Influencers Matt and Abby Howard have officially expanded their family.

“He’s here!!!!” Matt wrote via Instagram on Monday, August 17, announcing the couple’s newborn son’s arrival alongside a picture of Abby crying shortly after giving birth, her infant son laying on her chest with his face covered with an emoji.

“We have been soaking up every bit of this beautiful new chapter as a family of 5,” he added. “Can’t wait to slowly catch you all up on the past week of our life.”

Their baby is joining older siblings Griffin and August, whom the couple welcomed in 2022 and 2023, respectively. In March, Matt and Abby shared that they were expecting a baby after experiencing a previous pregnancy loss.

“Baby #4 🌈,” the pair captioned their Instagram post at the time. “Grateful beyond measure.”

Months prior, Matt and Abby revealed that they were pregnant with their third baby.

“Going for our third baby is almost more exciting than ever because now we truly know just how good it is,” they told People in August 2025.

In September 2025, the couple shared that Abby had experienced a pregnancy loss.

“It is with very heavy hearts that we share about the loss of our baby girl born far too soon,” Matt and Abby wrote via Instagram at the time. “At a routine pregnancy appointment, our doctor could not find a heartbeat. Shortly after they sent us in for an ultrasound where the technician said words we will never forget, ‘I am so sorry I do not have good news.’”

The statement continued, “That is when we got the gender reveal we never hoped for and also the news that our baby had a genetic condition that took her life around 17 weeks gestation.”

The twosome shared that the news “felt unimaginable” and the grief has been “absolutely devastating.”

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“But we feel so much gratitude for the time that we did get to have with her. And we still have hope. Hope has continued to show up for us in so many ways,” Matt and Abby concluded. “For now we will grieve and continue to think of ways to honor her life offline. Thoughts and prayers are more than welcome. Thank you everyone for celebrating this precious life with us for the past 17 weeks.❤️.”

Abby, for her part, later opened up about having to return to the hospital to start the induction process.

“I always say that delivering our daughter was just … it was so eerily similar to, like, a live birth. You’re in the same unit as everyone else that’s having babies that are alive,” she said during a June episode of “The Squeeze” podcast. “They have, like, an incubator across from you that you just know that you’re not gonna use. There’s no fetal monitoring of any kind. It’s just an experience that you wouldn’t wish on anyone. But it is an experience that has grown me like so, so much.”

Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Nathan Gallagher surprised Max Salvador by asking him to secretly side with him instead of Joe Bradley amid their feud.

During the Monday, August 17, episode of the hit Bravo series, Max joined the crew on Akira One while Nathan was healing from a back injury. Max ultimately started working under Joe, who was temporarily the new boson. Nathan’s absence paved the way for Joe to make moves as bosun — with Max supporting him potential move up.

At the end of the episode, Max received a text from Nathan, which read, “I’m sure Joe’s been in your ear. I’m gonna get back to the boat at some point, and I need you.”

He continued: “Have my back and I’ll for sure make you lead deckhand. Swear.”

Related: Biggest ‘Below Deck‘ Feuds — and Where the Relationships Stand Today

Viewers have had a front row seat to some of the biggest reality TV feuds since the Below Deck franchise debuted. The show’s spinoff series Below Deck Mediterranean shocked viewers when Hannah Ferrier and Captain Sandy Yawn‘s inability to see eye to eye turned into the most memorable firing to date. Since the captain joined […]

Max was left conflicted since Nathan previously passed him over for a lead deckhand position. Joe, meanwhile, also promised Max that he would promote him in the event that Nathan didn’t take back his role as bosun this season.

Joe and Nathan originally became quick friends after joining Below Deck Med in season 9. They fell out, however, following Joe’s tumultuous love triangle in season 10, which resulted in Nathan having to choose where his loyalty lay.

Season 11 of the hit Bravo series captured numerous moments when Nathan was frustrated with Joe. For Joe, it was gratifying for viewers to see his experience with Nathan.

“Watching it back and seeing Nathan — who he truly is — is rather refreshing to me,” Joe exclusively told Us in July. “I know who Nathan is, I know what he’s like, how he can react and for him to get his two minutes of how he actually is is refreshing to me.”

