Entertainment
10 Greatest Sci-Fi Movie Climaxes, Ranked
There’s a lot that goes into creating a proper and successful climax. It’s where all the hard work of the set-up of the film is supposed to pay off in a narratively satisfying way. They can be happy, sad or exciting, offering catharsis for the characters and the audience. When it comes to science fiction, the best film climaxes have offered everything from epic battles to intimate character revelations. They’re vast and varied, but they all payoff their movies perfectly.
Sci-fi cinema offers up endless possibilities for climaxes, since they, with the proper budget, can realize all kinds of interstellar or futuristic circumstances to properly peak with. The best sci-fi movie climaxes aren’t always the biggest. Some are much smaller, but no less impactful or appropriate than those that bring the noise. From the biggest to smallest, across space and time, these are the best sci-fi movie climaxes, ranked.
10
‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)
Ghostbusters isn’t often identified with the sci-fi genre, even though half of the fun of the film is the scientific mumbo-jumbo explanations of the supernatural that are breathlessly delivered by Dan Aykroyd and deadpanned by Harold Ramis as Bill Murray looks on exasperated. The film is, first and foremost, a comedy, though, and its climax is the most perfect marriage of the two genres. There may be more profound or exhilarating sci-fi climaxes than the one in Ghostbusters, but they don’t have a marshmallow kaiju stomping around New York City.
In a moment that would be repeated to lesser effect in later films in the franchise, the ghostbusters are asked to choose the form of their adversary by the villainous Gozer during their rooftop confrontation. All the busters are able to clear their minds except for Ayroyd’s sweet, innocent Ray, who conjures a ten-story tall Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. It’s an instantly iconic image, one which the first sequel tried to recreate with the Statue of Liberty and the 2016 reboot replaced it with a giant version of the no-ghost logo of the franchise come to life/death. The original is still the best, and the climactic roasting of the monster, and subsequent rain of his gooey marshmallow remains is something every kid who came up with this movie in rotation remembers fondly.
9
‘Logan’ (2017)
The vast majority of superhero movies could be considered sci-fi films, and that goes double for the X-Men franchise. Marvel’s favorite mutants have had some solid climaxes throughout their cinematic run. The original used the Statue of Liberty as the setting for a solid action scene, X2 set the stage for a Phoenix Saga that never properly paid off, and X-Men: Days of Future Past featured a battle across two timelines. Those, and many other superhero climaxes, are effective, but they can’t beat the best from Logan. Even though Jackman came back to play the character for the feature-length fan-service masquerading as a film event, Deadpool and Wolverine, his climactic sacrifice in Logan was the perfect swan song.
As a far more grounded and gritty action film than any of the previous X-Men or solo Wolverine movies, Logan’s neo-Western aesthetic means its final action scene is suitably less explosive. Logan faces off against government mercenaries, protecting a group of mutant children, including his own daughter. He also must confront a clone of himself, stripped entirely of his humanity and reduced to the single emotion of rage. It’s a dynamic sequence that offers the perfect summation of the film’s themes, makes good use of the film’s R-rating, pays off a prophecy set up in the prior film, and gives Jackman a climax deserving of the character he defined on the big screen.
8
‘Akira’ (1988)
An influence on many superhero films and the action and sci-fi genres in general, Akira is Katsuhiro Otomo’s cyberpunk animated masterpiece, adapted from his own manga, and it has an explosive, body-horror-filled climax. Set in the future city Neo-Tokyo, the movie revolves around the central relationship between biker gang leader Kaneda, and his childhood best friend Tetsuo, who discovers he has telekinetic abilities and becomes a superpowered threat to the entire city. That threat, and their relationship, comes to a head in a destructive action sequence set in the Olympic Stadium.
As Kaneda and Tetsuo face off, the latter uses his immense powers to mutate into a massive fleshy monstrosity. It’s a grotesque animation, but one which perfectly illustrates the character’s desire to feel powerful, totally consuming him and turning him into something devoid of humanity. It’s only through the re-emergence of the titular Akira, a missing boy with similarly endless powers, who creates a singularity to draw Tetsuo in, and in doing so gives Kaneda a psychic window into his friend’s memories. It’s an emotionally potent and visually spectacular climax.
7
‘The Prestige’ (2006)
The climax of Christopher Nolan’s stealth sci-fi film The Prestige comes in the form of a twist. Appropriately, for a film about dueling magicians, the climax feels the cinematic equivalent of a magic trick. It’s something that’s been right in front of the audience’s face the entire time, but which Nolan is able to gracefully misdirect from until the final reveal. It’s vastly different from the more haunting, supernatural and horror-focused ending of the novel, but which works perfectly for the film.
In the film, the rivalry between Hugh Jackman’s Robert Angier and Christian Bale’s Alfred Borden leads both men to develop similar tricks of supposed teleportation. Angier’s is accomplished through a machine built by Nikola Tesla that creates a clone of him every time with the original dying in order to maintain the integrity of the trick. The death of one such clone sees Borden framed for murder and put to death, until he returns to confront Angier, revealing that Borden was a set of twins who lived a single life. It’s a mind-bending climax that puts into stark terms the depths of obsession that both men have sunk into, and it’s the best trick Nolan has ever pulled.
