Entertainment
Netflix’s Insane Thriller Is a Sinister Cat-and-Mouse Game You Can’t Look Away From
Though Netflix has been churning out hit-or-miss thrillers over recent years, it delivered a particularly deadly cat-and-mouse chase in 2022. Except here, there are three different rugrat tabbies and a suit-donned mouse with secrets hidden in its basement. Director Babak Anvari follows up his raw Under the Shadows and jarring Wounds with a tense and unpredictable piece that keeps us gripping the edge of our seats. I Came By succeeds in its measured portrayal of a serial killer, cruising in the wake of Hugh Bonneville‘s stately grandeur and ominous twists as a well-respected judge, Hector Blake. While the film begins as a typical scurry into the theme of “not knowing what happens behind closed doors,” it quickly turns its heel into a more interesting and thrilling social commentary on how powerful people can get away with anything.
‘I Came By’ Quickly Becomes Unpredictable
I Came By opens up in Toby’s (George MacKay, known for his role in 1917) POV, a socially conscious graffiti artist who leaves his tag of “I Came By” in the houses of the elite. We can deduce that the reason for doing so is to make the residents feel like they are still vulnerable to the socioeconomic environment outside, and thus, the private location of these tags becomes ironically notorious in the newspapers. We spend some time watching Toby try to convince his partner, Jay (Percelle Ascott), to do one last mission together, with the target being Hector Blake, a judge renowned for his charitable work with immigrants but condemned by Toby for owning illegal ivory antiques. However, as a soon-to-be father, Jay is trying to clean up his act and refuses (he also believes owning ivory isn’t a despicable enough of an act for him to potentially endanger his life), leaving Toby to creep into Hector’s mansion alone, only to discover a terrible secret in the basement.
At this point in the film, we are lulled into a familiar rhythm, probably recognizing the hints that led us to the outrageous plot twist of Don’t Breathe. As such, we immediately recognize Hector as someone we wouldn’t want to mess with, but we aren’t prepared for the first act twist. With Toby squarely placed in the forefront as the main character, we gradually empathize with his crusade for (sometimes petty) social injustice and identify with his contentious relationship with his mother, Lizzie (Kelly MacDonald). So, when he finds a bound and bruised prisoner in Blake’s basement and returns to the house on another night to free him, we wonder how we are not even halfway through the film. I Came By quickly upends any expectations we had for the film, immediately ending Toby’s life with a solid blow to the back of his head. The story continues to twist and turn, diving into unanticipated places and being merciless about who survives and who doesn’t, leaving Hector looming over it all with a murderous gleam in his charitable eyes.
The Realism in ‘I Came By’ Creates a Tense Atmosphere
Though the plot itself is not necessarily believable, there are undercurrents of chilling realism that become striking and effective. Between the pockets of calculating and succinct violence are slower-paced and almost mundane sequences of the reactions of loved ones. As soon as Toby disappears, Lizzie contacts Jay in hopes of discovering his whereabouts, only to resort to visiting the police station. The underrated MacDonald delivers a heartfelt and desperate performance here; her frustration about not being taken seriously and her concern for her son resonate with us. Though she and Toby have a typical teenage-mother relationship, there is still something troubling about watching Lizzie find secret compartments in her son’s drawers, wondering if she ever knew him at all.
Once she does reach the police station, though the acts themselves aren’t particularly realistic, we are met with a timeless story of the public feeling failed by the law. There is a well-worn display of initial police indifference, as Lizzie’s complaints are dutifully filed, but she is immediately dismissed with placating remarks rather than any real concern. Though detective Ella (Franc Ashman) does connect the missing person report to the strange 911 call from Hector’s house, it is the office’s treatment of Lizzie that becomes realistically sullen, offering limited compassion or hope. It is what leads Lizzie to conduct her own investigation, as her resolve deepens and her concern for her son wins over any logical stream of thought. This depicts how a history of social injustice mixed with such callous treatment leads to people operating out of the bounds of legality, and thus resulting in devastating consequences in this particular case.
When Ella does meticulously scour over Hector’s mansion, she incredulously finds no evidence of abduction or murder in Hector’s basement, despite stumbling upon the secret rooms. When she tries to arrest him for having these hidden compartments and accusations, a mere phone call to his dear friend in high places hastily releases him. From having the foresight to sanitize and incinerate all evidence of his crime to being able to use his privilege as a get out of jail for free card, Hector becomes a slimy and unnerving possibility of how wealth can be used. The film becomes a hyperbole about how people in positions of power are able to skirt around the law, even with the public eye trained on them. The fact that his charities revolve around immigration, and his victims of choice are immigrants, is yet another exaggeration of hypocrisy frequently seen in elite circles. Alongside the unbearable tension of watching a realistic police investigation take place is the dramatic reiteration of political and social power that is seen in real life.
Hugh Bonneville Is a Chilling Serial Killer in ‘I Came By’
Of course, none of this could be conveyed if it weren’t for the stellar performance by Bonneville, who steals the show with his daring charisma that fluidly shifts into something more sinister. Bonneville would feel particularly at home in this high-class role after his major role in the Downton Abbey period drama as Robert Crawley. As Robert, he is protective of his family and adheres to tradition, which translates to his role in I Came By, albeit in a twisted way. Hector is naturally fiercely protective of his secrets and his reputation, which allows him to work freely, and on top of this, he embodies the traditional picture of the elite exploiting his resources and the masses for the worse. Beneath his stately grandeur, which Bonneville inherently borrows from his previous character, he also has the opportunity to imbue malevolence into his performance.
Every time he interacts with someone, Hector seems so painfully normal; it is jarring to reconcile him with the depravity he engages with. From news broadcasts where his charming smile and charitable words capture everyone’s attention to his disarming conversations with the police officers, where he manages to placate their suspicions with an innocent eye, there is something markedly winning about Hector. His split in demeanor is particularly highlighted in his monologue when he tries to entrap another asylum seeker. He talks about how his father abandoned him and his mother to pursue a relationship with someone who was an immigrant, starting the story in a charming and wistful way that gradually devolved into an unsettling spite. Undertones of bitter rage and sadism sweep beneath his words, booming throughout the room in a wicked symphony of pomp and psychopathy.