Joe pointed to the instances when Nathan went off on him in public, adding, “The fact that he can just switch is so alarming to me because I’ve seen it before.”

He added: “It didn’t look good for him. We’re all professionals at the end of the day so [the rest of the crew] don’t know who Nathan really is yet. This is Nathan. This is who he is. He switches. He’s generally got anger issues and hopefully throughout the season, you will discover what Nathan has to offer in terms of who he is.”

Before Below Deck Med returned, Joe reflected on his growth between seasons.

Related: Below Deck Mediterranean’s Biggest Drama Through the Years

As soon as you step foot on a Below Deck Mediterranean charter yacht, you’re guaranteed one thing: a whole lot of drama. Throughout its Bravo run, crew members like Captain Sandy Yawn, Hannah Ferrier, Malia White and more have been know to butt heads with each other — all with the purpose of delivering a […]

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“You will see a level of growth [this season] because I felt it. You will see that I’m comfortable in my own skin on board. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a bit boisterous at times,” he previously told Us. “That’s where Nathan [and I differ]. I can actually be social, but I have a good time as well and do my job well. You will see growth and you will see a level of change because I’m fed up with all these [love] triangles now.”

Joe clarified that he “learned” his lesson, revealing that he’s focused on his duties as lead deckhand.

“I really do hope that you see it on this season. My job is my main priority. I’m going to say my [biggest] regret right now was the situation with Victoria, I could have handled that very differently. I could have handled that in a mature manner,” he shared. “I was just boisterous. Obviously, we haven’t had any contact yet. But if I could sit down with her today, I would apologize. If she allows me one day to actually get all around and say I’m sorry for what I’ve done, I will do that.”

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Looking ahead, Joe was determined to prove his critics wrong.

“I understand it’s not a comfortable position — even just being a viewer. Watching myself back, I have learned from the situation. I’m really focused [on] my job right now,” he concluded. “I am taming it down [in my romantic life on board] to just being one person. I don’t need to be greedy anymore. I’ve had my and I’m just ready to get the job done.”

Below Deck Med airs on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Peacock.

Hayden Panettiere’s death came as a shock to many of her fans — but her friends were “worried” about the actress after she reconnected with her abusive ex Brian Hickerson.

“Hayden seemed to be doing well [recently], but there was still concern among her friends and inner circle,” a source who recently spoke with Panettiere exclusively tells Us. “Especially because she started spending time with Brian again.”

The insider continues, “That relationship and association had led her down a dark path in the past, so her friends and inner circle were worried for her. There were concerns and her friends really hoped she was doing OK.”

Us has reached out to representatives for both Panettiere and Hickerson for comment.

Related: Celebrities React to Hayden Panettiere’s Sudden Death at 36

Hollywood is mourning the tragic loss of Hayden Panettiere at age 36. The Heroes and Nashville alum’s representative confirmed to Us on Sunday, August 16, that the actress had died. Details surrounding Panettiere’s death were not immediately available. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s father, […]

Panettiere navigated a series of public highs and lows as a former child star-turned-bonafide actress — including several allegations of domestic violence against Hickerson, one of which landed him in jail in 2021 — before she was found unresponsive on Sunday, August 16.

The Nashville alum’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death that same day, calling Hayden “an incredible light and a force of nature.” She was 36.

Despite “everything she was going through personally,” the source tells Us, Hayden was a “very supportive friend” until the end.

“She always tried to remain positive and was such a joyful person to be around,” the insider shares of the Heroes alum, who dealt with postpartum depression, addiction and abuse at the hands of Hickerson in the years prior to her untimely death.

Hayden — whose younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, died in February 2023 at the age of 28 — was “fighting a lot of demons behind the scenes,” the source reveals.

“But she still remained optimistic about her future and hopeful about what was ahead,” the insider adds.

The source also tells Us that after Hayden published her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in May, she felt “relief” and appeared to be headed in a positive direction.

“She wanted to be a bright light and an advocate and always talked about wanting to help people,” the insider tells Us.