6
‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ (1977)
Though it’s been subject to a re-edit, and reconsideration for its larger character implications by many viewers, Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind remains a wondrous sci-fi fable, and its climactic scene of first contact is visually and aurally spectacular. Set, and partially shot, at the Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, the climax features all the majesty and emotion viewers have been primed for throughout the film’s runtime. The musical call and response between the humans and the aliens as a form of universal communication is one of the most indelible moments in all sci-fi history and, paired with the gorgeous visual effects, make it one of the iconic sci-fi climaxes.
The climax is also an emotional one for the protagonist, Roy, played by Richard Dreyfuss, who has become obsessed with the aliens after having a close encounter with a UFO. Roy has his faith validated when he is invited on board the alien mothership and leaves with the alien. It’s the moment some have taken issue with, given that Roy leaves his wife and child behind, and which Spielberg himself has said he would have written differently if he’d had children at the time. Even if that robs the character of any empathy one might feel toward him, the climax is so overwhelming at that point, visually, aurally and emotionally, that, like Roy, it’s hard to care about anything else.
5
‘Arrival’ (2016)
Arrival is similarly driven by the need to communicate with aliens, with the crux of its plot revolving around humanity’s interpretation of their language. That task is given to linguist Louise Banks, played by Amy Adams, who has been haunted throughout the film by apparent memories of her deceased daughter. In the film’s climax, Louise is able to save humanity from itself by solving the alien language, which is also the alien’s greatest weapon. Understanding the alien language allows humans to perceive time non-linearly.
This perception is what gives the film its emotional climax. Louise is able to see her own future, and the daughter she will subsequently have and later lose to disease. It’s a heartbreaking realization that drives the rest of the film until it’s equally emotional ending, where Louise decides not to try and alter her future and face the joy and tragedy it will inevitably deliver her. Arrival is a sci-fi film grounded in human experience, and its climax isn’t one of visual spectacle but emotional.
4
‘Aliens’ (1986)
Reconciling the confluence of loss and love is a great climax, but so is a woman using a power loader to bitchslap the mother of all monsters. James Cameron’s Aliens took the claustrophobic horror of Alien and supercharged it with some superior firepower, making an action sci-fi horror sequel that’s been just as influential as its predecessor. The climactic battle between Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley and the Queen Alien is an all-time sci-fi fight, combining a variety of practical effects seamlessly in a way that holds up against most modern sci-fi movies.
Every sci-fi fan loves the iconic moment when Ripley confronts the Queen as she terrorizes the young Newt, played by Carrie Henn, and defiantly delivers her iconic line telling the bitch to get away from her, but what makes that moment, and subsequent fight, so powerful is how it succinctly defines Ripley’s character arc. For all the action and acid-blood spilling, Aliens is a story of motherhood at its core. Ripley has lost everything when she meets young Newt, and their surrogate bond is the heart of the film. It’s cool to watch Ripley kick some alien ass, but it’s even more satisfying because she’s doing it to save her daughter.
3
‘Blade Runner’ (1982)
Blade Runner is one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made, not only for its noirish cyberpunk visuals that determined the measure by which all future cinematic dystopic cities would be judged, but also for its simple exploration of what it means to be human. That theme is best exemplified in the film’s climax, where Harrison Ford’s Rick Deckard faces off against Rutger Hauer’s replicant Roy Batty. It’s a one-sided physical confrontation that ends with a haunting and beautiful monologue from Hauer.
Deckard has been chasing Batty the entire film, intent on retiring him as he does for all rogue replicants. Batty has been driven by his desire for more life, a privilege denied to all replicants who have a built-in limited lifespan. These two antagonists share a final moment in the rain together, as Batty saves Deckard from falling and then delivers his death soliloquy, lamenting that all his memories will be lost. It’s the most emotional moment in a movie that is often more technically impressive than it is emotionally stirring, which makes it an even more affecting climax and solidifies Blade Runner as a sci-fi masterpiece.
2
‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)
2001: A Space Odyssey is another film often associated as being more cerebral and visually engaging than emotionally, but that has never prevented its surreal Star Gate sequence from being one of the most enthralling in the totality of sci-fi cinema. It’s as dynamic a sequence as director Stanley Kubrick has ever created, and which filmmakers as talented as James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, and Brian De Palma have attempted to recapture the effect of to varying degrees of success, but it has never been bettered. It’s the kind of climax that can only be accomplished in film and science fiction.
The narrative of the film is driven by the discovery of alien monoliths, which have been shown to have some form of influence over human evolution. In the climax of the film, astronaut Dave Bowman, played by Keir Dullea, comes into contact with one of these monoliths orbiting Jupiter. It takes Dave through a Star Gate in a psychedelic sequence of visuals suggesting he has entered into a liminal space and time. The sequence culminates with Dave watching his own body rapidly age, in a setting Kubrick once described as a kind of human zoo, and becoming reborn as the Star Child. It’s a staggering wordless sequence that allows the audience to viscerally experience it rather than try to plainly explain itself.
