Entertainment
For 3 Seasons, This Unexpected ‘Friday the 13th’ Show Had Nothing To Do With the Classic Horror Franchise
The first time you see Friday the 13th in a TV listing in the late 1980s, your brain does what horror-conditioned brains do: It conjures a dock, a machete, and a hockey mask catching moonlight in a woodsy setting. Then Friday the 13th: The Series premieres on October 3, 1987, and takes a route that no one expected.
There, you won’t find Jason Voorhees, Camp Crystal Lake, or any attempt to recreate the films scene-for-scene. Instead, there’s an antiques shop called Curious Goods and a collection of everyday objects that behave like they’ve signed paperwork in blood. From 1996 to 1999, Poltergeist: The Legacy borrowed its name from the Poltergeist film franchise. However, that show dealt with a secret organization battling supernatural forces. In both cases, the title opens the door. What’s inside is something else entirely.
‘Friday the 13th: The Series’ Tricked Its Audience
On syndicated television, attention is currency. A title like Friday the 13th does half the marketing for you. The show was originally going to be called The 13th Hour, but the final name carried instant recognition. That awareness got viewers to sample the premiere, and what kept them engaged was the intriguing structure.
The premise is deceptively flexible: Lewis Vendredi makes a deal with the devil, the antiques in his shop become cursed, then he dies. His niece Micki (Louise Robey) and distant cousin Ryan (John D. LeMay) inherit the store, sell off the inventory, and only afterward learn what those items actually are. With the help of occult expert Jack Marshak (Chris Wiggins), they begin tracking the antiques down and locking them in the shop’s vault.
The Friday the 13th Franchise’s Silliest Kill Has a Terrifying Backstory
You won’t be making fun of it any longer.
Each episode revolves around a different object. A glove that heals by transferring illness in “Faith Healer,” a locket that resurrects the wearer at a cost in “Mesmer’s Bauble,” or other things like a music box, a camera, and a doll. The show becomes a rotating study of desire and consequence. The antiques don’t chase victims, but rather, they wait for someone to want something badly enough, putting them on the main characters’ radar.
Curious Goods Turns Human Weakness Into the Story Engine
What gives the series its staying power isn’t spectacle, but its repetition with variation. Every object offers a shortcut, the user takes it, and the metaphorical price escalates. Many times, the character possessing a cursed object must use it to kill people, often with Jack, Micki, and Ryan coming in to prevent further deaths, such as in “Crippled Inside,” or “Vanity’s Mirror.” Because the objects are ordinary, the horror slides into domestic spaces like kitchens, bedrooms, or even office desks. A cursed antique isn’t a masked killer lumbering through the woods.
Over 72 episodes across three seasons, the trio accumulates scars. Ryan changes the most, drifting from wide-eyed heir to someone who understands how heavy the work is. Micki sacrifices relationships to stay on the hunt. Jack carries a lifetime of occult knowledge like a man who knows every wrong door in town and keeps knocking anyway.
The format almost functions like an anthology, but the core cast anchors it. Their weariness builds as their vault to contain the cursed objects fills. The shop remains open, selling only non-cursed goods, like a storefront trying to look normal while containing something profoundly not.
There Is a Very Loose Connection to the Friday the 13th Franchise
Even though the show has no narrative ties to the films, the production lineage rings in the background. The series was created by Frank Mancuso Jr. and Larry B. Williams, and Mancuso had produced multiple Friday the 13th movies.
Then LeMay walked into Jason Goes to Hell: the Final Friday, and suddenly the separation felt thinner. Not because the stories connected, but because the same face carried history from one corner of horror into another. It played less like a crossover and more like an echo, proving that distant corners of horror culture can meet in subtle ways across time.
Behind the camera, other creative overlaps reinforced that sense of proximity. Writer/director Tom McLoughlin and music composer Fred Mollin worked on the films as well as the series. Even horror auteur David Cronenberg appeared in Jason X, and directed the episode, “Faith Healer.” Thus, the series carried the atmosphere of the film franchise, even while the stories walked a separate path.
‘Friday the 13th: The Series’ Is an Overlooked Horror Gem
The show ran from 1987 to 1990, producing 72 episodes. In the syndicated ecosystem of the late ’80s, that kind of episode count allowed a series to settle into living rooms and stay there. Viewers encountered it weekly — sometimes accidentally — and slowly recognized its rhythm.
As the seasons progressed, the storytelling deepened. Guest stars rotated in and out. Directors experimented with the formula. The cursed-object concept supported everything from body horror to psychological unraveling. Some episodes leaned pulpy while others lingered in moral dread, and that elasticity kept it from feeling stale. The series ended in 1990, and fans who hoped a final episode would bring Jason Vorhees and Camp Crystal Lake into the mix were sadly disappointed.
