Entertainment
Jodie Foster Sparks Brad Pitt ‘F1’ AI Movie Debate
Jodie Foster isn’t holding back when it comes to Hollywood’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence.
During a candid appearance at the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Oscar-winning actress sparked debate after pointing to Brad Pitt’s hit racing drama “F1” as an example of filmmaking that felt shaped by AI.
While praising the movie’s commercial success, Foster questioned its storytelling approach, sparking a broader conversation about technology’s rapidly expanding role in the entertainment industry.

While speaking with former Sony executive Michael Lynton, Jodie Foster discussed how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern filmmaking.
As the conversation turned to AI’s growing influence, Foster singled out one of last year’s biggest box office successes: Pitt’s “F1.”
“I don’t say this disparagingly, how could I? This movie went on to make millions of dollars but look at a movie like F1 and I’m like, F1 was made by AI,” she said, according to Variety.
Foster also added, “Wasn’t it? I mean, the structure was exactly the structure that you would learn in school.”
The actress continued, explaining that it wasn’t the technology behind the visuals that caught her attention, but rather the film’s storytelling and dialogue.
She argued the cast delivered “lines exactly the way it would be written if a computer was writing exactly what would be the right thing for that time.”
Foster added that the filmmakers “were able to dominate the technology to make something big and beautiful and potentially where a lot of the information comes from other places.”
Foster’s Critique Comes After ‘F1’ Earned Box Office And Oscar Success
Jodie Foster’s comments come despite “F1” becoming one of last year’s biggest theatrical successes.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger, the sports drama starred Brad Pitt alongside Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies.
Released in theaters last June, the movie earned an impressive $634.1 million worldwide against a reported budget between $200 million and $300 million.
Beyond its commercial performance, “F1” also received four Academy Award nominations and ultimately won the Oscar for Best Sound.
Long before Foster weighed in, Kosinski had spoken extensively about making the film feel as authentic as possible, emphasizing practical filmmaking over digital shortcuts.

Speaking to Esquire last year, director Kosinski explained that authenticity was one of the driving forces behind the project.
“The audience can tell when something has been captured for real and when it’s been manufactured,” he said, revealing that the production developed “a much smaller, lighter camera system” to capture the racing action.
Rather than relying solely on visual effects, the filmmakers shot scenes during actual Formula One Grands Prix.
“Overall, I wanted it to feel like you’re really at the race. So we actually shot scenes at Grands Prix, and that meant the windows for shooting were very, very narrow,” Kosinski explained.
He revealed there were occasions when the cast and crew had only a few minutes to shoot a scene.
“The time constraint was a huge challenge, but at the same time it kind of infuses the scenes with energy and a realism that we couldn’t have gotten any other way,” he explained.
Foster Believes AI Must Never Replace Human Creativity

While “F1” became Jodie Foster’s example during the discussion, the broader conversation centered on artificial intelligence’s growing role across Hollywood.
“AI is one more giant step forward into changing the industry,” the “Panic Room” star said before Lynton asked the question many creatives continue debating. “The big question is, is it going to replace actors and writers?” he asked.
Foster answered candidly, noting, “We do replace people.” She pointed to the growing use of AI to replicate background performers rather than hiring additional actors, arguing that technological advances should not come at the expense of workers.
“We’re getting rid of a lot of jobs and hopefully, things like unions will be able to come in and say, you can use my actor 20 times, but you’re going to pay him 20 times. And I think that’s fair,” she shared.
Jodie Foster Believes Filmmakers Should Control AI, Not The Other Way Around

While expressing concern over AI’s impact, Foster also acknowledged that the technology can serve a creative purpose when used thoughtfully.
“What we all would love is that filmmakers would be able to dominate AI, and never lose sight of that,” she said. The 63-year-old pointed to her recent film “A Private Life,” which incorporated AI during one of its dream sequences.
Although she felt the technology suited the mystery thriller, she admitted the AI-generated imagery “made no sense.”
The debate surrounding artificial intelligence has become one of Hollywood’s most polarizing issues in recent years, with actors, writers, directors, and studios weighing its benefits and risks.
However, not everyone shares Foster’s cautious outlook, as “I, Robot” director Alex Proyas argued last month that AI could actually help repair what he described as the industry’s “broken” production process.
Entertainment
Is Sullivan’s Crossing a Real Place? Filming Location, Town Explained
Sullivan’s Crossing has made fans fall in love with the small Canadian town — but where is the hit show actually filmed?
Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing follows neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) as she finds herself in legal trouble and returns to her hometown in rural Nova Scotia to reconnect with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson).
Maggie quickly falls in love with the area — and the people — again and chooses to stay. Three seasons later, Maggie is planting roots in Sullivan’s Crossing with love interest Cal (Chad Michael Murray) but some viewers might be surprised to know that the town itself isn’t real.
Is Sullivan’s Crossing a Real Place?
The fictional town (and campground) of Sullivan’s Crossing is actually the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The show relies on areas such as Oakfield Provincial Park, Shandon’s Diner, Beaver Bank, Shubie Park and Eastern Passage to serve as backdrops for key scenes. There is also footage from Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park and the village of Peggy’s Cove.
Where Is Sullivan’s Crossing Located in the Book Series?