1
‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)
People have puzzled and pondered over the subjective climax of 2001: A Space Odyssey for decades and how it engaged with them cerebrally, but it still ranks second to one of the most consequential moments in sci-fi film history that comes as an absolute emotional gut punch. The Empire Strikes Back is a superior film to its predecessor in every way, and while the climactic destruction of the Death Star is as crowd-pleasing as film moments get, there’s something far more powerful in the lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker and the revelation that ends it.
There have been more elaborate lightsaber fights and better choreographed ones, but few instill the fear that one feels watching Mark Hamill as Luke take on an opponent with abilities far beyond his own. The entire fight feels as though Vader is toying with Luke, for reasons that aren’t readily apparent other than the movie needs a climactic fight. When all pretenses are dropped, and Luke is at his most vulnerable, Vader reveals he is Luke’s father. That single moment sent reverberations through pop culture and fandoms worldwide. The franchise since hasn’t come close to matching that climax and sci-fi films everywhere defer to its supremacy.
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Entertainment
After 32 Years, ‘The Crow’ Remains the Iconic Gothic Revenge Thriller Against Which All Others Are Judged
The Crow, director Alex Proyas‘ towering baroque spectacle, immortalized itself into a pop-culture touchstone almost instantaneously. A true artifact of its generation, teens donned black eyeliner and pretended to race across rooftops, while wearied adults recognized the somber life pulsing underneath the cult classic’s hyper-stylized sensibilities — the moody noir iconography, the straightforward mythology, and the trauma layering every frame. Creator James O’Barr‘s comic of the same name was born out of his fiancée’s tragic death, while Proyas’ 1994 movie is eternally haunted by Brandon Lee‘s accidental on-set passing.
No matter how low or high your tolerance for melodramatic aesthetics, these motifs lend The Crow‘s agonized rage a sense of true gravity and substance. It’s a superhero revenge epic built not upon the cynical scaffolding its cultural reputation occasionally suggests, but a vigilante fantasy about exacting what bare-minimum justice remains when the world’s on perpetual fire and our loved ones have been swallowed up by the flames. The Crow‘s familiarity with visceral grief resonates with even more emotional truth than perhaps ever before.
‘The Crow’ Is a Stylistic Triumph
A familiar descriptor it may be, but The Crow‘s rendering of Detroit, Michigan turns said setting into a living character overrun by police corruption and greed-driven criminals. Random violence and senseless depravity provoke Eric Draven’s (Lee) revenge spree against the four men who murder him and his fiancée, Shelly Webster (Sofia Shinas). Except for a handful of daytime scenes, impenetrable shadows and artistically timed rainstorms drench every moment. Whether it’s production designer Alex McDowell and art directors John Marshall and Simon Murton‘s miniature buildings, grimy apartment interiors, or cramped, smoke-filled bars, the design’s distinct details craft a story. As much as the manufactured cityscape evokes a menacing quality, like some upside-down nightmare reality, Detroit also feels prone to shrieking in despair.
The Crow‘s heightened suspension of disbelief never rings hollow or satirically self-conscious. Proyas has a rock-star music video vision, and cinematographer Dariusz Wolski‘s dreary yet lyrically beautiful edge embraces unrepentant theatricality — black leather, composer Graeme Revel‘s grunge guitar riffs, lightning crackling above romantic Gothic architecture — without descending into outright farce. No, Eric doesn’t need to flip his rain-soaked hair in slow motion any more than a car should veer into the river before exploding into a gaseous fireball. It still makes for a spectacular tableau. Each avant-garde characteristic supports Proyas’ structure, which, in turn, infuses Eric’s righteous quest with high-octane energy.
Brandon Lee’s Astonishing Performance Anchors ‘The Crow’
Beyond the hypnotic aesthetics, The Crow‘s skeleton key will forever be Lee’s spellbinding, utterly soulful commitment. Eric claws out of his grave into the soaking mud and screams raw anguish. When he revisits his apartment and recalls the fatal attack, the frenzied montage slices like a dozen metaphorical glass shards. Yet for all Eric’s searing fury and avenging-demon makeup, he hops onto tables and cackles, vindictively toying with his prey as often as he prowls with murderous intent. Balanced against his earlier maelstrom of mourning, his gleeful satisfaction reflects the duality of a tormented heart better than an entirely brooding man. No character with a moral compass holds any qualms about Eric dispatching his assailants, either — nor, despite The Crow‘s action-heavy reputation, does he devote more effort to their deaths than minimal martial arts. They deserve their fates, but rather than flashy gore, Eric achieving satisfactory closure is the focus.
