TikTok lifestyle influencer Gabriela de los Ángeles Sanarrusia Chavarría has reportedly died.

According to Argentina-based news outlet La Nación, who cited Costa Rican authorities, Chavarría was shot dead on Saturday, July 4, while sleeping beside her boyfriend inside their La Cruz, Costa Rica, home. She was 28 years old.

The outlet reported that the boyfriend of the social media star, who amassed more than 100,000 fans across Instagram and TikTok, was also killed, with multiple intruders allegedly breaking into the couple’s home before firing bullets at both Chavarría and Jose Isaac Agüero, 30.

Per a report by People, published on Monday, July 6, local authorities told La Nación that “after the killing, suspects fled the home and allegedly burned a white vehicle.” The shootings were believed to be “motivated by retribution,” with local police stating that they are currently “continuing to investigate to determine an official motive,” per People’s coverage.

Related: Influencer Dead in Drive-By Shooting Years After Partner Was Fatally Shot

Brazilian influencer Francisca Roberta has reportedly died. She was 21. Brazilian outlets G1 and CNN Brasil reported on Monday, May 18, that Roberta was shot outside her home by two suspects on a motorcycle earlier this month. The two suspects fled after the incident, according to a police statement. G1 stated that one of the […]

La Nación also noted that an “ex-partner” of Chavarría’s was tragically “murdered two years earlier” within the suburb.

Chavarría was best known for sharing content captured during her travels and would also post about her daughter, 9. The influencer’s final TikTok captured her cuddling up to her child while the youngster spoke to the camera. “When did you grow up so much, my baby,” Chavarría captioned the clip.

Her daughter was also featured in Chavarría’s final Instagram post, as was Agüero. The trio had posed for a professional photo shoot against a decadent floral backdrop with both mother and daughter wearing shimmering tiaras.

One final image in the Instagram carousel, posted on June 29, showed the influencer dressed in lingerie while seated on a throne as her boyfriend held one of her bare legs and gazed into her eyes.

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Related: Colombian Influencer Maria Jose Estupinan, 22, Shot Dead

Colombian influencer María José Estupiñán has reportedly died after being shot. She was 22. President of the National Gender Commission of the Colombian Judiciary, Magda Victoria Acosta, claimed Estupiñán was killed on Thursday, May 15, per CNN. The outlet reported that Acosta claimed the suspect who appeared at Estupiñán’s residence was dressed as a delivery man. […]

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Chavarría’s death comes amid a second shock influencer shooting in recent days. NBC Miami reported on Tuesday, July 7, that South Florida-based TikToker Brianna Johnson, better known as “ItGirlBri” died during a drive-by shooting in Miramar, Florida two days prior.

The social media personality had been “leaving an Airbnb party” in a “lime green Lamborghini” that was reportedly shot at by a white BMW. The outlet reported that the 21-year-old was taken to hospital by fire rescue crews but “did not survive,” while two other victims in the shooting remained in the hospital.

Johnson, who was also known as “dreamdoll_bri” on Instagram, boasted more than 380,000 TikTok followers. She rose to fame thanks to her engaging lifestyle content.

Adam Sandler had the privilege of marrying Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in their lavish wedding on July 3. And while some people might’ve been nervous about taking on the role, given that megawatt A-listers had married in front of 1,000+ guests, Sandler was reportedly thrilled to have been asked. In fact, a source close to the actor said that the 59-year-old was so excited, he wasted no time saying yes.

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The Blast previously reported that Sandler landed the unexpected role at Swift and Kelce’s wedding, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. A new source told PEOPLE how it all went down and said the “Happy Gilmore” actor “said yes right away” when asked to officiate the couple’s ceremony.

The insider went on to say that Sandler was “incredibly honored” to have been asked to be part of the pair’s special day, adding that he was the “perfect person” for the job. The source also noted Sandler’s 23-year marriage to his wife, Jackie, as another reason the newlyweds chose him.

Adam Sandler Was Focused On One Thing When He Married Swift And Kelce

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Sandler is used to putting on a show for his fans. However, the insider claimed that, for this role, the actor’s only goal was to be genuine and to speak from the heart. “He wasn’t trying to find the perfect words or make it this big production,” the source said. “He just wanted to speak from the heart and pass along a little wisdom that he’s gained from his own happy marriage.”

Although the choice to have Sandler officiate may seem random to some, the actor’s relationship with Swift dates back further than many realize. In a previous interview, Sandler gushed about their friendship, calling the “Lover” singer “incredible” and “so d-mn nice to my family.”

Over the years, Swift has developed a close relationship with the actor’s family, specifically his children Sadie and Sunny. Sandler even joked on Conan O’Brien’s podcast that, despite his years in Hollywood, he still gets nervous whenever he’s in the superstar’s presence.

“Just cause I don’t wanna blow it for my kids… I don’t stay as cool as I can,” he said.

