Entertainment
Jodie Comer Is Hollywood’s Ultimate Wild Card
A digital poster flips through upcoming titles, revealing a serious, meditative Jodie Comer in a blue, flowing, 17th-century style outfit in The Death of Robin Hood. The film, set to release June 19, is not your average folklore retelling, but instead follows the outlaw (played by Hugh Jackman) at the end of his life, coming to terms with his behavior and misguided deeds. Robin Hood is the draw of the film, but the secret weapon? The enigmatic healer named Sister Brigid, who is brilliantly brought to life by Comer.
Hallway chatter breaks the stillness, with an undeniable Scouse accent and laughter filling the air, ushering in a new energy to the sleek Manhattan lobby. “Hi, I’m Jodie!” the star beams as she puts her hand out for a shake. Though she has the unmistakable glow of an A-lister, the Emmy, Tony, and BAFTA winner is as genuine and down-to-earth as they come. She’s dialed into her environment, and she exudes gratitude for all the many moving parts and people that go into making her press day run as smoothly as possible. Her smile, authenticity, and calm confidence are contagious. Comer is the definition of class, and everyone should take notes.
‘The Death of Robin Hood’ Sparked Jodie Comer’s Contagious Curiosity
Comer and I sit at the end of a long table in the A24 library, where she excitedly offers me some of the muffin she was given at Live with Kelly and Mark, her first bit of press for The Death of Robin Hood. Her playful energy makes the conversation feel like we are two school friends picking up where we left off rather than meeting for the first time. “I got here yesterday, and it’s my first on-camera interview for the film, so it always feels like the first one is [where] you’re trying to figure out what your words are. They’re like, ‘Sum up the film,’ and you have two sentences to do so. How do you do that?”
The actress, who’s best known and beloved for her exceptional work as the charming assassin Villanelle in the critically-acclaimed series Killing Eve, is excited to talk about the film and her career. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, the movie is the definition of bleak, brutal, and bloody. The film, also starring Murray Bartlett, Noah Jupe, and Bill Skarsgård, more than earns its R rating, as it’s unafraid to lean into the literal and metaphorical darkness of Robin Hood’s world, and all the brutality that comes with it. With all of this in mind, it makes Comer’s response to my first question about her references for the film that much more unexpected. “I love Shrek, so my reference to Robin Hood is the Robin Hood song in there,” she says with a laugh, before adding, “Of course, growing up, there’s the ‘steals from the rich, gives to the needy’ loose framework or idea that you have of him. And I didn’t know much more, to be honest. So when I got Michael’s script, I just delved into that. I loved it because it felt like a much more human and tangible exploration.”
Comer perfectly captures the essence of the story with that brief description. Jackman’s take on the outlaw is not what you’d expect; his long-flowing white hair and eerily calm, Dirty Harry-like disposition put the audience both at ease and on the edge of their seat. “He was a man who’s lived and has lived in a very particular way and is having to reconcile with that life, which feels like you may not be able to relate to him on many, many levels, but also on a very base level. I think that’s something we all experience within our lives. So for me, I felt like I was really able to connect to him and the story.”
As the title implies, Robin Hood is at the end of his life, and that’s where Come comes in. The folkloric figureheads to a remote island — rather reluctantly — where he is to meet with Comer’s Sister Brigid, a woman with a mysterious and complicated backstory, as well as alleged “healing powers” that could aid the ailing outlaw. Comer’s a master of restraint and subtlety in her performances, which makes her the perfect choice for the part. “I loved her poise. She was an incredible observer and listener. I felt there’s a lot that she’s having to withhold. She’s holding a lot for everybody else, so she’s not always able to express her true feelings. I was fascinated… she references a lot of philosophy and mythology, and I was like, ‘Where does that come from?’”
There was something very unself-aware, and a real lack of vanity and a bluntness and a weirdness.
There’s a beautiful, childlike wonder to nearly every word that falls from Comer’s mouth. She gets lost — in the best way — in her answers, as if she’s processing her experiences and relationship to her character and the film in real time, for the first time. As Comer’s gears continue to turn in her head, she explains why she was so drawn to this character. “What I loved about it was that everyone on the island is presenting as something else, or they’re hiding something,” adding, “[Brigid] was taken in by a prioress. She couldn’t read or write. These are things that she’s learned through story, and then this role is bestowed upon her. So even that is her own contradiction, and there’s little glimpses where you’re able to see that within the film.”
So many of Comer’s characters across stage and screen tell stories that are deeply rooted in perspective, which she agrees is “so true,” and her work in The Death of Robin Hood is no exception. Right when you think you know the extent of Sister Brigid and Robin Hood’s relationship, the rug is pulled out, and the entire movie feels different. “I also love that there’s quite a big revelation in the film of who Robin is and actually the connection that he has to her own past, and how she’s able to transmute her own pain. She doesn’t meet violence with violence. She’s also at a point where she’s connected with this man on a different level. Then she finds out that news. So there’s just a lot that she has to deal with in that moment, and I feel like she had a tremendous amount of grace. Which made me question, ‘God, would I be able to find that within myself?’”
Given our relaxed vibe, I joke that her character also has a “great haircut,” something that is… not true. Brigid has a choppy, temple-length bowl cut. Comer, without hesitating, leans in to the bit. “I mean, that’s the real reason,” she laughs, as we continue to dissect the character. “I think Michael was like, ‘Should we shave your hair?’ And I was like, ‘Absolutely not, Michael!’ she says with a massive laugh. “We wanted it to feel like she’d [cut her hair] herself. There was something very unself-aware, and a real lack of vanity and a bluntness and a weirdness. There’s something childlike but also quite masculine, as opposed to a lot of depictions of that time. So it just felt off. There’s a lot about that island and the energy of it that is mysterious and weird.”
Comer’s fascination with this character didn’t end with the film, as she just recently took an herbalism course, something Brigid would certainly approve of. But when preparing for the role — which doubled as a way to connect with nature, something she was trying to do more of anyway — Comer did what she does with every project: walked into a bookstore. “When I start a job, I like to go into a bookstore and see what jumps out at me.” One of these books was Why Women Grow: Stories of Soil, Sisterhood and Survival by Alice Vincent, as well as Melissa Febos‘ The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex. “I thought, well, that’s quite interesting because that’ll definitely be something that [Brigid] is practicing. What does that activate within your life? When you’re not having that connection to sex or a distraction per se, what else in your life becomes more vivid and apparent?”
For Comer, reading about medieval healthcare was the anchor of her preparation. “At that time, the mind, body, and soul were still very much connected, and each of those components was just as integral as the next, and that made a lot of sense to me. She’s always telling him stories. She’s actually never really telling him what to do. She’s encouraging him through her sharing of what she knows. It’s like breadcrumbs, trying to bring Robin back to himself.”
Stephen Graham Saw Something in Jodie Comer Many Years Ago
Comer doesn’t come from a Hollywood family. Her mother worked for Merseyrail, and her father is a sports physiotherapist. “I was pretty fearless,” she says, thinking back on her childhood. “I was very vivacious. Always playing in the garden, picking up the frogs and the slugs,” the actress remembers fondly. “All my baby videos are me just constantly trying to be front and center. I watch them back, and I’m like, ‘Oh, this makes sense that I would want to do acting.’” Comer knows that she’s always been very sensitive, something that she now views as a “superpower” given her profession. “You’re constantly trying to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You’re often reflecting on your own experiences and how they may mirror or how they differ.”
It was one of the earliest experiences on her acting journey that proved to be the most meaningful, even today. Back in 2012, Comer had a small role in the BBC One police procedural Good Cop. She didn’t necessarily think much of it, but her scene partner Stephen Graham — who’s most recently known for co-creating, writing, and starring in the Netflix phenomenon Adolescence — certainly did. Her few scenes in the episode were with him, and he was so taken by the innate talent that he gave her his contact info and encouraged her to reach out to him. Despite being a child who loved attention, Comer was quite hesitant to take him up on his offer. Thankfully, her father nudged her to reach out, and the young performer mustered up the courage to send him a text.
