Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have reportedly settled back into regular life after their highly anticipated wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The NFL star is completely focused on getting back in shape for the new football season and is said to be “very full on” about his training and staying “disciplined.”

Now, sources claim that while it’s not Taylor Swift’s first football season experience with her beau, it is going to be a major switch for the couple after the high of their fairy tale nuptials and honeymoon.

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Swift and Kelce are set to make big changes after returning to reality following their expensive wedding that shut down New York City on July 3.

Since their wedding, the couple has kept a notably low profile. Their rare public appearances include attending a fellow NFL star’s nuptials just a week after their own, followed by a recent sighting of Kelce on his way to training camp, which went viral due to claims he had gained some extra weight.

Speaking about the couple’s current state after their wedding celebrations, a source told Star Magazine that Kelce is “back to being ultra disciplined with his diet and sleep schedule and training. It’s very full-on,” while Taylor “knows what to expect and she’s totally happy to support him.”

The source added, “But there’s no doubt it’s a big change to go from indulging non-stop to not even having a glass of wine with dinner.”

The Singer Wants To Be The ‘Ultimate Support System’ For Her NFL Star Husband

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According to the inside source, Swift is completely dedicated to Kelce’s success and is pulling out all the stops to serve as his biggest “support system.”

This devotion translates into tangible daily habits as she has committed to preparing his meals and matching his demanding schedule by turning in early right beside him.

“[She’s] all in with him and wants to be the ultimate support system, so she’s cooking him healthy meals [and] she’s going to bed early right alongside him,” the source noted, per Star.

They added, “She has no issue buckling down and focusing. It’s what she does best.”

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Are Still ‘Giddy In Love’ As They Deal With Getting ‘Back To Reality’ After Their Nuptials

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As for Swift, the singer is also reportedly focused on getting back to work, as insiders claim that she has a secret new music project brewing.

“It’s all top secret, but there is another album brewing,” a source shared about the alleged project. “She’s doing those sessions when he’s training and occasionally doing her own thing and going to the studio for marathon sessions.”

The claim comes almost two months after the singer was spotted arriving at Electric Lady Studios in New York City on Monday, June 15. At the time, her outing sent her fans, affectionately known as Swifties, raving on social media about the possibility of new music.

“They’re both having to get back to reality, but that hasn’t taken the wind out of their sails,” the source noted about Kelce and Swift. “They are still giddy in love.”

The Couple Recently Became Dog Parents

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Swift and Kelce’s wedding also came with a major surprise after it was revealed that the couple had become pet parents to a Samoyed, with sources branding the decision to get the dog an important milestone in their relationship.

According to a report, Swift and Kelce spent considerable time mulling over the decision before making the move to get the pet “because they wanted to make sure they were ready for that level of commitment.”

Swift’s reputation as a devoted pet lover is well established, rooted in her years of companionship with her three iconic cats, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button, all of whom preceded her 2023 romance with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end.

Although transitioning to caring for a puppy involves significantly more responsibility and effort than managing the singer’s cats, sources close to the pair noted that they have wholeheartedly welcomed the challenge and are thriving in their expanded roles as pet parents.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Were Left ‘Disheartened’ By The Negative Chatter And Rumors About Their Wedding

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According to individuals close to the newlyweds, recent friction regarding their wedding guest list and alleged negativity from within their social circles has left them feeling deeply discouraged.

While the couple is generally adept at ignoring media scrutiny, an insider told Star Magazine that the situation has hit close to home and has been “pretty disheartening” for them.

Because Kelce is scheduled to return to work shortly, the source pointed out that “he’s got to go back to that locker room any day now,” an environment that could prove awkward due to reports of resentment over wedding invitations.

Ultimately, the constant influx of gossip is taking a toll, with the insider revealing that the pair is “finding it quite exhausting keeping up with all the rumors and all the mischief that people are making” about their wedding ceremony.

Kristen Stewart is getting candid about her experience collaborating with her wife Dylan Meyer and why she views filmmaking as an intimate experience. 

Stewart took the leading role in the new stoner comedy “The Wrong Girls,” which was written and directed by her partner, marking Meyer’s directorial debut. 

The pair first crossed paths on a movie set in 2013, but it wasn’t until years down the line that they reconnected and became romantically connected.

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During an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” the actress opened up about working with Meyer. 

For the “Twilight” actress, filmmaking is deeply personal, and so it only makes sense to do it with someone so close to her. “

Making something with somebody is my favorite form of intimacy,” she explained, adding that a great movie feels “like an act of love.” 

For this reason, the 36-year-old admitted that collaborating with people in her inner circle felt very natural. 

The host wondered if Stewart had been discouraged by those around her, sharing their concern about mixing business with marriage. 

The Oscar-nominated actress made it clear she wasn’t exactly concerned with this. She replied that she was exceptionally demanding and direct, and she would not let that happen.

Stewart also had plenty of praise for her significant other’s talent and her creative instinct, highlighting the movie’s soundtrack. She also referred to Meyer as a “cool girl” and expressed excitement at seeing her vision come to life. 

Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer Had An Intimate Home Wedding 

Despite “The Wrong Girls” being the couple’s first creative collaboration, the lovebirds’ personal lives have been intertwined for over a decade. 

The duo was married in an intimate ceremony at Stewart’s Los Angeles home after obtaining their marriage certificate at the courthouse. They were surrounded by close friends and family for the nuptials that took place in  April of 2025. 

The Blast reported that the newlyweds looked radiant in coordinating outfits, sporting simple hairdos with white and blue bouquets in hand. 

Dylan Meyers and Kristen Stewart’s Relationship Timeline 

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Stewart first met the screenwriter thirteen years ago, and reconnected again in 2019. 

According to People Magazine, the long-term partners had casually met on a movie set in 2013, and although they both lived in LA, their paths never crossed. They reconnected at a mutual friend’s birthday party six years later, where they instantly hit it off. 

