Entertainment
The First ‘Wuthering Heights’ Movie You Can Watch Now Starred an Actress Who Kept Her Past Hidden for Decades
Merle Oberon is not a Hollywood name that gets tossed around much anymore. In the 1930s, however, she was one of the biggest box office stars. With her stunning looks and emotionally-charged performances, Oberon starred in a series of screen classics, including an Oscar-nominated performance inThe Dark Angel and a turn as the heroine Cathy in what is perhaps — at least up toEmerald Fennell — the best known version of Wuthering Heights(although others have their preferences).Oberon’s casting in any of her best-known roles, though, would’ve been controversial at the time, had the world known a secret that she harbored from a young age. Oberon was part-Asian. Born in Bombay — which was then part of British India — Oberon’s mother was Burgher, part of a Sri Lankan Eurasian ethnic group.This is only the beginning of a confusing mystery as to what exactly Oberon’s origin truly is. Her early life, in fact, is a cinematic tale befitting of her movie star status.
Oberon Concealed Her True Background for Decades
According to the Asian American Foundation, Oberon spent her life claiming to have been born to white parents in Tasmania, Australia. In an interview, author Mayukh Sen said that her mixed-race background actually subjected Oberon’s family to “abject poverty” and “rejection from both white Britons and other Indians” for “perceived racial impurity.”
“However, upon traveling abroad to the United Kingdom—a place that was a haven for Anglo-Indians who felt alienated in British India during the yawning years of the empire—she could slough off any stigma a little more easily,” Sen explained. Oberon worked hard to conceal the truth of her identity, the author related, because of her difficult childhood and how important it was that she did “nothing to forfeit any security once she obtained it.”
“For Merle, the lie created for her by studio publicists back in 1932—one that involved not only concealment of her racial identity, but also a fictitious birthplace—was so involved that unraveling it herself would have sacrificed that cocoon of safety she’d built for herself. I’d love to be wrong about this, but I just don’t think Merle would have put so much on the line in the final years of her life,” Sen said.
Merle Oberon Stood by Her Likely-Faked Birthplace
So deep did Oberon’s Tasmanian story go that there was a theater named for her in her supposed birthplace of Hobart. She is known to have visited Australia twice, in 1965 and 1978, according to the bookTill Apples Grow on an Orange Tree by Cassandra Pybus.The first time, she strangely fell ill and left the country when a reporter for theSydney Morning Heraldpressed for details about her birth. The second time, she largely stayed in her hotel room and had “crying jags.”
Even her actual mother was a work of fiction.According to The New York Times, Constance Selby gave birth to Oberon — only 14 at the time. Selby had been raped by her stepfather, so her mother, Charlotte Selby, took charge of Oberon, who grew up believing that her mother was her sister.
When she got to Hollywood, obviously, a new reality was created, which had already been set in stone for Oberon. Oddly, unlike many stars, her first name got to stay — though it was really her middle name Estelle Merle O’Brien Thompson, which was shifted to Merle Oberon. A slight, but supremely posh alteration.
The 10 Greatest ‘Wuthering Heights’ Adaptations, Ranked
Heathcliff and Cathy wander the silver screen eternally
“I couldn’t dance or sing or write or paint,” she was once quoted as saying. “The only possible opening seemed to be in some line in which I could use my face. This was, in fact, no better than a hundred other faces, but it did possess a fortunately photogenic quality.”
She was 17 when she came to England in 1928, and she was eventually discovered by powerhouse British filmmaker Alexander Korda, who bestowed upon her the breakout performance of her career, that of Anne Boleyn in the Charles Laughton-starringThe Private Life of Henry VIII. She married Korda, who would sell her contract to Hollywood’s Samuel Goldwyn.
Here her career really took off, as she shifted between California and England, making movies likeThese Three andThe Cowboy and the Lady, appearing alongside big stars such asDavid NivenandGary Cooper. Her best-remembered performance would be inWilliam Wyler’s version ofWuthering Heights, which was named as one of the 100 best movies ever made by the American Film Institute in 1998. Co-starring with Laurence Oliver, her effervescent performance as Cathy became the one most audiences identified with the seminal, tragic literary character all the way up to Margot Robbie.