Her fears came true, albeit very briefly, when she didn’t hear back. “I just thought, ‘Okay, that was that,’” until everything changed in the blink of an eye, weeks later, when she needed it most. “I was on a train to London doing an audition for a pilot where I had to sing, I’d chosen an Adele song. Jesus Christ, talk about setting yourself up for a fail. I really didn’t want to go. I just was quite disheartened.” Then, as cliché as it sounds, one phone call changed everything. “I got a call from the Good Cop production company.” Graham, a man of his word, reached out and asked them if he could have her number. “He called me straight away, and he was like, ‘Where are ya?’ ‘I’m on the train to Liverpool, got this audition, don’t want to go.’” His exact words? “‘Fuck your audition off.’” Comer, who’s undoubtedly retold this story dozens of times by now, tells it with as much passion and thrill as though it were a secret she has been dying to tell someone. “‘Don’t go to your audition. You want to go meet my agent?’” It all feels almost too good to be true. “Divine intervention,” I say. Her eyes widen as she leans forward, agreeing. “Literally.”
Graham and Comer’s bond has only strengthened since then, with the pair teaming up for the 2021 film Help about the COVID pandemic and its impact on Sarah (Comer), a healthcare worker in Liverpool caring for Tony (Graham), who has early-onset Alzheimer’s. As if winning a BAFTA for her performance wasn’t enough, it was also the first project Comer executive-produced. “It was amazing to be a part of adapting the script and thinking about the cast, and just seeing how a piece like that forms and what goes into it.”
Comer’s been the star of several big-budget, high-profile films in the last few years, including a small role playing Rey’s mother in Star Wars: Episode I – The Rise of Skywalker. She then followed that up with Ridley Scott‘s The Last Duel with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, in which she played 14th-century woman Marguerite, who accuses her husband’s friend of raping her. In the crime drama The Bikeriders, she transforms into Kathy, the uninhibited wife of brooding biker Benny (Austin Butler), and effortlessly pulls off a thick Chicago accent. Add to that the survival thriller The End We Start From and the post-apocalyptic horror 28 Years Later to the list, and her movie career has mostly featured emotionally heavy, extremely serious subject matter (except for the Ryan Reynolds sci-fi comedy Free Guy).
But this is all a sharp contrast to how Comer carries herself. Comer is thoughtful, introspective, and inquisitive, and that is rounded off by a relaxed, up-for-anything attitude. She’ll gleefully get into the minutia of a performance and the dedication of her craft, but she just as easily comes across as severely unfussy, someone you’d be happy to get a pint with at the pub while you spend the afternoon talking about astrology.
‘Prima Facie’ and the Power of Perspective
Every facet of Comer’s career is rather impressive and fearless, with her immense range evident in shows such as the E4 teen dramedy My Mad Fat Diary, where she plays Chloe, the pretty, popular best friend of main character with exceptional line delivery, Thirteen, a dark drama about a kidnap victim that proved Comer can easily lead a project, and Doctor Foster, the psychological thriller that sees her as “the other woman” in Gemma’s (Suranne Jones) marriage. But it’s her exceptional work in the play Prima Facie that is unsurpassed. Directed by Justin Martin (who most recently co-directed Stranger Things: The First Shadow) and written by Suzie Miller, the one-woman play follows Tessa (Comer), a bold barrister who defends men accused of sexual assault, only to have her entire perspective shift when she, herself, is sexually assaulted. Prima Facie, which was Comer’s explosive West End debut in 2022, was a critical success, earning Comer an Olivier Award and brightening the light on her extraordinary talents.
When it was announced that Prima Facie — which means “at first sight” in Latin — would be heading to Broadway, I was determined to secure tickets. At that time, Comer was riding the wave of the Killing Eve series finale (more on that later), and for many, it was hard to imagine her as anyone but Villanelle. It’s easy for actors to get typecast in a role, especially one tied to such a devoted fanbase, but when I saw Comer take the Golden Theatre stage, the assassin that a massive fandom had fallen in love with for four years was nowhere to be found. As Tessa, Comer speaks nonstop for an hour and 40 minutes with no intermission, and goes through a searing set of emotions, from unbridled confidence and dancing on a table to utter fear and hopelessness as her tears flow on the stage.
My director on the play said that film is a director’s medium, TV is a writer’s medium, and theatre is an actor’s medium.
After such a successful period on the West End, Comer could have easily ended her run on that high note, but when I ask her if she had any hesitations about going to Broadway, her pure love of the craft shines through. “Weirdly, no, because it was so personally rewarding. It’s exhausting, but it’s also invigorating, and you learn so much doing theatre. It demands a lot of you. You really need your full commitment, as does every job, but there is a complacency that can happen within TV and film because you know you’ve got another chance. It’s very sporadic; you’re jumping from the end of a story to the beginning to the middle, it’s very quick. With theatre, you get the luxury to live out a whole story every night, and you get the opportunity to do it again the next day. I just loved it.”
As a dauntless and intrepidly daring performer, Prima Facie was the perfect project for her. “I think there’s also part of me that chases that feeling of exhaustion. I do want to feel like I’ve explored something deeply or that I’ve had to work hard and challenge myself, and there’s also just the beauty of the immediacy of being in a theatre and feeling that connection with people and holding that space.”
Earlier in our conversation, when Comer mentioned executive-producing Help, we discussed how, as an actor, you can feel almost helpless — to an extent, depending on the project — when it comes to the final product. “You might play a scene that’s at the end of the film that emotionally is right for that moment, and then you can see something screened and they put it at the start. It can be jigsawed, it can change so drastically that you’re absolutely at the mercy of.”
This makes her time as Tessa that much more precious. “Justin Martin, my director on the play, said that film is a director’s medium, TV is a writer’s medium, and theatre is an actor’s medium. You can rehearse, come up with all the ways you feel like it’s right. The director also leaves after opening night, it’s crazy. At first, I was like, ‘What?!’ but then you get used to it. But once you go out on stage, it’s yours, and things happen that aren’t meant to happen, or you find something new that invigorates the latter part of the play, and you’re like, ‘Wow, that’s never happened before,’ but you’re more in control of that.” Comer, unsurprisingly, won the Tony for Prima Facie, before taking the production to Ireland and back to the UK, where she, in a very full-circle moment, ended her run in Liverpool, where she was born and raised, this past March.
Comer Says ‘Killing Eve’ Was a “Brilliant” Experience Built on Teamwork
The project Comer is perhaps best known for is Killing Eve, the BBC America spy thriller that follows Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), an MI5 agent stuck in a bit of a rut, who becomes fixated on the assassin Villanelle (Comer) and is quickly consumed by her. No one knows much of anything about the elusive killer, but Eve is determined to learn everything, even risking her life and the lives of the ones she loves to do so. The fanbase for the series, which is based on Luke Jennings‘ Codename Villanelle novellas, grew (and grew intensely) following its premiere in 2018, with fan accounts featuring edits of Villanelle’s best outfits, guises, kills, witty quips, and, of course, flawless accent gymnastics.
Killing Eve‘s entire cast is sharp. Oh nails Eve’s unpredictability, dedication, and snarky attitude with ease, Fiona Shaw embodies the pretension, smarts, and mystery of Carolyn, and Kim Bodnia, who plays Villanelle’s handler (though such a position is quite impossible), might have a tough exterior. Still, he cares deeply for his wildly unpredictable work companion. However, the series would not have worked had it not found its Villanelle. From the very first moment we lay eyes on the mischievous assassin — who sets the tone for her character when she purposely knocks ice cream onto a child’s lap and smirks — it is crystal clear that Comer is the only one who could pull off this juicy role. Comer won an Emmy and BAFTA in 2019 for Season 1, the same year Oh won a Golden Globe.