Though it could be said that Bonneville’s acting prowess overshadows the rest of the cast, his dominant presence actually adds to the social exploration of I Came By. Compared to Hector, Toby is reduced to a naive and one-dimensional character, touting the tired personality trait of enacting social justice in order to stifle his own insecurities. However, this adds to the effect of his simplistic and wide-eyed world view, suggesting that though he dealt in kneading out the vulnerabilities of the privileged, he himself didn’t necessarily comprehend just how powerful the world he antagonized was. His tags are suddenly rendered fleeting and obsolete, simply hollow gestures that cannot stand up against the deep roots the elite has in society. As such, with Hector’s shadow domineering over the film, it offers a bleak portrayal of meaningless attempts to alleviate social inequalities.
‘I Came By’ Uses Realism to Highlight Social Injustice
Apart from Bonnevile, the most memorable and distinct aspect of I Came By is its shifting POVs, as each character is out-manoeuvered and expelled by Hector, forcing another character to take the former’s place. The film strips us of the comfort of a “hero” or a “chosen one,” and instead reflects the pitiless reality of how many serial killers manage to evade detection for so long. Characters become disposable in I Came By, though each gets us closer to Hector’s retribution before becoming his next victim. It adds to the chess-like feel of the movie, as strategies and valiant impulses pick away at the impenetrable barrier surrounding Hector, but sacrifices are necessary in the larger raging war against him. So the next protagonist takes up the mantle and uses their own methods to face-off against the culpable judge, accomplishing as much as they can until their inevitable doom (which they don’t expect, since no one really anticipates their own death).
With the protagonist of the film becoming so flexible, it becomes even more damning that Hector remains standing for so long, simply because he has the resources to back his activities and the willingness and capacity to cross lines without facing dire consequences. Realism pours into this aspect of the story as it doesn’t use the narrative devices of “punishing” and “rewarding” certain behaviors and ethics. Instead, it is a bleak outlook on how unfair advantages that are generally out of people’s control chalk up the wins and losses of a battle. Hector has the home advantage, the cash backing him, a vice-like grip on the law and an overarching disdain for human life that allows him to essentially operate with impunity — picking off his trifling enemies one-by-one almost contemptuously. Once again, the film exhibits a dramatic re-enactment of the exploitation of the masses, as they become a replaceable part of an overarching system, with elite figures like Hector pulling the strings.
Social injustice pervades every corner of this deliberately paced film, from the violent outbursts to the tantalizing pressure that continually builds. Even when the three cats try and hunt down the mouse, the tension and stress caves-in around them, unable to infiltrate the suave stronghold of wealth surrounding the mouse. Building in intensity, Anvari finally rewards our patience when the cathartic final act rolls around. Yet however gratifying the ending is, with all the lives lost, we are left with the haunting question of who the real winner here is. Which matters more: taking down the enemy or the losses along the way? As such, I Came By uses distinctive strokes of realism and unpredictability to create a captivating mural of social injustice, further criticizing how privilege becomes the perfect cover.
I Came By
- Release Date
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August 31, 2022
- Runtime
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110 minutes
- Director
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Babak Anvari
- Writers
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Babak Anvari, Namsi Khan
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle earned a co-sign from the brains behind their latest venture!
The Sussexes are no strangers to Netflix productions, and right now, their latest attempt at making another masterpiece with the streaming service is getting all the green light from the author of the book.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s chapter with Netflix began shortly after they exited the United Kingdom in 2020, subsequently striking a five-year deal with the company to create various content.
Author Carley Fortune opened up about working with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the upcoming Netflix adaptation of her bestselling novel, “Meet Me at the Lake.” She revealed on a June 18 episode of Jenna Bush Hager’s “Open Book” podcast that the project is a brainchild of Archewell Productions and Netflix.
Stating that the project is still in development, Fortune noted that a director has been attached to the film and the script is still being revised. Fortune described collaborating with the power couple as a surreal experience that was “just so wild.”
She added that while her team was in the early stages of securing the adaptation, there was an in-depth conversation with Meghan and Archewell executive Tracy Ryerson, stating that she felt they were truly connected with the heart of the story.
The author affirmed that their discussion went beyond romance and focused on the emotional themes woven throughout the novel, including motherhood, grief, mental health, and the deeper meaning behind love stories.
The Author Talks About The Emotional Themes In The Book
In 2023, it became public information that Harry and Meghan had earned the rights to Fortune’s second romance novel for an adaptation at Netflix. Fortune was beyond excited about the collaboration at the time, noting that Fern and Will’s story mean a great deal to her and described the partnership as a perfect fit.
According to a source, the story resonated with the Sussexes because they saw similarities between the book’s themes and aspects of their own lives. The novel captures the life of Fern and Will, two strangers who spend one unforgettable day together in Toronto and promise to reunite at a lakeside resort the following year.
However, when Will finally returns nine years later, Fern is left wondering whether the person she once connected with still exists. Beyond the romance, the story also delves into the more profound emotional aspects, such as mental health and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Fortune said that she has first-hand experience with postpartum OCD, which is why she included it in the book. She explained that romance novels allow readers to engage with difficult topics through stories that still offer hope and emotional payoff.
She admitted that many readers later contacted her to say that they were not aware of what they were suffering from until reading the novel. Fortune added that readers shared with her that the book gave them the confidence to speak to loved ones or seek professional help, as many of the stories in the novel have had a profound effect on their lives.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Reportedly Developing Afghanistan War Film At Netflix
In May, Deadline shared that the couple expanded their Netflix collection with a feature adaptation based on “No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege,” the bestselling military memoir by Major Adam Jowett.
The project tells the story of Easy Company, which is a unit made up of Paratroopers and Royal Irish Rangers that was deployed to Afghanistan’s Helmand province in July 2006 during the war.
Under Jowett’s command, the under-strength unit was assigned to defend the Musa Qala District Center despite being isolated and heavily outnumbered by Taliban forces.
The book is being adapted for Netflix as part of Archewell Productions’ agreement with Netflix and screenwriter Matt Charman, who has previously worked on “Oliver Twist” and “Bridge of Spies.”
The narrative traces Easy Company’s experiences as the soldiers fought through weeks of relentless attacks inside an exposed compound, all while facing the harsh realities of combat with dwindling supplies and ammunition.
Jowett’s memoir portrays both the excitement of war and the heartbreak of commanding men in impossible situations.
The book, which was published in 2019 by Pan Macmillan, has been likened to war classics like “Black Hawk Down” and “The Bridge on the River Kwai” for its emotional and high-stakes narrative.
Harry has personally experienced the deployment twice with active military service, including Helmand Province in Afghanistan, and the project holds special meaning for him.
The film will be produced by Harry and Meghan in partnership with Archewell, to be overseen by scripted content executive Tracy Ryerson.
