One year after she survived an alleged murder attempt by her husband during her birthday trip to Hawaii, Arielle Konig testified against him in court during the trial.

Konig, 37, took the stand before a jury on Tuesday, March 24, to testify against her husband, Gerhardt Konig, who has been accused of attempting to push her off a cliff in Oahu, Hawaii. The couple was in Oahu at the time of the incident to celebrate Arielle’s birthday on March 24, 2025.

Arielle told the judge that she survived the alleged attack after hikers nearby heard her screaming for help and called 911, according to a live stream of the hearing, shared by Court TV.

“I felt hopeful that this was a turning point for us in our marriage, and that this was going to be a nice trip and kind of started the next chapter for us,” Arielle told the courtroom about the trip.

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A California dad has been accused of sending his five kids “away” from their car, into a park, so that he could strangle his pregnant wife in the back seat during a camping trip in Idaho. Robert Seviano Howell was arrested on Friday, January 16, and was charged with one count of felony attempted murder, […]

She also recalled the details of the events that led to the attack during her testimony. Arielle said that Gerhardt, 47, allegedly took her on a hike on a steep cliff. During the hike, she said she refused to go up an elevation because she was scared of how steep it was.

Arielle went on to tell the court that she later took a photo with Gerhardt — who worked as a doctor in Maui — against a steep cliff, which she said made her feel uneasy. She then said she asked Gerhardt to step aside so she could move away from the edge.

As she began to walk toward her husband, Arielle claimed that Gerhardt grabbed her by her arms and said, “I’m so f**king done with this s**t” and “get back over there.”

Gerhardt then allegedly got on top of her. “He was first trying to pull me closer to the cliff,” Arielle said, adding that she then saw a syringe in his hand as he instructed her to “hold still.”

“F**k you, you’re done,” Gerhardt allegedly said as he held her down. “I’m so sick of your s**t.”

Arielle explained that she tried to stop Gerhardt by talking about their children. “Our kids will be orphans,” she recalled telling him. “You’ll go to jail and I’ll be dead; our kids need us.”

She then claimed that Gerhardt said, “You’re done. We don’t need you anymore.”

Arielle said that Gerhardt appeared to calm down slightly as she spoke about their kids. However, she said he then took a few deep breaths and started hitting her with rocks.

Gerhardt allegedly stopped hitting her after two hikers nearby heard Arielle’s calls for help and reported the disturbance to 911.

Arielle appeared calm as she gave her testimony, though she did choke up at one point when Gerhardt’s defense attorney showed her a card he had given her on the morning of the incident.

Related: 90 Day Fiance’s Leida Files Restraining Order on Eric Before Baby’s Death

90 Day Fiancé alum Eric Rosenbrook’s estranged wife, Leida Margaretha, filed for a restraining order and used photos of her alleged injuries in court before the death of their newborn daughter, Us Weekly can exclusively report. On Monday, July 7, Margaretha asked the court for protection against Rosenbrook. She claimed on June 21 that he […]

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Meanwhile, Gerhardt was seen taking notes as Arielle testified.

Gerhardt was arrested one day after the incident and is on trial for second-degree attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the opening statements, Gerhardt’s attorney, Thomas Otake, said that his client had been falsely accused of attempted murder. He argued that Arielle started an “unplanned, unanticipated scuffle” when they got into an argument regarding her past affair.

However, Arielle said on the stand that she wouldn’t consider the altercation a “scuffle.”

“I consider [a] scuffle to be like a back and forth, like a wrestling thing,” she said. “I would call it an attack versus a scuffle.”

Latto might be Big Mama with one kid on the way, but she’s not letting anything put a damper on her motherhood journey. The femcee recently chopped it up with Paper magazine in an exclusive interview, speaking about all the speculation surrounding her pregnancy and relationship, and she’s making it really clear that she’s good right where she’s at!

RELATED: Too Cute! Video Shows Cheetah-Inspired Baby Announcement With Latto & 21 Savage’s Names On It (WATCH) 

Latto Clears The Air & Stands Ten Toes In Her Big Mama Era

There has been plenty of chatter surrounding Latto’s relationship status. Fans have tried to prove that she and 21 Savage go together real bad for a minute now. Then, in August 2025, video footage showed them vacationing together in St. Vincent. More speculation popped off after Latto recently dropped her music video for her new single, ‘Business & Personal.’ Fans immediately peeped 21’s baby pics in the visuals, and then others assumed his tatted hand caressed her belly since the ink seemed to match his. Even though she doesn’t name-drop 21, she told Paper she’s not clearing up anything about her relationship. She said she’s been with her man for years and won’t let any chatter shake her.

“I have nothing to prove no anyone. I have no rumor to clear up,” she said. “I’ve been with my man for years now, and it ain’t going nowhere. To me, that’s clearly a result of me moving and operating how I do.”

