There’s a reason why audiences flock to action thrillers. They’re so much fun to watch, with exciting plots and hair-raising twists and turns. One of the best action films of the 1990s was The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford. It had an impressive pedigree for an action flick — not only becoming a box-office smash, but also earning seven Oscar nominations. In the same vein, 2020’s Extraction, with Chris Hemsworth, echoes The Fugitive‘s high-octane energy. If you’re a fan of either of these movies, or if you just need a fantastic new series to binge, Apple TV’s 10-episode series will definitely fit the bill.

What Is ‘The Last Frontier’ About?

The Last Frontier comes from executive producer Sam Hargrave, who also directed Extraction, and debuted on the streamer last October. The story follows U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick (Jason Clarke), located in the snowy outskirts of Fairbanks, Alaska. In the opening moments of the series, many dangerous inmates are loaded onto a prison transport airplane. Soon after, the plane crashes, and some of the survivors go on the run through the freezing and unforgiving terrain.

It becomes Frank’s responsibility to recapture as many inmates as he can while limiting the danger to the people living in nearby areas. This turns out to be no easy task, as Frank and his team come face-to-face with some of the most brutal criminals ever. Frank’s job becomes even more challenging when an enigmatic CIA agent named Sidney Scofield (Haley Bennett) also comes to town. Turns out there was a CIA asset named Havlock (Dominic Cooper) who survived the plane crash, and Sidney asks for Frank’s help in locating him. As their journeys become intertwined, we learn more about both Frank’s and Sidney’s backstories, as well as find out the histories of some of the fugitives who are on the loose.

‘The Last Frontier’ Is a Fun, Heart-Racing Distraction

The main reason The Last Frontier is so entertaining to watch is that it’s such a great distraction from reality. The cinematography allows Alaska to become another character in the series, always reminding the viewer of the perils of the frigid landscape. There are a lot of elements that can kill characters, even without murderous convicts on the lam. Aside from the picturesque scenery, The Last Frontier offers impressive special effects (especially that plane crash scene) that are on par with anything you would see on the big screen. The series also excels when it comes to fight sequences, which feel utterly believable, and you’ll likely find yourself holding your breath while they play out. The episodes are also filled with intriguing mysteries, especially as you learn more about why Sidney is so desperate to capture Havlock. The story’s twists ensure that the high-stakes action is always incredibly fun to watch.

A lot of The Last Frontier‘s success is due to Clarke’s performance as a hardened protagonist who isn’t afraid to break some laws if it means catching the bad guys. Even as the ultimate action hero, Clarke shines when it comes to his quieter scenes with Bennett and Simone Kessell, who plays Frank’s beleaguered wife. There are several standouts when it comes to the actors who depict the fugitives. Damian Young, Clifton Collins Jr., Rusty Schwimmer, and Johnny Knoxville all use their short time on screen to maximum effect. Alfre Woodard and John Slattery also pop up as colleagues of Sidney’s who just might be hiding some secrets that will affect Havlock’s recapture.

The Last Frontier seemed to be a hit with fans, but was surprisingly cancelled after its first season. The series has continued to do well on the streaming charts, which makes its cancellation even more disappointing. However, with just 10 episodes, the series is still a quick binge-watch worth your time.

Filmmaking as an art form has the unique ability to transport audiences into the perspective and examination of its characters through a powerful mixture of performance and visual storytelling. Psychological thrillers take these concepts a step further, not only by delving into darker and more bleak concepts, but also by stirring up feelings of anxiety and tension that leave audiences in a state of shock.

The final moments can play a major part in this, delivering the final bit of shock that will sit with audiences and define the film. A psychological thriller has more expectations placed upon its ending compared to a traditional thriller, as they largely have to tie into the themes and symbolic weight that have been building throughout. An exceptionally shocking ending can make all of the difference in terms of transforming a relatively beloved psychological thriller into an all-time great of the genre.

‘Prisoners’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros.

A ruthlessly bleak and destructive psychological thriller from director Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners goes all out in terms of fleshing out the spiraling depression felt by its characters in the wake of a kidnapping. As the mystery spirals out of control, the tension reaches an absolute high once its secrets are fully revealed. In the final moments, even after most things have been resolved and the villain has been stopped, Prisoners finds a way to leave an impact with the faint blowing of a whistle.

To setup this masterclass in suspense, the final moments of the film see Jake Gyllenhaal‘s Detective Loki examining the home of the culprit, with Hugh Jackman‘s character, Keller Dover, still missing even after rescuing his daughter. However, just as Loki is leaving the crime scene for the night, he begins to hear the distinct safety whistle, the same one that Keller gave his daughter as a precaution for safety. He is now using it to call for help while trapped underground, but the film leaves it up to the audience to decide if Keller was indeed saved.

‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Image via 20th Century Studios

While its climactic twist has arguably overtaken the conversation, it still doesn’t take away from the spectacle and impact of Fight Club‘s legendary final act. While the legendary twist of Tyler Durden’s identity is already shocking enough, the ending, where Project Mayhem is seemingly completed and cannot be stopped, leaves an undeniable impact in terms of pure shock. The iconic final shot set to “Where is My Mind?” by the Pixies makes it all the better.

Following the seemingly climactic defeat of Tyler by the narrator, it would seemingly be so simple for the film to wrap things up and find a way to stop Tyler’s plans at the last second. However, Fight Club is the type of ruthless and intelligent film that understands the gravitas of Tyler’s plan. Thus, it leaves the audience in this melancholy state of shock as the characters experience the mass destruction and reset of the financial and cultural world, paralleling the narrator’s own reset without Tyler.

