Cinephiles, rejoice! It’s officially Oscars weekend, with the 98th Academy Awards taking place at the Los Angeles Dolby Theatre this Sunday evening. Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically poignant One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed vampire flick Sinners are favorites to take home the most prizes, especially considering the latter’s breaking of the record for most nominations. But both face tough competition for a host of top films from the past year, including the Joel Edgerton-led Train Dreams, the Danish-Norwegian drama Sentimental Value, the visually stunning Frankenstein, and the genre-blending slow-burner The Secret Agent.

The latter, written and directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, is the second Brazilian movie in two years to be nominated for Best Picture, after I’m Still Here became the country’s first to do so in 2025. Earlier this year, Wagner Moura picked up the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his leading turn in The Secret Agent, a performance for which he has also earned an Academy Award nod. The film has also earned nominations in the Best Casting and Best International Feature Film categories. The film also won four prizes at the Cannes Film Festival, including in the Best Director and Best Actor categories.

Ahead of this year’s ceremony, with the film bidding to take home at least one Golden Statue, The Secret Agent is quietly impressing on the streaming charts. At the time of writing, the movie is one of the most-streamed on Hulu in the U.S., a list topped by Predator: Badlands. A synopsis of The Secret Agent reads:

“Brazil, 1977. Marcelo, a technology expert in his early 40s, is on the run. Hoping to reunite with his son, he travels to Recife during Carnival but soon realizes that the city is not the safe haven he was expecting.”

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‘The Secret Agent’ Is a Critical Smash

Image via Neon

Ever since its Cannes premiere last May, The Secret Agent has received gushing praise from critics across the world. This is illustrated best on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, where the movie boasts a near-perfect 98% score from critics and an 83% score from audiences. The consensus on the site reads, “A thematically rich and visually arresting political thriller, The Secret Agent blends grindhouse stylization with biting social commentary to weave a vividly dangerous yet darkly human tale.”

The Secret Agent is streaming on Hulu. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.

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Release Date

November 26, 2025

Runtime

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158 minutes

Director

Kleber Mendonça Filho

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Writers

Kleber Mendonça Filho

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Kathie Lee Gifford is one of the most iconic names in American television, thanks to her longtime stints on shows like “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” and “Today.” Now, Gifford, who recently released a new book, the second in her biblical non-fiction series, is opening up about her final lunch with Regis Philbin and his passing.

Kathie Lee Gifford Kept In Touch With Regis Philbin After Leaving ‘Live’

Gifford announced on air in July 2000 that she was leaving “Live With Regis and Kathie Lee.” This came after she had hosted the hit ABC morning talk show alongside Philbin for 15 years. Notably, her announcement came as a surprise to her beloved co-host.

In March 2026, Gifford spoke to PEOPLE about the relationship she maintained with Philbin after leaving the show. According to her, “I saw him a lot. We became much closer friends even as the years went on, after I left. We lived very close to each other in Greenwich.”

The Former ‘Today’ Host Saw Regis Two Weeks Before His Death

Gifford continued her PEOPLE interview, saying she moved to Tennessee after leaving “Today” in 2019. Despite the move, she and Philbin made a point of having lunch every two weeks. She told the outlet, “I saw him two weeks before he died.”

Gifford continued, “We had a three-hour lunch, and I had everything he loved made for him that day. And we laughed, oh, we laughed our butts off.”

After that, she discussed his death, saying somehow she knew. According to the author, “I was back in [the South] and had writing sessions and recording sessions and was always busy, but then one morning I woke up, and the Lord told me very clearly — I don’t hear him, but I know his voice, if that makes any sense — and he said, ‘Get on a plane and go home.’”

She added, “I didn’t know why he said it, but I got on a plane, and no sooner had I landed than I turned my phone back on and there was a message from a dear friend who said, ‘I’m so sorry about your friend Regis.’ And I knew, because when I’d seen him two weeks before, when he got out of the car to come into my house, [the Lord] said, ‘This is the last time you’re gonna see him.’”

