Shannon Elizabeth has broken her silence on her split from her husband Simon Borchert.

“I’ve been separated since September of last year, and this has been a thoughtful, ongoing process-not something that happened in the past few days,” Elizabeth, 52, told Us Weekly via a statement on Thursday, April 16. “The meaningful pieces are already behind me, and only the formalities remain.”

She added, “This is a new chapter for me, and it’s one I’m genuinely excited about. I feel stronger, clearer, and happier than I have in a very long time.”

Us can confirm that Elizabeth quietly filed for divorce from Borchert prior to announcing she was joining OnlyFans earlier this week.

Related: Shannon Elizabeth Filed for Divorce Days Before Joining OnlyFans

Shannon Elizabeth quietly filed for divorce from husband Simon Borchert before announcing she was joining OnlyFans, Us Weekly can confirm. “I’ve been separated since September of last year, and this has been a thoughtful, ongoing process-not something that happened in the past few days,” Elizabeth, 52, told Us in a statement on Thursday, April 16. “The […]

Elizabeth met Borchert, a conservation specialist from South Africa, in 2015 before exchanging vows in 2021.

The American Pie star made headlines this week when she announced she is joining OnlyFans, the subscription-based website most widely known for its creators’ adult-only content.

“I’m choosing OnlyFans because it allows me to connect directly with my audience, create on my own terms, and just be free,” Elizabeth told People on Wednesday, April 15. “I really do think this is the future.”

The actress said she was inspired to launch her OnlyFans page as it meant she was taking back the power over her career that was traditionally in the hands of others.

“I’ve spent my entire career working in Hollywood, where other people controlled the narrative and the outcome of my career,” Elizabeth told the outlet. “This new chapter is about changing that, showing off a more sexy side no one has seen, and being closer to my fans.”

Fans are able to subscribe to her OnlyFans page currently, where she describes herself as  an “actress,” “storyteller,” and “a little mischievous.”

“Welcome to my little corner of the internet!” she teased in her bio. “Here you’ll find the side of me that doesn’t make it into movies—more playful, spontaneous, and completely unscripted.”

Related: Celebrity Splits of 2026: American Pie’s Shannon Elizabeth and More Stars

A slew of breakups rocked the celebrity world throughout 2026, beginning with Bill Hader and Ali Wong in January. That same month, The Real Housewives of New York City alum Kelly Bensimon announced that she’d recently split from her boyfriend. In March, NFL quarterback Dak Prescott and his fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, called it quits. Thank […]

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Shannon further hinted of what to expect from the content she’ll create on the platform.

“Think: behind-the-scenes moments,  exclusive photos & videos,  candid glimpses of my life, chatting with me directly,” she wrote.

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She then teased, “If you’ve ever been curious what I’m really like… You’re about to find out.”

Prior to confirming her separation from Borchert, Shannon seemingly hinted she was embarking on new life chapter via a cryptic Instagram post.

“There’s something about the ocean that resets everything — slows the noise, softens the edges, and brings you right back to what matters,” the actress wrote alongside a photo of her with her dog on Wednesday, April 15. “Grateful for these quiet moments, sandy paws, and unconditional love. 💕✨.”

Kim Kardashian is once again fueling romance rumors, this time with a single post that has everyone talking. 

The reality TV star shared a glimpse into her Coachella weekend, but one image quickly stole all the attention: a cozy moment with Lewis Hamilton. 

While fans have been watching their connection grow, this latest update feels more personal than ever, offering a closer look at how the pair spent time together away from the spotlight and deep inside festival chaos.

Kim Kardashian Shares Cozy Moment With Lewis Hamilton At Coachella

Kim Kardashian gave fans a surprise when she took to Instagram to post a photo of herself sitting comfortably on Lewis Hamilton’s lap during Coachella weekend. 

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The image, taken as the two rode through the festival in a golf cart, captured a relaxed, affectionate moment between them.