Adam Sandler Developed A Great Relationship With Kelce On The Set Of This Movie

As for Sandler’s relationship with Kelce, the pair developed a great friendship on the set of “Happy Gilmore 2,” in which Kelce has a small role. In January 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs star spoke with Pat McAfee about his experience on set, calling it “off the chain.”

When it came to speaking about Sandler, Kelce said the beloved actor is “every bit as cool off the screen as he is on the screen,” later calling the experience a “dream come true.”

Sandler, meanwhile, echoed those sentiments during his press run, praising the Super Bowl champion and Ohio native as “a gentle, nice guy, and funny as h-ll.”

Sandler Called The Police 48 Hours After He Married Kelce And Swift

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A previous report from The Blast details Sandler’s unexpected phone call to the police 48 hours after he wed Kelce and Swift. Public safety dispatcher Chris Reynolds shared that Sandler called the Nantucket Police Department’s non-emergency line after arriving on the island, asking for directions to the nearest local basketball court.

After arriving at the Backus Lane basketball courts, the comedian and actor found a group of guys playing and asked them whether he could jump in. One of the local residents, Andrew Kesler, spoke about the unexpected encounter and praised the 59-year-old for his skills. “He has elite passing. He didn’t miss a pass,” he said. “They were all dimes. His layup game was good. I didn’t really see him shoot the ball.”

Sandler Is Known For His Skills On The Hardwood

@wnba We’ve got some superstars in San Francisco 🫣 Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, and E-40 are in the house to catch the action between the @Valkyries and @Las Vegas Aces! #wnba #wnbaseason30 #celebrityrow #basketball #courtside ♬ original sound – WNBA

For those who don’t know, Sandler is an avid basketball fan and player, known for playing with locals and even some NBA players. He’s been spotted courtside at NBA and WNBA games, including the New York Knicks and the Golden State Valkyries.

In 2023, Sandler joined another pickup basketball game with a Los Angeles-based photographer named Xavier Luggage. Speaking with ESPN, the artist said that playing with Sandler was unbelievable before describing one of his passes as “the best pass that I’ve ever received in my life.”

Zoe Kazan has seemingly speculated over why Blake Lively did not receive an invitation to former pal Taylor Swift’s wedding.

“I think she [Swift] didn’t invite *her* [Lively] because she has come to the end of her marriage plot, thus cutting off access to her first great subject,” the Big Sick star, 42, wrote via X on Tuesday, July 7. “Rather than root for her own divorce, she is generating the next chapter of interpersonal drama for herself via female friendship.”

Us Weekly confirmed via multiple sources in the lead-up to Swift’s Friday, July 3, Madison Square Garden wedding to Travis Kelce, that Lively, 38, did not receive an invitation to the New York City nuptials.

Kazan’s post attracted backlash from disagreeing fans of Swift, 36, leading to the actress defending her stance in a subsequent X post shared three hours after the original. “Hilarious to me that this is being read as critical! She’s explicitly made her love life the subject of her work, yielding many good songs. Now, as a storyteller, she needs a new subject,” Kazan wrote.

She then concluded, “What a touchy fandom.”

Kazan’s theory made further waves on Reddit with one fan questioning her motive. “Do they have beef? Because this is a stone cold take down,” wrote one Swifty, while another amused social media user commented, “Zoe Kazan being involved in this was unexpected but it’s interesting lol.”

An insider told Us on June 23 that Lively, whose close bond with Swift dissipated after the Gossip Girl alum’s legal battle with her It Ends With Us director and costar Justin Baldoni, “understands” why she wouldn’t have received an invitation to Swift’s wedding.

“It would be a media frenzy,” the source told Us at the time. “She also understands that she and Taylor don’t have the same level of friendship they once had. She isn’t upset about not being invited, but of course, she would love to be there to support her and Travis.”

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Related: How Blake Lively Feels About Taylor Swift Being ‘Drawn Into’ Legal Drama

Blake Lively‘s lawyer is shedding insight on her mindset as her personal texts with Taylor Swift become public. When asked whether Lively, 38, is “upset” about friends like Swift, 36, being “drawn into” her legal drama with Justin Baldoni, lawyer Sigrid McCawley said that she has “done everything she can to protect her friends from […]

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As to where the former friends currently stand, the insider said, “They haven’t been in touch in several months, and their last correspondence was only a few casual texts back and forth. That is the extent of their friendship.”

Swift and Lively severed close ties after the pop star’s name was dragged into Lively’s contentious battle with Baldoni, 42. Lively and Baldoni reached a settlement in May after an 18-month legal saga that began in December 2024 when Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni.

As part of Lively’s ongoing case, personal texts sent between Swift and Lively were made public, which allegedly made Swift feel “exposed and kind of violated,” according to a source who spoke to Us in January.

There was a void of deranged female protagonists portrayed in all their messy glory. Gillian Flynn was ready to answer the call, writing three immaculate books in this style. It has been some time since Flynn released a book, but that doesn’t diminish the perfection with which her written works are remembered.

