Entertainment
8 Single-Season Thriller TV Masterpieces
In the age of sprawling prestige television, it’s easy to forget the unique power of a story that knows exactly when (and how) to end. Single-season thrillers offer something increasingly rare in modern TV: a tightly constructed narrative that begins, builds, and concludes without the need for cliffhangers designed to stretch across multiple years. With no filler episodes or narrative detours, every scene carries weight, every clue matters, and the tension can build with relentless precision.
That focus is exactly what makes those shows so addictive. The result is television that feels immersive without being overwhelming — the kind of story you can devour in a matter of days while still enjoying a fully satisfying conclusion. So, to celebrate this creative feat, here are some single-season thriller masterpieces that sometimes prove the most gripping stories are the ones that don’t overstay their welcome.
1
‘Dept. Q’ (2025)
Set in Edinburgh, disgraced detective Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) is reassigned to head a newly formed cold-case division after a traumatic shooting leaves his partner seriously injured and his reputation in tatters. Unfortunately, the department is a little more than a bureaucratic afterthought buried in the police station’s basement. Luckily, with the help of a small team, Carl begins reopening long-forgotten cases, starting with the mysterious disappearance of a prominent prosecutor years earlier.
Ok, yes. This is still an ongoing series, but there’s no denying how brilliantly this show methodically builds tension in one single season. Rather than relying on constant twists, Dept. Q carefully unravels its mystery piece by piece, allowing the characters and their psychological scars to shape the narrative. Plus, the Scottish noir atmosphere — bleak landscapes, morally complex characters, and a creeping sense of dread — creates a story that feels both grounded and intensely suspenseful. It’s a stellar introductory season that stands tall in its own right, and the fact that it still has more to say is a win for all crime-show lovers.
2
‘The Day of the Jackal’ (2024)
Based on Frederick Forsyth‘s iconic novel, a highly skilled assassin known only as the Jackal (Eddie Redmayne) is hired to carry out an audacious assassination on a billionaire tech entrepreneur. Meticulous and almost impossibly disciplined, the Jackal uses advanced tech and elaborate identities to carefully navigate his mission. Meanwhile, an MI6 analyst finds herself dangerously close to tracking him.
As far as espionage thrillers go, The Day of the Jackal shines in how it builds suspense. Instead of relying on chaotic action sequences, the show turns preparation itself into the thrill. Every forged act, disguised identity, and near-miss encounter tightens the tension. This only elevates as we’re shown the other perspective of agent Bianca Pullman (Lashana Lynch) as she engages in a true cat-and-mouse journey. Yes, it’s a steady build throughout the season, but with each new twist and discovery keeping us on our toes, who wouldn’t want to stay to the end (even if there is another season in development)?
3
‘All Her Fault’ (2025)
When Marissa Irvine (Sarah Snook) arrives to pick up her young son from what she believes is a playdate, the woman answering the door has no idea who she is — and insists the child was never there. As panic spreads and the search intensifies, investigators and family members begin piecing together the events leading up to the disappearance.
Rather than unfolding as a straightforward procedural, All Her Fault thrives on shifting perfectives and unreliable accounts, exposing the cracks in seemingly ordinary suburban lives. Across every episode, secrets begin surfacing in layers, turning what first appears to be a simple disappearance into a knot of lies, guilt, and emotional fallout. It’s the kind of fear that weaponizes everyday dread (particularly parental fear) and stretches them into a tense, psychologically charged mystery.
4
‘The Outsider’ (2020)
A quiet town is shattered when a beloved Little League coach is arrested for the horrific murder of a young boy. The case seems airtight — DNA, fingerprints, eyewitnesses — yet equally convincing evidence places the suspect miles away at the time of the crime. As detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) tries to reconcile the impossible contradiction, the investigation begins pointing toward something far stranger than anyone anticipated.
While perhaps being a lesser-known Stephen King TV adaptation, The Outsider operates like two thrillers slowly morphing into one. On the one hand, it unfolds as a bleak procedural mystery. That is, until the narrative gradually tilts into supernatural horror. That tonal shift could easily feel jarring, but here, it works, as the show never abandons its psychological grounding. The result is an eerie hybrid of crime drama and existential dread — one where the true horror lies in confronting the possibility that the world might not follow any logical rules at all.