Tension mounts in every episode of the stylish series, not just because of the inherent white-knuckle-grip energy that comes with an espionage thriller and high-stakes government missions, but because of the growing sexual tension between Eve and Villanelle. Killing Eve is billed as a cat-and-mouse game between the two complex women, with Eve erring on the side of caution — initially. But Episode 5 of Season 1, “I Have a Thing About Bathrooms,” is where we get the first real taste of the intense sexual chemistry between the two leads, with Villanelle breaking into Eve’s home, much to Eve’s terror, with the sole objective of sharing a meal. Villanelle shouting, “I just want to have dinner with you!” to a petrified Eve is one of the many quotable lines uttered by the assassin, and unofficially kicks off their will-they-won’t-they dynamic for four seasons.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, of Fleabag fame, is credited with bringing Killing Eve to life, serving as showrunner and head writer for Season 1. Though the love for and dedication to these characters would only build, the series as a whole didn’t have a flawless reception, with some arguing that the tone and overarching narrative felt fractured in the latter half of the series. One of the possible explanations for this could be that each season had a new showrunner, meaning a new captain steering the ship. Season 2 was run by Emerald Fennell, Season 3 by Suzanne Heathcote, and Laura Neal for its final — and most divided — season. “I think it can innately be tricky,” Comer says when I ask her about the frequent changes in showrunner. “Each person has their own impression, their own viewpoint of the characters, and so it’s always going to be flowing, and it’s always going to have a different imprint on it, you know? You want to make sure that that is grounded by an innate sense of truth and loyalty to the characters, but it’s inevitable that it’s going to shift because we’re all so different and we all have different experiences to different things, depending on our own life experiences.”
I always wonder, when a series wraps, if the cast and crew keep in touch. “Not for a while, actually,” Comer says with an air of melancholy. It’s hard to imagine these people, who seem joined at the hip for such a long time, suddenly not speaking anymore. But the reality is that, well, it’s a job. “But I’ve just seen that Sandra is doing a play in London, I think! I have to go see her,” she says excitedly. “You’re thrust into these very intense situations for, like, eight weeks, and then you feel like, ‘This is my life!’ and then you’re gone. You have to be adaptable, and that doesn’t take away from anything that you have experienced with someone,” continuing, “You can support someone, but it doesn’t mean that you’re in each other’s pockets.”
When I suggest that it must be like an intense summer camp, Comer added, “It really, really is. It’s kind of crazy, but it’s brilliant. It’s brilliant because everyone is so open, which you have to be. We’ve got this amount of time, we’ve got this much to achieve, we’ve got to go, the only way you can do it is with teamwork.”
Comer Was Prepared for the Backlash to ‘Killing Eve’s Ending
When talking about Killing Eve, there’s an obvious elephant in the room: the series finale. For most fans, the obvious preferred ending was to have Eve and Villanelle run off, hand in hand, happily ever after, having declared their love for each other. The series finale — spoiler alert — does feature Villanelle and Eve finally giving in to their temptations, sharing a passionate kiss, and even going on a cute date that feels like a scene pulled directly from an ’80s John Hughes movie. However, in the literal last few seconds of the episode, Villanelle is shockingly shot dead after having saved the day and jumping to safety in the water with Eve. The last thing you hear before the credits roll is a piercing shriek of anguish from Eve, which, for many fans, left a toxic taste in their mouth. When I mentioned the series earlier in the conversation, she lit up when I noted how passionate the Killing Eve fanbase remains to this day. I delicately ask Comer if she anticipated the reaction to be that intense, and she didn’t miss a beat, “I think so. Yeah. On some level, absolutely.”
People immediately pointed to the unfortunate “bury your gays” trope seen in media, which is when queer characters’ storylines ends in death disproportionally compared to straight characters. Perhaps there was a feeling that, if the show stayed under the tutelage of Waller-Bridge, Villanelle’s arc wouldn’t have ended the way it did. Even Jennings, the author of books for which the series is based, refused to be silent, penning a detailed, scathing critique of how the series wraps up for The Guardian. “The Season 4 ending was a bowing to convention,” he stated, “A truly subversive storyline would have defied the trope.” Jennings elaborated further, arguing, “How much more darkly satisfying, and true to Killing Eve’s original spirit, for the couple to walk off into the sunset together? Spoiler alert, but that’s how it seemed to me when writing the books.”
It’s hard if you feel like people feel disappointed by something. I had the most amazing time on that show.
If you’ve studied the show since day one, Villanelle’s arc and growth as a person is immeasurable, especially evident in the Season 3 bottle episode, “Are You From Pinner?” — which Comer hilariously recounts to me as being “mental” — in which she goes home to Russia, and we pull back the layers to her wounded upbringing. “I remember when Shannon Murphy came through as a director [for that episode]. It was just this injection of life and clarity. She was like a cannonball. I felt like, ‘Oh, yes, I needed this.’” By the final season, Villanelle’s objectives and priorities have shifted, which makes the final scene all the more devastating. So devastating, in fact, that Jennings was compelled to erase it from everyone’s memory, writing another novel, Killing Eve: Resurrection, which picks up where the finale left off, revealing that Villanelle faked her death and that Eve and Villanelle’s relationship continues.
“When people are spending so much time with these characters, you know there is going to be an expectation. Each individual person will have their own relationship to what they see is right or just, so that is always going to be out of your control,” adding, “It’s hard though, because, once you’re in it, you have to focus on what you’re doing and the material that you have. I will say that everyone who worked on it wanted it to be the best that it could be in that moment. It’s hard if you feel like people feel disappointed by something. I had the most amazing time on that show. I learned so much. I had so much fun.”
Jodie Comer Is Ready To Return to Television
As the conversation winds down, Comer unintentionally brings it back to the beginning, as she mentions reuniting with The Death of Robin Hood‘s Sarnoski for The Chain. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Adrian McKinty, which follows a suburban mom who will go to unspeakable lengths to get her daughter back when she is kidnapped. Comer begins filming on the 8-episode HBO limited series thriller later this year with Damon Lindelof at the helm and Sarnoski directing the pilot and executive-producing the series.
“You spend a couple of episodes with a director, and someone else will come in, and the energy shifts because they work in a different way, and you have to move with it,” she notes when describing the chaotic, yet rewarding process of making television. “I haven’t done TV for a while, and I was like, ‘Oh boy, I forgot about this.’”
I haven’t done TV for a while, and I was like, ‘Oh boy, I forgot about this.’
Our conversation ends, and Comer continues with her packed press schedule. She admits that she’s a bit relieved to be doing press in the coming days with her castmates. Comer easily has enough star power to promote the film on her own, but is humble enough not to want to take up all the spotlight. We return to where our day started — the A24 lobby — which is now filled with people preparing for her photoshoot. Comer’s enthusiasm for the day hasn’t waned at all, as she chats with her team, takes the Polaroid photo that all celebrities take when it’s their first time at the office, and gets her makeup touched up ahead of the shoot.
“It’s so quiet,” she says with a smile, breaking up the nonexistent tension and allowing everyone to veer, ever so slightly, from their focus on their individual tasks. “Now’s your chance to sing Adele,” I cheekily suggest, to which Comer responds with a that’ll-be-the-day laugh. If our conversation proved anything, though, it’s that Comer is unafraid to face any obstacle that comes her way, and if anyone is going to pull off the impossible, it’s her.
Photography: Celeste Sloman | Hair: Christian Wood | Makeup: Emily Cheng | Styling: Emma Jade Morrison | Dress: The Row
The Death of Robin Hood
- Release Date
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June 19, 2026
- Runtime
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123 Minutes
- Director
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Michael Sarnoski
- Writers
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Michael Sarnoski
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Bunnie Xo‘s ex-husband, Frankie Lombardo, is still carrying a torch for his former wife.
After news broke that Bunnie, 46, and Jelly Roll, 41, have filed for divorce, Lombardo spoke to Page Six about his ex on Friday, June 19.
“We talk every day,” Lombardo, 43, told the outlet. He added that he “wouldn’t say no” to getting back together with Bunnie if she was open to the idea.