What remains is one of horror television’s strangest artifacts: a show that carried one of the most recognizable titles in slasher history and quietly built its own mythology instead. The real menace wasn’t a hulking figure in the woods, but the idea that evil could sit on a shelf, waiting for someone to believe they deserved more than fate had given them.
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Looks like Desmond Scott is out here living his best life and letting the world watch. On Sunday, February 22, the influencer and chef hit Instagram with a photo and video dump, giving fans a peek at exactly how he’s spending his downtime. And, of course, folks are dying to know the recipe to this vibe.
RELATED: Kristy Scott Opens Up About Her Goals For The Year & Building Her Social Life “From Scratch” Amid Divorce From Desmond Scott
Desmond Scott Is Out Here Living While The Internet Watches
In the photo dump, Desmond Scott is all smiles, captioning the post “good food and moving slow” as he seemingly travels through paradise. Palm trees, hillside houses, blooming flowers, stunning beach views, and gorgeous sunsets set the scene as he laughs and enjoys himself, looking effortlessly suave. Whether he’s dining, strolling, or just soaking in the scenery, it’s clear Desmond is soaking up every moment of his peaceful escape. Peep his post here.
Fans Go Off Over Desmond’s Island Photo Dump
As soon as Desmond Scott dropped scenes from his tropical vacation, fans flooded his Instagram comments and acted UP. Some raved about how his aura points are clearly going through the roof, while others were just happy to see him looking peaceful and content. And, of course, a few couldn’t resist asking for recipes ahead of their upcoming date nights.
One Instagram user @angi.denise commented, “The peace in all this 🙌🏽”
Instagram user @nikkiladeen said, “Man I’m soo proud of you, finding you and doing what YOU like 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💯‼️”
This Instagram user @faithfultofreedom added, “Good seeing a good man happy 🙃🙃🙃🙂↔️🙂↔️🙂↔️🙂↔️🙂↔️😎”
And, Instagram user @slickmo7 shared, “All right brother look cool but you got to school us how to cook for this ladies.“
Then Instagram user @terrence615 said, “Mans put the pots down and stepped out for the weekend 🔥🔥🔥🔥”
Likewise, Instagram user @chipworldxtra revealed, “Brother I’m happy for you and all but I need recipes gotta date next weekend 😂”
Desmond Isn’t The Only One Moving On
Desmond isn’t the only one making moves and finding his groove—Kristy Scott is clearly out here reclaiming her life. Recently, she hit Instagram to share a candid clip with her followers, opening up about building her “social life from scratch” and how challenging it can feel after being consumed by the early years of parenting.
Kristy admitted that even stepping out the door used to give her anxiety, but she’s been pushing herself to say yes more, pursue her hobbies, and actually make time for what she wants. “It’s so hard for me to leave the house… Lowkey, it gives me a little anxiety,” she said. But now? She’s making it work, attending quality gatherings, and slowly shaking off the pandemic-era social anxiety while showing fans that she’s healing just as much as Desmond is.
RELATED: Who’s Laughing Now? Fans Show Love After Desmond Scott Seemingly Lets His “Real Personality” Shine In New Content (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Netflix’s Forgotten Bill Skarsgård Crime Miniseries Is the Perfect 6-Episode Weekend Binge
One of the greatest perks of the streaming era is the sheer volume of content available at any given moment. But that abundance comes with a downside: with so much content to watch, even genuinely strong series can slip through the cracks. Launched with far less fanfare than Netflix’s splashier crime hits in 2022, the six-episode Swedish miniseries Clark quietly became one of the platform’s most entertaining and unconventional explorations of criminal psychology, anchored by a performance from Bill Skarsgård that deserved far more attention than it received. Critics responded warmly, earning the series an impressive 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re looking for something stylistic, darkly funny, and short enough to finish over a weekend, Clark is an easy recommendation.
What Is ‘Clark’ About?
Clark tells the wildly exaggerated, semi-fictionalized story of Clark Olofsson (Skarsgård), a career criminal whose good looks and undeniable charisma made Sweden fall in love with him in the 1970s, despite a rap sheet that included robbery, drug trafficking, jailbreaks, and attempted murder. Olofsson famously participated in the 1973 Norrmalmstorg robbery, a hostage crisis that helped inspire the term “Stockholm syndrome.” Created by Jonas Åkerlund, the series traces Clark’s life from his troubled childhood to his evolution into a serial bank robber, media sensation, and unlikely cultural icon in Sweden.