The Beloved Talk Show Host Passed Away In July 2020

According to Today, Philbin passed away on July 24, 2020, only one month before his 89th birthday. Months after his passing, Gifford appeared on “The Talk” and discussed her friend and his final days, revealing that the COVID-19 pandemic had taken a toll on the former host and his mental health.

She said, “He had been depressed in the weeks and months earlier, because of the COVID. You know, Regis couldn’t perform anywhere; nobody was out and about, and he couldn’t be Regis for people, you know? And it broke his heart.”

Gifford then said, “One of his dearest friends had just recently died of COVID. He was pretty much in a depression, I think. Regis just lived to make people happy. He certainly made me happy for the 35 years that we were great friends.”

She Recently Released A New Book

Gifford released her latest book, “Nero and Paul,” co-written with Dr. Bryan M. Litfin, on March 10, 2026. This came after she first announced the book in July 2025.

Previously, in 2024, she spoke to Woman’s World about her passion for writing Bible-based content. Gifford said, “My fascination with Herod goes back to my first rabbinical trip. We believe that Jesus’ story is the greatest ever told. Well, Herod is the greatest story never told, unless you are some sort of a scholar.”

The former host then discussed her co-writer, saying, “My son, Cody, found this fantastic co-author for me [Brian M. Litfin, PhD], and Cody suggested a series of different books called Ancient Evil, Living Hope. The next one, I think, will be Nero and Paul. There’s always been evil, but there’s always been God’s presence in the world as well.”

Kathie Lee Gifford Recently Criticised The LGBTQ+ Community

Gifford appeared on the “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” podcast in March 2026. While on the show, the topic of Gifford reconciling being a traditional Christian with supporting gay rights came up. She responded, “That one is a four-letter word, and it’s called L-O-V-E, love.”

However, after saying she had many gay friends, Gifford offered one criticism, saying, “I don’t even know how many letters there are now. They’ve really got to stop with that. We know what you mean, you know?”

Still, she admitted that it was not her place to tell people how to live their lives.

It’s a familiar fabric, but somehow denim is looking super fresh and fashionable this season. Everywhere we look, spring denim dresses are appearing in modern, unexpected and stylish silhouettes, and we’re honestly struggling to keep our budget in check. Far from rigid or predictable, we’re seeing puff‑sleeve denim dresses, tailored minis, clean A‑line finds and easy pop-over pieces that have Us giving our jeans a well-deserved break.

To help you navigate this worthwhile trend, we’ve curated 15 slimming spring denim dresses to shop now from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Banana Republic and beyond. Trust Us, your warm‑weather wardrobe is about to get a chic upgrade with these figure-forgiving frocks below.

15 Slimming Denim Dresses for Fresh Spring Outfits

1. Our Favorite: From office hours to off‑duty days, this dark button‑up midi is the ultimate style foundation. Dress it your way with sandals, pumps, boots, bold accessories — honestly, anything goes.

2. Spring Ready: Even those who usually shy away from mini dresses will fall for this slimming A‑line denim find. From the halter neckline to its flattering fit, every detail works in your favor.

3. Clip and Go: Ditch the predictable and throw on this denim overalls dress instead. The surprisingly slimming piece is made for easy errands, but still delivers maximum cuteness.

4. Celeb Brand: This sleeveless Sofia Vergara denim dress is a size‑inclusive standout. With sizes from XS to 4X, the zip‑up dress delivers a flattering fit that looks stunning on every body.

5. Capsule Collection: Cross spring and summer essentials off your list with this smocked Madewell denim dress. It’s an effortless piece you can toss on and still look incredibly put together.

Related: Nordstrom‘s Spring Beauty Sale Is Still Live (and Has Celeb Favorites)

You know how you swap heavy fashion pieces for breezy finds come spring? Well, you should be doing the same with your beauty essentials. With warmer weather on the horizon, your skincare and makeup should reflect that with formulas that are lightweight, sun-protecting, sweat-resistant and buildable. If you need to do a spring beauty refresh, […]

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6. Ultra Feminine: There’s nothing ordinary about this puff‑sleeve denim dress. From the belted waist to the jacquard floral print and tailored bodice, every detail makes it a slimming standout.