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Much like the intricate magic tricks that it portrays and stylishly adapts, The Prestige understands that an ending should always leave audiences in a place of shock and awe. Thus, the film’s overarching mysteries come to a head with some exceptional reveals that recontextualize the entire film. It also helps that both prominent magicians in the film have a twist to how they made their magic tricks work.

Being packed with plot twists in itself isn’t what makes The Prestige‘s final moments so shocking, but rather their scale and gravitas and what they say about the characters’ dedication to winning. Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman)’s twist revolves around the fact that every night in his glorious show, he utilizes Tesla’s cloning machine to clone himself while the previous version drowns to achieve his trick. Conversely, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale)’s twist is that he’s actually a pair of identical twins, keeping this secret from everyone in their personal lives to not reveal the truth of their tricks, to the detriment of all of their personal relationships. Thrown all together with a shocking murder in the name of revenge, The Prestige‘s ending becomes a shocking all-timer.

‘Parasite’ (2019)

Image via NEON

The exceptional themes and symbolic weight of Parasite‘s class divide messaging reach their absolute high point in its final moments, cementing it as a story of perseverance and the human spirit while actively living underneath those with more luxury. After all the chaos of the third act and the reactionary murder of Mr. Park (Lee Sun-kyun) by Mr. Kim (Song Kang-ho), Kim’s only option of escape is to hide out in the basement, much like Geun-sae (Park Myung-hoo) before him.

However, Kim’s son Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) soon realizes the predicament and location of his father after noticing a Morse code message in the flickering light that is visible from outside. Kim has been sending daily messages with the hopes of his son seeing them. The prospect of freeing his father gives Ki-woo the dedication to earn enough money to one day buy the house. It’s a shocking and haunting ending that is simultaneously painful and full of hope; there are no winners, only a young man who must now fully indulge in the oppressive system that put him in that situation in the first place.

‘Enemy’ (2013)

Image via Entertainment One

Many of the most shocking endings in psychological thriller history can be attributed to climactic reveals that utilize the buildup of plot threads throughout the film. However, Enemy is one of the rare, most infamous cases of an ending that was overwhelmingly shocking and disorienting, drenched in underlying symbolism rather than being directly influenced by the narrative. Even when approaching it as a metaphor rather than something more overt, Enemy‘s final moments are still an absolute shock to the system.

This notoriously challenging thriller already has an intricate setup, with Adam (Jake Gyllenhaal) having taken over the life of his identical double, Anthony (Gyllenhaal), and finding the notorious key that opens the door to Anthony’s prior debauchery. However, just as Adam turns the corner to tell his pregnant wife, he instead finds a giant tarantula cowering in fear in the corner of the room. This jarring shot is where the film ends, almost feeling like a jump scare to some audiences, and confusing many others who witnessed it in disbelief.

‘Se7en’ (1995)

Image via New Line Cinema

Often considered one of the most legendary endings not just in thriller history, but in cinema as a whole, David Fincher‘s magnum opus, Se7en, truly cemented itself as a monolithic icon of ’90s culture, thanks in part to the shock value and impact of its finale. It largely comprises the deeper explanation and culmination of John Doe’s (Kevin Spacey) plan, setting himself up to be the final killer by manipulating Detective Mills (Brad Pitt) into becoming the embodiment of “Wrath.”

Doe accomplishes his ambition by delivering the severed head of Mills’ wife in a box, a shocking display of ruthlessness and pain that pushes Mills over the edge. Fueled by emotion, Mills takes vengeful wrath against Doe, despite knowing it’s exactly what the serial killer wants. It’s the type of ending that leaves a pit in the stomach of the audience, and has since become legendary thanks to the masterful and emotional performance by Pitt at its center.

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Image via Show East

Oldboy has many different dynamic mysteries and emotionally distraught twists that make up its ruthless examination of torture and revenge, with plans that span across decades. However, its most shocking moment arguably comes from its finale, where the main character, Oh Dae-Su (Choi Min-sik), completely breaks after the painful reveal he’s finally learned, but goes to great lengths to forcefully forget what he has learned so that he can live his life without shame.

After discovering the ruthless truth of the manipulation enacted upon him, Dae-Su cuts out his tongue out of disgust at the fact that he has been hypnotized and coerced into sleeping with his daughter. As if that wasn’t shocking enough, Dae-Su makes a painful choice of trying to have his memory erased so he can still try and live a happy life in blissful ignorance of the truth. However, in the final moments, a tortured grimace on Dae-su’s face shows that, despite his efforts, he may still have these painful memories lingering. The emotional pain of this finale has helped cement Oldboy as one of the all-time greatest international thrillers.

‘Memento’ (2000)

Image via Newmarket Films

Christopher Nolan is a consistent master of the thriller genre, whether it be dynamic action thrillers like The Dark Knight or twist-centric psychological thrillers like the previously discussed The Prestige. However, the filmmaker’s greatest narrative achievement comes from his breakout masterpiece, Memento, which features an ending so brilliant that it completely recontextualizes the entire film. The shocking conclusion perfectly delivers on all the build-up and intrigue of this mystery, the final piece of an intricate puzzle.

Initially, the major shock comes from the fact that the story that Leonard (Guy Pearce) has been repeating all this time is not about Sammy Jenkins but actually about him; his condition accidentally caused him to kill his wife in a painful test. Even more ruthless is the fact that Teddy (Joe Pantoliano), his supposed ally, has been manipulating Leonard and using his vengeful mission for his own gain, taking down criminals while Teddy collects the funds. However, as a last laugh, Leonard sets up the pieces to manipulate his future self, getting him to believe that Teddy is the culprit so that Leonard will kill him, as seen in the first scene of the movie.