Each book artfully harnesses themes such as misogyny, self-harm, and abuse in unique stories unlike any other psychological thrillers on the scene. Female characters are rarely written with such specificity and ruthlessness as they are in Flynn’s best-selling novels. All her books are a credit to her as an artist, making ranking them a difficult endeavor, indeed.

Sharp Objects Was an Impressive Start to Gillian Flynn’s Career

Image via Anne Marie Fox / ©HBO / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Gillian Flynn’s first book was a harrowing debut, and one that should not be taken lightly. The shortest of her novels, Sharp Objects, is an excruciating exploration of parental trauma that bleeds off the page. Flynn’s first protagonist is Camille Preaker, a Chicago journalist who must return home to Wind Gap, Missouri, to cover the slew of child murders. The writer’s prose is as prickly and unsettling as Camille, whose childhood trauma is so severe that she resorts to self-harm.

Sharp Objects isn’t the typical Gothic thriller that lives and dies by its plot turns. Though there are many twists, the most interesting part of the book is the deep-seated wounds the characters carry that push them into the final climactic resolution. This book started the Flynn tradition of a completely unpredictable ending and was a surprising first entry into a world of psychological terror.

Dark Places Increased the Stakes Tenfold

Image via Doane Gregory/©A24/Courtesy Everett Collection

Dark Places is perhaps the least known of Gillian Flynn’s works, likely because of the lackluster screen adaptation. Luckily, Dark Places is getting adapted for the screen again, a relief considering it is a highly ambitious work that sticks the landing. The mystery is a multi-perspective thriller that follows a woman who, in her youth, was the sole survivor of the massacre of her family. Libby is another of Flynn’s complicated protagonists who takes readers on a disturbing deep dive into the case that ruined her life and her family.

Closed off because of her trauma, Libby is convinced that her brother, Ben, killed her family in a Satanic ritual. Dark Places escalates the stakes of Sharp Objects while also delivering compelling twists that fans would have to read to believe. A commentary on the Satanic Panic of the ’80s and capitalism as a whole, Flynn’s book takes on the ills of America in a genuinely heartbreaking fashion.

Gone Girl Is Gillian Flynn’s Magnum Opus

Image via 20th Century Studios

Gillian Flynn’s books just get better and better, and Gone Girl is the crowning achievement of her work. While the David Fincher adaptation gave the subject a certain caché, the book is even better — as hard as it is to believe. The Flynn-penned film hit all the significant points of the novel, most importantly, the criticism of misogyny in relationships. Amy Elliott-Dunne’s (Rosamund Pike) “Cool Girl” speech will go down in history as one of the best character-defining monologues in recent history.

This is present in the source material, but the book goes even harder in many respects. Amy’s character is far more complex, as is her hapless husband, Nick, who is just as reprehensible as she is. The book clarifies Nick’s misogyny, which makes him an equal participant in what happens to him. The ending is much more satisfying and is all wrapped up in an unreliable narrative that is a joy to read. Gone Girl is the undisputed crown jewel of Flynn’s work.

When playing a video game, there will always be some area, section, or general flaw in the title that just restricts it from becoming perfect. Such as the turret-shooting asteroid segment in Dead Space that took players out of the loop, or the infamous water temple in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that was needlessly frustrating, or pretty much any tutorial for most Pokémon video games.

However, some video games don’t have these issues, instead delivering a full experience with no downs, only ups. This list will feature ten fantasy video games that are perfect from start to finish based on gameplay, narrative, design, pacing, consistency, originality, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. Perfection is, of course, subjective, but these few precious games might actually achieve it.

‘Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’ (2004)

Image via Nintendo

Fantasy comes in all shapes and sizes, but fans probably weren’t expecting anything from Mario on this list. Yet, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is technically a fantasy video game. Mario travels to a port town in order to help Princess Peach open the titular door. However, once he arrives, he discovers that the princess has been kidnapped by an alien race known as the X-nauts.

Taking Mario outside his comfort zone in terms of setting and gameplay created a compelling RPG that is acclaimed for its sharp writing. The town is a unique setting and full of endearing characters with whom the player can interact. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door also uses a distinct stage play style, further making it a charming and witty gaming experience that more fans should try out.

‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)

Image via BioWare

It’s unfortunate that the Dragon Age franchise didn’t land on its feet, but fans at least have a couple of amazing video games, including the first Game of the Year winner at the Game Awards, Dragon Age: Inquisition. As demons pour out of the magical tears across the continent of Thedas, the protagonist, labeled the Herald of Andraste, is tasked with rebuilding an ancient political and military force to stop the crisis.

There are many fantastic Dragon Age video games, but this one in particular has an incredible pace that makes it perfect from start to finish. The political storytelling is spectacular, building a complex and fascinating narrative that boosts the gameplay. Indeed, the action is solid, but the political machinations and nuances might be the best aspect here. The lore, worldbuilding, companion writing, and tension are maintained throughout, proving the game’s excellence.