Chad Michael Murray, Morgan Kohan in Sullivan’s Crossing season 3 Jessie Redmond / ©CW/Freemantle / Courtesy Everett Collection
In Carr’s books, Sullivan’s Crossing is in the Rocky Mountains. Showrunner Roma Roth decided to change locations after Carr’s other book series — Virgin River — found success on Netflix.
“To ensure the show would feel distinctive from her [Carr’s] other adaptation, I decided to set it in Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia,” Roth told Variety in 2022 about moving from the states to Canada. “This meant diverging from the books slightly. However, having been born and raised in Canada it’s always been a personal goal of mine to create and write a Canadian content show that would reach a global audience.”
What Has the Cast Said About Filming in Canada?

Kohan — and the rest of the cast — have also praised the chance to spend time in Canada for the show.
“Oh my God, I love this city,” she told Brit + Co in 2023. “The nice thing about it too is it’s a city and then [a little bit] out, you can be out on a trail somewhere in a small community. There’s just so many different bits and pieces you can pick from.”
Murray referred to the area as a “hidden gem,” telling Parade in 2023, “It is the best kept secret in Canada. This place is absolutely magic. We’re out there every day and it’s just such a breath of fresh air filming. You’re among nature and you can’t help but feel so grounded. It’s pretty spectacular. It’s a place that people need to go.”
Meanwhile, Patterson spoke to Decider that same year about his love for Halifax, adding, “This is a beautiful place. I mean every day, if we’re not on the stage, we’re out in nature. And even surrounding the soundstage are wonderful nature views.”
He continued: “It’s hard to be away from my family for a month at a time or whatever it is. But if you’re gonna do that, this is a pretty nice place to be and work.”
Sullivan’s Crossing is currently streaming on Netflix.
Entertainment
Yellowstone Spinoff 6666’s Future Explained Amid Delays
Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe continues to expand — but whatever happened to the planned 6666 spinoff?
The popular franchise, which premiered in 2018, introduced viewers to the fictional Dutton family, who own the largest ranch in Montana. While some viewers came for Kevin Costner’s portrayal of family patriarch John Dutton — and stayed for the show’s other stars, including Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Gil Birmingham and Cole Hauser — others were drawn to the dramatic story lines and surprising twists.
Sheridan has expanded his TV universe with original shows including Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness and Tulsa King. He has also offered prequel shows to Yellowstone, starting with 1883 and later 1923.
Before the flagship Yellowstone series came to an end, ViacomCBS president Chris McCarthy confirmed in 2023 that another spinoff starring Matthew McConaughey was in the works. One year later, however, the McConaughey spinoff appeared to be dead and replaced by a different show titled The Madison.
Michelle Pfeiffer stars in the upcoming series alongside Patrick J. Adams, Matthew Fox and Kevin Zegers. Another series, Y: Marshals, aired on CBS and follows Kayce Dutton (Grimes) as he leaves the Yellowstone ranch to join the U.S. Marshals.
Some Yellowstone fans, however, are still waiting for the previously teased 6666 spinoff, which was set to follow Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White) during his time at the Four Sixes ranch in Texas.

“Founded when Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the West than the 6666,” the official series description stated. “Still operating as it did two centuries before, and encompassing an entire county, the 6666 is where the rule of law and the laws of nature merge in a place where the most dangerous thing one does is the next thing. … The 6666 is synonymous with the merciless endeavor to raise the finest horses and livestock in the world, and ultimately where world class cowboys are born and made.”
Unfortunately, the most recent update about 6666 came in 2022 when it was announced that the show would air on Paramount Network instead of Paramount+. Since there have been more current updates about a Beth and Rip series and a possible prequel titled 1944, fans have taken the public silence regarding 6666 as a sign that production won’t be moving forward. (Sheridan purchased the real Four Sixes in 2021.)
Yellowstone director Christina Voros, meanwhile, previously told TV Insider that working with Sheridan meant possible long pauses between projects.
“We don’t know until we get the scripts what the story is. And when the time to tell the story is upon us, there will be a script in my inbox,” she said in a 2024 interview about the Yellowstone series finale. “And I will be really happy to saddle up.”
She continued: “I honestly don’t know how Taylor chooses to tell which stories he chooses to tell when [about 6666 and 1944]. I think he has closed a lot of doors on Yellowstone this season. There are obviously characters that we will not see again because they have been dispatched. But I think he has left some doors open, and there’s some doors that I can’t tell if they’re locked or not yet. But we will know when we cross through them.”
Entertainment
Fans Defend Gwen Stefani Over Photos Amid Taylor Swift Wedding
Gwen Stefani has come under scrutiny for sharing images of her and Blake Shelton‘s marriage ceremony on the same day as Taylor Swift‘s wedding.
The post, which marked her 5th wedding anniversary, went viral online, with some individuals accusing Stefani of intentionally posting it on the same day the singer tied the knot with her NFL beau, Travis Kelce.
This comes after Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce shut down New York City with their extravagant wedding event, which was celebrated at Madison Square Garden, with a star-studded guest list in attendance.
Stefani likely did not expect to receive criticism over her normal annual wedding anniversary post, which she makes on July 3.
