Entertainment
Matthew McConaughey’s Extremely Graphic Netflix Thriller Kills When Least Expected
By Robert Scucci
| Updated

Here’s some free advice for anybody who doesn’t like living outside of a jail cell or a coffin. If you hire somebody to commit crimes on your behalf, the kind of crimes that result in the death penalty if you get caught, make sure you properly vet the person you’re working with. Because they don’t in 2011’s Killer Joe, and everything goes exactly how you’d expect. The crime in question is murdering a family member to cash in on their life insurance policy, and the desired criminal is actually a cop who moonlights as a contract killer.
I’d call Killer Joe a comedy of errors, because it certainly feels like it falls into that territory, but make no mistake. This movie goes beyond dark, and most of the humor, outside of Matthew McConaughey’s pithy observations, is situational. Here we have two would-be criminals who are too cowardly to do the deed themselves, but don’t have the funds to outsource it, culminating in the kind of family-annihilating disaster that could only truly be captured with a gritty Southern Gothic aesthetic.
It Won’t End Well For Adele

Killer Joe boasts a stupid-simple premise, but it doesn’t take much to understand the stakes. We’re introduced to Chris Smith (Emile Hirsch), a young drug dealer who owes $6,000 he doesn’t have to his supplier, Digger Soames (Marc Macaulay). The reason he owes money is because his abusive mother, Adele, stole the drugs he was supposed to sell and kicked him out of the house. Confiding in his not-so-bright, trailer park-inhabiting father, Ansel (Thomas Haden Church), who’s also not on the best of terms with Adele, his ex-wife, Chris comes up with what, in his mind, is the most logical plan: kill Adele, collect her $50,000 life insurance policy, and split the money evenly with Sharla (Gina Gershon), Ansel’s current wife.
The problem is that Chris and Ansel are profoundly stupid and unwilling to carry out the dastardly deed themselves. Chris has a solution in the form of “Killer Joe” Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a respected detective with a dark streak and secret double life as a contract killer. The terms of the deal are simple: Joe kills Adele, her insurance payout goes to Dottie (Juno Temple), Chris’ younger sister and the sole beneficiary of the policy, and everybody splits the money.

Here’s where things get very messy. Joe demands a $25,000 advance and has very strict operating rules since his day job puts him on the right side of the law while his extracurricular activities could land him in a whole heap of trouble. Unable to pay the advance, Chris and Ansel reluctantly agree to use Dottie as his “retainer” because she’s allegedly a virgin and Joe is very interested in her, with the promise that everybody will go their separate ways once the deed has been done.
As you would expect from this arrangement, nothing goes according to plan. Joe very quickly marks his territory by seducing Dottie, who often says cryptic things suggesting she knows about the entire murder plot even though nobody told her about it. She even recalls an incident from infancy when Adele allegedly tried to kill her. Joe’s presence is intrusive, invasive, and aggressive, and he’s hellbent on not only finishing the job, but also running off into the sunset with Dottie if he can help it.
Alright, Alright, Alright …

Everything goes horribly wrong for Chris, Ansel, Sharla, and Adele in Killer Joe while Dottie, naive enough to not know any better, sits in horror on the sidelines. Loyalties are betrayed, motives are revealed to be dubious, and the third act gets so violent, among other things, that it’s hard to maintain eye contact with the screen but equally hard to look away. If you’re not quite picking up what I’m throwing down, here’s a spoiler-free hint: the most upsetting sequence in this movie involves a bucket of fried chicken, Matthew McConaughey’s performative Southern charm thinly veiling his sadistic tendencies, and everybody at the table trying to act like they didn’t completely screw up what should have been an incredibly simple job.
Killer Joe is a uncomfortable viewing experience, and every character in it is the worst person you’ve ever met. They’re so stupid, though, that you can’t help but laugh at their misfortune, of which there is plenty, when everything begins to backfire and they have nobody to blame but themselves.


