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Banned in Its Own Country and Filmed in Secret, the Best Thriller of 2024 Is Finally on Streaming

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The word “bravery” is sometimes overused when describing the filmmaking process; while it does take stamina to put one’s creative ideas on display, making a film is rarely a legitimately dangerous act. However, the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof was targeted by the government prior to the premiere of his film The Seed of the Sacred Fig, as it was deemed “propaganda” by the authorities. Rasoulof had previously been arrested for protesting the government but was released and able to film The Seed of the Sacred Fig in secret so that it could debut at the Cannes Film Festival. And now you can watch this powerful film on Hulu.

Although he was sentenced to eight years in prison, Rasoulof fled by foot to Europe and was able to complete editing The Seed of the Sacred Fig in Germany. Although The Seed of the Sacred Fig was submitted and nominated as Germany’s entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature, it also stands as an important work of political filmmaking that should turn the eyes of the world to the horrific situation going on in Tehran.

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What Is ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ About?

the seed of the sacred fig Image via NEON

Although the story of the film is fictional, The Seed of the Sacred Fig is set during the real Iranian protests in 2022, in which critics of the government took to the streets after a young woman was killed under suspicious circumstances; real footage from the events was incorporated by Rasoulof to provide contextual information. The film centers on the lawyer Iman (Missagh Zareh), who is appointed to be a federal judge within the Revolutionary Court and given a gun to defend himself. Iman begins to grow agitated about his work, as he learns that he will pass execution orders given to him by higher-ranking officials; he is also not allowed to pass along any information about the nature of his work to his wife, Najmeh (Soheila Golestani), who raises their adolescent children Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki). The situation spirals out of control when Iman discovers that the gun is missing, leading him to question the loyalties of the family he thought he could trust.































































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Collider Exclusive · Oscar Best Picture Quiz
Which Oscar Best Picture
Is Your Perfect Movie?

Parasite · Everything Everywhere · Oppenheimer · Birdman · No Country

Five Oscar Best Picture winners. Five completely different visions of what cinema can be — and what it can do to you. One of them is the film that was made for the way your mind works. Ten questions will figure out which one.

🪜Parasite

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🌀Everything Everywhere

☢️Oppenheimer

🐦Birdman

🪙No Country for Old Men

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01

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What kind of film experience do you actually want?
The best movies don’t just entertain — they leave something behind.





02

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Which idea grabs you most in a film?
Great films are driven by a central obsession. What’s yours?





03

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How do you like your story told?
Form is content. The way a story is shaped changes what it means.





04

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What makes a truly great antagonist?
The opposition defines the protagonist. What kind of opposition fascinates you?





05

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What do you want from a film’s ending?
The final note is the one that lingers. What do you want it to sound like?





06

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Which setting pulls you in most?
Where a film takes place shapes everything — mood, stakes, what’s even possible.





07

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What cinematic craft impresses you most?
Every great film has a signature — a technical or artistic element that makes it unmistakable.





08

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What kind of main character do you root for?
The protagonist is the lens. Who you choose to follow says something about you.





09

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How do you feel about a film that takes its time?
Pace is a choice. Some films sprint; others let tension accumulate slowly, deliberately.





10

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What do you want to feel walking out of the cinema?
The best films leave a mark. What kind of mark do you want?





The Academy Has Decided
Your Perfect Film Is…
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Your answers have pointed to one Oscar Best Picture winner above all others. This is the film that was made for the way your mind works.

Parasite

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You are drawn to films that operate on multiple levels simultaneously — that begin in one genre and quietly, brilliantly migrate into another. Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a film about class, desire, and the architecture of inequality that manages to be darkly funny, deeply suspenseful, and genuinely shocking across a single extraordinary running time. Your instinct is for cinema that hides its true intentions until the moment it’s ready to reveal them. Parasite is exactly that — a film that rewards close attention and punishes assumptions, right up to its devastating final image.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

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You want it all — and this film gives you all of it. The Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the most maximalist films ever made: action comedy, multiverse sci-fi, family drama, existential crisis, and a genuinely earned emotional core that sneaks up on you amid the chaos. You are someone who responds to ambition, who doesn’t want cinema to choose between being entertaining and being meaningful. This film refuses that choice entirely. It is overwhelming by design, and its overwhelming nature is precisely the point — because the feeling of being crushed by infinite possibility is exactly what it’s about.

Oppenheimer

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You are drawn to cinema on a grand scale — films that understand history not as a backdrop but as a force, and that place their characters inside that force and watch what happens. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a film about the terrifying gap between what we can do and what we should do, told with the full weight of one of the most consequential moments in human history behind it. You want your films to feel important without feeling self-important — to earn their ambition through sheer craft and the gravity of their subject. Oppenheimer does exactly that. It is enormous, complicated, and refuses easy comfort.

Birdman

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You are drawn to films that foreground their own construction — that make the how of the filmmaking part of the what it’s about. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, shot to appear as a single continuous take, is cinema examining itself through the cracked mirror of a fading actor’s ego. You respond to formal daring, to the feeling that a film is doing something that probably shouldn’t be possible. Michael Keaton’s performance and Emmanuel Lubezki’s restless camera create something genuinely unlike anything else — a film that is simultaneously about creativity, relevance, self-destruction, and the impossibility of ever truly knowing if your work means anything at all.

