Entertainment
‘The Bear’s Final Season Earns Its Michelin Stars as a Masterpiece
Around this time last year, I made the declaration that The Bear should have ended with Season 4. I felt that the finale, which saw Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) quitting and handing over The Bear to Syd (Ayo Edibiri) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), was the perfect bow on top of the series, and that the show didn’t need any more seasons. Well, I’m willing to admit that I was wrong.
The Bear Season 5 brings the show back to the beginning, with eight streamlined, high-energy episodes that embody everything fans love. Once again, a chaotic night of service is at the center of it. This time, the series channels The Pitt and 24 by setting the entire season, except the finale, over the course of one day. Without unnecessary frills and over-the-top cameos, showrunner Christopher Storer strips The Bear Season 5 down to the basics and proves that the series has never needed much more than that.
‘The Bear’ Season 5 Was Made To Be Binged
While the intensity of this show, especially during Season 2, has meant that you might need to take a break between episodes, The Bear Season 5 feels designed to be watched all in one night. The frenetic pacing of the episodes flows easily into one another, making the season feel like one big movie. As the kitchen deals with flooding, storm traffic, overbooked tables, and a lack of food, the tempo never lets up, and the crew is forced to keep moving forward, as if stopping will bring all of this to an end.
The audience is given a break from the unending barrage of conflict with small, quiet scenes between characters. It’s a tried-and-true method, one that feels unique to The Bear. Whether it’s Richie talking some sense into Carmy during a smoke break or Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) crafting an artistic dish made out of brussels sprouts in her home kitchen, these little interludes allow the viewer to take a breather before being plunged back into chaos. The pace of the episodes only reaches a true hiccup when we follow Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt), The Computer (Brian Koppelman), and The Computer’s protégée, Cheese (Elsie Fisher).
Jimmy’s storyline this season mainly consists of him scrambling to get back all the money he’s lost after some bad investments and funding the largest money sink known to man: restaurants. It’s not that Platt isn’t good in these scenes; he and Koppelman have witty banter, and Fisher’s Cheese is a wonderful addition as a vaping Zoomer and the upgraded version of her uncle. It’s just that Jimmy’s conflict never feels as pressing as what’s happening at The Bear. Sure, he’s the guy who is financing all this, but it doesn’t feel like there’s any true threat because we know Ebra’s (Edwin Lee Gibson) plan for franchising is always in the distance, ready to swoop in and save the day. In the kitchen, not only are tensions constantly high, but even if Jimmy pulls through with the money, something can always go disastrously wrong, and that’s where the stakes lie.
‘The Bear’ Season 5 Proves Once Again That the Cast Anchors the Show
I’ve praised Ayo Edebiri in the past for her performance on The Bear, and Season 5 proves her immense talent through and through as she takes Syd from her final steps as an uncertain, burgeoning chef into someone who can not only manage a full team but does it far better than Carmy ever could. Edebiri, who is deft at navigating both comedic scenes and drama, is easily the standout of the entire series, and by the end, it almost makes us wish there was more of The Bear coming with Syd fully at the helm.
Alongside Edebiri is Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who has also been one of the show’s best and most reliable performers. Following the emotional standalone episode “Gary”, written by both Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal, Richie has finally reached his final form. Much like Syd, whose journey was also peppered with insecurity and uncertainty, the season finally confirms that Richie is standing on his own two feet — not only surviving working at The Bear, but thriving. If Carmy’s decision to give the restaurant to Syd and Richie felt sudden at the end of Season 4, Season 5 proves that he knew what he was doing.
Speaking of Carmy, White shines in Season 5 in a way he hasn’t since the beginning. After three grueling seasons of seeing him struggle with his anxiety, his grief, and his trauma, The Bear finally lets viewers see the result of Carmy’s slow growth. White is fantastic as a newly evolved Carmy who not only realizes he’s made the right decision but also acknowledges that his attitude and temper have caused their downfall. For the first time in a long time, it doesn’t feel like White is being overshadowed by his co-stars, and his performance reminds us why we’ve been rooting for Carmy this whole time.
’The Bear’s Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach Break Down the Most Uncomfortable Scene in “Gary”
Season 5 of ‘The Bear’ will drop in full on Hulu on June 25th.
Season 5 also allows the rest of the cast to grow and wraps up each story nicely as they fully embrace their roles with a newfound confidence. Colón-Zayas’s Tina has been a brilliant character since day one, but seeing her finally reach her height reminds us of how far everyone’s come. Lionel Boyce‘s Marcus, who has had a similar trajectory, deals with his fragile relationship with his father in the season while bouncing off of Will Poulter‘s Luca, who is still staging at The Bear. Boyce, who has always had a quietly powerful presence, takes more of the center stage, which only makes us wish we’d gotten more of him in previous seasons.