In August of 2019, the two stars were spotted kissing each other in New York, sparking dating rumors online. The “Charlie’s Angels” wasted no time going IG official with Meyer, and the rest is history.

Kristen Stewart Addressed Her Decision To Come Out On Air

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Years before walking down the aisle, the movie star had openly come out during an “SNL” monologue. In February of this year, she got honest about her reason why. 

As reported by The Blast, Stewart likened not coming out to living a partial life. She reflected on how people around her had encouraged her to keep that part of her life private, claiming it would be beneficial to her career. 

“I was like, ‘So you want me to live a partial life? And you want me to uphold, perpetuate, and sustain a system that excludes people?’ And I just can’t do that,” the 36-year-old stated.

Stewart has continued to be vocal about her opinion on gender equality in the industry. 

Kristen Stewart’s Viral Interaction Sparked Concern As Fans Questioned Her Reaction 

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While the actress’s romantic life continues to make headlines, she has recently found herself in the spotlight after a viral moment was caught during the Biarritz Film Festival in France. 

As reported by The Blast, a widely circulated clip of the “Twilight Saga” actress sparked discussions. The Hollywood star was seen speaking on stage with a man approaching her from behind. After listening to him speak for a while, she stepped back and remained seated on the platform behind her. 

The video was shared on X, with online spectators commenting on the “Twilight” alum’s uncomfortable expression. 

Some viewers supported Stewart’s reaction, while others suggested the moment may have been taken out of context. Neither Stewart nor festival organizers publicly addressed the incident. 

Reacher thrives on a simple formula: Alan Ritchson‘s titular protagonist travels from town to town and city to city, often encountering evil in the process — and giving it a brutal beating. Throughout its run, Reacher introduced plenty of allies, including Maria Sten‘s Frances Neagley, and more than a few foes over the course of three seasons. Season 4 premieres tomorrow, and while it’s gaining some of the best reviews of the series fans might be surprised to learn that it’s continuing a long-running trend of establishing one character’s presence. What makes this worth mentioning? This character has never appeared on screen during Reacher‘s run

During Collider’s visit to the set of Reacher Season 4, production designer Nazgol Goshtasbpour revealed that each season has featured a workstation that belongs to a mysterious woman named Trish. Originally, Goshtasbpour and her crew wanted to make sure that the places where Reacher and his allies operate feel lived in, but decided to create a character entirely out of whole cloth to add to the illusion. In the process, they’ve actually managed to track this character’s life, and potentially set her up to appear in a future season of Reacher.

The ‘Reacher’ Production Designer Made Sure Trish’s Presence is Felt in ‘Reacher’

Image via Brooke Palmer / ©Amazon / Courtesy Everett Collection

The idea to shape Trish’s workspace came during Season 2 of Reacher, which also brought Neagley into the fold. Nazgol Goshtasbpour said that she and the rest of the production team decided to create a character who was a joy to hang out with, which feels out of place with the brutal action of Reacher but screams to be explored further.

“So we like to, and especially our scenic team, we like to come up with a backstory of, like, who sits at that desk, even though, like, nobody’s there in our story. And we came up with a character named Trish, who was, like, fun and happy and, you know, she liked to go for happy hour.”

To make Trish’s landscape stand out, Goshtasbpour and her team added flourishes that would immediately draw the eye. Season 2 featured a leopard print jacket hanging on the back of a chair, alongside a pair of high heels and a bottle of wine; given Goshtasbpour’s description of Trish’s personality, these feel like the perfect accessories. Season 3 took it a step further with a similar setup in Neagey’s private investigator office, suggesting that she and Trish had a history. Finally, Season 4 will feature Trish having an office in a chemical plant; this aligns with the high stakes of the Lee Child novel it’s based on, Gone Tomorrow, where Reacher investigates a conspiracy that threatens to level Philadelphia.

Could Trish Show Up on ‘Reacher’?

Though Trish hasn’t appeared in the flesh on Reacher, Nazgol Goshtasbpour has hinted that the production team will continue to hint at her presence, with a major change coming for Season 5. “And then so next season, if we do another office, it’s going to be her retirement party,” she said. It does raise the question: could Trish and Reacher potentially cross paths in future seasons? The hulking ex-soldier has gained a reputation for romancing most of the women he encounters. There’s also the utterly hilarious idea of seeing a stoic figure like Reacher having to be in the presence of a bubbly party girl, especially if the right actress is picked to play Trish. Most of the people Reacher met can hold their own in battle as well; is it possible that Trish could be packing some deadly skills behind her party girl facade?

Making a television show is a labor of love by a veritable army of people; you have to get the right cast, the right writers, and the right production designers who bring the world of your show to life. By establishing Trish as a recurring presence, Reacher‘s production team has helped the show stand out in Prime Video’s catalog.

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Release Date

February 3, 2022

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Network

Prime Video

Showrunner

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Nick Santora

Directors

Omar Madha, Carol Banker, Julian Holmes, Lin Oeding, M.J. Bassett, Norberto Barba, Stephen Surjik, Thomas Vincent

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Writers

Cait Duffy

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After a tough year for the MCU in 2025, with the likes of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Thunderbolts*, and Captain America: Brave New World all disappointing in one way or another, cinema’s biggest franchise has staged a superhuman comeback this summer. After debuting in late July, Spider-Man: Brand New Day — the final MCU stop ahead of Avengers: Doomsday this December — has smashed a jaw-dropping number of records as it defied even the highest of expectations.

In less than one week, the so-called “best Spidey adventure in 20 years” earned the biggest opening weekend in domestic history, the biggest ever in previews, the biggest first week haul of all time, and became the second-fastest film to reach the $1 billion mark worldwide. This was all before many had even had the chance to see it. Then came a second weekend that, once again, defied expectation, as Brand New Day earned the third-biggest second weekend haul of all time, behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Avengers: Endgame.