From there, the ‘Georgia Peach’ hitmaker explained that she’s always been a lover girl, but she never let her relationships define her, but still she’s happy to have a solid man holding her down.

“I’m my own person outside of my relationship as well. I don’t want to make that the forefront of my existence, my career. I got a man at home, I’m happy and well taken care of, and that’s all anyone needs to know.”

RELATED: That’s Dada? 5 Reasons Why Fans Think Latto Is Expecting Her First Baby With 21 Savage (PICS + VIDEOS)

Latto Speaks On Cappin’ In Her Raps & How It Felt To Reveal Her Pregnancy

Fans have been looking for Latto for a minute, and that had them thinking she had a bun in the oven. Turns out they clocked her tea because she finally confirmed her pregnancy last week. After going MIA for months, the raptress said she felt scared to confirm she was gearing up to be a mom. Now? She feels excited because this chapter of her life already felt written.

“I was definitely terrified of what everyone was going to think and, you know, those stigmas, that [motherhood] is gonna slow you down,” she said. “But I feel like I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been in my life. I was worried in the beginning, and I literally laugh at how worried I was now. I can’t imagine my life being any other way. It’s like it was written.”

Latto also addressed folks calling her out for capping in her raps. On ‘Go Girl’ by Summer Walker, she raps in her verse, “Big mama, no kids […]” she continues, “Waiting for the right n***a, right time.” She said she’s been waiting to speak on that and all of the shade she’s been getting since announcing her pregnancy. She said she doesn’t cap in her raps and recorded that verse a long time ago. “I recorded that verse almost two years ago. I was not pregnant! I’m not a cap-a** b***h.”

Big Mama Comes Out Of Hiding & Drops MAJOR Announcement

On Friday, March 20, Latto shook up timelines when she dropped her new single, ‘Business & Personal,’ along with the music video. But that wasn’t all — Big Mama also showed off her baby bump, confirming what fans already thought: she’s pregnant! After that, the 27-year-old rapper hopped on a livestream and gave fans a closer look at her growing belly. She didn’t hesitate to check folks for trying to clock her tea, saying, “Y’all some nosey m***** f*****.”

“Thank y’all! I already cried. She continued, “I ain’t doing no more crying, I’m a gangster. I’m a mother first and I’m a gangster right after.”

RELATED: Alleged Mom Of 21 Savage’s Eldest Two Sons Seemingly Reacts To Latto’s Pregnancy Reveal (PHOTO) 

Young and the Restless early weekly spoilers for March 30th through April 3rd expose Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn) horrified and Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver) completely smitten.

As we always do on early edition day, we start with what is coming the rest of this week. Then we dive into what’s ahead for next week. So, let’s get to it.

Young and the Restless Spoilers Wednesday, March 25th: Cane Demands to Meet Victor

So, on Wednesday, March 25th, we’ve got Cane demanding that Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) meet him. He leaves a message because Victor is not taking his calls. He’s dodging him. Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) tells Cane that he deserves this pain, but also agrees that Victor is a maniac. Billy assumes that Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) is just fine and she’s free, but is avoiding Cane to spite him for all the things that he’s done. And he tells Billy that Lily wouldn’t do that to him. Boy, does Cane have a rude awakening coming.

Billy says that Cane caused all of this turmoil by creating the AI, and Billy advises Cane just leave and go back to France. But he tells Billy that he’s going to ruin the new lease on his life he’s got with Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) because Billy always ruins everything. And he tells Cane that Sally wants him to reconcile with Jill Abbott (Jess Walton). And Cane reminds Billy that he also told him to do that.

Y&R Spoilers: Billy’s Made a Decision

So, Cane and Billy are discussing what they feel is the coming karmic slap that’s going to knock Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) off her high horse and it’s going to be her downfall. Billy asks how Cane is going to atone for what he’s done, but he won’t talk about it with Billy. And then Cane walks out and Billy calls Sally to meet him and says he wants to tell her what he decided.

Audra runs into Holden Novak (Nathan Owens) and he prods her about the plan to seduce Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) since Audra’s been ignoring him recently. She says she’s busy with her new job. Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin) doesn’t want him and is not Holden’s forever person. And Audra also does not want Kyle and says, “You know, Claire’s eventually going to find out what they did in LA.”

Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) walks in and Audra checks him out and Holden takes notice. Audra says they have a messy past that was from long ago and refuses to talk to Holden about it. Noah comes over and Audra says she was not part of the Newman Media theft. Then Holden and Noah make their own introductions to each other. And Holden says that he’s looking good after being in the hospital. Noah thanks Holden for being a good friend to Claire. And then Holden exits.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Audra Admits She Missed Out on Noah

Noah asks Audra about the guy and about their past in LA because Claire was asking Sienna Bacall (Tamara Braun) about it. And Audra says there’s nothing to it. Then Noah keeps prodding asking how well she knew Sienna and Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). Audra says she didn’t know either of them well, but Noah keeps pressing. And Audra finally admits that now and then she talked to Matt about music and that they would give her free drinks sometimes. But that was mostly because Holden was tending bar for them and would sneak her drinks.

