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The Most Famous Star Trek Alien Nearly Had An Unthinkable Onscreen Romance

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The Most Famous Star Trek Alien Nearly Had An Unthinkable Onscreen Romance

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Worf is one of the most popular characters in Star Trek, and for good reason: appearing in three shows and four movies as his iconic character, Michael Dorn has spent more time onscreen in this franchise than any other actor. Fortunately for him, the writers really loved Worf, giving him meaty storylines revolving around his tangled family history and fractured Klingon society. They also gave him Troi and Jadzia Dax (two smoking hot fan favorites) as his romantic partners.

At the time, hooking a warlike Klingon up with an emotional Betazed and an ancient body swapper likely felt very transgressive. However, Star Trek: The Next Generation missed the opportunity to give this character a mate that nobody would see coming, and fans would likely still be picking their jaws off the floor, all these decades later. You see, there was once a plan to hook Worf up with Selar, the Enterprise’s resident Vulcan doctor!

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It all started with the script for the TNG’s “The Emissary,” which is the Season 2 episode where Worf falls in love with the future mother of his child, K’Ehleyr. The characters worked well onscreen together, which is partially due to actors Michael Dorn and Suzie Plakson having such amazing chemistry. But given the other women who would fall in love with him on The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, the decision to pair Worf up with another Klingon was a little obvious.

That’s exactly how Tracy Tormé felt about this decision. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, Tormé was an early TNG writer responsible for such ambitious episodes as “The Schizoid Man.” While the story has some solid qualities, most fans love one thing about this episode above all else: Suzie Plakson, who makes her Star Trek debut as Dr. Selar, a Vulcan medical officer working for Dr. Beverly Crusher.

You Know What They Say About Girls With Pointy Ears

While Selar ended up being a very minor character, Tormé originally wanted her to be a romantic love interest for Worf. Unfortunately, his plans were vetoed once the TNG staff began working on “The Emissary,” a script that called for Worf to fall in love with a Klingon woman. In a way, you could say the producers compromised: because she had impressed them so much as Dr. Selar, they ended up hiring Suzie Plakson to play K’Ehleyr.

However, Tormé was unimpressed, later calling the decision to pair Worf up with another Klingon “obvious.” He summed up his objection to this plot point quite succinctly: “Had it been a Vulcan, it would have been a lot more interesting.” He has a real point here, especially considering that the cool and logical Vulcans are pretty much the polar opposites of the hot-blooded and passionate Klingons.

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After butting heads with notorious TNG showrunner Maurice Hurley enough times, Tormé left the show after Season 2. However, the spirit of his idea to romantically pair up Worf with someone completely different from himself lived on. This is part of why the writers eventually hooked him up with Deanna Troi: the peace-loving, hyper-emotional Betazed was the last person fans expected to end up with the ship’s brooding Klingon. Deep Space Nine took this idea to an even greater extreme, having uptight control freak Worf fall in love with and eventually marry a free-spirited Trill who just wants to have fun.

More Than Just A Pretty Face

As for Dr. Selar, she never appeared onscreen again, though the Vulcan doctor is mentioned by name several times throughout The Next Generation. However, the late, great Star Trek author Peter David gave Selar a very meaty role, making her the chief medical officer of the Excalibur in his non-canonical New Frontier series of books. There, she found her own surprise romantic partner: Burgoyne 172, a hermaphrodite alien as outgoing as s/he is frisky.

I’ve always been a big fan of Worf, and his crazy love life is just one of the things that made this hulking Klingon so compelling. But I have to admit, it would have been hilarious to see him dating a Vulcan, especially one played by the insanely talented Suzie Plakson. Fortunately, she would continue to grace Star Trek for many more years to come, each time as a completely different character. But these very different roles all had something important in common: each was more epic than the one before!


