Entertainment
6 Perfect Fantasy Video Games That Nobody Remembers
Fantasy movies and TV shows are great, but the genre truly thrives in video games. The real fun comes in when players actually get to step into expansive worlds and fight off mythical beasts themselves. That level of immersion really is the key to the genre’s success, and the reason why video games have produced some of the greatest fantasy stories over the years.
Of course, everyone knows the big players like World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls, and The Witcher 3. However, there are plenty of overlooked fantasy video games that failed to garner the attention they truly deserve. This is a list of six such perfect fantasy titles that somehow slipped through the cracks, but are absolutely worth rediscovering today.
1
‘Arx Fatalis’ (2002)
Arx Fatalis is one of the most underrated fantasy RPGs. The game, developed by Arkane Studios before Dishonored and Prey, takes place in a world where the sun has mysteriously disappeared. This forces humanity and every other race to abandon the surface and build a sprawling underground kingdom known as Arx. However, this uneasy coexistence among humans, goblins, trolls, dwarves, and snake women won’t last long. The game begins with the player waking up inside a goblin prison with no memory of who they are, and after escaping, they begin piecing together their forgotten past. That journey slowly expands into a bigger conflict as an ancient force known as Akbaa threatens to emerge and destroy the underground world.
Arx Fatalis stays true to the rules of its genre and gives its players freedom. Every obstacle in the gameplay can be approached in multiple ways, thanks to Arx Fatalis’s brilliant rune-based magic system, where spells are cast by drawing combinations of magical symbols instead of simply selecting them from a menu. All of this feels remarkably interactive for a game released in 2002. Players can take a break from the central conflict to bake bread, fish for food, and solve plenty of side quests rather than following a single, predictable path. This makes for an immersive, rewarding experience that players can’t help but keep coming back to.
2
‘Dark Messiah of Might and Magic’ (2006)
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic deserves to be mentioned alongside the genre’s biggest first-person fantasy classics, and it’s a shame that it isn’t. The game, developed by Arkane Studios, follows a young warrior and apprentice to the wizard Phenrig Sareth, as he is sent to the city of Stonehelm to recover the legendary Skull of Shadows. The retrieval mission isn’t as simple as it seems, though, because soon enough, Phenrig embarks on a continent-spanning adventure involving necromancers, orc armies, ancient prophecies, and a growing demonic influence. Along the way, the protagonist discovers that he is far more connected to the conflict than he ever imagined and is forced to choose between embracing the darkness within him or fighting to prevent it from consuming the world.
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic really shines in its combat, which still feels pretty modern almost two decades later. The game constantly rewards creativity and encourages players to think out of the box rather than just trade blows with enemies. Players actually have the freedom to develop Sareth as a warrior, rogue, or mage, with each approach offering a completely different way to tackle encounters. Few fantasy games make every fight feel this dynamic, and that’s exactly why Dark Messiah of Might and Magic needs way more appreciation than it gets.
3
‘Folklore’ (2007)
Folklore is a PlayStation 3 exclusive that has to be on everyone’s radar. The fantasy action RPG follows two strangers who are mysteriously drawn to the quiet Irish village of Doolin. There’s Ellen, a young woman searching for the truth about her late mother, and Keats, a journalist who investigates paranormal phenomena. After arriving, the pair discover that the village serves as a gateway to the Netherworld, a mystical realm inhabited by spirits and creatures from Celtic folklore. Ellen and Keats travel between the two worlds as they investigate murders and speak with the dead. However, this adventure leads them to a mystery that might just define the fate of both the living and the dead.
Now, the clever part of the game is that each protagonist experiences different sides of the same story, which means the full picture only comes into focus once both campaigns are complete. This helps Folklore feel more exciting than any other typical RPG fantasy game. Folklore makes brilliant use of its Celtic mythology to create a Netherworld that feels mysterious, melancholic, and unlike anything else in the genre. It also lets players build a growing arsenal of supernatural abilities that can be mixed and matched in combat. The game creates an imaginative world that draws people in and immerses them in this rich fantasy until the very end.
4
‘Black Book’ (2020)
Black Book is a truly unique fantasy game that draws from Slavic myths, rural superstitions, and centuries-old folklore to create one of the genre’s most distinctive worlds. The game is set in 19th-century rural Russia and follows Vasilisa, a young woman who abandons a normal life to become a witch after her fiancé dies. Now, Vasilisa believes that the legendary Black Book has the power to grant any wish, so she sets out to break its seven seals and bring him back to life. Her journey takes her across haunted forests and isolated villages, where she helps ordinary people plagued by curses, bargains with demons known as chorts, and slowly uncovers the dangerous price of tampering with forces beyond human understanding.