So, Noah is prodding for any information or nuggets about Matt. And Audra says that she’s very sorry that he hurt Noah. And he says that Matt’s on the loose and there’s still danger there. Audra says maybe Noah should just leave Genoa City. And he says the family needs him. Then Audra says that he deserves something special. And she hopes he finds it with Sienna. Then Audra says she missed out on her own someone special. Noah asks who it was and Audra says it was you. So wow, smitten still.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nikki’s Had It with Victor

Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) tells Claire that Phyllis gave Chancellor back to Victor, but Nikki doesn’t think she’s going to go back to it. Plus, Claire is stunned that Victor did actually kidnap Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman). She didn’t want to believe it. And Nikki says Victor won’t stop until he gets everything back and that there’s never any consequences for his crimes or shady actions.

And Nikki says she’s not going to live with Victor anytime soon. But Claire thinks Nikki should get the house. Bottom line, she’s had it with Victor. She’s seen too much over all these years. And this kind of upsets Claire. But Nikki says that any relationship can break apart and tells Claire, “It is not your problem.” Nikki then turns the tables and asks Claire about Kyle.

And she says they’re basically friends and she blames herself for Nikki’s drinking that Jack then saved her from. Claire also talks about losing her job and then, you know, family being messed up. Things are spinning out and she feels like being wild. And Nikki says, “You’re young. Go do it.” And then Holden walks by, says, “Hi,” and keeps going. So, he may be the wild thing that Claire wants to go back to doing.

Nikki Reveals the Truth About Lily to Cane on Y&R

Cane rushes up and asks why Victor is still holding Lily since Victor got Chancellor back and Nikki drops the bombshell that Lily conspired with Victor. She was his partner. There was never any danger.

Thursday, March 26, Kyle is determined to look out for his mom, Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters). He’s definitely taking her side. And in an effort to help Jack, we’re going to see Nikki making a risky decision. She may get in Patty Williams’ (Stacy Haiduk) face.

She may beg Diane to go back with him, or Nikki may try and sabotage Victor in order to help Jack or stop Victor from continuing to go after him. That same day, Victor reveals he’s got a secret weapon he’s been sitting on. So, we’ll see which of his enemies he’s going to be targeting.

Friday, March 27th: Adam Sees a Different Side of Nick on Young and the Restless

Friday, March 27th, Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) is going to see a different side of Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow). And I’m sure it’s a side that Adam’s not going to like because Nick is spiraling on drugs and losing control, being more hotheaded than ever. So, Adam may figure out that Nick is hooked.

Billy decides not to patch things up with Jill and tells Sally, but I bet she’s still going to press Billy to reconsider. Very soon, Diane is going to unleash her fury on Patty. Lily’s due back soon. Cane’s going to be upset about what he found out. And he remains on Victor’s revenge list. And the mustache is going to pivot in his approach to punishing Cane by Friday on Young and the Restless.

Week of March 30th-April 3rd Spoilers

Then March 30th through April 3rd, we’ve got Patty remaining a wildcard with her still around. Anything can happen, even though we haven’t seen her since the yacht incident. Audra no longer wants anything to do with Holden’s scheme, but I think he’s going to circle back around and press Audra some more.

Cane is blindsided by Victor, who of course also continues to plot against Jack and Phyllis as well. And this secret weapon could be aimed at any of those three. All of those three, two of the three. Plus, Jack absolutely refuses to give up on Diane and their marriage. And Jack’s going to continue to try and make it up.

Convince her that he was a victim. Convince her that this is all Victor and Patty’s fault. I mean, at this point, I think we can all agree that Jack was sexually assaulted. And I don’t know why soaps want to do sexual assault stories. They’re not remotely sexy at all. This show actually right now is just so low on romance. It’s really frustrating.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Matt’s Reign of Terror Continues

Matt is back soon to wreak havoc. While Nick is rapidly heading toward rock bottom and he and Adam may be in the wrong place because Matt may make a move back in Genoa City when they are over in Las Vegas dealing with Riza Thompson (Tina Casciani) who may have been told by Matt to just provide a distraction.

Plus, Victor and Nikki’s estrangement grows, and his continued revenge plans could end any hope of a reconciliation. But at this point, neither of them wants a reconciliation. So, this could be the end of them, at least for now.

Future Zahir, Ciara‘s son, has a few years left before he takes off for college. Still, Papa Russell Wilson is making sure his 11-year-old is ready when the time comes! About two weeks ago, they went viral after Russell took Future on his first college campus visit. Now, the internet is giving the NFL player his flowers after Future praised that experience and his “dad” during a red carpet interview.