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“Secret Lives of Mormon Wives ”stops filming amid alleged domestic assault investigation involving Taylor Frankie Paul

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Season 4 of the Hulu reality series dropped last week, while the new season of “The Bachelorette” starring Paul premieres on Sunday.

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90 Day Fiance: Daniel Declares Lisa an Evil Woman – Before The 90 Days Recap [S08E14]

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90 Day Fiance: Daniel Declares Lisa an Evil Woman - Before The 90 Days Recap [S08E14]

On 90 Day Fiance, Daniel Tito Herrera can’t accept Lisa‘s lies and her past with women and straight up calls her evil to her face. Annalyn Fox sheds some light on her past. Forrest and Sheena seek legal counsel but the news isn’t good. And Rick Van Vactor gets grilled by Trish‘s family. Let’s break it all down in this recap of Season 8, Episode 14 Prepare For Immediate Descent.

90 Day Fiance: Daniel Can’t Take Lisa’s Lies

On 90 Day Fiancé, Daniel is outraged when Lisa reveals her whole truth. In her quest to become an Igbo woman, Daniel instead declares her an evil woman. Daniel calls her same sex affairs an abomination. Lisa defends her past relationships as just being in love. Daniel clearly can’t accept this. And rails at production that Lisa is not only evil, but vomiting lies. Lisa stands her ground and retires to her room to give him some space.

Daniel isn’t able or willing to see past his culture and rules. Lisa admits she’s not giving up hope that Daniel will want to move forward. She’s let it all out at this point. But Daniel insists he needs to get his uncle involved. Lisa demands to know why the uncle is involved at all. Lisa is scared of losing Daniel. And knows that her past with her fellow women as Daniel calls it will not go over well with uncle. Not to mention the lion king.

Annalyn Fox Admits Her Triggers on Before the 90 Days

A relaxing day at the nail salon was anything but when Jovan Fox accused Annalyn Fox of being too comfortable. The 90 Day Fiancé couple who are already husband and wife, struggle to get along in person. Annalyn bolts after Jovan makes the callous comment. He gives her space while they wait for a pedicab. Back at her place Annalyn seeks the comfort of her mom. Who advises her not to throw away her relationship.

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Annalyn Fox does her makeup in spite of being sick of Jovan Fox’s sarcasm. He wishes to talk it out and she agrees. Annalyn admits her father was abusive. And she saw the hurt it inflicted on her mother. So when Jovan is rude or wants control, she lashes out. Determined not to suffer like her mom did. This gives some clarity to Jovan. Who understands her reactions a little better. And promises to keep his snark in check.

90 Day Fiance: Forrest and Sheena Lawyer Up

It’s been a wild ride for Forrest since he landed in the Philippines on 90 Day Fiancé. Between Sheena admitting she lied, his mom’s meddling and a jeepney ride, he’s feeling uneasy. He proposed and she said yes, but not everybody is happy about it. Mainly Forrest’s mom Molly who threatens not to be in their life. Forrest and Sheena seek out an immigration lawyer in Manila to consider next steps of her moving to America.

But the bad news just won’t stop on Before The 90 Days. Forrest reveals his only income in the U.S. is his disability checks. The lawyer gently lets him know that doesn’t qualify as income for a K-1 visa. But it would be pretty easy for them if they married and stayed in the Philippines. Sheena proposes this idea to Forrest. But he clearly isn’t ready to give up his family back home. Even if Molly has disappointed him. Sheena weeps and Forrest has to make a decision or lose her.

Rick Van Vactor in the Hot Seat on 90 Day Fiance

Rick Van Vactor pouts over Trish’s reference to her ex on 90 Day Fiancé. Keep in mind Trish only mentioned her ex. She didn’t hop a plane to another country for a hook up after a few days of no contact. Nevertheless, she apologizes and he does too. The pair will head to Trish’s village to meet her family. And Rick has plenty to be nervous about. If her dad doesn’t get on board with the fifty something wig master, things could be over for good.