Black Book meticulously weaves its cultural mythology into every aspect of the game. Even the comeback revolves around an addictive deck-building system where players combine spells and demonic abilities, while the choices they make throughout the story shape Vasilisa’s relationships and ultimately her fate. Every quest in Black Book feels rooted in something real rather than relying on familiar fantasy tropes. The game builds an unforgettable world from stories that many players will never have experienced before, and that alone makes it one of the greats.
5
‘Drakan: Order of the Flame’ (1999)
Drakan: Order of the Flame delivered one of the greatest dragon-riding fantasies in gaming years before everyone else started doing it. The action-adventure game follows young warrior Rynn, whose peaceful village is destroyed by the evil sorcerer Navaros and his army of Wartoks. After her younger brother Delon is kidnapped, Rynn sets out on a rescue mission that leads her to the legendary dragon Arokh, the last surviving member of an ancient order of dragon riders. The two are bound together by a magical ritual and travel across the kingdom battling orcs, undead creatures, and powerful sorcerers, only to discover that what happened to Delon is part of a much larger plan to resurrect an ancient evil.
Through all this chaos, the dynamic between Rynn and Arokh remains the most compelling part of the game. Drakan: Order of the Flame constantly switches between grounded sword-and-shield combat inside sprawling dungeons and grand aerial battles where players soar across massive landscapes, breathing fire on enemy armies and rival dragons. However, this blend of exploration, dragon flight, and action feels absolutely seamless in a way that even most modern games have failed to achieve. That probably explains why the game has such a cult following despite not being the most mainstream title out there.
6
‘Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom’ (2010)
Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom is a positively charming game that one just can’t get enough of. The story is set in a once-prosperous kingdom consumed by a mysterious Darkness and follows a young thief named Tepeu, who discovers and frees the legendary Majin Teotl, a mythical beast believed to be the only one capable of restoring the land. Together, the unlikely pair set out to defeat the four Dark Generals, reclaim the Majin’s lost powers, and stop the Darkness before it completely consumes the kingdom. Along the way, Tepeu and Teotl explore forgotten ruins, solve ancient puzzles, and gradually uncover the tragic history of this world that has been decaying for years.
The heart of the game is the friendship between Tepeu and the gentle giant Teotl, whose growing bond is reflected in both the story and the gameplay. The two work together to solve environmental puzzles, unlock new elemental abilities, and combine their strengths to overcome obstacles neither could face alone. It may not be the most intense game on this list, but that’s exactly what makes it so refreshing. Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom proves that a heartfelt adventure built around friendship can be just as memorable as one built around nonstop action.
Entertainment
Clayface Cover Story Reveals New Details on DC’s Dark R-Rated Horror Film : Coastal House Media
The DC Universe continues to grow, and one familiar hero is officially joining the next chapter.
According to Variety, Xolo Maridueña is set to reprise his role as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow, marking the character’s first appearance alongside David Corenswet’s Superman in the rebooted DC Universe.
Maridueña first debuted as Blue Beetle in the 2023 standalone film, and despite the DC Universe reboot, James Gunn previously confirmed that the character would remain part of the new continuity. His return in Man of Tomorrow officially delivers on that promise and gives fans another familiar face as the franchise continues to expand.
Superman [credit: Warner Bros.]
During an interview with Variety, DC Studios co-head Peter Safran praised Maridueña’s performance in the original Blue Beetle, explaining why the actor was always part of the studio’s long-term plans.
“What I was most impressed by is his ability with both the comedic and the emotional material. He has all the skills,“ Safran told Variety.
Safran went on to explain that Jaime Reyes is a unique superhero because the role requires balancing humor with genuine emotional weight as the character struggles to protect his family while adapting to his newfound powers.
“It’s just very evident that this is a star-making performance,”
Safran added.
While specific story details remain under wraps, Superman: Man of Tomorrow is expected to see Superman reluctantly team up with his longtime enemy Lex Luthor, played once again by Nicholas Hoult, to confront the looming threat of Brainiac. The sequel is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027, and filming has been underway since earlier this year.
Blue Beetle’s inclusion further reinforces DC Studios’ interconnected approach under James Gunn and Peter Safran. Rather than treating each hero as isolated, the new DC Universe is steadily bringing its growing roster together, with characters crossing between films and television as the shared universe continues to take shape.
For fans of Blue Beetle, the news confirms that Jaime Reyes’ journey is far from over. After years of uncertainty surrounding the future of the character following the 2023 film, Maridueña is officially back in action and ready to fight alongside Superman in one of DC’s biggest upcoming releases.