Merle Oberon Never Acknowledged the Truth of Her History
In later years, her career would cool off. Her last screen appearance would be in 1973’sInterval, a low-budget drama that also featured her then-husband, Dutch actorRobert Wolders, who was 25 years her junior. She died following a stroke in 1979 at 68 in Malibu, California.Years later, Oberon is now generally considered to be the first Asian nominee in the Best Actress category, a fact that was widely reported after Michelle Yeoh’s historic win in the category for 2022’s Everything Everywhere All at Once. Though she may never have been able to embrace her past, her legacy continues and extends across the decades.Wuthering Heights is available to stream on Prime Video, HBO Max, and Tubi in the U.S.
- Release Date
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April 7, 1939
- Runtime
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104 minutes
- Director
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William Wyler
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Laurence Olivier
Heathcliff
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Merle Oberon
Catherine ‘Cathy’ Earnshaw Linton
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Entertainment
Ego Nwodim draws gasps from“ Jimmy Kimmel Live” audience after admitting she's never seen this classic film
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“I’ve seen ‘Scarface,’ does that count?”
Entertainment
All the biggest changes between Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights and Emily Brontë’s novel
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Fennell’s adaptation makes several key alterations to the classic novel, eliminating some characters, expanding others, and changing its ending.
Entertainment
James Van Der Beek's brother shares 'devastation' after actor's death: 'I now know why people call it heartbreak'
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“I’ve looked up to him since I was born,” the star’s sibling wrote in a candid and moving tribute. “He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him.”
Their “extremely amicable” divorce will see the “Fantastic Four” actress pay her ex-husband the sum of $3 million to balance out their shared assets.
Both Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have also seemingly moved on and have been linked to their respective younger partners, with a source saying the age difference “is not a big deal.”
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All About Jessica Alba And Cash Warren’s Divorce Settlement
More than a year after their initial separation, Alba and Warren can finally close the books on their marriage of 16 years.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ on February 13, their split remains amicable, and both parties will share joint custody of their 3 children, Honor, Haven, and Hayes.
However, the 44-year-old actress will pay Warren a total of $3 million to balance their shared assets, which includes a a $10 million Beverly Hills mansion they acquired in 2017.
The payment will reportedly be structured in two non-taxable installments: $1.5 million now and the remainder in 2027.
When Alba filed for divorce in February last year, she asked for her maiden name to be legally restored, a request which she has now gotten.
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She was represented by popular divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, who has among her clients Kim Kardashian, Johnny Depp, Kevin Costner, and a few others. Warren was represented by Adam Lipsic.
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The Former Couple Has Moved On With Their Respective Younger Partners
Alba and Warren met over 20 years ago on the set of “Fantastic Four,” where she starred as Sue Storm and Warren worked as a director’s assistant.
They eloped in 2008 while Alba was nine months pregnant with their first daughter, Honor.
Their split was initially suspected to be a messy one, considering the huge amount of money involved and the fact that they didn’t sign a prenup when they tied the knot.
The pair have already begun new chapters in their dating life and have both been linked to much younger partners.
Alba has been dating 33-year-old “Captain America” star Danny Ramirez since late 2025, while Warren has been spotted linking up with actress Seanna Pereira and model Hana Sun Doerr.
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Jessica Alba And Cash Warren Recently Had An Icy Reunion
Alba and Warren are seemingly not concerned with the age difference between them and their new partners, as a source told Us Weekly it “is not a big deal.”
“The age difference [with their younger partners] is not a big deal,” the insider told the publication after news of their new relationships went public.
“They think it’s common in Hollywood, so there’s no issue. They are cool with each other dating. They’re happy for each other. There’s no negativity or bad feelings.”
The estranged couple will be seeing more of each other as they coparent their 3 children together. According to the Daily Mail, they reportedly bumped into each other some months ago when they both attended one of Haven’s tennis matches.
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“Jessica did not acknowledge Cash when he arrived and ignored him the entire match,” an eyewitness told the news outlet at the time. “They were seated with several people in between them and did not speak until the end, when Cash came up and asked Jessica to take a walk with him into the park.”
Cash Warren Once Admitted To Be Jealous Of The Actress
Warren previously opened up about past issues that surfaced during the early days of their marriage because of his jealousy.