As of this writing, Killer Joe is streaming on Netflix.
Entertainment
10 Greatest Noir Thrillers of the Last 80 Years
Film noir and thrillers naturally go together. They’re usually about corruption, obsession, and moral compromise, shot through with suspense and danger. In both genres, the heroes tend to be tough and cynical, the antagonists manipulative and elusive, and the mood pretty darn dark.
With all that in mind, this list looks at the very best noir thrillers of the last eight decades. These movie masterpieces are timeless stories of deception and disillusionment, set in grim, oppressive landscapes, from the shadows of postwar Vienna to the neon-lit streets of modern L.A. They make the most out of both genres, becoming true standouts in cinema as a whole.
10
‘The Long Goodbye’ (1973)
“You’ll never learn, you’re a born loser.” The Long Goodbye is one of the strangest and most fascinating noir movies. In Robert Altman‘s riff on Raymond Chandler’s famous detective story, private investigator Philip Marlowe (Elliott Gould) becomes entangled in a web of deception after his friend’s wife is found murdered. The tale that follows involves gangsters, alcoholics, missing money, and Hollywood eccentricity, filtered through an off-beat tone that would heavily influence the stoner noir subgenre.
The biggest strength here is the unique interpretation of Marlowe. Unlike the tough, confident detectives played by stars like Humphrey Bogart, Gould’s Marlowe seems perpetually confused, shuffling through life with a muttered: “It’s okay with me.” Yet beneath the apparent absent-mindedness lies a man who refuses to compromise his principles, a relic of another era, wandering through a world that no longer understands loyalty, friendship, or integrity.
9
‘Nightcrawler’ (2014)
“If you want to win the lottery, you have to make the money to buy a ticket.” Jake Gyllenhaal turns in a creepy, cold-eyed lead performance in this one as Lou Bloom, an unemployed drifter who discovers the world of freelance crime journalism in Los Angeles. Armed with a police scanner and a video camera, Lou begins filming accidents, murders, and violent crimes and selling the footage to local television stations, though the line between observer and participant quickly starts to blur.
Aesthetically, the vibe is delectably noirish, all police lights, neon signs, and headlights cutting through darkness. Yet, what elevates Nightcrawler beyond merely a visually striking thriller is its razor-sharp social commentary. The film examines the relationship between media and violence, asking uncomfortable questions about society’s appetite for sensationalism, themes that have only grown more relevant in the years since.
8
‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)
“Some men get the world. Others get ex-hookers and a trip to Arizona.” Noir seemed all played out by the late ’90s, but director Curtis Hanson found a way to breathe new life into it with this banger. L.A. Confidential feels like a greatest-hits collection of noir themes executed with total confidence. In it, three very different Los Angeles police officers (Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce) are investigating a brutal massacre tied to organized crime and celebrity culture.
As their paths converge, each man is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and the city he serves. Each of the characters is layered and compelling: Crowe’s Bud is driven by emotion and violence, Pearce’s Exley by ambition and idealism, and Spacey’s Vincennes by fame and self-interest. Their contrasting journeys give this crime-noir gem an emotional depth that most thrillers lack.
7
‘Se7en’ (1995)
“Wanting people to listen, you can’t just tap them on the shoulder anymore.” With Se7en, David Fincher skillfully melded serial-killer tropes and the darkest of philosophical noir. The story follows veteran detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his younger partner David Mills (Brad Pitt) as they investigate a series of murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. The case becomes increasingly personal and psychologically devastating the deeper they dig.
The mood is deeply fatalistic, something that the aesthetics reflect perfectly: shadows dominate the frame, interiors feel suffocating, and the city itself seems perpetually trapped in darkness. Rain falls almost constantly. Streets are crowded, dirty, and oppressive. Apartments are claustrophobic and decaying. It’s a literal representation of a world without hope, culminating in that legendarily grim ending, one of the most powerful in ’90s cinema.
6
‘Blade Runner’ (1982)
“It’s too bad she won’t live. But then again, who does?” The most perfect fusion of noir and sci-fi. Ridley Scott‘s most imaginative achievement centers on Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a retired blade runner tasked with hunting down bioengineered beings virtually indistinguishable from humans. But as Deckard tracks his targets through a futuristic Los Angeles, he begins questioning the assumptions underlying his mission.
Through him, Blade Runner delves into thorny questions around identity. Can machines feel? What is it that makes us human? The movie gets deeply philosophical, all while serving up an engaging detective plot and an endless supply of striking imagery. The visual design feels simultaneously futuristic and decayed, with massive corporate skyscrapers towering over crowded streets filled with advertisements, everything grimy and polluted rather than bright and sleek. Blade Runner went on to be deeply influential, becoming a true titan of the medium.
5
‘Out of the Past’ (1947)
“Build my gallows high, baby.” If someone wanted to understand the essence of classic film noir, Out of the Past would be one of the first movies worth recommending. It revolves around former private investigator Jeff Bailey (Robert Mitchum), who has attempted to leave his troubled past behind and build a quiet life in a small town. Unfortunately, the past refuses to stay buried. When an old associate tracks him down, Jeff is pulled back into the orbit of the unforgettable femme fatale Kathie Moffat (Jane Greer).
The finest elements here are the performances. Mitchum embodies the classic noir hero: intelligent, capable, and self-aware, yet ultimately trapped by his own choices. He understands from the beginning that he is caught in forces larger than himself. Equally important is Greer’s turn as Moffat: beautiful, charming, mysterious, and utterly dangerous, constantly keeping both Jeff and the audience uncertain about her true motives.
4
‘The Big Sleep’ (1946)
“You like to work your way around to an answer.” One of the movies that helped establish the noir blueprint. Bogart is brilliant here as Philip Marlowe, this time hired by the wealthy General Sternwood (Charles Waldron) to investigate a blackmail scheme targeting one of his daughters. However, what initially appears to be a relatively straightforward case quickly expands into a labyrinth of gambling debts, pornography, missing persons, organized crime, and murder.
One of the enduring charms of The Big Sleep is that even devoted fans occasionally struggle to explain every detail of the plot. The story is all mysteries, enigmas, red herrings, misdirection, and twists upon twists. Really, the film thrives on atmosphere, character, and dialogue, particularly the chemistry between Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Their scenes together are legendary, flirting banter crackling with intelligence, humor, and sexual tension.
3
‘Touch of Evil’ (1958)
“A policeman’s job is only easy in a police state.” Touch of Evil is one of the last great classics from the genre’s golden age. It begins with a car bombing near the U.S.-Mexico border, drawing Mexican narcotics investigator Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston) into a conflict with veteran American police captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles, who also directs). Vargas investigates the crime and soon discovers evidence of moral rot lurking beneath Quinlan’s reputation.
While the movie is most famous nowadays for its ambitious and technically impressive opening tracking shot, there’s a lot more to it than that. First up, the writing is strong and usually bold for its time: racism, police misconduct, and political corruption are woven into the narrative. The characters are darkly layered, too, trapped by their past decisions, personal flaws, and the systems around them.
2
‘Chinatown’ (1974)
“Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.” Jack Nicholson is at the top of his game here as private investigator Jake Gittes, who is hired to investigate an alleged affair involving a powerful water engineer in 1930s Los Angeles. Like the great noir detectives before him, Gittes is intelligent, cynical, and confident in his ability to uncover the truth. Yet even he is overwhelmed and defeated by the forces he confronts, an approach that takes Chinatown from simply solid noir to full-blown tragedy.
The script by Robert Towne provides the sturdy foundation. Not for nothing, Chinatown is widely considered one of the best ever. Information is revealed gradually and organically, drawing viewers deeper into the puzzle while maintaining constant tension. Every scene deepens both the mystery and the characterization. The cast rises to the occasion with committed, complex performances.
1
‘The Third Man’ (1949)
“In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo.” In this one, American writer Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) arrives in postwar Vienna expecting a job offer from his friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles). Instead, Holly learns that Lime has apparently died in a mysterious accident. Suspicious of the circumstances, Holly begins investigating, uncovering a conspiracy that reveals just how little he truly knew about his friend.
From here, The Third Man succeeds on multiple levels. The screenplay is filled with sharp dialogue and memorable moments, delving deep into questions of morality and friendship, and the themes and setting fit together perfectly. The war-scarred city creates a perfect noir environment, a world where old certainties have collapsed, and moral boundaries have become blurred. Cinematographer Robert Krasker accentuates this with dramatic shadows, stark contrasts, and famously tilted camera angles.
Entertainment
Madonna Wore a $10 Drugstore Blush on the Met Gala Red Carpet
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Madonna‘s Met Gala look had beauty lovers zooming in on every detail. Surprisingly, one standout product behind her look was a super affordable find: the Kiko Milano Smart Colour Blush. The pop icon had the blush layered on heavily and placed high up on the cheekbones for a statement-making finish.
The silky powder blush has quietly built a cult following thanks to its buttery texture, seamless blendability and soft-focus finish that looks far pricier than its drugstore-level price tag suggests.
One thing that makes this formula stand out is the shade payoff. The pigment is noticeable enough to show up on even bare skin, but they’re forgiving enough for beginners who tend to overapply blush. Ready to take a page out of Madonna’s beauty playbook? Grab the blush for just $10 on Amazon!
Get the Kiko Milano Smart Colour Blush for $10 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Unlike other powder blushes that feel chalky, cling onto dry patches and leave behind an uneven finish, this formula is finely milled, delivering a soft-focus finish that almost mimics a cream. The texture is lightweight and velvety, which helps create that diffused, airbrushed flush without looking like one big stripe on the skin. Plus, it comes in eight gorgeous shades suitable for all skin tones.
The blush is also incredibly buildable. Translation: You can keep the application soft and natural during the day, then bump up the drama at night with a few extra layers. It blends nicely on top of foundation without lifting or disturbing the product underneath, which is a huge win for anyone who has struggled with powdered formulas turning patchy or uneven mid-application. As for the finish, it leans radiant-matte rather than flat, giving skin that healthy, lit-from-within look that almost looks like a filter.
The formula has earned rave reviews on Amazon, too. One self-proclaimed “blush snob” noted how the texture feels “smooth, silky and buttery.”
At just $10, it delivers the performance of a luxury high-end product several times the price.
Get the Kiko Milano Smart Colour Blush for $10 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Entertainment
13 Of Nordstrom’s Most-Wanted Sandals For Summer 2026
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I don’t know about you, but sandals are the only shoes I’ll be putting on my feet from now until about mid-September. They’re comfortable, cute and they let my feet breathe even on the hottest days. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun, luxe-looking trends and styles to choose from, whether I want to keep it comfortable in flats or elevate my look with a heel.
So far, I’ve found most of my favorite summer sandals on Nordstrom, which boasts an impressive selection of brands and styles. The only problem? The most on-trend options are going fast, and the retailer’s bestselling pieces are flying off the shelves. Thankfully, a few of the most chic sandals available are still in stock and ready to be added to cart. Just be sure to grab them sooner rather than later — there’s no telling how long these will last!
13 of Nordstrom’s Most-Wanted Sandals For Summer
1. Our Favorite: These sleek leather slides have it all: a comfy sole for lots of walking, metallic details for a more elevated feel and a tiny heel so you don’t feel too flat to the floor. The neutral colors also mean they go with literally anything. Snag them while you can!
2. Runner-Up: Dolce Vita’s strappy flat sandals feel impossibly chic, whether you pair them with denim shorts or a cute sundress. They have just enough cushioning to be genuinely comfortable, and the elastic straps provide a flexible fit.
3. Comfy Classic: You really can’t go wrong with Birkenstock slides. The gold buckles elevate these, making them feel more versatile. Plus, they’re waterproof, so they’re perfect for the beach or pool.
4. Pool Friendly: Skip the flimsy flip-flops on your next pool day and wear these jelly T-strap sandals instead. Sleek, cool and stylish, this pick is both practical and chic — and water-resistant to boot!
5. Strappy Flats: Thin straps, metallic gold and a dainty ankle strap make these flat sandals feel so feminine and pretty. They have an almost Grecian-inspired look that makes them dress up any outfit.
6. Date Night Pick: Step into these sophisticated heeled sandals when you’re going out somewhere special. With the square toe and heel, plus that strappy, modern design, this pair is bound to stand out.
7. On-Trend Style: Jelly flats are a huge trend this summer, and you can get in on it with Sam Edelman’s Mary-Jane flats. They’re impossibly cool and have the most fun nostalgic feel, just with a modern touch.
8. Retro Feel: These platform sandals feel like they came out of the 1970s in the best way possible. An ankle strap and block heel keep the style sturdy without looking too clunky.
9. Everyday Go-To: Everyone should have one pair of go-to flip-flops in their closet, and these are a great contender. They have a little bit of a platform feel for height, a cushioned footbed for comfort and a wide thong strap that won’t leave you with blisters.
10. Designer Splurge: Sure, these Coach slides are a splurge, but they’re also a gorgeous pick you’ll wear again and again. The polished hardware and smooth leather make them look and feel so luxe.
11. On Sale Alert: Snag these comfy buckle slides while the price is low. They have a contoured, cushioned footbed that makes them wearable for hours on end, and the double strap and buckles make them so stylish.
12. Most Comfy Award: When it comes to comfort, it’s hard to beat Crocs slides. They’re bouncy and cushioned, adding just a little height without making you feel off-balance. Plus, they’re waterproof and dry fast, so they’re super versatile.
13. Sporty Chic: Nature lovers, these slim sandals were made for you. They’re durable and rugged enough for lots of outdoor activities, with thin straps and a slim profile that make them feel so on-trend.
Entertainment
Elsie Hewitt Shows Off Post-Baby Body in String Bikini
Elsie Hewitt is officially in summer mode.
Hewitt, 30, embraced the heat in a new series of Instagram photos posted on Friday, June 19, showing off her post-baby body in a bright orange string bikini with a red border.
“I should be napping,” she wrote in the caption.
The new mom, who welcomed daughter Scottie with now-ex Pete Davidson in December 2025, held her hand up to block the sun while sitting cross-legged on a red lounge chair in her first snapshot. She had a pair of orange sunglasses on the chair, which matched her bathing suit color palette.