Kardashian wore a bold black outfit, pairing a plunging bodysuit with leather pants and a face-covering bandana, while Hamilton kept a low profile with his arm wrapped around her waist. 

The post marked the first time Hamilton appeared directly on her Instagram, even though the pair had already been seen together publicly. 

Fans quickly picked up on the subtle but intimate nature of the photo, which added more fuel to the growing buzz around their relationship.

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See the post here.

Kardashian Gives Fans A Full Look At Her Festival Weekend

Beyond the headline-making photo, Kim Kardashian’s post offered a full breakdown of her Coachella experience. 

She shared moments of getting ready, stepping out with friends, and enjoying the festival’s high-energy atmosphere.

Some images showed her preparing for the night before heading out to catch Justin Bieber’s performance, while others captured her arriving with her close circle. 

At one point, she was seen greeting Teyana Taylor with a warm side hug. 

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Amid the fashion and festival scenes, Kardashian also showed a more relaxed side of herself. 

In a surprising twist, she stepped into the kitchen during the weekend to make Rice Krispies treats for her friends.

Still dressed in her edgy Coachella outfit, she was photographed mixing ingredients, pouring the mixture into a pan, and even sneaking a taste. 

Kim Kardashian And Hamilton’s Romance Keeps Growing

While the Coachella post grabbed attention, it’s just the latest chapter in Kardashian’s evolving relationship with Hamilton. 

The two were first linked earlier this year, but their connection seems to have deepened over time.

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The racing driver previously shared a video of Kardashian riding alongside him in a red Ferrari in Japan, where she reacted with excitement, saying, “That’s sick.” 

The pair spent time together in Tokyo ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, and have since been spotted traveling and attending events together. 

Speaking about their relationship in February, an insider told Entertainment Tonight, “Kim and Lewis are spending more time together and seeing where things are going.” 

The source added, “They’ve been friends and known each other for years but are now exploring a romantic relationship.”

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The pair’s appearances have become more frequent, from hotel stays in the Cotswolds and Paris to sitting side by side at major events like the Super Bowl. 

Most recently, they were also seen shopping together in Los Angeles, further building on their growing public presence.

Despite keeping things relatively low-key at first, the couple now appears more comfortable being seen together. 

Speculations Suggest Lewis Hamilton Is Under The ‘Kardashian Curse’

Recently, Hamilton has found himself at the center of renewed “Kardashian Curse” chatter after a mixed result at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he finished sixth despite showing improved early-season form.   

As The Blast reported, fans quickly linked the outcome to his rumored relationship with Kim Kardashian, reviving the long-standing theory that men experience setbacks when involved with members of the Kardashian family.  

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According to reports, the speculation has grown loud enough to create added pressure around the F1 racer, with one source noting that “people are still pointing the finger at her” even though Kardashian was not at the race itself.   

The insider added that the constant noise is “a lot of noise to deal with when he’s trying to stay focused and get back on form.” 

Despite the online chatter, Hamilton is said to be determined to silence the narrative through performance.

Kim Kardashian Prepares To Make Her Producerial Broadway Debut

Besides her romance life, Kardashian is expanding her entertainment empire by stepping into Broadway as a producer for a prison drama centered on wrongful conviction. 

According to The Blast, the reality star has joined the producing team of “The Fear of 13,” a powerful stage production based on the real-life story of Nick Yarris, who spent more than two decades on death row for a crime he says he did not commit.  

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The play, starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, explores the failures of the justice system and the emotional toll of incarceration, aligning closely with Kardashian’s long-standing advocacy for criminal justice reform.   

She explained her involvement by saying her work in reform is “about more than just policy; it’s about people.”

For her headlining Sabrinawood Coachella set, Sabrina Carpenter debuted a “Cinematic Volume Blowout” — a glamorous, high-impact style designed to mirror the scale, drama and storytelling of her performance. The secret behind her sky-high ‘do? The Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam, which celebrity hairstylist Evanie Frausto used to build the foundation for Carpenter’s larger-than-life style. The look channeled Old Hollywood allure with modern polish, delivering lift, soft movement and a glossy, camera-ready finish that captivated from every angle.