“She was the only woman who ever broke my heart. I feel like there’s a lot of unfinished business between us, but I might be the only one who feels that way,” Lombardo said.“I love her very much. I will never do anything to hurt her. I don’t think that’s ever going to go away.”
Bunnie Xo has broken her silence after her estranged husband, Jelly Roll, filed for divorce after nearly 10 years of marriage, Opening up on the Thursday, June 18, episode of her “Dumb Blonde” podcast, Bunnie, 46, detailed the argument that led to her and Jelly Roll, 41, calling it quits. “J and I have never […]
Lombardo, who was married to Bunnie from 2009 to 2015, praised the Stripped Down author as he described their current relationship dynamic.
“We have an interesting friendship. Sometimes she still talks to me like she’s my wife and reprimands me,” Lombardo told Page Six.
He added, “Bunnie is my best friend.”
Us Weekly confirmed on June 15 that Jelly Roll filed to end his marriage one month prior, submitting a divorce petition in Tennessee on May 18.
Speaking on her “Dumb Blonde” podcast on Thursday, June 18, Bunnie opened up about what caused them to call it quits.
“J and I have never really been good at having disagreements. So, we were the type of couple who never argued. So, he would be holding things in. I would be holding things in, and that’s a recipe for disaster,” Bunnie explained on the podcast. “We always preach you gotta be comfortable having the uncomfortable conversations, and we did that for eight years in. Then the past year and a half, we kind of got away from that because we’re in a different life right now.”
Frankie Lombardo. (Photo courtesy of Frankie Lombardo/TikTok)
Bunnie added that a fight they had on Mother’s Day in May was the straw that broke the camel’s back. During the argument, Bunnie said she told him to “file the f***ing divorce papers.”
For his part, Jelly Roll broke his silence on the pair’s separation on stage during a performance in Saratoga Springs, NY.
“I wasn’t going to talk about this tonight, but while we’re talking about liars… the internet is a liar,” Jelly Roll said in footage shared via his Instagram. “It’s the only time and the only city I’m going to speak about this so break your camera phones out now.”
Bunnie Xo is ready to shine a light on what went wrong in her nearly 10-year marriage to Jelly Roll. “My family was always so important to me, and when I said those vows with him, I really meant them,” Bunnie, 46, shared on the Thursday, June 18, episode of the “Dumb Blonde” podcast. “J […]
The “Save Me” singer shot down speculation there was an infidelity involved in their decision to call time on their marriage.
“Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends. We just got off the phone earlier today,” he said. “Nobody cheated on nobody. She just did a whole podcast about it. You can go watch it. Every word of it is the truth.”
The country star, who tied the knot with Bunnie in August 2016, ended with a message for his estranged wife directly, sharing gratitude for their relationship.
“Bunnie, I love you baby. Thank you for those 10 years. They were incredible. Thank you for the next 10 years of friendship and 20 beyond that,” he said.
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” legend NeNe Leakes has been open about the issues one of her sons, Bryson Leakes, has faced, including addiction. Now, it has come to light that the 35-year-old has been arrested over multiple issues, including missed child support payments.
According to TMZ, Bryson was arrested on May 1 on multiple charges and is being held at a Georgia jail. The charges include missed child support payments, a probation violation, and failure to appear for a previous legal matter. His bond was set at $27,000.
Regarding the probation charge, it was in connection with a case involving him being found with fentanyl in 2023. As previously reported, during that arrest, he told the officers that his name was Brentt Leakes, his younger brother. This led to him being charged with giving a false name and possession of a controlled substance.
Ultimately, that drug charge was dropped, and Bryson was sentenced to 12 months of probation. He also had to pay $500 in fines, complete 40 hours of community service, and undergo various drug tests.
NeNe Leakes’ Son, Bryson, Violated Multiple Probation Terms
Per court documents obtained by TMZ filed on June 2, Bryon did not hold up his end of the terms of his probation. This includes requirements such as failing to appear since being sentenced, completing the required substance abuse evaluation, community service, and payments toward the $500 fine.
At the time of writing, neither NeNe nor her other son, Brentt, has issued a statement regarding Bryson being held in a Georgia jail.
‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ Fans Are Rallying Around NeNe Leakes
As mentioned, NeNe has spoken openly about some of the personal struggles her son, Bryson, has faced. Because of this, fans of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” hold no grudges against her for not bailing him out of jail.
One person said, “He’s a grown a-s man, NeNe probably washed her hands with him at this point.” Another “RHOA” fan wrote, “I know who’s not bailing him out!!!” Someone else wrote, “This young man has really taken Nene through it. I’m gonna be praying for her. Brentt is still in the hospital and now THIS. Pray for Nene and his kids.”
After that, other social media users recalled Bryon’s issues being mentioned on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” This includes cast member Sheree Whitfield bringing up his shoplifting arrest during the season four reunion.
In reference to the now-iconic moment from the show, one person said, “Your son wasn’t arrested for shoplifting at Walmart?”
A different social media user then wrote, “NeNe has been paying for everything for years. At some point, enough is enough. This is why you don’t play with family court. They will lock you up.”
NeNe Leakes Previously Discussed Her Son’s Addiction
Leakes opened up about her son’s addiction and his arrest in a 2023 interview with Carlos King for his “Reality With the King” podcast.
Regarding an update, she shared, “I spoke to him on the phone, I think he’s doing OK.”
Leakes said of his condition, “He needs rehabilitation. He needs a lot of counseling. Like many families out there, I have family members who are struggling with drugs and certain addictions. He has an addiction. He’s been struggling with it for years. He’s been in rehab a couple of times, and he still has come back out and relapsed.”
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” OG also acknowledged that Bryson will need to help himself. According to her, “As a mom, just to watch it, my hands are tied. [There’s] not much that I can do. For people who have had children or family members that have been on drugs, they know that they have to be ready. They have to simply be ready.”
The ‘RHOA’ Alum Has Tried To Help Her Son
NeNe continued her interview by revealing that she has tried various methods to help Bryson, including sending him to a facility. She said, “I’ve spent so much money on trying to get Bryson where he needs to be.”
The “RHOA” alum continued, “But every time I’ve sent him off is because I said, ‘You are getting your a-s up, and we are sending you off.’ But I learned through counseling myself that he has to say, ‘I’m ready to go,’ not me making him go. So until Bryson is ready to make a change, [there’s] nothing I [can] do.”
She added, “He is [33] years old, he’s an adult. He has three children — three beautiful children — who I adore. He has a wife. As a mother, I would never wash my hands of my child, right? But, I’m kind of numb to it because it’s been happening for so many years. I’m just really kind of numb to the situation.”
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
While actors like Keanu Reeves always make a big splash, the truth is that nobody does action or thrillers quite as well as Denzel Washington. And if you like Denzel, then you probably can’t get enough of his filmography. Fortunately, you can now stream his greatest thriller (and some would say his greatest film, period), Training Day, which is currently available on-demand through a number of convenient touchpoints.
Taking The Rookie Under His Wing
If you’re a Denzel Washington fan who has never watched Training Day, the plot of this killer thriller is quite simple: Washington plays a veteran detective who is charged with showing a young cop how things work on the streets.
It doesn’t take long for the young officer to realize that his mentor is not all that he seems to be, and our characters end up in a race for their lives against powerful forces who won’t hesitate to destroy them. And even if our characters can escape with their lives, it’s quite clear they may not be able to escape with their souls intact.
While Denzel Washington is the big draw for this film (there’s a reason his biggest fans consider this his best work), you should know that Training Day is chock full of great actors.
Ethan Hawke plays the rookie cop that Denzel takes under his wing, and the movie has plenty of familiar faces, including Eva Mendes and Terry Crews. One of the most notable things about the cast is that it features plenty of musical talent: Macy Gray, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg all have roles in this film, and it’s wild to see some of our favorite singers turn in surprisingly great onscreen performances.