The wedding invitations keep arriving, and the dress code keeps shifting. A garden ceremony in June, black tie reception in September and there’s a cocktail hour at a vineyard somewhere in between. After a certain point, raiding the back of your closet for that one reliable navy sheath dress starts to feel like a tired strategy.

The good news is that pulling together a polished wedding guest look doesn’t require a department store splurge or a boutique appointment. These 17 picks are all on Amazon, with prices starting at just $30. They range from free-flowing midis to structured cocktail dresses that hold their shape through the toasts. Each one looks far more expensive than it is, which is exactly the point.

17 Chic Wedding Guest Dresses on Amazon That Look Boutique-Worthy

1. Our Favorite: The ruched waist on this muted pink maxi does the work of shapewear without the squeeze, so you’ll look great from all angles. The hidden pockets are a detail you’ll appreciate once holding a cocktail.

2. Luxe Lace: Eyelet cotton details and a pale blue hue give this A-line maxi the kind of appearance that photographs beautifully. The crewneck and sleeveless cut keep the look clean instead of overly sweet.

3. Figure-Flattering: Finding a wedding guest dress that defines the waist without clinging is rare. This belted A-line midi does both, with a wrap front that adjusts to your day.

4. Elegantly Embroidered: The floral embroidery on this dusty blue midi adds the kind of dimension a printed dress can’t match. A square neckline and short sleeves give it a polished look, too.

5. Fabulously Flowy: This flowy tulle midi is just the dress for an outdoor reception where you’ll be dancing on grass. It’s light enough to twirl in, but structured enough to stay flattering.

Related: 17 French-Girl Style Spring Dresses With Parisian Boutique Energy

French-girl style isn’t about having more clothes — it’s about having the right ones. Usually, that means one really good dress you can rely on when you don’t feel like overthinking your outfit but still want to look put-together. It skims in the right places, moves easily and somehow works for everything from daytime plans […]

Advertisement

6. Yes to Yellow: Yellow gets a bad reputation; many people say it’s hard to wear, but this warm eyelet dress flatters more skin tones than you’d expect. The defined waist also anchors the bright color.

7. Soft Pastels: This pastel maxi dress is the afternoon wedding answer for that 11 a.m. ceremony followed by champagne on a patio. Add flat sandals that work just as well as wedges here.

8. Petite-Friendly: Mini dresses on shorter frames often hit at an awkward length, but this pink V-neck mini is cut to actually fit. The cinched waist and flowy skirt perfectly balance the proportions.

9. Mint Green Moment: The mint shade reads fresh without being predictable at a wedding. This eyelet V-neck maxi keeps the color from feeling too sweet, thanks to the cutwork detail.

10. French Girl-Inspired: Swiss dot fabric and a cap sleeves give this wrap maxi dress genuine Parisian polish. The ruffle details keep it romantic and effortless.

11. Beach-Ready: Destination weddings demand a dress that survives sand, humidity and a sunset ceremony. This ruched strapless maxi handles all three without wrinkling into oblivion.

12. Try It Tiered: The halter neck on this chiffon midi dress balances the tiered ruffles below, so the whole look stays graceful. The light blue chiffon also moves beautifully in any breeze.

13. Garden Party Go-To: A belted wrap silhouette and short sleeves make this floral maxi dress easy to style for almost any wedding venue. The ruffle details adds softness without a fuss.

14. Pretty Puff Sleeve: The smocked bodice on this coral tulle midi eliminates the need for shapewear. The puff sleeves keep the look balanced and the square neckline flatters a wide range of frames.

15. Tulle Romance: Ruffle straps and a smocked bodice give this tulle midi dress enough detail without veering into bridesmaid territory. Mesh overlays keep the silhouette light.

16. Posh Polka Dots: Black-and-white polka dots on a flowy halter cut make this chiffon maxi dress looking elevated, not retro. The halter neckline elongates without showing too much.

17. Must-Have Maxi: The vibrant pink floral print on this short-sleeve maxi photographs well in any lighting. The flowy fabric and short sleeves cover what you want hidden (without overheating).

Related: Jennifer Aniston’s ’90s Cuffed Jeans Are Spring’s Coolest Trend

Jennifer Aniston has always had an eye for denim trends that actually last, and her ’90s-inspired cuffed jeans prove it. Even decades later, her signature rolled-hem denim feels just as relevant, and with cuffed jeans quickly re-emerging as one of spring’s biggest trends, the timing couldn’t be better. The best part is we found a […]

Honestly, Yorgos Lanthimos seems most in his element when he’s doing some kind of sci-fi or vaguely fantastical film. That comes about from his style generally being surreal (or, to put it a bit more crudely, weird), and so when he’s dealing with something that’s a bit removed from reality, things just click a little better. Fans of The Favourite, Dogtooth, and Kinds of Kindness might disagree, though. As for fans of Bugonia… maybe. Why maybe? It’s not a movie that really wants you to know for sure what all the genres are, technically speaking, that it falls into throughout, and that’s one of the things that makes it interesting and exciting.

It’s best defined as a darkly comedic thriller, and the central question is whether someone is an alien or not, and what they are (or aren’t) more or less defines whether Bugonia is also a sci-fi movie. Confused? Possibly, if you’ve not seen the movie for whatever reason, and if you’re also not familiar with Save the Green Planet! (2003), a South Korean movie that Bugonia’s a remake of. So Lanthimos’ 2025 film isn’t entirely its own thing, when that South Korean film exists, but Bugonia is still interesting and worth talking about, albeit it’s best to talk about it in a way that doesn’t entirely give away the mystery. To paraphrase the one guy who is Tame Impala, the less you know, the better.

