Imagine being stuck in a time loop, but it’s a measly two-minute interval instead of days or even hours. The not-so-pleasant cherry on top is that everyone remembers it. That’s the outlandish, yet vaguely familiar, premise River is built on. The sci-fi comedy is set in a seemingly idyllic Japanese village and updates the typical run-of-the-mill time loop storyline, putting its characters in a bizarre, two-minute cycle of déjà vu. Perhaps what makes this film so clever is the fact that the short loops don’t leave the narrative lacking. The director, Junta Yamaguchi, makes it so that the movie squeezes an incredible amount of humor, heart, and a quality story into every repeat.

The time loop concept is certainly not unique to River, with films like Happy Death Day and Edge of Tomorrow preceding it. However, River is full of twists and turns that make it come across as refreshingly original. The characters’ desperate yet hilarious attempts to make sense of their predicament, while trying to maintain their jobs at a small inn, keep things light and engaging. Overall, Yamaguchi is a master at balancing the film’s breezy tone with just enough mystique to keep viewers guessing. River delivers a familiar Groundhog Day vibe, but it infuses its story with Japanese culture, making every second count.

How ‘River’ Takes Time Loops and Turns Them Into Something Different

Image via Third Window Films

River gives the time loop trope a serious makeover. Typically, you’d watch a character relive the same day or a couple of hours till something gives. However, Yamaguchi narrows it down to a brief two minutes. To top it all off, there isn’t just one character blessed, or cursed, with the knowledge that they’re stuck in a loop — everyone remembers it all. Rather than dragging the characters down, the two-minute loop becomes a source of unpredictable fun that just keeps giving. Even more, this adds oodles of comedy and chaos, as the characters blindly jump onto the Herculean task of trying to figure out how to make the most of their blink-and-you-miss-it time frames.

Making it even more of a standout is how River mashes together the frantic time-loop mechanics with moments of genuine connection. On one hand, there’s this picturesque small town setting and on the other, there’s pure chaos. This starts with seemingly small everyday disruptions that metamorphose into more complex issues. For instance, some of the guests repeatedly experience their bowls being refilled mid-meal, which results in an endless cycle of confused but hilarious conversations. This adds both a comedic and bittersweet layer to the story. But as the loop deepens, the character’s reactions and interactions become more layered.

The staff at the inn join forces to keep things afloat, which ends up being as frantic to watch as it is endearing. Each attempt to clean up and serve guests before the reset becomes more apocalyptic than the last, but there’s still a light air about it. The real winner here is how the film cleverly plays with time once things begin to follow a rhythm, the tone shifts. River is solid proof that even worn-out tropes have room for creativity.

‘River’ Expertly Balances Sci-Fi, Comedy, and Emotional Depth

These time-loop-related storylines tend to get bogged down by absurd chaos, but River takes more of a playful approach. For instance, a waiter is stuck serving the same meal over and over again. Naturally, his frustration is gradually reaching its peak as he tries to keep up before the loop resets. The beauty in these moments of disarray is that they’re not just for gags, but rather they’re seamlessly timed pieces of comedy that are indicative of the weirdness of their situation. Even better is the fact that River doesn’t just rely on the time loop for its humor, the inn staff and guest’s quirky personalities add layers of comedic gold. From the writer who struggles to scribble down a sentence to just about every other character who is engrossed in perfecting the little things in their mandatory two-minute routine, there’s a touch of light-heartedness to the entire experience.

Beyond the laughs, River tries its best to dig deeper, especially in terms of how the characters try to escape their prison. It’s interesting to see their evolution as well as the ways their relationships progress. At some point, it’s clear that they’re not simply looking for an escape, but they also crave purpose and connection amidst all the madness. This ups the ante, transforming their story into somewhat of a puzzle where the full picture is all-around self-discovery. So, is it funny? On more levels than one, but it’s equally touching and gripping.

‘River’ Expands on ‘Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes’ Playful Exploration of Time

Image via Tollywood

Advertisement

Time loops can be tricky business, but if anyone knows how to manipulate them expertly it’s director Junta Yamaguchi. River wasn’t his first time around the block with the two-minute concept; in fact, he used it in a whole different — but similar — way in the 2020 film, Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes. The premise is simple, characters can see two minutes into the future and they build on this window to craft a playful, small-scale sci-fi comedy. With a two-minute headstart into the future, you’d think that the characters on Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes would try to save the world or pursue grander goals. However, the film stands out for how “human” their reactions are, they end up using their privilege to pull off quirky tricks and avoid everyday challenges. It’s these little moments where Kato (Riko Fujitani) uses the time “window” to impress or prank unsuspecting friends that sell the humor and humanity.