Wall To Wall Bangers
Because of all that musical talent in Denzel Washington’s epic film, you may not be surprised to hear that Training Day also has one banger soundtrack. After it was released, the movie’s soundtrack ended up number 35 on the Billboard 200, and two of its singles took the world by storm. Those singles were Dr. Dre and DJ Quik’s “Put It on Me” and Nelly’s “#1.”
While the wild events of Denzel Washington’s character were not explicitly based on a true story, the general concepts behind the film were inspired by the Rampart Scandal, which was a major scandal concerning the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division. The inspiration was deep enough that Denzel decided to grow a beard so that he might better resemble Rafael Pérez, a corrupt LAPD at the heart of the scandal.
This helped fuel the producers’ powerful idea that police corruption is often not a matter of good cops going rogue out of the blue so much as good cops getting corrupted by the system they are a part of.
Between the sheer acting skills of Denzel Washington, the tight script from David Ayer, and the awesome directing of Antoine Fuqua, Training Day proved to be a major hit. At the box office, it grossed a cool $104.9 million against a budget of $45 million. It was successful enough to later spawn a television series inspired by the film, though that series was canceled after only one year in large part because of the unexpected death of series star Bill Paxton.
The Future Of The Franchise
If Denzel Washington’s Training Day was a major success with audiences, it was an absolute smash hit with critics. The film currently has 74 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning that it is certified “fresh.” It also has an 89 percent rating from general audiences, which goes to show just how beloved the movie really is.
The film went on to receive a number of prestigious awards, including Denzel Washington receiving an Academy Award for Best Actor (Ethan Hawke was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor, though he didn’t win the award). And while the Training Day TV series didn’t last very long, fan enthusiasm for the franchise has remained high.
High enough, in fact, for Warner Bros. to greenlight a prequel to the movie that went into production in 2022, though recent reports suggest that it’s still being actively developed, and its script still undergoing revisions.
Ultimately, Denzel Washington is one of the best actors in the business, and Training Day is one of the finest films we have ever seen. To experience the hype for yourself, you can now rent or purchase the film on-demand through YouTube, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home. Just don’t blame us if you end up blasting the soundtrack to the rest of your friends all week.
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Chilling by the beach or pool all summer long is the stuff dreams are made of, but finding a swimsuit that feels supportive, comfortable and confidence-boosting isn’t always easy. That’s exactly why Nordstrom shoppers are raving about the Shapellx U-Wire Riched Tummy Control OnePiece Swimsuit. Designed to smooth, sculpt and flatter, it’s helping shoppers feel their best while they lounge or take a dip.
Part of what makes the swimsuit stand out is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for support. The thoughtfully designed silhouette combines strategic ruching, tummy control and an elegant U-wire neckline to create a polished look that hugs your shape without feeling restrictive. It also comes in zebra print, teal, black, yellow and fuchsia, allowing you to find the perfect shade.
Get the Shapellx U-Wire Ruched Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit for $61 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
All the little strategic details are what make this swimsuit so flattering. Ruching through the midsection helps create a smoothing effect, while adjustable straps and supportive cups give a customized fit, so it feels like it was made to order. The result is a timeless one-piece that’s as chic and stylish as it is functional.
Swimsuit shopping can feel like a lot — especially when you want something that smooths, supports and actually makes you feel confident the second you put it on. The good news? You don’t need shapewear or a $150 designer suit to get that sculpted, snatched look. Smart design details, like ruching, wrap fronts and strategic paneling, can […]
The one-piece is even versatile enough to wear beyond the beach. Pair it with a linen button-down and wide-leg pants for lunch by the water, or throw on a flowy sarong and sandals for an easy vacation outfit. The classic silhouette makes it a swimsuit you’ll reach for season after season. And, most importantly, it’s durable enough to last from one summer to the next.
Shoppers say the fit is where this swimsuit really shines. “The fabric feels smooth and comfortable, and the ruched tummy area gives a flattering, supportive fit without feeling too tight,” wrote one five-star reviewer.
This swimsuit looks as good as it feels, too. “The quality is surprisingly nice, and the shape & support of the suit is great,” wrote another customer. “I love the gold detail and versatility of the straps.”
If you’ve been searching for a swimsuit that smooths in all the right places while still feeling comfortable enough to wear all day, this Nordstrom favorite is well worth a look. Chic, supportive and endlessly flattering, it’s easy to see why shoppers keep recommending it.
Get the Shapellx U-Wire Ruched Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit for $61 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Editor’s Note: This interview contains spoilers for Toy Story 5.
Summary
“Toys are for play, but tech is for everything.” That’s the divide found in the new Toy Story movie. When Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) struggles to make friends with kids her age, her parents purchase her a tablet, Lilypad (Greta Lee). Lily’s presence immediately puts her at odds with Bonnie’s toys, especially the lead of Toy Story 5, Jessie (Joan Cusack). As the new sheriff in charge, Jessie makes it her mission to help her kid find a real friend, and through that, our favorite yodeling cowgirl reconnects with her past in a poignant, beautiful way. The fifth Toy Story movie also stars Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Conan O’Brien.
Ahead of the movie’s release, Collider’s Meredith Loftus sat down with co-director Kenna Harris and producer Lindsey Collins. The duo reveal how early in the process they (and co-director Andrew Stanton) knew the latest installment would center on Jessie, as well as how late they decided on Jessie’s connection to Emily decades later. Plus, Collins explains how patience was key to connecting with Taylor Swift for the movie’s original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You.” You can watch the full interview, or read the transcript below.
The ‘Toy Story 5’ Team Knew From the Beginning That the Story Would Center on Jessie
“Jessie is the head of the room. It’s got to be a story about her.”
COLLIDER: This movie initially pits toys against technology. If you could bring back an older device, what would it be?
KENNA HARRIS: Oh, that’s a good question. Do the robot dogs count? Remember the little robot dogs in the early 2000s? That wasn’t even that long ago. [Laughs] In the ancient times. They would play music sometimes. That’s the one I would do.
LINDSEY COLLINS: You’re going to be like, “I don’t even know what you’re talking about” when I tell you.
HARRIS: Say it.
COLLINS: Well, there were two games. One was Merlin, which was this cool electronic game that I had that was really fun to play. Never mind. [Laughs] And then Simon, which was like this other game.
HARRIS: I know Simon.
COLLINS: But that was the first tech game my parents bought. It lights up, it makes noises.
HARRIS: The future is now!
COLLINS: The future is now. [Laughs] Yeah, I loved it.
When you came together to start planning for Toy Story 5, at what point in the process did you decide to center the story on Jessie?
HARRIS: The very beginning. Andrew Stanton wrote on Toy Story 4 and all the previous films. It was one of his big decisions to really just push for Woody to give away the sheriff badge to Jessie. So when Pixar was sniffing around like, “Is it time for Toy Story 5? Andrew, what would you do with it?” His instinct right away was, “Well, Jessie is the head of the room. It’s got to be a story about her.” He and I and Lindsay all completely agree that we were like, “Oh, there’s so much exciting emotional territory to explore with her.” So right from the get-go, there was always Jessie as the lead, Lilypad as our antagonist, and 50 Buzz Lightyears just going rogue.
COLLINS: Which may have been all Andrew. I don’t know, the 50 Buzz Lightyears we were like, “Oh, okay.”
HARRIS: Just go with it.
COLLINS: Two feel obvious. The third one, I don’t know, and Andrew was like, “Just wait for it, it’s going to work.”
‘Toy Story 5’ Director Admits the Emily Connection Was Discovered Late in the Process
“It transformed over time.”
How long did you have that Emily reveal in your back pocket?
HARRIS: It transformed over time.
COLLINS: They had different versions of it.
HARRIS: Yeah, there were different kinds of ways we were trying to explore what exactly is the hurt that she has. What exactly would help that?
COLLINS: Or fix it.
HARRIS: Sometimes there were options that while it was initially, this could be juicy or cool, it was like, “Oh, I don’t think that’s actually what she needs or wants to move on.” I wouldn’t say late in the game, but when we finally discovered kind of…
COLLINS: Pretty late in the game.