The Main Premise of ‘Bugonia’

Image via Focus Features

There are three main characters in Bugonia, with a conspiracy theorist named Teddy (Jesse Plemons) being the one to kick things off, narratively. He believes a CEO named Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone) is actually an alien, so he gets the help of his cousin, Don (Aidan Delbis), to kidnap her. They manage to, but only just, and then she’s held in a basement while Teddy tries to get her to admit that she’s actually an alien disguising herself as a human, a bit like David Bowie‘s character in The Man Who Fell to Earth. Teddy can’t know for sure, and Don has his doubts, but the former is adamant, and there’s your movie.

As a viewer, you’re in a position where you’ll probably feel like what Teddy thinks is preposterous, and so his dedication to the rather absurd cause is sometimes funny, but then there are things about Michelle that are odd (not necessarily her music taste, though… plenty of people probably listened to little else but Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” when it first came out). She swears she’s not an alien, of course, and then tension (and, again, some dark comedy) builds as the end of the movie inevitably approaches, and answers get revealed. Or, they might not. This is Yorgos Lanthimos. Anything goes when it comes to a movie of his, and that really helps Bugonia stay interesting throughout.

The Highs and (Occasional) Lows of ‘Bugonia’

Not that Bugonia looks cheap (and it really wasn’t), but it feels a little in line with a bottle episode you might see on an older TV show, which were episodes done with fewer sets and cast members than usual, often to save money. See Breaking Bad’s “Fly,” for maybe the best-known fairly recent example. Bugonia has plenty of scenes just in the house that Stone’s character is confined to, and so the writing and acting here do so much heavy-lifting, for probably obvious reasons. The three main cast members are all more than up to the task, and seeing their dynamics shift throughout, while your own thoughts about the whole situation might be changing at the same time, is often thrilling.

Bugonia isn’t perfectly paced, though, and maybe if you expect it to end one way, and then it does eventually end that way, you won’t really be surprised. She could be an alien, she could be a human, or the movie could end without you knowing. Those are the three options, so you could well guess ahead of time, but the movie still does enough of a dance in some weird gray zone between all these possibilities throughout to stay mostly engaging. It’s not quite as novel or visually eye-catching as the other sci-fi/dark comedy Lanthimos and Stone collaborated on earlier (Poor Things, which really showcased previously unseen range for Emma Stone), but it’s not too far off quality-wise. Both movies were recognized at the Academy Awards, too, for what that might be worth.

How ‘Bugonia’ Compares to the Other Films of Yorgos Lanthimos

Image via Focus Features

The 87% Bugonia has on Rotten Tomatoes, from critics, feels well-deserved. It’s also one of those movies that audiences felt roughly on the same page with (or on?), because it’s got an 84% on the same site, from users who aren’t critics. Maybe this speaks to Bugonia being one of the more approachable Lanthimos films, though it could also be the case that people don’t really go out of their way to see a movie like this unless they’re on board with something that could be odd. If you had to show a Yorgos Lanthimos film to someone who’d never seen one before, though, Bugonia could be your safest bet.

Bottle episodes – or bottle movies – are always intriguing, or at least kind of admirable, and one that keeps a level of tension high for most of the runtime is even better. Bugonia does that alongside being funny at times (it’s not a laugh-a-minute comedy or anything, it should be stressed), and also while flirting with the idea that it might or might not be a science fiction movie. A man and his cousin want to find out the truth, a powerful and resourceful woman wants to convince them she’s a wrong tree that they’re currently barking up, and then, as a viewer, you’re watching the whole thing from a distance, not always feeling sure about whom to believe. It’s a good time, and a bit of a bad/uncomfortable time, and a film ultimately worth watching, all at once. Multitudes contained.

Advertisement

Bugonia

Advertisement

Release Date

November 7, 2025

Runtime

Advertisement

119 minutes

Director

Yorgos Lanthimos

Advertisement

Writers

Will Tracy

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Although Garcelle Beauvais left Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” in her rearview mirror in 2025, the “Coming to America” actress revealed it was “hard” for her to walk away from the show due to money. And that’s not all. During a new interview, the mother of three, 59, reflected on her final days on the cast, revealing that she decided to quit after realizing she was on an island by herself.

Beauvais was the first Black cast member to join “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” She joined the ensemble of California ladies in 2020 and stayed until 2025.

Beauvais has been open about her sudden departure from the show in the past, but in a new interview with PEOPLE, she shared additional details about her exit.

According to the “Jamie Foxx Show” alum, while she quit the show guns blazing, saying goodbye wasn’t easy.

“It was hard because, again, I’m an immigrant. You don’t leave jobs,” she said. “You don’t leave jobs that are paying you, right? So that wasn’t an easy decision.”

However, the esteemed actress said that she had to “choose” herself in the moment, saying, “I chose me in the marriage when I walked away. I chose me here.”

Garcelle Beauvais Recalls Going ‘Crazy Viral’ When She Joined ‘RHOBH’

Elsewhere during the interview, Beauvais looked back on the initial announcement that she was joining the cast of “RHOBH,” saying she didn’t realize people would be so moved by the news.

“First of all, when I joined that show,” she said while laughing, “I mean, obviously I knew the show and I had friends on the show, and I knew it was popular. I had no idea that me being announced was going to go, like, crazy viral.”