5
‘The Night Of’ (2016)
When college student Nasir ‘Naz’ Khan (Riz Ahmed) impulsively borrows his father’s taxi for a night out, he meets a mysterious woman, and they spend the evening together. To his horror, Naz wakes up beside her brutally murdered body, with no memory of what happened. Arrested almost immediately, he becomes trapped inside the unforgiving machinery of the American criminal justice system while his defense attorney scrambles to untangle the truth.
What makes The Night Of so riveting is how patiently it examines the ripple effects of a single accusation. The show moves far beyond the question of guilt or innocence, instead exploring how the intricacy of the flawed justice system reshapes the people caught within it. Ahmed’s performance masterfully captures Nasir’s gradual transformation as the case drags on, while the series itself becomes a slow, suffocating portrait of institutional pressure. It’s a thriller where the suspense comes not just from the mystery, but from watching a life quietly collapse. It’s a true shining gem of the miniseries format.
6
‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)
Told across dual timelines, The Haunting of Hill House follows the Crain family as they grapple with the traumatic experiences they endured while living in a haunted mansion during their childhood. Years later, the adult siblings remain haunted not only by ghosts but by the emotional scars left behind by their time in the house.
While the series is undeniably a shocking horror story, its structure functions like a psychological thriller, slowly revealing the truth behind the family’s past. Creator Mike Flanagan layers clues throughout the narrative, building toward devastating revelations about grief, memory, and family trauma. Between its hidden ghosts, intricate storytelling, and deeply emotional character arcs, the show proves that suspense can be just as powerful as jump scares (of which the show has plenty).
7
‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)
Journalist Camille Preaker (Amy Adams) reluctantly returns to her small Missouri hometown to cover the murder of two young girls. The assignment forces her back into the orbit of her cold, domineering mother and fragile half-sister, reopening old wounds she spent years trying to escape. But as Camille digs deeper into the investigation, the town’s carefully maintained facade begins to crack.
As an adaptation from Gillian Flynn‘s novel, Sharp Objects operates less like a traditional whodunit and more like a slow descent into generational trauma. The mystery unfolds alongside Camille’s own psychological unraveling, blurring the line between investigation and self-destruction. Adams delivers a mesmerizing performance that anchors the entire series, making each revelation feel as emotionally devastating as it is narratively shocking. By the time the final twist lands, it feels both horrifying and tragically inevitable.
8
‘Black Bird’ (2022)
Inspired by real events, Black Bird follows Jimmy Keene (Taron Egerton), a charming drug dealer sentenced to a decade in federal prison. Offered a chance at freedom, Jimmy agrees to a dangerous deal with the FBI: he must befriend suspected serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser) while both are incarcerated and coax a confession from him. If Jimmy succeeds, he could walk free, but if he fails, he’ll remain behind bars.
There’s no doubt the series thrives on the psychological tension between its two central characters. Egerton’s Jimmy must constantly balance manipulation with survival, while Hauser’s eerie portrayal of Larry keeps viewers guessing about how much he truly knows. Each interaction becomes a game of trust and deception, where a single wrong move could destroy Jimmy’s chance at freedom. The result is a claustrophobic, character-driven thriller that proves suspense doesn’t always require action, just two people in the room with the truth hanging between them.
Black Bird
- Release Date
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2022 – 2022-00-00
- Showrunner
-
Dennis Lehane
- Directors
-
Dennis Lehane
- Writers
-
Dennis Lehane
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The fall 2026 lineup is going to look a little different for CBS after some shows went through surprising changes.
CBS announced its schedule on Wednesday, April 15, with viewers noticing some substantial changes. Ghosts, Matlock and NCIS: Sydney received a shakeup by having their premieres moved to 2027 for midseason. They will join the new show Einstein, which is finally premiering in 2027 as well.
Matlock‘s timeslot will be given to Elsbeth to allow Cupertino to premiere on the same night. NCIS: Sydney, meanwhile, is moving to midseason as NCIS: Origins — which received a shorter episode order — takes over to pair off with NCIS: New York. Fire Country also received a smaller episode order.