Related: Hayden Panettiere‘s Most Emotional Quotes About Brother Jansen‘s Death

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Before her shocking death, Hayden Panettiere was grappling with the sudden loss of her best friend and younger brother, Jansen Panettiere. News broke on August 16, 2026, that Hayden had died at the age of 36. Authorities in South Carolina confirmed the following day that they had responded to reports of an “unresponsive female” at […]

Hayden was first linked to Hickerson in 2018 and one year later he was arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident against the former child star.

At the time, Hickerson was charged with felony domestic violence and was ordered to stay away from Hayden. Those charges were eventually dropped and Hickerson continued to date the Remember the Titans actress.

Hickerson was arrested again in 2020 for another domestic violence incident involving Hayden, for which he served 33 days in prison. Following his 2021 release, Hickerson was placed on four years probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine.

“It was brutal. It was traumatic. It was emotional,” Hayden exclusively told Us of the experience in her May cover story, noting it was “important” to “word that experience properly” in her book.

She added, “I needed to believe that it happened for a reason. For something so horrible to happen, the only thing that I could think of to make it all worth it, was [to] let people know that they’re not alone and help people.”

By detailing her alleged abuse in the memoir — Hayden recounted the first time Hickerson allegedly hit her with an “open-face slap” and another time he allegedly beat her so badly she didn’t “leave the house for weeks” — she told Us it was allowing her to help others not feel “alone” if they’ve been through a similar situation.

“[I want others to know] that there’s somebody out there who went through it,” Hayden added. “And even though it took her years to truly get herself out of the situation, it’s possible. You can do it.”

The same month that her book was released, Hickerson told TMZ that he imagined himself marrying Hayden some day, even though they “probably wouldn’t be good together.”

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Hayden, for her part, shut down that idea on May 13, telling the outlet, “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day to enjoy a new episode of the TV show you are binging. However, some viewers don’t have time for long-running productions such as Game of Thrones and would rather have something short and sweet, which is where miniseries come in. These digestible single seasons have a self-contained story that starts and ends without needlessly dragging on.

Some of the most critically acclaimed shows are miniseries, such as Band of Brothers and The Queen’s Gambit. However, while most fans go back to the classics, the past half a decade has been home to some of the most underrated hits yet. That is why this list will rank the most perfect miniseries from the last five years based on consistency, lack of flaws, writing, directing, acting, originality, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and overall quality. For anyone looking for a quick watch to pass the day, these are the shows for them!

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‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)

Image via HBO Max

COVID-19 was half a decade ago, and while it still seems fresh in our minds, it was quite a ways back. However, the situation could have been a lot worse, because at least that isn’t what happened in Station Eleven. The story takes place two decades after a pandemic has wiped out civilization, leaving only a handful of nomadic tribes, including a group of actors and musicians who wish to spread the tales of Shakespeare to the survivors, but this is threatened by a dangerous cult and its prophetic leader.

Adapted from the Emily St. John Mandel novel of the same name, Station Eleven is a brilliant subversion of the post-apocalyptic genre because of its optimistic focus. As opposed to doom and gloom with a side of bleakness, this miniseries is a testament to the human will to spread joy and bring good into the world. The uplifting nature alone will bring a tear to the viewers’ eyes in a time when everyone needs a little bit of good in their life.

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‘Ripley’ (2024)

There is a certain charm and elegant feeling about black-and-white television, which is why some shows use it for dramatic effect and aesthetic, such as Ripley. Based on the classic novels, this miniseries is set during the 1960s, following the titular character’s struggle to pull off his scams. However, when a wealthy man mistakes Ripley (Andrew Scott) for a friend of his son, he sends him to Italy in order to bring him back home. However, getting used to the high life, Ripley thinks that this life suits him more, giving him the idea to steal the son’s identity.

Not everyone can handle a slow-paced show, especially if it is a miniseries, but Ripley is a slow burn that rewards patience through its meticulously built suspense. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, highlighting the gorgeous country with sophisticated prestige. Ripley is unhurried in its pace, giving lots of time for the characters to breathe, also allowing Ripley to carefully plan his next steps with intricate precision. Ripley is a dazzling modern adaptation of the novel that feels classic and new at the same time, proving why it is a must-watch miniseries.