Rather than presenting a straightforward crime drama, the show leans into Clark’s unreliable narration loosely inspired by Olofsson’s autobiography. Skarsgård frequently breaks the fourth wall, glamorizing his exploits and reframing failures as triumphs. The tone shifts rapidly, blending outrageous visuals with a bold soundtrack that heightens the absurdity of Clark’s self-mythologizing. Flashbacks dig into his formative years, offering context for how he became the criminal he did, giving the series a swaggering energy reminiscent of Goodfellas or Catch Me If You Can.
But while the robberies and jailbreaks drive the plot, the real focus is Clark’s insatiable need for admiration and control. Beneath its chaotic, stylized exterior, Clark is less concerned with the mechanics of crime and more interested in how criminals become celebrities — and how easily media attention can warp reality. By allowing viewers to see the cracks in Clark’s carefully constructed legend, the series takes on a far more character-driven approach. That shift not only makes it endlessly bingeable, but also gives Skarsgård the space to deliver one of the most compelling performances of his career.
‘Clark’ Trailer Reveals Bill Skarsgård as a Notorious Swedish Criminal
Bill Skarsgård plays notorious Swedish criminal Clark Olofsson, the man who was at the origin of the term “Stockholm Syndrome.”
Bill Skarsgård Is Magnetic and Unrecognizable in ‘Clark’
Bill Skarsgård is the kind of actor who can truly disappear into a role. Audiences most likely associate him with his chilling turn as Pennywise in the IT films or, more recently, as Count Orlok in Nosferatu. But Clark gives him the space to showcase an entirely different side of his range. Here, he’s all charm, bravado, and reckless magnetism. With shaggy ’70s hair and an exaggerated swagger, Skarsgård fully commits to Clark’s narcissism while allowing flickers of insecurity to break through.
What makes the performance so compelling is its duality. Clark is charming, manipulative, and often outright appalling, yet Skarsgård makes him impossible to look away from. He understands that the character’s appeal lies in contradiction, as Clark sees himself as a hero even as he spirals deeper into criminality. In quieter moments, when the bravado finally cracks, Skarsgård lets vulnerability seep through, hinting at a man who was never given a choice to be anything but a criminal.
The show’s stylized direction gives Skarsgård room to go big, and it’s easy to tell he’s having fun with those moments. But even at his most theatrical, he never loses control of the character. Even as the editing turns frantic or the tone veers into dark comedy, he anchors the series with a performance that ranks among his best work and remains far more unknown than it should be. It’s one of his most versatile turns to date, proving he’s far more than a horror icon and more than capable of carrying an entire series by sheer presence. In a streaming landscape crowded with formulaic crime content, Clark stands out as something riskier and more playful. Anchored by Skarsgård’s fearless performance and Jonas Åkerlund’s kinetic direction, it’s a reminder that the most fascinating crime stories aren’t always about the heist.
All six episodes of Clark are available to stream on Netflix.
- Release Date
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2022 – 2022-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
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Bill Skarsgård
Clark Olofsson
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Kolbjörn Skarsgård
Young Clark
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Lukas Wetterberg
Teen Clark
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Vilhelm Blomgren
Tommy Lindström
Boosie is at the center of another storm, this time over a scholarship in honor of a Southern University student who tragically died. The rapper is addressing claims that he exploited the student’s death to promote one of his events, insisting his intentions were genuine. And you already know, he didn’t hold back one bit.
RELATED: Rajel Nelson Apologizes After Blasting Victoria Woods Following Her Spicy Shots At Boosie (VIDEOS)
Boosie Pushes Back Against Legal Heat
Boosie revealed that he was recently hospitalized after falling ill, alleging that the stress was tied to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s lawsuit over his use of Caleb Wilson’s name. Wilson, a 20-year-old junior at Southern University, died in February 2025 following an off-campus hazing incident involving members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Boosie announced a memorial scholarship in Wilson’s honor while promoting the sixth installment of his Boosie Bash event at Southern University last March.
Never one to stay silent, the rapper later took to X on February 21 to address the controversy directly after reportedly checking himself out of the hospital. He wrote:
“JUST GOT OUT THE HOSPITAL IM GOOD JUST CHECKED MYSELF OUT I LET THIS LADY GET THE BEST OF ME WITH THIS BULLS**T A** LAWSUIT N GOT ME SICK SH*T JUST WRONG N EVIL SHES DOING DEFINITELY WILL ADD THIS TO MY LAWSUIT HEADED TO THE MALL SO I CAN RIGHT FOR FIGHT N DETROIT”
Opinions Were Locked And Loaded
Y’all already know the roommates wasted no time flooding TSR’s comment section with opinions. Some said Boosie deserves whatever consequences come his way. Meanwhile, others argued that he probably had good intentions but just goes about things the wrong way. And of course, a loyal few made it clear that if anything happens to their boy, they’re “riding at dawn.”