Just as it seems we might be able to catch our breath, another major record rears its head. After becoming the highest-grossing Hollywood film in Indian history in just 10 days, Brand New Day currently boasts a global haul of $1.672 billion, comprising $654 million in domestic revenue and an additional $1.017 billion from overseas markets. This means that the film is already the 11th highest-grossing movie of all time, with a gap of just $26 million to bridge before officially joining the elite top ten. All that sits in Brand New Day‘s way is the $1.698 billion-grossing Inside Out 2.

When Will We See Tom Holland Again?

It has been a hugely busy month for Holland, as he starred in both of, not just this summer, but the year’s biggest films so far. Alongside Brand New Day, Holland also featured heavily in Christopher Nolan‘s historical epic The Odyssey, which has now become the great director’s biggest movie of all time. Understandably, following such a busy period, the 30-year-old British actor doesn’t have anything upcoming. In fact, Marvel Studios Producer and President Kevin Feige has said, “he’s going to rest after that global tour. He and Zendaya are going to take a good and restful victory lap, which they very much deserve.”

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is in theaters now. Stay tuned to Collider for more box office updates.

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Release Date

July 29, 2026

Runtime

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145 minutes

Director

Destin Daniel Cretton

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Writers

Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers

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Producers

Avi Arad, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Amy Pascal, David Cain

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In the Autumn of 1990, Metallica entered One on One Recording Studio in North Hollywood, California to begin recording its fifth studio album. The band was coming off its first headlining arena tour and most-successful record to date …And Justice For All, which spawned the song and music video for “One,” which received a good amount of play on MTV, setting the stage for what would come next. The quartet decided to take its time in the studio with new producer Bob Rock, who had recently helmed Dr. Feelgood by Motley Crue and The Cult’s Sonic Temple, both of which were released in 1989.

Bob Rock worked with frontman James Hetfield to capture vastly better vocals and a true rhythm section, which was all but absent on …And Justice For All. In the documentary A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica, bassist Jason Newstead explains the band wanted to create a stronger unit behind the assault of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett‘s heavy guitars.

The group spent 18 months recording the effort, refining its sound and focusing on slower grooves, succinct arrangements and powerful vocal performances. Many of the songs on the album began as vocal melody lines, a first for the group. Hetfield explains, “We wanted to concentrate more on the vocals. We never really took the time to do that with any of the vocal stuff. The vocals really had to take over in a lot of songs.” When all was said and done, the band’s fifth LP became the best-selling heavy metal album in history.

Metallica released its self-titled effort, known as The Black Album, on August 12, 1991. The LP is the band’s best-selling record, shifting over 31 million units worldwide, spawning five hit singles, including “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam” and “Sad But True.” “Enter Sandman” was the first single released off the album, and it was an immediate smash with its iconic opening riff. The video, which won an MTV Video Music Award, was on high rotation on the network. It peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, helping the album debut at number one on the Billboard Album chart in August 1991, where it remained for four consecutive weeks.

“Sad But True” is the second track and stands out with its dropped “D” guitar tuning. To capture the heavy guitar tone on “Sad But True,” and other songs, Bob Rock created the “Tent of Doom.” The makeshift tent comprised of wooden panels and baffling surrounding multiple amplifiers with microphones positioned both close to the speakers and farther away to capture room ambience. Rock covered the creation with heavy U-Haul blankets to help obtain a thicker and deep multidimensional tone that really leaps off the record.

The Black Album Showcases a Maturing Band Willing to Take Risks

STARTRAKS PHOTO/startraksphoto.com

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“The Unforgiven” flips the script on Metallica’s formula for “ballads.” Instead of clean verses and heavy choruses used in classic tracks “Fade to Black” and “Welcome Home (Sanitarium),”, they swapped the distorted verse with a clean chorus and gentle vocals from Hetfield. The song, which launched two sequels, “The Unforgiven II” in 1997 and “The Unforgiven III” in 2008, crossed over, was a top 40 hit. Kirk Hammett struggled to get the solo just right, but in the end, he laid down gripping and melodic guitar work. He later admitted, “It’s pretty much the type of guitar solo I’ve been trying to do for the past five or six years. I’m really proud of that.”

“Nothing Else Matters” was the first true Metalliballad. It was another top 40 hit for the band and frontman James Hetfield plays the melodic guitar solo on the tune. On the flip side, the album has great, concise songs that harken back to the band’s thrash beginnings, including “Through the Never,” “Of Wolf and Man,” “Don’t Tread on Me,” “The Struggle Within,” and “Holier Than Thou.” “The God That Failed” and “My Friend of Misery,” the only song which bassist Jason Newstead gets a writing credit, are two of the more progressive songs, with impressive guitar work, that stand the test of time.

The quartet used a plethora of instruments and unique percussion tools to enhance the recording. Drummer Lars Ulrich added shakers, tambourines and the signature gong on “Wherever I May Roam,” while James Hetfield used a lever-action rifle in the studio to create a percussive overdub heard in “That God That Failed,” which you can hear at the 3:50 to four minute mark behind Kirk Hammett’s guitar solo. The quartet also added instruments they’d never used in the studio prior, including the electric sitar, 12-string bass, 12-string acoustic guitar, nylon string guitar and baritone guitar. Bob Rock talked the band into adding keyboards and a string section from the Michael Kamen conducted London Symphony Orchestra on “Nothing Else Matters.”

Lyrically, the album strays from the group’s focus on history, war, and horror to tracks that deal with universal human emotions, showing off a vulnerability that was nowhere to be heard before. “Nothing Else Matters,” “The Unforgiven” and “The God That Failed” all feature personal and heartfelt lyrics as well as emotional vocals from James Hetfield. Producer Bob Rock coaxed some great vocal performances, including some amazing vocal harmonies out of Hetfield, which improved the quality of the music and gives the effort a more robust sound.

