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Na Hong-jin Delivers Wild Cannes Monster Mayhem but Divides with Shaky CGI
CANNES, France — A decade after “The Wailing” cemented his status as one of cinema’s most unpredictable genre alchemists, South Korean director Na Hong-jin has returned with “Hope,” a blood-soaked, guns-blazing sci-fi creature feature that crashed the 2026 Cannes Film Festival like an alien invasion through a quiet coastal village.
World-premiering in competition on May 17 to a reported seven-minute standing ovation mixed with audible bewilderment, the 160-minute epic marks the first South Korean entry in the main slate since Park Chan-wook’s “Decision to Leave” in 2022. It’s already polarizing audiences and critics, hailed by some as a delirious action masterpiece and dismissed by others as an overlong mess undone by questionable visual effects.
Set in the fictional Hope Harbor, a ramshackle South Korean hamlet perilously close to the Demilitarized Zone, the story opens with a grisly cow carcass and rumors of a man-eating tiger slipping south from the North. Local police chief Bum-seok, played with hangdog charisma and perfect comic timing by Hwang Jung-min, investigates alongside hot-headed hunter Sung-ki (Zo In-sung) and rookie officer Sung-ae (Jung Ho-yeon of “Squid Game” fame, delivering a breakout performance full of fire and frustration).
What starts as a rural procedural quickly explodes into all-out chaos when wildfires cut off communications and reinforcements, leaving the town’s elderly residents — and the handful of cops and civilians still standing — to face something far more terrifying than a big cat. Na, who also wrote the screenplay, keeps the first hour hurtling forward in one sustained, exhilarating set piece after another: cars flipping, walls crumbling, shotguns blazing through doors with darkly comic consequences.
Cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, reuniting with Na after “The Wailing,” captures the mayhem with gliding, insolent grace. Long tracking shots weave through narrow alleys and sunlit forests, turning the destruction into a balletic frenzy. Michael Abels’ throbbing score amplifies the panic, blending orchestral swells with guttural pulses that make daylight chases feel nightmarishly vivid.
The human stakes land thanks to a colorful ensemble of Korean actors who ground the escalating absurdity in recognizable small-town dynamics — bickering relatives, grizzled elders with shotguns, and bureaucratic headaches even amid apocalypse. Bawdy humor punctuates the gore: one botched monster hunt ends with mistaken identity and a perforated butcher, leading to a grimly funny sequence of an old man struggling to carry the body.
Yet “Hope” shifts gears dramatically in its middle act, introducing extraterrestrial elements and a hunting party’s forest ordeal. Here the film’s ambitions stretch — and occasionally snap. International stars Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell appear heavily disguised under motion-capture and CGI as alien figures, their performances largely buried. Cameron Britton also contributes to the creature work. While the casting choice invites cheeky readings about Hollywood othering, the effects themselves draw the sharpest criticism.
Reviewers have described some creature designs and VFX sequences as weightless or unfinished, evoking outdated video-game aesthetics or early-2000s blockbusters. Na reportedly rushed post-production to meet the Cannes deadline, and it shows in certain wide shots where physics feel off and integration falters. These shortcomings blunt momentum during expository stretches that pile on thin mythology and subplots.
Still, the final hour regains ferocious energy with a jaw-dropping highway chase that throws everything — vehicles, debris, sheer kinetic audacity — at the screen. Action aficionados are already calling sequences here potential Oscar contenders for stunt design, comparing the visceral thrill to “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Na’s direction never loses its sweaty, chaotic exuberance, even when narrative logic strains.
At a reported record budget for a Korean feature, “Hope” represents a massive gamble for Plus M Entertainment and distributor Neon, which snapped up North American rights. Early buzz suggests franchise potential, with Na hinting at expanded universe possibilities. The film is slated for a summer 2026 South Korean release, positioning it as a domestic blockbuster contender while testing international appetite for ambitious, unapologetically genre-driven cinema from Asia.
Cannes audiences left the Palais in a mix of exhaustion, laughter and debate. Some praised its refusal to be “respectable,” celebrating raw entertainment value in a festival often favoring restraint. Others found the tonal whiplash and technical hiccups exhausting rather than exhilarating.
Na Hong-jin, now 51, has described the project’s origins in a single vivid image that haunted him years ago. Collaborations with Alfonso Cuarón were reportedly discussed early on, and the production spanned locations in South Korea and Romania’s Retezat Mountains for sweeping forest and mountain sequences. Principal photography wrapped in 2023, but extensive VFX and editing delayed the rollout.