At the time, he noted that he briefly split from Alba four years into their relationship because he began “turning into an -sshole” from jealousy, per the Daily Mail.
In an episode of “Whine Down with Jana Kramer” podcast, which was recorded in 2023, he shared that when they first started dating, he “was really jealous of other guys and the attention that she was getting from other guys.”
“It just wasn’t making me feel good,” he said. “I was always a pretty confident person…and next thing you know, I’m looking up and just feeling jealous all the time.”
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Jessica Alba Also Hinted At Their Relationship Struggles
Alba also made a telling revelation about the state of her marriage in a 2021 appearance on Katherine Schwarzenegger’s “Before, During and After Baby” podcast when she said, “It’s all rosy for two and a half years, but then after that you become roommates.”
She noted that after 16 years, they had the comfort of both partners “not going anywhere,” and so sometimes they don’t treat the other partner the best.
“You don’t consider their feelings in the way that you would consider other people’s feelings. So that is something that I think is a constant, it’s a constant one to work on, because you’re at different places, right?” she added. “One night a week, date night might be enough at some point in your life, but it might not be enough in a month. You might need something else.”
Cardi B
Crashes Down During ‘Little Miss Drama’ Dance!
Published
The “B” in Cardi B might stand for “bruise” after she took a serious tumble off a chair during her “Little Miss Drama” tour in Las Vegas Friday night.
Cardi B jokes after falling at her ‘Little Miss Drama’ show:
“That was the government!” pic.twitter.com/yYmQDPG4BZ
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 14, 2026
@PopCrave
Check out the clip — the “I Like It” singer is in the middle of showing off some sexy moves while performing her “Thotiana” remix when the chair slips out from under her, sending her slamming onto the ground on her behind. The pro she is, Cardi doesn’t miss a beat and continues performing while thrusting her hips high into the air.
She doesn’t fully ignore the blunder, though — she cracks a joke, blaming the government! Remember, just a few days ago, she dissed ICE at her opening show — and the feds clapped back by shading her stripping past.
Cardi also joked about her fall on X after her concert … quoting a video and claiming it must be A.I. Sorry Cardi — we know this is real!
Luckily, it appears she was packing plenty of cushion to fall back on — and this is a clear reminder that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there!
When the subject of legendary rock bands comes up, arguably one of the most notable that comes to mind is Van Halen. The American rock group, formed in the early 1970s, would later play a leading role in shaping rock music in the 1980s. Although the group effectively disbanded in 2020 following the tragic death of one of its principal members (Eddie Van Halen), its influence is still felt today thanks to their electrifying guitar riffs, captivating performances, and hit singles such as “Panama” and “Unchained”. And although the latter two tracks stayed true to their signature hard rock sound, the band often experimented with other genres, as in “Why Can’t This Be Love,” which proved the talented group could write a love song while still retaining its hard rock image.
Van Halen Proved They Could Release a Classic Love Song
The year was 1986. The hard rock band Van Halen had just released their seventh studio album, 5150, on March 24. The album produced multiple hits, such as “Dreams” and “Love Walks In,” but arguably their lead single, “Why Can’t This Be Love,” was the standout, unique song not only on the album but in their career. The nearly four-minute track debuted and peaked highly on multiple charts worldwide. The song continues to divide critics (such as at Vulture magazine, who declared it the worst Van Halen song of all time) decades after its initial release, the consensus among its hardcore fan base remains mostly positive. As one commentator wrote on the group’s official Reddit fan page about “Why Can’t This Be Love”, “Honestly, underrated song. Yeah, Van Hagar leaned way too hard on the “L” word, but this one was top-notch. The synth line is great on the chorus, but the verses are actually better. Eddie’s chord comping is fire, and even if the scat-singing bridge is a touch corny, it was them exploring things they could do with Sammy’s precision and vocal range.”
The primarily pop rock genre track which consists of the rather sentimental lyrics : “Oh, here it comes / That funny feeling again / Winding me up inside / Every time we touch / Hey, I don’t know / Oh, tell me where to begin / ‘Cause I never ever / Felt so much / Hey / And I can’t recall / Any love at all / Oh, baby, this blows ’em all away” proved that the group could write a catchy love song. During a 1986 interview with the Australian music TV show ‘Countdown”, Van Halen revealed that they had deliberated long and hard about what direction they wanted their album to go in and that they threw away many songs, but in the process, they kept “Why Can’t This Be Love” because it was something different, and they didn’t want to consistently produce the sounds as it would feel monotonous.