One Instagram user @don.tayl said, “I’ll have a heart attack something happen to Boosie, he need to take care of his self 😫”
This Instagram user @frankieblue910 commented, “WE LOVE BOOSIE ❤️💪🏾💯”
And, Instagram user @pancho_villatoro joked, “Only time Boosie at the hospital is to see another 1 of his kids be born“
Meanwhile, Instagram user @thisusername_isunavailable0 shared, “I know this is supposed to be serious but everythingboksie says makes me 😂😂😂 ‘definitely adding this to my lawsuit’“
While Instagram user @istiredboss wrote, “He has good intentions but went about it wrong. The young man’s family and school should have been notified.“
Finally, Instagram user @1soliddj claimed, “He deserve everything she send his way“
Boosie Calls On Ben Crump, Claims Sabotage
That’s not all! Recently, Boosie also shared a video pleading for help from attorney Ben Crump after the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office filed a motion to compel him to respond about his use of Caleb Wilson’s name. In the clip, Boosie not only asked Crump to step in legally but also to help uncover what he described as “powerful people” he believes have been targeting him for years. He claimed the attorney general is trying to sabotage and “take [him] down,” urging the people of Louisiana to stand up for him amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Wilson’s tragic hazing death.
RELATED: Oop! Victoria Woods Goes HAM On Boosie For Using Her & GloRilla’s Beef To Speak On Helping Family After Fame, He Reacts (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Hailey Bieber donated to the GoFundMe campaign supporting Eric Dane’s family after his death at 53.
Bieber, 29, sent a $20,000 donation to the fundraiser, per a listing of the GoFundMe campaign’s top donors. She did not further detail her support.
Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday, February 19, that Dane died after a battle with ALS.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” a statement from his family read. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
Rebecca Gayheart is acknowledging the GoFundMe set up in an effort to support her children in the wake of their father Eric Dane’s untimely death. Gayheart, 54, shared multiple throwback family photos with Dane and their two daughters via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 21, while linking to the GoFundMe campaign meant to financially […]
The message continued, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Dane is survived by his two daughters, whom he shared with Rebecca Gayheart.
Eric Dane. Thomas Cooper/Getty Images for Global Down Syndrome Foundation
“I think [my kids] would lead with I’m a reactive person. ‘My dad was a reactive person,’ [which is] not necessarily a negative connotation,” the Grey’s Anatomy alum said in his Famous Last Words interview, which aired on Netflix hours after his death. “Some of their core memories involve me reacting to something. You know, traffic is always a good impetus for that.”
Dane, who filmed Famous Last Words in November 2025, further predicted how his kids would remember his legacy.
“I think that they would say I was pretty tough. Resilient,” he stated. “They would say I was loving and I was really endearing and compassionate and empathetic and trustworthy. I’m a good dad. We did some really great traveling. We went to Europe one year, and there was a time where we were ripping through the French countryside with the kids in the back of this crazy little car we rented.”
Dane added, “I think showing up is the No. 1 quality. I haven’t been perfect with that, but I’ve always been there when it mattered. … I made sure that I can be there as much as possible — and certainly when it counts. I’ve shown up to all of Billie’s ballet recitals. I’ve been to many Nutcrackers, and I’ll tell you, there’s a couple pieces in there that are beautiful but Jesus, that thing drones on, man. It’s three hours, but I’ve been to all of them.”
In light of Dane’s death, a collective of his friends organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Gayheart, 54, and the pair’s daughters.
“COVID and ALS did a number on his work life and he, sadly, couldn’t leave his family with the resources he had hoped,” Dane’s friend Mike McGuiness wrote via Instagram on Saturday, February 21. “A GoFundMe is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help.”
Gayheart, for her part, has since been grateful for the support.
“I am so blown away by the outpouring of love and support from our community,” the actress wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, February 22. “There aren’t words to express our gratitude. You are truly holding us up during this difficult time.”
Roommates, the internet is calling Jalen Green and Draya Michele courtside couple goals after they shared a sweet moment at the Phoenix Suns vs. Orlando Magic game. Jalen came through clutch, hitting a final 3-pointer to seal the win while Draya cheered him on.
