Post-apocalyptic films, despite the global scale of their premise, work best as introspective reflections on humanity, exploring all the strengths and flaws that come with the mortal experience. While many sci-fi stories explore the adventurous aspects of surviving the end of the world — rugged survivalism, mutated creatures, and abandoned cityscapes, the most compelling stories in this genre are centered around the question of what it truly means to continue living in a world that is desolate, unforgiving, and lonely. This is a critical distinction that separates apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic movies, separating the Roland Emmerich-style disaster movies from the slower burn of other films.

Z for Zachariah is one such example of a character-driven drama set in the end-of-days. The film delves headfirst into this question of human survival and coexistence as it explores the lives of three unlikely survivors of a nuclear apocalypse, forced to navigate life within the confines of a miraculous safe haven. Based on a novel from 1974, the underrated sci-fi picture is one of the most personal post-apocalyptic stories out there, featuring a starkly minimal cast of just three actors — but when that cast includes Margot Robbie, Chris Pine, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, there’s still an overabundance of talent and depth present throughout the film.

Directed by Craig Zobel, the indie sci-fi thriller still has plenty of post-apocalyptic intrigue, but in a dead world, the most compelling stories are about the scarce few that remain. Despite the star power in the film, Z for Zachariah only received a limited release and minimal media attention. However, a retrsopective look back at the picture proves that it’s an underrated and important addition to each of these actor’s respective filmographies.

‘Z for Zachariah’ Takes a Personal Approach to the Post-Apocalyptic Genre

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Z for Zachariah is set in a dying world rendered uninhabitable by a nuclear apocalypse. However, within an isolated valley in the Southern United States, a young woman named Ann Burden (Robbie) lives a miraculous life shielded from the radiation outside her humble homestead. Surviving thanks to the miraculous microclimate in the valley, Ann and her dog Faro keep a simple and steady life as they plant and harvest in preparation for the impending winter, motivated by the ever-dimming hope that her family will return from their expedition outside. But Ann’s loneliness is poised to come to an end when John Loomis (Ejiofor), an engineer and researcher, finds his way into the valley. Upon discovering that the valley was spared from excessive radiation, Loomis rushes to bathe in a seemingly crystal-clear lake. However, Ann discovers him and warns him that the water is irradiated because it comes from outside the valley. Without second thought, Ann swiftly takes the stranger into her home and nurses him back to health.

Once Loomis regains his strength, he and Ann continuously grow closer to one another as they steadily build a life in the valley, supplementing each other’s survival despite the secrets that keep a degree of distance between the pair. John’s engineering background proves to be an immeasurable asset as he begins undertaking projects around the farm, improving the scarce living conditions with practical and hands-on solutions that make survival significantly more comfortable. But just as a shade of normalcy begins to form for the pair, a stranger arrives in the valley and shakes up the already tenuous balance. Caleb (Pine), a miner who survived the apocalyptic fallout by remaining underground for months, arrives with rumors of a town of survivors further south. Similar to her earliest interactions with Loomis, Ann proves to be trusting and earnest upon meeting another living person, eager to give help to a fellow survivor. In contrast, Loomis feels suspicious and skeptical of Caleb, initially planning to ask him to leave before being dissuaded by Ann. The initial meeting and following days after Caleb’s arrival are marked by a cold tone, one that dances between Loomis’ suspicion and the group’s dependence on each other for continued survival, adding significant tension to the film with the sole addition of one new character.

That focus on character interactions and tension is what makes this movie stand out from others in the genre. Despite being a sci-fi film, Z for Zachariah takes a far more grounded approach than others in the genre. Most of the science in the film is relatively small-scale and realistic, focused on realistic survival strategies such as fixing a water wheel to generate power, even with the dramatic background of nuclear fallout just outside the valley. And despite the differing professional backgrounds of each character, it’s quickly affirmed that each of them brings a set of skills that are essential for their survival. Loomis uses his engineering background to manually pull fuel from an abandoned gas station, Ann’s farming knowledge keeps them fed, and Caleb’s hands-on mechanical experience proves a welcome addition. While the fiction part of science-fiction in the film is mostly in the background, the destruction of the nuclear apocalypse still serves as the overarching catalyst for the central conflict: the tension between the survivors.