However, the singer faced some backlash due to the images of her wedding from five years ago popping up online at the same time pop superstar Taylor Swift’s wedding to Travis Kelce was taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Stefani shared a bunch of the images on her Instagram page, with the caption reading, “5 years married to my forever @blakeshelton gx.”
While receiving sweet congratulatory messages from fans and close pals, the scene was more brutal on X, with many accusing her of trying to “overshadow” Swift on her special day.
One critic wrote on the platform in a viral post with over one million views: “I am not suggesting that Gwen Stefani has to follow some set of rules about when she celebrates her wedding anniversary. But I am fascinated by her choice to post this while Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding was taking place.”
Another viral post read, “The concept of Gwen Stefani trying to overshadow Taylor Swift,” while a third noted with a harsh comment, “She’s [a] bitch, not [a] girl’s girl, like wtf you posting it today?”
Gwen Stefani Receives A Wave Of Support Amid The Criticism Of Her Post

Amid the backlash, Stefani received a flood of support from individuals who noted that she married on July 3, so she should have the right to share images of her wedding whenever she pleases on that particular day.
One individual noted, “She got married on this day before Taylor! Maybe Taylor should have picked another date.”
Another said, “It’s literally her wedding anniversary, as well as countless others. You don’t take a backseat to anyone else, no matter who they are, just because someone else is getting married the same day you did.”
“I know, right? I am fascinated by America choosing to celebrate its 250th birthday tomorrow. It’s way too close to Taylor Swift’s wedding,” a third person commented, sarcastically.
“So she’s not supposed to celebrate her f-cking wedding anniversary? You sound completely out of your f-cking mind,” an individual wrote, while another noted, “It’s Blake & Gwen’s anniversary. Taylor doesn’t own July 3rd.”
Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Said ‘I Do’ At Madison Square Garden
Swift and Kelce’s highly anticipated wedding ceremony finally took place at MSG, confirming reports that the power couple planned to get married at the iconic location.
Shortly after the 36-year-old lovers exchanged vows, the iconic arena’s massive outdoor screens lit up the New York City night with a vibrant “JUST&T MARRIED!” graphic, instantly alerting crowds of ecstatic fans gathered outside that Swift and Kelce had officially tied the knot.
Inside the Garden, the intimate ceremony is said to have unfolded in front of a tight-knit circle of family and close friends.
The newlywed couple also broke from standard wedding traditions, as they skipped having a massive bridal party to keep the spotlight on family.
Austin Swift supported his sister as her Man of Honor, while former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce stood at his brother’s side as Best Man. Famous actor and comedian Adam Sandler served as the officiant for the star-studded affair.
The Couple Donned Haute Couture For Their Wedding Event

The fashion and wardrobe for Swift and Kelce was just as monumental as their iconic wedding venue.
According to People Magazine, designer Jonathan Anderson collaborated directly with the couple to craft custom Christian Dior Haute Couture for both the bride and groom.
The exquisite gown marked Anderson’s debut designing a celebrity wedding dress of this magnitude. For their high-fashion looks, both Taylor and Travis wore bespoke Christian Louboutin footwear, with the bride accessorizing with stunning Cartier jewelry.
Speaking to the publication, a rep for the couple noted, “This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity.”
They further gave insight into the duo’s event, confirming that Sandler officiated Swift and Kelce’s wedding.
Did Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Sign A Prenup?

According to reports, Swift and Kelce’s marriage is protected by an ironclad prenuptial agreement designed to safeguard her $2 billion empire and his $90 million fortune.
Insiders, speaking to various outlets, revealed that arrangement was meticulously crafted under the watchful eye of Swift’s legal team and her family.
Most notably, the singer’s father, Scott Swift, who has famously steered her massive business brand for years, was heavily involved in the planning.
As for Kelce, he is said to have wholeheartedly accepted the prenup deal, completely understanding the importance for such an agreement.
“Travis has a very clear sense of what Taylor has created and how many years went into it,” a source told OK! Magazine. “He views the prenup as basic common sense on her part, not some kind of loyalty test, and snapped up the deal when it was put in front of him and his lawyers.”
Entertainment
The Best 4-Part Horror Series on TV is Quietly Taking Over the World
The streaming landscape has been evolving, with many streaming services trying not to sink as they compete for the same audience share. Strategic licensing deals are taking center stage as platforms look to monetize niche intellectual property. Meanwhile, some streamers also bundle themselves together to offer subscribers better value for their money. Add-ons have also become common. These methods have resulted in some shows made for one streaming service popping up on a competing service.
Ultimately, when the product is top-tier and the licensing math works, cross-platform distribution becomes a win-win scenario. This is the case with MGM+’s hit sci-fi horror series, which has slowly gained acclaim and been made available on multiple streaming services. The show was originally made for MGM+, but has become its most successful series ever. Demand for it has only grown, and as a result, it has become available to global audiences through other streaming services. That’s why the show, titled From, is trending globally on streaming services such as HBO Max, Paramount+, and OSN, as shown by FlixPatrol data.
Created by the team behind Lost, the mystery thriller hits all the right notes. Its premise, about a group of people stuck in a nightmarish town, has kept viewers guessing for four seasons now. Each season layers on fresh cosmic horrors, teasing audiences with microscopic details that promise either to explain the town’s origins or to finally chart a path home. The latest season wrapped up last week, and the show is set to return for its fifth and final season.