Bob Dylan’s Greatest Diss Song Still One of the Best Songs Ever Written
This classic Bob Dylan song continues to be debated.
Van Halen Knew They Had a Hit Before They Released “Why Can’t This Be Love”
From the moment Eddie and Alex Van Halen and new member Sammy Hagar (among others) wrote “Why Can’t This Be Love,” they were fully aware that they had a hit on their hands. It was certainly a gamble, considering the departure of David Lee Roth (replaced by Hagar), who played a significant role in their sound. But it paid off, as attested to by the song’s worldwide success.
During an October 2017 interview with Louder Sound Magazine, Hagar explained that the record executives at Warner Bros, who were initially not convinced of the new direction the group’s sound was taking, were put at ease when they heard the song. “We made that whole 5150 record, and then we invited [Warner Bros Records boss] Mo Ostin, one of the greatest record company presidents in history, down. They walk in, it’s me on guitar and Eddie on keyboard, and they’re, like: ‘What the f**k are you guys doing?’ But we played ’Why Can’t This Be Love?’ live, right there for them. And after we’d done, Mo Ostin raised his finger in the air and said, “I smell money!’” Hagar added, “When the album came out, it went straight to number one. We took that rock ’n’ roll highway and did it all. And until it turned bad, it was the greatest thing on the planet.”
The more keyboard-driven sound that featured not only “Why Can’t This Be Love” but also throughout the album would later cement the group in rock n roll history, even if at the time it did alienate some of their original fan base: “So some of the hardcore guitar people rebelled a little bit, but we got a whole new audience with that,” continued Hagar, “And we just satisfied them, and they stayed. And we just went out, and every show sold out in minutes, and we went out and just killed it.”
The Backstreet Boys, comprised of AJ McLean, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Litrell, are campaigning to headline the 2027 Super Bowl halftime show.
The bid comes more than two decades after the boy band declined the opportunity. With renewed enthusiasm and a strong fan base, the group appears ready to claim one of music’s biggest stages.
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AJ McLean Proposed The Idea In Front Of Their Fans
The Backstreet Boys are in the middle of their “Into the Millennium” residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and in one of the shows, McLean proposed an idea to the audience.
“What do you guys think? Backstreet Boys. 2027. Super Bowl halftime. Let’s make it happen,” he told the audience.
The idea was met with loud cheers from the audience, who responded enthusiastically to the prospect of the iconic ’90s boy band performing their biggest hits on the Super Bowl stage.
A Change.org petition has already been set up by an individual named Regina Brodley, and as of writing, it has more than 4,500 signatures.
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The Backstreet Boys Want A Reunion Of The 2000s Biggest Stars
On February 13, the Backstreet Boys spoke with People and expressed interest in performing the halftime show next year, sharing their vision of what it would look like if given the chance.
“You better vote yes for us to do halftime, especially because it’s gonna be in Los Angeles at SoFi next year. That’s home for me and Kevin so that would be pretty awesome,” McLean said.
Carter added his take, saying that they would bring a “pop explosion,” hoping to bring back their peers, *NSYNC and Britney Spears, to which McLean said that both have already performed in the Super Bowl.
“We’re bringing back 98 Degrees, I don’t care. We’re headlining. We’re bringing all of our pop friends back,” Carter insisted.
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As Carter explained, the music from the ’90s and 2000s is “some of the most nostalgic for people,” which is why they want make this performance happen.
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The Boy Band Had The Opportunity To Perform In 2001
More than 20 years ago, the Backstreet Boys were offered the chance to perform on the 2001 Super Bowl stage, but they declined.
That year, the Super Bowl was held in Tampa, Florida, and *NSYNC and Aerosmith headlined the halftime show. The two groups took the stage alternately singing their biggest hits, and in the finale number, they came together and brought special guests, including Britney Spears, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige.