‘Final Fantasy VI’ (1994)

Image via Square

The Final Fantasy franchise is home to some of the most beloved video games of all time, and while there are others that are more acclaimed than Final Fantasy VI, it is the most perfect. Players and their group of adventurers set out on an adventure to stop the evil empire of Gestahlian and its unhinged general, Kafka, from draining the planet of its life source.

As the last Final Fantasy game in 2D before it shifted to 3D, this game perfected the top-down formula in terms of art and gameplay. The massive ensemble cast adds personal stories that slowly weave together through trauma and tragedy, featuring some of the franchise’s most popular figures, like Terra Branford. The first half was good, but the mid-game twist turns Final Fantasy VI on its head, altering the gameplay and narrative flawlessly.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

FromSoftware is a prolific video game studio, and its magnum opus, Elden Ring, is also its most perfect title. After the titular object shatters, the children of Queen Marika claim the pieces. Players awaken as the Tarnished One, who must travel through the Lands Between and defeat the demigod children in order to retrieve the pieces, reform the ring, and become the Elden Lord.

Elden Ring does have some flaws, including its narrative, which many fans said was convoluted. However, this title is the best dark fantasy video game for good reason. The combat may be challenging, but ultimately rewarding when players finally defeat the boss they were stuck on. The collective lore and worldbuilding that fans learn through exploration is a satisfying experience that highlights Elden Ring‘s flawlessness.

‘Journey’ (2012)

Image via Sony Computer Entertainment

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The indie genre offers some of the greatest, most ambitious, and personal stories and experiences in gaming history, and one such title is Journey. The player controls an anonymous and mysterious traveller in an expansive desert. On a pilgrimage to its central and grand mountain, the player will encounter many mysteries, wonders, and unexpected events.

As a walking simulator-type game, Journey may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who enjoy it, they may just find their new favorite game. The stakes may be low at the beginning, but the methodical pace enhances the sense of beauty and relaxation. However, the tone shifts into a dark underground world, and the ancient dangers evoke a sense of dread. By the end, Journey has a euphoric final climb up the mountain that concludes its two-hour, short but sweet experience with different vibes at each step.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

Image via Team Cherry

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Yet another flawless indie game that makes this list is a cult classic that recently received its long-awaited sequel, Hollow Knight. A small bug goes on a big mission in the infected kingdom of Hallownest, needing to uncover its dark mystery and defeat whatever is infecting the kingdom.

While its sequel has higher highs, it also has lower lows. Hollow Knight, on the other hand, is a flawlessly paced and consistent masterpiece that keeps delivering. Players slowly unlock mechanics, new traversal methods, and forms of combat, making exploration even more compelling. As new areas unlock, gamers can get lost in this melancholic world and all of its perfection. It’s the best kind of experience that, while not exactly open-world, can still allow players autonomy. Hollow Knight is one of the best indie games ever, and the proof is in the pudding.

‘Chrono Trigger’ (1995)

Image via Square Enix

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The 3D format opens itself up to many flaws and mistakes, which is why many 2D video games are perfect, including Chrono Trigger. When a group of adventurers accidentally discover time travel at a fair, they see a future of death and destruction. Now, those same heroes must travel through the past, present, and future to stop this nightmare from becoming reality.

Chrono Trigger is the pinnacle of 16-bit gaming, not only being a technological masterpiece, but also boasting fun gameplay and profound storytelling. This game has phenomenal pacing, having engaging sections in the past, present, and future that all affect each other. Every choice alters the future in Chrono Trigger, which makes every step a perfect gaming experience, whether it is at the beginning or end.

‘Hades’ (2020)

Image via Supergiant Games

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The last, but best indie video game on this list is Hades, whose sequel was good, but doesn’t hold up compared to the original. Zagreus is the rebellious prince of the underworld, wanting to escape Hell and his father, Hades. Thinking his mother is trapped on Olympus, he spends countless times attempting to escape the underworld.

As a rogue-like, the gameplay can get repetitive, but its novel approach to death pretty much revolutionized the formula, making this experience great from start to finish. The rogue-like elements are enhanced through the unlockable weapons and narrative, creating a relevant and engaging story. The more players die, the further the story progresses, which is seen through the character interactions and hub world, proving Hades is a remarkable indie game.

‘The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past’ (1991)

Image via Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda franchise has some incredible video games, but their most perfect is arguably The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It follows the typical plot, with Link needing to rescue Princess Zelda and the descendants of the sages after Ganondorf kidnaps them by traversing through the normal world and a mirrored dimension.

While The Legend of Zelda is mostly a 3D franchise, they have some fantastic 2D games, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The dual-world mechanic adds incredible opportunities for puzzle design, and these aspects combine to create a well-paced experience. A Link to the Past slowly expands the player’s toolkit, and through dungeons, gameplay, and bosses, fans find more to love.