RELATED: Okay, Inches! Jalen Green Flexes His Hair Length While Showing Off Portrait Tattoo Of Draya Michele (VIDEO)
Jalen Green Secures Win & Steals Draya Michele’s Heart
Draya Michele and Jalen Green brought love and basketball energy to the Phoenix Suns vs. Orlando Magaix game on Saturday night. Jalen and his teammates were putting in work on the court, and right as the buzzer sounded, he hit a clutch 3-pointer to give the Suns a 113-110 win over the Magic. Even though his team hyped him up, Jalen running straight to Draya to get the proper celebration he deserved. Video footage showed him planting a kiss on her lips while Draya ginned from ear to ear, holding her man’s face and looking like the ultimate proud girlfriend.
Social Media Is Living For Jalen & Draya’s Courtside PDA
The Roomies loved seeing the courtside PDA vibes between Draya Michele and Jalen Green. Folks were happy to see them still going strong, while others gave Jalen props for publicly loving on his lady in TSR’s comment section.
Instagram user @cultureinmedia wrote, “Love this for her and him!”
Instagram user @its.amber.esq wrote, “Glad to see they are still together 💕”
While Instagram user @dejavuhouseoffashion wrote, “They focus on the age gap, he focuses on the love. ❤️ ❤️🔥🔥”
Then Instagram user @lexijanay wrote, “Can’t be mad at a man loving his woman OUT LOUD👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾”
Another Instagram user @jadoresiwoh wrote, “He loves her down. She looks great. Let’s leave them alone.”
Instagram user @stocktradertee wrote, “Draya secured the bag. Keep shooting ladies 😭”
Then another Instagram user @flawlessndbrown_ wrote, “That’s her man tf 💕 as he should!”
Finally, Instagram user @balexanderj wrote, “They go together, real bad!”
Draya & Her Kids Bring Major Courtside Energy To Cheer On Jalen
Draya often makes sure to show love to Jalen at his games. In January, she chilled courside with her mini-me’s — her son Jru Scandrick from her previous relationship to Orlando Scandrick and her daughter Lyght Green whom she shares with Jalen. Draya and the kids were front and center for some family fun. At one point, Jalen even had a sweet father-daughter moment with Lyght before hitting the court. See the videos below.
RELATED: Family Affair! Draya Michele Steps Out Alongside Her Youngest Son, Daughter Lyght & Jalen Green (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Although some romance films are often dismissed as fluffy and formulaic, others prove that these stereotypes could actually not be farther from the truth. Plenty of stories are clever and delightfully surprising, proving that the heart doesn’t always follow a straight line; the stimulating side of romance — the films that make audiences think as much as they make them swoon — sits at the very top of the list.
From the heartbreaking science fiction fan-favorite Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to devastating psychological dramas like Amour, these best cerebral romance movies throw love into the mix with philosophy, moral dilemmas, or social critique. The result is far more captivating than the first glance might suggest, proving that romance can be just as intellectually stirring as it is emotionally shattering.
10
‘Never Let Me Go’ (2010)
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro‘s 2005 novel of the same name and adapted from a screenplay by beloved sci-fi filmmaker Alex Garland, Mark Romanek‘s Never Let Me Go is set in an alternative history and centers on three youngsters: Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy (Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield) who become entangled in a love triangle.
Never Let Me Go is the sort of slow-burning, science fiction romance that doesn’t just tug at viewers’ hearts but challenges them by diving into compelling themes like mortality and ethical complacency. This isn’t a film you step into expecting high-stakes action or spectacle; rather, it trusts viewers to sit still and consider difficult questions. At its core, Never Let Me Go functions as a meditation on the human condition. And in today’s world, it feels as timely and haunting as ever.
9
‘The Fountain’ (2006)
Those who enjoy a hint of fantasy with their romance will likely enjoy Darren Aronofsky‘s The Fountain, which completely abandons a straightforward narrative in favor of a three-part story (16th-century, present, and future). At the center of this fantasy epic are Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, who play sets of characters bonded by love across time and space, from a conquistador and his ill-fated queen to a modern-day scientist and his terminally ill wife.
The Fountain is packed with metaphors — from the Tree of Life and the Mayan underworld to the recurring ring motif — and it weaves together three distinct timelines, none of which bother with simple linear storytelling. If this isn’t cerebral, it’s hard to say what is. And yet, despite its structural complexity and symbolic density, The Fountain remains deeply affecting. What ultimately stands out about Aronofsky’s movie, beyond its striking visuals and symbolism, is how it challenges audiences to confront existential questions about love, loss, and mortality.
8
‘The Lobster’ (2015)
Yorgos Lanthimos‘ absurdist black-comedy, one of his earliest works before the success of Poor Things, stars Colin Farrell as a newly single bachelor who moves into a hotel with other singles, all under strict instructions: find a romantic partner within 45 days. Fail, and you turn into an animal of your choice.