According to Beauvais, a friend texted her to inform her that she was trending on social media. “And I was like, ‘Why? I’m making pork chops for the boys.’ I didn’t understand what was happening,” she added.

Beauvais was the first Black woman to join the main cast of “RHOBH,” according to Deadline. At the time of her announcement, Beauvais said she was “honored and humbled” by the opportunity.

She also said that she was excited to “exemplify the fact that Black Girl Magic lives and thrives in every ZIP code.”

Garcelle Beauvais Said Being On ‘Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills’ Had A Major Impact On Her Life

While Beauvais was an established actress before appearing on the “Real Housewives” franchise, the show gave her even more visibility.

In fact, Beauvais told PEOPLE that being part of the series “changed” her life, allowing her to meet new people and, in turn, be met by others.

“It gave me a new audience that I didn’t have before,” Beauvais said. “It gave me a different, in terms of brand recognition and all that, but knowing when to leave, my spirit was not … My spirit was no longer there. I couldn’t do it anymore. I just couldn’t do it.”

Beauvais departed the show after season 14, walking off the “RHOBH” reunion stage after clashing with several of the women, including Kyle Richards and Erika Jayne.

“When I sat on that reunion stage and looked around, I felt like I didn’t have any friends,” Beauvais said. “And if the show is based on friendships, I didn’t have any friends on that show anymore.”

Beauvais went on to say that returning to the show “just didn’t feel right,” adding that her “spirit” wasn’t where it needed to be.

Beauvais Says A ‘Line’ Was Drawn Prior To Her Exit

Beauvais also opened up about her exit from the series in her new memoir, “Protecting My Peace… At All Costs,” according to The Blast.

Weeks ago, the “Survival of the Thickest” actress said there was more to her departure than what people may have realized.

“A line was drawn for me that I no longer wanted to cross. I felt like my spirit could no longer do it. (It was) just drama for the sake of drama,” Beauvais said.

And in her book, she reiterated her point about feeling deserted. “The same way I walked in is how I walked out. Alone. I didn’t wanna fight anymore. I didn’t wanna be a grown a, woman, a grandmother, going after other women,” she wrote.

Beauvais Is Better Than Ever Since Leaving The Show

Despite having a challenging final year on the show, Beauvais admitted that she was “thriving” since walking away.

During a separate interview, covered by The Blast, Beauvais said that she’s been enjoying life post-show with her twin sons, Jax and Jaid, and spending time focusing on herself.

As she was finishing, she also said that stepping away from the series has allowed her to focus on new projects. “It’s just been really fantastic,” she said.

Prime Video’s Off Campus is a sultry yet sweet watch — but how does the TV adaptation compare to the original book?

Based on the Off Campus book series by Kennedy, the show, which premiered Wednesday, May 13, follows an elite ice hockey team and the women in their lives as they “grapple with love, heartbreak and self-discovery — forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood,” read the official synopsis.

Hannah (Ella Bright) and Garrett’s (Belmont Cameli) love story took center stage in season 1 — with several key moments from their book, The Deal, swapped for an updated version.

“We have all eight scripts written,” creator Louisa Levy exclusively told Us Weekly before the show premiered. “We’ve given [two] to the actors but the writers’ room is done.”

Related: Which ‘Off Campus’ Couples End Up Together? Book Order Explained

Prime Video’s Off Campus follows different love stories at Briar U — but which couples end up together in the books? Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery […]

Levy noted that filming would be happening soon.

“We’re getting ready to dive into production and we’ve got a season mapped out,” she noted. “We know what we want to do — and we’ve got some fun things in store. I’ll just say … book fans are going to be really excited.”

While the scripts have been completed, Levy didn’t rule out changes, adding, “They’re written. It doesn’t mean that we can’t make adjustments. But we do have the plan, we have the map [for the season]. But I’m pretty sure that fans are going to be really excited about it.”

Keep scrolling for the main differences that took place on the show compared to Kennedy’s version:

Hannah Kissing Dean Instead of Logan

In Kennedy’s version, Hannah kissed Garrett’s teammate Logan instead of Dean.

“I know that some people are going to be a little upset about that one change. But honestly, for the story that we’re trying to tell and where Logan has that kind of spark with Hannah, it’s only going to feed the story a little bit more for his attraction toward her,” Anthony Cipriano shared with Us Weekly. “How that moment meant nothing to Hannah but everything to Logan.”

Cipriano hoped the vision came along.

“He appreciates her, and it’s all innocent and all love. I also think the addition of Jules and making him a middle child is really interesting,” he added. “It changes the dynamic completely. And I’m a middle child myself, so I feel like I knew exactly who this guy was.”

Allie and Dean’s Entire Story Line

Season 2 set up Allie (Mika Abdalla) and Dean (Stephen Kalyn) as the next possible leads despite them being featured in the third book in the series. That meant including many scenes from their book in the series, which made fans question what content would be used when Allie and Dean officially became the leads.

“Since the cast was announced, I feel like there’s been theories circulating online, and it’s been really interesting to read it,” Abdalla told Us about Allie and Dean’s bond. “I for sure think people are going to be at least surprised.”

She continued: “Even though we do tease Dean and Ali a lot earlier than people expect, you are still left wanting a lot more. That’s something I’m really excited about too because I get it if I was on the other side of it.”

Hannah and Garrett’s Split

While Garrett (briefly) ended his romance with Hannah on the show, the book actually had his dad to blame. Bright told Us that swapping it to have the focus on Hannah and Garrett was due to the “characters themselves.”

