Cleveland Cavaliers alum Tristan Thompson has found himself in a sticky situation! While appearing on Shannon Sharpe‘s “Club Shay Shay,” the former NBA star spoke about his relationship with Drake, likening him to a “brother,” and dished on how they’ve supported each other over the years. Later in the episode, Thompson told the NFL legend that he’s also working on fixing the broken relationship between Drake and LeBron James.
Speaking with Sharpe, Thompson said he considers rapper Drake to be like a “brother” to him, revealing that they’ve known each other for years. “I’ve known him since I’ve been 17. That’s family. Always gonna ride with him,” he continued.
According to Thompson, born in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, Drake was there for the athlete when he lost his mother in January 2023.
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“We have a relationship. I spoke to him during last week, as well. We’re close. I mean, the beauty about all of us Canadians… you know, we all root for each other,” Thompson added.
“For myself, I’m close with Drake, but I’m also close with The Weeknd. I love The Weeknd, that’s my brother, as well. PARTYNEXTDOOR, love him, as well. That’s all family,” he continued.
Thompson Said It’s ‘Toronto Vs. The World’
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Thompson said he’ll always cheer for his fellow Canadians, adding that they all see it as “Toronto vs. the World.”
“We’re called the Screwface Capital. We come with a chip on our shoulders. Obviously, Drake has led the way in the entertainment and music industry, doing his thing. Hip-hop needed him. You see when he dropped three albums,” Thompson said.
Drake is well known for embracing his Canadian roots, frequently paying tribute to Toronto in his music. In a 2015 interview, Drake spoke about his love for the city.
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“Most people I know stay in Toronto. I plan to spend the rest of my life there. The talk, the smell, the sound that comes out of that city is home to me,” he said. “When I think about the girls I want to get romantic with, it’s a girl from Toronto who knows what I’m talking about when we drive around the city.”
Thompson ‘Trying’ To Fix Drake’s Beef With LeBron James
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Later during the “Club Shay Shay” episode, Thompson responded to Sharpe, who asked the athlete about whether he could help get LeBron James and Drake back on good terms.
“I would love to,” Thompson said. “Listen, yeah. Listen. I’m trying, man. I’m trying, I’m trying, I’m trying.”
His comments come nearly a year after Drake and James made headlines after eagle-eyed fans spotted the former unfollowing several celebs on Instagram, including James, according to The Blast.
Drake’s move came after James was seen singing along to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” in 2024. The “Big Rings” rapper hinted at the fallout during a concert in October of that year.
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“My real friends are definitely in the building,” Drake said. “But let me tell you that you’re going to come to a point in life where people you thought were friends, people you thought were close to you switch up.”
He added, “They might try to move funny with you. They might stab you in the back. They might do a lot of things to you. You’ll come to that realization, wherever you’re at in life. You’ve probably been there and you’ll be there again. That’s how life is. Sometimes it’s you and you alone by yourself.”
LeBron James Breaks Silence On Drake’s Issue With Him
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James and Drake had a years-long friendship before the fallout, as Drake previously admitted to texting the NBA champion before every game.
In September 2025, James opened up about his relationship with Drake during an interview with Speedy Morman during an episode of his “360” show.
“Always wish him the best. Obviously, um, different places right now, currently. He’s doing his thing, I’m doing mine. But it’s always love, for sure,” he said.
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Drake Doesn’t Care About LeBron James’ Well-Wishes
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Drake seemed unfazed by James’ well-wishes, considering he blasted the athlete in a song on his new album, “ICEMAN.” In the song “1 AM In Albany,” Drake took a clear shot at James and gave his listeners little hope that they would ever reconcile.
“I shouldn’t even be shocked to see you in that arena, because you always made your career off of switching teams up,” Drake rapped in the song. “Please stop asking what’s going on with 23 & me, I’m a real n****, and he’s not, it’s in my DNA.”
2025 has been a year full of ups and downs for Star Wars fans, who were treated to the highest-rated project in franchise history with Maul — Shadow Lord. The animated Disney Plus series finally takes Darth Maul (voiced by Sam Witwer) out of the shadow of the Jedi, allowing him to lead a series instead of being a complimentary figure, and the reviews speak for themselves. Unfortunately for Disney and Lucasfilm, the reviews for the first Star Wars movie in seven years also speak for themselves, and it’s clear fans weren’t ready to embrace a Mandalorian movie after three full seasons on Disney Plus. The Mandalorian and Grogu is shaping up to be the lowest-grossing Star Wars movie in history, with an even lower total gross than Solo: A Star Wars Story.
It was believed for a while that there would be another Star Wars Disney Plus show coming at the end of the year, but these rumors were put to bed a few months ago when Disney confirmed that the highly anticipated second season of Ahsoka would not arrive until early 2027. The first season of Ahsoka premiered all the way back in 2023, and many fans have expressed their frustration with Disney and Lucasfilm needing four full years to produce a season of TV that will likely only consist of six or eight episodes. Part of this delay can be accredited to Dave Filoni taking over as the new President of Lucasfilm from Kathleen Kennedy, which has given him a much wider scope of duties. Still, fans have taken to rewatching Ahsoka before Season 2 premieres next year, which has allowed the show to quietly surge back into the top 10 in a few countries.
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Collider Exclusive · Star Wars Quiz Which Force User Are You? Light Side · Dark Side · Or Somewhere Between
The Force is not a binary. It is a spectrum — from the serene halls of the Jedi Temple to the shadowed corridors of Sith space. Ten questions will reveal where you truly fall. The Force has always known. Now you will too.
🔵Jedi Master
🟡Padawan
🔴Sith Lord
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⚫Inquisitor
⚪Grey Jedi
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01
What is the Force to you? Your relationship with the Force defines everything else.
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02
When you feel strong emotions — anger, grief, love — what do you do? The Jedi suppress. The Sith feed. Others choose differently.
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03
The Jedi Council gives you an order you disagree with. You: How you handle authority reveals your alignment.
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04
You are offered forbidden knowledge that could give you enormous power. The cost is crossing a moral line. You: The dark side’s pull is never more than a choice away.
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05
Your approach to training and learning is: A student’s habits become a master’s character.
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06
In a duel, your lightsaber fighting style reflects: Combat is the purest expression of a Force user’s philosophy.
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07
A defeated enemy lies at your feet, powerless. You: Mercy — or its absence — is the truest test of alignment.
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08
The Jedi Code forbids attachment. Your honest view on love and bonds: The source of the greatest falls in the galaxy.
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09
Why do you use the Force at all? What’s the point? Purpose is the difference between a knight and a weapon.
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10
At the final moment — light side or dark side pulling at you — what wins? In the end, every Force user faces this moment. What does yours look like?
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Your Alignment Has Been Determined Your Place in the Force
The scores below reveal how the Force sees you. Your highest number is your true alignment. Read on to understand what that means — and what it will cost you.
