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Only 3 Video Games Have Better Writing Than ‘The Last of Us’

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GLaDOS from 'Portal 2'.

Video game storytelling has evolved a great deal from the early days of text-based adventures, instruction manual backstories, and games whose only in-game story is a blurb of text before the title screen. Nowadays, video games have helped bring to life some of the most expansive and emotionally compelling stories of the modern era, making the absolute most out of the medium to get players invested in the characters and weight of the story being told. It’s reached a point where the stories being told in video games even rival the likes of film and novels in their abilities to tell powerful, compounding works of art.

Even since its release in 2013, The Last of Us has stood as the defining example of exceptional video game storytelling, with its mixture of dystopian worldbuilding, layered characters, and powerful emotional moments making it an icon of gaming story perfection. However, despite the game’s overwhelming stature and legacy, it is not the absolute highest point of what is possible with writing in the world of video game stories. While the number is small, 3 distinct masterclasses of writing prove to be even a step above the face of top-notch video game writing. It’s certainly subjective as to which story has a greater impact on each individual, but these three games are easily among the conversations of the best that video game writing has to offer.

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‘Portal 2’ (2011)

GLaDOS from 'Portal 2'.
GLaDOS from Portal 2.
Image via Valve

The original Portal was already one of the most beloved and highly praised games of the 2000s, with its mixture of inventive, groundbreaking first-person puzzle solving with a shockingly compelling twist and story making it an instant classic. The prospect of a sequel to Portal, especially when the original game was so twist-centric, seems to be incredibly difficult to make interesting from a storytelling perspective. However, Portal 2 proves to build upon the narrative strengths of the first game, with even more memorable characters, greater examination of the already beloved characters from the first game, and a perfect mixture of stakes, comedy, and emotion. The story and writing especially have played a major part in the game’s sustained legacy as one of the greatest video game sequels ever made.

Considering so much of the charm and impact of Portal’s writing was its one-sided conversation with the game’s main villain, GLaDOS, it only makes sense for the game to lean into this strength with even more memorable characters to make the game so entertaining. Ellen McLain‘s GLaDOS is great as always, but some great additions in Stephen Merchant‘s Wheatley and J. K. Simmons‘ Cave Johnson really steal the show in terms of dynamic, hilariously well-written characters. Cave Johnson doesn’t even make a physical appearance in the game, only being heard through a series of audio logs during the middle of the game, yet he still feels more fleshed out and full of character than most fictional characters could even dream of. However, it isn’t just a more fine-tuned sense of humor and charm that makes Portal 2 so well written, as it also takes the worldbuilding presented by the initial game to tell a compelling new narrative of twists, stakes, and new perspectives.

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‘The Walking Dead’ (2012)

Lee with a look of shock and terror on his face in Telltale's The Walking Dead video game.
Lee with a look of shock and terror on his face in Telltale’s The Walking Dead video game.

It feels a little strange that one of the few video games to have better writing than The Last of Us is not only another post-apocalyptic zombie game, but one that only released a year prior and was based on pre-existing material. However, Telltale Games’ take on the legendary Robert Kirkman graphic novel series has made The Walking Dead manage to be better than any other adaptation of the material. This dynamic, character-driven game entirely centralizes itself around its story and characters, giving the player pivotal agency as they make dialogue decisions and influence aspects of the story and characters. On top of giving the game some loose replayability, it does a masterful job of getting players that much more invested in the story and characters, making it all the more emotional when characters do die and the stakes are raised.

While the Telltale formula has been utilized and placed onto an array of other franchises throughout the 2010s, the entire reason that these games existed was because of the monumental success and brilliance that was accomplished with The Walking Dead. There is a greater focus on the human element that feels severely missing from many other zombie video game stories, aligning with the heart of the comics while telling its own original story. Some have even made the comparison that this makes the game feel less like a true moment-to-moment video game and more of an interactive movie in some ways. However, the emotional weight of its writing and its many tearjerker moments wouldn’t be nearly as legendary if the game didn’t have these moments of player control and interactivity. It ironically beat The Last of Us to the punch by a year in terms of making a beautiful story of a human connection between a man and a young girl amidst a zombie apocalypse.

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‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

disco-elysium.jpg
Disco Elysium

Especially compared to the other games mentioned, Disco Elysium didn’t have the overwhelming cultural dominance over video game culture that made them household titles, making its spot at the top of this list relatively confusing for those not familiar with the game. However, those who have experienced the sprawling, endlessly replayable brilliance of Disco Elysium and its powerful, infinitely memorable style of writing have been quick to scream the game’s strengths from the rooftops as the undeniable height of video game narratives. The game sees the player taking control of a troubled detective with no memory of his own identity or the world around him, piecing together a mysterious murder as well as the protagonist’s own identity. Disco Elysium then makes the growth and evolution of its lead up to the player, allowing them to influence the story to a degree that, while certainly explored in previous interactive games, is at a frankly unbelievable scale.

It isn’t just the scale and gravitas of its infinitely replayable story that makes Disco Elysium so compelling, but that each branching path and narrative choice adds to the overall experience and writing prowess of the game as a whole. Each interaction proves to be its own web of potential conversation points, with each path feeling enlightened and highly intelligent in its reflections of humanity and political ideology. Disco Elysium is the type of unrestrained, maddening perfection that simply couldn’t have been made from a traditional studio system, making the absolute most of its indie game roots to tell a story without filters and able to make powerful, experimental risks in its writing and gameplay. Each of these risks proves to pay off dividends, as Disco Elysium is the type of perfectly written narrative that could only truly work in the realm of video games, utilizing the strengths of the medium to weave together an unforgettable experience to those who witness its beauty and craft.











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Collider Exclusive · Universe Personality Quiz
Which Iconic Universe Do You Belong in the Most?
Star Wars · Lord of the Rings · Harry Potter · Game of Thrones · Star Trek
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Five legendary universes. Five completely different visions of what the world could be — or already was. One of them is the world your instincts, your values, and your particular way of existing were built for. Eight questions will tell you which one.

🚀Star Wars

💍Lord of the Rings

🧙Harry Potter

👑Game of Thrones

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🖖Star Trek

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01

What gives your life its deepest sense of meaning?
Every universe is built around a different answer to this question.





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02

Which kind of world do you most want to inhabit?
The environment shapes who you become. Choose carefully.





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03

How do you prefer your conflicts resolved?
The shape of a world’s conflicts tells you everything about its soul.





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04

Who do you want beside you when things get difficult?
Your ideal companions reveal the world you were made for.





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05

What is your relationship with power?
How you seek, wield, or resist power is the map of who you are.





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06

How does your universe treat good and evil?
A world’s moral architecture tells you more about it than any map.





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07

What role would you naturally fall into?
Every universe has archetypes. Which one fits you without trying?





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08

What do you ultimately believe about the future?
The answer to this is the clearest window into which universe already lives inside you.





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Your Universe Has Been Chosen
You Belong In…

Your answers point to the iconic universe your values, your instincts, and your particular way of seeing the world were built for. This is where you would find your people — and your purpose.

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A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars

You believe in the cause — in the idea that freedom is worth fighting for even when the odds are impossible and the empire is vast.

  • You are drawn to the moral clarity of a universe where hope itself is a form of resistance.
  • You’d find your people in the Rebellion — a ragtag coalition of true believers held together by conviction more than resources.
  • Star Wars is fundamentally a story about ordinary people choosing to matter in an extraordinary conflict — and that is exactly your kind of story.
  • The Force may or may not be with you. But the will to use it for something larger than yourself certainly is.

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Middle-earth

Lord of the Rings

You understand, in the deepest part of yourself, that the journey matters as much as the destination — and that the world’s beauty is worth protecting even at great cost.

  • Middle-earth is a world of ancient wonder, deep friendship, and a darkness that only retreats when enough small acts of courage accumulate.
  • You would thrive here because you value the fellowship more than the glory — the road more than the arrival.
  • Tolkien’s universe rewards patience, loyalty, and the willingness to carry something heavy across a very long distance.
  • Those are not burdens to you. They are simply how you move through the world.

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The Wizarding World

Harry Potter

You believe that love, loyalty, and doing what’s right are not naive sentiments — they are the most powerful forces in any world, magical or otherwise.