“That’s what makes it such a poignant and upsetting moment. It is so heartbreaking because they’re both having such awful days at the exact same time. So that miscommunication is, of course, going to end in that way,” she noted. “Because they are losing the ability to connect and hear each other out. They’re dealing with their own things at the same time. So it is really difficult, and it makes it definitely a saddest scene.”

Cameli, meanwhile, referred to it as “very upsetting and a heartbreaking” fictional split, adding, “We wanted it to come from the characters.”

Levy elaborated on the vision for the scene.

“A big reason why we made that change was because 11 years ago — when the books were published — college athletes couldn’t make money off of their image like this and now they can,” she explained. “The financial leverage that Phil has doesn’t really work anymore in today’s climate. We knew that we had to make a change there.”

She continued: “But then on top of that, we also really wanted it to come from Garrett’s inner fear that he might become his father. So even though Phil is not directly responsible, he’s still kind of tangentially responsible. Because that is Garrett’s deepest fear is becoming his dad. You don’t want to do that and make Hannah go through that.”

No ‘Hands Off’ Ban

The most significant change was the way Garrett instituted a campus-wide hands-off law after his split from Hannah. On the page, Garrett’s decision frustrated Hannah — but it also brought them back together.

The show did things a little differently with Hannah catching wind of Garrett threatening other guys so they would stay away from her. Hannah confronted Garrett — and that’s when they realized some confusion between his team members led to a misunderstanding.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“We were trying to find a way to keep this fan-favorite moment from the book, while not making it like a problem for Garrett,” Levy told Today. “So we came up with a solution that still honors the original intent but makes Garrett not completely terrible for doing this after breaking up with Hannah.”

Hunter Davenport’s Introduction

To push Allie and Dean’s story along, the show introduced Hunter Davenport despite him not being linked to Allie on the page.

“It was really important to have that scene to slow down what was happening between Allie and Dean. I want to see them kind of go. I want to see them really separate,” Abdalla hinted. “Allie just got out of a long-term relationship. She can’t do what she always does. … I really like the edition of the Hunter story line drama. They need to grow as individuals. And so I really want to see Ali and Dean grow separately in season 2.”

The wonderful, magical thing about the thriller genre is that, on paper, you need very few elements to make it work. As long as your sense of suspense and tension is strong enough, you could potentially make the whole thing take place in a single location—and, indeed, many filmmakers have taken a stab at such an ambitious concept throughout history.

Sometimes, these filmmakers aren’t successful, but when they are, the result can be one of the greatest thrillers of all time. From David Fincher‘s Panic Room to Alfred Hitchcock‘s numerous single-location thrillers, these are films that show that the claustrophobia generated by a single-location film can actually work in a thriller’s favor when the director knows what they’re doing.

‘Phone Booth’ (2002)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Impeccably directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Colin Farrell at his very best, Phone Booth is one of those forgotten thrillers that have aged like fine wine. Rapidly paced and wise enough to only run for 80 adrenaline-fueled minutes, the film takes the concept of a man being held hostage inside a phone booth by a sniper and turns it into a surprisingly dense and nail-bitingly compelling thriller.

The film’s exploration of morality, voyeurism, and media manipulation at the turn of the century has aged surprisingly well, so Phone Booth is still every bit as exciting today as it was back in 2002. Schumacher’s masterful sense of tension is—at the risk of overusing the term—brilliantly Hitchcockian, delivering a true roller coaster ride of a movie that doesn’t let up until the credits roll.

‘Buried’ (2010)

Image via Lionsgate

Much in the same vein as Phone Booth, Buried is another single-location thriller set within the particularly claustrophobic confines of a rectangular object. In this case, it’s a wooden coffin, where a truck driver finds himself trapped. Being buried alive is a notoriously common phobia, making Buried all the more of a universally horrifying psychological thriller.

Rodrigo Cortés‘ awfully claustrophobic movie stars Ryan Reynolds in one of his best-ever performances, as he helps transform what might have otherwise been nothing more than a cheap gimmick into a truly gripping premise. There’s nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking about the story, but the way Cortés executes it results in a genuinely nightmarish, twist-filled injection of pure adrenaline.

‘Coherence’ (2013)

Image via Oscilloscope Laboratories

The science fiction psychological thriller Coherence, James Ward Byrkit‘s directorial debut, is a real mind-bender from beginning to end. It’s the type of sci-fi film you need to be a genius to fully understand, heavily inspired by the tone of The Twilight Zone. It’s low-budget genre filmmaking at its best, irrefutable proof that you don’t need much to make a sci-fi film work.

Set in a house during a group of friends’ dinner party, Coherence maximizes its low budget by relying on the intelligence and intensity of its screenplay, the quality of its performances, and the uniqueness of its setting. Those not used to mind-bending sci-fi will perhaps find it a little too confusing, but fans who love it when sci-fi films make them think ought to check out Coherence at least once in their lives.

‘Panic Room’ (2002)

When people rank David Fincher’s filmography, Panic Room is usually seen near the bottom of such lists, which automatically makes it one of the most criminally underappreciated thrillers of modern times. Elevated by Jodie Foster‘s powerhouse performance and her tremendous chemistry with Kristen Stewart, it’s one of the most Hitchcockian movies that Fincher has ever made.

When someone like Roger Ebert calls a film one of the most suspenseful ever made, you know that film means business. Indeed, Panic Room is inventively shot and written in such a taut manner that it feels impossible to look away from the screen at any point. It may be a little too mainstream and bare-bones for those who prefer more ornate and elaborate thrillers, but isn’t simplicity the whole point of a single-location thriller? As far as simplicity in thrillers goes, it’s rarely more effectively used than by Fincher in Panic Room.