The Couple Eyes Netflix Takeover With More Scripted And Non-Fiction Projects
PEOPLE revealed in March that Harry and Meghan’s production company is on the quest to build a broader line-up of projects that will extend beyond Netflix in the coming years.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex currently have both scripted and non-fiction content in development with multiple projects moving through different stages.
The new update comes after it was announced on March 23, 2026, that Archewell and Netflix are collaborating on a new scripted series set in the world of polo.
The project is reportedly inspired by the 2024 Netflix docuseries POLO, which is about one of Prince Harry’s longtime interests. The pair seems to still be putting money into stories related to the sport, albeit with a bit of low viewing figures on the documentary.
Archewell’s expanding list comes after a change in its deal with Netflix, which began as a one-year deal covering both films and TV, but has since been expanded to a multiple-year first-look option for both mediums. The development news comes shortly after reports of tension between the Sussexes and the streaming platform.
However, representatives for both Netflix and the couple reportedly denied those claims. The rumor started to spread when Netflix was reported to have been taken aback by Harry and Meghan’s extensively covered Oprah interview in 2021, ahead of their 2022 documentary series “Harry & Meghan.”
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle May Make Some Lifestyle Choices Amid Alleged Financial Trouble
As shared by The Blast a few days ago, it is being rumored that Harry and Meghan could be forced to review and reconsider their high-profile California lifestyle as discussions about long-term financial well-being begin to arise.
The former working royal may reportedly be under growing financial pressures tied to the maintenance costs of their Montecito if they get fewer gigs moving forward.
The Montecito mansion was purchased for $14 million over five years ago and has served as a haven for the royals and their kids since leaving England behind.
According to a royal commentator, Maureen Callahan, the couple have been unable to profit from the public interest invested in their royal background compared to the past few years.
Should this problem persist, Meghan and Harry might reportedly move to a much smaller property in order to save running costs.
Another drastic move on the couple’s part may be the Duchess making a surprising return to acting, as she has signed several media deals and partnerships with companies like Netflix and Spotify.
Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix adaptation be a hit?
Original “SNL” cast member Garrett Morris has reacted to a viral photo of himself with actress Taraji. P. Henson. The image looked ordinary at first glance, with the two stars smiling for the camera. Eagle-eyed users, however, noticed the large bulge in Morris’ pants.
The comedian turned the viral photo into a marketing opportunity, using his signature humor to address the buzz and promote his upcoming memoir.
On June 16, Taraji P. Henson shared a carousel of photos featuring her friends who attended her Broadway debut. Among those included in the photos were Angela Bassett, Anthony Mackie, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen Pompeo, and Garrett Morris.
Soon after the post was uploaded, some of Henson’s 21 million followers reacted to her photo with Morris, which captured a bulge in the 89-year-old comedian’s pants. In it, Morris sat while Henson stood beside him, both wearing beaming smiles while holding hands.
The actress has since removed the photo from the carousel, but not before it spread on social media.
“Is he hiding a weapon in his pants?” one user asked. Another guessed that it was a colostomy bag, while others suggested a bunched-up diaper. “Taraji looks amazing, Garrett is a legend, but can we all be honest for a second? My eyes wandered somewhere else, and now I can’t unsee it. The longer you look, the more questions you start asking,” another person wrote.
A couple of days later, Morris posted a short video on his Instagram to address the online buzz over the bulge in his pants. In the video, the comedian held a hair pick with a microphone held between the prongs.
“Well, hello there. I’m Garrett Morris. It seems I’ve caused quite a stir because of a recent photo where it looks like I have a baby boa constrictor between my legs,” Morris stated. He continued to say that he doesn’t mind the stereotypes associated with Black men. However, he said, “I’m more than a body. I’m a brain, too.”
The “SNL” alum pointed out that throughout his decades-long career, he’s been photographed with many award-winning entertainers, and he never thought he would be upstaged by his p-nis.
Garrett Morris Used The Viral Moment As A Marketing Opportunity
Morris diverted the attention from the photo and talked about his upcoming book. “Since you are all up in my business right now, I want you to be all up in my book,” he said. The upcoming memoir, entitled “Ain’t That a B-tch,” will be released sometime in 2027.
He also took the opportunity to urge his followers to vote. “I hope you’re laughing, but don’t laugh about this. I was here during that civil rights movement. I actually saw Martin Luther King preach about us fighting for our rights,” Morris continued. He concluded the video by reminding users to purchase his book in 2027.
In the caption, Morris wrote, “I see the internet has been busy,” followed by a smirking emoji. “With everybody talking, I figured I’d give you something new to talk about.”
Morris began his career in music and studied at Juilliard and Dillard University. He performed with Harry Belafonte for several years, was part of theater groups, appeared on Broadway, and taught music before being hired by “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels.
In 1975, “SNL” premiered, then titled “NBC’s Saturday Night,” featuring cast members John Belushi, Laraine Newman, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, and Garrett Morris, known collectively as the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” The comedian was initially hired as a writer, but Michaels saw one of the movies he was in and asked him to audition.
Morris was on “SNL” as a writer and cast member until 1980.
Garrett Morris Received Has A Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Following “SNL,” Morris appeared on several shows, such as “The Jeffersons,” “Martin,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” and “2 Broke Girls.” He was also in a few movies, including “The Stuff,” “Coneheads,” and “How High.”
Morris received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024, on his 87th birthday. At the ceremony, he said, “I am so thankful for this day. I have a whole lot of stuff I want to say, but I can’t do it all. But when you see my star, just look at it and smile because all I’ve ever wanted was to bring a little light to the world. I hope I’ve done it.”
Kim Kardashian might be the epitome of cool to her fans, but it’s her relationship with Lewis Hamilton that’s earned her major brownie points at home.
Hamilton, 41, has met Kardashian’s four children — North, 13, Saint, 10, Chicago, 8, and Psalm, 7 — a source exclusively tells Us Weekly, revealing the Formula 1 icon has “spent time with them.”
“Lewis loves kids so it’s been fun for him,” the insider says, referring to Kardashian’s children, whom she shares with ex-husband Kanye West. “The kids think Lewis is really cool, especially Chicago and Saint, who are completely fascinated by the fact that he drives race cars for a living.”
Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian’s connection is growing stronger. “They are going strong and really happy. Lewis is head over heels and those closest to him believe he has finally met his match,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “He has waited over a decade for his dream girl and is crazy about her.” The […]
Meanwhile, the Kardashians star’s friendship-turned-romance with Hamilton continues to heat up. She recently went to cheer on the racer with sister Khloé Kardashian during the Monaco Grand Prix on June 6.