Performances elevate the material throughout. Hwang Jung-min anchors the film with weary authority and slapstick physicality. Zo In-sung brings intensity to the hunter role, while Jung Ho-yeon injects youthful defiance that cuts through the carnage. The Korean-language dialogue crackles with regional flavor and profanity that heightens the grounded absurdity before the sci-fi escalates.
Thematically, “Hope” keeps things light. Allegories about DMZ tensions, isolation or humanity’s resilience flicker but never dominate. Na prioritizes spectacle and character beats over heavy subtext, a choice that feels refreshing — or shallow — depending on one’s expectations for festival fare. Bawdy scatological jokes and gallows humor further distance it from typical Palme d’Or contenders.
As awards buzz builds, “Hope” seems unlikely to claim the top prize but could generate conversation around genre boundaries at Cannes. Its commercial prospects look stronger: Neon’s track record with bold titles, combined with star power and viral action clips, positions it for strong summer box office in multiple territories.
Whether “Hope” ultimately lands as a cult classic or a noble misfire may depend on how audiences embrace its messiness. For now, it has accomplished something rare — waking up a sleepy festival with unhinged, blood-drenched energy. In an era of polished franchises, Na’s willingness to swing big, flaws and all, feels like a defiant roar.
Running at two hours and 40 minutes, the film tests patience during lulls but rewards with sequences of pure cinematic adrenaline. Early Rotten Tomatoes scores reflect the divide, with praise for ambition and action craftsmanship tempered by notes on pacing and effects.
As theaters prepare for wider release, “Hope” stands as a testament to bold filmmaking. It may not be perfect, but its wild heart beats loud enough to demand attention — and perhaps sequels. In Hope Harbor and beyond, the monster has arrived, and cinema feels a little more alive for it.
Business
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(VIDEO) Cleveland Cavaliers Eliminate Pistons in Dramatic Game 7 to Reach Eastern Conference Finals
CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points as the Cavaliers routed the Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 on Sunday night in Detroit, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.
The Cavaliers controlled the game from the opening minutes and never allowed Detroit to establish rhythm or confidence. Cleveland’s pace, shot-making and defensive pressure set the tone early, and once the visitors built separation, the outcome quickly shifted from a tense Game 7 to a one-sided finish. The margin reflected not only Cleveland’s offensive execution, but also the discipline and physicality that defined its best stretches throughout the series.
Mitchell provided the headline performance, but the win was a true team effort. Cleveland moved the ball with purpose, created clean looks and repeatedly punished Detroit’s defensive breakdowns. The Cavaliers also won the hustle battle, used their size effectively around the rim and forced the Pistons into rushed possessions. By the second half, Cleveland was in full control, and the game became a showcase for the depth and maturity that have carried the club through this postseason run.
Detroit entered the night with momentum and belief after extending the series to a decisive seventh game, but the Pistons could not match Cleveland’s intensity once the Cavaliers found their footing. The Pistons were competitive early, yet the game gradually slipped away as Cleveland tightened defensively and kept finding answers on offense. Every time Detroit appeared ready to make a push, the Cavaliers responded with a basket, a stop or an extra possession that slowed the comeback attempt.
The victory sends Cleveland into the East finals with real confidence and a growing sense that this group can withstand the pressure of playoff basketball. Mitchell again served as the primary engine, but the Cavaliers’ success came from a broader formula: a steady backcourt, strong interior play, defensive versatility and a bench that supplied useful minutes. Those ingredients have made Cleveland difficult to solve when the stakes are highest, and they were all on display in the decisive closeout win.
For the Pistons, the defeat was painful but not empty. This series gave a young roster a valuable taste of high-level playoff basketball, and the experience should matter moving forward. Detroit showed toughness and resilience in extending the matchup to seven games, but Game 7 exposed the gap between a developing team and one that is ready to take the next step. The Pistons will leave the postseason with lessons about consistency, execution and the demands of closing out a series.
Cleveland’s performance was especially notable because Game 7s often produce tight, possession-by-possession battles. Instead, the Cavaliers made the contest look nearly routine after the first quarter. Their offense flowed with confidence, their defense limited easy looks and their rebounding prevented Detroit from generating second-chance opportunities. That combination turned a pressure-filled elimination game into one of the most lopsided finishes of the NBA postseason.
Mitchell’s 26 points underscored why Cleveland has leaned on him in big moments. He gave the Cavaliers a reliable scoring presence, attacked with control and helped keep the offense organized whenever Detroit tried to make adjustments. His production reflected both individual talent and the benefit of playing within a system that gave him space to operate. When Mitchell was aggressive, Cleveland’s attack opened up; when he drew attention, his teammates benefited from the attention he commanded.
