Keanu Reeves was among the highest-paid stars in Hollywood after The Matrix challenged norms and altered the landscape in 1999. Reeves spent the next decade or so working on smaller-scale projects, with the odd mega-budget tentpole thrown in. But those large-scale films — The Day the Earth Stood Still, Constantine, and 47 Ronin — weren’t as commercially successful as expected. In 2014, Reeves headlined a pared-down action movie that took the audience by surprise — John Wick. Not only did it do solid box-office business, but it also became a home video sensation. It was clear that the film had struck a chord with the audience and that it deserved a franchise of its own. That’s exactly what happened, with each new installment outgrossing the last. Collectively, the action franchise has generated more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office, with the most recent installment having debuted in 2023. The movie is witnessing a resurgence on streaming, as fans wait for a fifth film.

John Wick: Chapter 4 earned a “Certified Fresh” 94% critics’ score and a “Verified Hot” 93% audience score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “John Wick: Chapter 4 piles on more of everything — and suggests that when it comes to a well-dressed Keanu Reeves dispatching his enemies in lethally balletic style, there can never be too much.” It remains the highest-grossing installment of the series, with $447 million worldwide against a reported budget of $100 million. But the trouble was that it ended with Reeves’ character dying a heroic death. The studio, Lionsgate, had even started planning for a future without Reeves; it green-lit a spin-off series and a spin-off film. But then, to everyone’s surprise, a fifth movie in the main franchise was confirmed with Reeves and director Chad Stahelski returning.

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To celebrate the one-week-iversary of this quiz, Collider is scoping out the long-lost Hitchcock project that never materialized: Kaleidoscope.

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Here’s Where You Can Watch ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ Domestically

However, fans will have to wait, as Stahelski is currently busy with his Highlander reboot, starring Henry Cavill. Until then, the director must come up with a plausible explanation for John Wick’s resurrection. Speaking of which, John Wick: Chapter 4 saw a spike in viewership recently. According to FlixPatrol, it was among the most-watched movies on the domestic HBO Max charts this week. Meanwhile, the franchise’s first theatrical spin-off, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, continues to be a major draw on home video as well, even though it underperformed theatrically. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

March 22, 2023

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Runtime

170 minutes

Writers

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Michael Finch, Shay Hatten, Derek Kolstad

Producers

Basil Iwanyk, Chad Stahelski, Erica Lee, Carl Woebcken, Christoph Fisser, Henning Molfenter

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Jennifer Lopez reunited withBen Affleck in 2021, almost two decades after they initially split in 2004. After that, they secretly tied the knot in a private ceremony in Las Vegas in July 2022. Sadly, their renewed romance was short-lived, and they filed for divorce in 2024. Now that their divorce has been finalized, she’s opening up about the split and the time she took off from work to heal.

Jennifer Lopez Says She Paused Everything After Divorce From Ben Affleck

Lopez interviewed with Julie Chen for “Nightline” in March 2026, and the network released a preview before the full interview aired. In speaking about the aftermath of her separation from Affleck, she said, “I had to stop everything, and I took a year off. I canceled tours.” Fans will recall that Lopez canceled her 2024 “This Is Me… Live” tour, with the rumor at the time being that she did so due to low ticket sales.

The singer continued, “I just decided to be home and sit in what had happened without running away from it through work, through another person, through anything, just sit.”

The Singer Needed To Be With Her Kids

Lopez shares two children, twins Max and Emme, with singer Marc Anthony. During the interview preview, she spoke about her relationship with them amid her divorce from Affleck. According to her, “I needed to be home with my kids.”

She went on, “I was just at a point where I was like, ‘What is going on with you?’ Because I couldn’t blame anybody else, because I don’t think that that’s where the lesson is, and so I really wanted to figure myself out.”

Lopez added that her now 18-year-old twins were “the priority at that time.” Later in the interview, the music icon was asked if she’s “dating up a storm.” The “Waiting For Tonight” singer responded, “No. I’m not! God forbid, I don’t want to ruin anything!”

Fans React To Jennifer Lopez’s Comment About Where She Is In Her Life

“Nightline” fans took to the comments section on YouTube to react to the preview of Lopez’s interview with Chen. One person said, “Aww. Love her. She said a lot about being single, which she rarely speaks of. Excellent interview.” Someone else said, “She should stay single, love does not last for her. Life is easier that way, too.”