Sukrow/SULUPRESS.DE/DPA/Cover Images

As a result of the effort’s success, Metallica skyrocketed to worldwide fame and toured for over three and a half years behind the classic album. They played over 400 concerts in 30 countries, including the group’s first shows in the Soviet Union, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. In September 1991, Metallica played the Monsters of Rock concert at the Tushino Airfield in Moscow with AC/DC, Pantera and The Black Crowes. The free concert drew more than a million fans, just months before the Soviet Union dissolved into 15 new sovereign nations.

The Wherever We May Roam Tour ran from 1991 to 1993. In the midst of that outing, Metallica joined Guns N’ Roses for the ill-fated 1992 Summer co-headlining tour. The group kept playing sold-out shows through 1993 with the Nowhere Else to Roam Tour and into 1994 with a shed tour playing outdoor theaters instead of arenas and stadiums. Metallica’s music videos for “Sad But True” and “Wherever I May Roam” perfectly capture the energy and experience of what it was like to see the band live in the early 90s.

The Black Album Still Impacts Pop Culture Today

The Black Album is a landmark effort that brought heavy metal to the masses and broke down barriers between heavy metal, rock and pop music fans. The LP cemented Metallica’s legacy as one of the greatest bands in history. “Enter Sandman,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance at the 1992 ceremony, is a ubiquitous song that is as relevant today as it was when it was released 35 years ago. Drummer Lars Ulrich’s signature backbeat and Kirk Hammett’s iconic guitar riff are played at every major sporting event to pump up the crowd. Hall of Fame Major League Baseball relief pitcher Mariano Rivera from the New York Yankees used the iconic song as his entrance music when he came into games from 1999-2013. The Virginia Tech Hokies football team have used the track since 2000 as its entrance music, creating a chill-inducing environment. The song has appeared in TV shows like The Simpsons and The Sopranos. “Enter Sandman” still receives a lot of radio play and blends right in with today’s classic rock programming.

Who’s Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?

The effort proved that a metal band could impact pop culture without losing its identity. The Black Album spent over 700 weeks on the Billboard Album chart and held the top spot for four consecutive weeks in August and September 1991. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009. After 35 years, The Black Album is the defining achievement of the band’s career and one of the most influential records in music history. The LP had an indelible impact on Gen X and its legacy is still being written as new audiences discover the classic album.

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Classic Albums: Metallica – Metallica

Release Date

November 6, 2001

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Runtime

50 minutes

Director

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Matthew Longfellow

Producers

Nick De Grunwald, Bous De Jong

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  James Hetfield

  Self – Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

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  Kirk Hammett

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  Self – Guitar

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  Jason Newsted

  Self – Bass

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There’s something inherently entertaining when it comes to a thriller. With a large group of genres under the umbrella, audiences flock to films that keep them on the edge of their seats. Maybe it’s the story or the performances that keep you engaged, but a great thriller requires excellent direction.

Throughout, there have been extraordinary masterpieces, but among those, the films on this list are perfectly directed. From legendary visionaries to directors on the rise, they share an evocative power to make a lasting impact. With countless awards and inspiring new techniques in filmmaking, these directors helmed perfect films. For this list, we are keeping it to one film per director to share the wealth of praise! There are certainly many titles that could have found their place on this list, but these films are perfect.

1

‘Taxi Driver’ (1976)

Director: Martin Scorsese

Image via Columbia Pictures

There are certainly a plethora of titles that could be considered Martin Scorsese‘s greatest work. Though he’s been nominated for several Academy Awards for Best Director, winning only one, his most impactful work, which set him on the course of an influential director, came with Taxi Driver. Also jumpstarting his long-term collaboration with Robert De Niro, Taxi Driver tells the story of Travis Bickle, an isolated, mentally unstable Vietnam War vet. He works nights as a taxi driver, due to his insomnia, in a decaying, crime-ridden New York City. As he spirals due to loneliness and psychosis, Bickle turns to violence in an attempt to clean up the city. Centering on vigilante violence, Taxi Driver captures a man’s decline through a nightmarish dreamscape of isolation.

Scorsese’s film is not an easy one to watch. There are moments that are destined to make you uncomfortable. Yet, Scorsese prevents those moments from being grotesque. Instead, they serve to exemplify Bickle’s state of mind. Using pan-away shots, you start with an image of Bickle, then suddenly pull back to reveal he’s alone. It may be subtle, but it’s effective filmmaking. Then, by distorting reality through slow-motion and dream-like lighting, Scorsese forces the audience to see the world as Bickle envisions it. Taxi Driver is a deeply intimate character study that showcases how Scorsese doesn’t always need a grand ensemble to tell an effective narrative. Taxi Driver is an iconic film with an iconic character who established the ’70s in cinema. None of that could have been done without Scorsese.

2

‘Get Out (2017)

Director: Jordan Peele

Image via Universal Pictures

If you told anyone in the early 2000s that MAD TV star Jordan Peele would become a horror filmmaker who effectively changed the genre, they would likely laugh. And then, in 2017, Get Out debuted, and Peele established himself as a brilliant director audiences flocked toward to see what he would craft next. It all stems back to the brilliance that is Get Out. A sensational dissertation on how the horrors of our world are the things out in the open, Get Out became the modern psychological-horror standard. Peele’s tale follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black photographer, as he visits his white girlfriend Rose Armitage’s (Allison Williams) parents, Missy and Dean (Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford), for the weekend. While there, he soon discovers, thanks to the weird behavior of the Black servants and awkward microaggressions, that the family lures Black people to their estate to transplant elderly white minds into their bodies, leaving victims in a paralyzing void known as the sunken place. Chris must get out before he’s next. A haunting, meticulously directed film, Peele’s social thriller relies on psychological discomfort rather than traditional horror tropes to create an effective masterpiece.