The network originally announced a spate of early renewals in January, with only Watson and DMV left in limbo. CBS ultimately renewed 12 dramas for its next season, including all four freshman shows: Marshals, CIA, Sheriff Country and Boston Blue. The network also previously picked up two new shows for 2026-27: Robert and Michelle King’s Cupertino and Matthew Gray Gubler‘s Einstein.
In March, Watson and DMV were canceled after Eternally Yours and The Tillbrooks were expected to proceed beyond the pilot stage. The Tillbrooks, however, ultimately didn’t receive a series order.
CBS also found success with new additions such as Yellowstone spinoff Marshals, which was picked up for season 2 after its premiere was watched by 20.6 million viewers within seven days. It marked the most-watched network original series premiere without a football lead-in since 2017.
CBS is going through some changes after canceling two shows. News broke on Friday, March 27, that Watson wouldn’t be returning for season 3, while DMV was canceled after one season. Their series finales will air May 3 and May 11, respectively. The update came a week before the network was planning to unveil its […]
“Marshals delivered a breakout performance, capturing a massive audience across platforms and quickly establishing itself as one of TV’s most powerful new series,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said in a statement. “The overwhelming viewer response speaks to the strength of the Yellowstone world, the bold, character-driven storytelling from the creative team and the dynamic cast performances led by Luke Grimes.”
According to a press release, CBS had several wins with Marshals and Justin Hartley‘s Tracker. Both shows came out as the top two most‑watched during their premiere week. The debut of Luke Grimes‘ spinoff, meanwhile, ranked as CBS’ most-streamed episode ever on Paramount+.
Boston Blue and Sheriff Country also scored quick season 2 pickups, with Sheriff Country averaging 7.6 million viewers and Blue Bloods bringing in 8 million viewers and winning “every Friday night in total viewers.”
Fire Country is going through a massive change when it returns for season 5.
The CBS drama received a 13-episode order, which is down from its usual 20 episodes. It is joining NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney — and Matlock — as shows with a reduced episode order. Deadline reported that the change comes after the network expanded its scripted roster for the fall 2026 TV season.
Fire Country, which premiered in 2022, follows inmate Bode (Max Thieriot) as he attempts to shorten his prison sentence by volunteering for the California Conservation Camp Program. By the third season, Bode is out of prison and determined to prove himself at Cal Fire.
The hit series previously went through a shakeup when news broke in April 2025 that budget cuts led to Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila‘s exits. (Burke has yet to address his departure.)
Fire Country has experienced cast — and showrunner — departures amid budget cuts, so which cast members are and aren’t returning for season 5? The CBS series, which premiered in 2022, introduced Us to the town of Edgewater after inmate Bode (Max Thieriot) returned home and began volunteering for the California Conservation Camp Program. By […]
“I had no idea ever. But at the same time, I know that this is the nature of the industry that I’m in, and I have accepted the flow of release and acceptance throughout my journey and knowing that when one door closes, another one always opens,” Arcila exclusively told Us Weekly in April 2025. “We have this beautiful eternal door of revolving desires in what we love in life. I believe that if we put resistance towards that, sometimes it stops us from fulfilling other things that we love.”
Showrunner Tia Napolitano, meanwhile, defended the decision.
“It’s a fire show. Anyone can go at any time,” she told Us in October 2025. “But in terms of losing people, we’re also adding some really fun guest cast. It’s a revolving door of people from Sharon’s past and new faces that are exciting to bring conflict and secrets and twists and turns.”
Napolitano teased how the show will have to balance “really spicing it up” while still walking a “fine line” of paying tribute to the loss.
“What we’ve done is really thread the needle of honoring — especially Vince — because Gabriella is gone, but she’s gone to a happy and successful life. She’s still out there. But we really walk this line of honoring Vince while also finding hope rather quickly,” she noted. “Looking forward, the theme of the season is rising from the ashes and recovery.”
Fire Country has faced numerous surprising cast — and crew — changes over the years. The CBS series, which premiered in 2022, introduced Us to the town of Edgewater after inmate Bode (Max Thieriot) returned home and began volunteering for the California Conservation Camp Program. By season 2, a backdoor pilot set up the world […]
Napolitano continued: “How do you recover from something like this? And we’re really going to see everybody rise to the occasion, in celebration of Vince, of his life and in honoring the sacrifice that he made.”