Another person wrote, “Jennifer is QUEEN.” Finally, another YouTube user stated, “Both Jennifer and Ben seem incredibly happy these days. Sometimes people aren’t meant to be together.”

The Singer Addressed Her Previous Divorce During A Recent Performance

Lopez finalized her divorce from Anthony in 2014 after roughly 10 years of marriage. According to PEOPLE, she opened up in early March 2026 about how the separation almost made her give up on love. Lopez stated while performing in Las Vegas, “I was really about to give up on it all.”

She continued, “I mean, I was a single mom with two 3-year-old twins.” After that, she recalled advice a friend had given her, saying, “She said to me, ‘Jennifer, you’re a dancer, right?’ I said, ‘Yes, I am.’ And she said, ‘When you’re learning a dance, and you get the steps wrong, what do you do?’ I said, ‘I just keep going until I get the steps right.’ And she said, ‘That’s right, Jennifer. Always keep dancing.’”

Lopez then addressed the audience, saying, “And I wish the same for each and every one of you, that no matter what life throws at you, that you dance and you dance and you dance. Again and again and again.”

Jennifer Lopez Is Busy These Days

Lopez has always been known for keeping a busy career schedule. Now, following her time off due to her divorce, this remains true. In 2025, she appeared in “Kiss of the Spiderwoman,” which received Oscar buzz early on. Sadly, according to ScreenRant, the movie failed at the box office.

Lopez also began the “Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas” in 2025 after announcing it in May, according to Rolling Stone. The sting of shows kicked off at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on December 30, 2025. The final performance is currently scheduled for March 28.

Regarding film, Variety reports that Lopez will appear in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of “The Last Mrs. Parrish.” Per IMDb, the movie is in post-production.

Just call Tyriq Withers the internet’s new boyfriend.

“I never signed up for that,” the actor joked during a March 2026 interview with People. “I think the beautiful thing about it is I just show up to these interviews and just bring myself, and I’m just glad people resonate with that. It is validating that you don’t have to be anybody else but yourself.”

While some consider the actor’s breakout role to be his one-episode stint as Aaron in a 2022 episode of Atlanta, Withers also made waves for starring as Cameron Cade in the 2025 horror film Him.

Fans — especially those on TikTok — have continuously praised Withers’ unfiltered nature throughout his rise to stardom.

“I mean, if y’all have me, I’ll be grateful and thankful,” he told People, referring to his new viral internet success. “I don’t know why you’d pick me, but I’m here. I’m here.”

Related: ‘Reminders of Him‘ Gets Colleen Hoover Right: Movie Review

Three stars out of four Fans should be ready to cry: Reminders of Him (in theaters March 13) will hit you right in the gut. How could it not? Based on the 2022 bestselling novel of the same name — by It Ends With Us and Regretting You author Colleen Hoover — the film follows Kenna […]

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Aside from appearing as Teddy Spencer in the 2025 I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot, Withers has cemented himself as a leading man with his role as Ledger Ward in the 2026 Reminders of Him movie adaptation.

“I think this still is a challenge because you are living in the quiet softness of vulnerability,” Withers told Marie Claire about the film. “That change of pace is always nice. And I think we’re not defined by the type of movie — it’s a testament to both of our abilities to showcase the range.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know:

Where Is Tyriq Withers From?

Withers grew up in Jacksonville, Florida.

Where Did Tyriq Withers Go to College?

Before becoming an actor, Withers attended Florida State University. He was a walk-on wide receiver for the 2017 Florida State Seminoles football team. Withers graduated in May 2020 with bachelor’s degrees in business and marketing. While in college, he was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Who Are Tyriq Withers’ Parents?

Withers’ father is Leon Withers Jr. and mom is Kimberly Hart. He has a sister named Cayla. His brother, Kionte, died in an April 2021 car accident.

“I’d experienced grief before, but not like this,” he told GQ in a September 2025 interview. “It was just like, ‘F***, take me instead.’ My brother had a son. He was a beautiful father, so soft and sensitive to my nephew. And what am I doing?”