Poulter is just one example of this show’s ability to turn guest stars into pillars of the series. While there are far fewer cameos to stuff into Season 5 — except for one big party scene at the very end — that doesn’t mean the show lacks in star power. Once again, Jamie Lee Curtis comes sweeping in to stun in every scene she’s in. Though she spends a lot of the season babysitting for Natalie (Abby Elliott), Donna’s arrival at The Bear finally delivers a gut-punch moment that ties everything together for the Berzattos. With so much talent on screen, it’s hard to pick out any weak performances; the cast works perfectly together like a well-oiled machine.
‘The Bear’s Final Season Is Nothing Short of Perfect
The best thing that The Bear has ever done is return to its roots in this final season. No trips to Copenhagen, no Carmy running an errand for a whole episode, no staging at other restaurants. The action centers purely on The Bear. Sometimes, the tension in the show is a little too familiar, with Carmy trying to take control again, Syd still uncertain about her leadership role, and Richie flying off the handle. What used to feel so nerve-wracking feels more like a plot device to move the story forward.
Yet the fate of The Bear has never been as important as the people working there. Through its five seasons, The Bear has not only exposed the pretension of highbrow dining, but it’s also pointed out the abusive and degrading environments these restaurants often become. The series proves that that is not a requirement for greatness, and that clashing egos only cause chaos. When the team collaborates, allows for creativity, and supports one another, everyone is working at their best.
Season 5 also focuses on the passion that these characters have for The Bear. Each character realizes that this job isn’t just a nine-to-five for them; it’s something they love. The show’s main question then becomes: what happens when you love what you do? Does the job get easier, or is the pressure worse? Is happiness worth the sacrifice and pain? In a high-intensity kitchen, it’s easy to see how quickly people can burn out, but it’s the family at the heart of The Bear that keeps it all together. At the end of the day, no matter how bad a fight is, these people will apologize, reconcile, and go back to working with each other as family does.
While the penultimate episode of The Bear is the fireworks show, finishing off a seemingly apocalyptic service, the gentle series finale wraps everything up perfectly. Stripping the show of all the nail-biting anxiety and pretentious trimmings that previously held it back, the episode is saccharine but earned. It’s also hopeful and bright, with a conclusion in which everyone finally finds some sort of peace. I’ve been harsh on this show in the past, but Season 5 proves that I should have trusted the process, because Storer has created nothing less than a masterpiece with The Bear, one that will be sorely missed now that it’s over.
All seasons of The Bear are now available to stream on Hulu.
- Release Date
-
2022 – 2026-00-00
- Network
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Hulu
- Showrunner
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Christopher Storer
- Directors
-
Ramy Youssef
- Writers
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Catherine Schetina, Alex Russell, Karen Joseph Adcock, Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, Stacy Osei-Kuffour
Pros & Cons
- Season 5’s pacing and format is superb, making it the perfect binge since it takes place over the course of one day.
- Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Jeremy Allen White, and Jamie Lee Curtis all deliver stunning performances.
- The final season cuts away the extra fat of unncessary cameos and pretentious restaurant jargon and strips it down to the brass tacks.
- The series finale takes all the elements of past seasons to create a neat and hopeful ending that makes us wish the show wasn’t actually over for good.
Continue Reading
Social media users are weighing IN after Willie Taylor said Day 26 would have “smoked” Pretty Ricky and B2K in a Verzuz.
RELATED: Raz-B Turns Heads With “PSA” Message For Pretty Ricky As Pleasure P Spills Tea On Verzuz Plans (PHOTO + VIDEOS)
Willie Taylor Says Day 26 Would Have “Smoked” Pretty Ricky & B2K In Verzuz
On the evening of Thursday, June 25, Willie Taylor took to Instagram, initially sharing a brief text post.
“Honestly Speaking… We would have SMOKED both Groups Tonight!!!! SMOKED!!” he wrote before adding an additional caption. “Great Show tonight fellas. But for what verzuz consist of easy Work!!!”
Subsequently, Taylor then shared footage of himself, elaborating on his thoughts in real time. Ultimately, Taylor doubled down on his claim that Day 26 would have B2K and Pretty Ricky off the stage.
Social Media Users Are Weighing IN After Willie Taylor Said Day 26 Would Have “Smoked” Pretty Ricky & B2K In Verzuz
Social media users quickly slid into TSR’s comment section, sharing their thoughts on Willie Taylor’s statement about Day 26 and largely defending Pretty Ricky.