Despite declining to join the halftime show, the Backstreet Boys agreed to sing the national anthem. “At the time we came from the era of, we loved the Whitney Houston rendition of the national anthem. And for us, we got the choice and we passed on the halftime,” Carter explained.
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The Backstreet Boys Appeared In A 2026 Super Bowl Commercial
Mobile telecommunications company, T-Mobile, came back to the 2026 Super Bowl, marking its 13th consecutive year airing a commercial during the event. This time, they brought in the Backstreet Boys.
The boy band, decked in pink and white garments, sang a rendition of their 1999 hit song “I Want It That Way,” changing the lyrics for the advertisement. Rapper and singer MGK also made a special appearance at the end of the commercial.
Andrew Panay, the founder and producer of Panay Films and the mastermind behind the concept, said he was inspired after seeing the Backstreet Boys perform live. “It was extraordinary to watch the energy, I was having a spiritual experience – it was out-of-control amazing,” he gushed. “I knew at that point that this is what we could maybe do for the Super Bowl,” he added.
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Do People Want The Backstreet Boys To Perform At The Super Bowl?
Many users on social media have made their opinions known since the band raised the idea of performing at the Super Bowl. While some offered their own suggestions of who they think should be chosen, many wanted to see the Backstreet Boys.
“I support this fully. Being 3 or 4 beers in by half-time and having the opportunity to sing along to ‘Quit Playing Games With My Heart’ would be a vibe,” one wrote.
“They’re relevant, successful, and have material almost everyone knows. Not a bad choice,” another added.
One user suggested an idea, writing, “Okay, hear me out… *NSYNC vs Backstreet Boys Halftime Show.”
Authorities have found “DNA other than Nancy Guthrie’s and those in close contact to her” as the investigation into her disappearance continues.
The DNA evidence was discovered and collected at her property, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department shared in a statement with multiple media outlets on Friday, February 13.
“Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to,” the update read. “We are not disclosing where that DNA was located.”
Investigators also found several gloves, with the closest discovered approximately two miles from Nancy’s home.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos denied that authorities found a glove at the home of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, amid her disappearance. “We have no glove. We never found a glove on that property,” Nanos told Fox News’ Matt Finn on Friday, February 13. Nanos reportedly revealed in a local news interview that “they […]
The statement also clarified speculation surrounding the location of where the glove was found.
“Reports that a glove was found inside the residence or on the property are inaccurate. All collected evidence has been submitted for laboratory analysis,” the update continued.
Us Weekly has reached out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for comment.
Guthrie, who is the mother of the Today show’s Savannah Guthrie, was last seen alive in Tucson, Arizona, on January 30 after enjoying dinner with family members. Police later confirmed a 911 call was made on February 1 after the 84-year-old didn’t meet up with friends to watch a church service virtually.
Authorities have not identified a person of interest or suspect in Guthrie’s disappearance. They also have not officially ruled anyone out.
Nancy and Savannah Guthrie. Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
On Thursday, February 12, the FBI released an official description of the suspect as “a male, approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall, with an average build. In [a newly-obtained security] video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.” Federal officials confirmed they’d received 13,000 tips from the public related to Nancy’s disappearance — and were doubling their offer from $50,000 to $100,000 for any information that led to her rescue or recovery.
“Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance,” FBI Phoenix announced via X on Thursday. “New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division.”
The FBI has been blocked from accessing key evidence in the search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom, Nancy Guthrie, according to a new report. A law enforcement official told Reuters on Thursday, February 12, that the FBI requested that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department send physical evidence — including a glove and other DNA — […]
Following Nancy’s disappearance Savannah, 54, and her siblings, Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie, have pleaded for the public’s help as they desperately try to find their mom.
In an Instagram video posted on February 4, both Savannah and Annie shared a personal message to their mom.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy,” Savannah said. “We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you. Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest.”
Annie added, “Nancy is our mother, we are her children. She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy and all of life’s circumstances. She chooses joy day after day despite having already passed through great trials of pain and grief. We are always going to be merely human. Just normal human people who need our mom. Mama, if you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.”
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Whether you’re heading to a cocktail soirée or your regular date night, having a black dress that feels both elevated and easy to wear is a closet game-changer. For Nina Dobrev, that formula recently came in the form of a shirt-style leather dress she wore to the Sundance Film Festival. While the actress didn’t tag the brand on Instagram, the Xllais Faux Leather Bodycon Maxi Dress is eerily similar. The piece checks all the same boxes with its sleek faux leather finish, body-hugging silhouette and modern boatneck design.