Napolitano has since exit the show and won’t be returning for season 5.
“I am beyond proud of the past four seasons of Fire Country,” she said in a January statement. “All of my gratitude to our cast, crew, writers, producers, fans, and of course CBS and CBS Studios. It’s been a beautiful ride!”
Fire Country returns to CBS on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET. New episodes will be streaming the next day on Paramount+.
Entertainment
Adam Scott auditioned for“ Hellraiser 6” after dying in “Hellraiser 4:” 'Maybe they won't notice'
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“I’m like, ‘Screw it.'”
Just because Paulina Chávez is in the dark about season 3 of Landman doesn’t mean she can’t speculate wildly with Us about possible story lines.
“We don’t know anything,” Chávez, 23, who plays Ariana, exclusively told Us Weekly while celebrating the National Pork Board’s new Explora Todo El Gusto Del Pork campaign. “Obviously, I do assume that we’re gonna really get into more of the nitty-gritty of these character dynamics.”
Chávez has hopes for where her character will fit in now that Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) is striking out on his own, adding, “Obviously, we have never seen how Ariana fits into the Norris family, and she’s never really interacted with [Ali Larter‘s] Angela. So I’m excited to see that.”
As Chávez is “eagerly waiting” for scripts for the hit Paramount+ series, she indulged Us by weighing in on all the possibilities when it comes to Ariana. Fresh off an engagement to Cooper (Jacob Lofland), Chávez could see them hitting another major milestone.
Taylor Sheridan‘s hit series Landman was renewed for season 3 — but which stars are and aren’t returning after that shocking firing? Inspired by the “Boomtown” podcast series, Landman is focused on the West Texas oil industry with a specific focus on crisis executive Tommy Norris and his family. The Paramount+ show, which premiered in […]
“A small wedding [must be] coming. But I also feel like this is a great opportunity for Ariana to maybe do something that her family has never done before, which is maybe go to college or maybe take some night classes,” the actress noted. “Especially if she is going to take more time with the baby and figure out the relationship with Cooper further.”
Chávez continued: “But she is also helping him with his goals and in the family business. I think that Ariana is going to want to do something for herself and to really help. Honestly, I see her being mentored by Rebecca, and maybe she’s following in the footsteps of making sure that they are protected legally.”
Chávez noted that Ariana would want a “small” wedding — but her future mother-in-law would not.
“Cooper and Ariana, they can hold off on it a little bit, but we’ll see. Maybe we will be in preparation for the wedding, but you won’t see it until it happens,” she noted. “Mexican weddings tend to be over the top. Angela is like a Latina mom by heart because she’s just so loud and free and open. She would want to go very extravagant with the wedding. … Maybe they’ll just go to the courthouse.”
The idea of bringing their families together sounded appealing to Chávez, who added, “I would love for Cooper to also see the dynamic between Ariana’s parents and her. I also would love to see both families meeting and see how that’s going to unravel.”
Despite planning a future together, there is one relationship milestone Chávez isn’t in a rush to explore. Chávez, whose character already shares a baby with her late ex-husband, expressed hope that Ariana and Cooper wouldn’t rush into expanding their family.
“Sometimes when you move super fast, sometimes there’s no need to [move as fast in other areas of the relationship]. There’s so much for them to still fortify and still work on their relationship and on themselves too,” she explained. “Either way, it’ll be a ride.”
Chávez also weighed in on Us‘ theory that creator Taylor Sheridan could bridge the worlds between some of his currently airing shows. From Yellowstone spinoffs Dutton Ranch and Marshals to The Madison, there are plenty of options when it comes to shows that could intersect with Landman.
“Definitely Dutton Ranch. That would be super, super cool to see — as a person who watched Yellowstone,” Chávez told Us. “That would be very interesting.”
Before Chávez returns to film the third season of Landman, she is serving as the face of Explora Todo El Gusto Del Pork, which is a new lifestyle food brand from the National Pork Board.