Formulated to deliver instant lift and long-lasting body, Redken’s Root Lifter Volumizing Spray is a backstage staple for creating full, bouncy styles without stiffness. The lightweight formula targets the roots to provide structured support while preserving natural movement and a soft, touchable feel. It’s ideal for fine to medium hair types and helps enhance fullness, boost shine and hold voluminous blowouts in place throughout long events — making it perfect for everything from music festivals to red carpets. What’s more, the targeted nozzle ensures precise application, allowing you to create height exactly where it’s needed without weighing down the lengths.

Get the Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam for $29 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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To recreate Sabrina’s cinematic blowout, start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply the volume spray from roots through mid-lengths to create lift and support, then blow-dry the hair and set it in rollers to build volume and shape. For added glamour, finish with a large-barrel curling iron to create soft, cascading waves, then gently brush them out for that signature, brushed-through effect. A light mist of hairspray locks in the style while preserving movement and shine.

The results speak for themselves — and shoppers agree. An Amazon reviewer said it’s “the best product [they’ve] found to give life to [their] flat and super fine hair.”

If you’re ready to channel Carpenter’s Coachella-worthy volume, add this styling essential to your routine to achieve a bold, bouncy blowout with star power.

Get the Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam for $29 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more root-lifting sprays here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Get Hilary Duff’s Cool-Girl Waves With This $34 Texture Spray

Hilary Duff is coming clean. The pop artist, who is currently promoting her comeback album luck… or something, recently sat down with Alex Cooper of “Call Her Daddy,” discussing everything from details from her discography to what it was like growing up in the spotlight. While Duff definitely spilled some tea about the behind-the-scenes of […]

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Roommates, y’all already know the internet doesn’t miss a thing! Folks online are putting their detective skills to work trying to figure out who Kim Kardashian was posted up with in a new photo she shared on social media. Some folks think it’s Lewis Hamilton, especially since they were spotted kicking at Super Bowl LX in February.

RELATED: Whoops! Kim Kardashian Goes Viral After Taking A Lil’ Tumble In 8-Inch Heels (WATCH)

The Internet Is Working Overtime To ID Kim Kardashian’s Mystery Man

On Thursday, April 16, Kim Kardashian dropped a Coachella photo dump on Instagram. The photos show Kimmy flexing in a risqué black bodysuit with leather pants and a black scarf that covered her face. While some fans locked in on her fit, others couldn’t help but notice the second photo in her slide, where she sits on a man’s lap. Of course, folks online hopped right into their detective bag, zooming in, and claiming the man’s hand tattoo seemed to match Lewis Hamilton’s.

Social Media Reacts To Kim’s Cozy Snap

After The Shade Room shared Kim’s cozy snap, folks flooded the comment section with speculation. Some Roommates said they love seeing her live her best life, while others said they hope it is Lewis and if so they approve!

Instagram user @j.ordynnnn__ wrote, “I’m not even mad at Kim, look at him 😍” 

Instagram user @melanin_m0nr0e wrote, “I love that for her 😍” 

While Instagram user @model_bishh wrote, “Ok Kimmy I’m digging this 🔥🔥” 

Then Instagram user @sierra_balgar wrote, “Kim is such a lover girl and he seems like a gentleman! Love this 😍” 

Another Instagram user @passionatepouts wrote, “She deserves just like everybody else. And Kim is a bona fide baddie.” 

Instagram user @flamboyant_e wrote, “She want her a YN lol 😍” 

Then another Instagram user @simplyjuicyyy_ wrote, “This is why north was in the crowd by herself?? LMFAOOOO 😭😭😭” 

While another Instagram user @ms_taylor35 wrote, “Ash she should!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 live your best life!!” 