The horror of racism could have led to an overtly on-the-nose story that didn’t capture Peele’s mission. Instead, he holds a mirror up to society while amplifying the horror elements around it. Capturing the state of the world, Get Out had an essence of believability that made it scarily real. The anxiety of Black America is a profound theme, helped by putting the audience in Chris’s shoes. As the writer and director, Peele knew this film inside and out. He expertly fleshed out his universe by making it eerily real, so by the time the truth is revealed, there is a plausibility that psychological mind games might effectively be around us. In the end, the emotional payoff is satisfying and empowering, effectively wrapping up his directorial feature debut.

3

‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)

Director: Safdie Brothers

Image via A24

There have been many sibling duos who became legendary directors. In the 21st century, it was Josh and Benny Safdie who joined the extraordinary list. All it took was their crime thriller, Uncut Gems. The high-stakes film follows Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic, gambling-addicted New York City jeweler. Upon acquiring a rare Ethiopian opal, he must juggle mounting debts, angry loan sharks, and his complicated family life in a relentless, high-anxiety pursuit of the ultimate winning bet. With a precisely chaotic movie, the Safdies create an engaging yet stressful atmosphere that evokes the action of Howard’s journey.

The Safdies orchestrate a realistic pandemonium to effectively create the high-stakes adventure. From frenetic handheld cameras to overlapping dialogue, the controlled chaos leads to exposing Howard’s manic anxiety and addiction. Viewers are trapped on Howard’s thrill ride, only leaving when the deed is done. Working with cinematographer Darius Khondji, sound mixer Skip Lievsay, and Daniel Lopatin‘s synth score, the overlapping elements become harmonious while being erratic, heightening the heist. As far as acting is concerned, they pulled out a career-best out of comedian Sandler, proving he deserves to be taken seriously as a dramatic actor. Uncut Gems sparkles and shines thanks to the extraordinary work of the Safdies.

4

‘Parasite’ (2019)

Director: Bong Joon-Ho

Image via NEON

For the longest time, foreign-language films seemed to be on the outskirts of mainstream cinema. Then, Bong Joon-Ho‘s Parasite arrived, and that separation ceased. A true masterpiece in direction, Parasite blends dark comedy with dark thriller elements to tell the story of the Kims, a poor family who infiltrate the wealthy household of the Parks by posing as unrelated, highly qualified servants. A scathing critique of modern capitalism through the lens of class conflict, inequality, and greed, Bong’s transition from witty scam comedy into suspenseful tragedy provided for an alluring film. Parasite‘s success as the first foreign-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture relies on Bong’s sheer brilliance.

Easily Bong’s magnum opus, Parasite takes a simple premise and turns it on its head. Like the sleek home the Parks take over, Bong meticulously builds Parasite from the ground up, using the architectural blueprint to construct a sleek film. His ability to cast a stark contrast of class through every production element — costumes, set, color — leads to a seamless composition of his vision. With so many genres and themes to balance, Bong maintains an effective tone that makes Parasite a shapeshifting thriller. The natural progression of the story falls into place without question. Through subtle changes in atmosphere, through sound and lighting, the Parks’ journey becomes even more thrilling. Parasite is unapologetic, as Bong does not allow outside influence to shape the narrative of classism in society. Parasite might be presented from a Korean perspective, but Bong’s ability to make it largely universal allowed the film to be the mainstream hit that it is.

5

‘No Country For Old Men’ (2007)

Director: Joel and Ethan Coen

Image via © Miramax/courtesy Everett Collection

Very few directors know how to make an atmosphere a thrill in and of itself quite like Joel and Ethan Coen. With a brilliant resume behind them, they made their mark in the 2000s with their neo-Western crime thriller No Country for Old Men. Using Cormac McCarthy‘s 2005 novel as inspiration, the story follows a trio of men: Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a Vietnam War veteran and welder who stumbles upon a large sum of money in the desert; Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), a hitman who is sent to recover the money; and Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), a sheriff investigating the crime while battling a changing world he feels ill-equipped to handle. Set in the vast desert landscape of 1980 West Texas, the Coen brothers’ masterpiece is a story that isn’t about who ends up with the loot; it’s about the chase between the hunter and the hunted, a role each of the main characters adopts throughout the film.

A masterclass in visual storytelling, the Coens’ ability to build suspense through silence and ambient natural sounds heightens the tension, dropping viewers into a bleak, desolate landscape that mirrors the grim, philosophical approach to their story. No Country for Old Men showcases how capturing the precise atmosphere leads to a perfect movie. As far as characters go, the collaboration between the directors and their star brought out one of the 21st century’s most recognizable villains in Anton Chigurh. Lifted effortlessly from page to screen, just his gaze alone strikes immediate fear. No wonder Bardem earned an Oscar for his performance! As did the Coens. They have made cult classics and impressionable offbeat dark comedies, but nothing has ever been quite like their achievement with No Country for Old Men.

6

‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

It’s safe to say that Stanley Kubrick can do extraordinary work in literally any genre of cinema. For his final project, Kubrick took Arthur Schnitzler’s novella, Dream Story, and brought it to modern times in the erotic psychological thriller, Eyes Wide Shut. The ’90s classic follows Dr. Bill Harford (Tom Cruise), who spirals into a night-long, surreal odyssey of sexual obsession and paranoia after his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), admits to nearly abandoning their family for a fantasy encounter. Blurring the line between the couple’s subconscious desires and their actual actions through a journey between reality and fantasy, Kubrick’s masterpiece is smartly crafted and profoundly executed.

What Kubrick does well is create a hauntingly surreal, slightly off dream. Hidden in plain sight, Kubrick creates a symbolic vocabulary through imagery, light, and color. The vibrancy and its transforming palette represent shifting emotional states, jealousy, and danger. As a brilliant psychological thriller that visually shows the emotional state, it is a masterful way to tell the story. Kubrick united top-tier performers to create such perfect chemistry, it bled off-screen as well! Eyes Wide Story is sexy and erotic, and it is thought-provoking and gripping. A film that was misunderstood at first, only to age like fine wine, Kubrick left the world, making his favorite film in his storied career. Eyes Wide Shut is truly like nothing he’s crafted before.