“Kim jokes that having Lewis around has officially made her the ‘cool mom’ in their eyes,” the insider tells Us.
Kim Kardashian with daughter Chicago and son Psalm. Courtesy of Kim Kardashian/Instagram
Kim, 45, and Hamilton have known each other for more than a decade. The pair famously posed for photos together at 2014’s GQ Men of the Year ceremony when Hamilton was dating Nicole Scherzinger and Kim was married to West, 49. (Hamilton and Scherzinger, 47, split in 2015 after dating on and off for seven years. As for Kim and West the former couple divorced in 2021 after six years of marriage.)
Earlier this year, Kim sparked romance rumors with Hamilton after the duo were spotted together at Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire, England, on January 31, after previously attending Kate Hudson’s New Year’s Eve party separately in Aspen, Colorado.
They were later spotted checking into a Paris hotel in early February, adding fuel to the fire. At the time, a source exclusively told Us that Kim and Hamilton had been on “a few dates recently” but were keeping things “casual.”
Kim Kardashian’s kids tagged along on mom’s trip to Tokyo with her casual date, Lewis Hamilton. An eyewitness told Us Weekly on Monday, March 23, that three of Kardashian’s children — Saint, 10, Chicago, 9, and Psalm, 8 — were spotted out and about in Tokyo. It is unclear if Kardashian’s eldest daughter, North, also […]
Kim has since made her relationship with Hamilton Instagram official earlier this month, including him in a photo dump posted on June 1. In one slide, the couple enjoyed a playful bike ride together.
“They are very serious now and it’s going well,” the first source exclusively tells Us.
Lewis Hamilton, Kim Kardashian. Courtesy of Kim Kardashian/Instagram
The Skims cofounder has been “spending her downtime in between shoots traveling to where Lewis is working,” the insider shares, noting that Kim “enjoys the thrill of the race life and thinks it’s so fun.”
The couple spend “as much time together as possible while they both manage extremely busy careers,” the source says, explaining there are “a lot of Facetime calls and it’s working for them so far.”
The Kardashians are celebrating Kim Kardashian’s boyfriend Lewis Hamilton’s first Formula 1 victory for Ferrari. After claiming the win at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in Montmeló on Sunday, June 14, the race car driver’s girlfriend, 45, took to her Instagram Stories to share a photo of her man being cheered on by his team. She […]
Even with their busy schedules, Kim and her new flame have the support of their inner circle — especially her family. “Everyone in the Kardashian/Jenner family loves them together. Kim seems really happy,” the insider adds.
Us Weekly has reached out to Kardashian and Hamilton’s reps for comment.
Oliver Tree’s sudden death in a helicopter crash has left fans searching for answers and loved ones grappling with an unimaginable loss.
As tributes continue pouring in for the singer, some of the most heartbreaking messages have come from those who knew him best.
Days after the tragedy in Brazil, Tree’s mother shared an emotional farewell to her son, while his girlfriend opened up about their private relationship, their adventures around the world, and the painful reality of mourning the man she called her partner and best friend.
Oliver Tree’s mother, Christine Begin Nickell, broke her silence this week with a touching message honoring her late son.
The grieving mom posted a childhood photo of the 32-year-old on Facebook and reflected on the legacy he left behind after his death in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place. We are so proud of you. RIP,” Nickell wrote.
Tree was among six people killed in the crash early Sunday. Also killed were YouTube personality Gaspar “Gaspi” Prim, director and screenwriter Lucas Vignale, music producer Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Charles Marsillac and Alexandre Souza.
Tree’s Girlfriend Pleads For Privacy
Oliver Tree’s longtime girlfriend Fiona Chernavskaya also shared an emotional statement as she processed the devastating loss.
Taking to Instagram Stories, she thanked supporters who had reached out with messages of comfort.
“I appreciate every ounce of support at this time,” Chernavskaya wrote per the Daily Mail, adding, “There are so many who have been affected by his passing, please show them love too.”
She also addressed speculation surrounding her relationship with the late singer and urged the public to respect her privacy. “Please have some respect for my privacy, we kept our relationship very intimate,” she said.
Chernavskaya firmly pushed back against online gossip involving Tree’s personal life, noting, “What I really don’t need is to see gossip about other women that Oliver may have been seeing, we were monogamous.”
“Right now I’m mourning my partner and best friend, anything else is unimportant. Please have some respect,” she added.
Oliver Tree’s Partner Reflects On Their Life Together
In another emotional post, Chernavskaya reflected on the adventures they shared during their relationship.
“To my best friend, we traveled to 43 countries, and all 7 continents together,” she began.
She described the impact Tree had on her life and countless others, noting that it would never be forgotten or replaced.
One of the most emotional parts of her tribute recalled conversations they had during difficult moments.
“You’d always tell me when we argued, if things don’t work out in this lifetime, you will find me in the next. I love you buggy,” Chernavskaya recounted.
The touching message quickly resonated with fans, many of whom had never previously seen the intensely private side of Tree’s personal life.
Tree Was Still Planning Future Performances Before The Crash
Oliver Tree remained professionally active until the very end. His final concert took place on June 6 in São Paulo, Brazil, just weeks before the fatal crash. He had also been scheduled to perform in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 1.
Despite his eccentric public image, Tree continued promoting his latest project, “Love You Madly Hate You Badly,” throughout the spring.
One of his final major interviews came on April 24 during an appearance on “The Zach Sang Show,” where he arrived dressed in a Shrek costume.
During the conversation, Tree spoke candidly about money, fame, and what he wanted to happen after his death. Rather than focusing on inheritance, he revealed that he had structured his affairs very differently.
“I don’t believe that any of the wealth or the things that get made from it is mine,” he said.
He continued, “And so when I die, set it up, my will is set up that when I pass, my family, no one’s gonna get a penny; if I have a wife or kids or anything, [they’re] not getting a f-cking penny.”
Although Tree never married and had no children, he explained that he did not want future generations growing up dependent on his success.
Oliver Tree Wanted His Legacy To Support Future Artists
One of the most revealing parts of Tree’s final interview centered on the legacy he hoped to leave behind. While discussing wealth and inheritance, he explained that his long-term vision was to funnel his earnings back into the creative community.
“I’ll get my kids through college, that’s the agreement, but they’re not going to be a silver spoon. They’re taken care of ‘because my dad worked on some stuff in the 2000s,’” he shared.
Instead, Tree revealed that he had already established a foundation called Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses, which would use proceeds from his work to support artists.