“This comes at a time where it’s such a fun way to show people our culture and in the way we love through food. Pork is something that is a big staple in our dishes that we make, and I feel like this is just going to pay homage to all the Latinas that have come before us and our grandmas,” she shared with Us. “I’m excited to share some of my grandma’s recipes and show the younger generation how to keep that culture going.”
She continued: “I feel like we didn’t really have much. And my sister — thankfully — sat down with my grandma and she wrote a cookbook with some of our favorite recipes. My top favorite is pozole. It’s a stew, and it’s just so yummy, and it’s just comfort food. Every year we also make tamales rojos, but on the side of that, we also make chilucas.”
For Chávez, the best meals come from her mother, whose cooking is “superior.” She adds, “I just love being home. I do like cooking when I have to. If not, I love to eat my mom’s cooking.”
Landman is currently streaming on Paramount+.
Teen Mom alum Jenelle Evans appears to be working hard to put her past troubles with her son Jace behind them.
Posting via Instagram on Friday, May 1, Evans, 34, shared a carousel of photos and videos that showed her with Jace, 16, as they spent quality time together at a “parents weekend.”
Evans shared a selfie of the mother-son duo together as well as snippets from a kayaking adventure they embarked on together.
“Therapy and kayaking with my best friend. Both working on ourselves at the same time 💓🥹 #ParentsWeekend #MentalHealthAwareness,” the reality TV star captioned the post.
Teen Mom alum Jenelle Evans is assuring fans that her 16-year-old son Jace is in good hands. “I’ll let you know something that I haven’t told anyone,” Evans, 34, shared on the Monday, April 13, episode of the “La Femme Talk” podcast. “You know I’ve been very quiet online, and behind the scenes, I’ve been […]
Evans — who shares Jace with ex Andrew Lewis, Kaiser, 11, with ex Nathan Griffith, and Ensley, 9, with David Eason — also shared drawings from the weekend via her social media, which appeared to be parenting exercises.
One piece of paper read “emotional hijack” and included practical steps to take such as “Do things they enjoy. Respect their feelings” and “Build the relationship.” Evans captioned the post, “#Parenting101.”
Evans’ followers voiced their support for the family update in the comments section.
“Precious, but make sure Jake is on board with you postings😉🤔 Hope All is well with you both🫶🫶,” one wrote, while another added, “Good job momma. ❤️”
Meanwhile, another follower wrote, “He looks good. Am glad he is doing well. So proud of him.”
Jenelle and Jace Evans. (Photo courtesy of Jenelle Evans/Instagram)
In March, news broke that Jenelle’s mother, Barbara Evans, filed for emergency custody of Jace after the teen allegedly pulled a gun on his relatives in February. (Jace was living with Barbara in North Carolina at the time, while Jenelle is based in Las Vegas with her younger two children.)
Barbara’s motion was denied but Lewis started a GoFundMe page to raise money for “medical and legal” expenses for his son, which Evans later slammed as a “scam.”
Evans previously shared an update on Jace on the April 13, episode of the “La Femme Talk” podcast.
“I’ll let you know something that I haven’t told anyone,” Evans said on the podcast. “You know I’ve been very quiet online, and behind the scenes, I’ve been actually getting help for my son as needed, and he’s in a safe place [in a] holistic approach.”
She continued, “I think that’s the most important thing. A lot of people, they think since I’m being so quiet that I might not be doing anything and not taking action. But just know that if I’m quiet, I’m up to something.”
Victoria Woods, also known online as BroRilla, has finally shared her take on ‘GOMF,’ which is her sister GloRilla‘s new song with Latto. Woods popped off on both rappers, taking shots at their talent and personal lives. Soulja Boy and Drake also caught stray jabs from Victoria for supporting the record and its official video. For context, ‘GOMF’ doesn’t name Victoria. However, in the song’s chorus, GloRilla takes aim at a “freaky stud,” which fans speculated was a dig at her sister.
“Get out my face, ho (Ho), beggin’ for change, ho (Yup). Get you a hustle and get that p*ssy out your face, ho (Yup). You coulda been anything, it’s a million ways to get paid, ho (Yup). But you ain’t sh*t but a freaky stud that’s laced,” GloRilla raps.