7. Gorgeous Print: This floral denim dress from Moon River is so romantic, we’re already saving it for our next date night. The A-line shape works wonders, giving you an hourglass appearance.

8. Denim Essential: Every rodeo season, this writer pulls out her trusty Wrangler denim dress. The snap‑button piece always nails that classic Western vibe without losing its everyday wearability.

9. Petite Friendly: This petite denim dress takes the pain out of tailoring, pairing a pleated waist with petite‑friendly proportions for a perfect made‑for‑you fit.

10. Go Anywhere: Old Navy shoppers love this soft denim pop-over dress for its endless versatility. With a size‑inclusive range and an easy, throw‑on silhouette, the slightly oversized dress works for any occasion.

11. Adorable Hem: Bubble hems are trending this spring. This sleeveless denim dress brings the style to life with a bouncy, beautiful shape that makes Us want to take it out on the town.

12. Go Bold: If darker washes are your thing, don’t miss out on this figure-slimming Petal & Pup denim dress. The contrast stitching and roomy pockets seal the deal.

13. Ultra Breezy: Forget tight fits and rigid fabrics. This sweet tweed-collar denim dress has a playful lightness that’s perfect for chic spring style.

14. Quiet Luxury: Rich mom style comes alive in this button‑down J.Crew denim mini. The flirty silhouette runs a bit small, so size up for the perfect slimming fit.

15. Trending Design: Asymmetrical cuts are the trend we didn’t see coming, but we’re fully behind them. This asymmetrical denim midi takes the look up a notch, and honestly, it looks like something Meghan Markle — an avid Banana Republic fan — would absolutely rock.

Related: The 17 Chafe-Free Athletic Skorts to Keep You Moving This Spring

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There’s nothing worse than experiencing thigh chafing during the warm weather months. But this spring, we’re ditching discomfort and choosing athletic skirts with built‑in shorts to keep Us grooving all day long. Thankfully, retailers like Amazon, Macy’s and Nordstrom have plenty of anti-chafing skorts that are designed with moisture-wicking fabrics, stay-put shorts and other elevated details […]

A message shared by Blueface‘s boo, Nevaeh Akira, amid her pregnancy has some folks scratchin’ their heads.

RELATED: In Bliss! Nevaeh Akira Shares Precious Clip Of Blueface Cradling Her Growing Baby Bump (VIDEO)

More On Blueface’s Boo, Nevaeh Akira’s Recent Pregnancy Message

Earlier this week, Nevaeh Akira took to Instagram to share a carousel of photos showing off her baby bump, her young son, and other family moments — which even included Blueface. Furthermore, Akira captioned the carousel, “forever gaining peace over chaos.”

Peep her full carousel by swiping below.

Some Folks Are Scratchin’ Their Heads

Social media users slid into TSR Teens’ comment section, seemingly scratchin’ their heads and disagreeing with Nevaeh Akira’s caption.

More On Blueface’s Boo, Nevaeh Akira, & Her Pregnancy

As The Shade Room previously reported, Blueface and Nevaeh Akira revealed their pregnancy after taking a test on a livestream back in February. Their child marks Akira’s second, and Blueface’s fourth. To note, Blueface shares two children with Jaidyn Alexis and, allegedly, a son with Chrisean Rock — though, as of recent, Blue has denied his paternity of the child.

RELATED: New Addition! Karlissa Saffold Harvey Reacts To Blueface & Nevaeh Akira’s Apparent Pregnancy Announcement

Subsequently, Jaidyn Alexis reacted to their announcement, sharing that she didn’t “feel no type of way,” per The Shade Room.

Since then, Akira and Blueface have noted their plans to have a “healthy pregnancy.” And more recently, they revealed their unborn baby’s gender and name as Akira shares her “gratitude” for her partnership with Blue.