The moments when The Crow‘s stumbles aren’t deal-breakers: occasional threadbare dialogue, a lack of character depth, and Shelly’s fate, the latter playing straight into the tired cliché of a man motivated by a brutalized woman. The film’s transformative pathos onscreen and offscreen has ensured The Crow‘s continual resurrection for over three decades. Sarah (Rochelle Davis), Eric and Shelly’s surrogate daughter, temporarily believes that the world reduces anything joyful or lovely to ashes. Eric, of all people, counters her nihilism with bittersweet hope. His posthumous resolution emphasizes the ways love endures despite heartbreak. Some may find that too sentimental, but the main points stand: an ode to surviving grief not by overcoming it, but living alongside its existence, and how a community of abandoned outcasts can become one another’s salvation. After 30 years, The Crow‘s earnest, wounded heart remains vividly ambitious, imaginative, and cathartic.
The Crow
- Release Date
-
May 11, 1994
- Runtime
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102 Minutes
- Writers
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David J. Schow, John Shirley
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Brandon Lee
Eric Draven / The Crow
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Entertainment
Sebastian Stan confirms he’s expecting first baby with Annabelle Wallis: ‘I want to be a good dad’
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Stan and Wallis sparked romance rumors in 2022 but became more public with their relationship in 2024.
The first season of Off Campus is focused on Hannah and Garrett’s love story — but will Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli return for future seasons of the show?
“I totally understand your concern,” Cameli, 28, exclusively told Us Weekly about each season of the Prime Video show being focused on a different fictional couple. “We will be along for the ride the whole time.”
Bright confirmed the plan is for them to be “sticking” around before Cameli, 19, added, “We’re excited to see what season 2 holds for [us].”
Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show, which premieres Wednesday, May 13, follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery — forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood,” read the official synopsis.
Prime Video’s Off Campus follows different love stories at Briar U — but which couples end up together in the books? Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery […]
Season 1 is centered around the “sexy and fun ‘opposites attract’ romance between quiet songwriter, Hannah, and Briar University’s all-star hockey athlete, Garrett.”
For Bright and Cameli, the experience of introducing the Off Campus universe was made easier because of their quick offscreen friendship.
“Doing a job like this would be so miserable if you didn’t like your costar,” Cameli shared. “We are so lucky. Ella and I are really, really good friends. We get along so well and we spend a ton of time together on set.”
Bright was just as grateful to have Cameli as her onscreen partner in crime.
Prime Video is investing in love with a wide variety of steamy rom-coms, star-studded TV shows coming this year— and a fan event to celebrate the upcoming YA titles. The streaming service announced on Thursday, April 30, that Prime Video was branching out with Obsessed Fest, which is described as “an inaugural summer tentpole event […]
“Honestly, we just have so much fun. It’s so cool to be able to go on this journey with everybody who just cares so much about this show and these characters,” she gushed to Us. “Everyone is here for the same reason. It definitely loosens the pressure a lot, because you’re sharing it with all these really great and talented people.”
Cameli pointed out that he and Bright have a seamless bond. “We just told you, that our faces literally hurt right now. We just sat here unmoving and laughing all day,” he noted.
While season 1 will make fans fall in love with Hannah and Garrett’s story, the show introduces characters played by Mika Abdalla, Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Josh Heuston and Stephen Kalyn as well.
Prime Video has already been renewed for another season — but the next leads have yet to be confirmed.
Off Campus premieres on Prime Video Wednesday, May 13.
Jamie Foxx has been linked to Alyce Huckstepp since 2022. Their relationship was then confirmed in August of the following year. Now, according to new reports, the two are expecting a child in the coming months. This comes as the beloved actor is attached to multiple upcoming movie roles, including the yet-to-be-released “All-Star Weekend,” which he directed.
TMZ reported on May 12 that Foxx, 58, is set to become a third-time dad as his girlfriend, Huckstepp, 31, is expecting.
Currently, it’s unclear how far along the former fitness model is in her pregnancy. The baby’s gender is also unknown at this time.
Foxx’s first child, Corinne, was born in 1994, while his second, Anelise, arrived in 2008.
The Two Previously Broke Up
Foxx and Huckstepp were first spotted together in August 2022 at the “Day Shift” premiere. Reportedly, their relationship then kicked into high gear the following year, and they were later spotted at the Nobu Hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico.
It’s also worth noting that the expectant parents had broken up around the end of 2024, with it being confirmed in January of the following year. Notably, per The Blast, Foxx joked about being single in his Netflix special, “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was,” which was released in December 2024.
Fans Congratulate The Star On The Baby News
Now that Foxx and Huckstepp are rumored to be expecting a child, fans are offering their best wishes to the couple.
One person said on X, “Jamie Foxx is going to be a dad again! This is the kind of positive energy we love to see. Wishing Jamie and Alyce nothing but the best on this journey!”
Someone else said, “Whoa, that’s a big personal milestone for him. Jamie Foxx has had quite a journey.”
Jamie Foxx Previously Opened Up About Health Issues
The world rallied around Foxx in April 2023 after he suffered a severe medical complication in Atlanta while filming Netflix’s “Back in Action” alongside Cameron Diaz. Later, he revealed the nature of the medical emergency, revealing that he’s endured a brain bleed.
He made his first public appearance after the incident in December of that year at the Critics’ Choice Awards. According to Good Morning America, he gave an emotional speech, saying, “I want to thank everybody. I’ve been through something. I’ve been through some things. You know, it’s crazy, I couldn’t do that six months ago, I couldn’t actually walk.”