“The idea is when I die, all the money’s gonna go back to artists,” Tree said. He explained that the organization would be funded largely through ongoing royalties generated by his music and artistic catalog.
Tree also acknowledged the often-observed reality that appreciation for artists frequently grows after their deaths.
“People will finally appreciate my stupid f*cking videos, my f*cking stupid songs – that’s when people appreciate you when you’re not there anymore,” he stated.
Despite that observation, he remained focused on the future of his art and its potential impact.
In his words, “Anyways, they might not, doesn’t even make a difference … the art will continue to make money no matter what.”
After acquiring the iconic spy franchise for an eye-watering $1 billion, Amazon’s James Bond era is beginning to take shape. Although we are still far from seeing a new 007 mission take to the big screen, the hunt for the new Bond is officially underway, with casting director Nina Gold previously confirming that Amazon is looking for a young actor who “oozes sex appeal” to take on the role. Whoever they are — with Callum Turner the current favorite – they will be in safe hands, under the directorial eye of the great Denis Villeneuve and with a script from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
But Bond isn’t the only beloved franchise getting the Prime Video treatment, even if the next iteration of the super spy will likely be in theaters. Tomb Raider, the video game franchise that has shipped over 100 million units since its debut in 1996, is getting yet another adaptation, with Game of Thrones favorite Sophie Turner taking over as the iconic Lara Croft. She will be joined in an exciting cast by the likes of Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, and more, with Fleabag‘s Phoebe Waller-Bridge taking on the role of creator, writer, and co-showrunner. Turner will be stepping into the footsteps of, most famously, Angelina Jolie, although this wasn’t the last actress to don the tactical gear.
In 2018, Alicia Vikander, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of portrait painter Gerda Wegener in The Danish Girl, took on the role in a significantly grittier retelling of the classic video game. Now considered one of the most underrated video game adaptations ever, Tomb Raider earned mixed reviews from critics. Collider’s Matt Goldberg offering a scathing review, which called the film a “morose, bland adventure movie that simply falls into the ever-growing pile of bad film adaptations of video games.” Thankfully, time has been kind to the film, with it currently one of the ten most-streamed movies on HBO Max in the U.S. The film also stars Walton Goggins, who should be a familiar face for video game fans thanks to another adaptation, Fallout, which is gearing up for its third season.
Was ‘Tomb Raider’ a Hit in Theaters?
Sure, the movie failed to prove a hit with critics, but could it find success in theaters? Against a production budget of $90 million, Tomb Raider earned an impressive global haul of $275 million, split between $58 million in domestic revenue and a further $217 million from overseas markets. The film wasn’t one of the highest-grossing of 2018, but its success was undeniable, and it leaves the franchise in a great place heading into its latest reboot.
Tomb Raider is streaming now on HBO Max. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.
- Release Date
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March 16, 2018
- Runtime
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118 minutes
- Director
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Roar Uthaug
- Writers
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Alastair Siddons, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Evan Daugherty
- Producers
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Graham King
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If you want to look rich, leopard print never fails. Just take it from Nicky Hilton, easily the epitome of old-money style. Hilton’s leopard-print dress style is this year’s (unofficial) rich mom uniform, and we found the expensive look on for just $30!
Hilton wore a flowy maxi dress that gave off her signature polished vibe. We don’t know where she was going, but wherever it was, she was undoubtedly the most stylish person there. The trick is her leopard-print dress look, which reads expensive (even when it isn’t).
Get the Oyoangle Leopard-Print Maxi Dress for $30 (was $37) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
This Oyoangle Leopard-Print Maxi Dress appears incredibly similar to Hilton’s, complete with a V-neckline, a cinched waist and ruffled cap sleeves that gracefully cover the upper arms (you know, the area you don’t want to spotlight).
Summer style can lean into skimpy, belly-baring outfits or loose and flowy fits. The former isn’t for everyone, so if you prefer styles that are a little more covered up, we got you covered (literally). The chicest loose dresses are also tummy-hiding, so you’ll feel your best from the grocery store to the park. Just […]
Better yet, the A-line skirt skims over your hips and floats as you walk, and the stretchy fabric drapes without squeezing. Made with buttery-soft material, this dress feels more like loungewear than a Hamptons-coded outfit. Talk about a box-checker!
One happy shopper highlighted the slimming shape and wrote, “The center section has a more fitted design that nicely accentuates curves while the rest of the dress flows comfortably for an easy, relaxed look.”
Throw on this billowy maxi with flat sandals for summer school pickups, or dress it up with gold hoops and a tote for dinner. If you’re like Us, you’ll pack it for your next vacation and wear it every day of the week.
Nicky Hilton’s wealthy energy shouldn’t be this easy to copy, but here we are. Considering how often you’ll wear it, this luxe-looking dress is basically free. Sizes are selling out, so run!
Get the Oyoangle Leopard-Print Maxi Dress for $30 (was $37) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more summer dresses and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
You don’t need an East Coast summer house to recreate the aesthetic. New England rich moms are top-tier polished — essential for country club luncheons, boarding school drop-offs and weekends in the Hamptons. Their classy staples carry them through, and we found 17 luxe-looking pieces that could pass as something from their closet. Whether you’re […]
Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll may have called it quits, but that doesn’t mean their baby plans are also over.
In the Thursday, June 18, episode of her “Dumb Blonde” podcast, Bunnie, 46, revealed that the exes are planning to continue their fertility journey with the aim to start a family — despite going their separate ways as a couple.
“You guys are going to be shocked to hear this but we’re still having a baby,” Bunnie said on the podcast.
Before filing for divorce after 10 years of marriage, Bunnie and Jelly Roll had embarked on an emotionally and physically grueling IVF journey in attempts to welcome a child together.
Acknowledging that she and Jelly Roll are being “unconventional,” Bunnie further explained that they both are unwilling to give up the dream of a baby.
“We’re still having a baby together, we’re going to coparent together,” Bunnie continued. “I’m so excited to live my life through a child’s eyes, which is why, with this baby journey, I’m not going to let it break me. And I’m not going to detour it. J has been so great about us still having a baby together and he wants the same thing.”
Bunnie continued, “We’re just going to raise little Nugget as one big happy family.”
Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
In the past, Bunnie has been candid about the difficulties of going through IVF, and opened up again on Thursday’s podcast.
“It completely wrecked me. It wrecked me emotionally, spiritually, physically,” she admitted.
“It was so hard on me that for the past year-and-a-half, I became a shell of the person I was because I’m doing these IVF journeys.”
Bunnie also spoke openly about the pregnancy losses she and Jelly Roll suffered along the way.