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🔵 Jedi Master
🟡 Padawan
🔴 Sith Lord
⚫ Inquisitor
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⚪ Grey Jedi
Disciplined, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the living Force, you have walked the path long enough to understand its demands — and accept them. You lead not through authority alone, but through example. You have felt the pull of the dark side and chosen otherwise, every time. That is not certainty. That is courage.
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You are earnest, powerful, and brimming with potential — and you know it, which is both your greatest asset and your most dangerous flaw. You act before you think, trust your gut over your training, and sometimes confuse impatience for bravery. The Masters see something in you, though. The question isn’t whether you have what it takes — it’s whether you’ll be patient enough to find out.
You are not simply dangerous — you are certain, and that is worse. You have decided what the galaxy needs, and you have decided you are the one to deliver it. Your power is genuine and formidable, earned through sacrifice that would have broken lesser beings. But examine your victories carefully. Every Sith believed their cause was righteous. The dark side’s cruelest trick is that it agrees with you.
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You were forged in fire and reshaped by those who found you at your lowest. You serve, because service gave you structure when you had none. Your allegiance is not to an ideology — it is to survival and to the master who gave you purpose. But there is something buried beneath the conditioning. The Jedi you hunt? You recognize them. Because you remember what it felt like before the choice was taken from you.
You have looked at the Jedi Code and the Sith Code and found both of them incomplete. You walk the line not out of indecision but out of conviction — you genuinely believe both extremes miss something essential. The Jedi don’t fully trust you. The Sith think you’re wasting your potential. They’re both partially right. But so are you.
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Is Hayden Christensen in ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2?
Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2, as confirmed by the first image of him in the show, which dropped just a few weeks ago. It’s unclear at this time if Christensen will also play a version of Darth Vader as he did in Obi-Wan Kenobi, or if he will star as Ahsoka’s former master, but his presence alone is enough to get fans excited. Further plot details about Ahoska Season 2 are being kept under wraps at this time, but more information is certainly coming with the premiere of the first trailer later this year.
Check out the first season of Ahsoka on Disney Plus and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Season 2.
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Release Date
August 22, 2023
Network
Disney+
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Directors
Steph Green, Jennifer Getzinger, Peter Ramsey, Rick Famuyiwa
Have a crappy first draft and want to make it into a better second, third, fourth, and final one? You might want to check out 2020’s Black Bear because the film shows you the process in real time, and I think I just spoiled the entire thing for you. But did I really?
It’s a movie about a woman named Allison (Aubrey Plaza), who’s staying at a beautiful remote cabin to work on a project, either a novel or a film. I think this part is obvious. We get a look at her morning routine, complete with sitting in a red swimsuit on a dock overlooking a foggy lake. We watch her sit down at a table by the window and start writing, occasionally looking up to take in the scenery before putting pen to paper.
We then get what I believe are two “drafts” in the form of acts, and the whole thing spirals from there. While there’s a lot of discussion about what Black Bear is actually about (just check the IMDb reviews, lots of people are rightfully confused), I think the answer is simple: it’s one of those movies about a writer who’s writing something; something that would come off as extremely pretentious in almost any other context.
Because of how open-ended the whole thing is, I could be way off the mark, but you really just need to sit down with Black Bear and enjoy it for what it truly is, no matter what kind of subtext you’re picking up from it: three actors showing an incredible range and crushing every single scenario.
Part One: The Bear in the Road
Before each act in Black Bear, we see Allison go through what appears to be her writing routine. She sits alone in the wilderness, folds up her towel, walks back to the cabin, and gets to work. In the first act, “The Bear in the Road,” we’re introduced to the other characters we’ll be spending time with: the pregnant and unhappily married couple Gabe (Christopher Abbott) and Blair (Sarah Gadon).
Gabe is a former musician who owns a bed and breakfast that he runs with Blair. Allison is a film director who chose to stay at their bed and breakfast so she could find inspiration for her next project. Gabe is secretly obsessed with Allison’s work, and Blair is a problem drinker even though the baby bump is starting to show.
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This act ends almost exactly how you’d expect, with Allison and Gabe growing close, and Blair absolutely losing her mind over it. When things truly heat up in “The Bear in the Road,” the screen goes black, and we once again see Allison sitting alone on the dock in a red swimsuit, folding her towel, walking back to the cabin, and opening her notebook, setting up the second part of the movie.
Part Two: The Bear by the Boat House
The second half of Black Bear introduces the same characters but in a totally different context. Here, Allison is an actress who’s married to Gabe, who’s now the filmmaker, and Blair is another actress in the movie he’s working on. The same jilted lover story plays out, but the roles are reversed, and we’re on an actual movie set.
Allison is the unstable woman whose husband is having an affair, and she’s being manipulated by the crew into delivering a powerhouse performance during the final shoot. Blair and Gabe flirt and stage an affair between scenes, pushing Allison over the edge. The whole thing plays like a behind-the-scenes reel of a more developed version of “The Bear in the Road,” as if the first act we witnessed was the rough draft, and what happens here is the result of further refinement.
You see kernels of the original idea play out in “The Bear by the Boat House,” but it has a distinctly different flavor, which all clicks again when the whole thing eventually transitions back to Allison sitting on the dock in her red swimsuit, folding her towel, heading back to the cabin, and starting to write.
A Deconstruction Of The Creative Process
Most of the time, I try to keep my reviews spoiler free. I like to talk about the vibe, the talent, and the themes a film talks about, but breaking down Black Bear without first laying out its mechanics, which effectively spoils the movie, is impossible.
Or, I’ll ask again, is it?
My read on the film is that we’re watching a writer at work, and their ideas coming to life through the vignettes we get to see. The characters across both acts are the same but different in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Each act starts with crappy dialogue that eventually becomes more nuanced and intricate. The same can be said for the acting. Both vignettes feel like working drafts where the writer doesn’t quite yet know what story they’re trying to tell, and they’re working through the first few passages so they can figure it out.
I could be completely off base here, but that’s what Black Bear feels like. It’s a moment in the creative process when the creator is still trying to find their voice on a new project.
That said, I can’t say for certain that my assessment is correct here, and I can absolutely see why this film could be frustrating to some. At face value, it’s disjointed, its characters are all over the place, and aside from their names and the setting they occupy, they’re not really the same people. But that’s the point. We’re watching these characters get sketched out in real time by Allison, and we’re just seeing snippets of personality here.
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That’s why the characters transition from one-dimensional to complex, with conflicting motives and alliances without any real rhyme or reason. It’s also a testament to everybody’s performance here, because they basically have to act like bad actors when the script is bad, and then up their game every single time (writer) Allison has a creative epiphany that allows the story to improve.
If there’s any reason to watch Black Bear, it’s for everybody’s range. I’m sure there are dozens of other ways to read this film, but I’m satisfied believing what I choose to believe. Maybe the film is actually about a girl named Allison who has amnesia, who returns to a location where she was traumatized, and she’s trying to remember what happened to her. Maybe the Black Bear is the friends we made along the way. Or maybe, just maybe, we’re watching somebody write a novel, or a play, or a movie, and we’re getting to see what happens when an incomplete story gets a full production to show you how important it is to always work past the first draft.