Finally, Instagram user @moe_vee_ wrote, “Ok Kimmy cakes ❤️”

Kim & Lewis Spark Dating Rumors After Popping Out At The Super Bowl

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton first sparked dating rumors after footage showed them sitting side by side at the Super Bowl in February. A quick clip caught them having a convo while they both smile. It’s unclear what they were talking about, but fans were quick to jump in with reactions, saying they looked real good together. Although neither Kim nor Lewis have publicly confirmed their status, paparazzi photos have caught them out and about together in Los Angeles. Most recent photos reportedly showed the pair shopping together.

RELATED: Whew! Kim Kardashian’s Honest Take On Ye’s Role In Their Kids’ Lives Has The Internet Going Off (VIDEO) 

Sandra Lee is revealing just how close she came to stepping away from her career after suffering a stroke in November 2025. The longtime dermatologist and reality TV star, best known for her work on “Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out,” is now sharing new details about the frightening medical emergency and the emotional toll it took as she faced an uncertain future.

Dr. Pimple Popper Feared She’d ‘Never Do Surgery Again’ After Stroke

The “Dr. Pimple Popper” star revealed she suffered a stroke in November 2025, admitting the experience left her questioning whether she would ever return to surgery. “I had a stroke four months ago, I’m OK now,” Sandra Lee shared during a recent interview with Page Six.

In the immediate aftermath, Lee said fear and uncertainty quickly set in. “In the beginning, I was like, ‘What am I going to do? Like, am I going on disability? Is this going to be it? I’m never doing a surgery again,” the 55-year-old said, also admitting the traumatic experience has left a lasting mental impact. “You have a little PTSD cause it happened while I was actually taping the show.”

“It’s sort of associated in my mind with the show,” she added, referencing her TLC series, “Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out.”

Sandra Lee Says Recovery ‘Not Completely Smooth’ After Stroke

While Lee says she’s now “99 percent better,” recovery hasn’t been completely smooth. She explained that her condition can fluctuate, noting there’s “a range” where symptoms can get “a little worse” or “a little better.”

Despite the challenges, she has been able to continue working and interacting with patients. However, she revealed she still struggles with fully lifting her left arm.

Dr. Pimple Popper Star Admits She Ignored Warning Signs

When it comes to what may have caused the stroke, Lee pointed to underlying health risks. “My father had a little stroke when he was about 60, so older than I am, but I’m mid-50s, which is hard for me to say, but that’s part of it,” she said.

She also admitted she had neglected routine health checkups, convincing herself she didn’t need them. “For you to kind of say, ‘OK, maybe I should see a doctor for my blood pressure, my cholesterol, that sounds like a mold,’” she continued.

Lee previously described the terrifying moment the stroke happened while filming. “At first, she thought she was experiencing a hot flash, but things quickly escalated,” she said. “As a physician, I couldn’t deny that I had slurred speech, that I was having weakness on one side, but I was like, ‘Well, this is a dream, right?’ More like a living nightmare.”

Sandra Lee Built A Cult Following With Her Viral Extractions

Long before becoming a household name, Lee built her brand by doing what most people can’t stomach, bringing some of the most jaw-dropping skin procedures to the spotlight.

From pimples to lipomas and even melanoma cases, Lee has tackled it all on camera, earning a massive fanbase drawn to the oddly satisfying nature of her work. “It’s so fascinating to me that [watching the extractions] relaxes some people,” she previously told PEOPLE, reflecting on the viral appeal of her content.

The UCLA and Drexel University College of Medicine alum first gained traction by posting procedures on YouTube before her TLC show debuted in 2018. “People watch the videos over and over again because it helps them go to sleep at night,” she said. “Others watch it like it’s a scary movie or a roller coaster.”

While millions are hooked on the content, Lee admitted she doesn’t fall into that category herself. “I’m not a natural pop-aholic [someone who loves watching extractions],” she said. “But I feel really lucky that I get to actually see how what I do transforms somebody’s life.”