‘God of War’ (2018)

Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment

2018 was one of the best years of gaming in a long time, but its greatest masterpiece, which was perfect from start to finish, was God of War. Putting aside his trauma and rage from Greece, Kratos now lives in a Norse region. However, after his wife dies, he respects her wishes, travelling across the region with his son, Atreus, to scatter her ashes at the top of the highest peak, but the gods want his son for strange reasons.

As soon as the game begins and players get into the tutorial, God of War hooks gamers immediately with one of the best introductions in gaming history, ending in a phenomenal boss battle that sets the pace. With one of the most gorgeous, personal, and profound stories as well as its masterful narrative design, God of War is a fantasy masterpiece. Not to mention, this game features cathartic gameplay and a satisfying sense of progression, which mixes nicely with its renowned combat, proving it is perfect from start to finish. God of War reinvents Kratos, one of the best video game characters, to deliver one of the best experiences of the century.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding celebration has continued to generate headlines as new details emerge about the star-studded event.

Reports suggest guests were treated to an elaborate reception featuring extensive food stations, extravagant desserts, and emotional moments throughout the ceremony.

However, a guest at the wedding has described the reception as “a bit of a sh-t show,” claiming there was hardly anywhere to sit, with guests standing in long buffet lines to get food.

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Despite the star-studded atmosphere surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding celebration, reports suggest the reception had a few logistical hiccups.

According to attendees, the event did not feature a traditional seated dinner. Instead, guests reportedly moved between a variety of buffet stations offering a wide selection of dishes before finding available places to eat.

Some attendees allegedly faced long lines, while others were left searching for seats due to the large number of guests in attendance.

One source, describing the dining setup as somewhat chaotic, said it was “a bit of a sh-t show,” claiming the venue became crowded as guests attempted to navigate the food stations and limited seating arrangements.

Even so, insiders say the menu itself impressed attendees. Guests were reportedly treated to an extensive selection of cuisine, including sushi, pasta, salads, chicken, filet mignon, and a range of American, Italian, and Asian-inspired dishes.

Staff members were stationed throughout the reception to serve food directly to guests, per TMZ.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Exchanged Emotional Handwritten Vows

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The dessert offerings were said to be equally extravagant. Reports claim a large dessert display featured dozens of cakes, each decorated with custom 3D toppers inspired by the newlyweds, alongside a variety of additional sweet treats.

The reception followed an emotional ceremony in which Swift and Kelce are said to have exchanged handwritten vows. Sources who spoke with People Magazine claim the couple spent roughly 20 minutes each reading their personal messages, creating one of the most heartfelt moments of the day. Swift reportedly included a musical touch in her vows, while Kelce was said to have become visibly emotional during the exchange.

To help guests through the tearful moments, the couple allegedly provided custom embroidered handkerchiefs. The keepsakes reportedly featured an interlocking “TT” heart logo along with the lyric, “So it’s gonna be forever…” from Swift’s 2014 hit “Blank Space,” a track said to be among Kelce’s favorites.

The ceremony was officiated by actor and comedian Adam Sandler, who is said to have blended heartfelt remarks with humor and even performed an original song dedicated to the couple as they began their married life together.

The Singer Looked Stunning In Custom Dior Gown

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For the ceremony, Swift embraced a classic bridal look in a custom white gown, while Kelce coordinated in a white tuxedo of his own.

Both outfits were created by Christian Dior Haute Couture under the direction of creative director Jonathan Anderson, who reportedly worked closely with the couple throughout the design process.

Swift is said to have later changed into a second outfit for the reception and completed her bridal ensemble with custom Christian Louboutin heels and jewelry from Cartier.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Siblings Took On Major Roles During Their Marriage

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Guests described the singer as radiant throughout her wedding celebration, with one attendee claiming she appeared to be “glowing and floating around the room.”

Rather than opting for a traditional wedding party, the pair chose to give special roles to family members.

Taylor’s brother, Austin Swift, served as her Man of Honor, while Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce, stood beside him as Best Man.

After the couple was officially pronounced husband and wife, giant screens outside the venue reportedly lit up with a celebratory message for fans gathered nearby, announcing their marriage with the words: “JUST&T MARRIED!”

Madison Square Garden Dramatic Makeover As Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Mark Wedding Week

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In the days leading up to the wedding, reports suggested that Madison Square Garden underwent an extensive transformation to prepare for the celebration. Witnesses reportedly spotted crews working around the venue, unloading equipment, decorative elements, and even sections of grass as preparations intensified.

According to reports, boxes bearing labels such as “Garden Party” and “Mirror Ball” were seen outside the arena, fueling speculation about the scale and theme of the event. One source claimed the iconic venue looked completely different from its usual appearance, describing the makeover as unlike anything they had previously seen at the arena.