“J and I have lost four embryos. We’ve had three transfers but we lost the two twins that we were going to try to have and then we lost the other two,” she said, describing the experience as “gutwrenching” and “so heartbreaking.”
Later in the podcast, Bunnie described Jelly Roll as her “best friend.” Bunnie said things between them just fell apart after they “served our purpose for each other” and claimed no infidelity caused the divorce.
For his part, Jelly Roll broke his silence on the pair’s marriage breakdown, also insisting their relationship is still amicable.
“Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends. We just got off the phone earlier today,” he said on stage in New York on Thursday. “Nobody cheated on nobody. She just did a whole podcast about it. You can go watch it. Every word of it is the truth.”
Earlier this week, Us Weekly confirmed that Jelly Roll quietly filed for divorce from Bunnie back in May.
According to court documents obtained by Us, the country singer cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split, adding that the “parties are unable to live together successfully as Husband and Wife” any longer.
Jelly Roll is a father of two through previous relationships. The Grammy nominee shares daughter Bailee with ex-girlfriend Felicia Beckwith and son Noah Buddy, 9, with ex Melisa Ann Cowell. (During their marriage, Jelly Roll and Bunnie had primary custody of Bailee when she was a minor.)
Jelly Roll has broken his silence on his divorce from Bunnie Xo after nearly 10 years of marriage.
Speaking on stage, Jelly Roll, 41, publicly addressed his split from Bunnie, 46, at his Saratoga Springs, New York tour leg on Thursday, June 18.
“I wasn’t going to talk about this tonight, but while we’re talking about liars… the internet is a liar,” Jelly Roll said in footage shared via his Instagram. “It’s the only time and the only city I’m going to speak about this so break your camera phones out now.”
The singer used the opportunity to clear up speculation surrounding their split, insisting the former couple are still amicable.
“Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends. We just got off the phone earlier today,” he said.
Bunnie Xo made some cryptic Instagram posts hours before news broke that her husband Jelly Roll filed for divorce. On Monday, June 15, Bunnie (real name: Alisa DeFord) posed in lingerie for her Instagram Story and included the intriguing caption, “She’s getting her sparkle back.” In a separate Story, she shared the quote, “Come here, […]
“Nobody cheated on nobody. She just did a whole podcast about it. You can go watch it. Every word of it is the truth,” Jelly Roll added, referencing the Thursday episode of her “Dumb Blondes” podcast, where Bunnie denied rumors of a romance with Chad Kroeger.
“That will be my best friend forever. This is the only time I will ever speak about it,” Jelly Roll continued.
The country star ended with a message for Bunnie directly, thanking her for the time they spent together.
“Bunnie, I love you baby. Thank you for those 10 years. They were incredible. Thank you for the next 10 years of friendship and 20 beyond that,” he said.
Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) quietly filed for divorce from Bunnie (real name Alyssa DeFord) in Tennessee on May 18, Us Weekly confirmed on Monday, June 15.
Us reached out to reps for both stars for comment.
Hours before news of the split broke, Bunnie posed in pink lingerie in a photo shared via her Instagram Story, adding the caption, “She’s getting her sparkle back.” The podcaster also shared a video of herself lip-synching to Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me,” a song allegedly based on a toxic relationship.
Months before the split news, Bunnie clapped back at rumors of marital trouble.
“Someone said the other day, ‘They used to always be together, and now you never see them together,’” Bunnie said on her “Dumb Blonde” podcast in October 2025. “I’m like, ‘Do you guys not know that for the past six months [that] I’ve been trying to make a baby?’” (Jelly Roll and his now-estranged wife have been open about their IVF and surrogacy journey.)
She continued, “My husband has to work to f***ing bring home the bacon. Luckily, I get the luxury of working from home. He doesn’t. He has to make appearances, but I literally have been on IVF meds for f***ing six months and going through heartbreak and f***ing so much s***.”
Jelly Roll met Bunnie at one of his concerts in Las Vegas in 2015. The pair tied the knot in the city’s famous Little White Wedding Chapel in August 2016.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo‘s divorce comes as a shock to many — but there were clues about their split leading up to the news. The pair got married in 2016 before Jelly Roll became a household name. Amid his rise to stardom, Bunnie supported Jelly Roll as he used his platform to candidly address […]
The same month that Jelly Roll tied the knot with Bunnie, he welcomed son Noah Buddy with ex Melisa Ann Cowell. (The country singer’s daughter, Bailee Ann, whom he shares with ex Felicia Beckwith, was born during his incarceration for a drug dealing offense in 2008.)
Jelly Roll and Bunnie have been open about the ups and downs in their relationship. In October 2025, the “Save Me” singer got candid about cheating on Bunnie during their marriage.
“One of the worst moments of my adulthood was when I had an affair on my wife,” he said on the “Human School” podcast. “Because it was the first time that I was like, ‘I really can’t get this right at all. I know I’m in love with this woman.’ It just really, really, really blew me back. … I wish our story would’ve went in the way that it never had an affair. I’m proud of who we are today. I truly am.”
Bunnie also opened up about the cheating scandal in her February memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic, and exclusively told Us at the time that it was difficult to move past his “betrayal.”
“I don’t think anybody can just snap out of it. It is a process. You’re literally grieving and you’re heartbroken but you’re still in love with this person. Even though the affair is a part of the book, it’s not our story,” she shared. “It’s literally what catapulted us into who we are today and I think that readers need to definitely consume it, chew on it and think about it. But they also see what we’ve made from that entire situation. It completely changed who we are as humans and how we looked at love.”
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Demi Moore‘s latest “glass hair” look at the premiere of La Vie D’Une Femme during the Cannes Film Festival exuded a regal polish that even we can’t stop thinking about. Kerastase Anti-Frizz Hair Oil is the secret, and it’s one of many Hollywood hair secrets that you can actually shop on Amazon for less than you think.
Celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos used the shine-boosting oil to give Moore’s signature long brunette hair that ultra-reflective, frizz-free finish that looked almost like liquid under the light. Weightless yet intensely smoothing, the formula helps to tame flyaways, soften dry ends and leave hair with that expensive-looking sheen without making it feel greasy.
Get the Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil for $39 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
The formula is a go-to for stylists thanks to its lightweight texture. Instead of sitting on top of the hair or making roots appear oily, the serum-like oil penetrates strands to add movement while keeping flyaways under control. A few drops instantly help soften frizz, tame static and make hair look healthier and more polished, even if it’s been heat styled, color treated or exposed to humidity.