Dr. Pimple Popper Star Hopes Her Story Sparks Change

Now focused on recovery, Sandra Lee has been undergoing physical and occupational therapy and hopes her experience serves as a wake-up call for others.

She said she hopes sharing her story will “push others” to take better care of their health.

Meghan Trainor left fans stunned after making a sudden announcement that changes her entire summer schedule. 

Just months after welcoming her baby girl, the singer revealed she would no longer be hitting the road as planned. 

While the tour had already generated excitement across North America, Trainor made it clear that stepping back was not an easy choice, but one she felt was necessary as she navigates life as a growing family of five.

Meghan Trainor Cancels Tour After ‘Tough Conversations’

Meghan Trainor surprised fans when she confirmed that her highly anticipated Get in Girl Tour would no longer go ahead as scheduled. 

The shows were set to begin in June and run through mid-August, covering more than 30 venues across North America, but those plans have now been scrapped.

Explaining her decision in an Instagram Stories post shared on Thursday, the 32-year-old noted that it came “after a lot of reflection and some really tough conversations.” 

The “Made You Look” singer admitted that juggling multiple responsibilities at once became overwhelming, especially with a new album rollout, tour rehearsals, and a newborn at home. 

“Balancing the release of a new album, preparing for a nationwide tour, and welcoming our new baby girl to our growing family of five has just been more than I can take on right now, and I need to be home and present for each and all of them at this time,” Trainor continued. 

Trainor Chooses Family After Welcoming Baby Girl

The timing of the cancellation comes just three months after Meghan Trainor and her husband, Daryl Sabara, welcomed their daughter, Mikey Moon, via surrogate in January. 

The couple is already parents to two young sons, making the adjustment to a larger family a major life shift.

Trainor acknowledged that her decision might disappoint fans, but emphasized that her family needed to come first during this period. 

“I know this will come as a disappointment to my fans, and I am so sorry to let you down,” she said, before adding, “But I know this is the right decision for my family and me right now.” 

Despite stepping away from touring, the star reassured supporters that this pause is temporary, writing, “I promise I’ll be back soon, and I can’t wait for you to hear this new record. I’m so proud of it and I’m endlessly grateful for your love and support always.”

Meghan Trainor Revealed Her Plans For The Tour

Before the cancellation, Trainor had shared how much effort she was putting into preparing for the tour. 

She told PEOPLE she would take dance lessons, adding, “I’m going to be very fit.” 

The performer had also painted a vivid picture of what fans could expect from the shows, saying, “We’re going to be jumping, dancing. It’s going to be a party, but it’s a party for everyone, for kids, for adults, for grandparents. I love when I see grandparents in the crowd. I love when the dads sing every word. I go, ‘Yeah, Dad.’ It’s my favorite.”

Although the tour is no longer happening, Trainor’s music plans remain on track. 

Her upcoming album, “Toy with Me,” is still set for release on April 24, marking her seventh studio project.

Counseling And Therapy Changed Trainor And Her Husband’s Marriage

Shortly before the heartbreaking announcement, Meghan Trainor opened up about how marriage counseling transformed her relationship, saying the experience was so effective she had to recommend it to everyone. 

In a chat with Us Weekly, the mom of three revealed, “I was in marriage counseling while doing this album,” explaining that therapy helped her and her husband Sabara reconnect during a challenging period. 

She added, “We’re so good now that I recommend it to everyone,” crediting the sessions for improving their communication and overall happiness.  

Trainor shared that raising young children had put a strain on their relationship, noting that “one through five, your marriage gets pushed to the side,” which led to tension and confusion.   

However, counseling helped them realize, “Why are we fighting? We’re on the same team.” Now in a much better place, Trainor said therapy not only strengthened their bond but also gave them tools to navigate marriage and parenthood more effectively.