RELATED: Proud Papa! Russell Wilson Shares Gratitude Post For His “Two Boys” Future & Win

Russell Wilson Takes Future On Campus Visit (RECAP)

As mentioned, Russell shared a recap video of his college visit with Future on March 14. The Instagram reel showed them at the University of Texas at Austin and spending time in the Texas Longhorns’ facilities. It starts with them in the car, Russell explaining where they’re at and then turning the camera to his stepson for his thoughts. “I love Texas, this school is great. I love the stadium…everything’s bigger in Texas…look at the stadium, pretty big,” the 11-year-old added.

Future Calls Russell His “Dad” In Sweet Interview

Less than two weeks after the college tour video, Russell, Ciara, Future and their daughter Sienna Princess Wilson attended the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s 89th Annual Gala. The event, held on March 23, was in New York City. The couple’s two younger kids, Win and Amora, were not presented, according to red carpet photos.

While speaking with E! News, the college visit came up. After saying Future had fun, Wilson turned the mic over to his 11-year-old.

“I had a really good time there. I’d really be happy going there in the future, but I really had a good time going there. Going with my dad, just a really good experience for me and him,” Zahir said.

Afterward, Russell complimented his stepson, saying he’s so talented in multiple sports including basketball, football, baseball. “He’s got a bright future,” the dad said, before highlighting his daughter’s talents as well.

“They’re both dreamers, but they work hard at it. They’re talented. That’s what life’s about, these kinds of experiences,” Wilson added.

And Ciara? Cheesing and giggling the whole time watching her hubby and son speak. And we FEEL her ’cause us too sis, us too! For context, Russell met Ciara when Zahir was only nine months old in early 2015, and the following year, he wed the singer. Wilson has previously said that God spoke to him after meeting the infant for the first time.

“When I walked in the room, I see lil’ Future, he’s nine months at the time and he crawls in my lap. It was like, ‘This is gonna be my responsibility.’ I remember leaving that night and God saying to me, ‘Raising this child is gonna be your responsibility.’ I said, ‘God, are you sure this is what you want me to do?’ He said, ‘Son, this is for you.’”

RELATED: Issa Real One! Russell Wilson Opens Up About Raising Ciara’s Son Future As His Own (Video)

Social Media Gives Russell His Flowers For Stepping Up

In reaction to the video, The Shade Room’s comment section exploded with love for Russell Wilson. A few stragglers name-dropped Future, the rapper who biologically fathered Future Zahir during a previous relationship with Ciara. However, majority shared praise for Wilson’s fatherhood energy. Within two hours, over 5,000 written reactions from fans and even celebs, like Monica, poured in. 

“As a woman that was raised by her step father this is beautiful to see on so many levels … He’s my Dad & that doesn’t mean I don’t love my father! Kids should not be made to feel weird about loving who loves them❤️ I’m holding mine down because I see about who saw about me ❤️,” Monica commented.

@meeshjessicaparker added, “Love this!!! Kids being loved & supported correctly is what it’s all about❤️.” 

“I’m so happy Ciara found this man 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾,” @beelewiz wrote.

@getuptoparr said, “Russ ain’t no step daddy. He a REAL daddy ❤️.” 

“Love that he’s not missing in love. He’s supported and loved on and that’s important for Black boys as well. This is refreshing to see! 😍❤️👑,” @kaywiththevibes commented.

“I love a great step dad ❤️ u can tell he really loves him,” @nenababy_ wrote.

“A man who stepped in and took future as his son as well. A great DAD ❤️😍,” @queenminaaaa added.

“If he said that’s his dad, that’s who shows up for him as his dad,” @dominiquechinn commented.

“At this point Future the stepdaddy,” @the_slimdon joked.

“Say what you want but Russell is what A LOT of these young boys need!!!!! Support and Love goes a longggggg way. ❤️,” @big__ross said.

“Future fathered him but RUSSELL IS HIS DADDY!!!!😍,” @ilovehoneymami added.

“Russell is like my dad who is my step dad but I call him my dad who made sure I was exposed to things. Every young man need this no matter who’s the figure in they life as long as it’s a positive one,” @itsthatboiyoung wrote.

Speaking of Ciara and Russell Wilson raising kids, over the weekend, social media exploded with pregnancy speculations. Wilson has long-talked about wanting ‘Baby Cinco,’ with his wife and CiCi has teased that she’s open to expanding their family. Recently, two outfits had the internet womb-watching. Her song choice, caption and hand placements in a video of one of those ‘fits really fueled the chatter. Catch up by tapping the link below!