Foxx added, “So it feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now. It’s different. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy, ’cause it’s tough, when you almost – when it’s almost over. When you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see no light. It was hot in that tunnel.”
Per ABC News, the actor also opened up about the day the incident occurred in July 2024 while speaking to fans in Phoenix, Arizona. Foxx told the crowd, “April 11 last year, bad headache, asked my boy for an Advil. I was gone for 20 days. I don’t remember anything.”
He went on, “So they told me, I’m in Atlanta, they told me — my sister and daughter took me to the first doctor. They gave me a Cortisone shot. The next doctor said there’s something going on up there. I won’t say it on camera.”
Foxx Has Multiple Projects On The Horizon
Despite the recent health complications, Foxx has multiple films and shows in various stages of development. This includes projects where he’ll star as well as films where he serves as a producer. Among his upcoming films is Netflix’s “Fight for ’84.” As of now, the film has no release date but is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
That is not all. According to Deadline, he was cast in 2021 to lead an upcoming miniseries about Mike Tyson, in which he’ll play the legendary boxer. This will be the second limited series about the sports icon, with this one being produced by Antoine Fuqua and Martin Scorsese.
Additionally, he still has his unreleased comedy “All-Star Weekend,” which he filmed in 2016. The movie included Jeremy Piven, Robert Downey Jr., Benicio del Toro, Gerard Butler, and Eva Longoria. However, despite the A-list cast, the movie has remained shelved.
Chile! Blueface and Chrisean Rock have the internet on fire after unexpectedly linking up over the weekend and seemingly afterward. First, Blue brought out Rock as a special guest during a Seattle show, and they also kicked it in his trailer. Then, on Monday, a video surfaced of them play-fighting, with her offering to train him in boxing.
RELATED: Social Media Reacts After Blueface Appears To Suggest That Chrisean Rock’s Late Ex Ronny Is Chrisean Jr.’s Father (VIDEOS)
Blueface Brings Out Chrisean Rock During Seattle Show
Chrisean Rock had the crowd going in Seattle when she popped out on stage to perform ‘Yahweh.’ The invite was courtesy of her on-and-off boyfriend, Blueface. Despite previously claiming she was staying away from his “circus,” Chrisean was super chill in the footage of them in a trailer. It appears Blue was streaming with nearly 3,000 people, as she later refused to say hi to his “chat,” when he asked her to.
SWIPE BELOW TO SEE BOTH VIDEOS.
Chrisean Rock Shares Boxing Video With Blueface
Meanwhile, on Snapchat, Chrisean Rock posted a video of her and Blueface play boxing. She told the camera that Blue fights backwards, and she offered to train him. He previously lost a boxing match on March 14 against another streamer, Chibu. Meanwhile, Rock recently won her professional boxing debut against Zenith Zion on April 25, a moment that she emotionally applauded afterward. In the Snapchat video Chrisean posted, she added the caption “Chrisean parents,” referring to her son Chrisean Jesus. Interestingly enough, last weekend, the internet was also chatting after Blueface doubled down on not being Chrisean Jesus’ father, which he has also said in March.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.
RELATED: Fans Think Chrisean Rock & HoodTrophy Bino Are Rekindling Their Romance After He Surprised Her With Early Birthday Gifts (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Sebastian Stan and Annabelle Wallis have been one another’s biggest fans since they started dating in 2022.
Stan and Wallis kept their romance tight-lipped until making their red carpet debut at the 2025 Golden Globes. After Stan won the award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, he gave Wallis a romantic shout-out during his acceptance speech.
“Annabelle, I love you,” the Marvel star exclaimed.
Stan — who previously dated the likes of Leighton Meester, Jennifer Morrison and Dianna Agron — has long been candid about his dating experiences.
Annabelle Wallis was Sebastian Stan’s No. 1 fan when he won his first-ever Golden Globe trophy on Sunday, January 5. After it was announced that Stan, 42, won the trophy for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, Wallis, 38, leaped to her feet to congratulate her beau […]
armor,’ the hero complex over on the masculine side which, obviously, I think is a big part of the toxic masculinity that kind of develops,” Stan said on “The Jess Cagle Podcast” in March 2022. “But this idea of ‘knight in shining armor’ and this idea that we often see sometimes in Disney movies and narratives growing up.”
He added at the time, “Sometimes we just have to reevaluate [those ideals] and just understand how those narratives subconsciously influence us as we meet people because we often meet people and we’re looking for evidence of certain things we know or we’ve heard of.”
If Stan’s continued romance with Wallis is any indication, his remarks clearly struck a chord. Keep scrolling to look back at their full romance journey:
May 2022
Stan and Wallis, who previously dated Chris Pine, were first romantically linked in May when they were spotted together at Robert Pattinson’s birthday party. According to a since-deleted Instagram snap from photographer Myles Hendrik, Wallis stood close to Stan and nearly bit his bottom lip.
The following August, Stan was spotted celebrating his 40th birthday with a trip to Greece with a handful of friends and Wallis.