The Survivors Navigate Love, Trust, and Jealousy During the End of Days

The small-scale perspective of this post-apocalyptic film means that John, Caleb, and Ann won’t be solving the problem of saving the entire world — in fact, because of the safe haven of their miraculous valley, their immediate survival isn’t a pressing concern as it would be for other characters in the same genre. The valley is one of the most hospitable settings of a film set after nuclear fallout, which allows the central narrative to truly sit with the characters and their interpersonal relationships. Even though there are fewer than a handful of characters, it’s Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Ann that serves as the central foundation for the entire film. It’s her stalwart care of the farm before Caleb and John arrive that provides such a safe haven for them to arrive at, and it’s her earnestly friendly personality that enables coexistence in such a tense environment. Ann is a kindhearted and steady Southern belle, faithful and optimistic even after suffering immeasurable loss. While Robbie’s Southern accent wavers at times, her performance is nonetheless endearing and heartfelt, maintaining an irrefutable charm despite the melancholic tone of the story. One of the keys to Robbie’s performance is her measured restraint. Despite her character’s innocence and naïveté, she’s not an easily manipulated farm girl but a young woman driven by her staunch hope and values.

The other characters then play important juxtapositions to Ann’s character. In contrast to Ann’s steady faithfulness, Ejiofor’s Loomis is a stoic and troubled figure. Despite his reliable nature and incredibly useful expertise, Loomis carries a haunted past on his shoulders, a burden and distance expertly portrayed by Ejiofor’s performance. While Ann holds onto hope due to her religious upbringing, Loomis continues to push forward because of his own resilient dependence on science. But though he doesn’t hold the same religious faith as Ann, Loomis does remain respectful of the source of her unwavering conviction. Loomis relies on his scientific background as the foundation for his continued perseverance, but intellectual knowledge alone soon proves lacking for sufficient survival. Despite being the most tangibly useful member of the group, Loomis also harbors the most insecurity and guilt about his past — shortcomings that prevent him from truly connecting with Ann and Caleb. Though his presence proves vital for improving the physical conditions of their home, his detachment keeps their living situation cold and the tensions hot throughout the film.

While John and Ann serve as the foundational relationship in the story, Caleb is the wildcard that disrupts whatever shade of stability they are forming. A religious person like Ann, Caleb retains his southern charm and manners that make him easy for the young woman to connect to. Even with her trusting nature, Ann’s trust in Caleb is formed through their shared beliefs and backgrounds, which serve as nostalgic remembrances of life before the apocalypse. However, Caleb isn’t introduced as a straightforward charming gentleman, but as someone who carries an air of danger around him. For once, Pine’s striking eyes aren’t painted as the charming baby blues of a romantic lead, but like the ice-cold stare of a wolf, indicating a strong defiance and confidence. Just as John and Ann’s relationship begins to deteriorate over concerns about issues of trust and affection, Caleb and John enter a Cold War over their third companion’s attention. It’s a cold and passive-aggressive war, one that cannot be fought outright, but remains a nagging tension throughout all their interactions. Each moment between the two is thrilling, as the audience is unsure what they are going to say, or even worse, what they are going to do.

At first, the quietly brewing love triangle between Ann, Caleb, and John may feel out of place, considering the more pressing concern about survival in such an inhospitable environment. However, its inclusion in the film instead makes these characters feel all the more human; it makes their unexpected coexistence in the valley feel like the random shuffle of existence, rather than an intentionally written narrative. There is something viscerally human about John’s jealousy over Caleb. Despite his mechanical expertise and knowledge, his inner emotional turmoil ultimately supersedes his own rational thinking. Caleb, on the other hand, is painted in a more intentionally antagonistic lens, lording arrogantly over the other man at any given opportunity. However, even with this initial framing, both characters are multidimensional and can be seen from the other lens. John is still fallible and deserving of criticism and Caleb, despite his air of mystery, likewise deserves a chance to prove himself trustworthy. Ultimately, the two men are forced to remain cordial, forced to work with one another, and forced to believe that everything will be okay.

At the center of it all is Ann, whose guarded optimism about the world serves as the guiding beacon of hope in Z for Zachariah. Though her companions often underestimate her because of her youth, Ann is equally as complex a character as her male counterparts. While she remains optimistic and hopeful, she demonstrates an acute understanding of the reality of the situation. Although her hope for the future is often misinterpreted, she is not naive — though she is still flawed. Similarly to the other two characters, Ann’s approach to processing complex emotions suffered from her time in isolation, making her susceptible to emotionally charged and unsteady decisions. While audiences might get frustrated at moments when the characters act irrationally, it’s these moments that make them feel more human and relatable. So even when they’re all trying their best, the small contingent of survivors still have to contend with their internal turmoil, just as much as they have to deal with the harsh external world.