Call Her MamaZota? Ciara Fuels Pregnancy Rumors With Cryptic Caption & Hand Placement In New Video

Long before fairy tales were softened into brightly colored bedtime stories, they were something far stranger. Often designed not to comfort but to warn, many were filled with cruel punishments, unsettling transformations, and moral lessons that didn’t always offer easy resolutions. Over time, most of these tales were polished into more palatable, Disney-fied versions, though that’s not to say their original shadows fully disappeared.

Indeed, there are several films that tap directly into a fairy tale’s darker lineage. These aren’t the worlds where good and evil are neatly separated or where happy endings are guaranteed. Instead, these are stories that happily linger in ambiguity, discomfort, and quiet tragedy. So, whether it’s in a castle, a dreamland, or a mere theater, these are the movies that prove that the most powerful fairy tales are the ones that dare to disturb.

8

‘The Ugly Stepsister’ (2025)

As a twisted reimagining of the classic Cinderella story, this tale shifts the perspective to the overlooked sibling usually relegated to the margins of the fairy tale. Here, young Elvira (Lea Myren) dreams of nothing more than to marry Prince Julian (Isaac Calmroth), the kingdom’s most desirable bachelor. The problem? She lives in a realm where beauty reigns supreme, and her step-sister Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Naess) just so happens to fit perfectly. In order to compete, Elvira resorts to extreme measures of physical perfection.

What makes The Ugly Stepsister particularly fascinating is how it dismantles the comforting simplicity of the original story. Rather than presenting a clear heroine and villain, the film examines how cruelty and jealousy can fester from insecurity and neglect. Through this unsettling reframe, the movie transforms into something far more psychologically complex and disturbing. Yes, it hones in on its nostalgic roots, but its fresh take on body horror is what truly makes it a delicious nightmare.

7

‘Coraline’ (2009)

Image via Focus Features

When Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning) moves into a strange new house, she discovers a hidden door that leads to a parallel world seemingly designed just for her. In this alternate reality, her “Other Mother” and “Other Father” appear far more attentive than her distracted real parents. But what initially feels like a dream quickly turns into a nightmare as Coraline realizes the price of staying in this perfect world may be far more sinister than she ever imagined.

Based on Neil Gaiman‘s novel, Coraline‘s stop-motion animation gives the film a storybook beauty that contrasts sharply with its creeping sense of dread. Indeed, beneath its playful surface lies a classic cautionary tale about temptation, identity, and manipulation. Few animated films balance wonder and genuine terror as effectively as this one, even if it mostly leans a lot heavier into horror, traumatizing audiences across all generations.

6

‘Black Swan’ (2011)

Ambitious ballerina Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) lands the coveted dual role in a new production of Swan Lake. But while Nina perfectly embodies the fragile innocence required for the White Swan, her director feels she doesn’t have the dark passion needed to portray the Black Swan — something that Nina’s new rival, Lily (Mila Kunis), does. But as the pressure of perfection intensifies, Nina’s grip on reality begins to fracture.

Drawing heavily from the dark folklore embedded within the Swan Lake story, Black Swan transforms a famous ballet narrative into a haunting exploration of obsession and identity. Nina’s descent into paranoia feels almost mythic, mirroring the tragic transformations common in older fairy tales. Frankly, it’s the classic tale of a tortured artist. And by blending psychological horror with dreamlike imagery, the movie showcases the unsettling power that often lies beneath the seeming elegance of these theatrical stories.

5

‘The Company of Wolves’ (1984)

Image via ITC Entertainment

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In the modern world, Rosaleen (Sarah Patterson) is a teenager who lives with her family in their English country house. But she soon begins dreaming about a dark 18th-century village where her sister is killed by wolves. Later on in this dream, Rosaleen is sent to live with her Granny (Angela Lansbury), who eventually fills her head with cautionary tales about the dangers of the forest and “beasts” that hide within men.

As an adaptation of Angela Carter‘s famed short story, which is itself loosely inspired by The Little Red Riding Hood, The Company of Wolves leans into the darker symbolism of the original folklore. Director Neil Jordan crafts a surreal, gothic atmosphere filled with unsettling transformations and fairy tale imagery that borders on nightmare. Better still, the film goes beyond the moral lessons and explores the heavy themes of sexuality, fear, and the loss of innocence. Sure, it’s ambitious in nature, but sometimes fairy tales need that bold, punchy format.

4

‘The Pied Piper’ (1986)

Image via Krátky Film Praha.

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Set in a grotesque, wooden-carved town of Hamelin, the village descends into chaos when a plague of rats infests their land. Luckily, while debating how to rid themselves of the infestation, they meet a mysterious piper whose hypnotic music lures the rats over a cliff. But when greed consumes the villagers, and they refuse to pay the piper what was promised, punishments ensue.