By Robert Scucci
| Published
If you thought that Nicolas Cage was the only A-list actor who spent a considerable amount of time occupying direct-to-video territory in the 2010s, you’re gravely mistaken. John Cusack’s career followed a similar trajectory during this time, and the Say Anything actor found himself starring in a dozen films that would not be released theatrically, but rather get picked up as an afterthought at the Redbox outside of your local grocery store. 2014’s The Bag Man resides among these titles, and although Cusack is supported by Robert De Niro and Rebecca Da Costa, it’s one of those strange neo-noir crime thrillers that you probably missed out on.
The Bag
The Bag Man was originally released as The Carrier, and as the updated titles suggests, there is a mysterious black bag involved and we’re not sure what it contains. John Cusack portrays a killer-for-hire named Jack, who is tasked with securing and containing the bag until his employer, Dragna (Robert De Niro), can meet him at a seedy motel and retrieve it. Dragna makes it very clear that Jack is not to look inside the bag under any circumstances or he will be killed.
Jack checks into room 13, as instructed by Dragna, and awaits further instructions, but he’s not alone. He encounters an escort named Rivka (Rebecca Da Costa), and she immediately starts asking questions about the bag that he has hidden underneath his motel bed. Having already been ambushed by a number of Dragna’s men, one of which is now dead and sloppily stuffed into the back of Jack’s car, Jack remains tight-lipped and armed, as he has good reason to not trust anybody he encounters during his mission.
Taking place primarily inside of room 13, The Bag Man is a claustrophobic film that explores themes of paranoia and moral ambiguity in the kind of setting that will make your skin crawl. The motel lighting flashes in red and blue, which bears a striking resemblance to an approaching cop car (of which there are plenty), which only adds a sense of confusion to the narrative. When Jack does leave the room, he encounters the nosy wheelchair-bound motel owner, Ned (Crispin Glover), and two thugs named Lizard and Guano, who are all suspicious of his activities.
A Thriller That Deserves A Second Chance
At face-value, The Bag Man has all the mechanics of a solid neo-noir film, but its third-act reveal leaves a lot to be desired. But within the oppressively small world this film takes place, there’s a solid story that is absolutely worthy of your time if you enjoy the kind of low-budget crime film that doesn’t get a wide theatrical release.
Unfortunately, The Bag Man was not exactly what we would call a warmly received title despite the talent involved with the production. Critics and audiences alike were quick to brush this crime thriller under the rug, and their respective 11 percent and 23 percent critical and audience approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes drive this point home.
Not unlike season 2 of True Detective, The Bag Man isn’t as terrible as the reviews make it out to be, and you can place partial blame on expectations versus execution. John Cusack spent decades portraying extremely likable characters in various romantic comedies, and Robert De Niro’s range runs the gamut from serious mobsters in films like Goodfellas to the quirky but nightmarish father in-law in the Meet the Parents franchise. If you go into watching The Bag Man expecting performances that are reflective of Cusack’s and De Niro’s past work, you’re probably going to be disappointed.
But still, The Bag Man is an interesting, dark and gritty exploration of a job gone wrong under questionable circumstances. If you want to find out what’s in the bag and the suspense is killing you, you can rent the title on-demand through YouTube, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandago as of this writing.
George Takei has spent decades telling fans to “live long and prosper,” but aging and caring for his late mother have transformed what those famous words mean to him.
Now 89 and using a wheelchair himself, the “Star Trek” legend believes the Vulcan greeting should acknowledge more than longevity or success. His experiences have taught him that growing older also requires gratitude, acceptance, and an appreciation for life’s blessings.
Takei discussed his evolving perspective in an exclusive interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups ahead of the July 23 premiere of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Season 4 on Paramount+.
The actor’s outlook was shaped in part by caring for his mother as her health declined. Takei recalled pushing her wheelchair around the block and playing a memory game recommended by her doctor. At first, she remembered each item they passed during their walks. Over time, however, her memory began to fade. “Now I use a wheelchair,” Takei said. “That’s the cycle of life. She showed me how to live that portion of our lives.”
Takei did not disclose a specific diagnosis or explain why he currently uses a wheelchair. Instead, he focused on what his mother taught him about accepting the later stages of life. That experience also changed his understanding of the phrase that has followed the “Star Trek” cast for nearly six decades.
“‘Live long and prosper’ should include gratitude,” Takei said. “Gratitude for the blessings we have.”
The Vulcan Greeting Carries A New Message
“Live long and prosper” remains one of the most recognizable expressions associated with “Star Trek,” often accompanied by the famous split-fingered Vulcan salute. Leonard Nimoy introduced the gesture while playing Spock in the original series. He drew inspiration from a blessing he witnessed while attending an Orthodox Jewish synagogue as a child.