As of this writing, you can stream Black Bear for free on Tubi.
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As far as effortless summer footwear is concerned, Madewell has mastered the art. But achieving that laid-back, elevated aesthetic doesn’t mean you have to splurge. The secret is to simply look for shoes with clean silhouettes, rich-looking textures and minimalist details that always feel timeless. As it happens, Walmart is surprisingly full of sandals that check every one of those boxes.
Whether you’re after simple leather-look slides, woven sandals, strappy flats or versatile block heels, these affordable picks capture that same easygoing style Madewell shoppers love. They’re the kind of shoes that pair effortlessly with linen pants, denim shorts, breezy dresses and everything else in your summer wardrobe. Best of all, prices start as low as $9, leaving plenty of room for a matching handbag.
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13 Madewell-Inspired Walmart Sandals Starting at $9
1. Anything But Basic: A wide band and clean lines give these simple slides an understated, expensive-looking finish. They’ll become your go-to pair for effortless everyday outfits.
2. Sweet & Strappy: Delicate straps create a barely-there look that’s equal parts elegant and versatile. These sandals pair perfectly with everything from jeans to flowy maxi dresses.
3. Pop of Red: A bold red hue instantly transforms this minimal slide from Madden Girl into the star of your outfit. It’s an easy way to embrace one of the season’s biggest color trends.
4. Easy & Understated:Dainty bow detailing keeps these sandals feeling polished rather than beachy or too casual. They’re subtle enough to wear with just about anything, from sundresses to tailored trousers.
Can your summer wardrobe use a dose of elegance? It may be time to take a cue from the rich mom aesthetic. Defined by minimalist silhouettes, neutral hues and quiet luxury vibes, the trend is all about looking polished without appearing like you tried too hard. This season, that elevated style has officially made its […]
5. Timeless Heels: A sleek block heel offers just the right amount of height without sacrificing comfort. Dress them up for weddings or down for dinner on the patio.
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6. Day to Night: Slim straps and a cushioned footbed make these as practical as they are stylish. They’ll take you from afternoon errands straight to evening plans.
7. Less Is More: A modern toe-ring silhouette proves simple designs can make the biggest statement. These feel effortlessly cool with linen separates or relaxed denim.
8. Beachy Blue: A woven texture and a stunning blue hue channel seaside style. They’re practically made for vacation outfits and beach days.
9. Lace Up Flats: Wraparound ankle ties give Time and Tru’s sandals a romantic, Mediterranean-inspired feel. Pair them with breezy dresses or cropped linen pants for maximum impact.
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10. Striking Studs:Metallic studs add just enough edge without overwhelming the sleek and otherwise minimalist silhouette. They’re an easy way to make simple outfits feel a little bit more fashion-forward.
11. Country Club Ready: A woven upper and shiny buckle deliver that timeless, resort-inspired aesthetic Madewell does so well. They look especially chic with white denim or tailored shorts.
12. Simple Sequins: Subtle embellishments on these chic flats catch the light beautifully without feeling flashy. They add a little extra sparkle to casual summer looks.
13. Made For Walking: A supportive footbed and adjustable slingback strap make these ideal for long days on your feet. They blend all-day comfort with polished, elevated design for shoes you’ll reach for day after day.
Sneakers may be comfortable, but they aren’t always the right choice to pair with sundresses, linen pants or breezy summer outfits. Luckily, today’s cushioned sandals deliver the same walk-all-day comfort with supportive footbeds, arch support and soft padding — all while looking polished enough for brunch, vacation and everything in between. From celeb-loved pairs to […]
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are married! The massive ceremony, held in New York City at Madison Square Garden, was attended by over 1,000 guests, including family and industry peers. In addition to people such as Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, and Dakota Johnson, NFL superstars were also in attendance, such as George Kittle, Matthew Stafford, Richard Sherman, and Kyle Juszczyk. There was one Kansas City Chiefs alum, however, who didn’t make the invite list, and he joked about his frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Can’t believe my invite to Taylor & Travis’ wedding never came…
Feels like throwing Travis Kelce his first NFL TD should’ve at least earned me a seat at the kids’ table. 😂
Chase Daniel, a now-retired NFL player who won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints, posted about Kelce seemingly forgetting to mail his wedding invite. Don’t forget, the pair played together for the Chiefs from 2014-2015 before Daniel moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles. Daniel even threw Kelce his first NFL touchdown (in a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals) in August 2014.
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“Can’t believe my invite to Taylor & Travis’ wedding never came…” Daniel wrote online. “Feels like throwing Travis Kelce his first NFL TD should’ve at least earned me a seat at the kids’ table.”
Daniel even followed it up with a video of the special moment, captioning it, “Proof.”
Daniel’s disappointment about being kept off the invite list to Kelce and Swift’s fairytale wedding is understandable, considering some of the industry’s hottest stars showed up and showed out.
According to ESPN, a plethora of A-listers gathered in NYC for the special event, including Justin Thomas, Baker Mayfield, Cooper Kupp, and Kareem Hunt.
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Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Fallon, Jay-Z, Machine Gun Kelly, Fergie, Zoe Kravitz, Camila Cabello, Benson Boone, Hugh Grant, Mariska Hargitay, and Jason Sudeikis were also among those in the room where it happened.
Travis Kelce Marries Taylor Swift In Custom Christian Dior And Christian Louboutin
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While the details regarding Kelce and Swift’s wedding have been kept under wraps, a rep for Swift confirmed to PEOPLE that she and the groom were dripping in fancy pieces.
“The bride and groom’s wedding ceremony looks have been created by Christian Dior Haute Couture. They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the Bride and Groom. This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity. Their shoes were custom made by Christian Louboutin and the bride wore Cartier jewelry,” the rep said.
A spokesperson for Dior also confirmed the reports, saying the brand was “delighted” to be part of the special day.
“They have been created in Dior’s ateliers at 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, and designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the couple,” the statement continued.
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Kelce And Swift Got Engaged In August 2025
All eyes have been on Kelce and Swift since they started dating in 2023. They turned heads in August 2025 when they announced their engagement. The photos showed the pair embracing in a floral-filled garden.
Swift uploaded snaps to her Instagram and captioned them, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”
The singer even added the track “So High School,” rumored to be about Kelce, to the post for dramatic effect.
Kelce popped the question with a custom-designed Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry ring featuring an “Old Mine brilliant cut.”
Swift Is Beloved By The Kelce Family
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After the engagement, a source told PEOPLE that the Kelces adore Swift, adding that the pop superstar “goes out of her way” to show the entire family how much she cares about them.
“They’re all very, very happy that Travis has Taylor in his life. She’s entirely changed his world in all the best ways, and they’re true partners. Taylor gets along so well with the family and they’re just her biggest fan,” the insider added.
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While the source admitted that Kelce has had to change his lifestyle due to Swift’s global dominance, they added that the NFL star was “totally willing” because of “how special she was.”