No Country for Old Men

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You are drawn to cinema that trusts silence, that refuses to explain itself, and that treats dread as a form of meaning. The Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men is a film about the arrival of a new kind of evil — implacable, arbitrary, and utterly indifferent to the moral frameworks we use to make sense of the world. It is one of the most formally controlled films ever made, and its controlled restraint is what makes it so terrifying. You want your films to haunt you, not comfort you. You are not interested in resolution if resolution would be dishonest. No Country for Old Men is honest in a way that most cinema never dares to be.

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The Seed of the Sacred Fig explores how the governmental practices in Iran cause the splintering of one family, as the film is tightly focused on how paranoia and fear cause Iman to act irrationally. Iman is so used to being tracked by the government that he knows that any mistake on his part could cause significant consequences; since the gun was registered to him, its involvement in any crime could be traced back to him. Iman’s situation is more strenuous because he does not feel that there is anyone that he can trust; while he is afraid that any other government employees would inform on him to steal his position, he also comes to suspect his family, as Rezvan has become increasingly interested in the revolutionary movement. Although Iman is terrified of the power that the authoritative regime holds, he also fears that he could be targeted by protesters if they knew of his real employment.

What Impact Will ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ Have?

The Seed of the Sacred Fig examines why Iran is in a period of political stagnation, as many people who disagree with the government are forced into isolation. While Rezvan discovers that there are many others on social media that share her resentment towards the law enforcement process, Iman is so obsessed with avoiding political conversations that he prevents the family from watching television news or having any active conversations about controversial topics. Although Iman acts in ways that may seem irrational, it’s easy to understand how a man with no support system would be willing to put his family in such intense situations.

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The Seed of the Sacred Fig is a great piece of filmmaking, as it is rare to find a film nearly three hours in length in which every scene advances the narrative and reveals something new about the characters. However, the danger that Rasoulof experienced shows how powerful cinema can be, as there was genuine fear on the part of the Iranian government that The Seed of the Sacred Fig could inspire sympathy for the protesters. Rasoulof has earned his place among the great filmmakers working today, but he’s also helped to influence important conversations about an experience that many viewers may be ignorant of.

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18 Years Later, Mark Wahlberg’s Forgotten Video Game Thriller Hits Free Streaming on April 1

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Video game movies have a much better reputation now than they did back in 2008, which makes Max Payne an interesting one to revisit. It landed in a much harsher era for game adaptations, and the reaction was rough, but it still has a certain cold, stylized mood that makes it more watchable than its reputation suggests. Tubi will add it for free on April 1.

The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Max Payne, a detective haunted by the murder of his wife and child who gets pulled into a conspiracy involving drugs, hallucinations, and a lot of violence. It leans hard into noir atmosphere, snowy cityscapes, and comic-book-style imagery, which at least gives it a look of its own even when the story does not always fully come together. The cast includes Wahlberg as Max Payne, Mila Kunis as Mona Sax, Beau Bridges as B.B. Hensley, Chris O’Donnell as Jason Colvin, and Ludacris as Jim Bravura.

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Is ‘Max Payne’ Worth Watching?

Collider’s review stated that Max Payne is exactly what you’d expect from its ingredients — a short runtime, a video game adaptation, and a director more interested in style than story — resulting in a lifeless, frustrating action film that barely functions as entertainment. Wahlberg drifts through the film with little energy, while the supporting cast — including Kunis and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges — are given very little to work with. Even when the film tries to raise the stakes, it’s hard to care about what’s happening or who it’s happening to. Ironically, Collider’s review highlighted that Max Payne becomes more entertaining the worse it gets. As the film leans harder into ridiculous action — complete with excessive slow motion and bizarre logic — it crosses into unintentionally funny territory.

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“Throw Max Payne in the horrible video game movie pile (I say this as if there’s a good or even passable videogame movie pile) and put it near the top. I’m not sure what attracted anyone to this project but if there was ever anything redeeming in Max Payne it was clearly excised. In its place is a film that muddles around in uninteresting noir before becoming a balls-to-the-wall action flick that just gets funnier and funnier.”

Max Payne will stream for free from April 1 on Tubi.


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Release Date
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October 17, 2008

Runtime

100 minutes

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One of the Best Harrison Ford Thrillers of All Time Arrives on Free Streaming This April

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Some thrillers are great the first time. The Fugitive is great every time. It is one of those movies that just works on every level, with a perfect chase setup, a huge lead performance, and the kind of pacing that barely lets up for a second. It is also one of the clearest reminders of why Harrison Ford was such a dominant movie star for so long. Tubi will add it for free on April 1.

Released in 1993, the film stars Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongly convicted of murdering his wife who escapes custody and sets out to prove his innocence. Hunting him is U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard, played by Tommy Lee Jones in one of the movie’s most memorable performances. What follows is a smart, relentless thriller that never wastes time. The cast includes Ford as Richard Kimble, Jones as US Marshal Samuel Gerard, Sela Ward as Helen Kimble, Joe Pantoliano as Cosmo Renfro, and Jeroen Krabbé as Charles Nichols.