With its delightfully absurd premise, top-notch deadpan performances — Rachel Weisz plays the love interest, and Olivia Colman also stars as the composed hotel manager — and arbitrary rules in a strict and cold world, The Lobster satirizes societal pressures around romantic relationships and the contemporary dating scene. The film works essentially because it is clever, engaging, and genuinely unlike almost anything else. For anyone drawn to surrealist romantic comedies that transform everyday societal expectations into something terrifying (admittedly a niche crowd), it’s well worth a watch.
7
‘Rebecca’ (1940)
Are you a fan of gothic romance with a touch of psychological intrigue? Alfred Hitchcock‘s iconic Rebecca — his only Best Picture winner — should already be on your list. The filmmaker’s first American project, based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier, stars Laurence Olivier as the brooding widower Maxim de Winter and Joan Fontaine as the young woman who becomes his second wife. While Maxim’s first wife is never seen, her reputation and recollections of her are constant presences in the characters’ lives, haunting every corner of Manderley.
What’s so fascinating about Rebecca‘s suspense is how it is entirely driven by the new Mrs. de Winter’s mental state. The tension is internal as much as it is atmospheric, shaped by her insecurity and isolation. Meanwhile, Rebecca herself — never once seen — runs the show. The result is a haunting narrative that feels cerebral, exploring themes of masochism, obsession with the past, and the skewed power dynamics of an unhealthy marriage. Not your cozy Gothic romance, but certainly unnerving in the most elegant, moody way possible.
6
‘Amour’ (2012)
Through an unflinching portrayal of dementia and old age, Amour more or less insists that you sit up straight and pay attention. This austere, heart-wrenching story follows Georges and Anne — Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva in two incredible performances — a couple of retired music teachers enjoying life in their eighties until Anne suddenly has a stroke at breakfast and their lives are changed forever.
Amour essentially distills what it means to grow old and the inevitable loss of control that accompanies it. Under the minimalist direction of renowned filmmaker Michael Haneke, the bluntly honest drama is not interested in traditional melodrama. Instead, it quietly but surely delivers a thought-provoking, relentless look at a fate we all understand, even if we’d prefer to keep it comfortably out of frame.
5
‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)
From the mind of Oldboy director Park Chan-wook, the visually sumptous The Handmaiden whisks audiences away to Japanese-occupied Korea, where a con man plans to seduce a Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee), then marry her and commit her to an asylum to steal her inheritance. To pull it off, he recruits a pickpocket named Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri) to become Hideko’s maid. Simple plan, right? Naturally, it unravels the moment the two start falling for each other.
The Handmaiden‘s three-part narrative is a gift that keeps on giving, pulling the rug out from under you at every turn. With its constant shifts in perspective, it demands that audiences actively piece together the truth behind a deceptively simple con. At its heart, the movie operates as both a romance and a psychological thriller, rich with symbolism and unsettling imagery. Beneath all the twists and polished surfaces, though, it’s also a sharp exploration of female agency, desire, and the art of manipulation.
4
‘Her’ (2013)
Long before AI became everyone’s favorite dinner-party topic, Spike Jonze‘s was already there with Her, a tender meditation on artificial intelligence and love in the digital age. Starring Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role, the film imagines a beautifully-colored near future in which a lonely, heartbroken, recently separated writer develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system designed to meet his every need.
Her is thought-provoking in how it explores the philosophical and emotional complexities of love and loneliness, and the way it treats that same premise with sincerity. It asks whether a relationship with an operating system can truly be considered “real,” challenging viewers to reconsider what connection really means while simultaneously offering an introspective character-driven drama. Add to that fantastic performances (Scarlett Johansson‘s voice work is great, too!) and an immersive, pastel-colored worldbuilding, and you’ve got yourself a thought-provoking romance that sneaks up on you.
3
‘2046’ (2004)
After the huge success of In the Mood for Love, Wong Kar-wai returned with something of a loose sequel: 2046. Its premise follows protagonist Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung) as he wrestles with lost love after the events of the first film. Chow inhabits a world of fleeting romantic affairs, which he transforms into a sci-fi novel about a train bound for the titular year.
In a way, 2046 is the kind of film that refuses to make sense — it’s deliberately slippery, with an almost dreamlike exploration of memory and loss at its center. It jumps from the 1960s to a futuristic train that may or may not exist, leaving audiences to piece together meaning from symbols and emotion rather than pure plot logic. While it doesn’t quite capture the elegance of its predecessor, Kar-wai’s film remains a stylish, slow, and endlessly interesting romance that captivates with both narrative and aesthetics.