Related: Every Colleen Hoover Novel Getting the Hollywood Treatment

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Colleen Hoover went from BookTok’s “It Girl” to Hollywood’s hottest get. The author is known for her emotional novels, but the books are making even more headway now that there are film adaptations in the works. Hoover’s most famous novel, perhaps, is It Ends With Us, which was originally published in 2016. Due to its […]

He added, “My partner at the time asked me, ‘What would Kionte want?’ And I came to the conclusion that the best way to serve my family is to continue on this path of chasing my dreams. That gave me purpose. I started looking for him in every script.”

Was Tyriq Withers in ‘Tell Me Lies’?

Yes, Withers appeared as Tim in the first season of Tell Me Lies, which aired in 2022.

What Is Tyriq Withers’ Connection to ‘Scandal’?

Aside from fans wanting him to play the son of Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and President Fitz (Tony Goldwyn), the actor has no connection to the show.

“I watched Scandal when I was in college, so I think it’s iconic that people relate me to that world,” Withers said in March 2026.

The Housemaid doesn’t just clean house—it dusts off expectations, mops the floor with clichés, and polishes tension to a high shine. With spotless performances and a squeaky-clean script hiding dirty secrets, this five-star thriller leaves you swept away long after the final wipe-down.

Plot

Hoping for a fresh start, a young woman becomes a live-in maid for a wealthy couple who harbour sinister secrets.

Review

From the very first sweep of its opening moments, The Housemaid proves that sometimes the dirtiest secrets aren’t hidden under the rug—they are the rug. This is the kind of film that invites you in politely, offers you a cup of tea, and then quietly rearranges the furniture of your expectations while you’re not looking. By the time you realise what kind of house you’ve stepped into, you’re already hooked, keys handed over, and fully prepared to stay.

What elevates The Housemaid to five-star territory is its remarkable confidence. The film never rushes, never over-explains, and never underestimates its audience. Instead, it builds tension with patience and precision, letting atmosphere do as much work as dialogue. Every scene feels intentional, layered with subtle glances, pauses, and unspoken power dynamics that make the story simmer rather than boil over. It’s a masterclass in restraint, where silence can feel louder than any dramatic outburst.

The performances are nothing short of exceptional. The lead delivers a nuanced portrayal that balances vulnerability with quiet strength, making the character deeply compelling without ever spelling everything out. There’s an authenticity to the performance that draws you in emotionally—you don’t just watch this character exist in the space; you feel it. 

The performances in The Housemaid are a major reason the film works as powerfully as it does, with Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Michele Morrone each bringing a distinct energy that strengthens the story without ever tipping it into excess. What’s impressive is how well these performances complement one another, creating a cast dynamic that feels balanced, believable, and quietly combustible.

Sydney Sweeney anchors the film with a performance rooted in emotional honesty. She brings a grounded vulnerability to her role, allowing the audience to connect with her character on a deeply human level. Her strength lies in restraint—small shifts in body language, fleeting expressions, and moments of silence do just as much storytelling as the dialogue. It’s a performance that draws empathy without asking for it, making her character’s presence feel lived-in rather than performed.

Amanda Seyfried delivers a commanding turn that is both polished and intriguingly layered. She exudes confidence and control, using subtle vocal inflections and precise physicality to suggest depth beneath the surface. Seyfried has an exceptional ability to project warmth and unease simultaneously, which keeps her character fascinating to watch. Every scene she’s in carries a sense of tension, driven largely by her ability to imply far more than she ever explicitly reveals.

Brandon Sklenar brings a steady, grounded presence to the film, providing emotional weight without overpowering the narrative. His performance feels natural and understated, offering moments of sincerity that add texture to the story. He plays his role with quiet conviction, making his character feel believable and emotionally accessible, which helps balance the more intense dynamics unfolding around him.

Michele Morrone adds a contrasting intensity, delivering a performance marked by controlled physicality and simmering energy. He communicates as much through posture and presence as he does through dialogue, creating an undercurrent of tension whenever he’s on screen. Morrone’s performance is confident and compelling, adding another layer to the film’s interpersonal dynamics without overshadowing the ensemble.

Together, the cast forms a cohesive unit, with each actor enhancing the film’s psychological depth. Their performances intersect in ways that feel organic and charged, proving that The Housemaid succeeds not just because of its story, but because of the actors who bring its emotional complexity to life. 