In River, Yamaguchi keeps things light in a dire situation by digging deeper into this playful concept. Mikoto, also played by Fujitani, may be one of the emotional anchors of the film. However, she’s also caught using the loop to further her own agenda. For her, the constant resets are a last-ditch effort to ensure her crush, Taku (Yuki Torigoe) doesn’t leave the inn for good. But, make no mistake, while they’re cut from the same cloth, Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes and River are two different beasts.

The latter expands on the core idea by closely examining the emotional weight of living in a loop. For instance, the inn’s sous chef keeps trying to get to the bottom of their predicament through strategic team meetings. But, the constant time interruptions blend comedy with the mounting frustration to create a more grounded result. In a nutshell, viewers get to see exactly how each character deals with the reality of being stuck. So, where Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes doesn’t try to complicate the mechanics of time travel, River manages to strike a balance between being playful and introspective.

Advertisement

River

Advertisement

Release Date

June 23, 2023

Runtime

Advertisement

86 minutes

Director

Junta Yamaguchi

Advertisement

Writers

Makoto Ueda

Advertisement

• 
• 

Advertisement

Advertisement

A Florida woman who fatally shot a man during an argument in the parking lot of a Walmart will not be charged. Melissa Payne fatally shot Bart Diguglielmo on Tuesday, June 30, during a dispute over a parking space in North Lauderdale.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Mass Shootings In Chicago & Trenton, New Jersey Reportedly Leave 3 Dead And 18 Injured (VIDEOS)

Florida Woman Not Charged Following Fatal Walmart Parking Lot Shooting

Melissa Payne will not be charged after she shot a man dead at point-blank range. Payne will not be charged for the shooting death of 62-year-old Bart Diguglielmo, due to the state’s stand-your-ground law, per ABC News. The shooting occurred in a North Lauderdale, Florida, parking lot in June over a parking spot dispute.

Broward State Attorney’s Office Homicide Trial Unit Division Chief Stephen Zaccor announced the decision in a memo on Tuesday, September 3.

“A dispute over a parking space,” wrote Zaccor. “In a Walmart parking lot. The facts surrounding the June 30, 2026, homicide of Bart DiGuglielmo are as tragic as they are absurd. There is relatively no dispute about what actually happened because the entire incident was captured by various video recording devices.”

The Broward County State Attorney’s Office said that prosecutors were not able to prove Payne wasn’t in fear of great bodily harm or for her life during the altercation, according to The Miami Herald.

Video Captures Walmart Parking Lot Shooting

Video of the dispute and subsequent shooting shows Diguglielmo leave his car in a travel lane after he tried to take the same spot as Payne. In addition, multiple witnesses said they heard him threaten her. Additionally, one witness claimed he was “visibly angry” as he looked at Payne.

DiGuglielmo reportedly threatened to “mess her car up” and “**** her sh*t up” before he got back into his car and sped off, only to return soon after. Payne was with her niece and niece’s baby at the time of the altercation, and she got out of her car with a gun in her hand. She held her phone in the other hand as she reportedly spoke to her husband. Payne told DiGuglielmo to leave her alone. In addition, the video shows her backing away repeatedly as she points the gun at him. However, he didn’t stop moving until Payne fired.

The memo states:

“If you keep coming up to me,” said Payne, per the ABC. “I’m going to ******* shoot you!”

Zaccor also said in the memo that Payne was in a public place where she had a right to be.

“A Walmart parking lot, and therefore was in a place she had a right to be…. therefore she was not doing anything unlawful at the time she used deadly force,” he wrote.

Man Who Murdered Trayvon Martin Used Stand Your Ground Law As Defense

As The Shade Room reported, George Zimmerman, the man who murdered 17-year-old Trayvon Martin as he was walking home from the store with a bag of Skittles, used the law to argue self-defense.

Zimmerman was a neighborhood watch volunteer when he approached Trayvon on his way home back in 2012 in Stanford, Florida. An altercation reportedly ensued, and he shot the unarmed teenager to death. However, he was found not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter. Zimmerman claimed he feared for his life under the stand-your-ground law.

A Miami-Dade Circuit Judge later ruled that lawmakers overstepped their authority when they modified the law that year to force prosecutors to disprove self-defense claims.

RELATED: Father Speaks Out After Pennsylvania Police Shot & Killed His Son Who Accidentally Tried To Enter The Wrong Home

Your apartment turns into an oven by mid-afternoon. By bedtime, no amount of fan-pointing or pillow-flipping brings relief. You wake up groggy, sweaty and frustrated.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Record-breaking summer heat is making it harder than ever to sleep well, especially for renters who can’t control their building’s insulation or install permanent cooling upgrades. Meanwhile, a wellness trend called sleepmaxxing promises better rest through optimized habits and environments.