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How Good Is ‘The Fugitive’?

The esteemed Roger Ebert stated that The Fugitive is more than just a great thriller — it’s one of the most effective and entertaining films of its kind, combining relentless tension with surprisingly strong character work. From the moment Kimble escapes, the story barely pauses, keeping the pressure on as he stays just ahead of the authorities. Even when the plot stretches believability, the direction and performances ground everything enough that it still feels real in the moment. In the end, The Fugitive stands as a reminder of how effective a well-made thriller can be — driven by strong performances, clear storytelling, and smart direction rather than relying on spectacle alone.

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“Ford is once again the great modern movie everyman: dogged, determined, brave and not not demonstrative. As an actor, nothing he does seems merely for show, and in the face of this melodramatic material he deliberately plays down, lays low, gets on with business instead of trying to exploit the drama in meaningless acting flourishes.

Thrillers are a much-debased genre these days, depending on special effects and formula for much of their content. The Fugitive has the standards of an earlier, more classic time, when acting, character and dialogue were meant to stand on their own, and where characters continued to change and develop right up until the last frame. Here is one of the year’s best films.”

The Fugitive will stream on Tubi from April 1.


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Release Date

August 6, 1993

Runtime

131 minutes

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Director

Andrew Davis

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Producers

Arnold Kopelson

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Tom Holland’s Breakout Disaster Thriller Arrives on a New Streamer Next Month

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This summer of cinema is packed with exciting blockbusters, with one of the most hotly anticipated marking the final stop on the road to Doomsday. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to swing into theaters on July 31, and many are anticipating big things for Tom Holland’s return as Peter Parker now that he lives in a world where no one remembers him. A couple of weeks ago, Sony’s release of a pulse-racing trailer officially generated 718.6 million views globally within its first 24 hours, making it the most-watched trailer launch of all time and cementing Brand New Day‘s position among the upper echelons of the must-watch list for 2026.

But way before he was starring in record-breaking trailers and headlining summer blockbusters, Holland made his debut in a movie that arguably features his best performance to date. The Impossible, released in 2012 and produced when Holland was just 14 years old, is a survival thriller based on the terrifying true story of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Replacing the real Belón-Alvarez family in the film are the Bennett family, comprised of Maria (Naomi Watts) and Henry (Ewan McGregor), their eldest child, Lucas (Holland), and two other sons, Thomas (Samuel Joslin) and Simon (Oaklee Pendergast).

Following his success on the stage at just 13 years old in Billy Elliot: The Musical, Holland was the perfect pick for young Lucas, as he used his acrobatic balance and clear emotional maturity to hold his own against veteran performers like Watts and McGregor. If you’d like to check out Holland’s breakout performance for yourself before the release of Brand New Day, you’re in luck, as The Impossible will be available to stream for free on Plex this April.

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How Did Critics Respond to ‘The Impossible’?

Tom Holland as Lucas looking worried in The Impossible
Tom Holland as Lucas in The Impossible
Image via Warner Bros.

With Watts earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, it’s fair to say that critics enjoyed The Impossible. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is rated a “certified fresh” 81%, with the consensus on the site reading, “The screenplay isn’t quite as powerful as the direction or the acting, but with such an astonishing real-life story at its center, The Impossible is never less than compelling.”

The Impossible will stream on Plex this April. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.


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Release Date

September 9, 2012

Runtime
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114 Minutes

Director

J.A. Baynona

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Writers

Sergio G. Sánchez, María Belón

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TikTok Star Mocked For Cringe Interaction With John Cena

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John Cena at the "Jackpot" LA Premiere at TCL Chinese Theater IMAX

John Cena isn’t here for surprise performances, especially without a proper introduction. The actor and former WWE star found himself in an awkward viral moment after TikTok personality Harry Daniels approached him inside a cafe and immediately launched into a song. Harry Daniels, known for serenading celebrities in public, didn’t ease into the interaction, jumping straight into Taylor Swift’s “Invisible String” without saying hello.

John Cena Stops TikToker Mid-Song With Polite Clapback

John Cena at the "Jackpot" LA Premiere at TCL Chinese Theater IMAX
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It didn’t take long for Cena to step in and redirect the situation. Only seconds into the performance, the 48-year-old stood up and made it clear he preferred a more respectful approach.

“Let’s start with a hello. How are you doing? Nice to meet you, I’m John,” he said, extending his hand.

After Daniels introduced himself, Cena continued the conversation with a question that caught viewers’ attention, asking, “Would you like to sing now?”

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Cena Ends Awkward Moment With Brutal Honesty

John Cena at 'Bumblebee' Global Premiere
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The interaction only grew more uncomfortable as Cena pressed for clarity. When Daniels explained his reasoning, “Because I sing to everyone. It’s my job,” Cena didn’t hold back his response.

“And for what purpose?” he asked before ultimately shutting it down. “Well, I’m not buying what you’re selling. Thanks, though.”