The festivities also coincided with a significant charitable effort by the couple. A representative for Swift reportedly revealed that she and Kelce donated approximately $26 million to several organizations during the week of their wedding. Among the beneficiaries were Feeding America, ASPCA and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, with the contributions reportedly supporting initiatives focused on hunger relief, animal welfare and childhood literacy.

Fans have known Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for one unmistakable look: a shaved head. Hence, when the actor donned a long, curly wig to transform into Maui for the live-action “Moana” movie, the internet wasted no time turning his new look into memes. Rather than taking offense, The Rock admitted he found the jokes hilarious and laughed along with fans.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is once again stepping into the role of the demigod Maui for the live-action adaptation of “Moana.” The former wrestler previously voiced the larger-than-life character in 2016’s animated film of the same title, helping turn Maui into one of Disney’s most memorable figures. Nearly a decade later, he is bringing the character to life.

While The Rock’s physique closely matches Maui’s, the character’s long, flowing hair is a stark contrast to the actor’s signature shaved head. The film’s trailer, which dropped in March, gave birth to many memes mocking The Rock’s curly wig.

Despite the backlash, The Rock found the comments hilarious, as he said during an interview at the premiere of “Moana.”

“I laughed so f-cking hard when we first came out, and people saw me in a wig for the first time. They memed me. The internet did the internet. It was very, very funny, but I was like, ‘Okay, it’s all right, just see the movie,’” he told a reporter from Variety.

The thriller is one of the most versatile film genres out there. There are political thrillers, noir thrillers, sci-fi and supernatural thrillers, action thrillers…the list goes on and on. Within this massive net of films, there are, subjectively, a wide swath of truly fantastic ones. And then, there is la crème de la crème; an ultra-elite brand of thriller — the thriller that is pitch-perfect from its opening frame to its final shot.

Regardless of sub-genre, here are the thrillers that thrill from the moment they begin to their stunning finales. Some examine deep elements of the human psyche, like Straw Dogs, and others, well, they do that too, but also add some boldly compelling visuals that universally leave audience’s jaws agape, like Black Swan. So, prepare yourself for a little slice of cinematic heaven and let these exhilarating screen gems fully engulf you.

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‘Straw Dogs’ (1971)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Some films peel back the layer of civility that most humans operate under, and expose the raw nerves underneath with brutal honesty. Director Sam Peckinpah’s masterwork of rising tension and unmitigated rage, Straw Dogs, was one of the first films to bring this level of harsh realness to American audiences. The way the plot weaves and twists, deliberately drawing primal instincts out of the protagonist, is masterful, thus prompting oodles of much deserved praise.

The tale begins with David Sumner (Dustin Hoffman, full immersion method acting on display), an egghead who’s married to a striking British woman, Amy (Susan George). They move to a remote area of Cornwall, England (it’s Britain, what could possibly go wrong?). Well, some local rednecks (yes, they have them in the U.K., too) do not take too kindly to David’s book-learnin’ ways, and they become envious, etc. etc. Eventually Amy is attacked, savagely… Then, David elects to protect a wrongfully accused man from a mob of torch-wielding villagers, and David’s true nature is exposed (in a vengeful, but quite satisfying way). The slow-burn pacing of this film really pays off, and Hoffman’s examination of a man pushed to his breaking point is a thing of sheer (brutal) beauty.

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‘Black Swan’ (2010)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Darren Aronofsky has a penchant for crafting extremely tight, well-paced thrillers in a host of sub-genres. His films like Requiem for a Dream and Mother! exquisitely tell captivating, entirely unique stories, but none of his other works are as remarkably, painstakingly executed as Black Swan.

Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman, pushed to the very brink of physical and mental exhaustion, with the best possible outcome…an Oscar win) is a prima ballerina looking to take the coveted duel roles of The White Swan and The Black Swan in the famed ballet masterpiece Swan Lake. Her biggest competitor for the part just so happens to be her only friend in the dance company, Lily (Mila Kunis, also delivering a career-high performance at the time). Lily is much more of a free-spirit than the straight-laced Nina, and she does a nice little job of corrupting Nina in the slightest bit…or so it seems. Nina’s relationship with her mother, Erica (Barbara Hershey), is toxic, at best, as Erica reinforces the pressure that Nina places on herself to be “perfect.” Nina’s journey from frilly white swan to devious black swan is remarkable…even if the end result is a bit grisly. The whole movie is a disorienting swirl of dream-like terrors mixing with real-life horrors. Every scene is nuanced, imbued with ineffable meaning — and breathtaking to behold.

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‘The Fugitive’ (1993)

Image via Warner Bros.

Harrison Ford was already an international superstar when he was cast as Dr. Richard Kimble in The Fugitive. The addition of Tommy Lee Jones as Samuel Gerard, the unrelenting U.S. Marshal, cemented this adrenaline-fueled action thriller as a film with two of the best lead characters ever. Andrew Davis’s sharp direction coupled with a stylishly adapted script (it was originally a TV series) elevate this movie to one of the most heart-pumping, awesomely executed thrillers ever.