If you haven’t read the book, consider diving in and read Freida McFadden’s masterpiece as well. The book and movie aren’t too far apart, but the movie delivers an explosive ending. There are also other books in the Housemaid series.

Visually, The Housemaid is striking without being flashy. The cinematography uses space, light, and framing to reinforce themes of control, observation, and unease. Ordinary domestic settings are transformed into places of quiet intimidation, proving that horror—or at least deep discomfort—doesn’t need darkness to thrive. Even the smallest details, from set design to costuming, feel deliberate and symbolic, enriching the story without ever distracting from it.

What truly sets this film apart is how it lingers. Rather than relying on shock value, The Housemaid leaves an emotional and psychological imprint. It encourages reflection long after the credits roll, prompting you to reconsider earlier moments and reassess what you thought you understood. That kind of staying power is rare, and it’s a testament to the film’s smart writing and assured direction.

In the end, The Housemaid doesn’t just clean up—it absolutely sweeps, deserving of a 5-star rating. With its sharp performances, intelligent storytelling, and impeccably maintained tension, this film earns every one of its five stars. Consider this a glowing recommendation: just remember, once you let The Housemaid into your home, it may rearrange more than you expect. On that note, “Please, please please” go and watch The Housemaid at a cinema near you.

Days of Our Lives early weekly spoilers for March 16th – 20th thrill as Jeremy Horton (Michael Roark) and Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) escape and Rachel Black goes to court.

As we always do on early edition day, we start with what is coming the rest of this week and then we’re going to dive into what is ahead for next week.

Days of Our Lives Spoilers Wednesday, March 11th: Stephanie Tricks Owen

On Wednesday, March 11th, Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) and Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) have another nice interaction. Will they bond over Victoria Kiriakis (Emersyn Rose Hartman) again?

Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) and Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) question their assumption about Jeremy being the kidnapper. Plus, this week Brady and Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) have a tense conversation in the square.

EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) gives Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) a compliment. It could be about his work as DiMera Enterprises CEO for Theo Carver (Cameron Johnson).

Stephanie tricks Owen Kent (Wes Ramsey). He kisses Stephanie and she slips her hand into his pocket—gets phone? She believes playing into his delusions will help her and Jeremy escape.

Paulina Price (Jackée Harry) opens up to Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens). Will she spill the tea about Lexie Carver (Renee Jones)? She may feel she can’t tell Abe Carver (James Reynolds) just yet and may need to confide in someone.

DOOL Spoilers Thursday, March 12th: Rolf Discovers Something Stunning

Thursday, March 12th, EJ lets Paulina know what he plans. He is pretty sure she won’t pull the plug on Lexie.

Steve asks Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) to help. Will he ask him to search the FBI database or follow a specific lead?

This week, Rafe is in the lab and looking at the pod but is Lexie still in it? Dr. Wilhelm Rolf (Richard Wharton) and EJ may move her.

Rolf discovers something stunning. He may find Stephanie and Jeremy in the ratty little room. Stephanie and Jeremy team up!

Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) wants to talk to Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord). She tries to get into the lab with Kayla at her side—she tells Cat that her daughter’s life is on the line and she needs her help.

Friday, March 13th: Jeremy Holds Stephanie on Days

Friday, March 13th, Cat confronts EJ. Cat asks if EJ is behind Stephanie’s kidnapping. Will she kiss him to get the info?

Steve and Brady track down Stephanie’s kidnapper. Is this when Steve grabs Owen in the park? Will they find Stephanie soon?

Jeremy holds Stephanie on Days of our Lives. He embraces her. Does he finally pull a Houdini and get out of the handcuffs?

Rafe gets help from Alex. He and Alex find the secret door into the hidden inner lab!

This week, Alex rushes into the room, but is Stephanie still there? Will he see her hugging Jeremy?

Week of March 16th-20th Days of Our Lives Spoilers

During the week of March 16th through the 20th, Klaus tracks Liam Selejko (Hank Northrop) to the park. Will this be when we see Shawn-Douglas Brady (Brandon Beemer) and JJ Deveraux with guns drawn? Shawn is shot according to the trailer.

Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) may find out about Liam and Arianna “Ari” Grace Horton (Marissa Reyes) and try to convince her daughter that he is not for her.

Theo still crushes on Gabi. Will he tell Xander and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) about her deception? He won’t be able to date her if he betrays Gabi like that. But we know he wants her bad.

Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) may overdose. Her skin could break out and she may pop the psych pills she thinks are her supplement.

Rachel’s court date is soon. Will Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) stick to the plan? We may see a new Rachel soon.

Rachel could give Holly the “gift” from Sophia Choi (Madelyn Kientz). If she knows what’s good for her, Rachel will tell someone like her dad Brady, Aunt Belle Brady (Martha Madison), Mom, or Grandma Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall).

Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera (Peter Porte) and Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) follow the lead. Will they find Stefan DiMera (Brandon Barash)? What was with the gravedigger digging up Stefan’s grave recently?

India Royale is feeling the love on her birthday! The influencer recently celebrated turning 31 with a glamorous dinner surrounded by friends. But the moment that really had social media talking came when she shared an emotional birthday message from her man, Lil Durk, who is currently incarcerated. The heartfelt audio quickly had fans swooning and flooding the comments with  “Free Durk.”

Related: India Royale Speaks Out After Rumors Claim She’s Planning To Leave Lil Durk While He’s In Jail

India Royale Celebrates Her 31st Birthday With Dinner Party

India Royale stepped into her birthday in style. She dropped a series of stunning photos from her celebration, giving fans a peek inside her intimate birthday dinner.

For the occasion, India rocked an elegant all-black look, pairing a sleek black dress with black heels and gold accessories. She kept the caption simple but meaningful, writing, “more life, more blessings.”

Her photo dump also offered a glimpse of the setup for the night. The private dining area appeared to be arranged for roughly 20 guests. A sign placed inside the space read, “Welcome to India’s Birthday Dinner. Other photos showed India posing solo against a wall while serving looks for the camera, while additional snaps captured her alongside a group of friends.

Lil Durk Sends Heartfelt Birthday Message From Jail

Along with her birthday photos, India shared a moment that melted fans’ hearts.

On Wednesday, March 11, she shared an Instagram Story audio message from Lil Durk wishing her a happy birthday while he remains behind bars.

In the recording, Durk expressed deep love and appreciation for India, thanking her for staying by his side through difficult moments. The rapper called her “my heart, my soulmate, my best friend, and my wife,” adding that she has helped make him a better person. He also described India as his “safe place” and the person who keeps him balanced.

Social Media Reacts

Durk’s message arrives as the rapper continues dealing with legal issues following his recent arrest tied to a federal case. It also follows recent online speculation that India planned to distance herself from Durk while he was incarcerated, which she shut down.

Social media users stepped into The Shade Room comment section to react to the couple’s special moment.

Instagram user @banksbig4 wrote, “India Pt. 4?”

Another Instagram user @clarissapearlhall wrote, “This is so sweet! 🥺”

While Instagram user @xboog__ wrote, “Free that lady MANNN ❤️❤️❤️🥹

Instagram user @lockkkkkkin.eoh wrote, “yall know this JAIL TALK right? 😂😂”

Another Instagram user @shaunathfdon wrote, “I knew she didn’t leave that man. She loves him too damn much to just up and leave him like that”

While Instagram user @fashionforever84 wrote, “No. Please don’t ever send me a voice note from prison. 😩😩😩”

Instagram user @alaunaaaa_ wrote, “Unpopular opinion: Men need to love their families enough to stay out of the streets so they can come home at night and not call from jail 😩”

Another Instagram user @chitownsfinest1_ wrote, “Him and Herbo have grown so much as men ❤️❤️”

While Instagram user @kol_ofdestanee wrote, “I hope he gets another chance at freedom.”

Related: She Said WHAT?! Lil Durk’s Daughter Prank Calls Him In Jail And The Timeline Is Rolling (VIDEO)

Dystopian fiction thrives on a simple but unsettling question: what happens when the world we take for granted twists into something unrecognizable? The most commercially successful story in that genre of the last decade or so was The Hunger Games, though it’s far from the richest or most interesting dystopian series on offer. (Indeed, some have accused it of borrowing a little too much from Battle Royale.)

Those curious about the genre have a lot of great movies to dive into. The titles below represent some of the best in dystopian writing, leaning specifically into dystopian YA and arguably superior to the story of Katniss Everdeen. They use their genre elements to probe moral questions, experiment with narrative voice, or imagine societies that feel uncannily plausible. The best do so while also serving up a killer plot.