Instagram user @trinishyia wrote, “ONLY group who winning against Pretty Ricky would be like JAGGED EDGE”
While Instagram user @jcockerhamofficial added, “Ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis 😂”
Instagram user @nostalgiabops wrote, “Probably B2K but definitely Not Pretty Ricky so please stop it 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”
While Instagram user @burn_poe added, “Man I swear I do not know 1 day 26 song”
Instagram user @bonitabillionaire wrote, “Name 5 Day 26 songs gun pointed to ya head 🫣🥴😭”
While Instagram user @stacia.alexandra added, “How you’re hating from outside of the club; you can’t even get in lol”
Instagram user @jstshay__ wrote, “With what songs Willie?? You need more than 2 hits to do Verzuz”
While Instagram user @rianecapri added, “I don’t mean no harm but I literally only know 1 song by Day 26. Please Willie.”
Instagram user @jeriah888 wrote, “Me when I lie😂 maybe b2k but yall ain’t smoking PR they would of did yall just how they just did b2k🤭”
While Instagram user @lexbethereason_ added, “Not with one album babe.. you gotta have more than just 1 catalog😅”
More On The Groups’ Battle
As The Shade Room previously reported, Pretty Ricky and B2K faced off in a Verzuz battle on Thursday, June 25. Ultimately, the battle left most social media users declaring Baby Blue, Spectacular, and Pleasure P the victors.
RELATED: Social Media Goes Off Over B2K And Pretty Ricky Verzuz As The TL Brings All The Smoke (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Whitney and Conner Leavitt are giving fans an update on the show’s fifth season.
Production on season 5 of the hit Hulu reality show was paused back in March amid allegations of a domestic incident between Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office ultimately declined to press charges against Taylor, 32, in April.
After news broke of the charges being dropped, Us Weekly confirmed that production on Mormon Wives season 5 was set to resume.
“It’s not completely wrapped up. We just need to finish out the season, which will finish soon, and then that’ll be my last one,” Whitney, 33, shared on Trisha Paytas’ “Just Trish” podcast on Thursday, June 25.
MomTok will be back on the screen for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5. The series, which premiered on Hulu in 2024, introduced fans to Jen Affleck and husband Zac Affleck, Demi Engemann and husband Bret Engemann, Whitney Leavitt and husband Conner Leavitt, Mikayla Matthews and husband Jace Terry, Mayci Neeley and husband […]
Conner, 32, claimed that Hulu has “cut the season short … five episodes only.”
“They’re having everyone go back to basically do interviews, wrap up a couple of things,” he added. “I think that’ll be a very abbreviated season considering all the things that happened publicly.”
As Whitney prepares to leave Mormon Wives, she also gave an update on her relationships with her fellow MomTok influencers.
“I feel the support. I feel like this is literally the first time ever I’m, like, good with everyone. It’s a breath of fresh air. No drama,” the Dancing With the Stars alum said.
Whitney Leavitt wasn’t afraid to hint at her potentially leaving The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives well before her official exit. During Hulu’s hit reality TV series’ 2024 inaugural season, Leavitt flirted with the idea of quitting the show when she decided to leave MomTok, the Mormon Wives stars’ content creation group. Despite leaving the […]
Whitney, who also recently played Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway, confirmed her Mormon Wives exit in May.
“You’re going to want to sit down for this video. I am leaving The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Take a minute. Take it in,” she said in an Instagram video. “I feel like I had to start my video that way. I’ve seen a lot of conversation on my announcement, so I just wanted to come on here and share my thoughts.”
“Just to be very clear, I am finishing season 5. So yes, I will be in that season. But also yes, it will be my last,” Whitney added. “It’s honestly so crazy to me looking back on this journey because I had been trying to get into theater and film way before Secret Lives even came into my life.”
“I feel content,” Whitney said. “I feel like this is a chapter that’s closing in my life and honestly, I believe that’s how it was always meant to be. I’m so grateful for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. It’s got me where I am today. It’s given me the opportunities that you all have seen, but I’m ready. I’m ready for the next chapter, and I cannot wait to share with you guys what’s next.”
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From war dramas like “Saving Private Ryan” to musicals like “Hamilton,” these are the films that scream “America” to us.
Entertainment
‘Interview with the Vampire’ Meets James Bond in the Fantasy Spy Thriller Taking Over Streaming
AMC’s Anne Rice universe was never built to be only one vampire show. Interview with the Vampire gave the franchise its prestige anchor, Mayfair Witches opened the supernatural side of the mythology, and the next logical step was always the organization watching all of it from the shadows. That made this cancelled spin-off interesting from the start because it was not centered on one immortal lead.