The story begins with Kimble, a man in a “happy marriage.” When his wife, Helen (Sela Ward), is murdered by a one-armed man, but Kimble is framed for the attack, he has no choice but to go on the run (after a convenient little prison break). The ensuing chase, with some of the most jaw-dropping cat-and-mouse set pieces featuring the wily Kimble and surprisingly spry Gerard, is one for the ages. As Kimble pieces together a conspiracy plot, involving illicit pharmaceuticals (…of course…), he leaves Gerard clues, and the plot keeps on thickening until the thrilling conclusion.

7

‘The Night of the Hunter’ (1955)

Image via United Artists

This film strikes many cords of originality. Famed actor Charles Laughton directed this chilling classic, and broke all kinds of conventions. Focused on a villain as the actual protagonist, The Night of the Hunter cracked the mold of the typical hero story, presenting a very strange type of hero. This look into the mind of a pseudo-religious zealot left audiences aghast, but also, pleasantly shocked by an expertly woven tale.

The plot, especially for the time period, is wild. Morally lax (read: serial killer, focused on slaughtering promiscuous women) reverend Harry Powell (a eerily convicted Robert Mitchum) is sent to jail for a minor infraction. His death row-bound cellmate, Ben Harper (Peter Graves), divulges the secret that he’s stashed ten grand somewhere in his hometown. Naturally, when Powell is freed, he travels to the town and creates a charming facade to get close to Harper’s wife, Willa (Shelley Winters), and family. As Powell’s insidious nature seeps through, the fam begins to suspect him of, er, malfeasance. So, mom ends up dead in the river, and Powell pursues the two tykes who know where the cash is (spoiler: it’s in the little girl’s doll). The ensuing chase is a surreal trip down the (actual) river, with Powell unraveling even more. Structurally, the movie is extraordinarily tight and engaging throughout. Stylistically, it set the stage for many a boldly bizarre thriller to come.

6

‘Fatal Attraction’ (1987)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Some stories have such a tight structure that they inevitably will make good films. Then, there is the brand of expertly crafted tales that are coupled with some of the most intense performances ever found in the thriller genre. Welcome to the anxiety-inducing Fatal Attraction, director Adrian Lyne’s magnum opus.

Poor Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas). He made one little tiny mistake (that of infidelity) and then had his entire world rocked. That’s what happens when you mess with the feelings of the wrong person, and in this case, Alex Forrest (Glenn Close, Oscar-nominated (again) for this role) was definitely the worst person to attempt to have a casual fling with (…she will not be ignored). The reason this movie is so good is that the tension just keeps escalating, as Alex’s behavior becomes more and more erratic (and eventually, lethal — RIP bunny). As Dan’s wife, Beth (Anne Archer), eventually is made aware of the severity of the situation (beyond just Dan’s flippant philandering), the creeping sense that this will end in tragedy feels completely justified. Lyne’s direction of the brutality inherent to rejection is palpable the entire runtime of this classic.

5

‘The French Connection’ (1971)

Image via 20th Century Studios

This “loosely based on a true story” masterpiece truly reinvented the American crime thriller. The car chase scene alone was one of the most revolutionary new aspects of modern cinema of the time. This, and other crazy action scenes, help land The French Connection on many a “best films ever” list, but it’s so much more than just cars racing around New York City. The precise direction provided by William Friedkin, including the cinéma-vérité manner of shooting the high-octane sequences, is really what makes this such a gritty classic — along, of course, with the intense performances of virtually the whole cast.

Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle (Gene Hackman, in the role that made him a star — and got him an Oscar) and Buddy “Cloudy” Russo (Roy Scheider, pre-Jaws) are two narcotics narcs working a major drug smuggling case in New York. It’s an international affair (hence the title), involving beret-wearing, wine-swilling criminals. The big fromage is Alain Charnier (Fernando Rey), who has been operating with impunity for years. Jimmy and Buddy need to stop a massive shipment of heroin from becoming available to the smack-doing public, and Jimmy especially will stop at nothing (even, heaven forfend, break the law himself) to intercept the drugs. This kind of “anti-hero” was seen before in noirs, but not so much in contemporary detective roles, so it was a refreshing take for audiences to consume. Every scene in this film is a banger, and that’s precisely why it took home five Oscars.

4

‘Taxi Driver’ (1976)

Image via Columbia Pictures

With a long, long list of sensational films to choose from, spanning many decades, Taxi Driver may hold up as Martin Scorsese’s finest film. It’s a film in the truest sense, in that it’s a “story told with pictures” more than anything else. While Goodfellas is arguably more entertaining, The Departed is more action-packed, and Raging Bull is more real, Taxi Driver is simply a work of high art. That is, one that is focused on some of the most depraved aspects of humanity imaginable.

Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro, in hands-down one of his best roles ever) is in a bit of an existential pickle. While soft-spoken, he’s got a lot of feelings leftover from serving in the Vietnam War, and he doesn’t really know where to place them. He drives his cab around NYC at night (not the most uplifting setting for a sensitive person, especially in the 70s), searching for fare, but really more for a purpose. A brief stint trying to “help out” a politician’s campaign, and the pulchritudinous visage of Cybill Shepherd (as Betsy), just aren’t cutting it. When he encounters the wily street-child Iris (Jodie Foster), he finally figures out what he’s meant to do: go on a killing spree of the vile offenders of this innocent, naturally. The way Scorsese shot this thing is mind-blowing, and De Niro’s commitment to this tricky part is astounding. This movie is highly disturbing, but it’s certainly thrilling from the first murky shot to the bitter last.

3

‘Seven’ (1995)

Image via New Line Cinema

Or Se7en, as it was originally titled, is the prime example of using every single frame of a film to aid in the overall story. It’s so precisely constructed that it leaves the viewer longing for the next scene, all while reveling in the current moment. When the end credits first rolled, most audiences found their jaws on the floor, and could only sit and marvel at what the heck they just witnessed.

Inchoate Detective Mills (Brad Pitt) is partnered with long-time veteran Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman) to try to crack a new serial killer case that looks like it’s just taking off. It appears that some sort of religious nut is enacting the seven deadly sins (listed in your handy bible), utilizing (murdering) “sinners” to illustrate his point. The thing is, this guy, John Doe (Kevin Spacey) is quite creative. And patient. And, well, genius. Most of the movie-going world is aware of how this film concludes (with a very special delivery), but just in case, no spoiling here. Just be aware that what’s in the box is quite heady. Overall, Seven contains one of the best plot lines in cinematic history, some of the strongest performances of any thriller ever, ironically wonderful direction by David Fincher, and the grandest finale ever. Still, this is some dark stuff.

2

‘Vertigo’ (1958)

Image via Paramount Pictures

The phrase “Hitchcockian” was really born out of the film Vertigo. His use of unsettling angles, twirling cameras, and unconventional filming techniques in general were completely innovative at the time (and have since inspired countless imitators). The way that Mr. Alfred Hitchcock made the viewer actually feel like they had an inner ear infection (or any other condition that would cause vertigo) was unprecedented in filmmaking. The final result is an absolutely thrilling picture that is made up of one genius shot after the next.

The disorienting story is (off-) centered on John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart, who worked with Hitchcock on four films, and could thank the English director for helping shed his squeaky clean image). Scottie was a detective, but after a harrowing incident, he came to suffer from acrophobia (fear of heights) and a nasty case of vertigo (y’know, the spins). He’s hired as a private dick to follow this dude’s gorgeous but weird wife, Madeleine (drop-dead gorgeous Kim Novak). Scottie thinks she’s a hottie, but that doesn’t help him prevent her death (again, involving heights)…or so it seems. Scottie eventually meets Madeleine’s doppelgänger, and falls for her…but forces her to dress and act like Madeleine… Things spiral further out of control, and the movie culminates in a twist that will have you falling over in shock. Laden with themes of identity-crisis, unresolved trauma, and unrelenting obsession (your welcome, Obsession), this stunning film laid the groundwork for many thrillers to come. It’s a masterpiece from frame one to the final credit (probably a grateful gaffer).

1

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Image via Orion Pictures

Perfection. Really the only adjective appropriate to describe this thriller. From the opening scene where soon-to-be agent Clarice Starling’s drive and determination is shown as she navigates a woodsy FBI training obstacle course (a metaphor itself for emerging “out of the woods”) to the final, deliciously ironic wordplay spoken on the phone by the good doctor Lecter — and, of course, literally every scene in between — this masterpiece doesn’t miss a single, tasty beat.

Starling (Jodie Foster, in probably her best role ever) is tasked with interrogating a genius, lunatic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Sir Anthony Hopkins, in definitely his best role ever), to garner info on a newly risen killer, deemed Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) by the media. Every scene between Foster and Hopkins is fraught with tension, intrigue, and, oddly enough, charm. The rest of Starling’s quest is expertly laid out by director Jonathan Demme, as he fills each set piece with anxiety, guile, and bone-chilling mystery. The atmosphere is rich, fecund even; the sound editing is razor sharp, the scoring terrifying. Every other detail of this film combines to provide a work of cinema that doesn’t have a single lagging moment. The Silence of the Lambs (which, incidentally, swept all the major Oscars) deserves an annual watch, just to appreciate every little nuance. So, sit back, pop open a bottle of nice chianti and enjoy…

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The Silence of the Lambs

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Release Date

February 14, 1991

Runtime

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119 minutes

Director

Jonathan Demme

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Writers

Ted Tally, Thomas Harris

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