Daniels replied, “Okay, thank you,” before quickly walking away from the situation.

TikToker Admits Fault After Awkward John Cena Moment Goes Viral

@harry.daniels Ok this ones on me cuz i had no decorum my bad sorry john cena #johncena #taylorswift ♬ original sound – harry daniels

Following the exchange, Daniels took to social media to reflect on what went wrong. “I saw John Cena at a cafe, and I tried singing for him, but my approach was so bad that the whole thing went haywire,” he wrote over the video.

In the caption, he added, “Ok this one’s on me cuz I had no decorum, my bad, sorry John Cena.”

The clip quickly gained traction online, with viewers praising Cena for how he handled the situation, while others attacked the TikToker. One user commented, “Let’s start with hello.” LMAOOO he was not playing omg,” while another added, “You didn’t know John Cena, the king of boundaries and respect.”

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Someone else chimed in, “I’m on John Cena’s side. This stunt is annoying lol,” while one user bluntly told the TikToker to “lay low for a while.”

This Isn’t The First Time The TikToker Has Put Celebs On The Spot

This isn’t Daniels’ first time putting celebrities on the spot. The influencer, who has built a following of over 2.2 million on TikTok, is known for approaching stars like Jennifer Lopez, Austin Butler, and Cyndi Lauper with impromptu performances.

Just last week, he shared another viral moment involving John Stamos at the “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” premiere. During that encounter, Daniels began singing the “Full House” theme song before Stamos surprised him by introducing him to the song’s co-writer. “This kid’s a good singer,” Stamos said, before adding, “He wrote that song.”

Daniels later reflected on the moment in his own caption, writing, “I tried to gag John Stamos with my beautiful singing but then he gagged me by introducing me to the ‘Full House’ creator.”

John Cena Previously Went Viral For Calling Out Consent

John Cena in Rome
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Meanwhile, last June, a clip made the rounds online after John Cena had a tense backstage moment with a fan who crossed a line. The interaction started off politely, with the fan asking for a photo, something Cena agreed to, even shaking hands before the picture. But things quickly shifted when the fan began recording him without permission and asked, “What are you wearing?”

Cena didn’t let it slide. “I’m a big fan of consent, right? So if you would like to take a video. I’m a big fan of consent,” he said, making his stance crystal clear.

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The fan apologized shortly after, as Cena walked away, but later returned and told the fan, “I’m sorry for walking away from you. I just took a deep breath and I feel like I’m in a tough situation.”

The two quickly cleared the air, apologizing to each other and confirming there were no hard feelings. “I just know it’s kind of chaos back here,” Cena said, as the fan responded, “Listen, it’s all good.”

Cena then added, “I’ll give you whatever you want as long as you ask,” before the two shared another handshake.

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Vertigo Star Reveals Why She’s Against Sydney Sweeney Biopic

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Vertigo star Kim Novak is revealing the real reason why she doesn’t approve of Sydney Sweeney starring in the upcoming biopic Scandalous!.

“[Sydney] sticks out so much above the waist,” Novak, 93, told London’s The Times in an interview published on Saturday, March 28, adding that she “would never have approved” of the casting.

“There’s no way it wouldn’t be a sexual relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks sexy all the time,” she added. “She was totally wrong to play me.”

Colman Domingo is set to direct and costar with his Euphoria castmate Sweeney, 28, in a romantic drama based on Novak’s real relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. in the late 1950s. Scandalous! will juxtapose the passion of Novak and the late Davis’ interracial romance with a time when segregation was still prevalent throughout the U.S. (Davis died at age 64 from complications from throat cancer in May 1990.)

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Related: Sydney Sweeney Addresses Her ‘Sex Symbol’ Status: ‘Doing It for Myself’

Sydney Sweeney is embracing her inner femme fatale. Sweeney, 28, opened up about the acting roles she accepts and being cast as one of Hollywood’s leading bombshells while chatting with Variety in an interview published on Monday, October 27. “I play a lot of very divisive characters, and I think that a lot of people […]

The Golden Globe Award winner’s issues with Sweeney’s casting go beyond the Anyone but You actress’s physical presence on screen. Novak went public with her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2012, and is now questioning whether Sweeney can accurately capture that experience on screen.

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“You can’t learn to be vulnerable,” Novak insisted. “It’s a big asset to be a bipolar actor. No one feels joy or pain as much as someone who’s bipolar. The feelings are unstoppable.”

Novak has been vocally opposed to Scandalous! since the project was picked up by production company Miramax in October 2024. Last September, Novak even took issue with the title of Domingo’s movie.

“I don’t think the relationship was scandalous,” Novak told The Guardian at the time. “He’s somebody I really cared about. We had so much in common, including that need to be accepted for who we are and what we do, rather than how we look. But I’m concerned they’re going to make it all sexual reasons.”

GettyImages-2233176266 Vertigo Star Kim Novak Reveals Why Shes Against Sydney Sweeney Biopic

Kim Novak in September 2025.
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For her part, Sweeney told People in October 2025 that she was hoping to meet Novak before shooting Scandalous!.