Elsie Hewitt. Courtesy of Elsie Hewitt/Instagram
Hewitt appeared to be sunbathing on a rooftop in New York City, highlighting her curves and toned abs in several snaps.
In addition to sitting on the lounge chair, Hewitt laid down to get tan and reveal her sexy suit in its entirety. She wore her orange sunnies on her face as she appeared to doze off.
In a third photo, Hewitt bent one leg on the chair as her other leg hung off the side. She played with her bikini tie as the shade started to take over the area.
“We didn’t know it was Elsie’s Mama glow making her perfect some might accuse her of being Ai 🤖,” one user wrote in the comments section.
Another user praised Hewitt’s physique just six months after she gave birth, writing, “The snap back needs to be funded and studied. so does the fumble. 😩.”
“Didn’t you just have a baby!!!! Guurrrl. You look amazing,” a third person commented.

Elsie Hewitt. Courtesy of Elsie Hewitt/Instagram
Hewitt’s bikini snaps are her latest thirst trap-style pictures to cause a stir on social media this month.
The model previously shared a series of park photos on June 3, in which Hewitt showed off her cleavage in a plunging red polka dot dress.
In the snaps, Hewitt smiled as she enjoyed a sunny picnic, lying on a blanket in the Big Apple.
“🐞,” she captioned the images.
Hewitt’s sexy uploads come one month after Us Weekly exclusively confirmed that she and Davidson, 32, split after dating more than one year.
Nine months after the pair were first romantically linked in March 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Scottie, who is named after Davidson’s late father, a firefighter who died in the line of duty during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City.

Elsie Hewitt. Courtesy of Elsie Hewitt/Instagram
“They are still sorting things out as it pertains to their split,” a source close to the pair told Us in May of Davidson and Hewitt’s breakup. “They tried to make it work but there were different stressors, including having a baby together as two people who didn’t yet know each other that well. They are both trying to make it work and have made accommodations in their schedules for the baby.”
The insider added, “They are still rooting for each other but are each going their own ways, outside of working to coparent and focusing on their baby.”
Entertainment
Why Jelly Roll Chose Divorce Despite Loving Bunnie XO
News of Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s divorce has left many fans stunned, especially given how openly the couple shared their journey through addiction, personal struggles, and eventual success.
While the split has sparked widespread speculation, new details suggest the decision was not driven by betrayal or hostility.
Instead, those closest to the former couple say their lives have simply evolved in different directions over time.

In the days following confirmation that Jelly Roll had filed for divorce, a source offered insight into the country star’s mindset and why he ultimately decided to end the marriage.
According to the insider, the singer still cares deeply about Bunnie XO despite their separation.
“The reality is that he will always love her, but that doesn’t mean that he wants to stay married,” the source told PEOPLE.
The insider explained that the man Bunnie met years ago is not the same person he is today.
“He’s in a very different place than he was when they met,” the source said of Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord.
The source added that the artist has reached a stage in life that once seemed out of reach.
“For the first time, he feels healthy, focused and in control of his future,” they shared.
Bunnie XO Remains A Major Part Of His Story