  • The Wizarding World is a place of wonder hidden in plain sight, where learning is transformative and the bonds you form at school follow you into every battle.
  • You would flourish here because you take both the magic and the friendships seriously — and you understand that one without the other is incomplete.
  • Harry Potter’s universe ultimately rewards those who choose to stand for something even when standing is terrifying.
  • That choice — made quietly, without guarantee — is something you understand completely.

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Westeros · The Known World

Game of Thrones

You see the world clearly — its power structures, its hypocrisies, its brutal arithmetic — and you are not paralysed by that clarity. You use it.

  • Westeros is a world that rewards intelligence, adaptability, and the willingness to understand that every alliance is also a negotiation.
  • You would survive here — possibly thrive here — because you don’t confuse the world as it is with the world as you’d like it to be.
  • Game of Thrones is a story about what happens when the idealists and the realists collide. You are sharp enough to know which one lasts longer.
  • Winter always comes. You are already prepared.

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The United Federation of Planets

Star Trek

You believe the future is worth building — that curiosity, cooperation, and the expansion of understanding are not just ideals but the most practical path forward for any civilisation.

  • Star Trek is a universe where the questions matter as much as the answers, and where encountering something utterly alien is cause for wonder rather than fear.
  • You would belong here because you are fundamentally optimistic about what intelligence and decency can achieve — while being honest about how hard that achievement is.
  • The Federation is the universe’s most ambitious thought experiment: what if we actually got better?
  • You don’t just hope that’s possible. You think it’s the only thing worth working toward.
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Lindsay Hubbard Puts ‘Trash’ West Wilson On Notice

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West Wilson, Summer House cast member.

Lindsay Hubbard is slamming her “Summer House” co-star, West Wilson, following his recent podcast, during which he appears to steer people away from watching a new episode of the Bravo reality series. On Instagram’s Threads, Hubbard, who has been a “Summer House” OG since the show premiered in 2017, called Wilson “trash,” and claimed that the Missouri native “threatened” her career more than once.

Hubbard’s latest Threads post, in which she called out “trash” Wilson, has been going viral. Elsewhere in the post, she slammed the 31-year-old for allegedly trying “to get people to not watch OUR show that I brought YOU on.”

The reality star’s post comes days after Wilson was seen on his “Show Me Something” podcast, telling his listeners that he hoped the San Antonio Spurs would win last Saturday’s game against the New York Knicks so viewers would steer clear of a special “Summer House” episode airing.

“If the Spurs win Saturday and they go back to MSG and they play Game 6, it will be Tuesday night [at] the same time they air this f-cking, g-d-mn bonus episode,” he told his co-host. “Give me f-cking Knicks in 6 at the same time this sh-t is on TV. I will be the happiest person in the motherf-cking world.”

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He didn’t stop there. He then told his listeners that should the Spurs win, he would “pop champagne” to celebrate.

Hubbard Had More To Say About West Wilson Following His Social Media Post About The Spurs

While season 10 of “Summer House” has officially wrapped, Bravo will air a bonus episode on Tuesday, June 16, featuring conversations between Wilson/Kyle Cooke, Hubbard/Amanda Batula, and Ciara Miller and Wilson’s ex-girlfriend, Meija.

In addition to calling him “trash,” Hubbard also claimed that Wilson has tried to sabotage her career on multiple occasions. “West has tried to threaten my career / show now 3 times, and it’s quite frankly, disgusting. No other word to describe it,” she wrote online, according to Page Six.

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Hubbard went on to say that Wilson spoke about her future on “Summer House” after she gave birth to her daughter, Gemma, saying that she wouldn’t be a fit for the series anymore. “We should have known then, he’s not smart, but here we are,” she posted.

Bravo figurehead Andy Cohen broke his silence on Wilson’s comments about the “Summer House” bonus episode during his “Radio Andy” show.

“I mean, if I were him, I would’ve thought the same thing,” said Cohen. “I don’t know if I would’ve said it on my podcast. I don’t know that I would’ve said it out loud. But I would’ve certainly said it to my friends.”

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Wilson’s comments come amid the backlash he’s been receiving since announcing his romantic relationship with his co-star, Batula. Their relationship made headlines due to Wilson’s past dealings with Miller, Batula’s former best friend.

Wilson And Batula Release Joint Statement About Unexpected Connection

West Wilson, Summer House cast member.
Bravo | Kareem Black

According to a previous report from The Blast, Wilson and Batula released a joint statement about their relationship after months of speculation.

“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” their post read. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we need a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

Continuing, the pair said their connection was unexpected and formed over the years.

Wilson Faces Heat From His ‘Summer House’ Co-Stars During Their Three-Part Reunion

Ciara Miller
MEGA

Wilson and Batula were both under fire during the three-part reunion, as their “Summer House” co-stars tore into them for potentially fracturing the group and impacting the show.

Miller also had choice words for the couple. According to The Blast, she slammed Batula and claimed that Wilson was only with her to make her jealous.

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“I couldn’t fathom that I would be sitting here pissed that you’re f–king my ex,” she said. “He wants to embarrass me. He wants to get his last little words in. And I hope it works, because he’s with you to spite me.”

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Teacher Arrested Over Sexual Relationship With Student

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Texas Teacher Arrested for Having Sex With Student in His Classroom After Another Student Saw Them

A teacher in Indiana was arrested by Kansas police following an investigation over an alleged sexual relationship he had with a student more than two decades ago.

The Lawrence Kansas Police Department announced via Facebook on Friday, June 12, that John Lotz, a former high school teacher in Lawrence, Kansas, was arrested after he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student during an incident that investigators believe occurred 25 years ago.

Lotz, 62, was arrested June 2 in Terre Haute, Indiana, after an investigation was launched regarding the allegations made against him.

Investigators have grown to believe that Lotz was working as a high school teacher in Lawrence between 1999 and 2001 when he engaged in a sexual relationship with the teen student. Police said that Lotz was in his mid-30s at the time of the alleged romance.

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Texas Teacher Arrested for Having Sex With Student in His Classroom After Another Student Saw Them


Related: Texas Teacher Arrested for Having Sex With Student in His Classroom

A high school teacher in Texas has been arrested after he allegedly had sex with a student in his classroom, and he was caught after another student saw them together. Chad Allen Rodriguez was arrested on Saturday, May 16, and was charged with a second-degree felony for having sex with a 17-year-old girl. Rodriguez, 38, […]

Detectives traveled to Indiana and interviewed Lotz before he was taken into custody.

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Lotz left Lawrence when he stopped working as a teacher in the area, though he continued his career in education when he moved away, according to police.

Authorities have not publicly shared many details about the case, including the identity of the victim or how long the investigation lasted before Lotz was arrested. It’s also not currently clear how long his alleged relationship with the victim lasted.

Lotz previously worked as an assistant director of business engagement at the Indiana State University Career Center, according to the Terre Haute Tribune-Star. Following his arrest, the university issued a statement about the matter.

“Indiana State University is aware that a former employee has been charged with criminal offenses in the state of Kansas. Because of an ongoing criminal investigation, the university will not comment further on the former employee, the allegations, or the legal proceedings,” the school’s statement read, per the outlet. “Questions regarding the charges should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement and judicial authorities in Kansas.”

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Teacher Arrested for Having Sex With Teen, Claimed She 'Loved' Him and Wanted to Run Away Together


Related: Teacher Arrested for Having Sex With Teen Claimed She ‘Loved’ Him

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A former high school teacher in Georgia has been arrested after she allegedly had sex with a teenage boy who she claimed she “loved,” and she even begged him to run away with her to Mexico. Amanda Katz, who worked as a teacher before becoming an administrator at Roswell High School, was arrested on Tuesday, […]

One day after his arrest, Lotz was charged in Douglas County on June 3, according to WTHR. He made his initial appearance in court on June 4 and is currently being held in the Douglas County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Lotz is next scheduled to appear in court again on June 30.

It is not currently clear if Lotz has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. The Lawrence Kansas Police Department told Us Weekly that several studies show most adults who commit child sex crimes have more than one victim.

Police have asked that anyone with information regarding the case contact non-emergency dispatch at 785-843-0250 or the Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County hotline at 785-843-TIPS.

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Days of our Lives 2-Week Spoilers June 15-26: Holly Spirals Out of Control – Lexie Clings to False Hope!

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Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) - Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford)

Days of Our Lives 2-Week Spoilers for June 15-26, 2026 will see Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) starting what looks like a downward spiral while Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford) gets a glimmer of hope about her medical issues.