Leather dresses tend to skew casual by nature, but this version elevates the look with a more refined silhouette. The bodycon fit and ankle-skimming length immediately make it feel dressier, while the neckline adds structure and sophistication, framing the shoulders and collarbone in a way that feels intentional rather than laid-back.
Get the Xllais Faux Leather Bodycon Maxi Dress for $37 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
A faux-leather finish gives the dress the same glossy, swanky feel seen in Dobrev’s Sundance look, but the streamlined cut makes this piece ideal for evening plans. Plus, it hugs the body without looking overly tight, striking that balance between flattering and wearable. Throw a blazer over it to channel that cool, off-duty celebrity energy, or pair it with heels and a clutch for an easy transition into cocktail territory.
You can’t ever go wrong with a timeless staple like a little black dress. That’s especially the case when it’s as cute as the one fashion icon Nicky Hilton chose to wear to close out 2025. The socialite, model and fashion designer posted several pics of herself looking oh-so-adorable in a bow-adorned black mini dress […]
One Amazon reviewer called the Xllais Faux Leather Bodycon “one of the most flattering dresses [they’ve] ever owned. Another shopper raved that it’s “form-fitting and classy at the same time.”
If you’re looking for a black leather dress that feels inspired by celebrity style yet works for real-life plans, this is one to add to your cart. Shop the Dobrev-inspired look now and make this piece your go-to for nights out!
Get the Xllais Faux Leather Bodycon Maxi Dress for $37 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more faux leather dresses here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
There’s no denying it: little black dresses are and always will be a wardrobe staple. However, Kate Hudson just made an argument for swapping mini-length styles for the equally versatile black maxi dress. Right in time for Paris Fashion Week, the Running Point actress delivered a model-worthy look in a long-sleeved bodycon design. Her exact […]
Romantic comedies will never truly die, but some of the best ones do tend to get lost, especially in this age of the streaming shuffle. Between endless superhero releases and prestige drama, a surprising number of heartfelt, hilarious love stories have quietly slipped from the public eye. Luckily, Prive Video’s catalog hides some of the genre’s finest overlooked gems that are perfect for your Valentine’s Day watch.
From the unconventional antics of intercultural clashes to nostalgia-tinged charmers that make us feel fuzzy inside, these are the rom-coms that remind us why we fell in love with falling in love on screen in the first place. They’re funny, tender, and yes, sometimes a little messy — but that’s exactly what makes his genre so irresistible. Celebrate the most romantic holiday with these hilarious, heartfelt gems.
7
‘I Want You Back’ (2022)
Peter (Charlie Day) and Emma (Jenny Slate) may be total strangers when they meet, but they soon form an instant bond after learning they were both unexpectedly dumped on the same weekend. What starts as shared heartbreak quickly morphs into a mischievous plan to win back their exes by sabotaging their new relationships.
There’s something undeniably charming about two people finding purpose — and even love — amid emotional wreckage. It’s a setup that could easily spiral into chaos, and that’s exactly what makes it so irresistibly fun to watch. Day and Slate bring sharp comedic chemistry alongside an undercurrent of vulnerability that keeps the antics grounded. In many ways, I Want You Back understands that heartbreak and hope can coexist, and that sometimes, the best love stories begin when you stop trying to fix the past.
6
‘The Big Sick’ (2017)
When Pakistani-born comedian Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) falls for grad student Emily (Zoe Kazan), the cultural and familial differences between them pose enough challenges on their own. But when Emily suddenly falls ill and goes into a coma, Kumail is forced to confront not only her parents but also his own identity and fears about commitment.
Based on the true story of Nanjiani and his writer wife, Emily Gordon, it’s not surprising that The Big Sick has become one of the most affecting romantic comedies of the past decade. A perfect blend of humor, heartache, and honesty, the film brings humanity to moments of pain and uncertainty. The result is a story that transcends genre labels, offering an unflinching yet hopeful look at what it means to love across boundaries, cultures, and tragedy.