The strange part is that the series is now showing life after cancellation. AMC canceled it in March 2026 after only one six-episode season, but its AMC+ chart movement through Amazon Channels has improved this week in both the United States and Spain. In the U.S., it moved from No. 9 on June 20 to No. 6 yesterday and today (June 26). In Spain, it bounced from No. 7 to No. 5 earlier in the week and is now sitting at No. 6. That is not a giant global revival, but it is a useful late signal for a show that already lost its renewal fight.
The series is Talamasca: The Secret Order, AMC’s Anne Rice spin-off starring Nicholas Denton as Guy Anatole, a young man pulled into a secret agency that tracks immortal and supernatural beings. The cast also includes William Fichtner, Elizabeth McGovern, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, and Celine Buckens, with John Lee Hancock and Mark Lafferty behind the show. The show has a 6.5 IMDb rating and 61% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, which explains why it never became the franchise’s breakout, but the chart climb still matters. Cancelled shows usually disappear quietly. Talamasca: The Secret Order shows there was still some audience curiosity left in the order.
What Is the Premise of ‘Talamasca: The Secret Order’
Compared with Interview with the Vampire, which follows immortals from inside their own seductive, violent world, and Mayfair Witches, which centers on inherited power and family occult history, Talamasca: The Secret Order was built more like a supernatural spy thriller. The series follows the people who monitor vampires, witches, ghosts, and other beings while trying to keep the mortal world from seeing too much.
At the center is Guy Anatole (Nicholas Denton), a young law-school graduate who is pulled into the Talamasca after learning that the secret organization has been tracking him for years. From there, the show turns Anne Rice’s mythology into a surveillance-and-conspiracy story about humans trying to manage forces far older and stronger than them.
Talamasca: The Secret Order is currently trending on AMC+ (Amazon Channels). Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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2025 – 2026-00-00
- Network
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AMC
- Directors
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Eva Sørhaug
- Writers
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Donald Joh
-
Nicholas Denton
Guy Anatole
-
Chile! Tracee Ellis Ross is clearing the air after social media started running with a claim that had fans doing double takes. The actress and entrepreneur hopped online to set the record straight herself after edited screenshots sparked a wave of speculation.
RELATED: Been Tea! Tracee Ellis Ross Has Fans Saying She’s Snatched And Serving In Latest Visuals (WATCH)
Tracee Said “Y’all Can Stop Right There”
In a video circulating across social media, Tracee shut down the pregnancy rumors once and for all after fake screenshots made it appear as though she’d shared a positive pregnancy test on her Instagram Story. Rocking a blue cap, yellow raincoat, AirPods, and carrying a tote bag, she looked directly into the camera and said, “You guys, c’mon… I am not pregnant.” She doubled down moments later, adding, “Not only am I not pregnant, I’m not trynna get pregnant.“
Tracee also made it clear that the only thing she’s preparing to bring into the world is her latest project. Joking about the rumors, she explained that while there’s no baby on the way, fans can expect the birth of her newest work instead. And, she even advised people to reflect on Michelle Obama’s speech at the Obama Presidential Center opening instead of her ovaries.
Roomies Didn’t Waste A Single Second
Roomies wasted no time running straight to TSR’s Instagram comment section and running it all the way up. Some joked that “Tracee” and “pregnancy” don’t even belong in the same sentence, while others reminded people to stop being so invested in women’s uteruses and personal choices. Plenty of commenters also applauded Tracee for shutting the rumors down herself with humor instead of letting the speculation continue.
One Instagram user @alizedenyae commented, “Don’t play with my girl Rainbow 🌈😂”
This Instagram user @jazrealpretty joked “‘Where do we even get the PREGNANT?!!!!’😂”
And, Instagram user @and_im_aeja_ shared, “She’s really Joan in real life 😂😂”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @dr.deneice added, “Idk why people insist on being in other people’s uterus.“
Then Instagram user @only1laniiiii wrote, “Tracee and pregnant in the same sentence is actually insane tho😂😂”
Finally, Instagram user @therealeazyeconomicz said, “Wishing pregnancy and marriage on anyone who reads this 😂💍🤰🏾”
Tracee Ellis Ross Sets The Record Straight…Again
Tracee Ellis Ross is making one thing crystal clear: she is not pregnant. While appearing on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ to promote her upcoming Broadway debut in ‘Every Brilliant Thing,’ the 53-year-old addressed the viral speculation head-on. Tracee revealed she had been receiving congratulatory text messages that initially left her confused. “I’m like, ‘On the play? Thank you!‘” she joked before explaining that she later learned people believed she was expecting her first child. Shutting the rumors down once and for all, she told Fallon, “Which is hilarious. I am not pregnant.“
Keeping the laughs going, Tracee poked fun at the internet’s tendency to create its own narratives. “No, and I don’t know how you get the preggers,” she quipped. “Now, ‘the pregnant’ I think is different from just pregnant. I know how you get pregnant. But ‘the pregnant’ is a thing they make up online when it’s obviously a slow news day.” Her lighthearted response quickly resonated with fans, many of whom applauded her for addressing the rumors with wit instead of frustration.