But in the end, it is going to be false hope and she’s not going to last that long. We’ve got really exciting stuff coming the two weeks starting June 15th as Days kicks off July Sweeps, so let’s get right into it!

Days of Our Lives: June 15th-19th – Secrets, Kisses, and Medical Crises

All right, on Monday, June 15th, we’re going to pick up from Friday’s episode. Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) and EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) were kissing while watching the Cubs game, and they are going to see Belle Black (Martha Madison) and Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) smooching on the kiss cam. Shawn Brady (Brandon Beemer) also saw Belle kissing Chad. But he’s focused on making out with Jada Hunter (Elia Cantu), so it doesn’t seem to be bothering him as much.

As a matter of fact, a few people see Belle and Chad kissing at the game. Both EJ and Cat may be annoyed and jealous because then EJ asks Cat out to do something romantic with him. She’s going to tell EJ yes because she’s working overtime to take him down now that Cat’s plan to get the serum and entrap him flopped.

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Also, Chad gives Belle a more thorough kiss after the ball game is over and there’s no cameras around. And Chad and Belle decide to work together to get answers. And it looks like it’s about the chest set left to her dad, John Black (Drake Hogestyn).

DOOL Spoilers: Johnny Under Pressure

Paulina Price (Jackée Harry) pressures Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) and Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens), and she may tell them to go ask EJ for the serum for Chanel since he told her no. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) and Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) have a nice sit-down. They talk about life’s challenges and Julie may tell Marlena about her date with Foster.

Then on Tuesday, June 16th, Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) struggles with the things that she’s done. And of course, Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) still needs to tell his wife about Joy’s ultimatum, banning her from being around little Kelsey. Also, Alex asks his mom-in-law, Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans), for some advice about Joy’s ultimatum. It’s also time for fun in the sun and some day drinking. Probably some night drinking, too. Out at the Horton cabin, Holly and Arianna Horton (Vico Escorcia) are there with Tate Black (Leo Howard) and Aaron Greene (Louis Tomeo). Once they all arrive at the cabin, Ari says it’s happy hour.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Brady Does Some Digging

Also, this week, Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) tells Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) that one of the companies involved is DiMera Pharmaceuticals. So, it sounds like that Brady is looking into the drugs and what happened to her patient, Destiny.

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Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow) comes in hot and angry at Marlena. I’m sure that Kate is upset that she had to tell Roman Brady (Josh Taylor) the truth about Johnny’s lawsuit because Marlena emotionally blackmailed Xander Cook Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) into dropping the lawsuit against Johnny.

Wednesday, June 17th, Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) apologizes to Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews). So, this may be for Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) going and accusing Theo of blabbing the secret about the hidden bug at Titan. Chad and EJ try and make each other jealous, and Gabi tells Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) to take a step back. So, I think Gabi wants Leo to stay away so he doesn’t mess up the good thing that Javi Hernandez (Jacob Martinez) has going on with nice guy firefighter Gus.

Xander comes clean to Johnny. So, it looks like Xander is trying to make amends as Marlena advised. But will he confirm that Kate was involved or will Xander keep her name out of it? Also, this week, Cat asks Mark Green (Jona Robinson) if there is a problem with EJ’s miracle drug and her brother Mark says no. and then asks why Cat thinks there is. But Mark’s looking kind of dodgy, so I do think he knows.

Days Spoilers Thursday & Friday: Medical Hopes and Dark Revelations

Thursday, June 18th, Lani Price (Sal Stowers) and Theo are there for Chanel. This is when she is starting chemo, and she’s very nervous because of the pregnancy. Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) warns her nephew Johnny. But what she says may come back to bite her. And it’s Abe Carver’s (James Reynolds) and Paulina’s Juneteeth wedding anniversary, and things get messy. Right now, Abe’s with Lexie. However, Abe and Paulina still love each other, and Lexie coming back from the dead didn’t kill their feelings.

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Dr. Wilhelm Rolf (Richard Wharton) has promising news about Lexie’s symptoms, and this has EJ optimistic. So, it looks like Rolf has cooked up some new super serum 2.0 to address Lexie’s side effects. But the hope that Rolf gives Lexie is false and fleeting, and things are going to get so much worse very soon. Holly and Tate’s romantic escape is interrupted this week. Holly has some sort of collapse while they’re hanging around by the fire outside the cabin, and she and Tate both look freaked out. So, I’m also wondering if the young people might find some sign that Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd) is really dead or possibly alive.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Kristen Feels Guilty

Friday, June 19th, after his chat with Kristen, we’re going to see Johnny alerting EJ. So, whatever is said is enough for Kristen’s guilt to come to light. And EJ confronts Kristen for sicking Sophia on Johnny. This week, Kristen is terrified and isn’t showing her usual snark as EJ rages at her. He is screaming in Kristen’s face about her trying to murder Johnny. Obviously, this will not go unpunished. EJ is going to do something bad to his sister.

Chad and Theo start checking out the chessboard that Stefano left for John. Theo lifts the chessboard and kind of holds it diagonal. He’s sitting with Chad at the Brady Pub and when Theo tips it, a key falls into his hand. So, we know there’s some guy working for Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo), dropping hints and surveilling those involved in this mystery.

Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) - Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford)Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) - Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford)
Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Holly Jonas – Lexie Carver 

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Holly in Trouble

Tate and Aaron and Ari try to get Holly back in a good mood after whatever went on that caused her to collapse. So, I wonder if Holly is back on recreational pills because of the stress, or maybe the shrink that Sarah referred her to prescribes anti-anxiety meds, and they may be causing some issues for her. Lani has questions for Kristen. They get together at the DiMera Mansion. But that may be before EJ loses it on Kristen. So, we’ll see if she confesses to her bestie Lani about what she did to Johnny. It’s not like Kristen has many friends to talk to on Days of our Lives.

Lexie and Abe show up at the Juneteenth celebration. They’re right behind Paulina as Lexie is asking Abe if this is his anniversary. And of course, Paulina runs smack into Theo, Lexie, and Abe. And it’s just awkward all around.

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DOOL: June 22nd-26th – July Sweeps Crisis Mode

June 22nd through the 26th is going to be big because July Sweeps kicks off on Thursday, June 25th, by the way. So, things are going to amp up. Rachel’s going to be crushed to find out Sophia is dead and Brady and Kristen are there to comfort her. Holly is caught with some pills soon. But insists they’re not hers, but she’s snapping at Tate and seems twitchy.

Also, Gabi’s going to bail out Titan with her Stefan DiMera (Brandon Barash) inheritance, and that money is going to help out. But in the end, it will land Philip, Xander, Alex, and Kate in even more trouble. Eli Grant (Lamon Archey) surprises Lani with some romance in an afternoon away from the twins. Brady tells Sarah that he loves her soon and she’s going to say it back. Marlena is happy to hear that Xander dropped the lawsuit against Johnny. But she also thinks he is delusional about Sarah wanting to get back with him.

Chanel’s going to be in crisis in sweeps. She has the chemo. She’s going to go into labor early. She’s bleeding. That sends Johnny into a panic and Chanel is absolutely terrified. Kristen is kidnapped soon. Obviously, EJ’s behind it because he knows she tried to kill Johnny. We may never see Kristen again after this.

And after Theo finds the key in the chess board, we’ll see Chad is warning Belle that somebody’s out there dropping hints from Stefano and the person is still at it. Also during sweeps, we’re going to see Lexie taking a turn for the worse, and she will be hospitalized with Abe raging at EJ over her decline.

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10 Most Intense Fantasy Movies Ever Made

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Dev Patel looking down in 'The Green Knight'

When one thinks of fantasy cinema, the mind is typically drawn to enrapturing adventure, charming journeys through magical realms of wonder and curiosity where every new scene is an exciting treat of discovery. However, this isn’t always the case for the genre. There have been plenty of times when fantasy films have blended their otherworldly majesty with a sense of paralyzing intensity, be it in the form of horrific suspense, savage violence, or dramatic conviction.

Ranging from underrated gems of American cinema to bona fide and beloved classics of the international scene, these 10 fantasy movies stand as the most confronting and demanding the genre has ever seen. With everything from biblical epics to philosophical dramas, stomach-churning horror, and aggressively violent dark mythos included, this list presents a vast array of fantasy cinema at its bleakest and most brutal.