You don’t need an expensive setup to practice good sleep hygiene. Many of the most effective strategies for creating a comfortable sleep environment cost little or nothing. What follows breaks down what the science says and what you can actually do about it tonight.

What Is Sleepmaxxing?

Sleepmaxxing is the practice of layering habits, products and environmental changes to maximize sleep quality. It has gone viral on social media, with people trying everything from magnesium supplements to mouth taping and blackout curtains.

Stanford sleep specialist Clete Kushida told National Geographic that interest has surged as people connect sleep to overall health and use wearable trackers to monitor their rest. “People are sleepmaxxing because they want to find ways of maximizing their mental and physical health, or they are having sleep difficulties and are looking for an easy solution to fix it,” Kushida said.

Related: 10 Expert Tips on How to Stay Cool and Safe During a Heat Wave

When a heat wave settles in, the difference between comfort and a medical emergency often comes down to preparation. Extreme heat sends people to emergency rooms in surging numbers on major and extreme risk days, and simple steps taken early can keep a dangerous stretch from turning into a crisis. Staying cool and hydrating frequently […]

Advertisement

What Is the Perfect Temperature for Sleep?

Most experts recommend keeping your bedroom between 65 and 68°F, according to the Sleep Foundation. Individual preferences vary, but cooler air helps your body complete a natural process: shedding heat through the skin as you drift off.

A 2022 analysis published in One Earth reinforces the point. Researcher Kelton Minor and his team tracked more than 47,000 participants across 68 countries and found that elevated nighttime temperatures delayed sleep onset and reduced total sleep duration.

Why Do Hot Bedrooms Make It Harder to Sleep?

Heat disrupts sleep in measurable ways. A 2023 study monitoring older adults at home found that rest was most restorative between 68°F and 77°F. Above that threshold, sleep efficiency declined by 5 percent to 10 percent.

Minor’s team saw consistent results on a global scale. After analyzing over 7 million sleep records, they found that above-average nighttime heat reliably cut into sleep duration across climates and income levels. “What we found is that warmer than normal nights erode human sleep. And this is a global phenomenon,” Minor said on the Flash Forward podcast. On the hottest nights in the study, those above 85°F, people lost roughly 15 minutes of sleep.

Are Overnight Temperatures Getting Worse?

Yes. July 2026 set the record for the hottest month in the contiguous U.S. Average overnight lows reached 64.2°F, landing 3.7°F above the historical norm, per the National Centers for Environmental Information.

The trend is expected to continue. The EPA projects that nights staying above 70°F will grow more frequent in the years ahead. Less overnight cooling means buildings hold heat longer, which makes a cool bedroom harder to achieve without intervention.

Does Air Conditioning Solve the Problem?

It helps, but cost is a real barrier for renters. Running AC overnight adds up fast, and in hot-climate markets that expense can be difficult to sustain all summer.

The impact of that gap is well documented. A 2017 study led by Nick Obradovich surveyed roughly 765,000 U.S. adults and found that warm nights correlated with worse sleep. The effect hit people earning under $50,000 more than three times as hard as higher-income groups. The researchers pointed to nighttime AC costs as one likely explanation.

Climate Central vice president for science Kristina Dahl told Scientific American, “We know that people in wealthier countries are losing less sleep when it’s hot, and that’s likely due to having means to cool your home.”

Related: Why Hot Nights Are More Dangerous Than Hot Days During a Heat Wave

Heat wave coverage almost always focuses on scorching daytime highs, but the more dangerous story is unfolding after sundown. As a punishing heat wave grips the eastern United States and the Southwest bakes at temperatures above 100 degrees, more than 180 million people fall inside Level 3 or Level 4 heat risk zones tracked by […]

Advertisement

How Do You Cool Down a Room Without AC?

Start by blocking heat before it enters. Static-cling solar film is renter-friendly, removable and relatively cheap. Applied to sun-facing windows, it reduces the solar heat that builds up during the afternoon so you need less AC later.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Other low-cost strategies include drawing your curtains or blinds before the sun reaches your windows, running fans to circulate air and create a wind-chill effect, and opening windows after dark when outdoor temps drop below indoor levels.

What Are the Cheapest Ways to Keep a Cool Bedroom at Night?

Focus on your sleep surface. A cooling mattress pad or bed-cooling system targets where your body actually contacts heat. Breathable or moisture-wicking sheets can also make a noticeable difference for just the cost of a new set.