“I’m incredibly honored to be bringing Kim to life. I mean, she is such an amazing actress,” Sweeney said at AFI Fest. “I think her story is still very relevant today in that she dealt with Hollywood and scrutiny with her relationships and her own private life and the control of her image. And I think that for me, I relate to it in a lot of different ways.”

She went on, “Once I finish Euphoria, I switch into Scandalous! gear and I’m going to turn my brain into Kim. I’m so excited. I’m like, ‘Oh my God. I’m going to meet Kim Novak.’”

Scandalous! is expected to shoot this year but does not yet have a release date.

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Tyler Perry’s $250K TSA Giveaway Sparks ‘Dystopian’ Claims

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Tyler Perry is back in the headlines after distributing $250,000 in gift cards to TSA officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The move has drawn attention from both fans and critics, with some pointing to the moment as a reflection of what they describe as increasingly “dystopian” conditions in the United States.

Perry’s contribution comes amid an ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has left many federal workers without pay for weeks.

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According to reports, some TSA officers at the Atlanta airport had resorted to sleeping in their cars or selling plasma to try to get by.

After becoming aware of their plight, Perry stepped in to help, but the gesture has reignited questions about the role of government in supporting its own workers.

Tyler Perry Handed Out $250K To Unpaid TSA Officers

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As the DHS shutdown dragged on, airport workers in Atlanta became one of the most visible examples of the crisis.

At Hartsfield-Jackson, widely recognized as the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, TSA officers were still required to report for duty despite going weeks without pay.

Many workers were said to be struggling to cover basic expenses such as rent, food, and transportation.

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According to PEOPLE, Perry initially arrived at the airport intending to hand out cash directly to the workers, but the plan was blocked.

An alternative approach was eventually worked out with input from TSA’s legal team and union leadership in Georgia. Instead of cash, the filmmaker distributed $1,000 Visa gift cards to 250 TSA officers.

Internet Calls Out ‘Dystopian’ Reality After Perry’s Gesture

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Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Perry’s donation likely came as a welcome relief to the TSA officers who received it.

The conversation was different on social media, however, with some arguing that private individuals are being forced to step in to fill gaps typically handled by government institutions.

“F-cking Hunger Games out here,” one user wrote on Reddit. “Celebrities tossing gift cards like it’s some magical, life-changing gift. GTFO.”

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Others took an even more skeptical tone, with some pointing to recent allegations against him.

“That’s a really nice thing of Tyler Perry to do out of the sincere kindness of his heart,” a cynical comment within the same thread reads. “Nearly made me forget all about his sexual assault allegations.”

Madea Jokes Also Take Over After Tyler Perry’s Donation

While many of the reactions to Perry’s giveaway carried a more reflective tone, others couldn’t resist turning the moment into a running joke centered on the director’s most iconic character.

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“But the gift cards are only good at the Madea gift shop,” one user wrote.

Others joked about Madea-branded merchandise. “That’s the best-selling T-shirt at the gift shop. Sizes up to six XL,” a commenter said, in response to a post referencing Madea’s signature “HELLLURRRRRRR!!!!”

Perry, meanwhile, appears to be in no rush to step away from the role of Madea, having most recently reprised the character in “Joe’s College Road Trip” on Netflix.

Why The Filmmaker Gave TSA Workers Gift Cards Instead Of Cash

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Still on the same Reddit thread, one user raised a question many were likely thinking: “Why not just give them actual dollars that they can use? I can’t use $500 worth of Chipotle.”

As it turns out, the answer lies in federal ethics rules governing gifts to government employees.

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The U.S. government’s Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch imposes a general gift limit of $20 per occasion and $50 per year from a single source.

Perry’s giveaway obviously far exceeded this limit. Instead, the media mogul found a workaround involving the distribution of prepaid Visa gift cards.

Tyler Perry’s Love Life Also Back In The Spotlight

As social media debates his philanthropic act, Perry’s personal life has also returned to the spotlight.

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The producer was recently spotted alongside “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Marlo Hampton at a gospel brunch in Atlanta.

Footage of the pair appearing relaxed and engaged in conversation quickly sparked dating speculation online.

Although the two reportedly arrived separately, they were later seen seated together, laughing and appearing comfortable in each other’s company. However, the rumors were swiftly shut down. Media personality Loren LoRosa clarified in a post on X that the two had only just met at the event.

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Mormon Wives’ Chase Jokes He Has ‘Magic’ After Jessi Kiss

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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Chase McWhorter has poked fun at drama in the MomTok world caused by his kiss with ex-wife Miranda Hope’s costar Jessi Draper.

Chase, 30, shared a tongue-in-cheek Instagram video on Saturday, March 28, set to ZoHendrix’ song “Seasons,” in which the reality star stares at his own hands as the lyric “I’ve got the magic in me” plays. The Mormon Wives star tagged the video by writing, “IYKYK [if you know, you know].”

His attempt to laugh off the MomTok controversy didn’t go over well with everyone, as his former flame Layla Taylor replied, “girl shut your mouth.”