5
‘The Family Stone’ (2005)
The Stone family’s Christmas gathering is anything but peaceful when Everett (Dermot Mulroney) brings home his uptight, conservative girlfriend, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), to meet his chaotic, Bohemian relatives. What follows is a holiday full of clashing personalities, buried secrets, and unlikely romantic shifts that leave no one quite the same.
Part dysfunctional family dramedy, part tender love story, The Family Stone has everything you need for a good comfort watch (no matter what the critics may say). Beneath its prickly humor lies a compassionate story about belonging, grief, and self-acceptance. Stacked with a stellar cast, including the late great Diane Keaton, Parker shines in an underrated performance as she turns Meredith from a caricature into someone heartbreakingly human. It’s a holiday flick that truly sneaks up on you emotionally, reminding us that love, in all its forms, can be messy, uncomfortable, and still entirely worth it.
4
‘The Idea of You’ (2024)
An accidental meeting at Coachella turns into a whirlwind romance between Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mother, and 24-year-old boy band star Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine). But the relationship quickly becomes complicated by the realities of Hayes’ fame as the two are forced to navigate the intense scrutiny that comes with being an unconventional couple.
What could’ve been simple escapism becomes something much deeper thanks to Hathaway’s grounded, luminous performance. Indeed, The Idea of You turns its fanfiction roots into emotional truth, exploring how love can be liberating rather than limiting. Sexy, bittersweet, and refreshingly mature, this film is a reminder that reinvention — and desire — don’t have expiration dates. Forget the age gap discourse; this is a love story about choosing yourself, no matter who’s watching.
3
‘Something From Tiffany’s’ (2022)
After an engagement ring is accidentally swapped with a less expensive gift from Tiffany & Co., the lives of two couples become unexpectedly connected. Not only does the mix-up cause the couples to confront and question the state of their relationships, but it also leads to the discovery of who they are truly meant to be with.
In the tradition of the cozy, snow-dusted holiday rom-com, Something From Tiffany’s seemingly follows in the footsteps of some predecessors, feeling like a throwback to the glossy escapism of Christmas love. But beneath its twinkling surface is a story about timing, fate, and the bravery it takes to admit when something (or someone) just isn’t right. Zoe Deutch‘s warmth and comedic chops carry the film, reminding audiences why she might just be one of today’s rom-com darlings.
2
‘Somebody I Used to Know’ (2023)
Upon returning to her hometown, workaholic TV producer Ally (Alison Brie) reconnects with her ex-boyfriend, Sean (Jay Ellis), and begins to question everything about her life. Things only get more complex when she meets his younger and free-spirited fiancée, Cassidy (Kiersay Clemons), who reminds her of the person she used to be.
Co-written by Brie and her real-life husband Dave Franco (who also directed the film), Somebody I Used to Know sidesteps rom-com formulas to deliver something more grounded and introspective. It’s about nostalgia, self-sabotage, and the realization that love isn’t always about getting back what you lost. Brie is magnetic as the film’s lead, capturing that universal ache of wanting to rewrite the past. Sure, it might be a little heavy sometimes, but at the end of the day, it’s a film that remains funny, wistful, and deeply relatable.
1
‘Begin Again’ (2013)
Greta (Keira Knightley) is left devastated when her long-time songwriting/romantic partner, Dave (Adam Levine), succumbs to the trappings of newfound fame and ends their relationship. But things turn for the better when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label exec, stumbles upon Greta performing on a small stage, as he’s immediately captivated by her raw talent.
From Once director John Carney, Begin Again follows in its footsteps by being a love letter to artistic collaboration and emotional renewal. While not a traditional love story, its emotional core beats just as powerfully, celebrating connection through artistic creativity rather than romance or lust. With an infectious soundtrack (sung by the actual actors), as well as two leads who radiate sincerity, the film quietly captures the magic of new beginnings and second chances. Frankly, it’s an almost perfect rom-com that not many people think to watch.
- Release Date
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September 7, 2013
- Runtime
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104 minutes
- Director
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John Carney
- Writers
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John Carney
- Producers
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Anthony Bregman, Guy East, Judd Apatow, Molly Smith, Nigel Sinclair, Sam Hoffman, Tom Rice, Tobin Armbrust, Marc Schipper
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