HARRIS: Pretty late in the game, sure. The producer is like, “It could’ve come sooner.” We knew. We knew right away that this feels right, and this feels like what she deserves.
COLLINS: And what she needs.
What Did It Take For Taylor Swift To Create ‘Toy Story 5’s Song? Patience.
“Alright, what if we just wait and just hold and see?”
Speaking of knowing, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” what a great capper to end the movie. If Taylor Swift wasn’t available, did you have other singers in mind that you wanted to bring in?
HARRIS: Taylor was kind of the dream from the get-go.
COLLINS: I mean, yeah. Taylor was, and then we were like, “There’s no way. She’s so busy.”
HARRIS: There was so much stuff going on, like The Eras Tour.
COLLINS: Yeah, you know that little tour called The Eras Tour. [Laughs] I don’t know if you’ve heard of it. But I think we were like, “You know what? We’re just going to wait and see.” We left it really… I mean we had talked about it. And it was like, “Too busy. It’s not going to happen.” And then it was like, “Alright, what if we just wait and just hold and see?” Let’s just see how the movie evolves and not commit to anything else.
HARRIS: And then the stars were aligned.
COLLINS: Then the universe delivered in the sense that all of a sudden it was like, “Wait, she might have a minute.” And we were like, “To watch the movie?” So she saw a very early cut and was instantly like, “I get it. I’m totally in. Would you be willing?” We were like, “Would we be? Be cool, be cool.”
HARRIS: Lindsey, chill out.
COLLINS: Yeah, stop being weird. Be cool.
HARRIS: Just let her cook. [Laughs]
COLLINS: She’s such a storyteller, obviously. She instantly understood, obviously having been a fan of Toy Story and of Jessie, what kind of song Jessie deserved and how it was a counterbalance in some ways to “When Somebody Loved Me.” That she [Jessie] deserved this celebratory, happy song at the end of this movie. It was just such a gift. I mean, [Taylor] was like, “I don’t know. You guys can tell me if you don’t like it,” and everything. We were like…
HARRIS: Please, please, please let us use this song!
COLLINS: She had written so many specifics into it. If you listen to the lyrics, you’re like, “Wow!” So much [detail] to some of the previous films and to this film. It’s all from the perspective of a toy running through the blades of the grass. Anyway, turns out she’s super talented.
HARRIS: She’s pretty good at the whole songwriting thing.
She might have a career in this.
HARRIS: Potential.
COLLINS: She should think about it. That’s all I’m saying. Don’t give up.
Toy Story 5 is now playing in theaters and IMAX.
Toy Story 5
- Release Date
-
June 19, 2026
- Runtime
-
102 Minutes
- Director
-
Andrew Stanton, McKenna Harris
- Writers
-
Andrew Stanton, McKenna Jean Harris
-
-
Tim Allen
Buzz Lightyear (voice)
-
-
Greta Lee
Lilypad (voice)
Film noir and thrillers naturally go together. They’re usually about corruption, obsession, and moral compromise, shot through with suspense and danger. In both genres, the heroes tend to be tough and cynical, the antagonists manipulative and elusive, and the mood pretty darn dark.
With all that in mind, this list looks at the very best noir thrillers of the last eight decades. These movie masterpieces are timeless stories of deception and disillusionment, set in grim, oppressive landscapes, from the shadows of postwar Vienna to the neon-lit streets of modern L.A. They make the most out of both genres, becoming true standouts in cinema as a whole.
10
‘The Long Goodbye’ (1973)
“You’ll never learn, you’re a born loser.” The Long Goodbye is one of the strangest and most fascinating noir movies. In Robert Altman‘s riff on Raymond Chandler’s famous detective story, private investigator Philip Marlowe (Elliott Gould) becomes entangled in a web of deception after his friend’s wife is found murdered. The tale that follows involves gangsters, alcoholics, missing money, and Hollywood eccentricity, filtered through an off-beat tone that would heavily influence the stoner noir subgenre.
The biggest strength here is the unique interpretation of Marlowe. Unlike the tough, confident detectives played by stars like Humphrey Bogart, Gould’s Marlowe seems perpetually confused, shuffling through life with a muttered: “It’s okay with me.” Yet beneath the apparent absent-mindedness lies a man who refuses to compromise his principles, a relic of another era, wandering through a world that no longer understands loyalty, friendship, or integrity.
9
‘Nightcrawler’ (2014)
“If you want to win the lottery, you have to make the money to buy a ticket.” Jake Gyllenhaal turns in a creepy, cold-eyed lead performance in this one as Lou Bloom, an unemployed drifter who discovers the world of freelance crime journalism in Los Angeles. Armed with a police scanner and a video camera, Lou begins filming accidents, murders, and violent crimes and selling the footage to local television stations, though the line between observer and participant quickly starts to blur.
Aesthetically, the vibe is delectably noirish, all police lights, neon signs, and headlights cutting through darkness. Yet, what elevates Nightcrawler beyond merely a visually striking thriller is its razor-sharp social commentary. The film examines the relationship between media and violence, asking uncomfortable questions about society’s appetite for sensationalism, themes that have only grown more relevant in the years since.
8
‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)
“Some men get the world. Others get ex-hookers and a trip to Arizona.” Noir seemed all played out by the late ’90s, but director Curtis Hanson found a way to breathe new life into it with this banger. L.A. Confidential feels like a greatest-hits collection of noir themes executed with total confidence. In it, three very different Los Angeles police officers (Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce) are investigating a brutal massacre tied to organized crime and celebrity culture.
As their paths converge, each man is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and the city he serves. Each of the characters is layered and compelling: Crowe’s Bud is driven by emotion and violence, Pearce’s Exley by ambition and idealism, and Spacey’s Vincennes by fame and self-interest. Their contrasting journeys give this crime-noir gem an emotional depth that most thrillers lack.
7
‘Se7en’ (1995)
“Wanting people to listen, you can’t just tap them on the shoulder anymore.” With Se7en, David Fincher skillfully melded serial-killer tropes and the darkest of philosophical noir. The story follows veteran detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his younger partner David Mills (Brad Pitt) as they investigate a series of murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. The case becomes increasingly personal and psychologically devastating the deeper they dig.
The mood is deeply fatalistic, something that the aesthetics reflect perfectly: shadows dominate the frame, interiors feel suffocating, and the city itself seems perpetually trapped in darkness. Rain falls almost constantly. Streets are crowded, dirty, and oppressive. Apartments are claustrophobic and decaying. It’s a literal representation of a world without hope, culminating in that legendarily grim ending, one of the most powerful in ’90s cinema.
6
‘Blade Runner’ (1982)
“It’s too bad she won’t live. But then again, who does?” The most perfect fusion of noir and sci-fi. Ridley Scott‘s most imaginative achievement centers on Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a retired blade runner tasked with hunting down bioengineered beings virtually indistinguishable from humans. But as Deckard tracks his targets through a futuristic Los Angeles, he begins questioning the assumptions underlying his mission.
Through him, Blade Runner delves into thorny questions around identity. Can machines feel? What is it that makes us human? The movie gets deeply philosophical, all while serving up an engaging detective plot and an endless supply of striking imagery. The visual design feels simultaneously futuristic and decayed, with massive corporate skyscrapers towering over crowded streets filled with advertisements, everything grimy and polluted rather than bright and sleek. Blade Runner went on to be deeply influential, becoming a true titan of the medium.
5
‘Out of the Past’ (1947)
“Build my gallows high, baby.” If someone wanted to understand the essence of classic film noir, Out of the Past would be one of the first movies worth recommending. It revolves around former private investigator Jeff Bailey (Robert Mitchum), who has attempted to leave his troubled past behind and build a quiet life in a small town. Unfortunately, the past refuses to stay buried. When an old associate tracks him down, Jeff is pulled back into the orbit of the unforgettable femme fatale Kathie Moffat (Jane Greer).