RELATED: Whew! Tracee Ellis Ross Sets The Internet On Fire With Sizzling NEW Look (PHOTOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Lionel Richie’s latest tour has hit an unexpected pause after the music icon suffered a frightening health scare in front of thousands of fans.
The legendary singer shocked concertgoers when he suddenly stopped performing during the opening night of his Sing A Song All Night Long tour, later leaving the venue in an ambulance as a precaution.
Now, the 77-year-old has postponed upcoming shows while doctors monitor his condition, with those closest to him reportedly urging the workaholic entertainer to put his health first.
Just one day after cutting short his performance in St. Paul, Minnesota, Lionel Richie announced that his next two concerts would no longer go ahead.
A statement issued through Chicago’s United Center confirmed that the Grammy winner had been advised to step away from the stage while he recovers.
“Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH,” it read.
The statement added that Richie and tourmates Earth, Wind & Fire are expected to resume the Sing A Song All Night Long tour on Tuesday, June 30, in Pittsburgh.
“Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon,” the statement noted.
Richie Struggled Through Performance Before Calling An Intermission
As The Blast reported, the frightening moment unfolded during the opening concert of Lionel Richie’s latest tour at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
After performing “Three Times A Lady” from behind the piano, Richie unexpectedly announced an intermission after telling the audience he felt “dizzy.”
Fans soon realized something was wrong when more than 40 minutes passed without the singer returning to the stage. Eventually, saxophonist Dino Soldo addressed the audience.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” he said. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”
Videos shared online showed the “We Are the World” singer appearing increasingly unsteady during “Dancing On The Ceiling.” Audience members also recalled Richie trying to reassure the crowd while acknowledging he wasn’t feeling his best.
One concertgoer said Richie told fans, “he has been in this business long enough, if you feel dizzy you sit down! And if you don’t feel right, you sit down!”
Lionel Richie Fans Watched The Situation Unfold In Real Time
Before the concert officially ended, fans witnessed several worrying moments that hinted that Richie was struggling.
Footage posted online showed him briefly sitting on the edge of a raised platform before standing to continue singing.
Less than 30 seconds later, however, he sat down again on the opposite side of the stage while still performing.
According to reports, Soldo even sat beside Richie during part of “Dancing On The Ceiling” as the singer tried to finish the performance.
Once Richie’s band quietly exited the stage, audience members slowly realized the concert would not continue, and many began to leave the venue before the official announcement.
Lionel Richie’s Inner Circle Is Reportedly Worried
Although Richie has not publicly revealed the cause of the episode, people close to the singer reportedly fear he has been pushing himself too hard.
A source told the Daily Mail that family, friends, and even his bandmates have growing concerns about his relentless schedule.
“Family, friends, and even his bandmates are definitely concerned about Lionel’s health, but nobody is about to tell him to slow down,” the insider explained.
According to the source, the Grammy Award winner’s dedication to performing has remained unchanged since his days with The Commodores decades ago.
“The Lionel we see on tour and on American Idol is the same Lionel we have known for decades – he’s always moving, always working, and always looking ahead to the next show,” they stated.
The insider added that Richie’s passion for performing continues to drive him, sharing, “Music isn’t just his job; it’s what keeps him going. He’s not someone who sits still, and retirement has never really been part of the conversation unless his health leaves him with no other choice.”
Richie Is More Focused On Fans Than Himself
Despite the alarming health scare, the insider claimed Lionel Richie’s biggest concern isn’t his condition, but it’s disappointing concertgoers.
“Right now, Lionel is actually more upset that fans didn’t get the full show they paid for than he is about himself and his health. That’s where his head is,” they explained.
The source added that the icon is eager to return to the stage as quickly as doctors will allow. They revealed Richie hopes he’ll soon receive reassuring news.
“He fully expects to be back doing what he loves, and he’s already hoping to make it to Chicago this weekend if everything checks out,” the insider said.
While Richie continues undergoing medical evaluation, the insider said the legendary entertainer remains optimistic.
According to them, “He’s still waiting for a few more answers on what he is dealing with, but he feels that it could be just a bit of an episode over something super serious.”