January 2025
They made their red carpet debut nearly three years later at the Golden Globes. After Stan won for his role in A Different Man, he sweetly packed on the PDA with Wallis before taking the stage.
“Annabelle, I love you,” Stan closed out his speech as she looked on in awe.
February 2025
Wallis was proudly on Stan’s arm at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards, where he was up for Best Leading Actor for his performance in The Apprentice. While he looked dapper in a classic black tux, Wallis shimmered in an off-the-shoulder silver gown.
March 2025
Stan brought Wallis and his mother, Georgeta Orlovschi, to the 97th annual Academy Awards when he was up for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Despite losing to Adrien Brody, he had his loved ones’ tireless support.
Ahead of the ceremony, an eyewitness told Us Weekly that Wallis kissed Stan for luck before leaving the Roosevelt Hotel.
October 2025
Stan and Wallis twinned in black for the 2025 Academy Museum Gala, in which they walked the red carpet together.
May 2026
Stan confirmed in an interview with Deadline that Wallis is pregnant with the couple’s first child.
“I want to be a good dad,” the Thunderbolts actor said, adding, “I’m feeling the responsibility of being a good father. And not to mention a good man. I’m 43 and I feel, in a lot of ways, I’m just starting to learn now. It’s just crazy to me.”
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Take one look at runways, city streets and rich mom wardrobes — polka dots are totally back, and they work magic in the polish department. Our 17 favorite dresses, blouses and skirts nail the trend, channeling sophisticated vibes every step of the way. These chic designs should cost hundreds. . . but luckily, they don’t!
Our top classy, polka-dot picks work just as well for school pickups as they do for client lunches. Whether you prefer tiny pin dots or bold graphic spots, you’ll find them below. Each elevated piece adds personality to your wardrobe without trying too hard.
17 Polka-Dot Pieces to Look Effortlessly Polished
Polka-Dot Dresses
1. Our Favorite: When you’re trying to look put together, this ruffle-hem maxi does the heavy lifting. The wrap style flatters every figure, while the ruffles add gentle movement.
2. Beach Babe: Spaghetti straps keep you cool while pockets stash your keys, phone and sunscreen. It’s hard to believe this beachy maxi dress is only $15.
3. Sunny Yellow: Yellow on yellow makes this bright, buttery sundress fresh instead of busy. Dark yellow dots add just enough contrast.
4. Quiet Luxury: Appear mega expensive in Verdusa’s simple black-and-beige midi dress. Wear it with a blazer and you’ll be the office envy — guaranteed.
5. Wedding Guest: This polka-dot dress is classier than most, thanks to the oversized dots that feel both stylish and luxe. The stretchy top means no squeeze!
You don’t need a Hamptons-dwelling aunt to imagine the effortlessly luxe aesthetic. These gals carry themselves boldly and confidently, which is probably because they wear chic raffia sandals that make them feel their best. We’re copying the rich aunt look from just $12! Woven, breezy and expensive-looking, these classy finds pair as easily with white […]
6. Wrapped Up: Sleeveless dresses can feel too exposed for office settings, but this blue wrap design has ruffled cap sleeves that split the difference.
7. Polka-Dot Princess: Toss this flowy vacation dress in your weekender for a beach-town getaway. It packs without wrinkling and is just as stunning with flip-flops as with wedges.
Polka-Dot Blouses
8. Our Favorite: A tie-neck detail elevates Dokotoo’s chiffon blouse from basic to boardroom-ready. It’s a staple you’ll reach for weekly.
9. Yacht Wife: Long-sleeve shirts can feel stuffy, tank tops too revealing. This cap-sleeve number sits right in the middle.
10. CEO Status: An oversized ruffle runs down the front of this elegant blouse, adding drama without bulk. The chiffon fabric keeps it light.
11. Boutique Find: Short puff sleeves and a peplum hem give Cicy Bell’s boutique-like top real shape, the kind that defines the waist without clinging.
12. Puff-Sleeve Princess: This refined top features puff sleeves that do the styling work for you while quietly concealing your upper arms. It’s an easy yes!
13. Everyday Outfit: A V-neck lengthens while flutter sleeves soften. Together, they make this flutter-sleeve top one of the most universally flattering pieces.
Polka-Dot Skirts
14. Our Favorite: Trends come and go, but this black and white skirt will still be ‘in’ come 2036. It pairs perfectly with every color and style.
15. Smocked and Ready: A tee and sneakers in spring, a tank and flip-flops in summer. This smocked maxi skirt stretches across seasons as easily as it stretches at the waist.
16. Nice Stretch: Shapewear under a skirt is a sticky mess. Thankfully, this elastane-blend skirt is masterfully smoothing, no extra layer required.
17. Maxi Maven: Pencil skirts feel too restrictive, and mini skirts are tough to move in. This polka dot maxi offers length and ease with a romantic tiered shape.