RELATED: Blueface’s Girlfriend Nevaeh Akira Says She’s “Blessed” To Have Him As A Co-Parent To Their Unborn Baby And Bonus Dad To Her Son

By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 33 seconds ago

The found footage genre is hit and miss: either it produces incredible thrills like Hell House LLC, or it is a bore until the big scare, like Paranormal Activity. Despite roots in found footage scenes from larger movies like Cannibal Holocaust, the genre began with the groundbreaking sleeper hit The Blair Witch Project, and there have been numerous knockoffs that have tried to capture the tone and the box office of that 1999 horror gambit.

Hostile Dimensions is more sci-fi than horror, but it uses the found footage concept to document the exploration of other dimensions the characters discover while looking for a missing graffiti artist.

What’s the logical thing to do when you find an uninstalled door in the middle of a room in an abandoned building? Take it home, of course! When protagonists Sam (Annabel Logan) and Ash (Joma West) do that while searching for graffiti artist Emily (Josie Rogers), they find out the door opens up to other dimensions.

The stunned duo are documentary filmmakers and decide to record further explorations around and into the strange door. Enlisting the help of friends and experts, they learn how the doors are used and film themselves as they pioneer new worlds. But for Sam, there is more to find beyond the threshold, and the search for Emily takes a dark turn.

Hostile Dimensions really seems like it was filmed with home equipment like GoPros and mini recorders. Unlike many found-footage films, where audiences are left wondering why the characters kept the camera rolling instead of escaping, this movie offers credible reasons for continuing to film during the action. We are constantly reminded by the characters that they’re documenting their experiences, especially when they turn to experts to research the strange doorway.

It also doesn’t fall into the trap of other found-footage movies, which document every… single… tedious… thing. Something is happening in every scene, and it uses its mockumentary format to excuse things like edits that gloss over long periods of time. It clocks in at 80 minutes and doesn’t waste a second of running time boring the audience with long sequences of people sleeping.

The movie was well received by critics because its writer and director, Graham Hughes, had already made Death of a Vlogger, another effective mockumentary horror, and Hostile Dimensions was a strong sophomore film for his resume. The praise mostly went to the good use of a small budget and the location scouting for the various settings that comprise the other dimensions. The lore and its supporting documentation are intriguing, introducing the audience to an ancient mystery hiding in plain sight, with an attention to detail spanning the ages of art and history.

It is not a perfect movie. Hostile Dimensions’ low budget occasionally bursts its seams, especially amongst some of the performers. It doesn’t rely on special effects, which are creative and practical but also sometimes betray their inexpensiveness. It’s also not exactly a horror movie, leaning more into its science fiction themes than bringing chills or scares.

Despite, or maybe because of, these flaws, Hostile Dimensions tells a story about a woman who wants to explore, even if it means leaving this world. It’s a universal tale that takes her and its audience to places best described as the uncanny valley, leaving an eerie resonance and an exciting, glorious resolution full of humor and mystery.

Would you open the door? Find out by checking out Hostile Dimensions on Amazon Prime or Shudder.

Virgin River is returning for season 8 after several shocking cliffhangers — yet not every cast member is confirmed to reprise their role.

The hit Netflix show, which premiered in 2019, is based on Robyn Carr’s book series and follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California. That includes nurse practitioner Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) her love interest, Jack (Martin Henderson), his sister, Brie (Zibby Allen) and more. Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé and Kai Bradbury also star.

When Virgin River returned for season 7 in March 2026, showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed that Marco Grazzini would not be reprising his role as Mike, telling Deadline, “He’s not coming back for season 8.”

Lauren Hammersley, who has played Charmaine since the show premiered, is also not expected to come back — at least for now.

Related: Meet the Season 7 Cast of Netflix’s Hit ‘Virgin River’ After Surprise Exit

Netflix’s longest-running scripted series Virgin River has gone through some surprising cast changes — so who is expected to appear in season 7? Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel and Jack. The hit series, which premiered in 2019, […]

“For me, I’m just trying to look to the longevity of the show and making sure that the characters that we’re keeping have enough story engine in them to keep going,” Smith noted. “So I can’t say there are any specific cast shakeups planned, but I think we will have to start to — as characters run their course — make some decisions and bring in some new blood.”