The End of ‘From’ Is Nigh
After four mystery-shrouded seasons, From is ready for its last hurrah, and its creative team is ready to offer some answers. When Collider’s Carly Lane caught up with creator John Griffin, showrunner Jeff Pinkner, and director Jack Bender, they kept their narrative cards close to the chest regarding the final season, though they heavily hinted that the townsfolk might have broken the cycle that keeps people trapped here. When Lane pointed out that the Boy in White’s age stood out, Griffin confirmed that it is “absolutely connected somehow to this group of characters that is in town.” But he warned that not all news is good news in this town. Is the cycle broken, or have they made things worse for the next cycle?
All seasons of From are available to stream on MGM+ in the U.S. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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February 20, 2022
- Network
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Epix, MGM+
- Directors
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Jack Bender, Brad Turner, Alexandra La Roche, Bruce McDonald, Jeff Renfroe
- Writers
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Vivian Lee, Kristen Layden, Brigitte Hales, Jeff Pinkner, John Griffin
Entertainment
Forget ‘Euphoria,’ HBO’s Overlooked 8-Episode Drama Is the Perfect Replacement
Among the many disappointments in the final season of HBO’s Euphoria was that the show, which had previously prided itself on having a realistic depiction of high school, transformed into a crime drama with no aspects of believability. It was disappointing to see the series devolve in such a regressive way, but HBO has already delivered a more insightful and moving coming-of-age drama series with We Are Who We Are, created by the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino. Set on an American military base in Italy during 2016, We Are Who We Are is an earnest exploration of how confusing it can be to grow up, particularly during a climactic political moment. Unlike Euphoria’s artificial inclusion of melodrama and nastiness, We Are Who We Are offers something truthful while still being ambiguous about what young people are capable of.
The main character of We Are Who We Are is Fraser (Jack Dylan Grazer), a 14-year-old from New York City, who has just moved to Italy with his mother, Sarah (Chloë Sevigny). A colonel in the U.S. Army, Sarah and her partner, Maggie Teixeira (Alice Braga), have taken on new positions at the fictional base Caserma Maurizio Pialati, but Fraser has anxieties about fitting in at a new high school.
Although the Wilsons have only a brief encounter with their Nigerian neighbors, Danny (Scott Mescudi) and Jenny Poythress (Faith Alabi), Fraser develops a crush on their daughter, Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamón). We Are Who We Are is as much a “hangout” story as it is a historical drama, as it shows how much can change in the course of one person’s life over the course of one summer. Despite being set against the backdrop of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, We Are Who We Are explores progressive ideas about representation, identity, and self-love.
‘We Are Who We Are’ Is an Atmospheric Series About Growing Up
We Are Who We Are is unlike other coming-of-age shows because its Italian setting feels luscious and adventurous, giving it an opportunity to pay homage to many great works of cinema. The story’s focus on a group of mostly American children whose parents are serving on an Army base introduces some compelling ironies; they have simulated the environment of a Western high school in an area outside the news cycle, and they attain a level of escapism seemingly opposed to the strict regimentation of the military-industrial complex. What makes We Are Who We Are a more compelling series than Euphoria is that it doesn’t make any broad, sweeping statements about the status of an entire generation, specifically highlighting what these characters would do in certain circumstances. Although not everything about Fraser’s journey of self-actualization will be relatable, it is easy to invest in the story of someone who feels like an outsider and isn’t sure if he wants to carry on his parents’ legacy.
HBO’s Newest Breakout Star Anna Van Patten Explains How ‘Euphoria’ Changed Her
Behind the scenes of ‘Euphoria,’ Anna Van Patten reveals the challenges of embodying a dark and sad character and the collaboration with Sam Levinson.
As is the case with much of Guadagnino’s work, We Are Who We Are has a terrific soundtrack that includes both classical music and a variety of pop hits from various decades. That many of the songs are lifted directly from 2016 only heightens the historical authenticity, as it goes to show just how different the world felt only a decade ago. Guadagnino clearly sees music as an important piece of nostalgia that is part of every young person’s life, and the show’s soundtrack is literalized in clever ways; Blood Orange, who also composed the series’ score, later appears as himself in the finale when Caitlin and Fraser cross paths during one of his concerts.
‘We Are Who We Are’ Depicts the Messiness of Young Love
We Are Who We Are is a refreshing show about young people because the series ultimately has an optimistic perspective without being too idealistic. Although there is conflict, with the heartbreak of young love being to blame for most of it, the characters’ friction is rarely motivated purely by hate. Perhaps taking the characters outside of America was the only way to do this, but We Are Who We Are doesn’t make their privilege the defining element of the story. Despite the fact that he has seemingly unlimited opportunities in a beautiful country, Fraser still feels weighed down by the expectations that he knows he will face in his future.
We Are Who We Are is one of the closest instances of an HBO show emulating the style of an arthouse film, with a loose narrative structure escalated by theme and character above all else. Although it doesn’t have the “shock value” of Euphoria, the realism with which conversations between young people are depicted makes We Are Who We Are equally visceral. It’s a testament to the strength of the entire ensemble that, in only seven episodes, the characters feel completely singular, with Seamón’s performance being the standout. We Are Who We Are is proof that it’s possible to make a show about youth that is not exclusively catered to young audiences; for some viewers, the series will be representative, and for others, it will be nostalgic.