The Film Is Slow and Contemplative With its Characters

Image via Lionsgate

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Audiences shouldn’t watch Z for Zachariah with expectations of an adrenaline-pumping sci-fi thriller, despite the genre it falls under. The film is slow, contemplative, and brutally realistic about the interpersonal struggle between flawed people; John’s jealousy, Ann’s uncertainty, and Caleb’s arrogance all seep into every minute action that they have. Their actions and words are layered with subtext and complex motivations which leave audiences in a constant state of uncertainty. That ever-present discomfort feels right at home in a post-apocalyptic setting, where each moment isn’t guaranteed. While it’s not the central focus of the movie, questions about race, science, and religion all permeate throughout the narrative. There’s no denying that John’s identity as a black man contrasts with both Ann and Caleb, who are not only both white, but were raised in similar communities. Even after society has collapsed, the characters are unable to completely separate from the world they once knew, forcing them to contend with the remnants of their old lives as they endeavor to build a new one.

Where other post-apocalyptic movies like Mad Max focus on emotions like rage in their exploration of humanity, Z for Zachariah carries an overarching tone of sadness and melancholy that permeates throughout the entire film. Even with a runtime of just over an hour and a half, the movie feels like it lasts much longer because of the deliberate pace of each passing day. For every minor victory that the characters earn, there is still the void of society and community that dwarfs whatever happiness is attained. Robbie, Ejiofor, and Pine all deliver some of the most subtle yet emotional performances of their career, embodying characters that are not typical in their resumes with notable depth and contemplation. If you’re a fan of any of these actors, Z for Zachariah is certainly worth viewing. In this brief glimpse of a potential haven, it truly feels like these characters are the last survivors of the end of the world — there’s no hope of rescue, and maybe no reason at all to even continue living. Even within the safe haven they were seemingly blessed with, the characters in Z for Zachariah live with uncertainty in every breath, questioning what it means to live, alone, in a dead world.

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Release Date

August 21, 2015

Writers

Nissar Modi

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While 2003’s Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World may not have won the same big awards as Russell Crowe’s 2000 vehicle Gladiator, it has since developed a reputation as one of the best period epic war movies of all time. Coming from Truman Show director Peter Weir and based on the historical novels of Patrick O’Brian, the movie follows a skirmish between ships of the French and British navies during the Napoleonic Wars (where “oceans are now battlefields”, as the movie’s iconic opening title says). Master and Commander’s great strength is its balance of massive war scenes with an immersive and realistic procedural sensibility, placing you directly on a British man-of-war alongside clashing personalities and grisly violence. Rather than a simple action movie, it is also a story of the complex relationship between Captain Aubrey (Crowe) and the ship surgeon Maturin (Paul Bettany).

The two men debate methods, collaborate with no small amount of tension, and play music together, with Weir consciously (but not overtly) weaving in the subtext of the class differences between the leaders of the ship and the lower-class elements. After an early ambush, the ship undergoes repairs and eventually makes landfall in the Galápagos Islands, where Maturin’s desire to study the wildlife puts him at odds with the captain. Weir’s direction creates a tense, tactile, and epic environment that was unique for blockbusters then and is especially hard to find now. Compare it with the same year’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and while the sense of scale is similar, the tone could not be more different. The thematic depth, personality, and epic spectacle make it a modern classic — as well as a massive hit on Apple TV, where it has been among the top 10 most-watched films for over a month.

Russell Crowe Is a Swashbuckling Action Hero in ‘Master and Commander’

Master and Commander begins with a clear task: the British HMS Surprise must apprehend the significantly faster French privateer Acheron. But they are attacked first, in a scene of 19th century naval warfare that is maybe the most intense and tactile of its kind. Cannonballs, smoke, and confusion defy any conventional sense of heroism, with Weir lingering on the human cost of the violence in between all the splintering wood. It calls to mind the opening scene of Martin Scorsese’s 2002 film Gangs of New York (albeit without the slow-mo and Peter Gabriel music). But it also immediately establishes the philosophical and dramatic differences between Aubrey and Maturin, with the captain’s almost swashbuckling quest for the Acheron, a ship seemingly always on the distant horizon, clashing with Maturin’s more sensible ambivalence and curiosity.