’10 Cloverfield Lane’ (2016)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Advertisement

Matt Reeves‘ found footage monster film Cloverfield instantly proved itself as one of the most creative sci-fi movies of the 2000s upon its release in 2008. Eight years later, we got a sequel: 10 Cloverfield Lane, a movie so different from the original that it’s more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel, really. At no point and in no way is that an issue, since 10 Cloverfield Lane would have set itself apart as a delectably unique sci-fi thriller, anyway.

Led by John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and John Gallagher Jr.‘s tour-de-force performances, this film makes a bunker seem like the scariest place on the planet in just a little over an hour and a half. Largely reliant on Goodman’s effectively terrifying performance, 10 Cloverfield Lane is one of the best sci-fi thrillers of all time, a smart and tension-filled gem with a flawless character-driven heart.

‘The Guilty’ (2018)

Image via Nordisk Film Spring

Advertisement

Not to be confused with its considerably inferior 2021 Hollywood remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal, the Danish crime thriller The Guilty is one of the greatest Scandinavian films of the last decade. It was Gustav Möller’s immensely impressive directorial debut, following a distressed Copenhagen police officer with a pending court hearing, who handles a difficult case over the phone within the confines of an emergency call center.

The Guilty is nothing short of one of the tensest thrillers of the last 10 years, whose real-time narrative is remarkably well-paced and flawlessly performed by Jakob Cedergren. It’s a high-concept thriller that knows exactly how to frame, block, and pace its story in such a way that the audience is constantly on the edge of their seats, stressfully biting their nails.

‘Wait Until Dark’ (1967)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Advertisement

Starring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin, Terence Young‘s Wait Until Dark is one of the most intense movies of the 1960s. Set almost entirely within the walls of a Greenwich Village basement apartment where the protagonist and the audience are terrorized, it’s a claustrophobic and airtight thriller that’s still as suspenseful today as it was in the ’60s.

Wait Until Dark is a masterclass in how to make a timeless thriller, leading up to one of the most terrifying climaxes of any American thriller of the era. Combine Arkin’s mustache-twirling villainous performance with the flawlessly tension-filled way in which Young frames the apartment, and you get a ’60s classic that doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves nowadays.

‘Rope’ (1948)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Advertisement

Alfred Hitchcock is known as the Master of Suspense for a reason. The thriller genre would likely not be what it is today without the director, who made several of the greatest outings the genre has ever offered throughout his career, including one of the most underrated movies of all time: Rope. It wasn’t Hitchcock’s first attempt at a single-location movie, but since it also takes place in real time, it’s arguably the most daring and experimental movie that the director ever made.

Edited to appear like it’s composed of only four long shots, the film was based on Patrick Hamilton‘s 1929 play of the same name, and it does feel like one of Hitchcock’s most theatrical films, which includes, of course, a single setting. The film received mixed reviews and performed poorly at the box office upon release, but with the years’ passage, cinephiles have come to praise it as an audacious and incredibly suspenseful little experiment by one of history’s greatest filmmakers.

‘Rear Window’ (1954)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Advertisement

After perfecting the formula in Rope, Hitchcock decided to make not only one, but two single-location masterpieces in 1954. Dial M for Murder is great, but Rear Window is almost transcendental. We’re talking about one of the greatest mystery movies of all time, the highest-quality representation of everything that made Hitchcock special.

James Stewart and Grace Kelly give truly perfect performances, plus Thelma Ritter is a scene-stealer. Then, there are the magnificent ways in which Hitchcock makes the protagonist’s apartment feel like a massive world unto itself. There’s nothing about Rear Window that isn’t worthy of the utmost admiration. Rear Window is perfect proof that in thrillers, less is, indeed, often more.

‘Dog Day Afternoon’ (1975)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Advertisement

His directorial debut was the courtroom drama 12 Angry Men, praised by many as one of the greatest films ever made, so Sidney Lumet was no stranger to making single-location films when he made Dog Day Afternoon. Based on the 1972 Chase Manhattan robbery and hostage situation in Brooklyn, this ahead-of-its-time masterpiece is one of the best heist thriller movies of all time.

With Al Pacino and John Cazale at their best, this tale about the complexities of identity in ’70s America is one of the most defining landmarks of the New Hollywood film movement. The setting of the bank drenches the film in pure character-driven tension, dismantling the whole heist thriller genre in ways that still come across as genius over half a century later.

Roommates, a deadly crash in Upper Manhattan has left a community shaken after what started as an ordinary Friday evening ended in tragedy, with police now revealing new details about what allegedly led up to the chaotic scene involving Elvin Suarez.

RELATED: Prayers Up! 1-Year-Old Reportedly Dies After 14-Year-Old Mom Allegedly Crashes While Driving Under The Influence

Suarez Charged After Deadly Upper Manhattan Crash

According to authorities and law enforcement sources, Elvin Suarez of Morningside Heights has been charged with multiple counts of manslaughter, vehicular assault, and driving while intoxicated after a crash that killed two people and left three others critically injured. Police say Suarez’s breathalyzer test came back at .10 — above the legal limit — after he lost control of his vehicle near Amsterdam Avenue and West 109th Street around 6 p.m., just blocks from his home.

NYC Sidewalk Crash Claims Lives Of Two Men

Investigators say the crash began when Suarez allegedly sideswiped another vehicle before his car careened onto the sidewalk, triggering a chain reaction involving seven vehicles. The out-of-control Mercedes ultimately struck a group of people sitting outside a local barbershop, fatally injuring 35-year-old father of triplets Michael Saint-Hilaire and 46-year-old doorman Jason Negron. Emergency responders rushed both men to the hospital in critical condition, but they later died from their injuries. Furthermore, investigators shut down part of Amsterdam Avenue Friday evening as they processed the scene and crews cleared damaged vehicles from the roadway.