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10

‘The Green Knight’ (2021)

Dev Patel looking down in 'The Green Knight' Image via A24

Many fantasy movies confront viewers with their visual frightfulness and visceral violence, but others find their intensity in atmospheric surrealism and a rich philosophical descent into a complex character’s psyche. That is the case with The Green Knight, with the moody spin on Arthurian legend following Sir Gawain (Dev Patel) as he sets out to achieve glory by defeating the gigantic Green Knight (Ralph Ineson) in battle. His journey tests his convictions as he clashes with thieves, ghosts, and wild beasts on his quest.

Complimented by its thematic gravitas and eerie, horror-like tone, The Green Knight brilliantly subverts the traditional beats of the hero’s journey arc by emphasizing Gawain’s debilitating flaws, by focusing on his failures as a knight in a manner that is both painfully relatable and uncomfortably invasive. Ultimately soaring as a contemplative exploration of fear, the burden of manhood, and the inevitability of death, The Green Knight has cemented its place as a cult classic of fantasy cinema, as well as one of the genre’s most intense pictures in recent decades.

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9

‘Conquest’ (1983)

Conquest
Ilias (Andrea Occhipinto) stands in rocky terrain, pulling a glowing blue arrow on a glistening bow in ‘Conquest’ (1983).
Image via Golden Sun Producciones Esme

A cult gem of Italian cinema that has proven to be rather polarizing, Conquest is a hallucinogenic descent into a nightmarish realm of evil and violence disguised as a swords-and-sandals adventure. Armed with a pounding synth score and a relentless appetite for body horror and gore, it follows two young warriors who stand against a ceaseless force of vicious beasts commanded by a demonic demigod.

What Conquest desperately lacks in storytelling it more than makes up for with its unreserved interest in stylish allure and experimental filmmaking, even often resorting to smearing Vaseline on the camera lens to create a disorienting, suffocating atmosphere of surrealist angst and otherworldly evil. Its abstract nature and psychedelic violence only add to this air of incomprehensible peculiarity, making Conquest a viciously intense, albeit divisive, example of fantasy cinema at its most extreme, a brutal assault on the senses that feels like a frightful fever dream from start to finish.

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8

‘Solomon Kane’ (2009)

Solomon Kane (James Purefoy), a man in all black clothes and a black hat, stands amid the smuldering ruins of a village in medieval times.
Solomon Kane (James Purefoy), a man in all black clothes and a black hat, stands amid the smuldering ruins of a village in medieval times.
Image via Entertainment Film Distributors

Combining the philosophical might of Robert E. Howard’s damned and dour character with a procession of unrelenting R-rated violence, Solomon Kane is an interesting intersection of ultra-violent action, spiritual fantasy, and anti-hero-driven drama. James Purefoy stars as the titular figure, a former privateer whose soul is damned to Hell after many years of sin. His new vow of pacifism is challenged when a Puritan girl he is close with is abducted by a sorcerer and his evil cult.

The balance of existentialism and morality that Kane must grapple with is integral to the film’s intensity, constantly questioning the merit of violence as Kane desperately fights to rescue Meredith (Rachel Hurd-Wood) from the gruesome fate that the cultists have planned for her. Also buoyed by its heavy, Gothic atmosphere and the visceral might of its gritty action, Solomon Kane is an underrated gem of dark fantasy loaded with questions of morality, justice, and righteousness.

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7

‘Return to Oz’ (1985)

A young girl in braids with two women as statues behind her in Return to Oz.
Fairuza Balk in Return to Oz 1985.
Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

A far cry from the cheerful wonder and musical whimsy that made The Wizard of Oz such a timeless classic, Return to Oz became the sequel that traumatized a generation. Despite being rated PG, the 1985 fantasy functions as a dark, disturbing, and relentless psychological terror as it follows Dorothy (Fairuza Balk) as she escapes from a psychiatric ward and returns to Oz, only to find the magical land she knew decimated with the Emerald City resembling a post-apocalyptic ruin and her former friends being turned to stone.

Director Walter Murch leaned heavily on his background in sound design to construct a hellish aural experience that only makes the visceral unease of the movie all the more apparent. The screeching ferocity of the maniacal Wheelers and the vanity-obsessed Princess Mombi’s (Jean Marsh) bizarre gallery of heads are just some of the more visceral examples of the film’s horrifying darkness. Given its disconcerting focus on ideas of abandonment, upheaval, decay, and inhumanity, Return to Oz is a frightful picture for most adults, let alone the unsuspecting children who were scarred by it in 1985.

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6

‘Coraline’ (2009)

The Other Mother smiling threateningly at the Other Wybie in 'Coraline'
The Other Mother smiling threateningly at the Other Wybie in ‘Coraline’
Image via Laika Studios

Another example of a supposedly family-friendly movie leaving a wave of curious youngsters (and their parents) suffering nightmares, Coraline walks an agonizing line between childish suspense and scarring visual terror. The uncanny and disconcerting imagery enters the story as young Coraline (Dakota Fanning) discovers a doorway to an alternate world that initially seems far better than her own. However, Coraline soon realizes the idealized “Other World” houses some dark secrets when she finds herself trapped there and unable to return home.

Directed by stop-motion maestro Henry Selick, Coraline finds an eerie energy in the unnatural nature of character movements and the unsettling details that go into design features of the Other World’s inhabitants, namely the button eyes. From the striking horror imagery like the house made of rotting materials and Other Mother’s spidery transformation to the subliminal angst of jittery movements and disproportions, Coraline is a uniquely harrowing display of fantasy adventure full of concealed evils and chilling consequences.

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5

‘The Crow’ (1994)

A fire silhouette of a crow in The Crow
A fire silhouette of a crow in The Crow
Image via Dimension Films

The Crow is an interesting amalgamation of ideas, fusing together elements of superhero vigilantism, revenge thrills, Gothic horror, action carnage, and dark fantasy to be one of the most iconic and impressionable movies of the 1990s. It is also shrouded in infamy due to star Brandon Lee’s tragic on-set death and even the original comic writer being inspired by his own traumatic experience in which his girlfriend was killed by a drunk driver.

The story itself is brutal, opening as gangsters rape and murder Shelly Webster (Sofia Shinas) before throwing her boyfriend, Eric Draven (Lee), from the window of their apartment complex. When Draven returns from the grave a year later, he seeks to exact revenge on those who wronged him. Excelling in a grim setting of perpetual rain, pulsing shadows, and urban decay as Draven’s vengeance pierces the lawless chaos with a blistering streak of righteous retribution, The Crow defines dark fantasy action at its most enrapturing.

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4

‘The Seventh Seal’ (1957)

Death and a Knight playing chess in The Seventh Seal Image via AB Svensk Filmindustri

Powered by the striking presentation of its harsh black-and-white imagery, The Seventh Seal epitomizes Ingmar Bergman at his stunning, cerebral best. Through the story of Antonius Block (Max von Sydow), a knight of the Crusades who returns to his homeland to find his people besieged by the plague and challenges Death (Bengkt Ekerot) to a game of chess for his own life, the 1957 fantasy serves as an enrapturing mosaic of faith, mortality, humanity, and art.

While it refrains from being callous or overly cynical, The Seventh Seal does still find a certain intensity in its overarching sense of dread. The questions it asks defy easy explanations, forcing viewers to grapple with great existential thoughts concerning every aspect and impulse of the human condition. Given this philosophical might is boldly supported by the striking marriage of the film’s expressionist visuals and natural soundscape, The Seventh Seal is an arresting descent into a haunting world of doubt and fear that will linger on the minds of most viewers.

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3

‘Ugetsu’ (1953)

Machiko Kyo as Lady Wakasa lifts a veil from her face Image via Daiei Film

One of the greatest movies in the history of Japanese cinema, Ugetsu is a deft marriage of period drama, anchored in the human toll and desperation of the devastation of war, and haunting fantasy folklore. Exuding a hypnotic though harrowing air of dreamlike surrealism, it unfolds in 16th century Japan as two peasants spy an opportunity to profit off the war raging around them, despite being warned against it by a local sage. Their ambitions threaten to ruin their families’ lives.

Derived from both jidaigeki—Japanese period drama—and ghost stories, Ugetsu enthralls as a macabre tale of opportunism and consequence in which the toll of the peasants’ actions is faced by their wives and families. The tragedy is deeply emotionally numbing, offering commentary on a bleak world of selfishness, violence, and despair. Through wafting shots and observational storytelling, Ugetsu delivers a scarring portrait of human evil and suffering, using fantasy to convey a sense of mythic caution that lingers on the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.