Keep scrolling to see which Virgin River stars are — and aren’t — returning for season 8:

Alexandra Breckenridge

There would be no Virgin River without Mel; she is at the center of the show.

Martin Henderson

The same goes for Jack, who expanded his family with Mel at the end of season 7.

Colin Lawrence

While Preacher’s future at the bar with Jack was left unclear, Colin Lawrence is expected to come back in season 8.

Lauren Hammersley

Charmaine’s time on the show has come to an end and Lauren Hammersley isn’t returning — for now.

Annette O’Toole

Season 8 will dig into Hope’s friendship with her ex-husband, which has already started to affect her relationship with Doc (Tim Matheson).

Tim Matheson

Doc’s personal and professional life will still be a focus of the show.

Ben Hollingsworth

There’s no way Virgin River would show Brady in a motorcycle accident and not check back in with him.

Related: ‘Virgin River‘ Season 7 Ending Explained: Who Died? Who Split Up?

Virgin River threw plenty of surprises at fans throughout season 7, from babies and breakups to a possible death. The Netflix series returned on Thursday, March 12, with Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson) considering their options when it came to adopting her patient’s baby. The fictional couple, who got married one season prior, […]

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Zibby Allen

Brady will need Brie by his side when the show returns — with a time jump — in season 8.

Sarah Dugdale

Lizzy’s journey as a new mom is just getting started on Virgin River.

Marco Grazzini

Mike isn’t returning to Virgin River — at least in season 8.

Kai Bradbury

Denny has been confirmed to be returning to the hit Netflix series.

Kandyse McClure

After choosing to stay in Virgin River, Kaia is expected to play a consistent role on the show.

The heat on Timothée Chalamet isn’t fading anytime soon. With each passing day, several celebrities are weighing in on the controversy, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg has now joined the growing list.

After Chalamet joked to Matthew McConaughey during a town hall discussion hosted by Variety and CNN that nobody cares about ballet and opera, the backlash that followed was intense.

While some critics, including panelists on “The View,” blasted him for the remark, others, like Andrea Bocelli, opted to educate the young Oscar-nominated actor. Now, Spielberg appears to be throwing subtle shade at Chalamet.

Steven Spielberg Defends Opera And Ballet In Apparent Shade At Timothée Chalamet 

During a panel conversation at SXSW on March 13, the legendary director acknowledged the role of movie theaters in bringing people together. 

While he acknowledged that he values streaming and enjoys collaborating with companies like Netflix, he made it clear that watching in a cinema offers a sense of community.

“But for me, the real experience comes when we can influence a community to congregate in a strange, dark space where all of us are strangers,” Spielberg said per Variety. 

He added that by the time the movie ends, the entire room has gone through an emotional journey together, uniting them. 

“And there’s nothing like that,” Spielberg explained, before appearing to shade Chalamet. “It happens in movies, and in concerts. And it happens in ballet and opera, by the way.”

The EGOT holder’s response prompted laughter and cheers from the audience. “And we want that to be sustained,” he continued. “We want that to go forever.”

Andrea Bocelli Shared a Corrective Lecture with Timothée Chalamet

Spielberg’s remarks come a few days after Andrea Bocelli responded to Chalamet’s ballet controversy.  

As The Blast reported, the world-renowned tenor said that he was surprised to hear such a statement from someone he considers a fellow artist. In his view, dismissing classical art often stems from not having fully experienced it.

Bocelli further argued that these art forms are far from outdated. Instead, they are living artistic languages that speak to the human desire for truth, emotions, and beauty. 

The Italian singer added that he believes Chalamet would soon recognize that opera and dance come from the same emotional roots that actors draw on in film and theater. Bocelli even extended an invitation to a concert to the 30-year-old actor if he ever became curious about the art form.

‘The View’ Hosts Slammed Timothée Chalamet As ‘Shallow’

While Bocelli chose the correctional approach in response to Chalamet, the hosts on the hot topics table were not so subtle in their reaction. 