No one could have predicted the way Netflix originals would eventually change the television landscape. Suddenly, some of the most talked-about shows in the world weren’t airing on traditional networks. Instead, audiences were binge-watching entire seasons over a weekend and discovering international stories they might never have watched otherwise.
Of course, not every Netflix original has been a success, but the platform’s willingness to take creative risks has definitely paid off. The streamer is currently home to some of the most defining series of the modern era across a variety of genres and continues to deliver stories that audiences can’t stop talking about. These are the very best of them from the last 10 years.
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10
‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)
Jonathan Groff in a suit and tie walking through a prison in Mindhunter.Image via Netflix
Mindhunter is one of the greatest shows Netflix has ever produced, one that ended way sooner than it should have. The series is set in the late 1970s and follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), alongside psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv), as they help establish the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, which eventually becomes the foundation of modern criminal profiling. Now, the catch is that their work involves interviewing imprisoned serial killers in an attempt to understand how these criminals think and why they commit such horrific acts. Little does the team know, though, that this experiment is not just going to change the world, but also their own lives. Mindhunter is surprisingly patient for a crime drama.
That’s because the series isn’t interested in exploring the blood and gore of violence. Instead, it aims to examine the psychology behind them. The show’s greatest source of tension is the conversations between the FBI agents and the serial killers, many of whom are based on real-life murderers, including Edmund Kemper, Richard Speck, David Berkowitz, and Charles Manson. The show unfolds with a nuance that turns what could have been yet another procedural into a chilling study of human behavior. Despite ending after only two seasons, Mindhunter remains the benchmark for intelligent TV.
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9
‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)
Harry Melling in The Queen’s GambitImage via Netflix
The Queen’s Gambit had all the makings of a niche miniseries, but it became one of Netflix’s biggest hits. The story, based on Walter Tevis’ novel, follows Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), an orphaned girl who discovers an extraordinary talent for chess while living in a Kentucky orphanage during the 1950s. As Beth rises through the competitive chess world, she quickly establishes herself as a prodigy capable of defeating opponents twice her age. However, her journey to the top is complicated by loneliness, addiction, and the immense pressure of competing against the best players in the world.
It’s truly remarkable how The Queen’s Gambit makes a game as painstaking as chess feel exhilarating and adrenaline-fueled, even for viewers who know absolutely nothing about it. The matches are filmed with the intensity of action sequences, but the real focus is always on Beth and her personal demons that threaten to derail her success. The production design, costume work, cinematography, and period detail are all exceptional, but what truly elevates The Queen’s Gambit is this strong emotional core. Few Netflix originals have combined style and substance this effectively, which is why The Queen’s Gambit remains one of the streamer’s greatest success stories.
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8
‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)
Carla Gugino as Olivia Crain in The Haunting of Hill HouseImage via Netflix
The Haunting of Hill House proves that horror can be just as rich and layered as any prestige drama. The miniseries, based loosely on Shirley Jackson‘s classic novel, follows the Crain family across two timelines. In the summer of 1992, Hugh (Henry Thomas) and Olivia Crain (Carla Gugino) moved into Hill House with their five children to renovate and sell the massive mansion. However, strange paranormal events begin to occur inside the house that culminate in a tragedy that continues to haunt the family. All of this comes back up when yet another tragedy brings the Crain siblings together as they finally confront the literal and figurative ghosts of their past.
However, all these supernatural elements are only part of the story. Beneath all that, The Haunting of Hill House tells a deeply moving story about family, grief, trauma, and addiction. The essential horror TV series constantly shifts between past and present to gradually reveal how the events at Hill House shaped each member of the family in different ways. Every revelation adds another layer to the narrative, which makes the emotional payoff just as impactful as the scares themselves. Mike Flanagan‘s direction is exceptional throughout, particularly in the show’s famous long-take sequences and interconnected storytelling. The Haunting of Hill House is beautiful, chilling, and heartbreaking in a way that has completely redefined horror television.
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7
‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)
Olivia Colman as Princess Margaret in The Crown Season 4.
Image via Netflix
The Crown is one of the most ambitious shows on Netflix and does complete justice to its subject matter. The series chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The story begins with her marriage to Prince Philip and her unexpected ascension to the throne, before eventually spanning multiple decades of British history. Along the way, the show explores major political events, royal scandals, shifting public attitudes toward the monarchy, and the personal sacrifices required of those born into one of the world’s biggest institutions. The show presents this through the lens of Elizabeth as a young woman who has to adjust to an unimaginable responsibility and covers how she gradually evolves into one of the most recognizable and influential figures of the modern era.
The Crown isn’t a fully faithful representation of all this, but the show’s genius lies in the balance between historical events and deeply personal storytelling. The show constantly examines the tension between duty and personal happiness through Elizabeth’s marriage, her relationship with her children, and the many conflicts that emerge within the royal family. As the decades pass, viewers watch these characters evolve alongside the world around them. The Crown keeps replacing its cast as the narrative progresses through the decades, but the transitions never feel jarring. Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton each bring something unique to Elizabeth while still feeling like different stages of the same person, and the same can be said for the supporting cast. Very few shows have managed to tell a genuinely compelling story on this scale with the consistency of The Crown.
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6
‘Bridgerton’ (2020–Present)
Sophie Bridgerton (Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) looking at the crowd after getting married in Bridgerton Season 4Image via Netflix
Bridgertonhas to be the most fun period drama on Netflix. The series, based on Julia Quinn‘s bestselling novels, is set in Regency-era London and follows the members of the influential Bridgerton family as they navigate the marriage market. Each season focuses on a different romantic pairing, but the larger world remains interconnected through family relationships, friendships, social rivalries, scandals, and the ever-present gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. Bridgerton is the perfect blend of old and new, which is why the show appeals to a wide range of viewers.
It embraces the elegance and grandeur of a traditional period drama while combining them with a modern energy that makes it feel accessible to a contemporary audience. Even the soundtrack reflects this approach and incorporates orchestral renditions of modern pop songs, which goes to show the creativity that goes into Bridgerton’s overall worldbuilding. Rather than aiming for complete historical accuracy, the series embraces a more diverse and romanticized version of Regency England that gives the story an almost fairy-tale quality. The Netflix original has managed to reinvent an entire genre with its fresh and ambitious take on romance and period storytelling.
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Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Survival Quiz Which Sci-Fi World Would You Survive? The Matrix · Mad Max · Blade Runner · Dune · Star Wars
Five universes. Five completely different ways the future went wrong — or sideways, or up in flames. Only one of them is the world your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out which dystopia, galaxy, or desert wasteland you’d actually make it out of alive.
💊The Matrix
🔥Mad Max
🌧️Blade Runner
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🏜️Dune
🚀Star Wars
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01
You sense something is deeply wrong with the world around you. What do you do? The first instinct is often the truest one.
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02
In a world of scarcity, what resource do you guard most fiercely? What we protect reveals what we believe survival actually requires.