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Collider Exclusive · Oscar Best Picture Quiz
Which Oscar Best Picture
Is Your Perfect Movie?

Parasite · Everything Everywhere · Oppenheimer · Birdman · No Country
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Five Oscar Best Picture winners. Five completely different visions of what cinema can be — and what it can do to you. One of them is the film that was made for the way your mind works. Ten questions will figure out which one.

🪜Parasite

🌀Everything Everywhere

☢️Oppenheimer

🐦Birdman

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🪙No Country for Old Men

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01

What kind of film experience do you actually want?
The best movies don’t just entertain — they leave something behind.





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02

Which idea grabs you most in a film?
Great films are driven by a central obsession. What’s yours?





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03

How do you like your story told?
Form is content. The way a story is shaped changes what it means.





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04

What makes a truly great antagonist?
The opposition defines the protagonist. What kind of opposition fascinates you?





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05

What do you want from a film’s ending?
The final note is the one that lingers. What do you want it to sound like?





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06

Which setting pulls you in most?
Where a film takes place shapes everything — mood, stakes, what’s even possible.





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07

What cinematic craft impresses you most?
Every great film has a signature — a technical or artistic element that makes it unmistakable.





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08

What kind of main character do you root for?
The protagonist is the lens. Who you choose to follow says something about you.





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09

How do you feel about a film that takes its time?
Pace is a choice. Some films sprint; others let tension accumulate slowly, deliberately.





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10

What do you want to feel walking out of the cinema?
The best films leave a mark. What kind of mark do you want?





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The Academy Has Decided
Your Perfect Film Is…

Your answers have pointed to one Oscar Best Picture winner above all others. This is the film that was made for the way your mind works.

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Parasite

You are drawn to films that operate on multiple levels simultaneously — that begin in one genre and quietly, brilliantly migrate into another. Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a film about class, desire, and the architecture of inequality that manages to be darkly funny, deeply suspenseful, and genuinely shocking across a single extraordinary running time. Your instinct is for cinema that hides its true intentions until the moment it’s ready to reveal them. Parasite is exactly that — a film that rewards close attention and punishes assumptions, right up to its devastating final image.

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Everything Everywhere All at Once

You want it all — and this film gives you all of it. The Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the most maximalist films ever made: action comedy, multiverse sci-fi, family drama, existential crisis, and a genuinely earned emotional core that sneaks up on you amid the chaos. You are someone who responds to ambition, who doesn’t want cinema to choose between being entertaining and being meaningful. This film refuses that choice entirely. It is overwhelming by design, and its overwhelming nature is precisely the point — because the feeling of being crushed by infinite possibility is exactly what it’s about.

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Oppenheimer

You are drawn to cinema on a grand scale — films that understand history not as a backdrop but as a force, and that place their characters inside that force and watch what happens. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a film about the terrifying gap between what we can do and what we should do, told with the full weight of one of the most consequential moments in human history behind it. You want your films to feel important without feeling self-important — to earn their ambition through sheer craft and the gravity of their subject. Oppenheimer does exactly that. It is enormous, complicated, and refuses easy comfort.

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Birdman

You are drawn to films that foreground their own construction — that make the how of the filmmaking part of the what it’s about. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, shot to appear as a single continuous take, is cinema examining itself through the cracked mirror of a fading actor’s ego. You respond to formal daring, to the feeling that a film is doing something that probably shouldn’t be possible. Michael Keaton’s performance and Emmanuel Lubezki’s restless camera create something genuinely unlike anything else — a film that is simultaneously about creativity, relevance, self-destruction, and the impossibility of ever truly knowing if your work means anything at all.

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No Country for Old Men

You are drawn to cinema that trusts silence, that refuses to explain itself, and that treats dread as a form of meaning. The Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men is a film about the arrival of a new kind of evil — implacable, arbitrary, and utterly indifferent to the moral frameworks we use to make sense of the world. It is one of the most formally controlled films ever made, and its controlled restraint is what makes it so terrifying. You want your films to haunt you, not comfort you. You are not interested in resolution if resolution would be dishonest. No Country for Old Men is honest in a way that most cinema never dares to be.

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2

‘Faust’ (1926)

A winged figure standing atop a hill in Faust - 1926 Image via MGM
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Coming from the same director as 1922’s Nosferatu, Faust excels as an enduring piece of German Expressionist cinema that makes an indelible mark on audiences with its deliberate blend of awe-inspiring visual grandeur, ominous folklore, and unrestrained meditations on human suffering. The silent masterpiece unfolds as the demon Mephisto (Emil Jannings) wagers with an archangel that he can corrupt a righteous man’s soul. Knowing if he wins his bet, the Devil will win dominion over Earth, Mephisto preys upon Faust (Gösta Ekman), an alchemist trying to help his struggling village.

Powered by Jannings’ harrowing portrayal of Mephisto and the piercing grandeur of its German Expressionist visuals, Faust achieves a sense of existentialism and scale that fast becomes overwhelming, especially as the bleak imagery on display marries with its imposing score. Also finding a deeply emotional sense of tragedy, Faust captures fantasy cinema at its most visceral, finding intensity in everything from the ambitions of Heaven and Hell to a mother’s desperation to nurture her baby. It remains one of the most striking and evocative fantasy films ever made 100 years on from its release.

1

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

Ofelia looking scared at the foot of a hallway in Pan's Labyrinth
Ofelia looking scared at the foot of a hallway in Pan’s Labyrinth
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
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A masterpiece of fantasy cinema at large, Pan’s Labyrinth is the defining triumph of dark fairy tale extravagance in film. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, it follows Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) as she is whisked into the mountains, along with her heavily pregnant mother, to be by the side of her vicious stepfather as he fights against rebels aligned with the Spanish Maquis. Isolated in a world of war and violence, Ofelia is given a chance to escape when she meets a faun who tells her she is the princess of the Underworld and can return to her rightful place if she completes three tasks.

It is often difficult to discern which elements of Pan’s Labyrinth are more horrifying, the real-world brutality and evil of the war violence, or the nightmarish dread of the creatures of the fantasy realm. Despite its violence and terror, the Spanish film finds a beating heart of innocence, youthful rebellion, and defiant optimism, one that imbues Ofelia’s ordeal with even more tension as she navigates two treacherous and unforgiving worlds with the imminent threat of capture always apparent.

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Bold and Beautiful 2-Week Spoilers June 15-26: Brooke Explodes in Rage – Bill Launches Ruthless New Plot!

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Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) - Bill Spencer (Don Diamont)

Bold and the Beautiful 2-Week Spoilers for June 15-26, 2026 thrill with Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) going absolutely berserk. And that’s before she even finds out about her daughter’s betrayal. Plus, Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) is cooking up a new scheme to slap at Forrester Creations.

We’re going to get into the latest spoilers for the two weeks starting June 15th, including more on Sheila Carter’s (Kimberlin Brown) return, Katie Logan’s (Heather Tom) plans, and the big couture launch of Eric Forrester’s (John McCook) new line. Things are heating up!

Bold and the Beautiful: June 15th-19th: Secrets, Proposals, & Confrontation

All right, on Monday, June 15th episode of Bold and the Beautiful, we’re going to have Will Spencer (Crew Morrow) having a really tough time keeping a secret from Electra Forrester (Laneya Grace). So, we’re going to pick back up from Friday’s episode and we’ve got her pushing Will to spill the secret about who is Katie’s new designer.

But Will’s mom told him how critical it is to keep the Hope Logan collection under wraps. So, of course, Will’s going to feel bad about keeping a secret from Electra. I think Will really wants to be honest with Electra since they just reunited. So, there is a chance Will might tell her about Hope and make her promise to keep the secret, but Electra is a Forrester, so trusting her with the secret is a big problem.

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RJ Forrester (Brayan Nicoletti) and Dylan’s friendship progresses. Their first date is still underway. And R.J. brought Dylan to his beach house, and they’re quickly heating up. So, we’ll see if R.J. and Dylan make love or stop before it goes further.

B&B Spoilers: Logan Races against Time to Beat FC

Tuesday, June 16th. The crew at Forrester Creations cannot wait to launch Eric’s new couture line, and that is coming up really fast. They want to overshadow the collection he did for Katie at Logan. And Eric’s collection coming out soon pushes Logan and the people there to get themselves moving because they also want to strike while the iron is hot and they know that the couture launch is about to happen. So, Katie, Bill, and Deke Sharpe (Harrison Cone) are all scrambling to get Hope Logan’s (Annika Noelle) collection out just as fast. Look for several Forrester Creations models to be on the runway doing last looks at Eric’s designs before his official launch.