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‘Pluto’ (2023)

Image via Studio M2

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Fans were probably expecting all live-action series, which is only natural, but for the open-minded, anime is a whole new world of miniseries that contains some masterpieces. Naoki Urasawa is a prolific manga author, and one of his best works is Pluto, which follows robot Detective Gesicht and his investigation of the murders of the most advanced androids in the world and robot rights activists. However, the deeper he dives into the case, the more personal it becomes, especially when it involves past scars and world wars.

Anime isn’t for everyone, but for those skeptical about the medium, it is recommended to watch Pluto since it avoids a lot of the awkward tropes. It still feels like an anime, but it is vastly more mature and engaging than most shows. This two-headed dragon switches between gripping mystery and an emotional journey seamlessly, delivering both with incredible nuance. The winding plot and shocking twists add fuel to the burning questions that drive the mystery, while the themes of love, hate, and who has the right to them elevate the personal story and its emotional climax. Pluto isn’t just a perfect modern miniseries; it is one of the best anime shows of all time.

4

‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

Image via HBO

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It is strange that this is such a common theme, but many miniseries are bleak in nature. Maybe that is just because a full show of despair would be too much, because Mare of Easttown fits everything sad about it in seven perfect episodes. Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) is a detective in a small town investigating the murder of a teenage mother. But she has her own issues to deal with, from the suicide of her son to her custody battle and a divorce.

Mare of Easttown isn’t for the faint of heart, because this dark and depressing miniseries is all about personal struggle and unresolved grief. However, it is acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of suffering in a small town, which is highlighted by the outstanding performance from Winslet. Complex, authentic, and personal best describe this perfect miniseries that showcases the resilience people face in everyday life and the tragedies that fill them.

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‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Image via HBO

DC is in a weird spot in terms of film, but they have never been better for TV shows, because they delivered a masterful miniseries set in The Batman universe. The Penguin follows the titular character played by Colin Farrell and his rise to power. With the most powerful crime lord dead, a struggle for control takes over the streets of Gotham City, and the Penguin will do anything to be the head honcho, even if that means being the underdog in every turf war.

Some fans want these types of shows to be more comic-booky, but the grounded nature of The Penguin is what makes it so great. It also makes it more approachable to non-superhero fans, with some viewers not even realizing it is DC. This gangster drama transcends the superhero genre into a completely different beast, and that is because of its transformative acting and compelling plot. Oswald’s rise to the top is rocky, engaging, and full of drama, highlighting why it is arguably the best superhero TV show ever.

2

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

Speaking of DC, Mike Flanagan is the writer for the upcoming Clayface movie, and that should get fans excited since he is the best in the business for horror. He has delivered multiple masterful miniseries, including one from the past five years, Midnight Mass. Father Paul (Hamish Linklater) is the young new priest of Crockett Island, and his arrival brings forth both miraculous events and frightening omens that could be the savior or destruction of the island.

Horror miniseries are the perfect form for the genre since they expand the story but don’t go too far with extra seasons. Instead, series like Midnight Mass create a perfect environment for terror to thrive with the exploration of remarkable themes, such as faith, guilt, and religious fanaticism. Midnight Mass isn’t just a terrifying experience; it is a wonderful character study that proves why Flanagan is the greatest horror mind of the past five years.

1

‘Adolescence’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

The past five years have spawned some fantastic miniseries, but the most recent, and most perfect, is arguably Adolescence, which became the biggest show of 2025. After a young boy is accused of murdering his girl classmate, the police open up an investigation that tears apart the family and destroys the world they once knew, with nothing but despair and grief filling the void.

Few miniseries have the same effect as Adolescence, which put the world at a standstill with its shocking story. It left many viewers feeling raw and emotional, achieving this through authentic storytelling and Emmy-worthy performances by the entire cast. The innovative narrative delivered the story in real time with an uninterrupted pace, giving a more personal view of the characters. Adolescence is a perfect miniseries not just from the past five years, but of all time.