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Bronwyn Newport seemingly wasn’t laughing either, as she responded, “Boy, you better stop playing with those girls I love before I bring myself down past point of the mountain.”

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Related: Mormon Wives’ Miranda Shares ‘Betrayal’ Post Amid Jessi and Chase Drama

Miranda McWhorter is addressing the drama surrounding her ex-husband Chase McWhorter and her Secret Lives of Mormon Wives costar Jessi Draper. After an insider told Us Weekly that Jessi and Chase got cozy at a recent party, Miranda took to her TikTok account on Thursday, March 26, to react. “[Get ready with me] while I process […]

Us Weekly exclusively reported on Thursday, March 26, that Chase and Jessi recently kissed at a party. (Jessi is currently going through a contentious divorce from Jordan Ngatikaura.)

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“They were having fun at a party and it’s not serious between them,” an insider told Us.

Miranda and Chase were married from 2017 to 2024 and share two children, son Brooks, 6, and daughter Cohen, 4. Chase later briefly dated fellow Mormon Wives star Layla.

In the wake of the latest bombshell, Miranda, 27, revealed that she’d received a bouquet of flowers from Jessi, 33, seemingly as a peace offering.

“I completely understand you being upset with me,” Jessi wrote. “But wanted to send you a little something to let you know I’m thinking about you and I am so so sorry.”

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Miranda broke her silence in a statement to Entertainment Tonight on Thursday, clarifying that she was aware that there was “communication between Chase and Jessi but not to what extent.”

“Chase was upfront and told me that they were talking and that they kissed. Jessi reached out only after she knew Chase had told me something was going on with them,” Miranda said.

She added, “What I never want to get misconstrued is that there is not any emotional attachment to Chase. He is my coparent. Although I do feel disrespected by Chase, I feel slighted by my friend. Chase and I are no longer partners and while I have a high expectation of him as a coparent, I also hold my friends to a high standard and believe in girl code.”

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Mormon Wives' Mikayla Reacts to MomTok's 'Week Straight From Hell'


Related: Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Reacts to MomTok’s ‘Week Straight From Hell’

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Matthews is sharing her reaction to MomTok’s drama-filled week. The stars of the hit Hulu reality show have scarcely been out of the headlines in the past week. To recap: First, there was the alleged domestic violence incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen that put a […]

Jessi’s estranged husband Jordan, 31, weighed in when Miranda invited fans to “[get ready with me] while I process my friend group being a waiting room for my ex-husband” in a TikTok video.

“Looks like she can’t even be faithful or loyal even in a friendship… too bad,” Jordan replied in a since-deleted comment.

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Chase then fired back at Jordan, writing, “Back to LinkedIn u go.”

Amid the total chaos in the MomTok world, Chase’s sister, Aysia McWhorter, joked that “every day there’s something new” in their friend group.

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“[Jessi’s] type is my brother? First question, how has he pulled all of the Mormon Wives?” Aysia teased. “Why are they all in line for him? I love you Chase, but it’s getting a little bit hard to defend you.”

She quipped in a caption, “Utah can’t be this small @chase! What are they feeding you?”

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‘Hannah Montana’ Alum Praises Miley Cyrus In Moving Post

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Cast of Hannah Montana.

Shanica Knowles, known for her role as Amber Addison in “Hannah Montana,” is embracing the nostalgia surrounding the show’s 20th anniversary. In a heartfelt social media post, the actress and singer praised Miley Cyrus for her talent and looked back on their friendship. Knowles’ tribute comes just days after Disney marked the major milestone with a television special, featuring performances of the series’ most iconic songs and sentimental trips down memory lane.

Shanica Knowles Shares Photos From ‘Hannah Montana’ 20th Anniversary Special

Cast of Hannah Montana.
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“Hannah Montana” alums, including Knowles, have been recounting some of their favorite memories from filming the show in the early 2000s amid the program’s 20th anniversary.

After appearing on the red carpet at the Los Angeles El Capitan Theatre on March 23, Knowles shared some of the snaps with moving captions on her Instagram.

One photo clearly moved Knowles. It featured the show’s main cast, including her fellow fictional mean girl Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Cody Linley, Jason Earles, Moises Arias, and, of course, Cyrus.

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In the caption, she shared a special message for them all, calling Earles’ character, Jackson, the funniest on the show and praising Linley, saying he still has his character’s signature “swag and charm.”

‘Hannah Montana’ Alum Shanica Knowles Calls Miley Cyrus The Most ‘Down To Earth Home Girl’ In Sentimental Tribute

Shanica Knowles, Hannah Montana.
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When it was time for Cyrus’ tribute, Knowles poured her heart out, noting that Cyrus moved to Hollywood from Tennessee with no formal acting experience.

“Like, how does that happen right? But when I worked with her it made sense,” Knowles wrote. “She just had the “IT” factor.”

Knowles boasted about Cyrus’ “natural charm and charisma,” calling the Grammy winner one of the most “down to earth home girl[s]” she’s ever met.

As she continued, Knowles acknowledged the success Cyrus has had since working on “Hannah Montana,” but said that wouldn’t change the way she viewed her.