Just as important, Cleveland did not depend on one player alone. The Cavaliers found scoring from multiple spots, which made it difficult for Detroit to focus on any single threat. That balance is one of the reasons Cleveland looked so composed throughout the night. In a postseason setting, where defenses are designed to take away first options and force difficult decisions, having multiple dependable contributors can decide a series. The Cavaliers showed that kind of flexibility in Game 7.
Defensively, Cleveland’s effort was the defining factor. The Cavaliers contested shots, disrupted passing lanes and made Detroit work for nearly every clean look. The Pistons struggled to find the same offensive comfort they had earlier in the series, and the Cavaliers’ pressure created a sense of inevitability as the game moved along. Once Cleveland established control, Detroit’s attempts to speed up the pace or force mistakes no longer changed the shape of the night.
The setting only amplified the significance of the result. A Game 7 carries its own tension, and both teams entered knowing the season would end for one side in the harshest possible way. Cleveland handled that environment far better. Rather than playing tight, the Cavaliers looked organized and composed, which is often the difference in elimination games. Their ability to stay steady after the opening moments suggested a team that has learned from earlier playoff disappointments.
This win also represents a meaningful milestone for the franchise. Returning to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018 marks a clear step forward for a team that has spent recent seasons trying to reestablish itself among the conference’s best. The Cavaliers have built around star power, depth and defensive accountability, and this series showed how those pieces can translate into postseason success. The next round will present a tougher challenge, but Cleveland has earned the right to believe it belongs on that stage.
Detroit, meanwhile, should take encouragement from how far it pushed the series. The Pistons were not overwhelmed by the moment until late in Game 7, and that resilience says something about the team’s trajectory. Even in defeat, there were signs of progress: competitive stretches, young players gaining experience and a fan base getting a glimpse of what the future could become. The loss hurts, but it does not erase the steps forward that Detroit made this spring.
By the final minutes, the game had become a celebration for Cleveland and a lesson for Detroit. The Cavaliers had turned a difficult road environment into a statement win, while the Pistons were left to absorb the sting of a season-ending defeat. In playoff basketball, Game 7s can define a team’s identity, and Cleveland’s identity in this one was clear: prepared, balanced and relentless.
For the Cavaliers, the journey continues, and the expectations will rise with every round. For one night, though, they delivered a complete performance in the most important game of the series, and the final score told the story. Cleveland was sharper, stronger and more composed from start to finish, and that was more than enough to send the Cavaliers on to the East finals.
Business
Diamond Hill Long-Short Strategy Q1 2026 Commentary (DHLSX)
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Guinness, Art of Football collab for limited-edition jersey ahead of World Cup
Check out what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin June 11, Guinness, the beer from Dublin, Ireland, is launching a soccer-themed campaign called “The World’s Cup” for fans watching around the world.
Guinness, which Guinness North America says is brewed in 49 countries worldwide and sold in over 150, is reimagining its “The World’s Cup” ad from the 1990s in a way the brand says is meant to appeal to both die-hard supporters and casual viewers gathering for matches this summer.
As part of the broader campaign, Guinness collaborated with Art of Football on a limited-edition jersey collection designed specifically for match days.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXBUSINESS.COM

Soccer fans watch match and enjoy Guinness while sporting new jersey collaboration with Art of Football. (Guinness / Fox News)
While the signature Guinness logo, as well as the Guinness harp, are visible on the front of the jersey, the shirt features a black-and-green patterned base with white and red stripes.
Art OF has collaborated on numerous pieces with Guinness in the past, but this jersey will only be available in North America starting June 8.
TUBI LAUNCHES 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP FOX HUB FOR SOCCER FANS AHEAD OF THE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED TOURNAMENT
Art of Football, founded in 2013, is a fan-led creative studio that’s dedicated to preserving the culture of sport through the lens of art, making it a fitting collaborator for Guinness’ soccer-focused campaign ahead of one of the world’s biggest tournaments in sports.
The company has also collaborated with brands like Nike and Adidas, while securing licenses with the Premier League, Championship and European Leagues.

Guinness and Art of Football collaborated on a limited-edition jersey sold exclusively in North America before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Guinness / Fox News)
For Guinness, though, its “The World’s Cup” campaign isn’t just the limited-edition jersey collaboration. The brand also worked with Art of Football to outfit bartenders and pub staff who Guinness says “make game days lovely, serving pints and creating a sense of connection that keeps fans coming back.”
Bartenders and pub staff in Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco will be featured in Guinness content on social media during the campaign.
Guinness Draught Stout will also unveil its limited-edition soccer packs with a design created by Brooklyn-based illustrator and designer Sophia Yeshi, whose work is known for bold visual storytelling and themes of diversity.