Meghan Trainor Explains Why She Chose Surrogacy 

Besides her marriage, Trainor has also been candid about her decision to opt for surrogacy. 

Recently, the Grammy Award winner opened up about the emotional and “heartbreaking” side of surrogacy.

As The Blast reported, she revealed that the decision to welcome her third child that way was far from easy. 

“[We had] heartbreaking, big decision-making to do,” Trainor noted, explaining that ongoing health struggles pushed her and Sabara to consider surrogacy as the safest option.   

She admitted that not carrying her baby herself was one of the hardest parts, saying she constantly worried, “Is she okay?” and added, “You go cuckoo, you go crazy,” describing the anxiety of knowing her child was “alive in someone else.”   

She also revealed the emotional toll of public backlash, calling it “a cloud of tears every night of just worry.”   

Despite those struggles, Trainor acknowledged the process had positives, noting she didn’t have to recover from a C-section, but emphasized that the experience came with “a lot of scary parts,” even as it ultimately proved to be the best decision for her family. 

Christina Applegate’s representative has responded to reports the actress has been hospitalized amid her battle with MS.

TMZ reported on Thursday, April 16, that the Married… With Children alum, 54, is currently staying in a Los Angeles hospital after being admitted in late March. It is unclear whether her hospitalization is due to her MS.

Applegate’s rep told Us Weekly in a statement, “I have no comment whether she is in the hospital or what her medical treatments are. She’s had a long history of complicated medical conditions that she has been refreshingly open about, as evidenced in her memoir and on her podcast.”

Applegate has been candid about her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) since she publicly revealed her diagnosis in August 2021.

Related: Christina Applegate Lays in Bed ‘Screaming’ Daily Over ‘Sharp’ MS ‘Pains’

Christina Applegate has opened up about her daily battles with Multiple Sclerosis. Speaking on the Tuesday, November 5, episode of her “MeSsy” podcast, cohosted with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also suffers from the autoimmune disease, Applegate, 52, said she feels sharp pains “every single day.” “I lay in bed screaming,” Applegate said while detailing how the […]

“It’s been a strange journey,” she wrote via X at the time. “But I have been so supported by people that I know who also have this condition. It’s been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some a**hole blocks it.”

Speaking to Variety in November 2022, Applegate recalled experiencing symptoms while filming Netflix’s Dead to Me.

“I didn’t know what was happening to me. That January, my toes got numb, and I ignored it. The balls of my foot got numb, and I ignored it. All of a sudden, I’d be, like, falling over,” she explained. “People were like, ‘Oh, it’s just neuropathy.’ At this point, they had to take me with a wheelchair to set because I couldn’t walk if the set was far. I was sleeping all the time, and I gained 40 pounds — a lot of things happened.”

In January 2026, she detailed a recent flare-up and expressed her fears that MS may be “taking” her.

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Applegate got emotional during an episode of her “MeSsy” podcast, which she cohosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

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In the emotional moment, Applegate read a letter from a fan named Steven, who suffers from myasthenia gravis (MG). The autoimmune disease causes weakness in certain voluntary muscles. Steven wrote that MG has “taken [his] soul piece by piece, day by day, hour by hour,” which reminded Applegate of a recent MS flare-up.

“I’m reading it and I’m trying not to start being a crybaby again with every single thing that I’m reading, because I’m getting very emotional because I’m really touched by the fact that we’re all sitting in that space,” she said. “Like yesterday, I was walking, kind of OK. … Today, I was falling over, stumbling. I just feel like, is it taking me? Is it taking me day by day, piece by piece? I can’t even read s*** like this without getting super highly triggered.”

Martin McDonagh has become something of an odd critical darling. While his film directing dates back to 2008 and his work has developed a cult following, it’s his most recent movies — Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin — that caught the attention of mass audiences and turned heads when the award season came around. The latter is even more impressive when you consider the films are chock-full of things that the Academy would presumably turn their noses at. To those who’ve been fans of his since his early work, he’s like the director equivalent of the cool indie band that went mainstream.