As “Lucky Jack” Aubrey, Russell Crowe works well within the tradition of Errol Flynn’s swashbucklers, like 1935’s Captain Blood or 1941’s The Sea Hawk. His ability to withstand the pressures of the Acheron’s pursuit suggests a psychological fortitude, and Crowe, hanging off the ropes during a stormy battle, gets to be cool and charismatic. Tasked with maintaining ship morale in the uneven chase, he must be pragmatic and honest about the ship’s survival chances while still responding to the call of duty. Maturin, meanwhile, has his doubts, and for all the movie’s massive and terrifying naval battle scenes, it’s never better than when Aubrey and Maturin are privately discussing matters in candlelight. Among the elites of his crew, Aubrey must be confident, singing songs and drinking, but Maturin can bring out his more philosophical side.

‘Master and Commander’ Was One of Peter Weir’s Final Films — and His Best

While Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany are both great in Master and Commander, with Aubrey and Maturin each having one personality that they play up for the crew and a separate one revealed only around each other, Crowe was said to have created difficulties on set for director Peter Weir. Ethan Hawke, the star of Weir’s classic coming-of-age drama Dead Poets Society, cited Crowe to IndieWire as a reason for the director’s retirement shortly after the creation of Master and Commander, a charge Weir admitted to finding “puzzling” to the Sydney Morning Herald. But it’s not difficult to imagine the movie’s making being a tense situation. Filming on old man-of-war ships and shooting off the Galápagos Islands might have given the movie a beautiful sense of realism (unlike Gladiator), but it also presented numerous challenges.

Master and Commander is an old-world story of duty, what it means to project an image of strength, and the slow end of centuries of European imperial systems. While Aubrey is committed to the centuries-old imperial directive, Maturin is ultimately more progressive and curious, a dynamic best explored in a flogging scene that markedly keeps its perspective away from the wounds of the victim. When Maturin explains that he “understands” what might cause a mutiny, Aubrey can barely bear to look at him, but the movie’s exploration of these two ideals makes it one of the greatest films of both Crowe and Weir’s careers.

Since the late 1990s, HBO has been producing quality shows, including miniseries. They are often heavy, sometimes dark, and also thought-provoking. While not every show has aged well, many HBO miniseries have aged like fine wine.

This is because they focus on issues and topics that are still relevant today. It’s a lens into how much progress we both have and haven’t made as a society. Some of these series, ranging from ones released decades ago to some that came out only five or so years ago, still resonate today as much as they did back then. In every case, it’s for different reasons. But with some of these shows, it’s because the conflict they address is still very much existent in present times. Here are eight HBO miniseries that have aged excellently.

1

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Image via HBO

It took decades for a show to be made about this 1986 nuclear disaster, diving into the real stories of what happened in the aftermath. Yes, creative liberties were taken in Chernobyl, and some people criticized the historical inaccuracies. But the historical drama is also accurately reflective of the time and setting, and a deeply emotional look at a harrowing story.

These types of things sadly happen all the time, and there’s never going to be a moment when we forget Chernobyl and the lives that were impacted. The show remains one of the best of its kind, bringing emotion and education to the story in a way that many of us hadn’t seen. It’s just as impactful today as it was seven years ago and a perfect weekend binge.

2

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

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The tragedy and complexities of war remain as relevant today as they were 25 years ago when the series Band of Brothers premiered. The war drama is based on the Stephen E. Ambrose non-fiction book and is heavily inspired by Saving Private Ryan, with both Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks serving as executive producers.

Set during World War II, Band of Brothers follows one group through their harrowing journey fighting for their country. What’s so compelling about the series is that the events, though dramatized for TV, are taken from interviews with the real veterans of Easy Company. It doesn’t get more real and emotionally impactful than that.

3

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

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Criticisms of the justice system, the public being quick to judgment, and racism are sadly still as relevant topics of discussion today as they were a decade ago when this crime drama premiered. In The Night Of, Riz Ahmed is Nasir “Naz” Khan, a Pakistani American college student whose thrilling one-night stand goes horribly wrong when he wakes up next to the woman’s dead body. Naz is certain he did nothing to this woman, but the judgmental eyes and the situation that makes him look guilty cause him to question his own reality.