Part of what gives the formula its glossy, smoothing effect is its blend of nourishing oils and conditioning ingredients that coat the hair without leaving behind a sticky residue. It’s infused with wild rose in oil, an ingredient known for helping boost softness and shine while giving hair that silky, light-reflective finish. It also contains moisturizing agents that help smooth the appearance of rough, dry cuticles.
To use, work through damp hair before blow drying for a smoother finish, or apply to dry hair after styling to add shine and definition, especially through the mid-lengths and ends.
One reviewer with “dry and frizzy” hair called the formula “magical” and not “heavy and greasy like other oils.”
If Moore’s Cannes hair moment is on your mood board, the Kerastase Anti-Frizz Hair Oil will help you get one step closer to achieving it!
Get the Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil for $39 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Emily Blunt’s sleek Hollywood curls for The Devil Wears Prada 2 London premiere were crafted with precision and polish. According to celebrity hairstylist Laini Reeves, the secret behind the 43-year-old actress’ glossy, defined waves was Tresemmé Bonding Oil. The lightweight treatment is designed to smooth, strengthen and add mirror-like shine without weighing hair down. “For […]
In the early days of animation, it was limited to theater shorts with the odd animated film during the early years of the 20th century, until the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 made it a staple of cinema. It took a while for animation to jump to television, but thanks to revolutionary cost-saving techniques developed by Hanna-Barbera, the door was opened. Today, animated TV shows are available on numerous streaming platforms, and are as varied and creative as there are animation studios.
This list is more of an excuse to shine a spotlight on a few animated shows. Some are well known by the general public, while others are more overlooked. Regardless, they’re a fun time, and if you haven’t seen them yet, they might be worth a look.
10
‘Green Eggs and Ham’ (2019–2022)
Guy-Am-I (Michael Douglas) is a struggling inventor who, after one failed invention too many, decides to give up on his dreams and move to Meepville to get a job watching paint dry. He crosses paths with the optimistic Sam-I-Am (Adam DeVine), who has sprung a rare Chickeraffe (Dee Bradly Baker) from the local zoo, with intentions of releasing it into the wild. However, a selfish businessman named Mr. Snerz (Eddie Izzard) also wants the Chickeraffe, and Sam and Guy find themselves pursued by agents from an organization called The Bad Guys.
Green Eggs and Ham might be the best adaptation of the works of Dr. Seuss since the iconic How the Grinch Stole Christmas cartoon featuring Boris Karloff. While it does expand the story into a road trip comedy, the jokes are hilarious and chock-full of references to other Seuss stories, the animation is vibrant and expressive, and the characters are fully realized. Plus, it’s got Keegan-Michael Key as the voice of the fourth-wall-breaking narrator who says all of his dialogue in rhymes, and yes, it’s as funny as it sounds.
9
‘Shadow Raiders’ (1998–1999)
After the destruction of her homeworld by the Beast Planet, Princess Tekla (Donna Yamamoto) arrives in the Cluster system, made up of the planets of Rock, Ice, Fire, and Bone, who raid one another for resources. During one such raid by Rock on Ice, Tekla meets a miner named Graveheart (Paul Dobson) and the leader of Ice, King Cryos (Mark Oliver), and warns them that the Beast Planet is coming to destroy their worlds as well. Thus, they ally and work to convince the other members of the Cluster to join them, while also fighting agents of the Beast Planet acting as its vanguard.
Shadow Raiders only lasted two seasons, but it stands out as one of the best and most underrated early CGI shows, even if time hasn’t been the kindest to the animation. The writing is stellar, focusing on the difficulties that come with maintaining such a large alliance between former enemies and well-realized characters who each get moments of growth and fantastic relationships with one another. Then there is the Beast Planet itself—a cosmic horror that consumes anything in its path, serving as an inevitable doom that our heroes can only seem to delay, but never defeat.
8
‘Inside Job’ (2021–2022)
Unknown to humanity at large, every major conspiracy theory is true, and a cabal of shadow governments, including The Illuminati and Reptile People, control the world. One of these organizations, Cognito, Inc., is based in the United States of America, and is tasked with ensuring that the public doesn’t become aware of the shadow governments’ affairs. Their main team is led by the brilliant but socially awkward Dr. Reagan Ridley (Lizzy Caplan), daughter of Cognito’s co-founder and former CEO, Randall (Christian Slater), and Brett Hand (Clark Duke), a friendly but overall average guy.
Inside Job became one of many shows canceled before its time, but what we got is honestly some of the funniest writing to come out of recent animated shows. Its style of humor is based on dysfunctional office comedies spliced with fast-paced slapstick and clever jokes and situations based around various different kinds of conspiracies. It also helps that the characters stand out so well, especially Reagan, thanks to her genius intellect, awkwardness outside of her lab, and the complicated relationship she has with her parents.
7
‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022–Present)
In the fantasy world of Exandria, the kingdom of Tal’Dore finds itself beset by an unknown threat that killed off most of its greatest heroes. Thus, the kingdom must turn to Vox Machina, consisting of the strong but simple half-giant Grog Strongjaw (Travis Willingham), the exiled human noble Percival de Rolo (Taliesin Jaffe), survivalist half-elf twins Vex’alia (Laura Bailey) and Vax’ildan (Liam O’Brien), half-elf druid-in-training Keyleth (Marisha Ray), gnome cleric of the Everlight Pike Trickfoot (Ashley Johnson), and horny gnome bard Scanlan Shorthalt (Sam Reigel). Sure, they might be a handful of emotional screw-ups who barely function as a team, but when the chips are down, they rise to the occasion and discover that they have the makings of heroes after all.
The Legend of Vox Machina is an adaptation of the popular Dungeons & Dragons live-play by Critical Role, with a few liberties taken to make it flow better as a TV show. It combines all the epic set pieces of high fantasy quest stories with raunchy jokes, gruesome violence, and strong character dynamics and developments. Plus, it also has some of the best-looking dragon designs in television, with the best example being Thordak (Lance Reddick), a red dragon who looks like the Devil himself has come to burn the world in Hellfire.
6
‘The Mighty Nein’ (2025–Present)
On the continent of Wildmount to the East of Tal’Dore, the human-dominant Dwendalian Empire and the dark elf-dominant Kryn Dynasty stand on the precipice of war when the Kryn’s holy Luxon beacon is stolen. Beauregard Lionett (Marisha Ray), a human member of detective monks called the Cobalt Soul, investigates the theft of the Luxon and learns that it is connected to Trent Ikithon (Mark Strong), the Archmage of Civil Influence to King Dwendal (Graham McTavish). In time, she crosses paths with unlikely individuals: disheveled human wizard Caleb Willowgast (Liam O’Brien); cleptomaniac and alcoholic goblin Not the Brave (Sam Reigel); half-orc sailor turned warlock Fjord Stone (Travis Willingham); hyperactive tiefling Cleric Jester Lavorre (Laura Bailey); theatrical fortune-telling tiefling Mollymauk Tealeaf (Taliesin Jaffe); and feared aasimar barbarian Yasha Nydoorin (Ashleey Johnson).