RELATED: Wayment! Fans React As GloRilla Appears To Diss Sister Victoria Woods & Teases Future Baby In ‘GOMF’ Track
Victoria Woods Goes OFF On GloRilla, Latto, Drake & Soulja Boy Over ‘GOMF’
In her response video, Victoria Woods wasted no time sending a big F-U to GloRilla, Latto, Soulja Boy and Drake. As a matter of fact, that’s exactly how the circulating BroRilla clip starts. Then Woods starts running down a list of insults for each person.
“Latto, you not even getting claimed in public by your baby daddy, b*tch. Like, h*e you pregnant by a married man while you wanna sit here and put Glo on a record,” Victoria Woods said, accusing Latto and Glo of running behind another female rapper’s “crown.”
Additionally, Woods called out Drake for “suing a motherf*cker over dissing the sh*t” out of him.
“You’s a b*tch any motherf*cking way, cause you mad cause Kendrick Lamar got on yo a** since you wanna sit here and applaud Latto, b*tch.”
To clarify, Drizzy has not sued Kendrick Lamar. However, he did sue Universal Music Group (UMG) and Interscope Records in January 2025 for allegedly engaging in a “false and malicious” campaign to promote Lamar’s diss record, ‘Not Like Us.’ A judge dismissed the defamation lawsuit in October 2025. In April 2026, Drake reportedly filed a brief in his appeal against the dismissal.
“Soulja Boy your outfit still big as f*ck ever since youuuuuuu and you lame as f*ck and can’t rap. I’m coming for all y’all heads, f*ck all y’all and anybody who like that motherf**king song and has stamped it…” Victoria said in her video.
Why Did Drake & Soulja Boy Catch Strays In BroRilla’s Clapback?
With ‘GOMF’ being featured on Latto’s album, it’s obvious why Victoria Woods came for her baby bump and more!
As for Soulja Boy, he seemingly caught heat from Woods for approving the sample song used in ‘GOMF,’ which is his 2007 hit, ‘Yahhh.” He confirmed in a series of tweets on April 27 that he’s been clearing samples for the last two years. His approval list also includes ‘Wanna Be’ by Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla, ‘Stomp Stomp’ by 41, Kyle Ricch, Jenn Carter, Tata and Dee Billz and ‘Dunk’ by Cash Cobain. Soulja Boy also makes an appearance in the official video for ‘GOMF.’
As for Drizzy, it doesn’t appear he’s directly involved with the production or promotion of ‘GOMF.’ However, he’s shown public support of Latto’s career in recent years. For example, in November 2024, he attended her show in Toronto, encouraging the crowd to show her love. Fast-forward to this month. The rapper publicly acknowledged ‘GOMF,’ and Latto even shared a personal text from him that complimented her lyrics.
“Ghost a n*gga if he ain’t a eater just like Pac-Man is a f*cking BARRRRRRRR,” Drake texted Latto.
Drake shows love to Latto’s ‘GOMF’ 🫶
Via: latto pic.twitter.com/4PDh89zN4T
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 27, 2026
In her album’s first single, ‘Business & Personal,’ Latto rapped about how honored she is by people likening her rap skills to Drake’s. According to Complex, there were rumors that he ghost wrote for her last album, ‘Sugar Honey Iced Tea.’ “Oh, they think Crodie wrote it, (Pfft, well that’s a compliment,” she raps in the second verse.
Latto addresses rumors of Drake writing verses for her 👀
“Oh they think crodie wrote it? That’s a compliment.” — Latto on “Business & Personal (Intro)” pic.twitter.com/imzdPj8IYS
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) March 20, 2026
Was Woods Recently In A Car Accident?
Victoria Woods’ clap back comes amid viral photos that seemingly depict a person who resembles her. The photos show the look-alike sitting on another person’s lap in the driver’s seat with the door open. The car in the photos appears to have sustained damage, including major scratches and dents, on both car doors. It’s unclear whether a car accident occurred. At this time, Victoria has not addressed the photos. Additionally, no police reports citing her name and a car accident have surfaced yet.
RELATED: Lexie Brown Speaks Out After Klay Thompson & Megan Thee Stallion Fail To Clear Her Name In Cheating Allegations
What Do You Think Roomies?