The near-perfect HBO miniseries follows Naz’s court case, led by his lawyer John Stone (John Turturro). The way the series both points out serious flaws in the justice system and shows what can happen to a promising young man when he’s caught in a bad situation will break your heart. Sadly, it’s a situation we could, and do, see in real life all the time. The message is powerful and the delivery even more so. The show is bound to inspire dialogue and debate.

4

‘Empire Falls’ (2005)

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One of those 20-year-old HBO miniseries many of us forgot about, Empire Falls is about a small, decaying town in Maine and the residents who are simply trying to get by. Sound familiar? The situation is one that many face in similar towns today as costs rise, systems change, and it becomes tough to keep your head above water.

In the story, which is based on the Richard Russo novel, local factories have closed, and the community is struggling to survive amidst a class divide and troubles that resurface from the past. At the center is Miles Roby (Ed Harris), a manager at a local restaurant who is deeply entrenched in his blue-collar roots. Empire Falls was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards and four Golden Globes. It’s as realistic a depiction of middle-class life now as it was two decades ago.

5

‘Show Me a Hero’ (2015)

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Another forgotten HBO miniseries, Show Me a Hero debuted a decade ago and chronicles the fight of the white middle-class community in Yonkers, New York, against federally mandated public housing developments in their area. Based on the nonfiction book by Lisa Belkin, a writer for The New York Times, Show Me a Hero touches on tensions that still exist today in similar communities.

The conflict involving a class divide and pushback against affordable housing is one that endures. The idea is to provide housing for those in need who would otherwise remain unhoused, but residents fear it would devalue their property. Plus, they don’t want an influx of lower-class citizens in their hometown. The series stars Oscar Isaac as Nick Wasicski, a former police officer running for mayor of Yonkers, along with Jim Belushi, Alfred Molina, and Winona Ryder. Show Me a Hero takes this very political topic and helps to humanize the players in the fight. Note that it’s created by David Simon, the same man behind another politically and socially charged series, The Wire.

6

‘Mrs. Fletcher’ (2019)

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It doesn’t matter what decade or era it is — the idea of a woman coming of age during midlife at the same time as her child is coming of age as a teenager transcends time and location. It’s something every female parent goes through, especially if they have had children at a certain age. Women having children later and later in life is becoming more and more common nowadays, which makes Mrs. Fletcher even more topical.

The comedy miniseries dives into this dynamic with Eve Fletcher (Kathryn Hahn) as a divorced mom in her 40s raising her son Brendan (Jackson White), who has just gone off to college. As Fletcher rediscovers her body and her sexuality, her son is coming to terms with his own sexual life and journey to adulthood. The series isn’t just fitting today — it will be just as so another 20 years from now, too.

7

‘Angels in America’ (2003)

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One of those passion projects by A-list actors, Angels in America is set during the Ronald Reagan era of the 1980s, when the AIDS epidemic was in full swing. While times have changed a lot since then, the core premise of the show remains topical today. It centers on struggles with sexuality, feelings of loneliness and abandonment, and the pressures of conservative beliefs in finding one’s truth. At the heart of the story is Prior Walter (Justin Kirk), a gay man with AIDS who is visited by an angel as he grapples with his loneliness.

As a made-for-cable project, Angels in America is one of the most essential HBO miniseries. It swept every major Emmy award category, an accomplishment that has only recently been tied by The Crown and Schitt’s Creek. The exploration of topics like sexuality, religion, and conservative politics will still resonate today. Plus, the A-list cast is impressive, including Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Patrick Wilson, Mary-Louise Parker, Emma Thompson, and Jeffrey Wright. This show not only has a powerful message but also tremendous star power to deliver it effectively.

8

‘I May Destroy You’ (2020)

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The #MeToo Movement went global in 2017, and I May Destroy You was released right in the midst of public talk and controversial cases about the subject. Michaela Coel stars as Arabella Essiedu, a young novelist enjoying her success. She goes out with friends to celebrate before writing her next book, but the night doesn’t turn out the way she hoped. She awakens to horror, unable to remember what happened, and eventually realizes that she was raped.

The topic of sexual violence against women, the impact it has on victims, the trauma they carry with them afterward, and the treatment and viewpoints of others all come into the conversation in the series. I May Destroy You uses dark humor to explore Arabella’s journey as she reaches out to friends to try and piece together the night, then works her way through the trauma that she’ll carry forever. The HBO masterpiece is an honest look at the raw and real journey to healing. As a spotlight is shined more and more on sexual assault, victim-blaming, and accountability, I May Destroy You fits just as well today as it did six years ago.