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What kind of threat keeps you up at night? Fear is useful data — if you’re honest about what you’re actually afraid of.
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How do you deal with authority you don’t trust? Every dystopia has a power structure. Your approach to it determines everything.
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Which environment could you actually endure long-term? Survival isn’t just tactical — it’s physical, psychological, and very much about where you are.
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Who do you want in your corner when things fall apart? The company you keep is the clearest signal of who you actually are.
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Where do you draw the line — if you draw one at all? Every survivor eventually faces a moment that tests what they’re actually made of.
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What would actually make survival worth it? Staying alive is one thing. Having a reason to is another.
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Your Fate Has Been Calculated You’d Survive In…
Your answers point to the world your instincts were built for. This is the universe your temperament, your survival instincts, and your particular brand of stubbornness were made for.
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The Resistance, Zion
The Matrix
You took the red pill a long time ago — probably before anyone offered it to you. You’re a systems thinker who can’t help but notice the seams in things.
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You’re drawn to understanding how the system works before figuring out how to break it.
You’d find the Resistance, or it would find you — your instinct for spotting constructed realities is the machines’ worst nightmare.
You function best when you have access to information and the freedom to act on it.
The Matrix built an airtight prison. You’d be the one probing the walls for the door.
The Wasteland
Mad Max
The wasteland doesn’t reward the clever or the well-connected — it rewards those who are hard to kill and harder to break. That’s you.
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You don’t need comfort, community, or a cause larger than the next horizon.
You need a vehicle, a clear threat, and enough fuel to outrun it — and you’re good at all three.
You are unsentimental enough to survive that world, and decent enough — just barely — to be something more than another raider.
In the wasteland, that distinction is everything.
Los Angeles, 2049
Blade Runner
You’d survive here because you know how to exist in moral grey areas without losing yourself completely.
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You read people accurately, keep your circle small, and ask the questions others prefer not to answer.
In a city where humanity is a legal designation rather than a feeling, you hold onto something that keeps you functional.
You’re not a hero. But you’re not lost, either.
In Blade Runner’s world, that distinction is everything.
Arrakis
Dune
Arrakis is the most hostile environment in the known universe — and you are precisely the kind of person it rewards.
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Patience, discipline, and political awareness are your core strengths — and on Arrakis, they’re survival tools.
You understand that the long game matters more than any single victory.
Others come to Dune and are consumed by it. You’d learn its logic and earn its respect.
In time, you wouldn’t just survive Arrakis — you’d begin to reshape it.
A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Star Wars
The galaxy far, far away is vast, loud, and in a constant state of violent political upheaval — and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
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You find meaning in being part of something larger than yourself — a cause, a crew, a rebellion.
You’d gravitate toward the Rebellion, or the fringes, or whatever pocket of the galaxy still believes the Empire’s grip can be broken.
You fight — not because you have to, but because standing aside isn’t something you’re capable of.
In Star Wars, that willingness is what makes all the difference.
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5
‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024)
Donny on stage holding a microphone in front of a red curtain in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer.Image via Netflix
Baby Reindeer is one of the most uncomfortable yet emotionally honest shows Netflix has ever released. The miniseries is based on Richard Gadd‘s real-life experiences and follows struggling comedian Donny Dunn (Gadd), whose life takes a dark turn after a lonely woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning) grows dangerously obsessed with him. It all begins when Donny shows a seemingly harmless act of kindness to Martha, which gradually spirals into a dangerous fixation that starts taking over every aspect of Donny’s life. Martha’s behavior gets more invasive and unpredictable as the story progresses. As a result, Donny finds himself forced to confront painful experiences from his own past, which include traumas he has spent years trying to bury.
The deeper he digs into those memories, the more he begins to understand the complicated reasons he remains trapped in an extremely messy situation with his stalker. Baby Reindeer is an extremely nuanced take on this subject matter. The show doesn’t frame Donny as a flawless victim, nor does it present Martha as a one-dimensional villain. In fact, the series explores the complicated psychological reasons behind both of their behaviors to tell a deeply human story about shame, self-worth, and the lasting impact of abuse. Every uncomfortable moment in the show serves a purpose and forces the audience to sit with emotions that most other stories would avoid.
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4
‘Dark’ (2017–2020)
Louis Hofmann in a yellow raincoat standing on a deserted road in Dark.Image via Netflix
Darkis one of the few shows that genuinely rewards the audience for paying attention. Netflix’s first-ever German-language series begins with the disappearance of a young boy in the small town of Winden, but it quickly becomes clear that the story is far more complex than just a missing-person mystery. As families search for answers, long-buried secrets begin to emerge, and the investigation gradually uncovers connections between different generations of the town’s residents, all of which lead back to a wormhole hidden beneath Winden that allows people to travel through time. The local tragedy soon evolves into an intricate mystery spanning multiple decades, where actions in one era have consequences in another.
Now, all of this could have easily become extremely convoluted and difficult to follow, but Dark carefully constructs its world and gives importance to every character and conversation. The series constantly challenges viewers to piece together an increasingly complex puzzle, yet it never feels complicated just for the sake of it. Instead, each revelation recontextualizes everything that came before it and makes the audience see things from an entirely new perspective. The show’s time travel mechanics aren’t presented as a gimmick but as the very center of the entire story. Despite its enormous scope, though, Dark never loses sight of the characters at its center. By the time the series reaches its final episodes, every storyline converges in a way that feels both surprising and totally inevitable.
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3
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
Noah Schnapp in Stranger Things Season 5Image via Netflix
Stranger Things has been a defining show, not just for Netflix, but for pop culture in general. The series, created by the Duffer Brothers, is set in the small town of Hawkins in the 1980s and delivers on nostalgia like no other. The story begins when a young boy named Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) mysteriously vanishes without a trace. His friends, Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), and Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin), begin searching for him. However, their lives completely change when they encounter a mysterious girl known only as Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), whose supernatural abilities point them toward a terrifying secret hidden beneath their town. The story then expands into a web of government conspiracies, secret experiments, and parallel dimensions that put all of Hawkins at risk.
Stranger Things effortlessly balances all this spectacle with a genuinely heartwarming coming-of-age story, which is the show’s greatest strength. Over several seasons, the audience grows to care for the core characters, which makes every victory and sacrifice feel all the more meaningful. Even as the scale of the story expands, the emotional core of Stranger Things remains rooted in friendship and family. The series also deserves enormous credit for creating one of television’s most recognizable worlds. The Upside Down, the Demogorgons, and Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) have become part of mainstream conversations in a way that very few modern shows can claim. By the time the final season concluded in 2025, Stranger Things had evolved far beyond its original premise and cemented itself as one of the biggest TV events of the streaming era.
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2
‘Squid Game’ (2021–2025)
Oh Il-nam playing the games in Squid Game.Image via Netflix
Squid Game is one of Netflix’s most-watched series, and it’s not hard to understand why that is. The Korean thriller follows financially struggling chauffeur Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who accepts an invitation to participate in a mysterious competition alongside hundreds of other desperate contestants. These people have to compete in a series of children’s games for a life-changing cash prize. However, the players and viewers soon discover that losing a game results in instant death.