Entertainment
Controversial Director’s Extremely Graphic, Banned Movie Is Secretly A Straight-Faced Satire
By Jennifer Asencio
| Published
After facing a ban in Germany due to potentially violating hate speech laws, director Uwe Boll released his latest film, Citizen Vigilante, on social media for a limited free viewing from June 25-27, 2026. This unprecedented move has allowed people all over the world to view Boll’s message, which has polarized people between admiring it as a right-wing message and condemning it as a racist caricature.
I watched the movie, and I don’t think either of those statements is true.
Citizen Vigilante Will Not Spare You Its Savagery
Citizen Vigilante is a portrait of a man we eventually learn is named Sanders (played by the controversial Armie Hammer), who grew up wealthy, has a military background that includes some nifty tattoos, and now rents out properties in Europe that his father once owned. The movie takes place in an unspecified city that is meant to generically symbolize Europe, and despite the title, Sanders is not actually a citizen of the country, which is a source of contention regarding his rental properties: they could be seized and offered to migrants seeking refuge in the town because of their ownership.
However, Sanders also has a few hobbies, including making anonymous videos criticizing society from a far-right perspective, visiting victims of violent crimes committed by foreigners who escaped justice, and beating up or slaughtering anyone who threatens an innocent. A few revealing scenes show that Sanders does have some kind of moral compass, but that compass includes breaking the wrists of some bullying teenagers and luring a gang of abusers to their deaths.
Meanwhile, this portrait is being assembled by Interpol Regional Chief Henry (Costas Mandylor), who has been following the story with concern because the “Citizen Vigilante” is picking up fans on social media who wish someone like him would operate in their countries. Henry has been trying to track down this vigilante and bring him to justice, tapping local police in his quest to find Sanders.
This is a heavy film, and not for the faint of heart. The opening scene sees a mother suddenly stabbed in the neck (in a style reminiscent of a recent high-profile, real-life murder that became a major news event), and the violence only ramps up from there. The movie is very gritty, and Sanders is a brutal man; audiences are not spared his savagery.
Hits Different When Viewed As A Satire
The technical aspects of this film are exquisite, however. The location scouting treats viewers to an urban all-Europe, and it really is hard to tell what country the story takes place in. However, building exteriors, alleys, streets, and the cinematography that displays them are all well-chosen, feasting the eyes with the “motion” in the phrase “motion picture” by highlighting wide angles and sweeping shots. The movie is also edited masterfully, with cinematic cuts that reveal important parts of the story through imagery rather than dialogue.
The dialogue and script seem weak on the surface, with cliched lines, scenes that drag out, and a plot that seems to zig-zag all over the place. However, it is actually a tightly wrapped package filled with extremist caricatures, not in the least of which is the titular character. To some degree, even Henry is a caricature, although he is less of one than everyone else.
Sanders is a very nuanced character, though, not just a cold-blooded and racist killer. He gives a group of hoodlums repeated chances before harming them. In a scene that was puzzling to many viewers, he engages a worker in a brothel he owns, then interrupts his encounter with her to obsess about mold on the wall (it turns out he owns the building that houses the brothel). The scene seems on a trajectory to paint him as brutal to women as he is to migrant criminals, but veers into an entirely different and surprising direction.
Not that Sanders is a nice guy, though. He is very definitely the villain of the piece, with the true hero being Henry. Sanders’ vitriol is directed against certain types of people, most specifically migrants from Africa and the Middle East who have committed violent crimes. He elucidates his reasoning for his vigilantism in anonymous videos, and some of his rhetoric is quite alarming, calling out cultural and religious differences as the reason these migrants commit their crimes.
However, the film also uses ripped-from-the-headlines anecdotes to illustrate the source of Sanders’ anger. Aside from the early murder of the mother, there are gangs, judges who let truly vicious criminals off on light sentences because they are impoverished or disadvantaged, and a situation where Sanders, in his capacity as a landlord, is demanded by the local government to house migrants for free and indefinitely. These are things that have reportedly taken place throughout Europe and the United States over the past few years, thanks to policies meant to offset centuries of colonialism and inequality.
A Perspective On Protagonists And Polarization
The conflict between these two viewpoints is the central argument of the movie, not a glorification of either side. The problem with Sanders is not that he is deranged or bigoted, but that he weaponizes the truth to a murderous degree. Especially with the current events angle of the script, the arguments Sanders makes have grains of truth to them that he then exploits to their most ludicrous possible conclusions. However, those who receive his brand of justice are as extreme as he is, but in the opposite direction.
This is the main quality that makes Henry and not Sanders the hero of the film; Sanders just so happens to be the protagonist. Henry is very well aware of the injustices Sanders opposes, but is simultaneously aware that Sanders’ solution is not only not the answer but has the potential to create more vigilantes.