Fox is finally bringing everyone back to Port Wenn — but Best Medicine fans should expect a “devastating” revelation amid season 2 shakeups.

During Us‘ visit to the Best Medicine set, executive producer Rodney Ferrell teased where season 2 starts out, saying, “We’ll see how long Eden remains in town. We’ll see how this new romance with Louisa pans out. Mark is going to have some hanky panky with some characters you know.”

Ferrell hinted that every character would face ups and downs.

“Martin is going to get better at the blood phobia but then something very major is going to happen that is going to regress him backwards in a big way,” he hinted. “So that’s coming. And then something pretty devastating is going to happen to one of our characters.”

Despite the concerning warning, Ferrell promised that Port Wenn would always find a way to come back from the challenges.

“[Don’t be] that worried. But it’s going to be a scary moment,” he hinted. “And there might even be a moment of medical attention for Copernicus [the dog] that might need to be dealt with. … [But] nothing’s going to happen that we’re not going to want to watch.”

Best Medicine follows a doctor who moves from Boston to a small practice in the East Coast fishing village where he vacationed as a child. In addition to Josh Charles, the cast includes Josh Segarra, Abigail Spencer, Cree Cicchino, Annie Potts, Didi Conn, Clea Lewis, Stephen Spinella, Jason Veasey, Cindy De La Cruz, John DiMaggio, Carter Shimp and dog Wattson.

“We learned a lot in season 1. I think what we learned was about finding the right balance between comedy, finding the real emotion, finding the drive with the medical cases,” Ferrell explained. “So I think this season you’re going to find a lot of episodes having a lot more emotion in them and going places with each character emotionally that we didn’t explore before.”

Ferrell saw each experience as a lesson, adding, “Because I feel like we discovered that the show can handle that along with the comedy, along with the medical cases. So I think that’s the big difference this season.”

Creator Liz Tuccillo was also thrilled to see the series adapt.

“Just having the room to tell the amount of stories that you want because you just feel like you have these great actors and you want them all to have big stories in every episode and you can’t. So that’s the challenge [this season],” she noted. “Finding ways to feel like you’ve really touched in with everybody for a season, and then they’ve all had growth and they’ve all had an arc while sort of doing all the other things you have to.”

Ferrell spoke to Us as well about the challenges behind the scenes, adding, “Tone is always the hardest thing for a show like this because you’re constantly treading the balance of, ‘Is it funny enough?’ But does the medical cases feel legitimate enough? Is there a real threat? But also having fun around that so it never gets too serious that you can’t have fun.”

He continued: “This year we’re trying to sort of implement a little more urgency with the medical cases, even having multiple medical cases and episodes. So I think our challenge is constantly making sure that we don’t lose the fun tone and that everyone’s sort of tuning into, the quirkiness of the characters, because sometimes those cases can start to override and take over. So I think maintaining the tone of what everyone loved is our biggest challenge. We’re doing it but it’s a constant thing we’re watching.”

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The one thing that will never change is the cases.

“That’s so funny because we’re in the middle of development so I have so many in my head. But the good thing is with all of our medical consultants, they all stem from real things,” Ferrell noted. “But then we’re a fictional show so we take creative liberty to sort of. There’s some memory loss coming.”

Best Medicine airs Tuesdays on Fox at 8 p.m. ET.

“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Heather Gay has been transparent about not really maintaining an active dating life in the years after her 2014 divorce. However, she introduced her new boyfriend, Tripp, in the “RHOSLC” season seven premiere. Now, in a new interview, she’s proclaiming her love for the man.

Heather Gay Discusses Her New Boyfriend

Entertainment Tonight interviewed Gay in September 2026, where the “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star not only teased what fans can expect from Season 7 of the hit Bravo show but also detailed her romantic life after becoming an empty nester.

During the interview, the reporter, Brice Sander, asked Gay “what version” of herself fans would see in the currently airing season of “Salt Lake.” She responded, “You never know what the audience is going to get, but I felt very happy,” before stating that she “had a really good time.”

Gay added that fans will see her with “less stress on [her] heart.” She then attributed part of the change to being in a relationship, as well as her children no longer living at home. When asked if she was in love, Gay proclaimed, “Yes. I’m definitely in love.”