What sets this particular adaptation apart is its striking visual identity. Crafted using stop-motion animation, The Pied Piper feels like a true Grimm fairy tale brought to life (in all its tactile and ominous ways). There’s very little dialogue, allowing the imagery and atmosphere to carry the story’s weight, which makes its moral sting land even harder. In many ways, this film is less a retelling and more a sensory nightmare — one that captures the bleak, cautionary essence of the original tale with unsettling precision.

3

‘Legend’ (1985)

Image via Universal Pictures 

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In a mystical forest world, the forces of darkness plot to plunge the land into eternal night by destroying the last remaining unicorns. But when Princess Lili (Mia Sara) unknowingly helps set this plan into motion, it falls to a young forest dweller named Jack (Tom Cruise) to restore balance before the sinister Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry) completes his plan.

Directed by film icon Ridley Scott, Legend embraces the visual grandeur of classic fantasy while amplifying its darker undertones. The film’s elaborate sets, eerie lighting, and striking creature designs create a world that feels both enchanting and ominous. But what makes this even better is how it’s a tale rooted in primal themes, whether it’s innocence corrupted, nature threatened, or darkness always waiting to reclaim the world. Many would even argue that Curry’s iconic portrayal of the horned villain remains one of fantasy cinema’s most unforgettable antagonists. It’s a true underrated ’80s gem.

2

‘The Fall’ (2006)

Image via Roadside Attractions

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In a Los Angeles hospital during the 1920s, a bedridden and paralyzed stuntman named Roy (Lee Pace) befriends a young girl recovering from a broken arm. To pass the time (though with ulterior motives), Roy narrates an elaborate fantasy story about a band of heroes seeking revenge against a ruthless governor. But as the tale unfolds, it begins to mirror their real-life growing bond.

What starts as a whimsical adventure gradually reveals a far darker emotional core. In The Fall, Roy’s story reflects his own despair and fractured hopes, immediately blurring the line between escapist fantasy and painful reality. Director Tarsem Singh fills the film with breathtaking imagery of vibrancy and grandeur. And yet this beautiful story-world is only elevated by the tragedy that drives it. As a true hidden masterpiece of the fantasy genre, this is a reminder of how most classic fairy tales often emerge from deeply human pain.

1

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

Image via New Line Cinema

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Set in post-Civil War Spain, young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) moves with her pregnant mother to the countryside under the command of her cruel stepfather. Isolated and frightened, she discovers an ancient labyrinth where a mysterious faun informs her that she may just be the reincarnated princess of an underground kingdom — so long as she completes three dangerous tasks.

In true Guillermo del Toro fashion, Pan’s Labyrinth masterfully intertwines harsh historical reality with dark fairy-tale fantasy. Indeed, the magical world Ofelia encounters is not just a place of comfort, but one filled with strange creatures, moral tests, and frightening consequences. This juxtaposition of human cruelty and mythic storytelling effectively captures the original spirit of folklore, where wonder and horror exist side by side. The result is a haunting modern tale that feels timeless, tragic, and utterly unforgettable.

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for The Pitt Season 2.

Since its premiere in early 2025, The Pitt has given the medical drama genre a much-needed boost. The HBO Max series, currently airing its second season, takes a real-time approach to a city emergency room, with every episode covering a single hour in a hectic day shift. With an ensemble made up of both experienced and still-learning medical professionals, The Pitt has earned overwhelming praise for its realistic depiction of an overflowing ER, and Season 3 is already on the way.

There are very few medical shows like The Pitt, but it has drawn numerous comparisons to another ground-breaking title in the genre: ER. The 15-season hit redefined how hospitals were shown on TV and launched countless careers, including a then-unknown George Clooney. The Pitt was created by former ER producer R. Scott Gemmill, is produced by ER showrunner John Wells, and is led by ER‘s ostensible lead, Noah Wyle. By exploring a very different medical reality and adopting its own storytelling rhythm, The Pitt is decidedly its own show. Still, its creative team is no doubt very aware of the path ER paved for them, and Season 2 is quietly paying tribute to its predecessor.

‘The Pitt’ Season 2 Subtly Calls Back to ‘ER’s Costumes

The Pitt Season 2’s biggest crisis thus far begins when Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center is threatened with a cyberattack. As a preventative measure, the internet and all the computers have been shut off, forcing the staff to revert to a pre-digital emergency department. This almost immediately poses a challenge, particularly for the younger doctors who have only ever worked with online charts and orders, leading Charge Nurse Dana (Katherine LaNasa) to call in a former employee with experience in an analog ER. Episode 9 sees the arrival of Rusty Schwimmer‘s Monica, a nurse who, as she puts it, was “laid off by the digital revolution.” She’s sporting a floral-patterned scrub coat when she arrives, and for ER fans, it might look familiar. It is similar to a coat worn by Haleh (Yvette Freeman), one of ER‘s most prominent recurring nurses, in Season 9. Though it isn’t clear if it is the same exact piece of clothing, it’s a clever visual reference all the same.