The salute first appeared during the episode “Amok Time,” when Nimoy believed the Vulcans needed a distinctive greeting. What began as a creative decision rooted in the actor’s heritage eventually became a universal symbol of peace, hope, and goodwill.
Takei’s interpretation now adds to that legacy. His comments suggest that a long life should not only be measured by its duration or accomplishments but also by a person’s ability to recognize what the years have given them.
It is a message that feels especially personal as Takei considers his mother’s declining health, his own mobility changes, and the six decades he has spent connected to the franchise.
George Takei Reveals Why Playing Sulu Was So Important
Takei’s reflections arrived as “Star Trek” prepared to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its 1966 television debut. Before becoming known around the world as helmsman Hikaru Sulu, Takei faced an entertainment industry that offered few meaningful roles to Asian actors.
“It was the first time that I was being asked to portray a character that was fully developed,” Takei said. “It was a human being, not a cartoon or a stereotype. This was an identifiable, sharp, intelligent member of a Starfleet team. I desperately wanted to be a part of that show.”
‘Star Trek’ Continues To Reach New Generations
Takei has watched “Star Trek” grow far beyond the original three-season series that introduced audiences to Hikaru Sulu. The franchise now includes films, animated projects, streaming shows, books, podcasts, and conventions. Its next chapter arrives when “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” returns for its fourth season on Thursday, July 23, on Paramount+.
Takei believes that continued expansion reflects the loyalty of viewers who discovered the original series and later shared it with younger generations. “’Star Trek’ is a family show,” he said. “Our most steady audience members are grandpas and grandmas.”
He describes the franchise’s many spinoffs as “children and grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. So it appeals to all the generations of our audience group,” he said. “’Star Trek’ itself is living long and prospering.”
After nearly six decades, Takei is doing the same. However, his experiences with caregiving, aging, and changing mobility have taught him that living long and prospering means more than simply accumulating years. For him, it also means recognizing the people, opportunities, and blessings that made those years meaningful.
By Britta DeVore
| Published
2020 was a busy year for Chris Hemsworth. Not only was he working alongside filmmaker and actor Taika Waititi on Thor: Love and Thunder, but he was also squeezing in days to film the 2022 Netflix thriller, Spiderhead, with director Joseph Kosinski.
Hemsworth’s roles in each film couldn’t have been more different than one another. In Love and Thunder, he reprised his role as the sarcastic and chatty God of Thunder, whereas in Spiderhead, he played a sinister scientist conducting experiments on prisoners.
On paper, Spiderhead was a pretty big grab for the streamer. Not only does it star Chris Hemsworth, but it also featured leading performances from Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country). It also marked a reunion between Teller and its helmer, Joseph Kosinski, as the pair welcomed another blockbuster success in the summer of 2022 when Top Gun: Maverick soared into theaters, resurrecting the box office following its COVID slump.
Dark Experiments
Based on George Saunders’s short story, “Escape from Spiderhead,” which was first published in The New Yorker, the film centers around prisoners at a top-secret penitentiary located on an island in the middle of nowhere.
While it may seem like a gorgeous place to fill out your sentence, the horrors and crimes against humanity that carried on inside the walls are truly the stuff of nightmares. Chris Hemsworth’s doctor, Steve Abnesti, carried out experiments on the inmates, using mind-altering drugs to put them into traumatic situations – all in the name of healing.
Turning to one of the most beautiful places in the world to act as the filming location for Spiderhead, the production team picked up their cameras and started filming in Queensland, Australia. You can see these recognizable spots all over the country, from the Gold Coast to Darlington and even Whitsundays – a spot known for drawing in tourists from all over the world.
This also helped Chris Hemsworth pull off a leading role in two projects at the same time as Thor: Love and Thunder was set up in Sydney, Australia, allowing him to travel from one set to the other much easier than if they were in separate countries.
Spiderhead Failed To Impress Critics
Despite what, by all appearances, should have been a critical success, Spiderhead met mixed reviews upon its arrival on Netflix in June 2022. By all means, the movie tried to nab the attention of Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Joseph Kosinski’s already-set audience, but it didn’t quite manage to hold its head above water. While it was a bummer for everyone involved, the summer wouldn’t be a complete washout as Hemsworth found success with Love and Thunder, and Teller and Kosinski broke records with Top Gun: Maverick.
For fans of either of the film’s leading men or its director, giving Spiderhead a shot on Netflix is still worth the time – especially if you’re a fan of mind-bending sci-fi films that keep you on your toes. It’s also exciting to see Chris Hemsworth in a villainous role as we’ve become so accustomed to seeing him joining the rest of the Avengers in Marvel films and playing the good guy in other flicks like the Extraction franchise and Men in Black: International. You can find Spiderhead now streaming on the platform alongside Netflix’s vast collection of sci-fi fare.