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She continued, “I totally am, but like it’s just a side of me I’ve never even seen, really, so that’s going to be interesting to watch.”

Heather Previously Dated Tripp

The Entertainment Tonight interview continued with Gay discussing how she and Tripp had previously dated. She explained that they met when he was the contractor building her original Beauty Lab and Laser location, and that he even worked on the new store.

According to her, “We dated briefly when he got divorced, but it just was not good.” Regarding their timeline, the “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star said it “took us a long time to get back together,” then added, “It’s been really fun.”

On who initiated the reconciliation, Gay said, “Well, he had kind of just been texting me for seven years,” then revealed that she “didn’t reply for like three.” However, as time passed, she “couldn’t stop thinking about him.” She also said this was around the time she’d started dating again and that she “just texted him and he came over.”

Sander then mentioned how fans had never seen Gay date on the show and noted how many wondered if she’d simply hidden this aspect of her life before. She confirmed, “I wasn’t hiding anything. It wasn’t a priority at all. I was pretty damaged from my divorce and, like, coming out of all of that on TV.”

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Gay continued, “I was still a single mom with three kids and a business, and then now, the show. So I just felt really fulfilled and kind of just not in a place to have a boyfriend.” She then said dating became a “priority” after her kids moved out.

Regarding their relationship, she stated that it will be “almost a year” in November.

‘The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City’ Star Is Swearing Off Marriage

The interview continued with Sander referencing Gay saying on “RHOSLC” that she’d never marry again following her 2014 divorce. According to her, “Marriage is not for me, and that hasn’t really changed, although he’s definitely softened my heart to the romantic notion of it.”

Still, she admitted that she and Tripp “don’t know what’s ahead of us” and shared that she was impressed he had been willing to film the show with her. Discussing her boyfriend’s dynamic with her co-stars, she said they were “nicer” to him than they’d been to her.

She stated, “Lisa was really nice to Tripp, and it just made a big difference.”

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Heather Gay Has Discussed Her Divorce In The Past

Gay spoke to Entertainment Tonight in February 2023 while promoting her memoir, “Bad Mormon.” During the conversation, the “RHOSLC” star opened up about her divorce and how she knew she wanted a divorce mere days into the marriage but felt trapped due to her Mormon faith.

She said, “Yeah, and I think he wanted out too. It was mutual.” Still, despite this, she considers him serving her with divorce papers “the darkest moment” of her life.

According to her, “Because it was the only way I defined happiness and it was taking forever. I would forever have a broken family. I would never grow old with the father of my children. It didn’t matter if I loved him; it mattered what I was working for. Love was never the motivation; it was the whole package.”

When asked if she felt free yet, she responded, “I’m starting to, and I think publishing this book and having other people read my story. This book is the first time I’ve really been able to respect my story, respect my experience, and that gives me permission to be a freer, more authentic version of myself, so I think today might be the first day of the rest of my life.”

‘RHOSLC’ Season 7 Premiered Recently

“The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” returned for its seventh season on September 16. In addition to Gay, the season features Mary Cosby, Meredith Marks, Lisa Barlow, Whitney Rose, Angie Katsanevas, and Bronwyn Newport. The friends of the show are Britani Bateman and Ashley Quai.

Regarding Gay, in addition to the show, her debut novel, “Eternal Glow,” will be released on October 6 by Podium Entertainment.

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Pamela Anderson knows how to dress rich, whether she’s lounging around the garden or attending a designer fashion show. Her black dress style is the perfect example, and although hers costs thousands, I found the luxe look for only $41!

Anderson attended the Khaite Fashion Show in Brooklyn wearing Khaite heels, Khaite sunglasses and, you guessed it, a Khaite dress. It had cozy ribbed fabric, dainty front buttons and long sleeves, making it the perfect rich mom style for all things fall — think date nights, pumpkin patches, the like.

This classy twin has similar elements, featuring ribbed material, shiny gold buttons and lantern sleeves that conceal your arms. Better yet, the midi length shows off your shoes, whether you wear casual sneakers or fancy Khaite sandals like Anderson.

The only major difference is the neckline, and honestly, I prefer the mock-neck look. To top it off, the fabric has a stretchy feel that hugs your curves without squeezing, so don’t be surprised if you want to live in this chic dress. I sure do!

To top it off, the fabric has a stretchy feel that hugs your curves without squeezing, so don’t be surprised if you want to live in this chic dress. I sure do!