I am really interested to see if these dresses are better than the ones he designed for Katie because there were a couple on the runway at Forrester Creations when RJ was in the room taking notes that I thought were honestly not appealing. There was one with like a fuchsia long skirt with this mustard strapless thing. It wasn’t a good look.

Also, Zende Forrester (Delon de Metz) asks Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor) for advice. Zende is concerned about his future. He already vented to Carter about how all his Hope for the Future designs were shelved and may never go into production. And Brooke gets a promise from Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood). I assume that she is promising Brooke that Hope for the Future is coming back now that Eric’s couture line is launching. Hope kept asking for a specific date and Steffy might give one to Brooke or at least a more firm timeline.

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Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Sheila Rattles Taylor & Deacon

Wednesday, June 17th, Taylor Hayes (Rebecca Budig) and Deacon are shaken. They’re at Taylor’s office. They’re kissing and canoodling and somebody busts in without knocking. It’s Sheila and Taylor screams, which startles Deacon.

So, also everything changes when Steffy makes a last second offer. She may tell Hope if she comes back from her leave of absence, Hope for the Future will head straight into production. Steffy’s offer is going to thrill Brooke, who assumes Hope will jump at the chance. And if she doesn’t, that could be what makes Steffy and Brooke a little suspicious because this week, Steffy tells Brooke that she’s starting to wonder if something is going on with Hope, and she doesn’t want them to know it. This may be what prompts Brooke to storm over to Katie’s office, demanding answers and just acting crazy all around.

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Sheila’s Motives Revealed

Thursday, June 18th, the real motives behind Sheila’s return are revealed. This includes information about her mystery roommate, and I’m guessing her agenda is to snatch Deacon Sharpe (Sean Kanan) back from Taylor, but we’ll see what she says versus what she actually wants if they align.

Dylan is surprised to find out she’s got a new boss at Forrester Creations. She was working for Daphne Rose (Murielle Hilaire), but maybe Electra needs help, or R.J. may snatch Dylan up to have her work on the men’s line with him so R.J. can have non-stop access to his new love interest.

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Friday, June 19th, Wyatt Spencer (Darin Brooks) and Shauna have a high-stakes meeting with Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton) and Bill, and they make a big proposal to the other Spencers at the meeting. And after their presentation, Shauna asks if they have a deal, but Bill says not so fast. He needs something from Wyatt. Bill obviously still wants the real big blue Hope Diamond, not the copycat.

Bold and Beautiful: Brooke’s Nuclear Meltdown and Hope’s Defection

Brooke has reason to celebrate and she sees a bright future with Hope. But if Brooke tries to celebrate her return and Hope refuses to come back, then that’s going to be a wow moment. If she doesn’t end her leave of absence, that’s going to be a big red flag. And this week, Brooke burst into Katie’s office at Logan and goes berserk. Hope’s hiding behind the screen and she is stunned hearing Brooke rant at her sister and Katie’s in shock as Brooke demands she tell her right now who is her new designer. And when Katie refuses, Brooke threatens to go through every hall at the Spencer Tower and Logan offices until she finds out who it is.

And when Katie tells Brooke she’s being ridiculous, which she is, Brooke insists she will do it and tells Katie, “Try me. I dare you.” With Hope hiding and listening, Katie knows her niece is likely freaking out, so she keeps Brooke distracted so that Hope can creep out from behind the screen while Brooke’s back is turned. So, we’re going to see Hope sneaking out of the office as Katie is telling Brooke, “You want to know who my designer is?”

And then Katie tells Brooke that she gets to find out tomorrow with everybody else at the latest Logan launch. I’m hoping that Bill’s going to show up and stop Brooke’s tirade. Or maybe Hope knocks and walks in to interrupt pretending to be looking for Liam for lunch or something else to stop Brooke’s unhinged tirade.

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Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) - Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) - Bill Spencer (Don Diamont)
Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Brooke Logan – Bill Spencer 

Bold and the Beautiful: June 22nd-26th – July Sweeps Launch and Fallout

Then the week of June 22nd through the 26th, we have July sweeps kicking off on Thursday, June 25th. So, I expect to see Hope’s big launch at Logan happening right around the time that Sweeps kicks off with all the drama and outrage coming from Brooke and Steffy and Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye) and Zende and pretty much everybody at Forrester Creations. Donna’s probably hiding in a bunker because she knows this is going to be bad.

Bill gives Shauna and Wyatt an answer on their proposal. If Bill says yes, then Logan will have a jewelry line and can compete in a whole new arena against Forrester Creations. We’ll also see if Wyatt delivers the real Hope for the Future Diamond because Bill wants it in time for Hope’s big launch.

Bold Spoilers: Brooke & Katie’s Sisterhood Broken

We’ll find out more about Sheila’s plans and how it’s going to affect Deacon and Taylor. And things are going to get much worse very soon for Brooke and Katie. They are about to be completely broken as sisters once Brooke finds out Hope defected.

And of course, Brooke is going to blame Katie and accuse her of stealing her daughter. And when Katie reminds her that she stuck to their deal because Hope is not a Forrester, I think that’s the point that Brooke will lose her whole mind and go nuclear on Katie and accusing Katie of chicanery and trickery, which to be fair is absolutely what she did.

We’ll see if Dylan gets more serious with R.J. Remy Pryce (Christian Weissmann) keeps working to get Deke to take him back. And Will may warn Dylan to stay away from RJ that he’s bad news and will hurt her.

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West Wilson not returning for “Summer House” season 11 after 'Scamanda' drama

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The news comes ahead of the release of a bonus episode of the series which will air on Tuesday.

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Young and Restless 2-Week Spoilers June 15-26: Victor Erupts in Massive Showdown – Kyle in Total Desperation!

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Young and the Restless Spoilers: Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) - Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor)

Young and the Restless 2-Week Spoilers for June 15-26, 2026 explode with Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) absolutely detonating when he finds out an enemy got a leg up on him. Plus, Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) is worried and desperate to find his mom, Diane Jenkins Abbott (Susan Walters), who has been captured by a complete psycho.

We’re going to get into all the latest spoilers starting June 15th and continuing for the next two weeks, including the start of July Sweeps, which starts on Thursday in the second week. So, let’s get to it!

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Diane’s Kidnapping and Jack’s Investigation

On Monday, June 15th, Young and the Restless is trying to realign the messy, broken timeline of Diane’s story because she had been missing from work and the GCAC and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) and Kyle were worried. So, Jack had hired a PI to look for her and then poof, Diane was with Jack and Kyle, all smiles and reconciled in Maryland on the Beyond the Gates crossover. So Y&R has now basically erased when Diane was missing before and just rebooted it with her missing again now that they’re all back in Genoa City. This is some sloppy stuff, y’all.

Jack calls Detective Burrow (Matt Cohen), who takes a missing person’s report, and Jack tells him he’s sure that Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) is responsible. And then while Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) is out, she spots crazy Patty with wicked-looking Dr. Laurence Markham. He’s a new guy played by Jere Burns. And it turns out he was Patty’s shrink at her last psychiatric hospital. So Dr. Markham must be a terrible psychiatrist because she is still nutty as a pecan pie. And it turns out Patty is paying Markham to keep Diane locked in his house. He even put bars on the windows.

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Y&R Spoilers: Traci Loses It on Patty

So, Traci blasts Patty over getting her daughter, Colleen, killed back in the day and now doing something to Diane. Traci calls and alerts Jack who shows up to confront Patty and she tells Jack that Diane left him like she did before and Jack threatens Patty that she’s going to be locked up again soon.

Back at the mansion, Jack and Traci look up Dr. Markham and he looks legit. But then Patty shows up at the house to speak to Jack privately and Patty shows Jack a pic of Diane unconscious. Patty claims that Diane had a nervous breakdown because of Jack’s betrayal and says Diane’s recovery could take years. Jack says it’s a lie and demands to see Diane, but Patty says that’ll be bad for Diane’s recovery. And Patty tries to blackmail Jack into a relationship and threatens Diane’s life if he keeps pushing and doesn’t do exactly what Patty wants.