That’s when Gi-hun and the other contestants are forced to decide how far they are willing to go to survive and take the money home, all while being trapped on a remote island and surrounded by masked guards. There’s no denying that Squid Game is a gripping survival story, but it grounds all this gore, violence, and suspense with sharp social commentary. It’s easy to empathize with almost every contestant in the game, given the circumstances that brought them there in the first place. That’s exactly what makes every death feel truly devastating and keeps the audience invested long after the initial shock value wears off.
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1
‘Adolescence’ (2025)
Jamie in a chair with a small smile in Adolescence.Image via Netflix
Adolescence is one of Netflix’s biggest recent hits, but it’s so much more than its viewership numbers. The series begins when thirteen-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is arrested for the murder of a female classmate, which sends shockwaves through his family and local community. The show spends the first episode following Jamie’s arrest and the immediate aftermath, which places the audience in the same position as his family. Like them, viewers desperately want to believe there has been some kind of mistake. However, the episode ends with the revelation that the police had proof of Jamie’s heinous crime all along. After that, the show moves to Jamie’s school, where investigators attempt to understand the environment he grew up in and the influences that may have shaped his worldview.
The series then shifts gears again in its third episode and focuses on a tense psychological evaluation between Jamie and his assigned psychologist. The final episode turns its attention to Jamie’s family and explores the emotional fallout of the crime and how it continues to affect their lives. It’s remarkable how much ground Adolescence covers in such a short span of time. The show’s iconic one-take format only heightens the tension and realism, which makes everything feel immediate and deeply personal. Owen Cooper delivers a jaw-dropping performance in his breakout role, while Stephen Graham is equally devastating as a father struggling to process something he cannot fully comprehend. Adolescence is a conversation starter that forces viewers to confront difficult realities about the modern world, and it already feels like a show that will be praised for decades to come.
As a society, we’ve been able to agree on only a handful of things over the years. One of them is that summer blockbusters are going to have plot holes and other weird inconsistencies. That’s just the price of the game, really: when a movie’s main selling point is cool explosions and cheesy one-liners, we can forgive it for having some dodging plotting. That doesn’t keep us from joking about the bad writing, of course. Case in point? Independence Day fans have spent decades dunking on the plot point about Jeff Goldblum’s tech geek hacking advanced alien technology using a mid-90s Apple PowerBook.
The idea is wonderfully absurd on the face of it. Like, the aliens have technology advanced enough to help them conquer the stars and travel faster-than-light across the galaxy. How the heck were they beaten by an IT nerd whose people had only recently invented the internet? As it turns out, though, this plot point isn’t as stupid as everyone thought. That’s because one of the deleted scenes in Independence Day revealed something crucial: namely, that all of Earth’s modern technology was derived from an alien spaceship that was captured back in the ‘90s!
WelcomeToEarth.exe
In Independence Day, all the superpowers of the world are attacked by alien invaders who don’t hesitate to blow up power centers like the White House. In the film’s climactic final battle, America helps lead a two-pronged counterattack against these extraterrestrial enemies. Jeff Goldblum’s brilliant tech whips up a virus on his trusty Apple PowerBook. Once Will Smith’s hotshot pilot gets them close enough, they upload the virus into the alien mothership’s operating system. This lowers the shields on the ships attacking the Earth, allowing humanity to fight back and ultimately recapture their world from these nasty space invaders.
Even in the ‘90s, the idea of whipping up an anti-alien computer virus seemed laughable. The technology of the two races should be much different, and the aliens’ tech is presumably much more advanced than our own. However, a deleted scene on the 20th Anniversary DVD of Independence Day revealed that all of Earth’s modern computer technology was derived from the alien ship that crash-landed at Roswell and had been studied at Area 51. In this universe, that’s where we got our silicone-based microchips and binary programming language. Therefore, Goldblum whipping up a computer virus is much more believable because he’s using (more or less) the same technology and programming as the aliens.
Hack The World(s)
Obviously, this plot point is still a little iffy. Having similar technology is one thing, but the aliens should still be too advanced to make this possible. Like, this is the programming equivalent of taking down the most advanced computer security systems in the world using only your Atari 2600. However, the deleted scene still adds some welcome context, and it’s like I was saying at the beginning: blockbusters aren’t always going to make a lot of sense. Plus, “the internet came from aliens” is still more believable than Transformers: The Dark Side Of The Moon, which claimed that Buzz Aldrin secretly went to the moon to check out a robot’s UFO.
At any rate, you’ve now got some Independence Day trivia as bright and shiny as any firework. Next time you show the family this movie and your kid points out how dumb the virus plotline is, you can just tell them about the deleted scene. Will this impress your child? Of course not: he’s just going to roll his eyes and look down at his phone, but there’s nothing we can really do about that yet. PowerBooks might be able to hack alien motherships, but no force on Earth or in space can help you hack into the mind of a surly teenager!
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You’ve stopped buying mass-market cookware. You read labels at the grocery store, and you’ve thinned out the under-sink collection of cleaners that don’t earn their place. The thing you’re still using twice a day, often without a second glance, is your toothpaste.
ARU toothpaste makes the case that a category most people don’t think about deserves the same attention you’ve already given to everything else in the bathroom.
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After all, conventional tubes list 15 to 20+ ingredients with names that don’t disclose what they’re doing. Some are doing real work. Many are doing the work of marketing — foam, color, sweetness. The contrast against products built around shorter, transparent formulations has gotten harder to ignore.
Is ARU Toothpaste an SLS-Free Toothpaste?
SLS, also known as sodium lauryl sulfate, is the foaming agent in most conventional toothpastes. It’s the reason your brush feels like it’s doing something. It’s also a detergent originally developed for industrial cleaning, and at the concentrations used in toothpaste, it’s regulated as safe.
SLS has a well-documented tendency to irritate soft tissue in the mouth and contribute to canker sores. A 2019 systematic review published in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine found that SLS-free toothpaste reduced the number of ulcers, ulcer duration, number of episodes and ulcer pain.
“Minor changes in a toothpaste can really make a difference in a patient’s quality of life,” Diana Messadi, a professor and the chair of oral medicine, oral pathology and orofacial pain at the UCLA School of Dentistry, told The Washington Post.
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All four ARU formulas are SLS-free. Instead, they use cocamidopropyl betaine, a coconut-derived surfactant that creates gentle foam and lifts away plaque and debris without irritating gum tissue.
What’s Actually in ARU Toothpaste
The line comes in four formulas. None contain SLS. All are free from microbeads, dyes, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, artificial flavors and animal testing.
Each formula shares eight base ingredients, including cocamidopropyl betaine. Sorbitol sweetens and prevents drying. Cellulose gum keeps the paste smooth and stable. Silica adds texture and scrubs surface stains. A blend of eucalyptus, spearmint and peppermint oils handles flavor and fresh breath. Potassium sorbate prevents mold and bacterial growth in the tube. Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract rounds out the flavor without contributing to decay. Water binds it all together.