Entertainment
8 Forgotten Religious Horror Movies That Are Near-Perfect
Horror has captivated us with all types of terror, the likes of which audiences can’t get enough of, from monster thrillers and the supernatural to twisted psychological nightmares and slashers. However, religious horror can deeply impact many viewers, as their stories combine fear with thought-provoking themes that tackle the meaning of faith, the harms of fanaticism, and spiritual anxieties.
Truly, there’s nothing quite like religious horror. It’s gripped our attention for years thanks to significant classics like The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Devils. Yet despite its iconic status in horror, it’s jam-packed with perfect films that sadly went unnoticed by many audiences. The following ten are near-perfect horror movies that tackle religious terror, but unfortunately were mostly forgotten for years. They’re frightening and deeply complex, award-worthy even, but have somehow slipped through the public eye and are considered hidden gems today. From The Seventh Sign to Frailty, don’t forget these if you’re looking for more compelling religious horror.
8
‘The Church’ (1989)
In this wildly over-the-top Italian supernatural horror cult classic from 1989, The Church is a gory, fun thrill ride that deserves more attention. It’s something you’ll actually never forget the first time seeing it, as it’s too horrific, bloody, and amazingly gross and can be placed alongside some of the most disgusting horror movies in history. It’s a twisted tale of murder and ghostly mayhem as it follows a group exploring the dark secrets of an old gothic cathedral that was built over a mass grave of slain devil worshipers.
With a bonkers premise like that, what’s not to get invested in? The Church may not be the most recognized religious horror film, but it certainly is one of the most entertaining. The characters are fun and engaging, the story keeps a good pace, and the practical effects are truly gnarly and disgustingly beautiful. Though obscure to many people, this one is a definite must-watch for those looking for compelling religious terror as well as shocking gore.
7
‘The Prophecy’ (1995)
Not all angels are good, and in 1995’s The Prophecy, they can even be quite terrifying. Directed by Gregory Widen and starring Academy Award winner Christopher Walken, this forgotten dark fantasy thriller is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s subtle and eerie without being over-the-top or relying on cheap scares. It’s about a faithless former seminary student who races to stop the evil angel Gabriel from unleashing a Holy War on Earth.
It’s packed with excellent tension, a decent pace, a unique premise, and, of course, memorable performances, especially Christopher Walken’s fascinating antagonist role as Gabriel and Viggo Mortensen, who’s chillingly calm as the Devil in human form. The Prophecy was a modest hit upon release, resulting in it becoming a franchise with four lesser-known sequels. While not as memorable now as it was in the ’90s, it’s a cult favorite among some horror buffs, and honestly really needs a reevaluation.
6
‘God Told Me To’ (1976)
The criminally overlooked thriller from 1976, God Told Me To, takes the concept of religious horror to a frightening extreme. It’s a perfect blend of psychological mystery, terror, and crime, all mixed into a story that’s intense, atmospheric, and unforgettable. It sees a devoted Catholic NYPD detective on a mysterious case to solve why a series of grizzly shootings and murders were committed by random people who’ve claimed to have been ordered by God himself to do it.
It’s packed with unsettling imagery, horrific violence, and nail-biting suspense, making it incredibly worth watching from beginning to end. There’s a heavy emphasis on the mystery of why these murders are happening, and it keeps you guessing for most of the film until the truth is revealed. Though panned by critics at the time, God Told Me To is being hailed now as a truly captivating and attention-grabbing cult classic that rewards your investment and provides excellent entertainment.
5
‘The Vigil’ (2019)
Striking the right balance of subtle suspense and atmospheric dread, The Vigil is a remarkably underrated 2019 folk horror thriller directed by Keith Thomas. A standout of the religious horror subgenre by breaking away from Christian themes for Jewish folklore, it’s a fascinating exploration into the practices and demonology of the Jewish faith. It follows a young man as he returns to his Orthodox community in Brooklyn to watch over a deceased body for a ritual overnight, only to become the target of a malevolent entity.
The Vigil combines the supernatural and the psychological into a tensely paced, eerily dark nailbiter that hooks you in right from the start. It’s a fresh entry in the subgenre without the tropes and clichés typically associated with films that focus on Christian practices and imagery. It’s a standout that’s effectively scary and creative, but was sadly overlooked and never made an impact commercially. Now, The Vigil is slowly gaining recognition and being praised as an essential hidden horror gem from recent years.
4
‘Fallen’ (1998)
Directed by Gregory Hoblit and starring an all-star cast, including Denzel Washington, John Goodman, and the late Donald Sutherland, Fallen is a mystery that deserves more attention. It sees Washington and Goodman as a pair of Philadelphia police detectives on a case to solve who is committing a series of copycat killings based on the work of a notorious serial killer, only to discover these particular murders are linked to an ancient fallen angel mentioned in the Bible.
This 1998 supernatural thriller is a wild and twisted experience that slowly burned its way into cult status. Though initially dismissed by critics and bombing hard at the box office, it’s slowly gaining the recognition it’s deserved all these years now, thanks to new viewers who appreciate its sharp storytelling, memorable performances, and shocking twists, particularly its final reveal, which has saved the film from total obscurity.