Sweater dresses are an easy fall outfit, and clearly, you don’t need Anderson’s budget or a Khaite Fashion Show invite to rock one. This comfy find gives a basic silhouette an elevated twist, ideal for luxe-loving fashionistas like me who want to dress rich without spending like it.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>

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Related: Pamela Anderson’s ‘Nap’ Dress Is a Dream for Women Over 50 — The $31 Look!

Pamela Anderson has the dreamy, countryside-chic aesthetic down to a formula, leaning into crisp fabrics, breezy silhouettes and neutral colors. Her easy ‘nap’ dress style has all of the above, and we found the look for only $31! In an Instagram post, Anderson frolicked in a garden wearing a flowy white maxi dress, reminding followers […]

Anthropologie is my fashion weakness, and honestly, I stand behind it. The boho-luxe aesthetic is dreamy, but when I say these affordable Amazon dresses look almost identical, I mean it. The only difference? The price tags.

With billowy, romantic silhouettes, floaty fabrics, whimsical prints and enchanting details, these fall dresses are as stylish as it gets. The best part is they start at only $9! I sifted through thousands of options to narrow down the list to these 17, so scroll on to see my favorites. You’re in for a super sweet treat!

17 Anthropologie-Style Fall Dresses — From $9

1. My Favorite: Everything about this floral maxi dress is swoon-worthy, including the short puff sleeves, sweeping tiered skirt and vintage pink and yellow blooms.

2. Flattering Find: Shirtdresses can lean stiff but not this silhouette-enhancing number. The structured waist shapes your body without squeezing.

3. Boutique Vibes: Flowers, paisley, colors! This short-sleeve maxi dress looks straight out of a Charleston boutique.

4. Very Velvet: People will think you dropped hundreds on this shiny velvet maxi dress, but no — it’s on sale for only $25.

5. Expensive Alert: If Anthropologie and Zimmermann merged, they’d create this oversized mini shirtdress that features a luxe floral print and dramatic short sleeves.

Related: Shh! Amazon Marked Down Free People-Style Fall Pieces — From $6

If you’re tempted to drop hundreds at Free People, we get it. But Amazon is hiding 17 chic fall pieces that channel the brand’s aesthetic eerily well. The only difference? The price. Our top picks start at only $6! These boho-luxe pieces are mega marked down ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, which runs […]

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6. Cozy Pick: With a cable-knit sweater top and pleated chiffon skirt, this preppy dress mixes textures in the best way. Add knee-high boots before heading out the door.

7. Polka Dot Princess: Polka dots are trending in 2026, and this mock-neck midi is the easiest way to rock the look.

8. So Fresh: Green can totally work for fall and this long-sleeve maxi proves it. You’ll wear it from brunches to orchards to weddings.

9. Solid-Color Stunner: This solid-color maxi dress is anything but boring, thanks to the shirred bodice, lantern sleeves and textured skirt.

10. Everyday Outfit: Imagine an expensive-looking quarter-zip in dress form. That’s this knit mini dress (that even has pockets).

11. Center of Attention: Yes, this vibrant Amazon dress is on the pricier end, however, it’s under $55 and looks like $550. The belt makes it flattering, too.

12. Cute Corduroy: Flowy and buttery soft, this corduroy mini dress is all you’ll want to wear. The loose three-quarter sleeves cover your arms without making you hot.

13. East Coast: This tie-waist maxi dress belongs in Nantucket due to the breezy silhouette, striped pattern and pure coastal energy.

14. Apple of My Eyelet: Eyelet fabric screams ‘expensive’, and this drapey maxi dress is made of it.

15. Wedding Guest: Be careful, you might upstage the bride in this floor-length gown that’s decorated with leaves, buttons and pleats.

16. Wine Night: Stun the girls in this wine-colored maxi dress that hides bumps and cellulite, all while elevating your aesthetic.

17. Pretty Patchwork: It’s hard to believe this patchwork-print dress is under $10. Toss on a denim jacket on, and you’re ready for date night!

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>

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Related: Anthropologie Dresses Are Trending, But So Are These Amazon Lookalikes

There’s a reason everyone flocks to Anthropologie this time of year. The brand’s fall styles are undeniably chic, but honestly, we’re not even tempted to shop at the retailer after discovering these enchanting boho dresses on Amazon. We genuinely can’t tell the difference, and yet, they start at only $10! With breezy silhouettes, rich color […]