki Murakami, in case you feel the need for another pair of good/reliable hands before jumping into this one.

17

‘Das Experiment’ (2001)

Image via Senator Film

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Taking the Stanford prison experiment of 1971 and using it as the basis of an entire psychological drama/thriller film, Das Experiment is indeed unsettling and oftentimes suspenseful. The real-life experiment involved assigning some participants the role of “prison guards,” and others the role of “prisoners,” then observing the sorts of dynamics that developed between the two groups based on the titles they’d been given.

The real-life Stanford prison experiment was somewhat divisive, but definitely not as explosive or as violent as Das Experiment is, with there not really being an attempt here to capture that whole real-life situation accurately. But what it says about human nature is interesting, and as a film that asks, “What’s the worst way that whole experiment could’ve ended up?,” Das Experiment is effective.

16

‘I Saw the Devil’ (2010)

Image via Showbox

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There are some thrillers where once they really kick off, they don’t stop, and then there are others like I Saw the Devil that don’t really take much time at all to “kick off,” and so they end up feeling relentless from start to finish. That I Saw the Devil can do this while also being nearly two and a half hours long makes it extra impressive.

And, further, the film’s mostly just about two characters: one of whom is a serial killer, and the other being someone who wants to track down said serial killer and, preferably, make him feel the sort of terror he’s inspired in others. I Saw the Devil manages to go to new – and alarmingly extreme – places as a cat-and-mouse sort of film, and stands as a must-watch movie for anyone with a sufficiently strong stomach (just because it is undeniably gruesome at times).

Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford’s past history is coming full circle as their respective children Homer Gere and Kaia Gerber share the screen on The Shards.

“It’s really funny. The odds are funny,” Homer, 26, quipped to USA Today at the Monday, July 27, premiere of the FX show. “We had never met, actually, before shooting. We met two weeks before at a bar with all the cast, and it was our first, kind of, ‘Let’s meet each other.’”

Homer is the son of exes Richard, 76, and Carey Lowell, while Kaia, 24, is the daughter of Crawford, 60, and her husband, Rande Gerber. The supermodel was previously married to Richard from 1991 to 1995.

As Crawford and the Pretty Woman actor moved on, their respective offspring never crossed paths prior to filming The Shards. (Crawford and Rande, 64, are also parents of son Presley, 27, while Richard shares two young sons with wife Alejandra Silva.)

“She was lovely,” Homer gushed to USA Today of his first interactions with Kaia. “Immediately, I think, me or her was like, ‘Should we address the elephant in the room?’ One of us said it, and, yeah, it was incredibly normal from the inside.”

Homer added, “She’s a lovely actress in person, [and] we’ve gotten really close. It’s been, really, a pleasure to work with [Kaia].”

Kaia also sang Homer’s praises in a separate red carpet interview on Monday.

“It was so nice, and honestly, he’s such a joy to work with and such a lovely person,” Kaia told Entertainment Tonight at the premiere. “He grew up East Coast, I grew up West Coast, but we’ve just gotten so close. I couldn’t have picked a better scene partner, honestly.”

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Homer and Kaia play Robert and Susan, respectively, in The Shards, Ryan Murphy’s upcoming adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ horror novel of the same name. Kaia leaned on mom Crawford’s advice for portraying a character in the 1980s.

Related: Kaia Gerber Admits She Doesn’t Think Mom Cindy Crawford Is ‘Cool’

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Cindy Crawford may be a supermodel and a ‘90s icon, but to daughter Kaia Gerber, she’s just mom. “When you were younger, did you think, ‘Oh my mom is so cool,’” host Kyle MacLachlan asked Gerber, 24, in Us Weekly’s exclusive teaser clip of the Thursday, September 18, debut episode of the “What Are We […]

“Susan, my character, has insane hair. It’s always set [in] big curls, side part, and I was like, ‘What high schooler’s doing this every day?’” Kaia joked to USA Today on Monday. “My mom was like, ‘I used to wake up at 4 a.m., set my hair in curlers even if I had swim [class] first period. I was like, ‘What?’ She was like, ‘Just for the walk into school.’ So, I was like, ‘I guess this is what high schoolers did in the ‘80s!’”

The Shards premieres on FX Wednesday, August 5.