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Adolescence

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Release Date

March 13, 2025

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Netflix

Directors

Philip Barantini

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Hayden Panettiere fiercely pushed back against the painful perception that she willingly walked away from her daughter, Kaya, years before her death at 36. In her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” the “Nashville” actress detailed her decision to allow Kaya to live primarily with her former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, while she struggled with addiction, depression, and the loss of her identity.

Screen legend Julie Andrews recently confirmed that she has no plans to appear in the currently in-development “The Princess Diaries 3.” In a recent interview, Anne Hathaway, who is involved with the movie, broke her silence about her former costar opting not to return to her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi.

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Hathaway attended the recent D23 Expo on August 16. Notably, she was inducted as a Disney Legend, the storied company’s highest honor for those who have contributed to its legacy. While on the red carpet, she spoke to Entertainment Tonight, with the reporter asking her how it felt to “take the reins” of the film, given Andrews’ decision not to appear.

The “Devil Wears Prada 2” star said, “First of all, I just want to say, if she has a change of heart, we’re down. Just anything, really.” After that, the actress stated that she and everyone else involved with the film would like to remain “respectful” of Andrews’ wishes not to be involved in the planned film.

Hathaway highlighted her former costar’s legacy, saying, “For goodness sake, if anybody has contributed to the world of entertainment and to our collective joy, it’s her. Whatever she wants, we completely understand.”

Anne Hathaway Admitted The Team Tried To Convince The ‘Mary Poppins’ Legend

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Hathaway continued her thoughts about Andrews by admitting that there were real attempts made to convince the 90-year-old actress to sign on to appear in “The Princess Diaries 3.” According to her, “We did push really hard to see if she would want to do it.”

From there, she responded to questions about what moviegoers could expect from the film. The “Odyssey” star stated, “I just want it to be fun.” She then mentioned the movie’s legacy, noting that “women who were six when the first one came out” now, in some cases, have children of their own.

She continued, “I want them to feel like they’re bringing their children to something that matters to them. A core memory for them. Something that was a part of their heart and their lives.”

Toward the end of the clip, Hathaway stated her desire to do the film “justice” as well as “taking the time that it takes” to create something special.

Julie Andrews Says She’s Retired From On-Screen Acting

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In recent years, Andrews has provided her work to several projects, including Netflix’s “Bridgerton.” However, she recently spoke to InStyle and revealed why she turned down “The Princess Diaries 3,” stating that she’s retired from appearing on screen.

The “Mary Poppins” alum said, “I think I probably passed – I think I’m retired, really, would be about the best description for that. [The film’s creative team] asked me all last year if I would be keen to do it. It was very, very hard to say ‘no,’ but I did because I thought I had a wonderful ride, and this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn’t need Granny going in there at my age.”

Previously, in 2022, Andrews interviewed with Access Hollywood, saying she didn’t think the film would be made. She said, “I think we know that it’s probably not going to be possible. It was talked about very shortly after ‘2’ came out.” The actress went on to say that she felt it had been too long since the second film’s release for it to make sense.

Anne Hathaway Says Her Values Will Play Into The Film

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Hathaway interviewed with PEOPLE in August 2026. During the discussion, she was asked what she could tease about “The Princess Diaries 3.” She responded, “Well, I can’t answer that without giving away some of the plot points we’re taking, but I’d say that Mia and I probably have very similar values.”

Hathaway explained, “I think that we want to see a world that’s full of equality and full of love. I think she wants love and I want her to have love.”

Anne’s Latest Movie Recently Arrived In Movie Theaters

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In additon to having a hand in developing “The Princess Diaries 3,” Hathaway is both expecting her third child and also starring in several films this year. The latest of her new movies, “The House on Oak Street,” debuted in movie theaters on August 14.

The film was directed by David Robert Mitchell and also stars Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, and Christian Convery. Regarding reviews, it has an 86% positive rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Next, she will star in “Verity,” which is set for release on October 2.

Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 17, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Hayden Panettiere‘s autopsy is complete, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office announced, and discovered no signs of trauma that could have contributed to the actress’ death. An official cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation, and dispatch audio referenced an overdose and cardiac arrest at the time of her August 16 death.

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• U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the continued disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, saying, “I wish I had an update.” Speaking on Meet the Press on August 16, Blanche said the FBI is committed to supporting the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the investigation six months after Nancy was last seen.

• Lindsay Clancy‘s mother and sister testified about her declining mental state in the months before she killed her three children in January 2023. Her mother, Paula Musgrove, said Clancy told her in December 2022 that she “had thoughts of harming the children,” while her sister, Allison Ozga, testified that Clancy admitted to daily suicidal thoughts.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The Odyssey and The Return.

Christopher Nolan’s new Homeric epic, The Odyssey, has emerged as a critical and box office smash. Thanks to its success, other Odyssey stories are rising in the streaming charts, too. One such movie is The Return, another retelling of Homer’s epic poem that’s been surging up the charts of Just Watch. Starring Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus, The Return boasts an impressive cast and a fresh take on the original story’s ending. If you loved Nolan’s fantasy adventure epic, here’s why The Return should be your next watch.

‘The Return’ Begins After Odysseus’ Journey Ends

Image via Bleecker Street

Although Christopher Nolan’s version of The Odyssey adapts a more robust version of Homer’s poem, The Return takes an alternative approach to the source material. John Collee, Edward Bond, and director Uberto Pasolini’s script focuses entirely on Odysseus’ return home and the retaking of his kingdom. The movie begins with a haggard and exhausted Odysseus waking up on the shores of his homeland of Ithaca, only to find it in ruins and at the mercy of dastardly suitors who exploit Queen Penelope’s (Juliette Binoche) hospitality, as they attempt to take her hand in marriage and become the new king. Disguising himself as a beggar, Odysseus observes the situation and tries to find the strength to retake his homeland. However, he’s still mentally traumatized by the horrors of the Trojan War.

As The Return and The Odyssey adapt the same source material, viewers can recognize similar scenes in both versions, taken from Homer’s poem, and it’s interesting to see how the movies interpret those moments differently . For example, in both movies, Odysseus’ hunting dog Argos recognizes his old master Odysseus outside the royal palace before passing away from old age. The scene of the servant, Eurycleia, recognizing the scar on Odysseus’ leg while washing him also appears in both movies. However, since The Return’s entire narrative focuses on Odysseus’ return to Ithaca, it takes a slow-burn style, rather than the more ramped-up pacing of Nolan’s version.

Ralph Fiennes Delivers an Excellent Performance as the Haunted Hero

While watching both The Return and Nolan’s The Odyssey, one can easily recognize emotional parallels in Ralph Fiennes and Matt Damon’s respective versions of Odysseus. Both men are haunted by their experiences during the Trojan War, and both movies portray Odysseus’ inability to return home to Ithaca for years due to the trauma of the journey. As shown in The Odyssey, Damon’s Odysseus spends seven years on Calypso’s (Charlize Theron) island, eating lotus flowers in an attempt to forget the atrocities of the Trojan War. Damon’s Odysseus gravely fears the fallout from his actions after breaking the sacred bonds of men and the trust of Zeus’ law due to his trick with the Trojan horse.

Although Fiennes’ version of Odysseus is equally traumatized by the Trojan War, his nuanced approach is more akin to survivor’s guilt. Fiennes’ Odysseus doesn’t just feel guilty about the atrocities committed during the war; he also suffers with the fact that he survived while all of his soldiers perished. In the movie’s final moments, as Penelope confronts her husband about his long absence, Odysseus expresses his fear that she would no longer love the man he had become during the war. Fiennes and Binoche showcase exceptional pathos in their portrayals of Odysseus and Penelope, as they share a bittersweet, compassionate forgiveness in the movie’s emotionally hopeful and rewarding ending.