From there, each formula adds one or more targeted actives.
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4 ARU Toothpaste formulas, Chosen With Purpose
The fluoride-free whitening toothpaste adds sodium bicarbonate to polish surface stains, calcium carbonate as a gentle abrasive and calcium peroxide to break down deeper stains through slow oxidation. For anyone evaluating the best whitening toothpaste options without bleach trays or strips, it’s a quiet, daily-use alternative.
The fluoride-free toothpaste for sensitive teeth uses hydroxyapatite, the same mineral that makes up natural tooth enamel. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste works by remineralizing teeth and filling the micro-fissures that cause hot, cold and sweet sensitivity. It’s the formula to reach for if you’ve quietly been avoiding ice water for years.
The gum health formula adds stannous fluoride, which strengthens enamel while reducing the bacterial overgrowth and nerve stimulation that lead to bleeding and inflamed gums. The cavity protection formula uses sodium fluoride, the standard cavity-fighting active, which remineralizes enamel and increases its resistance to acid erosion.
Fluoride vs. Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
To fluoride or not to fluoride is one of the bigger debates in oral care right now.
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The scientific consensus is clear. Fluoride is safe at the concentrations used in commercial toothpaste, and the American Dental Association still recommends fluoride toothpaste for daily use.
“The fluoride will help reduce the demineralization process, which is the first stage of tooth decay,” says Dr. David Okano, a periodontist and assistant professor at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. “Also, if you have the demineralization but not yet a full-blown cavity in the tooth, the fluoride can be taken up into that demineralized area to help it remineralize.”
A growing number of consumers still choose to skip it. The most established concern is dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition that develops when young children ingest too much fluoride while their permanent teeth are forming, which is a frequent factor in choosing a kids toothpaste.
Some adults report sensitivity or irritation from fluoride toothpaste. Others simply prefer shorter, cleaner ingredient lists. ARU’s fluoride-free whitening and sensitive formulas are designed for that audience, while the gum health and cavity protection formulas keep fluoride for those who want it.
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Which ARU Toothpaste Is Right for You?
Four formulas, four straightforward decisions.
If you want whiter teeth, go with the whitening toothpaste. Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? The gum health formula is the one. If you want standard daily protection, the cavity protection formula covers it. Do hot and cold make you flinch? The remineralizing toothpaste with hydroxyapatite is built for that.
Both fluoride-free options double as an SLS-free toothpaste for anyone prone to canker sores or sensitive oral tissue.
The line is built around a simple idea worth paying for. You should know what’s in your toothpaste, and what’s in it should serve a purpose. All four formulas are available at Walmart and on Walmart.com.
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Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.
Star Wars is a franchise full of quotable lines, ranging from the downright conversational (“I’ve got a bad feeling about this!”) to the mystically profound (“Do, or do not. There is no try”). Over the years (especially during the dark times between Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace), these lines functioned as a coded language among fans. For example, if someone peppered a quote from Han Solo or Luke Skywalker into the conversation, they were testing to see if you were a fellow nerd. Then, the prequels came, and Star Wars re-entered the mainstream, bigger and better than ever before.
After that, a Star Wars phrase never uttered in the movies became insanely popular: “May the 4th be with you.” As the wording implies, this phrase denotes May 4th, which eventually became the de facto Star Wars Day all around the world. Because of this, most fans assume the phrase was always designed to draw attention to the fourth day of the fifth month. However, that’s not actually the case. What all but the older Star Wars fans have forgotten (or simply never learned in the first place) is that “May the 4th be with you” began as a way of mocking the Fourth of July!
From Galactic Civil War To Independence Day
For younger fans, the most surprising part of this story is that the phrase “May the 4th be with you” is nearly as old as Star Wars itself. The phrase may not have really gone mainstream until the prequels came out, but it was first used back in 1978. Believe it or not, the phrase was invented by newspaper reporters who were looking for clever ways to talk about the Fourth of July. How could they find a new way to talk about something as relatively ancient as America’s birthday? Collectively, these reporters found the answer by embracing the biggest blockbuster of the late ‘70s: Star Wars.
One year after the first film in the franchise came out, the phrase “May the Force be with you” had become a beloved part of pop culture. Many newspaper reporters around the country decided to reference this phrase as a cheeky way of discussing Independence Day. “May the 4th be with you,” they wrote. While they were using the iconic Star Wars line to make a joke, the original usage of this phrase wasn’t explicitly designed to promote Star Wars. Instead, it was just a funny way of referring to the Fourth of July.
Somehow, Margaret Thatcher Returned
When did “May the 4th be with you” become a way of mentioning, well, the fourth of May instead of the fourth of July? The first recorded case of this happened in 1979; when Margaret Thatcher assumed the role of UK Prime Minister on May 4, the London Evening News ran a headline that read, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!” And in 1982, Randy Thorn (currently Skywalker Sound’s director of sound design) was working on Return of the Jedi on May 4th, and he started joking “May the 4th be with you” to others on set. Notably, he included this phrase in company correspondence for many years.
After that, the phrase disappeared for decades, and in 2005 (the same year Revenge of the Sith came out), it was again used by cheeky reporters in reference to Independence Day. However, the prequels had successfully created a new generation of fans; as they got older, these fans embraced May 4th as an unofficial holiday, which was mostly an excuse to dress up and watch all things Star Wars. Eventually, Disney embraced this idea, making this an official day to celebrate the franchise. Call it the will of the Force, though, as none of this would have happened if a few forgotten reporters hadn’t decided to mock America’s birthday in the funniest possible way!
With the theatrical release of Backrooms came the trailer for Adam Wingard‘s upcoming film, Onslaught (which the internet graciously received several days later). More exciting than Wingard having a new non-franchise film in the works is the news that he’s once again paired with screenwriter Simon Barrett. The partnership, which previously enriched genre fans with some off-kilter (and really excellent) movieslike You’re Next and, more importantly, the underseen 2014 genre-clashing thriller-action-horror filmThe Guest. It’s a film that’s great on its own because it’s the funniest movie that isn’t a comedy and has some great action scenes without being an action movie, but it also seemingly could have connective tissue to make Onslaught be a potential spiritual sequel, if not a direct follow-up.
The film follows the Peterson family, specifically siblings Luke (Brendan Meyer) and Anna (Maika Monroe), as they cope with the grief of the death of their brother Caleb, who died in battle overseas, and their parents (Sheila Kelley and LeLand Orser) as they try to pick up the pieces. Their lives seem to take a turn for the better when Caleb’s mysterious but affable soldier friend, named David (Dan Stevens) arrives with the intent of helping the family in any way he can…occasionally with the help of guns and knives.