Although the marriage is ending, those close to the situation insist there is still deep appreciation between the pair.
The source emphasized the role Bunnie XO played during some of the most difficult years of Jelly Roll’s life and career.
They said, “She believed in him when not many people did and helped him through some very difficult years. He knows he wouldn’t be where he is today without her and he’s never going to forget that.”
Their relationship began in 2015, long before either became household names. At the time, both were dealing with personal challenges and trying to build better futures for themselves.
Another insider noted that support flowed both ways throughout the relationship.
“Jelly has also been there for Bunnie through a lot,” the insider said. “He’s supported her over and over again throughout the years, through ups and downs.”
Jelly Roll Addresses Rumors During Concert
As speculation spread online, Jelly Roll decided to address the divorce directly during a stop on his Little ASS Shed Tour in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Speaking to a packed crowd, he pushed back against rumors circulating online.
“While we’re talking about liars, the internet is a liar too,” he told concertgoers. “This is the only time and the only city I’m going to speak about this, so break your camera phones out now.”
The singer then made it clear that his feelings toward Bunnie had not disappeared.
He stated, “Me and my wife are best friends, we will always be best friends. I will love her. She will probably be the only woman I’ll ever love the way I loved her.”
Jelly Roll also addressed one of the biggest assumptions surrounding the split.
He clarified that “nobody cheated on nobody,” before adding that Bunnie “will be my best friend forever. Bunnie, I love you baby.”
His remarks reinforced the message that the divorce was not the result of scandal but rather a decision reached between two people who still respect one another.
Bunnie XO Shares Her Side Of The Split
Shortly before Jelly Roll’s concert comments, Bunnie XO spoke candidly about the divorce on her podcast.
The podcast host revealed that the legal process was expected to be finalized quickly and explained that some of their plans for the future remain unchanged.
“We’re still having a baby together,” Bunnie said.
She also challenged assumptions that the separation involved dishonesty or resentment.
“Like, this isn’t what you guys think this is. Nobody cheated on the other person. It’s literally just we served our purpose for each other,” she explained.
Bunnie described the pair as an “unconventional couple” and said they intend to continue co-parenting and maintaining their friendship moving forward.
Her comments closely mirrored Jelly Roll’s own description of their relationship, suggesting both remain committed to preserving a positive connection despite ending their marriage.
A Relationship Built Through Hard Times

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO married in 2016 after meeting during a difficult period in both of their lives.
Their relationship endured setbacks, including a temporary separation in 2018 after the singer had an affair. Despite that challenge, they reconciled and renewed their vows in 2023.
Earlier this year, while promoting her memoir “Stripped Down,” Bunnie reflected on how much they had grown together.
“His soul is so golden and pure,” she told PEOPLE.
She also acknowledged that both brought significant baggage into the relationship.
“Granted, we were both a–holes when we first got together, but we have evolved together.… [When we met] he was going down a path of drugs. I was coming out of a domestic-violence relationship. I had so much baggage, so much toxicity; he had never been in a real relationship. We had to learn together,” she revealed.
While their marriage may be ending, both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO appear determined to honor the years they spent building a life together.
Entertainment
The Quest For More Money Is Ruining The 90s Biggest Sci-Fi Movie
By Robert Scucci
| Updated

If you think about it, the Jurassic Park films are a lot like The Simpsons. There was a clear golden era, and then a bunch of crap continued to come out in subsequent decades. I can quote most episodes from the early seasons verbatim without any refreshers because they’re part of my DNA, but I couldn’t ever call myself a superfan because I tapped out around Season 12, and my relationship with the show never fully recovered.
The Jurassic Park franchise feels the same. While there was an immediate falloff after the original 1993 film, it really started grinding my gears when they rebooted with 2015’s Jurassic World and followed it up with a string of equally unmemorable sequels. I saw all of them at the drive-in because my kids love dinosaurs. I honestly don’t remember a single minute of those movies because they’re a bunch of budget-bloated nothing burgers. They made billions at the box office, but I’ve never met a person in the wild who thinks any of them are better than Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic.

My running theory is that as long as kids keep begging for dinosaur toys with the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World logos emblazoned on them, we’re going to keep getting mediocre movies. The franchise is making more money than ever, and I can only imagine how much merch they’re moving on the back end, which means they probably aren’t letting up anytime soon.
Having just taken the wife and kids to the drive-in on retro night to catch Jurassic Park, it’s clear why the first film remains undefeated. It’s a perfect movie. The animatronic dinosaurs still look better than much of the CGI slop we’re getting in the present day, and, most importantly, it’s the adventure of a lifetime where everybody does their part not only reliably, but exceptionally.
I’m Not Going To Explain The Entire Plot To Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park has been around for more than 30 years now, so I’m not going to bog you down with plot details. Instead, I’d rather talk about the one thing Jurassic Park has that none of the Jurassic World movies do: relatable, charismatic characters.
Literally every person who gets screen time in Jurassic Park chews the scenery, has something clever to say, is fully immersed in their surroundings, and every action properly escalates whatever conflict is waiting around the corner.
It’s beautiful, bordering on awe-inspiring.

What do the Jurassic World movies have aside from the willingness to remind everybody that Mercedes paid for a brand tie-in and Chris Pratt? I can’t think of any catchphrases or moments of levity that make me feel anything other than an underwhelmed, slow-simmering rage that makes me weep for the days when a movie felt like a cultural event rather than a line item on some studio executive’s spreadsheet.
In Jurassic Park, Ray Arnold (Samuel L. Jackson) says “hold onto your butts” after realizing Dennis’s (Wayne Knight) computer chastises him for not saying the magic word. The reason the computer acts up is because Dennis wants to shut down Jurassic Park’s security systems so he can smuggle dinosaur embryos onto the black market for a cool million dollars.

John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) is repeatedly told by Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) that he’s focusing on what his scientists could do rather than what they should do. Hammond’s grandchildren, Tim (Joseph Mazzello) and Lex (Ariana Richards), get caught in the middle of an ill-equipped and extremely dangerous dinosaur-themed amusement park at the exact moment lawyer Donald Gennaro (Martin Ferrero) is visiting to determine whether any of the investors should feel confident about this whole operation.
Caught in the middle of it all are our heroes, Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), who are initially thrilled by the potential of Hammond’s research but soon realize that resident cynic and chaos theory expert Ian Malcolm is right when he says “life finds a way.” His warning foreshadows the unsanctioned breeding problem that would allow the creatures inhabiting the park to quickly overrun their human counterparts.