3
‘The Ritual’ (2017)
One of the best horror films most audiences probably haven’t heard of today is The Ritual, director David Bruckner‘s 2017 folk horror thriller. Rafe Spall leads in this chilling tale of survival as a small group of four college friends reunite to trek through a remote part of Sweden’s old-growth forest, only to stumble upon a sinister, reclusive cult and their ferocious pagan deity.
The Ritual isn’t the most exciting or most original religious horror film in recent years, but it’s steadily on its way to better acclaim. For one, its setting is perfectly creepy and oppressive. It’s honestly one of the most intimidating forests in horror, and you feel just as trapped as the characters when looking at it. And, although it follows the overdone premise of hikers encountering a supernatural threat in a dark, ominous forest, it elevates its simplicity with a touch of creative storytelling and well-executed suspense. Coupled with solid performances and an impressive creature design for the monster, The Ritual is a fascinating hidden gem that gets more noticeable with age.
2
‘Saint Maud’ (2019)
2019’s Saint Maud is perhaps the best representation of forgotten religious horror gems to appear on this list. It’s a near-masterpiece that is psychologically mind-blowing and perfectly atmospheric. The Rings of Power‘s breakout star, Morfydd Clark, stars in a commanding performance as Maud, a young British nurse whose intense Christian fanaticism causes her to unravel and believe she’s being guided by a higher calling while caring for a dying patient.
A story that’s well-paced, tensely suspenseful, and undeniably unsettling, Saint Maud is an absolute must-watch for religious horror fans. It’s a shame it slipped under the radar when it first came out, but just like so many other now-iconic horror movies these days, this one’s slowly gaining its status through time and word-of-mouth. It’s not only one of the most compelling modern classics of its subgenre, but it’s also one of the best horror movies of this century.
1
‘Frailty’ (2001)
Frailty rose from obscurity and commercial failure to become one of the most reevaluated horror movies of the early 2000s. Directed and starring the late Bill Paxton, it’s about a mysterious man played by Matthew McConaughey as he recounts how he and his little brother were coerced into following his father’s murderous rampage after he came to them claiming he’d seen visions from God to kill demons in human form.
It truly is a story unlike anything else in the religious horror subgenre, as it incredibly blends horror, drama, psychological mystery, and crime all into its runtime. Everything from the direction, writing, and especially the performances is all top-notch and without a single missed step. Despite all these good things Frailty had going for it — it was a modest commercial and critical hit — it was sadly overlooked for years after its release and not brought up as much as other horror standouts of the decade. But now its cult status is undeniable, and it’s a must-watch for horror fans.
Entertainment
‘Stranger Things’ Star Millie Bobby Brown Officially Reveals Her Favorite Video Game Ever
Late last year, a pivotal era in the burgeoning career of one of Hollywood’s most popular young stars came to an end, as Millie Bobby Brown made one last appearance as Eleven in the smash-hit Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things. For those mourning one of her best characters, another has now returned on the same streamer, with the Enola Holmes movies back for an adventure-heavy third installment. The film has instantly risen to the top of the Netflix charts both in the U.S. and worldwide, although critically, it has failed to impress on the level of the first two entries.
Earning an underwhelming average score from critics on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Enola Holmes 3 has been criticized for being a “forgettable” third adventure, with Collider’s David Caballero giving a 5/10 in his review for the film. “For anyone looking for a meaty mystery with dynamic characters and an unpredictable plot, the movie won’t meet their expectations,” Caballero wrote. But whatever fans or critics may say about the film, it’s yet another big streaming hit for one of the faces of the biggest streaming site as she continues her rise in stardom.
What often comes with this rise in stardom is the demand for an opinion on a variety of the hottest topics. Right now, in the world of gaming, there is no hotter topic than Grand Theft Auto 6, which debuts on November 19, with pre-orders started on June 25. The game will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a standard edition priced at $79.99 and an Ultimate Edition priced at $99.99, and it is this latter price point that has caused plenty of controversy so far.
Millie Bobby Brown Might Have Already Pre-Ordered ‘GTA 6’
As sharp-minded detective Enola Holmes, Brown is used to sniffing out the correct answer. When questioned on a recent podcast about which was her favorite video game of all time, she quickly replied, “GTA,” although she did not specify which installment. Instead, she explained how she approaches the game differently than most, saying, “I stop at red lights, I never run anyone over,” and admitted that her husband, Jake Bongiovi, sometimes asks, “Why are you playing [GTA] like it’s The Sims?” No matter how she plays the game, there’s no doubt that Brown has terrific taste.
Grand Theft Auto 6 launches November 19, 2026, with pre-orders open as of June 25. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for all the latest news from the biggest titles.
Entertainment
7 Animated Movie Trilogies Where Every Film Is a Masterpiece
Long-running franchises are more common nowadays, with series milking their IP as much as possible, for better or worse. However, everyone loves a good trilogy, like The Lord of the Rings. Animation, in particular, has become more popular, with viewers hoping for more trios in the medium.
With the rise of animation, now is the perfect time to rank the seven best movie trilogies, with each entry a masterpiece. Based on animation, writing, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and the overall quality of each film, here are seven must-watch trilogies that define the genre’s best.