The finest elements here are the performances. Mitchum embodies the classic noir hero: intelligent, capable, and self-aware, yet ultimately trapped by his own choices. He understands from the beginning that he is caught in forces larger than himself. Equally important is Greer’s turn as Moffat: beautiful, charming, mysterious, and utterly dangerous, constantly keeping both Jeff and the audience uncertain about her true motives.
4
‘The Big Sleep’ (1946)
“You like to work your way around to an answer.” One of the movies that helped establish the noir blueprint. Bogart is brilliant here as Philip Marlowe, this time hired by the wealthy General Sternwood (Charles Waldron) to investigate a blackmail scheme targeting one of his daughters. However, what initially appears to be a relatively straightforward case quickly expands into a labyrinth of gambling debts, pornography, missing persons, organized crime, and murder.
One of the enduring charms of The Big Sleep is that even devoted fans occasionally struggle to explain every detail of the plot. The story is all mysteries, enigmas, red herrings, misdirection, and twists upon twists. Really, the film thrives on atmosphere, character, and dialogue, particularly the chemistry between Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Their scenes together are legendary, flirting banter crackling with intelligence, humor, and sexual tension.
3
‘Touch of Evil’ (1958)
“A policeman’s job is only easy in a police state.” Touch of Evil is one of the last great classics from the genre’s golden age. It begins with a car bombing near the U.S.-Mexico border, drawing Mexican narcotics investigator Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston) into a conflict with veteran American police captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles, who also directs). Vargas investigates the crime and soon discovers evidence of moral rot lurking beneath Quinlan’s reputation.
While the movie is most famous nowadays for its ambitious and technically impressive opening tracking shot, there’s a lot more to it than that. First up, the writing is strong and usually bold for its time: racism, police misconduct, and political corruption are woven into the narrative. The characters are darkly layered, too, trapped by their past decisions, personal flaws, and the systems around them.
2
‘Chinatown’ (1974)
“Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.” Jack Nicholson is at the top of his game here as private investigator Jake Gittes, who is hired to investigate an alleged affair involving a powerful water engineer in 1930s Los Angeles. Like the great noir detectives before him, Gittes is intelligent, cynical, and confident in his ability to uncover the truth. Yet even he is overwhelmed and defeated by the forces he confronts, an approach that takes Chinatown from simply solid noir to full-blown tragedy.
The script by Robert Towne provides the sturdy foundation. Not for nothing, Chinatown is widely considered one of the best ever. Information is revealed gradually and organically, drawing viewers deeper into the puzzle while maintaining constant tension. Every scene deepens both the mystery and the characterization. The cast rises to the occasion with committed, complex performances.
1
‘The Third Man’ (1949)
“In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo.” In this one, American writer Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) arrives in postwar Vienna expecting a job offer from his friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles). Instead, Holly learns that Lime has apparently died in a mysterious accident. Suspicious of the circumstances, Holly begins investigating, uncovering a conspiracy that reveals just how little he truly knew about his friend.
From here, The Third Man succeeds on multiple levels. The screenplay is filled with sharp dialogue and memorable moments, delving deep into questions of morality and friendship, and the themes and setting fit together perfectly. The war-scarred city creates a perfect noir environment, a world where old certainties have collapsed, and moral boundaries have become blurred. Cinematographer Robert Krasker accentuates this with dramatic shadows, stark contrasts, and famously tilted camera angles.
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Madonna‘s Met Gala look had beauty lovers zooming in on every detail. Surprisingly, one standout product behind her look was a super affordable find: the Kiko Milano Smart Colour Blush. The pop icon had the blush layered on heavily and placed high up on the cheekbones for a statement-making finish.
The silky powder blush has quietly built a cult following thanks to its buttery texture, seamless blendability and soft-focus finish that looks far pricier than its drugstore-level price tag suggests.
One thing that makes this formula stand out is the shade payoff. The pigment is noticeable enough to show up on even bare skin, but they’re forgiving enough for beginners who tend to overapply blush. Ready to take a page out of Madonna’s beauty playbook? Grab the blush for just $10 on Amazon!
Get the Kiko Milano Smart Colour Blush for $10 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Unlike other powder blushes that feel chalky, cling onto dry patches and leave behind an uneven finish, this formula is finely milled, delivering a soft-focus finish that almost mimics a cream. The texture is lightweight and velvety, which helps create that diffused, airbrushed flush without looking like one big stripe on the skin. Plus, it comes in eight gorgeous shades suitable for all skin tones.
If there’s one thing Katie Holmes knows, it’s how to master a fresh-faced look, and her latest makeup pick, the Merit Balm Blush, proves the glow is all in the blush. In a recent “Get Ready With Me” video posted to Instagram, the actress reached for the creamy blush stick to add a soft, healthy-looking […]
The blush is also incredibly buildable. Translation: You can keep the application soft and natural during the day, then bump up the drama at night with a few extra layers. It blends nicely on top of foundation without lifting or disturbing the product underneath, which is a huge win for anyone who has struggled with powdered formulas turning patchy or uneven mid-application. As for the finish, it leans radiant-matte rather than flat, giving skin that healthy, lit-from-within look that almost looks like a filter.
The formula has earned rave reviews on Amazon, too. One self-proclaimed “blush snob” noted how the texture feels “smooth, silky and buttery.”
At just $10, it delivers the performance of a luxury high-end product several times the price.
Get the Kiko Milano Smart Colour Blush for $10 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
If Demi Moore’s luminous cheeks at the Met Gala left you wondering how to bottle that glow, the answer was already in her makeup chair: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand Liquid Highlighter. The liquid highlighter-blush hybrid gave her skin that lifted sheen — perfectly in line with the night’s understated glamour. Designed to add color […]
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I don’t know about you, but sandals are the only shoes I’ll be putting on my feet from now until about mid-September. They’re comfortable, cute and they let my feet breathe even on the hottest days. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun, luxe-looking trends and styles to choose from, whether I want to keep it comfortable in flats or elevate my look with a heel.
So far, I’ve found most of my favorite summer sandals on Nordstrom, which boasts an impressive selection of brands and styles. The only problem? The most on-trend options are going fast, and the retailer’s bestselling pieces are flying off the shelves. Thankfully, a few of the most chic sandals available are still in stock and ready to be added to cart. Just be sure to grab them sooner rather than later — there’s no telling how long these will last!
13 of Nordstrom’s Most-Wanted Sandals For Summer
1. Our Favorite: These sleek leather slides have it all: a comfy sole for lots of walking, metallic details for a more elevated feel and a tiny heel so you don’t feel too flat to the floor. The neutral colors also mean they go with literally anything. Snag them while you can!
2. Runner-Up: Dolce Vita’s strappy flat sandals feel impossibly chic, whether you pair them with denim shorts or a cute sundress. They have just enough cushioning to be genuinely comfortable, and the elastic straps provide a flexible fit.
3. Comfy Classic: You really can’t go wrong with Birkenstock slides. The gold buckles elevate these, making them feel more versatile. Plus, they’re waterproof, so they’re perfect for the beach or pool.
4. Pool Friendly: Skip the flimsy flip-flops on your next pool day and wear these jelly T-strap sandals instead. Sleek, cool and stylish, this pick is both practical and chic — and water-resistant to boot!
With all the barbecues, weddings and brunches on your summer agenda, there’s no such thing as too many sandals. Even if your schedule includes more errand runs than beach days, you still need chic shoes. These expensive-looking picks are the easiest upgrade, making any outfit appear mega expensive, without the high price tag. In addition […]
5. Strappy Flats: Thin straps, metallic gold and a dainty ankle strap make these flat sandals feel so feminine and pretty. They have an almost Grecian-inspired look that makes them dress up any outfit.
6. Date Night Pick: Step into these sophisticated heeled sandals when you’re going out somewhere special. With the square toe and heel, plus that strappy, modern design, this pair is bound to stand out.
7. On-Trend Style: Jelly flats are a huge trend this summer, and you can get in on it with Sam Edelman’s Mary-Jane flats. They’re impossibly cool and have the most fun nostalgic feel, just with a modern touch.