All eyes were on the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Award nominations earlier this month, and the usual surprises and snubs didn’t disappoint. Although the prolific Taylor Sheridan might’ve been shut out once again from major categories, there were plenty of pleasant surprises, such as Widow’s Bay earning 19 nominations, Michael J. Fox taking his first nomination since 2016, and Jason Bateman earning a surprise Best Actor nod for Black Rabbit.
A nomination much less surprising but more than worthy of the same celebration was for Elle Fanning, who stole hearts as the lead in Apple TV’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles, an adaptation of Rufi Thorpe‘s bestseller of the same name. This Emmy nod has put Fanning in a rare club, as one of the few to have earned a nomination from both the Academy Awards and the Emmys in the same year, following her Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination for Sentimental Value. In total, the series received a total of 8 Emmy noms for its freshman season, which has already been renewed for a second outing.
Speaking about the renewal, called playing the titular Margo, “one of the greatest joys of my life.” She added, “Having the opportunity to bring more of Margo’s troubles, creativity, fearless spirit, and authenticity to audiences with a second season makes me incredibly happy and excited. I can promise everyone they’re in for a wild, messy, and beautiful ride.” The series also features Michelle Pfeiffer (Taylor Sheridan‘s The Madison), Nick Offerman, Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden, Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington.
The Perfect Way to Celebrate ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ Emmy Success is Here
Want to find the best way to celebrate this Fanning victory? You’re in luck, as Thorpe’s novel, on which the show is based, is currently available on Amazon for a limited time at a reduced price. Usually available for $24.99, you can get the paperback version for just $17.99 right now. Hardcover copies remain at $34.30 with a Kindle edition available for $11.99. This brilliantly feel-good tale was adapted for Apple TV with finesse by David E. Kelley, although much of the credit for the near-perfection of the series must go to Thorpe’s novel.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is streaming on Apple TV. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for all the latest stories.
- Release Date
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2026 – 2026-00-00
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Apple TV
- Directors
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Dearbhla Walsh
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Rufi Thorpe
Jelly Roll‘s daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, says the internet will “crumble” the day she speaks on her dad and Bunnie XO‘s ongoing divorce.
RELATED: Jelly Roll’s Daughter Speaks Out As Fans Flood His Comments With STRONG Words Amid Him Filing For Divorce From Bunnie XO
Jelly Roll’s Daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, Says Internet Will “Crumble” The Day She Speaks On Her Dad & Bunnie XO’s Divorce
According to Page Six, Bailee Ann DeFord took to TikTok live on Sunday, July 19. During her stream, she reportedly defended her dad against apparent comments before referring to his divorce.
“Don’t y’all ever come for my father’s name like that again. I’m so done. Get the f**k out of my DMs, out of my comments, my life with that s**t. I don’t care. I don’t want to talk about it,” she reportedly said.
From there, DeFord reportedly said that neither her dad nor Bunnie XO cheated. However, she added, “Y’all have no f**king idea what happened, and wait ’till y’all find out. Just **king wait. Because I promise y’all, the view of what y’all have of not only the situation, but their relationship and the internet in totality is about to f**king crumble the day that I open my mouth.”
“It’s not a difference in f**king opinions. Nobody else lived in it, so don’t f**king even. I’m for real, so done. Good? Everybody good? We’re on the same page? Cool,” she reportedly concluded, per PEOPLE.
More On Bailee Ann DeFord’s Divorce From Bunnie XO
As The Shade Room previously reported, Jelly Roll filed for divorce from Bunnie XO, his wife of 10 years, on May 18. Furthermore, it was reported that he listed their date of separation as May 9 and cited irreconcilable differences.
The filing was revealed in June, and around that time, Bailee Ann DeFord spoke out, chastising the public for being so invested in her and her stepmom.
“Oh & one more thing, I am disgusted at how invested everyone is in a very clearly private family matter. It’s fkn crazy. Go on somewhere, y’all. Worry bout your house- not mine. I’m not speaking on it – yet,” she wrote via her Instagram Story at the time.
Later that month, Jelly Roll broke his silence on the matter, per The Shade Room. He said that there was no infidelity involved in the downfall of his marriage. Additionally, he noted that despite their divorce, he and Bunnie XO are still best friends.
“We will always be best friends,” he reportedly said.
Another Revelation Is Shared Amid Jelly Roll & Bunnie XO’s Divorce
According to PEOPLE, Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll’s divorce was finalized in early July.
“There was never any desire to drag the process out. They both wanted to handle the divorce with respect for one another. He’s a very generous person by nature and wanted to make sure the divorce was handled fairly and respectfully,” a source reportedly told the outlet.