During a recent episode of the show, co-host Sunny Hostin did not hold back, heavily criticizing Chalamet. 

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“I’m offended and disappointed in what he said. I didn’t realize he was that vapid and that shallow,” Hostin slammed, per The Blast.

Guest co-host Sheryl Underwood addressed the backlash, suggesting that it may have stemmed from Chalamet speaking without fully considering the impact of his words.

Timothée Chalamet Previously Called Ballet And Opera a ‘Dying Art’

As criticism continues, an old video has resurfaced showing that his dismissive opinion toward classical performing arts isn’t new, further fueling the outrage online. 

According to The Blast, a fan shared a clip allegedly recorded on October 1, 2019, on TikTok explaining that the actor made a surprise appearance at their theater to promote “The King.” 

In the resurfaced video, Chalamet can be heard saying: “I started getting the sense it was maybe opera or ballet or something, it’s kind of like a dying art form or something.”

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As expected, several social media users flooded the post with comments. Some critics questioned his strong stance, with one fan asking, “Why does he feel so strongly about opera and ballet????”

The ‘Dunes’ Actor’s Controversy Reportedly Taking Toll On His Relationship With Kylie Jenner 

With the backlash against Chalamet intensifying, insiders say the drama is affecting his personal life. 

Per The Blast, sources revealed the heat is particularly spilling over into his romance with Kylie Jenner, who feels unfairly dragged into it. 

Another insider shared that while the Kardashian-Jenner family is accustomed to public storms, Chalamet lacks the same resilience and has taken the criticism to heart.

“Kylie knows how the media storm works,” the source shared. “They’re trying to work through it. But right now, things are definitely tense.”

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Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River share a major connection that means there’s a chance for a crossover between shows.

While Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River don’t exist in the same place, they are based on separate books by Robyn Carr. The CTV series, which premiered on The CW before being licensed to Netflix, follows neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan), who must return to her hometown in rural Nova Scotia. As she spends more time in Sullivan’s Crossing, Maggie reconnects with estranged father Sully (Scott Patterson) and finds love with Cal (Chad Michael Murray).

In addition to Kohan, Patterson and Murray, Sullivan’s Crossing stars Tom Jackson, Andrea Menard, Dakota Taylor, Amalia Williamson and Lindura.

Virgin River, meanwhile, centers on the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and her love interest, Jack (Martin Henderson). The Netflix series also stars Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen, Marco Grazzini and Kai Bradbury.

Hollingsworth, 41, weighed in on a potential crossover, exclusively telling Us Weekly in March 2026, “We have to, right? I think that’s perfect and that would be amazing. I love that romance drama is really having a comeback and it’s gotten such momentum there.”

In a separate interview, Grazzini, 45, showed support for the idea.

“We obviously share fan bases. So that would be an awesome treat for everybody involved,” he noted to Us. “It would be fun to see what storyboards end up and what story lines end up happening. I’m down for that.”

Allen, 45, was also intrigued by the concept, telling Us, “I feel like that could happen. I could see that happening. I love a crossover situation.”

After watching several novels be adapted on the small screen, Carr previously opened up about the process.

“I love to set my stories in fully fleshed-out locations. When the setting of a story is vivid and realistic, the reader is transported to that place and time, and they want to get to know the people who live and love there,” she wrote for BookBub in 2020. “When I’m imagining the setting for a novel, I’m looking for a place so vibrant and dramatic, it plays almost as a character in the story. It lives and breathes.”

The author acknowledged the connections that existed between her shows — specifically Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing.

“Of course, in every town there must be houses, businesses, at least one church, medical and emergency facilities, and a gathering place — usually a diner, coffeehouse, or bar and grill,” she added. “There are always outlying farms and ranches.”

Carr continued: “But there are two things that bring a town to life for me. One is beauty. Rugged beauty. The towns I write about must not be cute — they must be places of majestic, rustic and remote beauty. And they must not be easy places to live.”

Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing are both streaming on Netflix.