Y&R: Patty’s Blackmail and Diane’s Captivity

Meanwhile, Diane wakes up trapped in a random house and tries to pick the lock with a letter opener. Dr. Markham shows up and he gaslights Diane about her having a nervous breakdown. Markham says he found her after work screaming in her car and brought her to his house. Diane denies having a breakdown, but Markham says that Jack knows she’s there, agreed to her being there, and blames himself for her breakdown. Diane says, “Fine, I’ll get treatment for my breakdown, not here in your house. Take me to a real psychiatric hospital.”

Tuesday, June 16th, Jack brings together some people for a meeting. I’m sure this is about Diane being missing and Patty’s craziness. Jack has Detective Burrow involved. I expect Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson), Traci, Kyle, and some others. Diane is going to meet Patty’s accomplice on Tuesday. She already met Markham, so somebody else may be involved. Or this is a poorly written spoiler.

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Young and the Restless Spoilers: Devon Swipes at Cane

Wednesday, June 17th, Devon Hamilton Winters (Bryton James) fires off a warning shot at Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn). I suspect he’s furious that Lily Winters (Christel Khalil Adnana) made Cane CEO of Chancellor. Also, Jack takes action. This is obviously related to Diane. And Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) interrogates Lily. I’m quite sure that Nikki is ticked that Lily got Chancellor and put Cane in charge. I kind of hope Lily rubs it in Nikki’s face because if you remember, Victor and Nikki did Lily really dirty on that Chancellor deal last year.

Thursday, June 18th, Victor lays down the law with Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). He may be pushing back on Victor because he wants Matt to do shady things because he doesn’t want to lose his soul again. Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) is increasingly worried about Nikki’s health. The headaches are getting worse.

Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) hits Cane with a low blow on Thursday. I think Phyllis is going to brag that Victor gave her Arabesque, but I don’t think Cane will care about that as much as she and Victor were hoping. He’s got Lily, so Cane’s pretty satisfied. And this week, Cane tells Lily that they are going to do great things together. Then he gives her a sweet kiss right in the middle of Crimson Lights. And if people see, they will lose their minds.

Young and Restless Spoilers: Victoria Terrified of Losing Nikki

On Friday, June 19th, Victoria shares her concerns with Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin). This may be about Nikki’s health, but also probably some gripes about Victor giving Chancellor to Lily when Nikki should have it. Sienna Bacall (Tamara Braun) is losing patience with Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver) and hits back. She’s obviously jealous over Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) and marking her territory.

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Valuable information falls into Phyllis’ lap on Friday. Maybe about Cane or Chancellor or Patty. Or it could be the details about what Matt is doing for Victor. This week, it looks like Jack tries to fake it with Patty trying to get more info playing along, but Jack may only make Patty more unhinged by trying to fool her.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) - Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor)Young and the Restless Spoilers: Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) - Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor)
Young and the Restless Spoilers: Victor Newman – Kyle Abbott 

Y&R: June 22nd-26th – July Sweeps and Nikki’s Health Crisis

Then the week of June 22nd through the 26th, as I said, July sweeps kicks off. It starts Thursday, June 25th. We should learn more about Nikki’s health crisis and word is going to spread. She gets a scary and life-threatening diagnosis after her vision starts deteriorating. So, it sounds like something in her brain is misfiring and Nikki’s health crisis will be front burner in July sweeps.

After talking to Victoria, we may see Claire checking in with her grandma Nikki. And I wonder if Stephanie Simmons (Vivica A. Fox) is going to be involved in Nikki’s medical crisis since she’s the only doctor we know at the hospital right now. Maybe Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) will consult on the case as well.

Sienna and Audra’s feud over Noah is going to heat up. Lily and Cane get closer. I expect them to make love during sweeps, but there’s going to be big drama with Victor targeting Cane using Matt. And of course, Victor may get more aggressive now that Cane is CEO of Chancellor because, you know, Victor is going to hate that. We’ll see if Matt is truly good or if he’s going to start to veer back towards the dark side. We should also see Phyllis in his orbit and they may spend more time together.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nikki & Victor Reunite Soon

Nikki and Victor are on a path to a reconciliation once he finds out about her diagnosis. Although Nikki doesn’t want to tell Victor at first because she doesn’t want him coming back to her just because she’s sick. Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) is going to struggle and have some setbacks in his recovery. We’re expecting a relapse based on an interview with headwriter Josh Griffith.

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Diane struggles in captivity. Wicked Patty’s not going to stop until she gets Jack. And Dr. Markham seems to be willing to do anything for a payday. Hopefully, Jack is going to locate Diane soon and he’ll be the one to expose Patty and maybe she and her shrink can share a room at the prison or the psych hospital and Mariah Copeland (Cameron Grimes) should be released and home soon, but I actually don’t expect her to stick around Genoa City, but we’ll see.

And in big casting news, Jill Abbott is coming back to Genoa City with a recast in the role. And that’s like maybe 9 days away. We’re going to get Lauren Koslow making her debut as Jill in the first day of July Sweeps, which is Thursday, June 25th. Lauren’s going to fill in as Jill for five episodes, and I’m really interested to see how she feels about Lily getting Chancellor and then Cane running it.

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Love Hurts… and This Movie Makes Sure You Feel Every Sting

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Love Hurts… and This Movie Makes Sure You Feel Every Sting

Some movies want you to fall in love with the story. Obsession takes that idea, flips it on its head, and reminds you that sometimes love can become something much darker. I walked into the cinema expecting a supernatural horror film with a few decent scares, but I walked out having experienced something far more unsettling. This isn’t just another horror movie that relies on jump scares and buckets of blood. Instead, it takes a simple “what if?” scenario and slowly turns it into a nightmare that becomes more disturbing with every passing minute.

Michael Johnston as Baron “Bear” Bailey in Obsession (Photo by Courtesy of Focus Features)

The story follows Bear, a young man who has secretly been in love with his childhood friend and co-worker, Nikki, for years. When he comes across a mysterious object known as the One Wish Willow, he makes what seems like the perfect wish—to have Nikki love him more than anyone else in the world. Unfortunately, as horror fans already know, wishes rarely come without consequences. Instead of getting the romance he always dreamed of, Bear finds himself trapped in a terrifying situation where love quickly becomes obsession, and obsession becomes pure horror. It’s a classic case of “be careful what you wish for,” but it feels fresh because of how well it is executed.

What I appreciated most about Obsession is that it never feels like it’s in a rush. It takes its time introducing the characters and building their relationships before everything slowly starts falling apart. That slower pace allows you to become invested in Bear and Nikki before the horror truly kicks in. When things finally start escalating, the tension becomes almost unbearable because you’ve already connected with the characters.

Michael Johnston does an excellent job as Bear. He’s not your typical horror movie lead, and that’s exactly why he works so well. He’s awkward, lonely, and desperate enough to make a terrible decision, but he’s still someone you can understand. You don’t necessarily agree with what he does, but you understand why he makes that choice. Inde Navarrette was equally impressive as Nikki. Watching her gradual transformation throughout the movie was genuinely unsettling. She manages to switch between sweet, vulnerable, and downright terrifying without it ever feeling forced. Both performances felt believable, which made the horror even more effective.

Inde Navarrette as Nikki Freeman in Obsession (Photo by Courtesy of Focus Features)

One thing that really stood out for me was the atmosphere. The movie doesn’t depend on loud noises every five minutes to make you jump. Instead, it creates this constant feeling that something isn’t right. Even during the quieter scenes, I found myself waiting for something horrible to happen. The camera work, lighting, and sound design all work together to create an uncomfortable feeling that never really disappears. There are a few jump scares, but they’re used at the right moments instead of becoming the movie’s entire personality.

The practical effects deserve a special mention as well. They look fantastic and add so much authenticity to the horror. Nothing felt cheap or overly reliant on computer-generated effects. Some of the imagery is genuinely disturbing, but it never feels like it’s being shocking just for the sake of it. Everything serves the story, which I always appreciate in horror films.

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Another thing I really enjoyed was that Obsession isn’t just about the scares. Underneath all the supernatural horror is a story about loneliness, unhealthy relationships, and the dangers of trying to force something that was never meant to happen. It explores the difference between genuine love and unhealthy obsession in a way that feels surprisingly thoughtful without becoming preachy. By the time the credits rolled, I found myself thinking about those themes just as much as the horror itself. That’s usually the sign of a movie that’s done something right.