1
Berserk: The Golden Age Arc (2012–2013)
Berserk is arguably one of the greatest manga series of all time, but its anime adaptations have received mixed reception. This set of movies adapts the Golden Age arc, a flashback about Guts’ backstory, from meeting the Band of the Hawk to fighting many battles, to the one moment that changed his life forever.
The later adaptations of Berserk are much worse, but luckily, these films are at least good, if not as good as the manga. Still, this story is timeless, and the trilogy does an excellent job of highlighting this iconic fantasy arc. It is dark, compelling, and rich in storytelling, making for a worthy adaptation of one of the best manga stories. Fans are better off reading the manga, but these movies are still masterpieces in their own right.
2
The Lego Movie Trilogy (2014–2019)
Everyone grew up playing with LEGOs, so it was only a matter of time until it got its own movie. The LEGO Movie had only two films, but this entry also includes The LEGO Batman Movie. Emmett (Chris Pratt) is an average construction worker, but now he is the one chosen to lead the resistance against evil.
No one expected The Lego Movie to be so good, but it instantly became a family classic and a staple animated movie. It was fun and creative, relating to everyone who has ever played with Lego. Next is The Lego Batman Movie, which was another shockingly fascinating and entertaining film that did well by the character while also offering new moments and humor, resulting in a fun and quirky trilogy that many fans want a new movie of.
3
Puss in Boots Trilogy (2011–2022)
Shrek is one of the most iconic trilogies of all time, but it sadly didn’t make this list since not all of them are masterpieces. However, that created an equally great spin-off, Puss in Boots. The titular cat has three films, each taking him from encounters with a bad egg and three adorable but feisty kittens to a face-to-face encounter with death itself.
Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos isn’t a masterpiece, but it is still a solid and enjoyable film that shouldn’t keep this trilogy off this list. The first film is an entertaining romp, but nothing more. However, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is one of the greatest modern animated films, conveying a sense of emotional weight heavier than most. The themes, story, and villain create a masterpiece that rivals most animated trilogies.
4
Kizumonogatari Trilogy (2016–2017)
There are a handful of anime films on this list, but one of the greatest anime series of all time featured is the Monogatari Series. The Kizumonogatari trilogy is the first part of the franchise chronologically, following Araragi as he gains the powers of a vampire. However, if he wants to live as a human, he must retrieve the limbs of the vampire who took his blood, sending him off on a perilous journey.
The Monogatari Series is one of the most polarizing anime series because of its controversial themes and sexual content. However, the Kizumonogatari movies feature less of that and more of a cohesive story, making it the series’s best arc. The animation is gorgeous, fluid, and distinct, and the direction, editing, and style create an unconventional yet mesmerizing movie. Kizumonogatari is a wild ride with action, gore, romance, and drama, and each film is better than the next.
5
How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy (2010–2019)
Live-action adaptations of animated films are all the rage nowadays, even if they rarely turn out well, but one of the most recent was also one of the best. How to Train Your Dragon is a staple of the 2010s, following Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a Viking boy too weak in a world of cold-hearted warriors. Instead of killing a dragon, he tames it, hoping the rest of the clan and these creatures can live in harmony.
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is one of the most consistent, with each of the three movies offering a fun adventure with plenty of drama, emotion, action, and magic. The messages are wholesome and important, bolstering this already essential film with worthwhile subtleties. Each movie is grander than the next, and the natural progression and aging of the characters is a nice addition, creating an essential 2010s animated trilogy.
6
Makoto Shinkai’s Disaster Trilogy (2016–2022)
Most of the anime films on this list are part of a franchise or adaptation work, but Makoto Shinkai’s Disaster Trilogy is an original story. The trilogy consists of Your Name, which follows two teenagers who try to find each other after they switch bodies; Weathering With You, where a runaway student meets a girl who can control the weather; and Suzume, where the titular protagonist can see supernatural forces and tries to stop the world from ending.
What starts as a wholesome adventure in Your Name quickly becomes a high-stakes race against time. Often hailed as one of the greatest anime films of all time, this is the trilogy’s best, known for its visual beauty, powerful themes, and a profound romantic story. Weathering With You is the least popular of the bunch, but it is arguably the most daring. Choosing an unexpected plot twist, the story is ingrained in everyone’s memory. The atmospheric storytelling and gritty urban style set it apart from other idealistic films. Suzume is a direct response to the 2011 earthquake, detailing a deeply personal film that is also the most important. It ends the trilogy on a fantastic note, with masterful writing, themes, and animation.
7
Toy Story Trilogy (1995–2010)
After a string of lackluster originals, Pixar has leaned heavily into sequels, some of which panned out, while others failed. However, their magnum opus is undoubtedly Toy Story. When Andy accidentally forgets his toys when moving, his old reliable cowboy, Woody (Tom Hanks), and new and improved space man, Buzz (Tim Allen), begrudgingly work together to find him. Toy Story 2 is about the gang trying to escape a greedy collector, and Toy Story 3 follows the usual crew trying to escape a center for abandoned toys after mistakenly being donated.