‘The Giver’ (1993) by Lois Lowry

Image via Clarion Books

“Even trained memories can’t help you now.” In The Giver, Lois Lowry imagines a society that has eliminated pain and conflict in pursuit of perfect stability. In this world, twelve-year-old Jonas is selected to become the Receiver of Memory, apprenticed to an elderly man who holds the community’s suppressed past, including experiences of love, suffering, and individuality. He also awakens to color after growing up in a world without it. But as Jonas receives these memories, he also begins to perceive the cost of his world’s enforced sameness and quietly questions the rules that govern every aspect of his life.

There are some parallels here to the show Pluribus, in that individuality has been sanded down and all strife has been eradicated, but also uniqueness, freedom, and identity. The book is jam-packed with food for thought, touching on everything from religion and gene editing to the importance of studying history. For these reasons, The Giver has become an assigned reading at many schools.

‘Ready Player One’ (2011) by Ernest Cline

Image via Crown Publishing Group

“People come to the OASIS for all the things they can do, but they stay because of all the things they can be.” Most people will be familiar with Steven Spielberg‘s blockbuster movie version, but the original Ready Player One novel is well worth checking out, too. It transports readers to a near-future where environmental collapse and economic inequality drive much of humanity into the OASIS, a vast virtual reality universe. There, teenage orphan Wade Watts embarks on a high-stakes treasure hunt designed by the system’s late creator, competing against both fellow players and a ruthless corporation determined to seize control of the virtual world.

The book riffs on online gaming culture, ’80s pop culture, and hyper-commercialization, weaving in references to countless other franchises and intellectual properties. Basically, Ready Player One takes our increasingly online world and extrapolates it to an extreme conclusion. Most importantly, it remains breezy and entertaining while doing so. This book is a crowd-pleaser rather than a dour social commentary.

‘Unwind’ (2007) by Neal Shusterman

Image via Simon & Schuster

“You can’t change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future.” In Unwind, Neal Shusterman presents the aftermath of a second civil war over reproductive rights. In this timeline, society has come to a chilling compromise: parents may choose to “unwind” their children between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, harvesting their body parts for transplantation. Against that backdrop, the plot focuses on three teenagers whose lives intersect as they attempt to escape this fate and uncover the truth.

This premise could easily have become a heavy-handed and didactic lecture, but, instead, the book stays complex and ambiguous throughout. Characters are painted in shades of gray rather than reduced to cartoons. Unwind also tackles some really tough and pertinent philosophical questions: what gives value to a human life, and who decides? All in all, a smart, dark, biopunk cautionary tale.

‘Uglies’ (2005) by Scott Westerfeld

Image via Simon Pulse

“What you do, the way you think, makes you beautiful.” Uglies imagines a future where everyone undergoes mandatory cosmetic surgery at sixteen to become “pretty.” This society is almost entirely looks-based and deeply hierarchical. Tally Youngblood eagerly anticipates her transformation, but her perspective changes when she meets Shay, a young girl who questions the system and introduces her to a hidden community living outside societal norms, sparking a series of tense adventures.

Though targeted for teen readers, the novel stands out for its inventive voice and imaginative world-building. The playful slang and clever futuristic devices give the setting a distinctive flavor. The plot also digs into some pretty deep themes, particularly around questions about identity and what it really means to be a person. Uglies is smart in its ideas, accessible in its storytelling, and consistently absorbing to read. Unfortunately, these qualities did not come through in the lackluster film adaptation starring Joey King.

‘The Grace Year’ (2019) by Kim Liggett

Image via Wednesday Books

“We are not safe, and we never were.” The main character of this one is Tierney Jame, a sixteen-year-old girl who lives in a rigid patriarchal society that believes young women possess dangerous magic capable of luring men. Each year, girls are banished to the wilderness for a ritualized exile meant to purge this power, and not all of them make it back alive. Tierney and her peers must struggle to survive the harsh conditions, as well as internal divisions that might prove even more deadly. Along the way, they begin to uncover the ritual’s true purpose.

Author Kim Liggett builds this setup into a visceral narrative that blends survival thriller with feminist allegory. The book’s structure plays an important role in shaping its atmosphere, and the character development is a big part of what makes everything work. We witness the girls’ psychological unraveling over their seasons spent in the wilderness.