Investigators Share More Details On What Happened

Emergency responders also transported three more men, ages 36, 44, and 51, to St. Luke’s Hospital in critical condition. Witnesses described the aftermath as devastating, with one onlooker calling it a “horror show” and saying the vehicle pinned and injured one victim against a parking structure. Another witness said the driver appeared to be lifelong friends with some of the victims, adding an emotional layer to an already tragic scene as the investigation continues. Authorities have not released additional details about the events leading up to the crash or said whether investigators believe speed played a role. Lastly, officials have not disclosed whether Suarez has hired an attorney.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Man Who Pushed For Traffic Light After Wife’s Fatal Crash Dies At Same Intersection (VIDEO)

Summer is quickly approaching, and with the warm weather comes tropical travel. But knowing what to pack for a resort escape is tricky work. Overpack, and you’re stuck lugging a weighty suitcase. Pack too light, and you’ll be left with nothing to wear. Thankfully, Nordstrom’s Vacation Edit includes 14,000 holiday-ready styles designed to make prepping feel effortless. Still, it can be overwhelming to know which pieces truly stand out.

To make things simpler, I narrowed it down to the 17 pieces worth adding to your cart. My editor-approved lineup includes linen pants, floral dresses, flowing maxi skirts and more. I even added a few elevated accessories to make sure every look feels complete.

Keep reading to shop the 17 best resort-ready pieces, including brands like Madewell, Free People and Birkenstock.

17 Vacation-Ready Styles to Shop From Nordstrom

1. Sunshine Yellow: This vibrant Petal & Pup jumpsuit is easy, chic and lively. The dainty floral embroidery adds a sweet touch, while the 100% cotton construction feels airy against the skin.

2. Closet Staple: Everyone needs a pair of kitten heel sandals in their closet, and this option from Open Edit strikes the perfect chord. Shop the thong footwear in six colors.

3. Beachfront Style: Whether you’re enjoying a seaside dinner or taking photos on the boardwalk, this SNDYS plunging mini wrap dress deserves a spot in your cart. Even better? The purple and red finish resembles a dreamy sunset.

4. Everyday Must-Have: Few things are more versatile than a white tank top. Free People’s version adds a flirty twist with scalloped straps and a floral knit design.

5. Designer Find: This Tory Burch top-handle bag is the perfect addition to any look. The compact, square shape is functional and spacious, while the straw material keeps things elegant.

Related: Our 17 Top Picks From Amazon’s New ‘Summer Wardrobe Refresh’ Edit

Advertisement

Summer style always sounds effortless . . . until you’re actually standing in front of your closet trying to get dressed in the heat. The wrong fabric, the wrong fit or just one extra layer can make an outfit feel completely off. That’s why Amazon’s new “Summer Wardrobe Refresh” edit couldn’t have landed at a […]

6. Breezy Linen: Beat the heat in flowy linen pants featuring a comfortable drawstring waist. The wide-leg design is loose and relaxed, though it still offers a polished silhouette.

7. Sheer Ruffles: From rooftop happy hours to yacht days, Princess Polly’s halter top is the answer. Sheer layers, ruffle details and a plunging V-neck make for a sultry blouse.

8. Editor-Owned: I bought these exact Birkenstock slide sandals last year — and I’ve never looked back. The oversized buckle earns me tons of compliments, while the neutral hue easily pairs with the trickiest outfits.

9. It Girl Favorite: Fashion people everywhere are reaching for white maxi skirts, charmed by their ethereal yet simple look. This Petal & Pup find features a hidden side zipper, crochet panels and an inner lining.

10. Pool Ready: You can’t head to a resort without a chic swimsuit. Mango’s chocolate-colored one-piece boasts a strappy back and one-shoulder design.

11. Genius for Travel: A packable sun hat that bounces right back to its original shape? Say less. This floppy Nordstrom headpiece comes in three versatile hues.

12. Easy Flips Flops: Slip into these unfussy Havaianas thong sandals, whether you’re tanning by the pool or running to snag a quick coffee. Details include a square toe, textured footbed and quick-drying rubber.

13. Wedding Perfect: If your travel plans include a resort wedding, then look no further than this FARM Rio maxi dress. Featuring oversized flowers and a butter yellow hue, you’re sure to turn heads.

14. Retro Nostalgia: If the early 2000s are calling your name, reach for this Edikted fringe poncho that’s full of maximalist elements, like sequins and a scalloped trim.

15. Stylish Eyewear: Don’t step outside without some oversized Ray-Ban sunglasses. The square shape adds polish, while gradient lenses exude elegance.

16. Flattering Denim: Madewell knows a thing or two about well-tailored denim — and the brand’s mid-length shorts serve as proof. Enjoy a vintage-inspired look, complemented by a high waist and frayed hem.

17. A Formal Affair: One of the easiest ways to dress up a simple tank top and sandals is with a silk midi skirt. This pale-pink version from Reformation boasts a delicate lace trim and low-slung waistband.

Related: 17 Stretchy, Comfortable Spring-to-Summer Dresses Under $40

This past weekend, I took the liberty of sorting through my very packed closet. I parted ways with worn-out pieces, dated designs and — most importantly — anything that didn’t feel comfortable. Because gone are the days when you have to sacrifice relaxed silhouettes in the name of style. Warm-weather dresses are no exception — […]

Advertisement