‘The Return’ Presents an Alternative Take on ‘The Odyssey’

Image via Bleecker Street

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The Return takes a granular approach to Odysseus returning to Ithaca, as the broken and despondent ruler must rediscover his strength to retake his ruined homeland. It results in a tighter, leaner, and more personalized adaptation of Homer’s poem. The Nolan version diverges from the poem and paints a grander, epic view by depicting the fallout from the Trojan War, as Damon’s Odysseus concludes his actions poisoned humanity, bringing about the fall of the Bronze Age and the start of the Dark Ages. He also fears his actions will spread to Ithaca, ruining his beloved homeland. Meanwhile, in The Return, Odysseus returns to Ithaca, with his home already a ruined “wasteland,” as the suitors attack and terrorize the people and civilians. However, that’s more a byproduct of the suitors acting out in Odysseus’ absence and the lack of a strong ruler to keep the bullying suitors in line, rather than Odysseus’ trick with the Trojan Horse causing a chain reaction that spreads to the rest of the world, bringing about the downfall of civilization.

Obviously, Nolan utilizes a much larger budget and canvas to work with for his $250 million fantasy epic, but The Return still provides a rewarding cinematic experience. Fiennes and Binoche bring a grounded, sobering reality to their performances as frayed yet forgiving versions of Odysseus and Penelope. The Return presents a contemplative emotional story about returning home from war and the way a husband and wife come to terms with how the experience changed them. It’s also deeply interesting to watch The Return after enjoying Nolan’s big-budget, engrossing, immersive version, recognizing parallel themes about the horror and trauma caused by war and conflict. The Return should be your next binge option after you watch The Odyssey.

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The Return

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Release Date

December 6, 2024

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Runtime

116 Minutes

Director

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Uberto Pasolini

Writers

Edward Bond, John Collee, Homer, Uberto Pasolini

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Gillian Anderson recently opened up about an “illicit” relationship she had with “an older girl in high school.”

The actress shared in a new interview that she never thought of herself as gay, because she’d “had a couple of boyfriends” and also “didn’t have the language” to describe how she felt.

The confession from Gillian Anderson, who tends to keep her personal life private, sheds new light on her journey toward self-acceptance.

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Gillian Anderson was just eleven years old when she relocated from London to Michigan, an abrupt transition made more challenging by her striking punk rock aesthetic.

Growing up in the conservative environment of Grand Rapids, her bold choices in self-expression heavily alienated her from her peers.

“I was a punk in a conservative town. There wasn’t a single other person who had a nose ring and a mohawk. I was very self-conscious, with low self-esteem,” Anderson recalled in a recent interview with The Sunday Times.

Thrust into this unfamiliar culture, she found herself navigating complex feelings when she grew attracted to an older girl. However, the social climate forced the relationship into secrecy.

“It felt secretive and illicit and wrong, and we had to hide,” she recalled of the romance. Now 58, the acclaimed star of “The Crown” and “Sex Education” admits that she simply lacked the terminology to process her identity at the time.

“I definitely felt I didn’t have the language for it,” she explained. “Even later on when I had other relationships [with women] I’m not sure I ever thought of them as being potentially forever.”

Despite her relationships with women, Anderson said she didn’t think she was gay because she’d “had a couple of boyfriends.”

The Actress’s Revelation Sparked Small Chatter Online

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On social media, Anderson’s remarks have raised eyebrows, with many seemingly stunned by her remarks, which aren’t even necessarily new.

One individual on X said, “Only when their public relations people can get no interest generated in an actor or actress do they come out with this stuff.”

Another noted, “Her entire life she dates & marries only men, but now she feels compelled to tell us about our teenage years with another girl. Very strange. Maybe she’s looking for work?”

However, amid the criticism, Anderson also received praise for her candid comments, with many thanking her for being open about her sexuality.

Gillian Anderson Recalls Sneaking Into Gay Bars

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Anderson recalled an adolescence marked by rebellion and a fierce striving for independence, which always put her in the way of her mother.

“I was getting into gay bars and dancing at 12 with a fake ID,” she reminisced. “I had the conversation with my mum about the things that were allowed. I was such a strong-willed child she would say there was no telling me, and she’s right.”

But the rebellion didn’t stop there. “Next was a boyfriend who was so much older; I was 15, and he was 24,” she continued. “We were together for three years.”