Every moving part in Jurassic Park has a satisfying payoff. A cup of water rippling on a dashboard is the stuff of nightmares, and nobody’s safe when they go to the bathroom. The computer systems running the park are sophisticated but stretched to their limits, creating vulnerabilities. Hammond spared no expense bringing his vision to life, but Dennis ruins everything because he thinks he’s being underpaid. Every action has a consequence, and we’re drip-fed conflict after conflict with such great pacing that nothing ever feels overwhelming, yet nothing feels unresolved.
Jurassic Park Is A Perfect Movie
After watching Fallen Kingdom in 2018, my wife asked what I thought, and I responded, “That is one big pile of sh*t.” She agreed. Yet somehow, we ended up going to the other two sequels anyway. The kids were happy, but I think I actually had a better time watching The Garfield Movie.

While Jurassic Park was a big-budget blockbuster for its time, you can tell how much care went into its production that the newer films don’t have despite pumping even more money into the franchise. Everything feels lived in, from Dennis’s messy desk to the labs where scientists are toiling away on their latest affront to God through ethically questionable research.
Every personality clashes in either subtle or egregious ways, but everybody fits perfectly into their place. Alan Grant, who intimidates a little boy with a raptor claw early on, suddenly becomes a de facto father figure, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Ellie, who knows he’s good with kids but needs to figure that out for himself.

A commercial kitchen becomes the stuff of nightmares as two kids try to hide from velociraptors that would love nothing more than to eat them alive. Cars crash into trees. And Newman (say it in your Jerry Seinfeld voice) gets what’s coming to him when he gets blasted in the face by a Dilophosaurus. It’s a volatile chain of events that ultimately leads to disaster, but everything is so intentional that you can’t help but love it.
If you’re wondering whether Jurassic Park still holds up in 2026, especially after the most recent films have been incredibly underwhelming despite all the fanfare and financial success, you owe it to yourself to revisit the OG. It looks better, sounds better, and every character acts like they actually want to be there. There’s no time for moping, and all the rules are laid out plainly so we can sit back and watch a collection of vibrant personalities get thrust into an extraordinary situation that has no reasonable instruction manual.