The packs, sold in 4-packs and 8-packs, will be available nationwide for a limited time, according to Guinness.

Limited-edition Guinness pint cans designed specifically ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Guinness / Fox News)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXBUSINESS.COM
Finally, Guinness has more in store, but it will be keeping it a surprise as the World Cup gets closer.
“Soccer is at its best when everyone feels part of it, and Guinness has always stood for that same spirit of togetherness,” Karissa Downer, Director of Guinness, said in a press release. “Whether you’re an avid supporter or simply here for a good time, Guinness makes game day feel more welcoming, more connected and more memorable. With ‘The world’s cup,’ we are celebrating the pubs, pints and bartenders who turn every match into a moment worth sharing. The beautiful game deserves a beautiful pint and a room full of fans to enjoy it with.”
Guinness says consumers should drink responsibly.
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Business
Bharti Airtel rings loud on D-St, briefly tops HDFC Bank in m-cap
The telecom operator‘s market capitalisation hit a high of ₹11.9 lakh crore earlier in the day, surpassing the bank’s valuation at that point. But a rebound in HDFC Bank shares and a decline in Bharti brought the lender back to the second spot.
At Monday’s close, Bharti Airtel’s market value stood at ₹11.81 lakh crore against HDFC Bank’s at ₹11.83 lakh crore. At ₹18.06 lakh crore, Reliance Industries retained the top spot in the market cap table.
Agencieslater a rebound in Bank shares and Telco’s fall restores status quo
Bharti gained as much as 2.6% before ending 1.8% higher at ₹1,938.1. Shares of HDFC Bank ended 0.1% higher at ₹768.55 after declining as much as 2.1% earlier in the day.
The reshuffle in the market cap rankings follows the underperformance of traditional heavyweights such as information technology and banks. Before HDFC Bank, TCS occupied the second spot, but the sell-off in the stock amid uncertainty over AI-related disruption eroded its market value by almost half.
Shares of the telecom giant have dropped 8.2% this year, while HDFC Bank is down 22.4% in 2026. The Nifty 50 has declined 9.6% in this period.
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Pzena Mid Cap Focused Value Q1 2026 Commentary (PZIMX)
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Gorilla Technology (GRRR) Takes a Bold Leap with AI-Driven Data Centers in Thailand
Generative AI is a transformative technology, with predictions of a $250 trillion market by 2040. Billionaires like Gates and Musk are investing, but an under-owned company is highlighted as the key to this revolution, with a subscription offer for detailed insights.
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The burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence is being hailed as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology, capable of reshaping global economies and daily life. Leading figures like Jeff Bezos and Andy Jassy have emphasized its profound impact, with Amazon already leveraging generative AI to enhance customer experiences. Elon Musk’s bold prediction of 10 billion humanoid robots by 2040, valued at $250 trillion, underscores the immense financial implications. This potential value eclipses that of numerous major tech giants combined, highlighting the ecosystem-wide disruption AI promises.
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While established tech giants like Tesla, Nvidia, and Microsoft are recognized leaders, the narrative suggests a more significant opportunity lies with a smaller, less-recognized company. This company is reportedly advancing the critical underlying technology that fuels the entire AI revolution. Insiders and market veterans suggest this firm’s cost-effective AI technology could pose a serious challenge to competitors. The text promotes a members-only report detailing this company and its potential, offered through a premium readership newsletter at a modest monthly subscription fee.
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Sohu.com Limited (SOHU) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Operator
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by, and good day. Thank you for joining Sohu’s First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions]. Today’s conference call is being recorded. If you have any objections, you may disconnect at this time. I’d now like to turn the conference over to your host for today’s conference call, Huang Pu, Investor Relations Director of Sohu. Please go ahead.
Pu Huang
Investor Relations Officer – China
Thank you, operator. Thank you for joining us to discuss Sohu’s Fourth Quarter 2026 results. On the call are Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Charles Zhang; CFO, Joanna Lv; and the Vice President of Finance, James Deng. Also with us CEO Dewen Chen; CFO, Yaobin Wang.
Before management begins their prepared remarks, I would like to remind you of the company’s safe harbor statements in connection with today’s conference call.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates, project and projections. Therefore, you should not place any reliance on them.
Forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those containing in any forward-looking statements. For more information about potential risks and uncertainties, please refer to the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent report on Form 20-F.
With that, I will now turn the call over
Business
Five dead, including two suspects, after shooting at San Diego mosque

Five dead, including two suspects, after shooting at San Diego mosque
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TBS Holdings,Inc. 2026 Q4 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (OTCMKTS:TKOBF) 2026-05-18
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