2
‘Vertigo’ (1958)
Image via Paramount Pictures
While Rebecca haunts with its gothic shadows, Vertigo persuades audiences to spiral into obsession. Starring Kim Novak and James Stewart, the Hitchcock classic, adapted from the French novel by Boileau-Narcejac, follows a police detective crippled by a fear of heights. When he’s hired to follow the strange habits of a friend’s wife, he finds himself increasingly obsessed with her.
Vertigo did not exactly set critics on fire when it came out. Today, of course, it’s often hailed as Hitchcock’s magnum opus and one of the greatest films of all time, particularly in the realm of the romance genre. Fundamentally, Vertigo, as the name suggests, is the kind of film that will make you feel dizzy without leaving your seat, full of dreamlike visuals and sly commentary on voyeurism, male desire, and the curious way men think women exist primarily for their contemplation.
1
‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)
When it comes to psychological romance films that are highly cerebral, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is perhaps the most obvious choice. The fan-favorite romantic sci-fi follows the couple Joel Barish (Jim Carrey in an incredible dramatic effort) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), who undergo a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories for eternity.
Michel Gondry‘s movie is a philosophical lecture and romance at once; it fascinates with its big interrogation of memory, identity, and heartbreak. Anchored by a captivating reverse chronological structure and surrealist flair that keeps viewers off balance, this mind-bending romance asks big questions about memory, identity, and heartbreak: if we erase the people who hurt us, do we also erase a piece of ourselves — the joys, the lessons, and even the piece shaped by their wrongdoings?
By Chris Sawin
| Published
Blades of the Guardians is a martial arts film adaptation of a 12-volume manhua (Chinese manga), Biao Ren (Guardian), which was also adapted into a 15-episode donghua (Chinese anime) in 2023. The film is directed by Yuen Woo-ping, who is one of the most well-known Hong Kong action film directors and action choreographers, and has been an active filmmaker for the past five decades.
Some of Yuen Woo-ping’s directing credits include Drunken Master, Iron Monkey, and Tai Chi Master. Some of his action choreography credits include Fist of Legend, the original Matrix trilogy, Kill Bill, Unleashed, The Grandmaster, and Ip Man 3 & 4.
The film follows a bounty hunter named Dao Ma (Jing Wu, the Wolf Warrior films) traveling with a little boy named Xiao Qi (Charles Ju). In the opening of the film, Dao Ma becomes the second most wanted fugitive in the land. The leader of the flower rebellion, Zhi Shilang (Sun Yizhou), is the most wanted fugitive. Dao Ma is entrusted with an escort mission to take Zhi Shilang to Chang’an. They must travel across the desert as every clan and bounty hunter wants a piece of Zhi Shilang’s gargantuan bounty.
As a general rule, you never go into a martial arts epic with the expectation that the story will be well thought out or even coherent. Blades of the Guardians has this Journey to the West meets Mad Max-on-horseback kind of ambiance that generally works. At just over two hours, the film feels a little long in places, especially in the second half. It feels like the story purposely stalls as well to cram in a few more action sequences and leave room for a potential sequel if the film does well enough to become a franchise.
The general idea is that the story is always moving. These characters are constantly traveling and encountering a plethora of other eccentric characters along the way. The action isn’t a detour where everything stops as it’s purposely intertwined into the narrative. The action is meant to emphasize a character’s motivation or alliance, as each punch, kick, and weapon swing carries meaning.
Every shot of Blades of the Guardians is gorgeous thanks to cinematographer Tony Cheung Tung-Leung (14 Blades, Drunken Master II). The film has a $100 million budget, and it shows. Visual effects are extraordinary throughout, but the way Blades of the Guardians makes desert terrain look so colorful is even more wondrous. The film was shot in the real desert regions of western China, so most of the environments are genuine and not green-screen. Taking place in the desert, you’d expect Blades of the Guardians to be a dull kind of tan throughout, but it’s surprisingly lush-looking with nearly every color you can think of.
The action is interesting, not just because it’s visually impressive, but the training and preparation for Blades of the Guardians sounds rigorous and extensive. Actors performed their own stunts whenever possible and constantly trained in horseback riding, weapon handling, and hand-to-hand combat. Most of the cast brought their own experience in martial arts, sports, and even opera, but the training continued even after shooting began.
Blades of the Guardians is being touted as a film reviving wuxia (a genre of Chinese fiction). However, the longer action sequences float and fly in the air, the more of a turnoff it is. Wirework should be used to enhance the action while remaining as grounded as possible. Blades of the Guardians is a great balance, as most of the more superhuman moments revolve around the impact of a punch or kick, trailing behind or on the side of a horse while it’s running, and a spectacular move or two.