7

‘American Psycho’ (2000)

Director: Mary Harron

Image via Lions Gate Films

The premise of American Psycho sounds terrifying, but when director Mary Harron brought Bret Easton Ellis’ novel to life, the result was an exceptional black-comedy psychological thriller. The film follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a wealthy 1980s New York City investment banker who hides his alternate life as a sadistic serial killer. The plot, centered on themes of materialism and alienation, tracks his descent into madness as he murders colleagues, including Paul Allen (Jared Leto), and strangers, while his superficial social circle remains oblivious. With a central character that has attempted to be replicated, but can only be referenced, American Psycho was an underdog film that became a classic overnight. Hatton took a sensational story and blew it up for the big screen. Balancing horrific violence with satirical comedy, she took the superficial 1980s and narcissism to critique the absurdity of the yuppie lifestyle and male vanity.

At its core, American Psycho is a slasher film about the most enigmatic serial killer. Perhaps the most shocking part about the film is the reaction to Patrick Bateman. Harron worked with Bale to find the rich nuances within Patrick that, for whatever reason, resonated with audiences, with some even idolizing him. As she told Letterboxd, she always saw the film as “a gay man’s satire on masculinity.” She notes how the idiosyncrasies of the character, like the meticulous rituals and obsession with image, are “men are prizing their extreme competition and their ‘elevating their prowess’ kind of thing.” She says, “There’s something very, very gay about the way they’re fetishizing looks and the gym.” Harron’s ability to give Bateman the room to deliver a precise, iconic performance as a narcissistic, detached psychopath made the film perfect. At the end of the day, American Psycho is a fantastic, bloody film.

8

‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (1962)

Director: John Frankenheimer

Image via Paramount Pictures

If there’s ever been a film that forces you to question everyone you once trusted, look no further than The Manchurian Candidate. Based on Richard Condon’s novel, John Frankenheimer brought to life the perfect Cold War neo-noir political thriller. The iconic film tells the story of an American Korean War platoon brainwashed by Communists. Sgt. Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey) is programmed as a sleeper assassin tasked with killing a U.S. presidential candidate to aid a Communist conspiracy managed by his mother (Angela Lansbury). Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra) is on a mission to uncover the plot by any means. A darkly satirical film, The Manchurian Candidate, highlights themes of paranoia, mental manipulation, and political corruption through Frankenheimer’s sharply edited narrative.

To expose the paranoia at the film’s root, Frankenheimer deploys a disorienting, rapid-cutting editing style. Sensational examples include the brainwashing scenes, which transition seamlessly between a communist lecture hall and a New Jersey garden party, making the surreal feel real. Lionel Lindon’s cinematography is enhanced by black-and-white shooting and unique camera angles that heighten the thriller’s sense of paranoia. Perhaps one of the underappreciated achievements of Frankenheimer in this film is his hand-picked ensemble. He pulled out standout performances from every actor, exposing how going against type can deliver perfect shocks. Seeing how he led Lansbury to an Oscar nomination in her deliciously manipulative mother role underscores how crucial the relationship between actor and director is. The Manchurian Candidate is a deeply focused film that was truly ahead of its time due to Frankenheimer’s pristine vision.

9

‘Se7en’ (1995)

Director: David Fincher

Image via New Line Cinema

When a film forces you to question the contents of a box delivered at your feet, you know you’ve done something brilliant. Such was the case for David Fincher’s Se7en. The film follows disenchanted, nearly retired Detective Lieutenant William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his newly transferred partner David Mills (Brad Pitt) as they try to stop a serial killer from committing a series of murders based on the seven deadly sins. A brutal and gruesome crime thriller, Se7en went beyond the typical police procedural to deliver something thought-provoking and intelligent through Fincher’s calculated control over tone, visual aesthetics, and the psychological manipulation of the audience through shock.

To capture the specific essence Fincher was searching for, he deliberately placed the film in an unnamed city, detached from time and space, creating a timeless, universal sense of dread. And nothing spells dread quite like persistent rain. Alongside cinematographer Darius Khondji, the duo used a “bleach bypass” chemical process on the film stock to deepen shadows and create a high-contrast, desaturated look. Further, the subtle use of color allows the eye to delve into the important details. For the story, the audience is well aware that the killer is playing with the seven deadly sins, and thus, we wait for each to be unleashed. It’s a slow burn built through tension during the investigation. By the time the climax culminates and John Doe (Kevin Spacey) drops his final twist, that slow-burning was more than worth it. Se7en is Fincher showing why perfectionism can lead to a sensation. Every single frame is curated, resulting in a stunning final product. A timeless classic, Se7en exemplifies Fincher at his finest.

10

‘Memento’ (2000)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Image via Newmarket Films

If there is one director who has defined the 21st century thus far, it’s Christopher Nolan. Kicking off the new millennium, Nolan uses a short story by his brother, Jonathan Nolan, as inspiration for the exceptional psychological neo-noir thriller Memento. The film tackles the intriguing story of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man with anterograde amnesia, a condition that causes short-term memory loss and prevents him from forming new memories. Using an elaborate system of photographs, handwritten notes, and tattoos, Leonard attempts to uncover the perpetrator, simply known as “John G,” who killed his wife (Jorja Fox) and caused him to sustain the condition. A sharply intricate film in which black-and-white tells one story moving forward, while color tells the story moving backward, Memento’s alternating timelines collide to create an immersive, cerebral puzzle.