The Mighty Nein benefits from having hour-long episodes compared to the half-hour ones for The Legend of Vox Machina, allowing more time to be dedicated towards the story and characters. As a result, there’s a lot more development in its first season in comparison to the predecessor series, while the story is more akin to Game of Thrones, with complex politics and greater flaws for its protagonists compared to Vox Machina. Trent Ikithon also comes out strong as the primary antagonist thanks to Strong’s chilling performance and his brutal but effective methods of getting what he wants.
5
‘The Venture Bros’ (2003–2018)
In his youth, Dr. Thaddeus “Rusty” Venture (James Urbaniak) was a boy adventurer forced to travel the world with his super scientist father, Dr. Jonas Venture (Paul Boocock), which left him emotionally stunted and desperate for recognition. After Jonas died, Rusty took over his company, Venture Industries, and had twin boys named Hank (Chris McCulloch) and Dean (Michael Sinterniklaas). Rusty and his family still go on adventures and frequently clash with a butterfly villain named The Monarch (Chris McCulloch), but fortunately, they are protected by their hyper-competent and violent bodyguard, Brock Sampson (Patrick Warburton).
The Venture Bros was known for large gaps between seasons, which the writers used to produce the best product they could. The result is a beautiful love letter and hilarious satire of classic superhero and adventure stories, especially Johnny Quest. Between its jokes that explore things like the bureaucracy of a guild of supervillains, there’s a long, continuous storyline that explores Rusty dealing with the trauma left by his father, trying to do better for his sons despite his failings, and numerous mysteries revolving around The Monarch’s backstory and Jonas’ shady past.
4
‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)
Half-brothers Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Greg (Collin Dean) find themselves lost in a mysterious forest called the Unknown, which is full of strange magic and mysterious locations that feel lost in time. Alongside Greg’s pet frog (Jack Jones) and a talking bluebird named Beatrice (Melanie Lynskey), the boys try to find their way back home and encounter a wide cast of colorful characters. They frequently cross paths with a cryptic Woodsman (Christopher Lloyd), who warns them about The Beast (Samuel Ramey), a dark force in the woods that pursues lost souls.
Over the Garden Wall packs a ton of content into its ten 11-minute episodes, and creates one of the most immersive worlds of any Cartoon Network show. The Unknown is an amalgamation of fairy tale and folkloric tropes with an aesthetic that pays homage to the Golden Age of Animation, creating a world that feels both familiar and alien, with magic that ranges from whimsical to nightmarish. It’s also a fantastic show to rewatch once you know the story, as every character and local is brimming with symbolism and foreshadowing regarding the overall themes and the progression of each character.
3
‘Adventure Time’ (2010–2018)
Finn the Human (Jeremy Shada) is a young boy living in the magical land of Ooo with his adoptive brother, Jake (John DiMaggio), a shapeshifting dog. Together, they go on various quests to fight monsters, loot treasure, and protect the numerous princesses from villains like the Ice King (Tom Kenny). Some of their other friends include their robot roommate BMO (Niki Yang), Jake’s girlfriend Lady Rainicorn (Niki Yang), Princess Bubblegum (Hynden Walch) of the Candy Kingdom, and the Vampire Queen, Marceline (Olivia Olson).
Adventure Time is one of those beautiful shows that grew up with its audience. Its early seasons feel like Dungeons & Dragons sessions, with plenty of adventure, action, and fun, but things gradually shift towards more emotional stories with lots of existential themes regarding the meaning of life, losing the people we love the most, and the difficulties of growing up. It even got spinoffs that continued to age alongside its fans, but there is a magic to the original, one-of-a-kind animated show that just can’t be replicated.
2
‘Gargoyles’ (1994–1997)
In the year 994 AC, a clan of gargoyles led by Goliath (Keith David) defends a Scottish castle from Viking invaders, only to be betrayed and have most of their members killed. A magic spell traps Goliath, four other gargoyles, and a gargoyle beast in a stone sleep until the castle rises above the clouds, which is broken is fulfilled in 1994 when a billionaire named David Xanatos (Jonathan Frakes) transports their castle atop his New York City skyscraper. He soon proves to be untrustworthy, so Goliath and his clan instead ally with NYPD Detective Elisa Maza (Salli Richardson) to protect the city from threats both mundane and magical in nature.
Gargoyles is, bar none, the best animated television show to come from Disney. It balanced action and adventure with rich worldbuilding with thousands of years’ worth of magical history and complex character arcs ripe with melodrama and introspection. Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation will also get a kick out of just how many actors are in both shows, such as Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, and Marina Sirtis.
1
‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)
BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett) is a washed-up, depressed, alcoholic actor who peaked in the 1990s and is desperate to get back into the public eye. He decides to publish a biography, but when he can’t make progress, he is assigned Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie) as a ghostwriter. In between chapters, BoJack also gets into frequent adventures fueled by recklessness and depression, which tend to involve his roommate Todd (Aaron Paul), his agent and former girlfriend Princess Carolin (Amy Sedaris), and his optimistic former rival, Mr. Peanutbutter (Paul F. Tompkins).
BoJack Horseman had a rocky first season, but once it found its footing, it quickly became one of the greatest animated shows ever made. The show contrasts a world full of colorful anthropomorphic animals living alongside humans with a dark, unapologetic look at the corruption in Hollywood and the lingering effects of trauma, and that’s only scratching the surface of how dark the show can get. Tying it all together is BoJack himself, who struggles constantly with trying to be a good person despite his hard life, but finds that moving on from trauma and fixing one’s life is much harder than it looks in movies.
BoJack Horseman
- Release Date
-
2014 – 2020-00-00
- Network
-
Netflix
- Showrunner
-
Raphael Bob-Waksberg
- Directors
-
Amy Winfrey, JC Gonzalez, Adam Parton, Joel Moser, Martin Cendreda, Peter Merryman, Matt Mariska, Mike Roberts, Mollie Helms, Tim Rauch
-
BoJack Horseman / BoBo the Angsty Zebra (voice)
-
Todd Chavez / Emperor Fingerface (voice)
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