Jet Li’s introduction in the film shows him using a sheath to catch a sword thrown at him from across the room, without looking. The two-on-one action sequence that he’s a part of shows that the 62-year-old actor can still go, which should be incredibly exciting for anyone who’s a fan of Hong Kong cinema.
Yuen Woo-ping’s action sequences are of another breed compared to American or other Hong Kong action films. Every sequence is perfectly framed, not too close and not too far away, with everything you need to see in precise view. It’s amazing that Yuen Woo-ping has come up with such fresh ideas after doing this since the early 1970s. There’s a crucial one-on-one fight that takes place in a sandstorm, a fight in the snow while someone is holding a baby, and weapons covered in fire being swung around so beautifully it’s as if you’ve never seen anything like it before.
The film doesn’t shy away from blood either. Limbs and heads are cut off regularly, as blood is splattered in every direction in every fight. Dao Ma is a character who will kill, but prefers not to. He shows mercy more often than not throughout the film. However, there’s one sequence where he swings an axe into the side of someone’s neck, and they fall to their knees before he roundhouse kicks their head off their shoulders.
Blades of the Guardians is one hell of an action film and easily a contender for one of the best films of the genre in the first part of the year. Yuen Woo-ping continues to showcase his legendary talent as a director while four generations of Hong Kong action cinema deliver nonstop badassery over two relentless hours of pure, uncut awesomeness.
Blades of the Guardians is now playing in select theaters.
Timothée Chalamet & Kylie Jenner
We Got It Chala-Made!!!
Shine Bright at BAFTAs
Published
Now this is worth the price of Jenner-al admission! Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner — and their PDA — were a main attraction at the 2026 BAFTA Awards on Sunday … turning another award show into an intimate date night.
Check out the pics … the couple matched in elegant black fits for the event at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. Kylie sparkled in a bedazzled dress, while Chalamet went with a classic tux and bow tie.
Kylie supported her man as he was nominated for Best Leading Actor. His nod marked one of 11 nominations for his film “Marty Supreme.”
The two have gotten quite used to award show red carpets this year. We spotted them at the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards, where they also turned heads.
Can’t wait to see them at the Oscars!
Chaos unfolded early Sunday morning after Austin Tucker Martin entered President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Martin reportedly entered a secure perimeter of the property —but, Trump wasn’t there to greet him. Now, the Secret Service’s quick response to the intruder has everyone talking.
RELATED: Unbothered?! Barack Obama Breaks Silence On Viral Clip Showing Him & Michelle As Apes On Trump’s Truth Social Account (VIDEOS)
Austin Tucker Martin Reportedly Approaches Mar-A-Lago With Gas Can & Shotgun
The man, identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina, reportedly had a gas can and a shotgun when he approached the north gate of Mar-a-Lago around 1:30 a.m. Authorities say Martin had been reported missing by his family days earlier and allegedly acquired the shotgun along the way. A weapon box was later found in his vehicle, signaling the potential for serious danger.
Security Opens Fire After Martin Ignores Orders
According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Martin ignored orders to drop his weapons and raised the shotgun into a shooting position, prompting the agents and deputy to open fire and neutralize the threat. Trump and First Lady Melania were safely at the White House when the incident occurred, while the FBI is now asking nearby residents to check security cameras for additional footage to assist with the investigation. Investigators are compiling a psychological profile of Martin, though his exact motive remains unclear. Authorities also confirmed that he was not previously known to law enforcement.
The Comment Section Explodes With Reactions
Folks immediately stormed TSR’s Instagram comment section to share their thoughts on the incident. Some are calling it a massive conspiracy to distract the public, while others lamented that people are risking their lives over situations like this. And, of course, a few couldn’t resist pointing out that Trump has more ops than some rappers.
One Instagram user @1natep commented, “He got more opps than rappers nowadays 😭”
This Instagram user @kingali said, “People really rising their lives 🤦🏽♂️”
And, Instagram user @iinfluencedyou added, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.“
Meanwhile, Instagram user @citiboy_23 wrote, “Seems like every 3 months they tryna take him out 😭😭😭”
While Instagram user @fabe_jus_livin_ shared, “Bro needs to retire the sheriff department already“
Lastly, Instagram user @chacoaurumfx commented, “I’m gonna go with “ distractions” for 400 please Alex“
RELATED: Trump & White House Address Backlash Over Controversial Video Depicting Obamas As Apes (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
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