While his films have become celebrated, it’s his older ones that informed his style, and those are the ones that seem to get lost in the shuffle most consistently. Many might argue that his most underrated film is In Bruges, but the one that doesn’t get talked about enough is his sophomore outing, Seven Psychopaths. It has all the hallmarks and odd quirks that make McDonagh’s movies memorable, but it sidesteps the undertones that make the dramatic moments weigh a ton. In a bizarre turn, this might be his most accessible and crowd-pleasing film.

What Is Martin McDonagh’s Thriller ‘Seven Psycopaths About?

The story follows a screenwriter named Marty (Colin Farrell) who’s heavy on drinking but low on inspiration to write his screenplay, Seven Psychopaths. He rediscovers the inspiration when his off-kilter buddy Billy (Sam Rockwell) and his associate Hans (Christopher Walken) kidnap the dog of a bloody-thirsty gangster (Woody Harrelson). Now they’re on the run and have to live long enough to figure out how they’re going to finish the screenplay and survive the ordeal (in that order).

“Crowd-pleasing” may be an odd word to describe Seven Psychopaths, considering all of McDonagh’s movies have their fair share of alienating elements. However, while his other films have lofty themes and weighty subject matter, this one really is just about characters trying to write a screenplay. The threat of a criminal being out to kill them gets lost in the background because it’s not really the central focus when everything gets boiled down.

‘Seven Psychopaths’ Is a Bold Thriller in Several Key Ways

Seven Psychopaths is probably closest, structurally and stylistically, to The Big Lebowski. No one really learns anything or grows as characters; they’re just thrown together in weird predicaments to see what comes out and see how they react. When your main antagonist is introduced in an interrogation scene by walking in while eating a single strawberry, does that sound like a threat that you’re supposed to take seriously? Because the characters don’t. This is with the exception of Marty, who acts as the audience surrogate. Billy and Hans seem somewhere between inconvenienced and indifferent to the crime element that just got inserted into their lives.

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The 10 Heaviest Movies of the Last 30 Years, Ranked

These movies carry a lot of weight.

The film does away with any attempt to make a statement about anything, and focuses instead on a meta commentary on itself and movie tropes. There are dramatic moments that are given time to breathe, but any moments that are made out to be deep or heady are often in the service of the screenplay that the characters themselves are writing, and are done away with when the characters acknowledge that the idea of including challenging subject matter in a movie called Seven Psychopaths is completely asinine.

Martin McDonough’s ‘Seven Psychopaths’ Is His Most Underrated Movie

Image via CBS films

The unspoken running gag of the movie is subverting tropes or doing away with them entirely. The movie starts with a Tarantino-esque cold open with two hit men (Michael Stuhlbarg and Michael Pitt) casually talking about whether John Dillinger got shot in the eyeball while waiting to put a hit out on someone. These characters could’ve been the leads of their own movie, but they end up being fodder for one of the real key players (and titular psychopaths) of the story, the Jack of Diamonds, who promptly kills them before the title card. It’s a good early indicator that nothing is going to go down the way you’d expect — which is pretty ironic that that’s the precedent it sets considering this is McDonagh’s only movie that you could say has a happy ending.

Seven Psychopaths is Martin McDonagh’s most laid-back film — offering his trademark clever dialogue and unruly characters — without the baggage of heavy plot points and deep thematic undertones. They’re here in bits and pieces, but they’re used as background dressing for the characters (specifically Hans) to give them more depth. That lack of dramatic weight may keep it from being considered one of his “great” films, but it helps make it easier to revisit as a hangout movie than, say, a heavy movie like In Bruges. If you want a Martin McDonagh movie that makes for a good casual viewing before Wild Horse Nine comes out in November, Seven Psychopaths is for you.

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Release Date

October 12, 2012

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Runtime

110 Minutes

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