‘The Knife of Never Letting Go’ (2008) by Patrick Ness

Image via Walker Books Ltd

“We are the choices we make.” The Knife of Never Letting Go is a young adult sci-fi novel by Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls. It drops readers into a colonized planet where every man’s thoughts are audible in a constant stream called the Noise. Todd Hewitt, the last boy in a settlement of men, discovers a shocking secret that forces him to flee with a mysterious girl named Viola. They journey through hostile territory, and their discoveries make Todd question the violent history that shaped his community.

Ness is a great writer, serving up a propulsive plot here alongside his typically engaging prose. The novel wastes no time in getting going, pulling the reader in from the very first paragraph and keeping the narrative wheels spinning the whole way through. Once again, however, this one is a case of a solid novel being turned into a bad movie. The film adaptation, Chaos Walking, lacks the book’s depth and intelligence.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (1985) by Margaret Atwood

Image via Anchor Books

“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.” Everyone will be familiar with the TV series, but The Handmaid’s Tale started as an award-winning novel by Margaret Atwood. It’s set in the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic regime that reduces women to rigid roles in response to declining fertility. Offred, a Handmaid assigned to bear children for elite households, narrates her life under constant surveillance. Memories of former freedom in her past suggest that maybe, just maybe, there is a way out of her oppressive present.

In the four decades since its release, The Handmaid’s Tale has been canonized as a classic, endlessly analyzed and debated (and occasionally censored). It is certainly rich in ideas, touching on tons of concepts from politics and philosophy, riffing on everyone from Plato and Marx to Freud. It has been hailed as a flagship work of feminist dystopian fiction and has been studied in depth as a political and social allegory.

‘Never Let Me Go’ (2005) by Kazuo Ishiguro

Image via Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

“Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly.” Never Let Me Go follows Kathy H., who reflects on her childhood at a secluded English boarding school where students are raised for a mysterious purpose. As Kathy and her friends, Ruth and Tommy, grow older, they gradually discover the truth about their existence: they are clones, bred as sources of organs for their wealthy doppelgängers.

Where most sci-fi books would lean into the technology or pulpiness of that premise, author Kazuo Ishiguro uses it as a vehicle to explore destiny, love, and the meaning of a life. The characters are incredibly well-written, and Ishiguro’s prose style is brilliant. He’s penned several classics, and this one is among his very best, with the emotional depth of a prestige drama alongside revelations and plot developments straight out of horror. Not for nothing, Never Let Me Go has appeared on several critics’ lists of the best novels of the 21st century.

‘The Dispossessed’ (1974) by Ursula K. Le Guin

Image via Avon Books

“There was process: that was all you could ever ask of the universe.” Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Dispossessed explores two contrasting societies: the anarchist world of Anarres and the capitalist planet Urras. The story centers on physicist Shevek (loosely based on J. Robert Oppenheimer) as he travels between these worlds, grappling with political ideals, personal relationships, and the pursuit of knowledge. Through his experiences, the novel examines how different systems shape human behavior, throwing in advanced mathematics, alternate timelines, and faster-than-light communication.

Le Guin’s work frequently uses speculative ideas to comment on real-world issues, and here she sets her sights on ideas around utopia, revolution, individualism, and collectiveness. Shevek’s journey becomes a meditation on the tension between individual ambition and communal values. Most of all, the book challenges readers to reconsider assumptions about freedom and responsibility. It was well-reviewed and went on to win all three of the big awards for sci-fi and fantasy writing: the Locus, the Nebula, and the Hugo.

‘The Road’ (2006) by Cormac McCarthy

Image by Alfred A. Knopf

“You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget.” The Road presents a stark post-apocalyptic landscape overrun by scavengers, marauders, and cannibals. In this desolate world, a father and son journey in search of safety and sustenance, their bond offering the lone point of light amidst the darkness. The story is minimalist but hard-hitting. The haunting plot and Cormac McCarthy‘s signature spare prose burrow under the skin.

Yet, for all the bleakness, it is probably the author’s most optimistic book. There is hope in it, even if it’s elusive and fragile, making The Road McCarthy’s most accessible book. It reels the reader in with its tension and psychological drama rather than alienating them completely (as some of the author’s novels do). It’s a fantastic epic horror that leans into complex characterization rather than cheap genre thrills.