Everyone’s going somewhere this spring or summer. Whether you’re jetting to Europe or your in-laws’ place in the Midwest, the right outfit makes you appear effortlessly sleek and polished. A two-piece set feels like loungewear yet reads so elevated, perfect for those who refuse to choose between comfort, class and style. Better yet, the chic pieces […]
By Steven Nelson
| Published
In a world bursting with dystopian tales, 2017’s What Happened to Monday manages to offer a fresh, thrilling spin, catching viewers in a web of suspense, emotion, and intricate plotting. It went under-watched and underappreciated at the time of its release, but we can correct that now.
It’s streaming on Netflix, and this gripping sci-fi film poses the question: In a future where overpopulation leads to a strict one-child policy, what happens when you have seven identical sisters living in secret?
If you’re in the mood for a pulse-pounding ride that merges mystery with futuristic paranoia, then What Happened to Monday is one to add to your watchlist. And if you are a parent handling multiple kids at home, don’t worry, this will make your own living situation seem peaceful by comparison.
Seven Days Of Settman Sisters
In the not-so-far-off future depicted in What Happened to Monday, overpopulation isn’t just a looming issue, but rather a critical crisis. The world’s governments, in a desperate attempt to control the situation, implement a strict one-child policy. The Child Allocation Bureau ensures this policy is followed ruthlessly, taking away any additional children from families and putting them in cryosleep, with the promise that they’ll be awakened in a better, less crowded future. It’s into this world that the Settman sisters, seven identical siblings, are born.
Now, how do you hide seven sisters in a one-child society? Ingeniously named after each day of the week, the sisters rotate, stepping outside on the day they’re named after, and all impersonating the same identity: Karen Settman. Indoors, they’re Sunday through Saturday (hence, What Happened to Monday), each with her own personality and quirks. Outdoors, they maintain a collective facade, sharing experiences and memories with one another to keep their secret intact.
But the system, as meticulous as it is, starts to crumble when Monday doesn’t return home after her designated day out. Panic ensues among the remaining sisters. Has she been discovered? Did she run away? Or is there a more sinister reason behind her disappearance? The ensuing search pulls the sisters into a whirlwind of danger, conspiracy, and revelations as they race against time, not just to find Monday, but to ensure their own survival.
Noomi Rapace Kills In What Happened To Monday
The film’s stellar cast elevates this intriguing premise. Noomi Rapace takes on a challenging feat, portraying all seven distinct sisters, each with her own nuances and depth. Glenn Close, as the unwavering head of the Child Allocation Bureau, is the embodiment of the hard decisions and sacrifices made in the name of the greater good. Willem Dafoe also makes his mark as the Settman grandfather, the architect of the sisters’ intricate hide-and-seek life.
What Happened to Monday isn’t just another dystopian tale. It’s a story of sisterhood, survival, and the lengths to which one will go to preserve family.
The film generated a potpourri of reactions from critics upon its release. It was lauded for its intriguing premise and the tour de force performance by Noomi Rapace. Playing seven distinct characters in a single film is no easy feat, and Rapace’s portrayal was often spotlighted as the movie’s shining strength.
However, critics also had their reservations. Some felt that the movie, while ambitious, occasionally stumbled in its narrative execution. There were concerns that the film veered into formulaic territory, occasionally becoming predictable or borrowing tropes from other dystopian tales. Some critiques pointed towards the character depth, feeling that despite Rapace’s commendable effort, not all sisters received equal and adequate characterization.
On the flip side, the film’s pacing, action sequences, and visual aesthetics were often praised. The tension-laden plot kept many viewers at the edge of their seats, even if it sometimes sacrificed deeper thematic exploration for thrills.
Fertile Ground For A Sequel
If What Happened to Monday were to be granted a sequel, it could take multiple intriguing directions. Here’s one way to envision it:
Building on the first movie’s exploration of a world strangled by overpopulation, the sequel could venture beyond the Settman sisters’ story. The aftermath of the events of the first film has shaken the foundations of the Child Allocation Bureau. People across the world are now aware of the dark secrets of cryosleep and the fate of “extra” children. This revelation could trigger widespread unrest, with communities and families demanding transparency, accountability, and change.
The remaining Settman sisters could be at the heart of this revolution, becoming symbols of resistance against the oppressive one-child policy. They could join or even lead a movement seeking to challenge and overthrow the system. Along the way, they might uncover even deeper secrets about the Bureau and the global elite’s real intentions behind the policy.
What Happened to Monday garnered a mixed-to-positive reception, securing a 62 percent critical score against a slightly more favorable 67 percent Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. While it might not have been hailed universally as a classic in the sci-fi dystopian genre, it was recognized for its ambition, Rapace’s commendable performance, and its fresh take on a future grappling with overpopulation.
For many viewers, especially those fond of suspenseful, high-stakes cinema, What Happened to Monday became a must-watch, and is available to steam on Netflix.