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Dan Stevens Steals the Show in ‘The Guest’
The Guest was Wingard and Barrett’s follow-up to You’re Next and is the second in their unofficial trilogy of movies with two-word titles (the third entry being Blair Witch). It didn’t do well financially, because…apparently people weren’t interested in seeing Matthew Crowley from Downton Abbey kill people with grenades? That feels highly unlikely, but any tangible reason why it didn’t do well got lost in the wind somewhere, so we’re stuck making assumptions.
Dan Stevens is worth mentioning because anyone who’s seen the film is quick to bring up how his performance makes the movie. Steven plays a psychopathic killer who’s just so likable that it’s easy for the viewer to be on his side for the majority of the movie. He’s not putting up a serial killer-esque front to disarm potential victims; he really is just innately charming and cool with a Kentucky accent for good measure. Sure, he kills people, but he also calls strangers “sir” and “ma’am” and even takes a hit off a joint when offered at a party after politely bringing in two kegs just to be helpful. So, there are pros and cons of having him around.
The greatest standout horror films of this still ongoing decade.
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‘The Guest’ is a Stylistic Crossroads for Adam Wingard
Image via Picturehouse
The movie’s an interesting middle ground in Wingard’s filmography, acting somewhere between the horror genre, which he was known for at the time, and the action genre, which would later get mainstream attention by directing the Godzilla vs. Kong movies. It’s sort of a genre fusion of horror and action, with the selling point frequently highlighted in Amazon and Letterboxd reviews being that David is like a cross between Michael Myers and The Terminator. That being said, the movie goes more for tension rather than horror, which seems, by design, with Wingard and Barrett trying their hands at something other than horror. Wingard confirmed as much in an interview at the time of its release.
Despite his charismatic personality, there are a few moments where David is legitimately intimidating, with one moment in particular of him waiting for Anna to say, “Okay,” being a standout threatening moment. When it comes to David being a killing machine, he’s played more as a quick and efficient hitman doing what he’s good at, rather than a relentless killer who finds pleasure in the pain of others. There’s one set piece in particular that’s played more like a scene out of John Wick, rather than a slasher film.
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Connections Between ‘Onslaught’ and ‘The Guest’
Onslaught will be Stevens’ third collaboration with Wingard and Barrett in a currently undisclosed role that’s at least significant enough to warrant a voice-over and major billing in the trailer. While not a direct sequel, speaking with MovieWeb, Stevens talked about the film being a spiritual successor: “It’s not a sequel to The Guest, but it is very much, if you liked The Guest, you’re probably going to like Onslaught. And it’s very much in the same universe of super soldiers gone bad and that kind of thing, which we love.” Based on details from the trailer, Onslaught does appear to carry similar DNA to The Guest, with its western setting aesthetic (thanks to both movies being filmed in New Mexico), the potential underlying B-movie tone, and the monsters being unstoppable killing machines in the form of advanced soldiers. And, similar to The Guest, it might even take place around Halloween since the lead actress, Adria Arjona is even shown using jack-o’-lanterns for target practice, hinting the story may also unfold around Halloween.
The Guest belongs to that rare category of movies that few people talk about, but those who do absolutely love. It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek action-thriller that shows the best of Adam Wingard’s stylistic direction (and talent for filming action scenes) and Simon Barrett’s writing that’s grounded, but with an undercurrent of humor and goofiness, without ever winking at the camera. The impending release of Onslaught will hopefully shine a new spotlight on one of Wingard and Barrett’s best collaborations, while expanding on many of the ideas first explored in The Guest.
Beyoncé is back! Almost a year after wrapping her record-breaking “Cowboy Carter” tour, the singer and mother of three has released a surprise single, “MORNING DEW (DONK),” just for her fans. According to a new press release, the superstar singer is celebrating the 60-day countdown to her next birthday and the 20th anniversary of her second studio album, “B’Day.”
Beyoncé is giving her fans something big to celebrate this Fourth of July—a brand-new single! The track “MORNING DEW (DONK)” is a four-minute, feel-good R&B single about spending time with that special someone.
The surprise track is accompanied by a lyric video on YouTube featuring archival footage of the singer on the beach, shot by Cliff Watts, who directed the singer’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot nearly 20 years ago.
“And he said girl, you s-xy in the mornin’, you know you turn me on, babe / You know the sun rise for you, give me that mornin’ dew / You know that I wanted you, want your mornin’ / You know the sun rise for you, give me that mornin’ dew / Donk-ey, donk-ey, donk-ey, donk-ey, donk’ / Donk-ey, donk-ey, donk-ey, donk-ey, donk,” she sings over the beat.
More About Queen Bey’s New Song
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The new single was written by Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, and Darius Dixon. It was produced by Beyoncé and Williams.
It’s the singer’s first new song in two years, and it’s said to be a “direct nod to her loyal BeyHive to commemorate the upcoming epic celebration of B’DAY.”
The song will be included on the 20th Anniversary edition of “B’Day,” the singer’s second studio album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the hits “Upgrade U,” “Deja Vú,” “Check On It,” and more.
Fans Are Losing Their Mind Over Beyoncé’s Latest Release
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Since Beyoncé’s new track is meant to honor the BeyHive, it only makes sense that they’d be freaking out over the release online.
“Motherrrr, I’m streaming all day,” someone wrote on X, while another said, “Some artists celebrate anniversaries. Beyoncé drops new music. Different league.”
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“We have been blessed on this Saturday morning,” a third wrote, followed by a fourth, who posted, “THANK YOU, BEY!”
On Instagram, the reaction was much of the same, with one person writing, “She’s the most random and unpredictable person ever.”
Someone else posted, “GAG!”
Queen Bey’s New Song Comes As Fans Anxiously Await Her Next Studio Album
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“MORNING DEW (DONK)” comes two years after the release of “Cowboy Carter,” and two months after Beyoncé’s first Met Gala appearance in 10 years.
Fans believed the singer would use the fashion event to usher in her next era, “ACT III,” widely rumored to feature rock tracks. However, a source said that the final act in the trilogy wasn’t coming any time soon.
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Prior to her appearance, Beyoncé stirred up further speculation by celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Lemonade.” In her post, she held three lemons, a move fans took as a subtle nod to the next album.
‘ACT III’ Will Follow ‘RENAISSANCE’ And ‘COWBOY CARTER’
PatBo / MEGA
Don’t forget, Beyoncé released “RENAISSANCE,” the first part of her three-part project, in 2022. It featured the chart-topping single “BREAK MY SOUL” and the viral hits “CUFF IT” and “AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM.”
She revealed that she created the album during the COVID-19 pandemic to inspire people to embrace their authentic selves.
“It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving,” she wrote. “My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.”
“COWBOY CARTER” came two years later and included the chart-topping track “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM.” According to Bey, the album was born following the cold reception she received when she performed “Daddy Lessons” at the 2016 Country Music Awards.
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“This album took over five years,” Beyoncé said. “It’s been really great to have the time and the grace to be able to take my time with it. I was initially going to put Cowboy Carter out first, but with the pandemic, there was too much heaviness in the world. We wanted to dance. We deserved to dance. But I had to trust God’s timing.”
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