8. Retro Feel: These platform sandals feel like they came out of the 1970s in the best way possible. An ankle strap and block heel keep the style sturdy without looking too clunky.
9. Everyday Go-To: Everyone should have one pair of go-to flip-flops in their closet, and these are a great contender. They have a little bit of a platform feel for height, a cushioned footbed for comfort and a wide thong strap that won’t leave you with blisters.
10. Designer Splurge: Sure, these Coach slides are a splurge, but they’re also a gorgeous pick you’ll wear again and again. The polished hardware and smooth leather make them look and feel so luxe.
11. On Sale Alert: Snag these comfy buckle slides while the price is low. They have a contoured, cushioned footbed that makes them wearable for hours on end, and the double strap and buckles make them so stylish.
12. Most Comfy Award: When it comes to comfort, it’s hard to beat Crocs slides. They’re bouncy and cushioned, adding just a little height without making you feel off-balance. Plus, they’re waterproof and dry fast, so they’re super versatile.
13. Sporty Chic: Nature lovers, these slim sandals were made for you. They’re durable and rugged enough for lots of outdoor activities, with thin straps and a slim profile that make them feel so on-trend.
I’m extra particular about most things in life, so naturally, my summer sandals are no exception. My go-to sandals can’t be too heavy, flat, chunky or dull — and they certainly can’t rub. Basically, they have to be perfect, and I found 11 chic shoe styles that check my boxes. These staple sandals range from […]
Elsie Hewitt is officially in summer mode.
Hewitt, 30, embraced the heat in a new series of Instagram photos posted on Friday, June 19, showing off her post-baby body in a bright orange string bikini with a red border.
“I should be napping,” she wrote in the caption.
The new mom, who welcomed daughter Scottie with now-ex Pete Davidson in December 2025, held her hand up to block the sun while sitting cross-legged on a red lounge chair in her first snapshot. She had a pair of orange sunglasses on the chair, which matched her bathing suit color palette.
Elsie Hewitt. Courtesy of Elsie Hewitt/Instagram
Hewitt appeared to be sunbathing on a rooftop in New York City, highlighting her curves and toned abs in several snaps.
In addition to sitting on the lounge chair, Hewitt laid down to get tan and reveal her sexy suit in its entirety. She wore her orange sunnies on her face as she appeared to doze off.
In a third photo, Hewitt bent one leg on the chair as her other leg hung off the side. She played with her bikini tie as the shade started to take over the area.
“We didn’t know it was Elsie’s Mama glow making her perfect some might accuse her of being Ai 🤖,” one user wrote in the comments section.
Another user praised Hewitt’s physique just six months after she gave birth, writing, “The snap back needs to be funded and studied. so does the fumble. 😩.”
“Didn’t you just have a baby!!!! Guurrrl. You look amazing,” a third person commented.
Elsie Hewitt. Courtesy of Elsie Hewitt/Instagram
Hewitt’s bikini snaps are her latest thirst trap-style pictures to cause a stir on social media this month.
The model previously shared a series of park photos on June 3, in which Hewitt showed off her cleavage in a plunging red polka dot dress.
In the snaps, Hewitt smiled as she enjoyed a sunny picnic, lying on a blanket in the Big Apple.
“🐞,” she captioned the images.
Hewitt’s sexy uploads come one month after Us Weekly exclusively confirmed that she and Davidson, 32, split after dating more than one year.
Nine months after the pair were first romantically linked in March 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Scottie, who is named after Davidson’s late father, a firefighter who died in the line of duty during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City.
Elsie Hewitt. Courtesy of Elsie Hewitt/Instagram
“They are still sorting things out as it pertains to their split,” a source close to the pair told Us in May of Davidson and Hewitt’s breakup. “They tried to make it work but there were different stressors, including having a baby together as two people who didn’t yet know each other that well. They are both trying to make it work and have made accommodations in their schedules for the baby.”
The insider added, “They are still rooting for each other but are each going their own ways, outside of working to coparent and focusing on their baby.”
News of Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s divorce has left many fans stunned, especially given how openly the couple shared their journey through addiction, personal struggles, and eventual success.
While the split has sparked widespread speculation, new details suggest the decision was not driven by betrayal or hostility.
Instead, those closest to the former couple say their lives have simply evolved in different directions over time.
In the days following confirmation that Jelly Roll had filed for divorce, a source offered insight into the country star’s mindset and why he ultimately decided to end the marriage.
According to the insider, the singer still cares deeply about Bunnie XO despite their separation.
“The reality is that he will always love her, but that doesn’t mean that he wants to stay married,” the source told PEOPLE.
The insider explained that the man Bunnie met years ago is not the same person he is today.
“He’s in a very different place than he was when they met,” the source said of Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord.
The source added that the artist has reached a stage in life that once seemed out of reach.
“For the first time, he feels healthy, focused and in control of his future,” they shared.
Bunnie XO Remains A Major Part Of His Story
Although the marriage is ending, those close to the situation insist there is still deep appreciation between the pair.
The source emphasized the role Bunnie XO played during some of the most difficult years of Jelly Roll’s life and career.
They said, “She believed in him when not many people did and helped him through some very difficult years. He knows he wouldn’t be where he is today without her and he’s never going to forget that.”
Their relationship began in 2015, long before either became household names. At the time, both were dealing with personal challenges and trying to build better futures for themselves.
Another insider noted that support flowed both ways throughout the relationship.
“Jelly has also been there for Bunnie through a lot,” the insider said. “He’s supported her over and over again throughout the years, through ups and downs.”
Jelly Roll Addresses Rumors During Concert
As speculation spread online, Jelly Roll decided to address the divorce directly during a stop on his Little ASS Shed Tour in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Speaking to a packed crowd, he pushed back against rumors circulating online.
“While we’re talking about liars, the internet is a liar too,” he told concertgoers. “This is the only time and the only city I’m going to speak about this, so break your camera phones out now.”
The singer then made it clear that his feelings toward Bunnie had not disappeared.
He stated, “Me and my wife are best friends, we will always be best friends. I will love her. She will probably be the only woman I’ll ever love the way I loved her.”
Jelly Roll also addressed one of the biggest assumptions surrounding the split.
He clarified that “nobody cheated on nobody,” before adding that Bunnie “will be my best friend forever. Bunnie, I love you baby.”
His remarks reinforced the message that the divorce was not the result of scandal but rather a decision reached between two people who still respect one another.
Bunnie XO Shares Her Side Of The Split
Shortly before Jelly Roll’s concert comments, Bunnie XO spoke candidly about the divorce on her podcast.
The podcast host revealed that the legal process was expected to be finalized quickly and explained that some of their plans for the future remain unchanged.
“We’re still having a baby together,” Bunnie said.
She also challenged assumptions that the separation involved dishonesty or resentment.
“Like, this isn’t what you guys think this is. Nobody cheated on the other person. It’s literally just we served our purpose for each other,” she explained.
Bunnie described the pair as an “unconventional couple” and said they intend to continue co-parenting and maintaining their friendship moving forward.
Her comments closely mirrored Jelly Roll’s own description of their relationship, suggesting both remain committed to preserving a positive connection despite ending their marriage.
A Relationship Built Through Hard Times
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO married in 2016 after meeting during a difficult period in both of their lives.
Their relationship endured setbacks, including a temporary separation in 2018 after the singer had an affair. Despite that challenge, they reconciled and renewed their vows in 2023.
Earlier this year, while promoting her memoir “Stripped Down,” Bunnie reflected on how much they had grown together.
“His soul is so golden and pure,” she told PEOPLE.
She also acknowledged that both brought significant baggage into the relationship.
“Granted, we were both a–holes when we first got together, but we have evolved together.… [When we met] he was going down a path of drugs. I was coming out of a domestic-violence relationship. I had so much baggage, so much toxicity; he had never been in a real relationship. We had to learn together,” she revealed.
While their marriage may be ending, both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO appear determined to honor the years they spent building a life together.
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