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“The world may see you as Miley Cyrus, but I’ll always see you as the girl I had fun slumber parties with, wrote songs together with, talked about boys together with, and stayed up all night laughing on the phone with. I’ll always see you as just…Miley,” she wrote.

Miley Cyrus Celebrated 20 Years Of ‘Hannah Montana’ With An Epic Hannahversary

Miley Cyrus at Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special
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The cast of “Hannah Montana” gathered for the show’s 20th-anniversary premiere. The special, hosted by “Call Her Daddy” podcast host Alex Cooper, featured Cyrus revisiting the show’s most iconic sets and reconnecting with Disney executives and former characters.

Cyrus sang re-recorded versions of “The Best of Both Worlds,” “This Is The Life,” and “The Climb.” She also premiered a new song, “Younger You.”

“Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I’ll always be thankful for that connection,” Cyrus said about the special. “The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I’m very proud of. This ‘Hannahversary’ is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who’ve stood by me for 20 years.”

Miley Cyrus Spills The Tea On Taylor Swift’s Surprise Appearance In The ‘Hannah Montana’ Movie

Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana.
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According to a previous report from The Blast, Cyrus shared some behind-the-scenes information about “Hannah Montana” that fans had never heard before during the special. One admission was about Taylor Swift‘s surprise appearance in the movie.

According to Cyrus, Disney cast Swift in the film because, at the time, she fit the character’s bill perfectly.

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“For that scene, get the tea kettle,” Cyrus said. “So the way that Taylor Swift ended up in the ‘Hannah Montana’ movie was because this was kind of the beginning of her career, and they were looking for someone that would authentically, no shade, I guess, be performing in a barn. We both performed in the barn.”

Swift Had Another Role In The Movie

In another interview, Cyrus also spilled the beans about how Swift’s song “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” made its way into the movie.

“Taylor had pitched that song along with a lot of other writers and songs, and we were just kind of curating the thing that would most kind of bring the story of the film to life,” Cyrus said.

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For those unfamiliar with the movie’s plot, by the end of the film, Cyrus’ character, Miley Stewart, tells her hometown that she’s Hannah Montana.

“So we wanted a really big song for the finale of that,” she continued. “It needed to feel celebratory because, you know, obviously Miley had just told the biggest secret.”

She added, “And so we needed something that felt like the kind of balloon that drops all the way down, you get grounded, you get still, but then it needs to go all the way back up, and so I love that song.”

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Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher’s Marriage Reportedly Facing New Test

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Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis continued contact with a former co-star is reportedly testing her marriage with husband, Ashton Kutcher.

The actress is said to still be in touch and “flirty” with actor Josh O’Connor, whom she starred alongside in the movie “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.”

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis’ marriage previously came under heavy spotlight after they publicly showed support for their former “That ’70s Show” co-star Danny Masterson.

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Mila Kunis’ Closeness To Josh O’Connor Is Reportedly ‘Testing’ Ashton Kutcher’s Patience

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis
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According to In Touch, a source revealed that Kunis, her former co-star, O’Connor, got very close while filming the 2025 Netflix movie and has stayed in contact ever since.

“They have real chemistry, the kind you can’t fake,” the source stated. “You don’t really see it in the movie, but you totally see it whenever they’re in the same room, and during the entire press tour.”

The actress once branded O’Connor “a wonderful human being … a great human,” whom she loves on a “personal level.”

While the duo’s connection seems friendly, Kutcher is said not to be too happy about their closeness, with a source noting that it is “testing” his patience.

Josh O'Connor at Premi David di Donatello 2024 red carpet in Rome, Italy - 3 May 2024
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“Mila working in big Hollywood movies is important to him and something he wants to model for their kids,” the source said about the actor.

They continued, “But Ashton needs to be realistic. Of course, you’re going to make new friends and hit it off with new co-stars.”

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The source further noted that O’Connor is a “safe guy” for Kunis to “flirt with,” adding that he is in a “serious long-term relationship” with Irish actress Alison Oliver.

The Couple’s Marriage Is ‘Going To Last’ As It Has Survived Serious Public Scrutiny, Source Reveals

Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis Share Shocking Bathing Routines
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For Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, showing support for Danny Masterson dealt a major blow to their public image.

Masterson was accused of sexually assaulting multiple women, and prior to his 30-year prison sentence, Kutcher and Kunis had sent letters of support to the court in a bid to convince the judge to be lenient with the judgment.

While they later apologized for their actions in an emotional video in 2023, it did little to dial back the intensity of the backlash against the couple, and they were forced to step away from the public spotlight for a while.

Speculation then followed about the couple possibly calling it quits on their marriage. However, an insider has now revealed that their love for each other was largely unaffected by the scandal.

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“They’ve been through so much,” the source informed US Weekly about the couple. “Their marriage is going to last.”

Ashton Kutcher And Mila Kunis ‘Leaned On Each Other’ Amid The Scandal

Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher
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A key factor in the couple remaining together amid the scandal was their decision to weather the storm as a unit.

According to the source, the duo “leaned on each other” heavily and chose to focus on their immediate family, which includes their two children, daughter, Wyatt, 11, and son, Dimitri, 9.