Don’t believe me? See for yourself. As of this writing, Jurassic Park is currently streaming on Peacock, AMC+, and Philo.
Entertainment
I Will Find You Producers Address Shocking Milo Ventimiglia Twist
Harlan Coben‘s I Will Find You featured a multitude of twists — but the most surprising had to do with Milo Ventimiglia.
After spending the entire season building up to the reveal of who had kidnapped David’s (Sam Worthington) son, it was revealed to be none other than Hayden (Ventimiglia). Executive producers Robert Hull and Coben weighed in on the intentionality.
“When you hear somebody like Milo, you usually think what about somebody like him. You don’t think he’s actually going to do it and be third on the call sheet,” Hull exclusively told Us Weekly.
The writing team was grateful for Ventimiglia. “Luckily for Milo, he doesn’t care. He just wants to play a great role,” Hull noted. “And we absolutely wanted to bring all the baggage of This Is Us. Not only that but Milo as a person is such a sweet, gentle, incredible soul.”
He continued: “That’s why people fall in love with him. And to use that to our advantage of what we’re going to do here was absolutely a gift and absolutely intentional.”
Coben also confirmed that it was “so intentional.”
“Milo is one of the loveliest human beings besides a lovely actor and you immediately think of him and This Is Us and Gilmore Girls and Heroes,” the author added. “He’s such a likable presence that we were able to sort of exploit that. Let’s just say that.”
I Will Find You, which is streaming now, follows David Burroughs (Worthington), who is wrongly imprisoned for the murder of his son then receives information that his son may still be alive.
“The biggest challenge for us was also our biggest asset,” Hull recalled about the experience. “Which is that very early on Harlan and I wanted to really shoot in the real world. We didn’t build a lot of sets.”
He added: “We were out on real streets, relocations, real stunts, real wirework, because even with vis effects, there’s nothing that can replace putting an incredible actor in a real location and just letting them bring it to life. Once you do that, your job’s kind of done.”
I Will Find You is streaming on Netflix now.
Entertainment
Hailee Steinfeld’s Baby Name Reveal, More Us Top Stories
Get a rundown of Us Weekly‘s top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on June 18, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:
• Hailee Steinfeld revealed her and husband Josh Allen‘s baby girl’s name as Harper Haize Allen in a heartfelt letter published in her Beau Society newsletter. The actress reflected on how motherhood has transformed her, allowing her to meet softer, stronger and more present versions of herself.
• Paulina Porizkova pushed back on unsolicited weight loss advice after opening up about a 20-pound weight gain, telling fans she’s more comfortable in her body than ever. The supermodel said resisting aging takes too much time and money, and she’d rather spend hers elsewhere.
• Love Island USA host Ariana Madix shut down rigged voting accusations after Caleb McDaniel and Sol Dean were not announced as a top couple on the June 18 episode. Madix noted that production legally cannot tamper with results and urged fans to vote if they want their favorites to stay.
Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance
Entertainment
‘Every Year After’s Finale Twist Just Set Up the Best Romance for Season 2
The following contains spoilers for the finale of Every Year After.Prime Video‘s latest romance series, Every Year After, has captured the attention of romance lovers. Developed by Amy B. Harris and Leila Gerstein, the series is based on Carley Fortune‘s novel Every Summer After. Over eight episodes, the series chronicled the past and present relationship between childhood friends who became first loves, Sam Florek (Matt Cornett) and Percy Fraser (Sadie Soverall). As we await whether a second season of Every Year After will come to fruition, the final episode set up a huge direction for the next chapter of the story.
While Sam and Percy had a happy conclusion, it was not the same for Charlie Florek (Michael Bradway). Heavily dedicated to work, while at work, he suffers a heart attack. But his shocking medical emergency isn’t what caught book fans’ attention: just before the cliffhanger moment, as Charlie stood in his boss’ office, he recognized a photo on the wall that was of himself, Charlie, and Percy on the lake in a yellow boat. This image may be a major clue to Season 2’s newest upcoming romance: Charlie and Alice, provided Prime Video actually renews the show.
Charlie’s Love Life Might Be in the Spotlight for Season 2
Charlie’s shocking Season 1 ending is a significant plot point on many levels. From what viewers learned during Season 1, the dramatic moment is a parallel for the Floreks: Sam and Charlie’s father died at a young age from a heart attack. Then, should the series return for more, the photo is a major clue that hints at the direction of the next major romance on the show. The first season of Every Year After focuses on Fortune’s first book in the story, Every Summer After. Her follow-up, One Golden Summer, returns to Barry’s Bay and follows a photographer named Alice, who took said photo and returns to the lake to find romance with Charlie.
As showrunner Harris revealed to Collider, “Well, in One Golden Summer, his heart is an issue, so we wanted to approach that in an impactful way for the finale, and then I think his heart is broken, and he’s really struggling.” She continued to reveal, “That is a heartbreak to look at that picture of his happier times in his life, and realize he’s as far away from that as he’s ever been.” The key moment was meant to serve as an emotional and physical clue into the next chapter of his story. It’s an exciting prospect to consider, knowing where the journey ultimately heads.
‘Every Year After’ Season 2 Will Change Charlie As a Character
The plot of the sequel story will serve as a huge opportunity to flesh out Charlie. Based on the actions in the past and present from Season 1, Charlie wasn’t the most alluring of gentlemen. Using One Golden Summer, Harris will have the chance to show audiences a softened side of Charlie. The first season made some major changes to the characters, especially Charlie. He’s not the most likable individual, given the extramarital affair, the scheme to get Delilah (Abigail Cowen) the Tavern, and the long-held secret between himself and Percy. With the blueprint set out in One Golden Summer, audiences will see a different side of him. While he does have charisma, in the novel, he is a shameless flirt and adept at coaxing Alice out of her quiet shell. Something he showcased a bit during Season 1 with Percy. But here, the result won’t be catastrophic. It serves as a catalyst for an enduring connection.
It may come as a shock to some, but the novel reveals that Charlie has a romantic side. He and Alice share a deep emotional connection and intense romantic chemistry through their summer activities, though he views it as a summer fling. Now, back to the heart attack that got us to this moment. In the novel, Alice is the one who breaks through about his family’s health history and his true fears. With One Golden Summer taking place after the events of the original book, Charlie’s growth arc could be a complete game-changer. The twist heart attack may have been the best thing to happen to the character. Fortune knows there is something great in Charlie. Now, the TV fans will get to see that.
As Harris and Fortuned noted, there is more room for Sam and Percy’s story to evolve; going back in time to give Charlie a chance to shine will not only open up the series’ storytelling ability but also push the romance focus to new characters, a pattern also seen in shows like Bridgerton and Off Campus. As the creatives revealed to Collider, Harris has a five-year plan for the series, which means other characters, both already introduced and soon to come, will flesh out the next steps. As Harris revealed, “I think we did intentionally build out our other characters and make this a real ensemble piece with the idea that we can be exploring their lives in lots of different ways from season to season.” She shared that she hopes people will fall in love with the characters, and fortunately, we have.
Every Year After is available to stream on Prime Video.
- Release Date
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June 10, 2026
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Amy Harris, Leila Gerstein
- Directors
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Gillian Robespierre, Tara Nicole Weyr, Jeffrey W. Byrd
- Writers
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Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky
Entertainment
Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s Relationship Timeline
Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen kept their romance quiet to start before getting engaged in November 2024 and tying the knot the following spring.
Allen was linked to Steinfeld just weeks after eagle-eyed fans noticed in April 2023 that his longtime girlfriend Brittany Williams unfollowed him on social media.Although the Buffalo Bills quarterback was spotted with Steinfeld the following month, he didn’t publicly address their romance until August 2023.
Allen confessed during an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast that “the fact that anybody cares about that still blows my mind,” while referring to stories about him “making out” with Steinfeld.
Over the next year, the couple became more public about their relationship. After getting married in May 2025, the lovebirds expanded their family in spring 2026 with the birth of their first baby.
Scroll down to see Steinfeld and Allen’s relationship from the beginning:
May 2023

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen with Chef Sergio and friends as they enjoy a date night at the Sushi by Boū restaurant in New York City Facebook/Michael Sinensky/Mega
Steinfeld was spotted in New York City with Allen weeks after the athlete and Williams sparked split speculation. (Allen and Williams dated for eight years before calling it quits.) Steinfeld and Allen were photographed on May 25 wandering through the Big Apple and Allen was even seen putting his arm around the True Grit actress before a night on the town.
Later that month, Steinfeld and Allen went on a sushi date with a few friends, which was documented via social media. The twosome continued to fuel romance speculation when they were seen exploring the city over Memorial Day weekend.
June 2023
“Hailee and Josh have been together for about a month and it’s going really great,” an insider exclusively told Us at the time, noting that when Steinfeld and Allen are together they “laugh a ton” and are “always smiling.”
The source added: “Josh is the first guy in a while she’s been really interested in.”
August 2023