The chronological and reverse chronological storytelling could have been a risky flop, but because Nolan’s painstaking focus and subjective perspective are executed to perfection. The audience is forced to question everything as the timelines converge, leading to a psychological breakdown because they no longer have a trustworthy narrator. Memento is a film to watch multiple times because Nolan’s usage of subtle clues is precisely placed. This is a film that demands attention, and the more closely you watch, the richer the film becomes. At the core of the film, memory, identity, and perception shape every technical choice that leads to Leonard’s psyche. Nolan’s work has been lauded over the past two decades for films like Inception, The Dark Knight, and Oppenheimer, but Memento proved his brilliance.

President Donald Trump’s team reportedly reached out to Ohio Republican leadership earlier this month, requesting a so-called cease fire in public ridicule of Rep. Max Miller amid allegations of domestic abuse.

The White House allegedly contacted Ohio Republicans last week after Trump’s team became convinced that Miller, 37, would not be withdrawing voluntarily from Ohio’s 7th Congressional District race, according to Politico.

The outlet reported on Monday, August 10, that the Trump administration asked the local politicians to stop pressuring Miller to terminate his reelection campaign, claiming that three individuals with “direct knowledge of private conversations” confirmed the correspondence took place.

“They basically told us to back off and let the voters decide,” one Ohio Republican allegedly involved in the conversations told Politico.

Related: Max Miller’s Attorney Issues Apology After Rep Shares Pic of 2-Year-Old Nude

Rep. Max Miller’s attorney, Aaron Minc, is claiming responsibility after the embattled congressman shared a fully nude photograph of his 2-year-old daughter. “Unfortunately, I missed the last three pages of a 40+ page document with sensitive content,” Minc said in a statement to CNN on Tuesday, August 4, issuing an apology for what the lawyer […]

Us has reached out to the White House for comment.

The controversy surrounding Miller began earlier this summer, when his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of domestic abuse during their marriage. (Moreno filed for divorce in 2024.)

Last month, multiple outlets reported that Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno’s daughter Emily accused Miller of throwing hot water on her body, holding a gun to her head, pushing her with enough force to hurt her and breaking their now-2-year-old daughter’s collarbone.

Miller has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that his ex-wife is not “all there.”

The congressman has since sued Emily for defamation while remaining committed to his reelection bid.

Related: Sen. Bernie Moreno Claims Rep. Max Miller Is a ‘Danger’ to His Daughter

After refusing to denounce Rep. Max Miller after his own daughter accused the congressman of domestic violence, Sen. Bernie Moreno is calling the politician a “danger” who is unfit for public office. “As a father and husband, I can tell you the last two years have been pure hell for my wife Bridget, our daughter […]

Amid his messy legal battle with Emily, Miller released a Dropbox full of documents via X on August 2, which he claimed was done in hopes of “defending” himself from his ex’s allegations.

The move backfired, however, when the now-public files contained an image of Miller’s 2-year-old daughter fully naked.

Miller’s attorney subsequently took responsibility for the photo making its way onto the internet, apologizing in a statement on August 4.

“Unfortunately, I missed the last three pages of a 40+ page document with sensitive content,” Aaron Minc told CNN at the time. “It was completely unintentional and a mistake. The moment I discovered the issue on Monday morning, I corrected the file immediately.”

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He added, “I am truly sorry to Congressman Miller, Ms. Moreno, both of their families, and, especially, to their daughter. I deeply regret the mistake.”

The photo was part of a February 2025 exchange between Miller and Emily amid a dispute over whether their child was injured on the politician’s watch. The incident was investigated at the time and no charges were filed against the congressman.

Despite Miller’s attorney taking accountability for the mishap, the controversy only drew more negative attention — and caused more public outrage over Miller continuing to hold a public office.

“As he has admitted privately, Max Miller needs serious psychological help,” Sen. Moreno, 59, wrote via X earlier this month after previously not taking a stand on the issue. “He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter.”

Related: Eric Swalwell Had Reported Fling With Trump Adviser Stephen Miller’s Wife

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Former congressman Eric Swalwell had a reported fling with President Donald Trump adviser Stephen Miller’s wife, Katie Miller, when she was a 22-year-old intern working on Capitol Hill. A Thursday, August 6, report published by Sources Say News, a popular Capitol Hill blog, revealed the alleged relationship between Swalwell, 45, and Katie, now 34. According […]

He added, “If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives.”

Miller, meanwhile, vowed to “file my own paperwork for an ethics investigation into myself to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family,” claiming in an X statement, “I have absolutely nothing to hide.”

The House of Ethics has since opened an investigation into Miller in wake of the allegations.

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When it comes to his reelection campaign, Miller had until 4 p.m. on Monday to drop out so party leaders could schedule a meeting to discuss his replacement. Miller did not announce his resignation.

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

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

Editor’s note: The below contains minor spoilers for the Ted Lasso Season 4 premiere.

One of the most popular shows of all time is officially back on Apple TV. Ted Lasso appeared to wrap up its run for good in 2023 with what was billed as the third and seemingly final season. However, given the show’s enduring popularity, Apple TV has now brought back the Emmy-winning series for another go. Season 4 premiered last week, reuniting many of our favorite characters and reintroducing the show’s signature charm — but a surprising movie reference in the premiere might leave some fans scratching their heads.

‘Ted Lasso’s Season 4 Return Includes a Fun Quentin Tarantino Easter Egg

When Episode 1 begins, Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is back in his hometown of Kansas City three years after leaving England. He’s devoted his life to spending time with his son and being the best dad he can be while working as an assistant manager at a grocery store. Ted might not be totally in his element like he was as a soccer coach, but he’s doing the best he can. While Ted is scanning grocery items for a customer in the checkout line, eagle-eyed fans might notice one product in particular that has actually earned a spot in pop culture lore.