The Actress Previously Talked About Her Romance With Women

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The actress has previously opened up about the “inappropriate behavior” during her youthful days. In a 2012 interview with Out Magazine, she reflected on her high school relationship and the eyebrow-raising choices she made.

“I was in a relationship with a girl for a long time when I was in high school,” she said at the time. “Then I was in a relationship with a punk rock drug addict. And then I was in a relationship with somebody who was way, way older than me.”

“Everything that that kind of anarchistic attitude brings, the inappropriate behavior it leads to, was how I chose to be in the world at that time, which was, you know, not what people did.”

She added, “Based on how I chose to look, dress, behave, you know, the relationships I was in at the time were freaking people out.”

Gillian Anderson’s Past Marriages

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Anderson has been married twice. She tied the knot with her first husband, Clyde Klotz, who was the “X-Files” assistant art director, in 1994. They had a daughter together, and then divorced in 1997.

She got married a second time to documentary filmmaker Julian Ozanne, from 2004 to 2006. She also has two teenage sons, Oscar, 19, and Felix, 17, with her ex, businessman Mark Griffiths, whom she dated from 2006 to 2012.

Since 2016, Anderson has been romantically linked to “The Crown” creator and screenwriter Peter Morgan, whom she considers her “life partner.”

“The person I consider my life partner happens to be male,” she said during her chat with The Times. “But I think I would feel the same way if it were a woman.”

My 64-year-old mom recently mentioned that her closet could use a little refresh before fall, and as a shopping editor, I was more than happy to take on the assignment. I wanted to find pieces that feel current without straying too far from her classic style, with plenty of comfortable options she can wear to work, on weekends and everywhere in between. Naturally, Amazon was the first place I looked.

My picks include a polished two-in-one sweater, wide-leg corduroy pants and suede clog mules, along with a few trendier styles I’m determined to get her to try. Everything strikes that sweet spot between comfortable and stylish, while still being versatile enough to mix with pieces she already owns. Even better, prices start at just $19, making a pre-fall closet refresh surprisingly affordable.

I Found My 64-Year-Old Mom the Perfect Pre-Fall Amazon Finds

1. My Favorite: This $23 two-in-one sweater is basically an outfit shortcut thanks to its clever design, which creates the look of a crisp white tee layered underneath. The lightweight knit and neutral almond shade make it especially easy to wear during those tricky in-between-weather days.

2. Comfy Corduroy: My mom prioritizes comfort, but I still want her pre-fall picks to feel stylish, and these wide-leg corduroy pants deliver on both. They have a stretchy elasticized waistband, roomy pockets and an on-trend silhouette that pairs just as easily with sweaters as button-downs.

3. Cozy Chic: This two-piece lounge set is exactly the kind of outfit I could see my mom wearing for everything from travel days to weekend errands. It’s currently 46% off at $27 and comes with a mock-neck top and drawstring wide-leg pants for an effortlessly put-together look.

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4. Transitional Knit: A lightweight sweater top is one of my favorite ways to start dressing for fall before the temperatures cooperate. This striped knit has breezy cap sleeves and a neutral color palette that my mom can wear with jeans now, then layer under a jacket later.

5. Cool Cargo: These olive green utility pants are a little trendier than what my mom typically reaches for, which is exactly why they made my refresh list. The relaxed barrel-leg shape feels current, while the high-rise waist keeps the silhouette polished.

6. Workday Win: Comfortable enough for a full day on her feet yet polished enough for the office, these suede clog mules give my mom the best of both worlds. The neutral suede and gold hardware make them especially easy to style with trousers, jeans or slacks.

7. Polished Layer: My mom loves timeless pieces, so this short trench jacket feels right up her alley. The camel color and button-front design keep it classic, while the cropped silhouette and plaid lining give it a fresh, modern update.

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I’m constantly scrolling through Amazon’s latest fashion arrivals, so it takes a lot for something to stop me in my tracks. This month, though, I kept finding pieces that I immediately wanted to add to my cart — from trend-forward accessories to elevated basics I’ll wear well into fall. After narrowing them down, these are […]

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