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War is hell, and these movies don’t shy away from it.
Hollywood is sleeping on creature features. All it’ll take for audiences to stop sneering at these movies is Ari Aster filming a hive of caterpillars crawling up someone’s nose. But as long as they keep making knowingly unhinged films about sharks and murderous fish, viewers will keep tuning in — ironically, of course. Not too long ago, Netflix delivered a major hit with Thrash, in which Phoebe Dynevor punches a shark in the face during a hurricane. In 2024, the bonkers French film Under Paris captured a similar energy, bottled it up, and threw it in the audience’s face. There was a time when creature features would make a killing at the box office. Remember The Shallows, where Blake Lively is stranded on a rock being circled by a great white? The film grossed over $110 million worldwide in 2016. Only three years later, another creature feature did excellent business at the box office and received positive reviews.
This movie was helmed by Alexandre Aja and produced by horror-comedy maestro Sam Raimi. The film was headlined by Kaya Scodelario, who’d just made an unsuccessful attempt to replace Keira Knightley as the female lead of the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Funnily enough, they’d go on to work together on the 2025 Netflix thriller The Woman in Cabin 10. In the 2019 creature feature, Scodelario played a young woman trapped along with her father in the crawl space of their home during a hurricane. Survival becomes even tougher for them when they’re surrounded by alligators.
Here’s How Long You Have Left To Watch Kaya Scodelario’s Creature Feature
We’re talking, of course, about Crawl. The film grossed more than $90 million worldwide against a reported budget of $15 million — this sort of result would be difficult to replicate today, especially with the emergence of streaming. Crawl received mostly positive reviews and is now sitting at a “Certified Fresh” 84% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “An action-packed creature feature that’s fast, terrifying, and benefits greatly from a completely game Kaya Scodelario, Crawl is a fun throw-back with just enough self-awareness to work.” Also featuring Barry Pepper, the film is currently streaming in the United States on Paramount+, but it’ll be removed from the platform on June 1. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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July 11, 2019
- Runtime
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87 minutes
- Director
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Alexandre Aja
- Writers
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Alexandre Aja, Michael Rasmussen, Shawn Rasmussen
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These rom-coms, war films, and tearjerkers are certainly classics to us.
One adventure film has spent years being treated like an afterthought, which is kind of unfair when the movie itself is this inventive. Directed by Jon Favreau, the 2005 adventure takes a simple domestic setup and sends it spiraling into a surprisingly tactile, imaginative space fantasy. The whole thing has a handmade charm to it, from the practical effects to the escalating chaos inside the house, and that helps it feel warmer than a lot of bigger family blockbusters from the same period.
What really carries Zathura, though, is the sibling dynamic at the center. The young cast makes the growing tension and eventual bond between the brothers feel natural, which gives the film more emotional weight than you might expect from something involving killer robots and a board game that launches planets at your living room. It never overplays that heart, but it’s there, and it gives the movie a lot of staying power.
Now that it’s streaming free on Pluto, Zathura has another shot at being appreciated for what it actually is instead of what people lazily compare it to. It’s one of the most charming family sci-fi adventures of the 2000s, and it deserves a proper rediscovery. The cast of Zathura includes Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games, Bridge to Terabithia) as Walter, Jonah Bobo (Crazy, Stupid, Love) as Danny, Dax Shepard (Employee of the Month, Hit and Run) as the Astronaut, Kristen Stewart (Twilight, Spencer) as Lisa, Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption, Mystic River) as Dad, and Frank Oz (The Blues Brothers, Knives Out) as the Robot.
Is ‘Zathura’ Worth Watching?
The late Roger Ebert believed that the reason Zathura works is because it taps into the old-school thrill of a board game coming to life and turns it into a fun, imaginative space adventure. The movie follows two brothers whose boring afternoon gets completely derailed when a mysterious game sends their house into orbit and throws one wild danger after another at them. What makes it land is its sense of playful wonder. The special effects have a handmade, pulpy feel, the kids are easy to root for, and the movie understands that adventure should feel exciting without becoming too scary.
Zathura is streaming now on Pluto.
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