Allen tried to side-step talking about his relationship with Steinfeld during an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast. However, when cohost Dan “Big Cat” Katz not-so-subtly brought up her name, Allen gave in a little bit.
Big Cat asked Allen during the show whether he watched Seinfeld before purposely saying, “Are you a fan of Steinfeld?” to get a reaction from the quarterback. Allen said he was “a big fan” of the sitcom but avoided directly using his girlfriend’s name. Allen later told Big Cat that he “did a good job” trying to use Steinfeld in a sentence. “Respect. It was good,” Allen conceded.
Elsewhere in the interview, Allen confessed that when photographers try and capture a private date moment between him and Steinfeld he gets a “gross feeling.” He specifically took issue with photographers who hid on a boat during a recent getaway with Steinfeld and snapped them kissing. “[I was] like, ‘What is wrong with people,’” the athlete recalled thinking, noting there was “no privacy” during the trip.
October 2023
Steinfeld was spotted supporting Allen at the Bills game in London on October 8. When the cameras at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium panned through the stands, the actress was caught on screen.
January 2024
Despite sporting a flashy ring at the 2024 Golden Globes, Steinfeld shut down online speculation that Allen had popped the question. “I do got a cute little doe happening,” she told E! News of her ring, which was shaped like the head of a deer. “No particular reason other than I just thought it was real cute.”
Steinfeld attended the awards solo as Allen had a Bills game that evening. On the red carpet, she told USA Today she felt “real good” about her boyfriend’s team’s chances of winning that night. She also jokingly called out a reporter for holding up a jersey with the “wrong number” after she spotted them with a No. 14 jersey for Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs, as opposed to Allen’s No. 17.
July 2024

After one year of dating, Allen hard launched his relationship with Steinfeld via Instagram on July 23.
“Onward 🤘🏼,” the quarterback captioned a series of photos from his summer, several of which included Steinfeld.
October 2024
The couple were spotted cuddling puppies at the first annual Shakir Family Pet Adoption Event in Buffalo, New York. In footage shared via social media, Steinfeld snapped a pic of Allen holding one of the dogs available for adoption.
Later that month, Steinfeld and Allen cohosted a Halloween bash for the Bills players and their significant others. The party, which took place on October 28, was a circus theme and both Steinfeld and Allen were dressed up as ring masters.
November 2024
Allen and Steinfeld announced their engagement on November 29 after the athlete proposed at sunset on November 22.
February 2025

Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld attend the 14th Annual NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre on February 06, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Steinfeld and Allen made their red carpet debut at the 2025 NFL Honors, where the athlete ultimately won the MVP trophy.
When Allen accepted the accolade, he thanked Steinfeld in a speech after they shared a kiss.
“You’ve been my rock. You are my best friend [and] I would not be standing on this stage if it weren’t for you,” he said. “So, with that being said, be good, do good, God bless and Go Bills.”
April 2025
Allen couldn’t help but gush about how proud he was of Steinfeld’s role in Sinners.
“I’m so excited for her,” he shared at a press conference on April 22. “I’m so proud of her. It’s getting some great reviews. It’s a fantastic movie, so just go watch it. I’m just there trying to support her in whatever way that I can.”
May 2025

Steinfeld and Allen tied the knot on May 31. The actress wore a custom Tamara Ralph gown as she said “I do” in Santa Barbara, California.
“We had the amazing [wedding photographer] Jose Villa and his team with us from Thursday through Sunday to capture all the love. We had a no-phone wedding — we wanted everyone to come and be present,” Steinfeld wrote in her “Beau Society” newsletter a few weeks later. “Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we made. But that meant Jose had his work cut out for him, capturing all the magic for us.”
June 2025

The newlyweds went on a tropical honeymoon less than two weeks after they got married. “Wifey,” Allen captioned a collage of Polaroids on June 17 from the romantic getaway.
August 2025
“Yeah, that was the best night of my life honestly,” Allen gushed of their nuptials in the all-new season of HBO’s Hard Knocks. “And my wife’s life, I think. That’s what she says.”
November 2025
Steinfeld gushed about Allen and hinted that the couple have plans to expand their family.
“I literally thank God every day that I found my person, and it’s the greatest thing in the world,” she told Bustle. “Life makes sense. Everything makes sense. I feel like I am stepping into the version that I’ve always dreamed of being, having so much to do with being with him.”
When asked if she wants kids, Steinfeld said, “Of course.”
December 2025
After hinting at the expansion of their family one month prior, Steinfeld announced on December 12 that she and Allen were expecting their first baby. The couple shared a video of Steinfeld’s baby bump via her newsletter. Allen kissed his wife’s belly in the video as they both smiled from ear to ear.
April 2026

Steinfeld confirmed in her “Beau Society” newsletter that she recently gave birth to baby No. 1.
“Our baby girl has arrived!! We’re feeling incredibly grateful and blessed and savouring these early moments,” a statement read. “Thank you so much for the love and well wishes.”
June 2026
Steinfeld revealed the name of her and Allen’s daughter in a heartfelt letter to her baby girl. She addressed her Beau Society newsletter to Harper, gushing, “I’m in awe of you.”
The actress shared that her firstborn’s full name is Harper Haize Allen, writing, “You’ve been here for only a short while now, and somehow it feels as though you’ve always been ours.”
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