“They are on the same page about all the important things, especially when it comes to their kids,” the insider further remarked. “Mila was so happy when they found their way back to each other.”

The Couple Turned Heads When They Returned To The Golden Globes In January

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes
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After their long hiatus, the couple is now trying to make their way back into Hollywood. As part of that move, they made an appearance at the Golden Globe Awards in January.

The appearance was their first awards show together since 2022, when they last attended the Academy Awards as a couple.

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For the event, Mila Kunis chose a classic style that featured a light-colored strapless gown with a floral design, a structured corseted bodice, and a voluminous skirt.

She opted not to wear any jewelry on her neck but did accessorize her look with diamond spray earrings. The actress also styled her brunette hair in a sleek all-back getup with a side part.

As for Ashton Kutcher, he opted for a typically tailored black tuxedo, with a matching inner shirt and bow tie.

At the event, they spent some time posing on the red carpet, and both looked to be in high spirits to be there.

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Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Have Appeared In New Movie Roles

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis at 9th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
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Besides their public appearance, the couple has also returned to acting in new roles. On her part, Kunis recently appeared in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” the latest installment in the Knives Out franchise.

She starred alongside Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, and Kerry Washington, and the movie went on to receive rave reviews following its debut in December 2025.

Meanwhile, Kutcher recently returned to the small screen in Ryan Murphy’s FX television series, “The Beauty.”

Prior to the series debut, sources claimed that the actor is “pinning all his hopes on his new series to put him back in the spotlight,” per the Daily Mail.

“He hopes people can forgive and forget the shameful things he’s been involved in over the years,” they added.

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The insider also claimed that Kutcher is well aware that some netizens are yet to forget about the Masterson scandal, and how he was recently linked to disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

“[Kutcher] knows the Masterson and Diddy episodes are still fresh in people’s minds. He’s so nervous that he’s literally asking his buddies if they think he’ll ever be accepted again. He’s desperate to salvage his image,” the source mentioned.

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How to Watch BBC’s Period Drama The Other Bennet Sister

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BBC’s The Other Bennet Sister is captivating audiences — but how can Jane Austen fans watch the series?

Based on the novel by Janice Hadlow, The Other Bennet Sister follows the events from Pride and Prejudice from Mary Bennet’s (Ella Bruccoleri) point of view. The story then departs from that to follow Mary as she travels to London and the Lake District and the overlooked sister from the big Bennet family has a romantic adventure in Regency England.

In addition to Bruccoleri, The Other Bennet Sister stars Ruth Jones, Richard E. Grant, Indira Varma, Richard Coyle, Róisín Bhalla, Reggie Absolom and Jasmine Sharp. Laurie Davidson, Dónal Finn, Varada Sethu, Aaron Gill and Maddie Close also appear on the show.

Poppy Gilbert, Molly Wright, Grace Hogg-Robinson, Tanya Reynolds, Anna Fenton-Garvey, Ryan Sampson and Lucy Briers round out the cast. The series premiered in the U.K. in March, which viewers can check out on BBC iPlayer.

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Outlander Steamy Period Dramas to Watch After Bridgerton


Related: Steamy Period Dramas to Watch After Bingeing ‘Brigderton’

Never enough steam! Bridgerton is full of smoldering looks and stolen embraces, but the Netflix series is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sexy period dramas. No one knows this better than Outlander fans or the show’s two leads, Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. The Belfast actress and the Scotland native […]

In the U.S., period drama fans can watch The Other Bennet Sister on May 6. The series will be available on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada but Amazon Prime offers a weeklong free trial as well.

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How to Watch BBC's Period Drama The Other Bennet Sister
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Bruccoleri previously teased what fans can expect.

“From a young age, she’s seen as not having the same desirable qualities as her sisters,” Bruccoleri told The Hollywood Reporter. “She comes to believe that she’s innately unlovable. And then the minute that she steps away from her family, she begins to see things differently. I mean, she has setbacks all the time, but it’s a story about the transformative power of kindness, really.”

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Winter Preview


Related: Winter TV Preview 2026: Inside Must-Watch New and Returning Shows

The winter TV schedule is overflowing with highly anticipated premieres and returns including Marshals, Bridgerton, Best Medicine and more. Based on Julia Quinn‘s book series, each season of Bridgerton focuses on a different member of the titular family as they attempt to find love in 19th-century London. The hit Netflix show is expected to have […]

She continued: “It’s disguised as a love story. I personally just don’t see it that way. I think it’s a love story between Mary and herself.”

Bruccoleri was excited to unpack the role, adding, “With Mary, she doesn’t understand the rules of the game. She tries incredibly hard to be something that is pleasing to other people. And she does that through study — really extensive study, because that’s what she knows. That’s how her brain works.”

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She added: “She studies how to be as appealing as her sisters, [and] to her mother, mainly. But just goes about it completely the wrong way. It still doesn’t work. I think I really related to that in Mary, the industriousness of her. That’s the way I approach my job as well as — I do it through study rather than instinct. And I can be quite obsessive with the amount that I prepare for something.”

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