He represents all the rest of us who lie between Sanders and his victims; everyone who doesn’t dwell in the extremes but in between them. He represents the victims of the crimes that Sanders’ migrant criminals committed, but he also represents all the other people harmed by Sanders’ actions who were neither criminals nor complicit in criminality. Henry represents all the rest of us who haven’t been polarized by politics surrounding the inclusion of foreigners in society.
So, while both Sanders and the migrant criminals are cartoon versions of reality and the dialogue comes off as cheesy and heavy-handed, Citizen Vigilante is actually a brilliant, robust satire that laments how extreme the mainstream has become and warns us what it could become. It glorifies nobody, least of all its titular character, and condemns everybody, with only the beleaguered Henry exempting himself by looking at all the pieces, both good and bad.
It’s unfortunate that more people didn’t examine this movie the way Henry did Sanders and the world around him, because it is not the movie it is being painted as. For all its simplicity, it is much deeper than it is being credited for. Unfortunately, the people it must most urgently reach are the same people who will decry it the loudest.
Citizen Vigilante is available to watch on X until 10:00 am EST on June 27, 2026.
Entertainment
The Novel Behind 2026’s Best Sci-Fi Masterpiece Is Taking Over the World 5 Years Later
Many movie fans already have their sights set on the end of 2026, when three of the most ambitious sci-fi movies of the year are all set to come out on the same day. The biggest pure sci-fi movie arriving in theaters on December 18, 2026, is Dune: Part Three, the final chapter in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi saga that launched back in 2021. Opening in theaters on the same day as Dune 3 is Avengers: Doomsday, which will likely post higher box-office numbers than its Arrakis-set counterpart. This is largely due to it being the MCU’s first Avengers movie in seven years, and the first Marvel movie since Avengers: Endgame to star Robert Downey Jr. Netflix also announced this week that Brad Bird’s sci-fi detective thriller, Ray Gunn, will begin streaming on the very same day.
However, while it’s easy to look ahead at everything that’s to come this year, one of the most successful sci-fi movies of all time has already happened. The film in question is Project Hail Mary, the space epic starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (writers and producers of Into and Across the Spider-Verse). Project Hail Mary is based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir, who also wrote the sci-fi novel The Martian that inspired Ridley Scott’s 2015 film. According to Goodreads, Project Hail Mary has officially become the most-read novel of 2026, not only in the sci-fi genre, but including all genres of novels, fiction or nonfiction. This comes after the film earned acclaim for being such a faithful adaptation of the source material, which most book readers would claim is still a better version of the story.
Was ‘Project Hail Mary’ a Successful Movie?
Project Hail Mary was a massive success by nearly every metric a movie can be measured. The film came out of the gates strong with scores of 94% from critics and 95% from audiences on the aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest-rated movies of the year. It then put up $683 million at the global box office, turning a profit off its massive $200 million budget, before also becoming a smash hit on VOD. The film was added to MGM+ last week, where it’s currently the most popular movie in the world.
Check out Project Hail Mary on MGM+ and stay tuned to Collider for all the biggest sci-fi projects coming later this year.
- Release Date
-
March 15, 2026
- Runtime
-
157 minutes
- Director
-
Christopher Miller, Phil Lord
- Writers
-
Drew Goddard, Andy Weir
- Producers
-
Aditya Sood, Amy Pascal, Andy Weir, Christopher Miller, Phil Lord, Rachel O’Connor, Ryan Gosling
Entertainment
‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ Crossover Officially Teased by Taylor Sheridan Star
There has been no shortage of content for Taylor Sheridan fans this year, and the first project that immediately comes to mind is the biggest series on Paramount Plus right now, Dutton Ranch. The Yellowstone spin-off show stars Cole Hauser as Rip and Kelly Reilly as Beth, and it’s earning widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences — this made Paramount’s decision to renew it for Season 2 an easy one. The Yellowstone universe did stumble earlier this year with the premiere of Marshals, another offshoot starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton. The reception for Marshals couldn’t be any more different than that of Dutton Ranch, though. Fans and critics alike have resorted to hate-watching the Sheridan-produced Western series, but they’re doing so at a high enough clip that the series has been renewed for Season 2, which is already in production, even becoming one of the most-watched shows of 2026.