Red Apple is a fictional cigarette brand created by the legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, which first appeared in 1994’s seminal classic, Pulp Fiction, when Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) orders a pack at a bar. Other characters, including Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) and Ringo (Tim Roth), can be seen smoking the brand. Tarantino has also included his invented brand in other films like Kill Bill: Volume 1, Death Proof, and The Hateful Eight. In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Tarantino even inserts a Red Apple commercial starring Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) into the action, as well as ensuring that Red Apple is Cliff Booth’s (Brad Pitt) brand of choice throughout the movie. While the brand and its recognizable label have become a signature of Tarantino’s, most Ted Lasso viewers might be a tad stumped about why the two worlds have now crossed over.

‘Ted Lasso’s Tarantino Connection Offers a Hint About Season 4’s Storytelling

Because Tarantino movies and Ted Lasso are so incredibly different in tone and storytelling style, there has been some speculation from viewers about why the Apple TV series decided to include the brand. Tarantino has been quoted as saying that some of his films do take place in a “real universe,” so the cigarettes could serve as a hint that Ted Lasso‘s story exists on that same plane. Fans have also pointed out that there are many Wizard of Oz allusions in the show, so the Red Apple cigarettes could be viewed as a nod to the trees that pop up along Dorothy’s journey.

In reality, a recent interview with Sudeikis confirms that Season 4’s Red Apple reference was intentional, and that the show’s writers did get permission from Tarantino to use the brand. As huge fans of Tarantino’s work, they merely wanted to pay tribute to his movies in a small yet noteworthy way. The Red Apple nod doubles as the perfect way to honor America before Ted travels back across the pond, making the UK his home again. As the season unfolds, it’s unlikely that there will be many more Tarantino references, but any Easter eggs included for the show’s most devoted fans just make watching Ted Lasso all the more fun.

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Ted Lasso

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Release Date

August 14, 2020

Network

Apple TV

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Directors

Declan Lowney, MJ Delaney, Erica Dunton, Matt Lipsey

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Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 11, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, on August 11 after nearly 10 years together. The private wedding was attended by their five children.

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• Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reece Weaver will make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago beginning September 7 at the Ambassador Theatre. The six-week limited engagement runs through October 18 and follows her surprise retirement from the iconic DCC squad earlier this year.

• A judge signed off on a plea by order that could allow Joseph and Kendra Duggar‘s child endangerment and false imprisonment charges to be dismissed if they comply with court-approved conditions for one year, Us can confirm. The couple must maintain good behavior, follow legal orders and pay $1,850 in fines and costs, with a review hearing set for August 4, 2027.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Jeans are a closet staple, so why can’t denim dresses hold that same honor? The classic fabric can be styled for all sorts of occasions and makes for a smart summer-to-fall transition. Many denim dress options are also made with stretch, so they’re comfortable for all-day wear and work as easy, everyday staples. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that, while pretty, these pieces are still durable in the washing machine.

Just like any other kind of dress, denim dresses come in mini, midi and maxi silhouettes. Some are sleeveless while others boast prominent sleeves that’ll come in handy when temperatures cool down. We think it’s time for denim to become the star of your outfit, rather than just a part of your bottom half.

13 Denim Dresses for Summer-to-Fall Dressing

1. Our Favorite: With a collar and waist tie, this short-sleeve denim dress has a more polished look. It’s just as easy to pair with heels as it is with boots.

2. Sleek and Sleeveless: Thanks to the darker wash, this sleeveless denim dress doesn’t feel overwhelming. The midi length works for every day, and the thicker straps allow you to wear your regular bra.

3. Bell Babe: The mini length with three-quarter bell sleeves gives this A-line denim dress a retro vibe. Catch us wearing it with sandals through the end of summer and then switching to boots come fall.

4. Everyday Wear: This relaxed denim shirtdress can take you from a casual office to happy hour with ease. And this Madewell style is cinched in the back, so it won’t overwhelm your frame.

Related: These Transitional Dresses Carry You Straight to Fall — On Sale From $16

Nothing says ‘effortlessly put together’ quite like the right dress, but if you’re like Us, you might be bored with your current lineup. Instead of grabbing summer dresses to fill the void, we’re grabbing these chic wonders that go straight from summer to fall. Better yet, they’re all on major sale at Macy’s — we’re […]

5. Must-Have Maxi: With tiers and a V-neck, this denim maxi dress will be a standout option in your wardrobe. When the occasion calls for something a little more elevated without being too fancy, this will be your go-to.

6. Flowy Find: On days you don’t feel like thinking too hard about your outfit, this flowy short dress will come to the rescue. It has puffed to-the-elbow sleeves, so it can be worn all on its own.

7. Hot Halter: Let your back do the talking in this halter maxi dress. When summer starts winding down, simply throw a cardigan or blazer over it for a versatile style.

8. Fit and Flare: The dark wash really works in this Steven Madden dress that features a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. The vertical seams up top and pleats on the bottom elongate the body, too.

9. Sweet Cinch: Thanks to the elastic waistband, this short-sleeve denim dress has a nice balance between being flowy and structured. It comes in long-sleeve options, too!

10. Plus-Size Pick: This fit-and-flare Walmart find is available in sizes 0X to 5X. The sleeveless design and midi length mean you can style it in so many ways, too.

11. Collared Cutie: Denim feels a bit more polished with a collar, and that’s what you’ll get with this mini short-sleeved option. Now you just have to decide between the light and dark washes.

12. Dark Wash: From far away, someone might not even be able to tell that this three-quarter-sleeve denim dress is, well, denim. And the cutesy collar brings it all together for a more structured option.

13. Buttoned Beauty: If there is one denim dress that we’d say works for the office, it’s this midi button-up pick. It is more fitted and has a small slit in the front, making it easy to walk in.

Related: 17 Loose Dresses That Make Legs Look Longer — Even in Sandals

Heels aren’t the only way to fake longer-looking legs. The right dress silhouette can completely change your proportions, creating the illusion of extra height while keeping you cool and comfortable through the hottest days of summer. That’s why we went on a hunt to pull rich-looking styles that pair perfectly with even your favorite sandals. […]

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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