The Pitt has avoided making more overt references to ER, but it’s inevitable that viewers will think of the two shows together, considering their premises and creative teams. Rather than bringing in high-profile cameos from major ER stars like Clooney or Anthony Edwards, or making meta quips about Dr. Robby’s time as a med student, The Pitt is focusing on the realistic details that have a place in all medical dramas, reminding viewers that these situations might be dramatized for television, but they’re not so far off from the real world.

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“All patients, regardless of immigration status, have the right to emergency care.”

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‘The Pitt’ Season 2 Puts Even More of the Spotlight on the Nurses

By calling back to ER‘s characters and costuming, The Pitt is offering both a smart little Easter egg for fans and referencing the deeper history at play here. ER aired from 1994 to 2009, covering a time before tablets replaced clipboards and the COVID-19 pandemic completely shattered the status quo for healthcare. The medical professionals on that show regularly had to write orders and patient charts by hand, and they had to keep everything straight without the help of a computerized system. Usually, it was the nurses who kept everything running smoothly, as they’d often be left to write up and submit orders for labs or medications.

Perhaps the strongest connection between ER and The Pitt thus far has been their insistence that nurses are the lifeblood of any emergency department. It was a common refrain on ER, and The Pitt Season 2 even dedicated a whole episode to PTMC’s nursing staff. That installment was an overt acknowledgment of their contributions to hospitals, and Monica’s role in the season is a subtler tribute. Wearing that scrub coat establishes her as a nurse who worked in the early 2000s, the same era that ER thrived in. As she was laid off when the hospital went more digital, she’s only ever worked in an analog emergency room, so she isn’t floundering like the others.

Monica’s ability to remain focused and give order to the chaotic department seems like a superhuman feat, but it’s also exactly how nurses used to do their jobs decades ago. It looks natural on ER, but as The Pitt has hammered home this season, the medical field has drastically changed, and though tech has made some things easier, it’s also altered the skills these professionals rely on. Monica’s arrival at PTMC — and the outfit she’s elected to wear — is a striking callback to a different time and a poignant tribute to the impressive contributions of nurses from all decades.

Days of Our Lives early weekly spoilers for March 30th through April 3rd excite as Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) infuriates Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) and it’s about to be nuclear war.

As we always do on early edition day. We start with what’s coming the rest of this week and then we jump into what is ahead for next week.

Wednesday, March 25th Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Marlena Finds Out Disturbing News

So, on Wednesday, March 25th, we’ve got Marlena finding out some very, very disturbing news. And I expect that Tate Black (Leo Howard), Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis), and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf), or some combination of them, are going to tell Marlena that Rachel Black (Lorelei Olivia Mote) played switcheroo with the skin supplements and the psychiatric medication.

Plus, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) and Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) are bantering and insulting each other. And I’m sure it’s about Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera (Peter Porte) because Leo now firmly believes Gwen was involved in Dimitri’s kidnapping, which of course she was. She and EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) masterminded it.

DOOL Spoilers: Liam a Free Man

Liam Selejko (Hank Northrop) gets some good news from Arianna Horton (Marissa Reyes). This is Marissa Reyes last air date as Arianna and then we’re going to have the new one coming on in April. Air date TBD. So with Klaus Mueller (Bassel Alzaro) dead and Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel) also supposedly dead, Liam should be in the clear to go home to his kid.

Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) confronts EJ and I wonder if she’s going to blame him for Rachel’s latest crisis with the alleged supplement and pill swap. Everybody completely believes the kid did it. And I mean reasonably yes, especially Sarah since Rachel tried to poison her. Rachel’s innocent on this occasion, but people rightfully are assuming the worst. So maybe EJ can reassure Sarah and or Rachel.

Plus, Kristen and Rachel head into their hearing in front of the judge about EJ’s shooting. Kristen’s going to recant her confession. Rachel’s going to make one. Brady and Kristen are there, and Rachel is nervous. She’s holding her dad’s hand. Marlena shows up, too. And the judge says she will rule on the second request at the conclusion of the punishment. And I wonder if it might be something about custody.

Days of Our Lives Thursday Spoilers, March 26th: Kristen Acts Up in Court

Thursday, March 26, Jada Hunter (Elia Cantu) offers Shawn-Douglas Brady (Brandon Beemer) to come stay with her while he recuperates. And the question is, how will Belle Brady (Martha Madison) react? How will Theo Carver (Cameron Johnson) react? And what is next? Will Shawn say yes? I hope so.

As expected, Kristen is going to be her usual charming self in front of the judge and start something. And then Belle has to scramble to try and protect Rachel from criminal charges being filed against her. So, Belle may try and help stop this, but I don’t know if the judge will be lenient since the DA is Rachel’s aunt.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: JJ Confides in Theo

Also, Theo listens as JJ Deveraux (Casey  Moss) opens up and I think he’s going to tell Theo about the shooting situation and how he froze up and that, you know, one guy got his arm grazed and then Shawn is out of work and has been shot and it’s all because of JJ not doing his duty because he freaked out.