Technically, Toy Story isn’t a trilogy, as the fourth film in 2019 made it a tetralogy, and the upcoming Toy Story 5 will make it even longer. Still, the original three is too perfect a conclusion not to be considered its own trilogy. The first three films are a flawless, complete story, wrapping up character arcs and bringing themes full circle. Each has a powerful message that is something new and inventive. In the end, the Toy Story trilogy might be the greatest of all time.
Toy Story
- Release Date
-
November 19, 1995
- Runtime
-
81 minutes
- Director
-
John Lasseter
- Writers
-
John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joss Whedon, Alec Sokolow, Joel Cohen, Joe Ranft, Pete Docter
-
-
Tim Allen
Buzz Lightyear (voice)
Entertainment
Bill Skarsgård’s Forgotten Netflix Horror Series Returns on a New Streamer
Less than fifteen years ago, Netflix‘s business model looked quite different. Instead of being the global video and tech giant available on almost any device with an internet connection, Netflix was primarily a movie-rental service. That changed in the early 2010s, when its leadership decided to wade into scripted programming, becoming a destination rather than a service. Additionally, Netflix decided to operate like a traditional network, licensing scripted shows from studios for exclusive streaming rights.
The gamble paid off when the streamer landed hits like House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black early on. However, those were not the only shows Netflix had. Some of its earliest shows were dramas like Lilyhammer and the Bill Skarsgård-led supernatural thriller, Hemlock Grove. Before rising to acclaim as Pennywise in the IT franchise, Skarsgård was among the main cast members of the series based on Brian McGreevy‘s books. Hemlock Grove ran for three seasons from 2013 to 2015. While critics panned the series — leaving it with a dismal 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes — audiences were far more forgiving, with a 65% rating.
Netflix announced in 2022 that all seasons of the series would be removed from the streaming service, despite the series being branded as a Netflix Original. The removal came as a result of lapsed licensing terms that required the streamer to renew to keep the show on the service, but given that it was relatively old and wasn’t a cultural phenomenon like Orange Is the New Black, Netflix passed. Back then, Netflix had not fully become both a studio and a streaming service as it is now. Hemlock Grove was later licensed to FAST and Freemium services, with seasons available for purchase on PVOD services. Even with the show having ended over a decade ago, viewers still love it. Hemlock Grove was one of the most-watched shows on iTunes in the last week, according to streaming data from FlixPatrol.
What Is ‘Hemlock Grove’ About?
Like many terrifying stories on TV, the gothic horror-thriller takes place in the titular town. Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania, was once a thriving steel town, now a shell of its former self. The town is rocked by a murder that shifts attention to Peter Rumanceck (Landon Liboiron), a young man rumored to be a werewolf, and Roman Godfrey (Skarsgård), the heir to the town’s founding family. Peter and Roman team up and uncover the town’s terrifying underbelly and its connection to the mysterious Godfrey Estate. Famke Janssen also stars as Olivia Godfrey. The horrors of a small, decrepit town are still thrilling all these years later.
Hemlock Grove is available for purchase on iTunes or for streaming on Tubi. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
-
2013 – 2015-00-00
- Network
-
Netflix
Entertainment
The Sci-Fi Epic That Rewrote Its Entire Ending Is Coming to Prime Video
Jodie Foster recently made headlines when she described F1 as a movie made by artificial intelligence, but not in a “disparaging” way. Foster felt that the film’s storytelling was too mechanical, and presumably lacking soul. However, F1 emerged as the highest-grossing film of Brad Pitt‘s career with more than $630 million at the worldwide box office. It overtook a 2014 release that survived a tumultuous production that relied on decidedly human intervention. When the studio, Paramount, realized that the 2014 film’s third act wasn’t working, it decided to fund large-scale reshoots and hired A-list writers to come up with a fresh climax.
Pitt’s previous highest-grossing movie was initially green-lit with a reported budget of $125 million, which ended up ballooning to nearly $270 million because of the production difficulties. Based on a book by Max Brooks, the film was originally supposed to end with an epic action sequence set in Russia’s Red Square. But the rewrites and reshoots moved the climax to a medical research facility. Despite the setbacks, the film emerged as a major hit, grossing $540 million worldwide. Paramount even announced that it was moving ahead with a sequel that was being circled by none other than David Fincher. But the sequel hasn’t materialized yet, although it recently gained steam again.
Here’s Where You Can Watch Brad Pitt’s Big-Budget Action Movie
We’re talking, of course, about World War Z, the epic zombie action movie starring Pitt. The film was directed by Marc Forster, with Damon Lindelof and Drew Goddard contributing to the rewrites. World War Z now holds a 67% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “It’s uneven and diverges from the source book, but World War Z still brings smart, fast-moving thrills and a solid performance from Brad Pitt to the zombie genre.” The film remains a perennial favorite on the Paramount+ streaming service even more than a decade after its release, and it is now available to stream domestically on Prime Video as well. Meanwhile, Pitt will return later this year as the star of Heart of the Beast and The Adventures of Cliff Booth. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
-
June 21, 2013
- Runtime
-
116 minutes
- Director
-
Marc Forster
- Writers
-
Damon Lindelof, Drew Goddard, Matthew Michael Carnahan, J. Michael Straczynski, Max Brooks
- Producers
-
Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Ian Bryce, Jeremy Kleiner
-
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