Per the outlet, the pair will split “items including their homes, cars, an aircraft, and their intellectual properties.” Additionally, Jelly Roll will reportedly make a one-time lump sum payment to Bunnie.
Moreover, despite their split, the pair is still planning to welcome a baby together via IVF, per Page Six. Per an exclusive report from the outlet, the former couple has been given “warnings” regarding welcoming a child together.
RELATED: That’s That! Jelly Roll Breaks Silence On Divorce From Bunnie XO & Fans Are Left With Questions (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
By Charlene Badasie
| Published
The 2022 horror mystery-thriller The Midnight Club is one of Netflix’s most overlooked originals. Created by Mike Flanagan and Leah Fong, the 10-episode series adapts Christopher Pike’s 1994 novel of the same name while weaving elements from 27 of the prolific YA author’s other books into a single haunting story. Set at Brightcliffe Hospice Care for Teenagers, it follows a group of terminally ill young adults who gather each night to share terrifying stories and unravel the institution’s darkest secrets.
The Patients Of Brightcliffe
Set in the mid-1990s, the series begins when Ilonka (Iman Benson), a bright and ambitious young woman battling terminal thyroid cancer, chooses to live at Brightcliffe Hospice Care. She befriends Kevin (Igby Rigney), a leukemia patient, and clashes with her roommate Anya (Ruth Codd). One night, Ilonka stumbles upon a secret gathering of the Midnight Club.
The secret society, comprised of the patients of Brightcliffe, tries to communicate with the dead and shares eerie stories that intertwine with the hospice’s ominous history. As Ilonka delves deeper into the story of a former patient named Julia Jayne (Larsen Thompson), the supposed healer from the past, she uncovers a sinister cult, symbolized by the number “292.13,” and drawings that hint at a dark past.
21 Jump Scares
Julia, the founder of the original Midnight Club in 1969, had connections to Paragon, a cult that practiced unsettling rituals. The plot thickens as Ilonka, with Kevin’s help, discovers a hidden floor beneath the hospice. Records of the original club and evidence of a cult terrify the group. The final episodes bring closure for some characters, while others meet tragic ends.
The Midnight Club quickly captured the attention of Netflix audiences, recording an impressive 90.31 million hours viewed between October 2 and October 23, 2022, securing its position in the platform’s top 10. The series’ debut episode also made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the most scripted jump-scares in a single episode, with 21 hair-raising moments.
The series was initially supposed to run for multiple seasons but was unexpectedly canceled in December 2022. Despite its premature ending, The Midnight Club earned critical acclaim and currently holds an 85 percent approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised Flanagan’s heartfelt approach to horror and the unique blend of individual stories with the overarching plot.
Other Horror Titles On Netflix From Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan has made a name for himself with his Netflix shows, including The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher. These series are known for their focus on the human condition rather than jump scares and loud noises. Flanagan’s nonlinear approach to horror works very well, and he often tells parallel stories in the past and present.
The Haunting of Hill House became a huge surprise hit and remains a fan favorite. The Fall of the House of Usher, Flanagan’s most recent Netflix project, is an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s vast bibliography and is up there with his best efforts. While The Midnight Club may have been axed prematurely, its chilling tales, stellar cast, and impressive viewership numbers are cemented into the annals of Netflix’s haunting offerings.
Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland has had her fair share of movie roles, including “Mea Culpa” and the 2025 film “Relationship Goals.” While she’s enjoyed stepping into the shoes of fictional characters, there’s one real-life singer she’s hoping to portray one day.
Speaking with Us Weekly, Rowland, 45, opened up about her love for Donna Summer, known for the hits “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” and “She Works Hard for the Money.” Rowland’s love for Summer is actually so strong that she’d want nothing more than to portray the Grammy winner in a future biopic.
“I would love nothing more than that role. That’s all I can say,” Rowland said. “That’s all I can say for now.”
Rowland’s coy answer came weeks after the superstar singer appeared to tease herself dressed as Summer in an Instagram post with wavy hair and bangs.
“I’m hoping you won’t be waiting long,” she added. “All of us have our fingers crossed, toes crossed. We’re just totally crossed out.”
Kelly Rowland Talks Working With Her Co-Star Cliff ‘Method Man’ On Prime Video’s ‘Relationship Goals’
Since Destiny Child’s last full album in the early 2000s, Rowland has put out some solo music, but has spent the last several years working on different television shows, like “The X Factor” and “The Voice,” and filming movies, like Prime Video’s “Relationship Goals.” In her latest film, Rowland plays a television producer who reunites with her ex while competing for a job at a New York morning show.