Plus, Marlena and EJ find common ground on Thursday. I’m sure that’s because they’re both concerned about Rachel’s sentencing. And I do suspect Marlena is going to recommend inpatient care, you know, maybe as a revered shrink, maybe as a grandma who’s concerned. And obviously, it’s about the pill swap. So, Marlena may tell the judge everything. We’ll see.

Friday, March 27th: Kristen Furious with Marlena on DOOL

Friday, March 27th, Marlena telling the judge everything may be why Kristen takes her anger out on Marlena. She’s absolutely furious at her. And you know, Dr. Evans may suggest that Rachel needs to go into Bayview for a very long time.

I mean, Marlena, I think, like everybody else, has concluded that Rachel did this supplement swap even though the real culprit is Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd). And I expect that Marlena may tell Kristen outside of the judge’s earshot if Brady hasn’t already told her.

You know, I kind of hope that Marlena doesn’t spill the beans on Rachel. But then again, maybe she thinks that she’s protecting the kid long-term. You know, protecting her long-term well-being if she has to pay consequences for her actions and gets back under full psychiatric care because this seems bad. It seems like a big backslide on Days of our Lives.

Rachel is absolutely devastated on Friday when the judge hands down the verdict. So, looks like Sophia really screwed Rachel over. Now, admittedly, Sophia couldn’t have known this would happen, but she was manipulating a kid who’s much younger than her.

Days of our Lives: Sophia Crashes the Adoption Meeting

Meanwhile, speaking of manipulations, Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) and Chanel Dupree DiMera (Raven Bowens) head into their appointment to finalize the adoption, and that’s another situation Sophia wants to manipulate.

So, Melinda Trask (Tina Huang) is going to interrupt the adoption meeting, and she’s going to tell Johnny and Chanel and the judge the adoption can’t be finalized until we hear from this person. And then Sophia walks through the door. She’s dressed nice.

She’s looking sane, but she’s not. And I’m sure that Sophia is going to object to finalization of the adoption. EJ steps up on Friday and I wonder if the whole thing with the pills is going to circle around.

If Rachel denies having anything to do with it and says Sophia is the one who sent her the bottle of pills, you know, if they haven’t taken out the trash, the wrapper is still there and it may show it came from Bayview, which would be pretty good evidence.

Then, you know, if EJ got wind of that, he could roll into that adoption meeting and absolutely blow Sophia out of the water. That’s what I hope happens. We’ll see if we get a soapy result like that.

Week of March 30th-April 3rd Spoilers on Days of Our Lives

March 30th through April 3rd, we’re probably going to see Rachel heading somewhere. Even if this Sophia thing is proven to everybody else, the judge made her ruling. And you know, we’ll see if that can be backpedaled at all. If not, you know, hopefully Rachel’s not going to be heading to juvie, maybe another mental hospital, will hopefully not be Bayview if Sophia remains there.

I fully expect Rachel to unload and tell her parents and maybe Marlena and Tate and Holly that Sophia has been faking all along. Just all her dirty deeds completely rat her out. You know, if Rachel cannot avoid consequences of her past actions, she may decide to just burn Sophia down with her because of this pill twist. And the bottom line is she’s lost leverage on Rachel because of this.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Alex Unhappy with Stephanie & Jeremy’s Bond

Stephanie Johnson‘s (Abigail Klein) new attitude about Jeremy Horton (Michael Roark) may confuse her husband, Alex Kiriakis. Jada and Shawn may rekindle during his recovery. Sarah is ready to get closer to Brady, but not too close.

They’re in that slow burn phase, but with Rachel possibly going away and also giving her blessing to Brady, he and Sarah can move forward. Sarah and Xander Kiriakis Cook (Paul Telfer) have both admitted there’s still love there, but they just can’t make their marriage work.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Guilt-Ridden Gabi Helps Titan?

Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) may assuage her guilt over Titan’s downfall, which of course she helped orchestrate. She may help Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). She may help Titan. You know, I don’t think he’d take her money, but she might offer to bring Gabi Chic back over under the Titan umbrella.

Also, with the recent ISA search in Alamania, they may have found more of Stefan DiMera’s (Brandon Barash) writing samples that could help to invalidate those divorce documents so that Gabi inherits lots of money she could use to actually help bail Titan out.

Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford) should be waking up any day now, maybe even before Stefano DiMera’s will is read. Plus, Lani Price (Sal Stowers) and Eli Grant (Lamon Archey) return with the twins, and there are a bunch of recasts coming in April. We’re going to tell you about that in its very own video.