Sheridan has a few more shows expected to make comebacks before the end of this year, but the only one with a confirmed return date is Lioness, which begins streaming on August 2. Two more Sheridan shows that have either wrapped production or are near the end of shooting are Tulsa King and Mayor of Kingstown, and there could be a crossover coming in the near future. In a recent post from Mayor of Kingstown star Jeremy Renner sharing the first-look images from Season 4, Tulsa King star Frank Grillo commented that he has an idea to join the show as Mike McClusky’s cousin. It’s unclear if he means his Tulsa King character, Bill Bevilaqua, could be related to Renner’s titular character, or if this would be an entirely new role, but the ultimate Sheridan crossover could be in the works.
When Does ‘Tulsa King’ Season 4 Come Out?
Paramount has not set a return date for either Tulsa King or Mayor of Kingstown, but it would be surprising if they don’t return before the end of the year. Especially Tulsa King, which wrapped filming more than two months ago and has been in the editing stage ever since. Mayor of Kingstown is expected to wrap filming in the next few weeks, so even if it’s unable to hit a 2026 release date, it shouldn’t be any later than Q1 in 2027 before it premieres its final season.
Check out the latest seasons of Tulsa King and Mayor of Kingstown on Paramount+ and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the return of both shows.
- Release Date
-
November 13, 2022
- Network
-
Paramount+
- Showrunner
-
Dave Erickson, Terence Winter
- Directors
-
Allen Coulter, Benjamin Semanoff, David Semel, Guy Ferland, Joshua Marston, Kevin Dowling, Lodge Kerrigan, Jim McKay
- Writers
-
Joseph Riccobene, David Flebotte, William Schmidt, Taylor Elmore, Tom Sierchio, Regina Corrado, Stephen Scaia, Terence Winter
Another ‘Love Island USA’ contestant has left the villa after online controversy erupted. Alannah Keyser‘s time on the hit reality dating series came to an abrupt end after a resurfaced video allegedly showed her using the N-word while singing along to a song.
Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Bombshell Alannah Keyser’s Dad Comes To Her Defense Amid Resurfaced Posts Allegedly Showing Her Using The N-Word
Alannah Keyser Leaves ‘Love Island USA’ Following Resurfaced Video
According to TMZ, Peacock confirmed that Keyser would no longer appear on the reality dating series following Thursday night’s episode. Her exit comes after a resurfaced video allegedly showed her using the N-word while singing along to Roddy Ricch’s hit song, ‘The Box.’ Another alleged post showed screenshots of her using the word in an Instagram comment.
@stephwithdadeets “ALANNAH HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM CASA” Coming Soon… #loveislandusa #casaamor #alannah #video #greenscreen
Production sources told TMZ that the video and related social media posts were not circulating publicly until after Keyser had already joined the show. As The Shade Room previously reported, Keyser’s father defended his daughter in a statement to TMZ earlier this week. He said he does not believe she is racist and noted that she has always had friends from diverse backgrounds. He also called the online backlash against her “ridiculous.”
Social Media Reacts
Instagram user @d3vintd.03 wrote, “Now we wait for the video of her saying how she loves black people so much and would never do this again 😂😂”
Another Instagram user @_naturalafrolatina wrote, “I still see her on love island what episode she gonna be gone 😂”
While Instagram user @_foreverkee wrote, “Just waiting for her long post and apology. At least she got good taste in music”
Instagram user @prettytice_ wrote, “I knew it ws coming..”
Another Instagram user @vonjaee wrote, “Should’ve just kept it to herself. Free speech but that doesn’t mean u won’t face consequences”
While Instagram user @j.myaaaa wrote, “lmfao boy they don’t f*** around 😭”
Instagram user @selfmaderuss_ wrote, “They do a horrible job at doing background checks 😭.. glad she gone though”
Another Instagram user @__1Kgorgeous wrote, “One thing love island don’t play about! 👏🏾”
While Instagram user @theycallinmeemani wrote, “Welp Zach going back empty handed and Kayda finna be posted up with a big dawg 😂😂😂😂😂😂”
This Isn’t The First Time ‘Love Island USA’ Has Faced A Similar Controversy
Keyser entered the villa as one of Casa Amor’s bombshells and is now the second contestant to leave this season, following the resurfacing of past social media content.
Earlier this season, cast member Vasana Montgomery was removed from the show shortly after Peacock announced the Season 8 cast. Her departure came after resurfaced videos allegedly showed her using the N-word.
Following her exit, Montgomery addressed the controversy in a statement shared to her Instagram Story. She apologized for using the racial slur in videos from her teenage years and acknowledged the harm caused by her past actions.
Keyser’s removal also follows similar incidents during Season 7, when contestants Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega were both removed from ‘Love Island USA’ after their past use of racial slurs resurfaced online.
Related: Girl’s Girl! Megan Thee Stallion Shows Love To ‘Love Island USA’ Contestant Trinity After Emotional Casa Amor Moment (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
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