In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Rowland opened up about her relationship with her co-star Method Man, saying that when they did their chemistry read, everything seemed to fall into place. “As soon as he did and he grabbed his little pillow, I was like [to director Linda Mendoza], ‘It’s him!’ And it was very vulnerable. We’ve never seen Cliff, ‘Method Man,’ like this,” she said.
Method Man Had The Utmost Respect For Kelly Rowland While Filming Their Movie
Method Man also praised Rowland while discussing his work on the film, calling the “Dilemma” singer a “consummate professional” who makes everyone around her extremely comfortable. “So, yeah, I mean, the chemistry was a given for me, honestly,” he added.
Rowland then discussed how she was able to relate to her character, Leah, stating that the fictional corporate baddie had been dealt devastating lows just as she had. “When we meet Leah, she’s very much so in control of her whole environment, her life, so she thinks she’s in control, and she’s dealing with grief,” said the mother of two. “I’ve had a bit of grief in my life and trying to mask it with work or not think about it. So I understood that with her.”
Rowland Talks Relationship With Beyoncé’s Mom
In December 2025, Rowland got candid about her special bond with Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles. Tina, 72, has been a mother figure to the Destiny’s Child alum since she was a child, even welcoming Rowland into her Texas home as the group worked to launch its career.
Consequently, Rowland has developed a close relationship with the “Matriarch” author, calling the fashion designer her “safe space” during a previous interview, per The Blast. “I’m heard, I’m seen by her. I see her; I hear her, and I love her with every fiber of my being,” Rowland said.
Rowland Thanked God For Providing Her With Two Mothers
Rowland, whose biological mother, Doris, died from a heart attack in 2014, spoke even further about her bond with Ms. Tina and expressed her gratitude for the motherly guidance and encouragement she’s always provided.
“I can’t believe that God thought the most of me to give me two moms that can give me that great amount of love, and then give me sisters as well with Bey, and Angie [Beyince], and Solange,” she said.
“The amount of love he’s given me through people I can never repay him for,” Rowland finished.
Tina echoed Rowland’s stance in a separate interview, saying that while she gave birth to two daughters, she’d really been blessed with four.
“Kelly, I know without a doubt that you were a true gift from God. You came to live with us when you were only 11 years old. You were the sweetest, most kind person I had ever met, and you still are. You are also a true survivor. You never give up. Your discipline and drive always inspires me,” Tina said.
Anne Hathaway and her “The Odyssey” co-stars have been making the rounds to promote the epic film, but one recent interview turned into an unexpectedly emotional moment. During the actress’ appearance on “The View,” Hathaway fought back tears after Whoopi Goldberg shared a few heartfelt words, leaving the Oscar-winning actress visibly moved.
On the July 20 episode of “The View,” Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, and director Christopher Nolan sat down with the hosts to talk about their recently released film. Everyone on the panel had high praise for “The Odyssey” and urged the audience to see the movie.
Toward the end of the segment, Whoopi Goldberg turned to each of the guests and expressed her appreciation of their craft. Hathaway was brought to tears as she turned to her, saying, “Anne Hathaway, it’s been wonderful watching you. It’s been wonderful watching you grow up. And you have just blossomed, turned into this fabulous actress,” she continued.
Hathaway, visibly emotional, covered part of her face and said, “No, don’t.” Goldberg insisted that she needed to hear it. “Girl, yes! Yes! You need to know. You need to know… It’s something you need to know and remember,” the host sincerely said.
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you. You know how I feel about you,” Hathaway responded with glassy eyes.
The EGOT Winner Said ‘The Odyssey’ Showed The ‘Stupidity Of Men’
Elsewhere during the interview, Goldberg didn’t mince words when she shared what she thought about men in the movie.
She prefaced her point by asking the men in her audience not to get “annoyed” with her, then continued to say the movie “does represent the stupidity of men.” Goldberg said men in “The Odyssey” were repeatedly told not to do certain things because of the consequences.
Every time, they go and do that, and they’re surprised that it’s going the other way,” she exclaimed.
She then praised Hathaway’s portrayal of Penelope. “Women forget that they are insanely strong and they are clever, because Penelope fools these men for 20 years,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg also saw striking parallels between “The Odyssey” and today’s social climate and said it’s a reminder that “No one wins in a war.”
Anne Hathaway’s Rise To Stardom
Goldberg’s praise reflected Hathaway’s decades-long career, which includes an Academy Award and a wide range of acclaimed performances.
The actress rose to fame after portraying Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries” in 2001. The project was followed by other family-friendly films like “Ella Enchanted” and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.”
In the succeeding years, Hathaway took on a wider variety of roles, including a recovering addict in “Rachel Getting Married,” the clever and agile Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises,” and a NASA scientist in “Interstellar.” In 2013, Hathaway earned a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of Fantine in the musical film adaptation of “Les Misérables.”