Entertainment
Colin Farrell’s Hard-Boiled Apple TV Detective Thriller Officially Returns With New Image [Exclusive]
Colin Farrell has become one of the biggest stars in the world in the last few years, featuring in some of the most successful movies and TV shows on streaming and in theaters. Back in 2022, Farrell made his feature debut as The Penguin, and his role was so beloved that HBO greenlit an entire spin-off series around the character, which arrived in 2024. The show earned widespread critical acclaim, including nine Emmys, but its future beyond Season 1 is still unclear at this time. Farrell also recently teamed up with Margot Robbie for the romantic fantasy adventure A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which is now streaming around the world on Netflix. He even earned his first Oscar nomination a few years ago for his performance in The Banshees of Inisherin — it’s safe to say now is the best time to invest in Colin Farrell stock.
While The Penguin was a smash hit by every metric, many fans would argue that it wasn’t Farrell’s best show of 2024. You could make a case that the title belongs to Sugar, the Apple TV hard-boiled detective thriller co-starring Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Amy Ryan. Sugar went off the air on May 17, almost exactly two years ago, but Apple TV has already confirmed that the series will return with its long-awaited sophomore season on June 15. As part of our Exclusive Summer Preview Event here at Collider, we’re thrilled to partner with Apple TV to debut a new image from Sugar Season 2 ahead of its June 15 launch date. Before its return, Sugar is also surging in the top 10 on Apple TV in several countries right now.
What Is ‘Sugar’ About?
Sugar follows the private detective, John Sugar (played by Colin Farrell), who investigates the disappearance of Olivia, who is the granddaughter of Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel (James Cromwell). Sydney Chandler, who broke out last year thanks to her role in the hit sci-fi series Alien: Earth, can be seen in Sugar playing Olivia. Sugar was written and created for TV by Mark Protosevich, with Donald Joh, Sam Catlin, and David Rosen also serving as writers in Season 1. Additional cast members include Dennis Boutsikaris as Bernie Siegel, Nate Corddry as David Siegel, Alex Hernandez as Kenny, and Anna Gunn as Margit Sorensen.
Check out the first season of Sugar on Apple TV and stay tuned to Collider for more from our Exclusive Summer Preview.
- Release Date
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April 4, 2024
- Network
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Apple TV
- Showrunner
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Mark Protosevich, Sam Catlin
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Miguel Sandoval
Thomas Kinzie
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Scott Lawrence
Dr. Vickers
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I crowned myself a wannabe Posh Spice as a kid, so it’s no surprise that Victoria Beckham’s style has always been an enduring inspiration for me. And while her figure and mine couldn’t be more different, there’s one thing we both seem to look great in: Oner Active’s ultra‑flattering workout leggings.
The 52‑year‑old beauty and fashion mogul recently shared a photo in the brand’s UnifiedMove Wrap Leggings — and they’re proof that figure‑flattering leggings can look incredible on women of every age and size. The celeb-loved brand is known for its flattering and functional pieces that contour, support and move with you at every stage and age — whether you’re lifting weights, walking the neighborhood or keeping it cozy-comfy for the day.
Get the UnifiedMove Wrap Leggings for $62 at Oner Active! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Unlike other stretchy leggings that can emphasize areas that many of Us would rather keep subtle or hidden (looking at you, muffin top), these pants offer an easy, comfortable fit that looks good without insane effort. They’re comfortable, confidence-boosting leggings that work on real bodies, real-life demands and real women of every age.
For years, skin-tight leggings had a chokehold on my closet. They’re reliable, sure, but lately I’ve been craving something with a little more breathing room. Enter: the new wave of wide-leg yoga pants and relaxed workout bottoms that still sculpt in all the right places. The vibe? Polished, flattering and surprisingly booty-boosting. These looser silhouettes […]
Thoughtful design details like a wrap‑front waistband not only look sleek, but they’re also incredibly supportive and flattering. A hidden mesh layer in the waistband helps keep the lower belly in check, while still feeling good when you’re on the move. The fabric is incredibly breathable and silky, and stays cool even during the sweatiest outside workouts or hectic mom-duty days.
When it comes to the backside, the sculpting workout leggings have glute‑defining lines that create a defined, lifted look without veering into obnoxious territory — i.e., nothing overly youthful, flashy or revealing. Instead, the effect is subtle and functional — the kind of body-boosting detail that feels appropriate whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, 50s or beyond.
These Oner Active leggings come in regular and long lengths, plus sizes XS through XXL. And while Victoria’s go‑to cocoa shade is running low, there are twelve total colors to choose from, including classics like black and blue, as well as bolder hues, like green and purple.
While Oner Active doesn’t post reviews for these leggings, if social channels like Instagram are any indication, women of all ages and sizes are obsessed. From gym‑goers in their twenties to busy moms in midlife, everyone says they’re flattering, comfortable and ready for anything on the agenda.
A little Posh, a little sporty and perfect for every age — consider this your sign to embrace the Spice Girl in you, like Victoria Beckham, and snag a pair of these Oner Active wrap workout leggings while they’re still in stock.
Get the UnifiedMove Wrap Leggings for $62 at Oner Active! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
If your workout wardrobe is feeling a little uninspired, you’re not alone. The right activewear can make all the difference — boosting confidence, improving comfort and giving you that extra push to actually want to move. Whether you’re heading to a workout class or just running errands, athletic pieces that flatter and perform are key. […]
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