Pair that with daytime prevention like window film, closed blinds and fans. You can build a cool bedroom without relying on air conditioning alone. The most effective sleepmaxxing strategy isn’t always the most expensive. Sometimes it’s about stopping the heat before it starts.

2026 is chock-full of box office breakouts, but Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey are the biggest winners. Christopher Nolan‘s take on the iconic Greek epic recently became the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history, while the web-slinger’s latest adventure is on track to be the biggest movie of the year. Beyond critical and commercial success, both movies also feature Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal in key roles, further cementing them as part of Hollywood’s current A-list. What most movie fans might not know is that Holland and Bernthal first joined forces in a brutal historical epic nine years ago.

That epic is named Pilgrimage. Set in medieval Ireland, Pilgrimage follows a group of monks, including the young Brother Diarmuid (Holland), charged with bringing a holy relic to Rome. The monks’ journey is complicated by warriors who seek the relic, including the malevolent Raymond de Merville (Richard Armitage). Thankfully, the monks have a warrior of their own: a mute man (Bernthal) who possesses incredible fighting skills. Now that Pilgrimage is streaming, fans of Holland and Bernthal’s work can see their first movie.

‘Pilgrimage’ Is a Bold, Bloody Meditation on Faith

Image via RLJE Films

Pilgrimage draws its audience’s attention through scenes of escalating violence, as the monks and the Mute struggle to complete their mission. Much of this violence is committed by the Mute, who makes up for his lack of words with an abundance of bloodshed. Beyond that, the movie explores the nature of faith, specifically the great or terrible things people will do in its name. Most of the monks on the mission believe the relic holds its holy nature because it was struck by lightning yet remains intact. Merville, on the other hand, wants the relic for the King of England so that English forces can be bolstered by that belief. Director Brendan Muldowney said he was drawn to Pilgrimage for its themes of faith, which mirrored his own upbringing.

“I think that themes dealing with faith and a belief in God are always relevant and never go out of date. I was brought up in a country that still had the church very firmly in control of society. Not so much now, but I saw the use of fear to control, and I also witnessed hypocrisy as certain revaluations came to light in recent years.”

In addition to its bloody violence and deep themes, Pilgrimage is carried by Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal, who deliver the best performances in the movie. Bernthal has to stay silent for most of Pilgrimage’s runtime, but he lets his body and facial expressions do the talking. Whether it’s a grimace of pure rage or quiet contemplation, the audience can feel the emotions radiating off his body. Holland delivers a more nuanced performance, as Brother Diarmuid ultimately rejects the relic and takes a new approach to his faith. While Holland showed plenty of range in The Odyssey, Pilgrimage was the first movie that truly put his talents on display.

Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal Continue To Work Together After ‘Pilgrimage’

While Pilgrimage had a limited theatrical rollout, it started a long tradition of Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal working together. In fact, it’s the movie that helped them land roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as Bernthal was auditioning for The Punisher while Holland was in the running to play Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War. Bernthal went into more detail when he appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, sayinghe advised Holland to show off his athletic prowess. Holland took his advice and landed the role of Spidey; nearly a decade later, the duo would join forces in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Much like Pilgrimage, Spider-Man: Brand New Day pits Holland and Bernthal against each other, with Holland playing a man struggling with his beliefs and Bernthal playing a man who excels at violence. The difference is that Bernthal’s performance as Frank Castle has him using far more words than he did in Pilgrimage, while Holland brings a new dimension to his performance as Peter Parker. Anyone who loves the duo’s dynamic in Brand New Day or The Odyssey should watch Pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage is available to stream on Pluto TV.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

April 23, 2017

Runtime

96 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Brendan Muldowney

Writers

Advertisement

Jamie Hannigan

Producers

Conor Barry, Aram Tertzakian, Nick Spicer, John Keville

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Taylor Chan, an 18-year-old boy, is reportedly in hot water alongside apparent scammer Daejon Love, who allegedly swindled at least 26 women out of $1.3 million. Between fake investment accounts and multiple identities, Love allegedly used dating apps to develop romantic ties with women. Then, he allegedly convinced them to invest or lend him money.

The victims were reportedly spread across California and Oregon. And now, The Shade Room’s Justin Carter is diving in for ‘TSR Investigates,’ sharing all that allegedly went down.

18-Year-Old Allegedly Helped Daejon Love Fake Millions In Investment Gains

Daejon Love allegedly told women he was from Switzerland and that he was born into one of the world’s richest families. Additionally, he alleged that he had signed with the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. However, due to an alleged finger injury, he wasn’t able to get on the field.