That being said, I don’t think the movie is completely flawless. The final act becomes a little chaotic compared to the steady build-up that comes before it. While I enjoyed the ending overall, there were a couple of moments where I felt it tried to do a little too much all at once. A slightly tighter ending could have made an already excellent movie even stronger. Thankfully, those issues are relatively minor and didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

Director Curry Barker deserves a lot of credit for creating a horror movie that feels different from many of the recent releases we’ve seen. Despite being made on a modest budget, Obsession looks and feels like a much bigger production. It’s easy to see why the movie has become one of this year’s biggest surprise success stories, with audiences embracing its fresh take on supernatural horror.

Overall, Obsession was one of the biggest surprises I’ve seen this year. It delivers creepy moments, strong performances, memorable visuals, and a story that sticks with you long after you’ve left the cinema. More importantly, it proves that you don’t need a massive budget or endless jump scares to make an effective horror movie. All you need is a great concept, believable characters, and filmmakers who know exactly how to build tension.

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Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

If you’re looking for a horror movie that’s more than just cheap scares, Obsession is absolutely worth watching. It gets under your skin, keeps you thinking long after it’s over, and reminds us all that some wishes really are better left unmade. I’m hopeful we get to see a sequel to Obsession, in actual fact, I wish for a sequel to this movie.

Final Thoughts – A Movie Worth Getting Attached To… Just Not Too Attached

At the end of the day, Obsession completely won me over. It scared me, kept me invested, and told a story that felt fresh in a genre where originality can sometimes be hard to find. This is one obsession I didn’t mind having for just under two hours. Just don’t blame the movie if you find yourself thinking about it for days afterwards… some obsessions are harder to shake than others. Make sure to catch it in cinema if you can…

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Obsession Official Trailer (Blumhouse)

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Mackenzie Shirilla’s Mom Speaks Out On Alleged Prison Romance

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Mackenzie Shirilla

As Mackenzie Shirilla continues serving her 15-to-life prison sentence, Natalie Shirilla offered a rare glimpse into what her daughter’s day-to-day life looks like behind bars. The 21-year-old is currently incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, roughly two hours from the family’s home, for her involvement in the shocking 2022 high-speed wreck that left Mackenzie Shirilla’s boyfriend and friend dead.

Mackenzie Shirilla selfie
Instagram | Mackenzie Shirilla

According to Natalie, Mackenzie keeps in close contact through daily messages sent on a prison-issued tablet. “She’s struggling, they all are. It’s very hard and challenging in there,” Natalie said, adding she is only able to visit her daughter twice a month.

Still, Natalie claimed Mackenzie appears physically healthier than when she first entered prison. “She’s actually gained a little bit of weight; she looks healthier. She looks physically better, but she’s still mentally struggling,” she said.

When asked whether she worries about her daughter being bullied in prison, Natalie insisted Mackenzie is capable of standing up for herself. “I think some people get targeted at times, but it’s not something she talks about,” Natalie explained. “She’s not afraid to stand up for herself. We talk about how to navigate through those situations.”

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“But from what I can see, the women really take care of each other in there,” she added.

Natalie Shirilla Defends Daughter Amid Prison Misconduct Reports

Mackenzie Shirilla sitting in an egg chair
Instagram | Mackenzie Shirilla

Despite reports that Mackenzie has accumulated roughly 36 misconduct violations while incarcerated, Natalie argued that many of the infractions were minor misunderstandings of prison rules. “A lot of the tickets she got were for stuff she wouldn’t even know were rules, like wearing her uniform,” Natalie claimed.

Some disciplinary reports reportedly stemmed from sexually explicit video calls involving an ex-inmate, something Natalie brushed off while defending her daughter’s character. “I mean, she’s in her 20s, so…,” Natalie said when asked about the alleged behavior. “I don’t know about that one. All I can say is Mackenzie is not violent or aggressive.”

According to Natalie, Mackenzie has since found ways to occupy her time, including working as a food service employee inside the facility. “She paints, she draws, she’s very talented. She listens to music or watches movies,” Natalie said.

“They have tablets that have controlled apps,” she added. “They can’t access the Internet, but they can watch movies or listen to music. They also have a gym and can take fitness classes.”

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Mackenzie Shirilla’s Mom Says Family Feels ‘Trapped’

Mackenzie Shirilla
Instagram | Mackenzie Shirilla

Elsewhere in the interview, Natalie reflected on the emotional toll the case has taken on everyone involved, including both families affected by the deadly 2022 crash.

“I feel trapped,” Natalie admitted. “I feel like we’re stuck in quicksand and we can’t get out. I feel so bad for Mackenzie, but at the same time, I feel so bad for the other families.”

Inside Mackenzie Shirilla’s Trial And Murder Conviction

Mackenzie Shrilla in her car
Instagram | Mackenzie Shrilla

Shirilla’s case drew national attention after prosecutors argued the fatal July 31, 2022, crash was not an accident, but an intentional act. According to prosecutors, Shirilla drove her black Toyota Camry at nearly 100 mph down Progress Drive in Strongsville, Ohio, before crashing through a sign and slamming into a commercial building.

The crash killed Shirilla’s boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and friend, Davion Flanagan, 19, while Shirilla, then just days shy of her 18th birthday, survived with serious injuries.

Why Prosecutors Argued Mackenzie Shirilla Intentionally Crashed The Car

Mackenzie Shrilla and Dom
Instagram | Mackenzie Shrilla

During the trial, prosecutors pointed to surveillance footage, crash reconstruction evidence, and data from the vehicle to argue Shirilla deliberately accelerated without braking in the moments leading up to impact. They also cited the volatile nature of Shirilla and Russo’s relationship, arguing the deadly collision came after tensions between the couple.

Defense attorneys pushed back, maintaining the crash was a tragic accident and arguing there was no definitive evidence proving Shirilla intentionally drove into the building. Her legal team also challenged the prosecution’s theory of motive and questioned whether the available evidence could conclusively establish intent.

In August 2023, Cuyahoga County Judge Nancy Margaret Russo ultimately found Shirilla guilty on multiple charges, including four counts of murder, felonious assault, and aggravated vehicular homicide. While delivering the verdict, the judge famously referred to Shirilla as “Hell on Wheels,” saying the teen had “a mission of death” the night of the crash.

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Shirilla was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, becoming eligible for parole after serving 15 years.

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Keke Palmer Sparks Frenzy After Being Seen On Dinner Date

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Rihanna Seemingly Addresses Baby Rumors, Talks "Little Pouch"

Whew, Roomies! It looks like two familiar faces might have the internet putting on its detective hats once again. After months of playful chemistry, viral moments, and interactions that had folks raising their eyebrows, Keke Palmer and Sean Evans are finding themselves at the center of some fresh speculation. Now, nobody has confirmed anything just yet, but let’s just say the timeline is already connecting dots and filling in blanks.

RELATED: Keke Palmer’s Reaction To Surprise Marriage Proposal At SXSW Has Fans Shook (VIDEO)

Keke Palmer And Sean Evans Spark Dating Rumors

It looks like the rumor mill might be working overtime after Keke Palmer and Sean Evans were recently spotted enjoying what appeared to be a cozy night out in New York City. According to reports, the pair grabbed dinner Friday night at Lucali in Brooklyn, where they reportedly spent more than an hour and a half together. An eyewitness claimed the two stayed completely locked in on each other throughout the evening, with Sean allegedly looking especially smitten while chatting with the actress. While there was reportedly no PDA, photos circulating online show the pair deep in conversation at an intimate candlelit table, further fueling speculation that more than friendship may be brewing between them.

Are Keke And Sean More Than Friends?

The outing comes just weeks after the pair had fans side-eyeing their screens during an episode of Keke’s podcast, ‘Baby, This Is Keke Palmer.’ During the conversation, Keke playfully introduced Sean as her “potential future suitor,” sparking a string of flirty exchanges that quickly had the internet talking. Things got even more interesting when Keke’s mother Sharon Palmer openly rooted for the pair, calling their interaction “how life should be,” while Sean jokingly thought Keke was shouting out their future together.

@firstwefeast

the smooch that broke the internet ❤️‍🔥😘 #HotOnes #BabyThisIsKekePalmer #SeanEvans #KekePalme

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RELATED: City Boys Up? Keke Palmer Kisses ‘Hot Ones’ Host After He Previously Said She’s His Celebrity Crush (VIDEOS)

What Do You Think Roomies?

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