Hathaway has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading actresses with a filmography spanning a wide range of genres.
The Actress Has Five Movies This Year
“The Odyssey” marked Hathaway’s third film release of the year, following “Mother Mary” and “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which premiered in April and May, respectively. She has two more films scheduled for release before the year ends: “The End of Oak Street” in August, and “Verity” in October.
Hathaway shared that having so many movies in one year was “surreal,” and she knows how rare it is. “I’m at an age and a moment in my career where I know stuff like this doesn’t come around very often, and certainly doesn’t last forever,” she told PEOPLE.
The actress added that she is focused on enjoying and appreciating her successes “as long as it lasts.” “I’m going to enjoy being on my board, and then when I fall in the water, that’ll be that moment,” she said.
Anne Hathaway Is Expecting Her Third Child
In June, Hathaway revealed that she’s expecting her third child with her husband of 13 years, Adam Shulman. They already share two boys: 10-year-old Jonathan and 6-year-old Jack. As The Blast previously reported, the pregnancy was a welcome surprise.
The 43-year-old, who has previously spoken about her fertility struggles, is overjoyed about the newest addition to her family and is focused on balancing her successful career with her growing family.
Hathaway has other projects in development, including “Princess Diaries 3” and the psychological thriller “Yesteryear.”
Fetty Wap is now engaged, and the internet has plenty to say!
RELATED: Fetty Wap’s Latest Prison Pic Has The Internet Girlies Saying, “Baby, Won’t You Come My Way”(PHOTOS)
Fetty Wap Is Now Engaged… To Who?
On Monday, July 20, a woman who goes by the name Alexis, Instagram handle @lilsex_, took to the platform to share a carousel of photos. Furthermore, the first photo showed a “Will you marry me?” decorated with flowers and a flower-strewn pathway. In front of the sign, Alexis held her left hand, which showed off a ring on her ring finger.
The next slide revealed her kissing her apparent fiancé, Fetty Wap. In the flick, she held pink roses as the next slide showed footage of her and him walking up to the display.
The following clip then showed Fetty, down on one knee, proposing. Finally, the last slide showed a closer look at Alexis’ engagement ring.
See the photos and videos below.
Social Media Reacts
Social media users reacted to the rapper’s engagement in TSR’s comment section. Many mentioned Masika Kalysha, the mother of his daughter Khari Barbie, while others mentioned his ex, Alexis Skyy.
Instagram user @dfw_ladii_pluug wrote, “Masika somewhere plotting and punching air😂”
While Instagram user @iambealewis added, “Her name being Alexis is too ironic lol”
Instagram user @_onetimeforpeyy wrote, “Oh Masika bout to lose her s**t 😭”
While Instagram user @leveledupelites added, “Marriage over baby shower. I’ll take it🎉”
Instagram user @kween.ronnib wrote, “Engaged he doing to much he just got out brooooo NOOOOO 😂😂😂😂 you didn’t even see the rest of us you gotta take your time 😂”
While Instagram user @daejones added, “Harpo who this woman? 😂”
Instagram user @mekmakemoves wrote, “Another Alexis is lowkey funny af 🤣🤣🔥”
While Instagram user @nayirolla added, “NOOOOOOO😔💔 congrats 💔💔”
Instagram user @riahill14 wrote, “Who that Alexis sky”
While Instagram user @bluevelvet_57 added, “Alexis whooooo??????”
Instagram user @abnormaltuesday wrote, “😂😂 . I never date the same name twice”
While Instagram user @danithedemon_ added, “Like wtf you mean engaged 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 us girlies are hurting right now 😂😂😂😂”
More On Fetty Wap’s Time Home & Engagement
As The Shade Room previously reported, in January, Fetty Wap was released from prison after serving almost three years of a six-year sentence for drug distribution. Subsequently, Masika Kalysha shared her disappointment at Fetty allegedly not coming to see their daughter immediately. By the end of that month, however, Fetty was reunited with Khari and Kalysha’s youngest daughter, Amari, whom she shares with the late Jamar Champ.
Exclusive: ❤️ Fetty Wap enjoys a post-prison reunion with his daughter Khari. https://t.co/IPJlyXk04I pic.twitter.com/Nm2fpVKicy
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 20, 2026
More recently, Fetty Wap released his first project since being home, ‘Zavier.’ On it, he featured his single, ‘White Roses,’ on which he sang about a love interest. But no one could have anticipated that he had plans of popping the question.
At this time, neither Masika Kalysha nor Alexis Skyy has publicly reacted to Fetty’s engagement.
RELATED: Switchin’ It Up? Fetty Wap Turns Heads With New Song & Music Video Apparently Inspired By ‘Sinners’ (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
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