Using his plot, Love reportedly developed romantic relationships with women. Furthermore, he alleged he wanted to settle down and build wealth with them. Per Carter, he allegedly did so by persuading victims to send them cash or to take out personal loans.

But that wasn’t all. Daejon Love allegedly used 18-year-old Taylor Chan to run his schemes. Per Carter, Chan allegedly portrayed himself as Love’s financial advisor and used falsified investment gains to also persuade victims to invest their money.

More On The Fake Millions & Investment Gains

According to Carter, one victim sent $2,000 in cash to the pair. And when they allegedly learned she had $10,000 in savings, they threatened to physically harm her until she gave it to them.

Scroll above to watch as Carter recalls how another woman sent the pair at least $18,000. Additionally, attorney Chelsea Lewis shares her thoughts on the case and how it may proceed in prosecution. Furthermore, Lewis details more of Daejon Love’s alleged personas while breaking down his apparent scheme.

RELATED: Sidney Starr’s Family Speaks Out After Her Court Appearance | TSR Investigates

Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on September 3, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Alix Earle detailed her falling out with Alex Cooper in season 1 of her Netflix reality series, Earle Meets World, alleging she felt “betrayed” after Cooper “took advantage” of her admiration. Earle also claimed she learned her “Hot Mess” podcast had been dropped by the Unwell Network through the media.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

• Love After Lockup star Amber Eggers died at the age of 41 on September 3 after being hospitalized on September 1 with liver failure, her loved ones announced. Her mother, Monica Eggers, confirmed the cause of death as acute liver failure following a spring 2025 battle with pneumonia, sepsis and multiple organ failure.

• A judge declared a mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy murder case on September 4 after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court denied the defense team’s emergency appeal amid a deadlocked jury. Another hearing has been scheduled for September 29, and the future of the case against Clancy — accused in the 2023 deaths of her three children — remains unclear.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

When it comes to wedding guest outfits, Leslie Mann is making a strong case for dresses with slimming stripes. Yes, stripes! The A-lister’s dress style is elegant, breezy and so ready for fall, and she’s convincing Us to add the chic rich mom look to our closet. Thankfully, we found an elegant option on Amazon that’s eerily similar to her flattering midi.

The Spa Weekend actress was spotted at Jimmy Kimmel Live! wearing strappy silver heels and simple jewelry, which let her striped brown dress shine. The style is equal parts elegant and flattering, especially with its elongating silhouette that defines the waist. Plus, the rich color palette makes it an easy choice for fall celebrations, family events and weddings. No doubt the Amazon twin we found nails her look, and appears much more expensive than it is.

Get the Generic Backless Halter Cami Midi Dress for $62 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Stripes can sometimes be a tricky print to nail, but the Generic halter midi dress shows just how well the print can work when strategically placed. The vertical and diagonal lines draw the eye up and down, creating a lengthening effect that makes you appear taller and slimmer. Plus, it’s also a fun way to switch things up when your usual solid-colored dresses feel a little too predictable.

Related: Kate Middleton Just Wore the *It* Jeans of Fall 2026

Advertisement

Kate Middleton has always been a fashion icon — and one of her looks is actually convincing Us to consider trading in our beloved wide-leg jeans for good. The Princess of Wales made the case for chocolate brown jeans, pairing them with a cozy sweater and edgy utility jacket. Her look feels incredibly well suited […]

The flattering silhouette is a big plus for women over 40, too. It has a defined waist that adds structure through the middle, and the skirt flows away from the body, making it a comfortable option for a long wedding day filled with dinner, drinks and dancing. Rounding out the dress is the halter neckline, which keeps the dress from tipping into overly formal territory.

When it comes to styling, you don’t need much to make this dress feel complete. For a fall wedding, lean into the warm tones with gold jewelry, a neutral clutch and brown or black heels. If temperatures dip later in the evening, throw a tailored blazer or cropped jacket over your shoulders for an extra layer that won’t overwhelm the shape of the dress. You can also play up the ’70s-inspired feel of the stripes with chunky gold earrings and a sleek updo, which will put the halter neckline on full display.

Best of all, you don’t have to spend hundreds to recreate Mann’s look. At under $65, this Amazon find delivers the same elegance at a fraction of the price!

Get the Generic Backless Halter Cami Midi Dress for $62 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>

Related: Sandra Bullock‘s Woven Bag Style Is Oddly Perfect for Fall

When you hear ‘woven bag,’ you might think ‘summer.’ But Sandra Bullock makes a strong case for wearing one through fall, rocking a cinnamon-colored woven bag style that begs to be paired with a sweater and jeans. Better yet, her chic look is only $18 on Amazon! In an Instagram Reel, Bullock invited Us into […]