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Rick certainly doesn’t make a stellar first impression. He freaks out over the outdoor shower. And lets out a “ahh hell no” when he sees the outhouse and a piece of note paper subbing for toilet paper. But things really heat up when Trish’s dad has questions. First off how old he is. Dad’s not keen on the fact they are about the same age. Not to mention he already has two marriages under his belt and five kids. But his admission he’s unsure about having kids with Trish is definitely a dealbreaker for her dad.

90 Day Fiance: Elise and Josh Heat up Down Under

After being whisked to a bar after a 27 hour flight, Elise Benson just wanted to sleep. But a sinus issue kept her up most of the night on 90 Day Fiancé. But Josh Lawson proves himself a great caretaker. Providing water through the night. He fails at breakfast in bed serving up vegemite toast. But Elise rises to the occasion when he suggests the beach. And seizes the opportunity to change into a teeny bikini on the beach while Josh shields her with a towel.

The beach day provided an opportunity for a shower together. Followed by Josh oiling up a topless Elise for a massage. The moment is interrupted by third wheel roomie Chris. And the guys yuk it up like frat boys. It didn’t kill the mood enough to stop them from consummating their relationship. But Josh finally admits he really was living with his gal pal Nat before this and not his folks. Later everyone meets up and the tension is thick when Elise accuses Nat of having a financial hold over Josh. Till next time!

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Kristin Davis Called This $20 Moisturizer Her ‘Favorite’ — On Sale

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Kristin Davis has a glow that simply refuses to quit. The beloved Sex and the City actress keeps showing up looking absolutely radiant, and fans can’t stop asking what her secret is. Turns out, one of her go-to products isn’t some $300 luxury cream from a boutique in the south of France. It’s an ultra-hydrating, anti-aging powerhouse you can grab at Walmart.

In a TikTok video, Davis named the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Face Moisturizer as one of her favorites for looking younger. Pro retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, work together to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while keeping the skin barrier soft and supple. It’s no wonder Davis reaches for it — and now you should, too, while it’s on sale for just $20 at Walmart!

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Get the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer for $20 (was $29) at Walmart!

So what’s actually in this jar? The formula packs three heavy-hitting ingredients into one product: Pro Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C. Each one pulls its own weight. Pro Retinol targets wrinkles and fine lines. Hyaluronic Acid is the hydrating powerhouse that plumps skin and keeps it feeling dewy instead of tight and dry. Vitamin C brightens and helps even out your complexion. Together, the trio works to reduce wrinkles and deliver serious moisture, which is exactly the combination most women over 50 are hunting for in a daily moisturizer.

Gwyneth Paltrow attends the 32nd Annual Actor Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.


Related: Gwyneth Paltrow Calls This Micellar Water the ‘Best Makeup Remover‘

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Removing makeup shouldn’t feel like a full-on workout. Between stubborn mascara, long-wear foundation and sunscreen, taking everything off at night can easily turn into a multi-step ordeal. Luckily, Gwyneth Paltrow has a surprisingly simple solution — and it’s hiding in the drugstore aisle. The actress and wellness founder recently revealed the single product she uses […]

Safe to use morning and evening, simply apply the moisturizer as the last step in your skincare routine after any serums or eye creams. Smooth it all over your face and neck for best results — the brand notes it takes just one week of consistent use to start seeing results!

Over 11,000 Walmart shoppers give this anti-aging cream glowing reviews, so don’t just take Davis’ word for it!

One shopper raved, “I love the ingredients and it’s perfect under makeup for my mature yet combo/oily skin! I’ve tried so many day creams at various price points and this one is it!”

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Another reviewer wrote, “My eczema was awful on my face. Skin was itching and rashy with skin flakes. This completely cleared it up and without making my skin breakout. Lesson learned and will continue to use this as a I fell in love with how my skin felt after using it.”

If you’ve been spending hours scrolling through skincare forums trying to decode ingredient lists and compare serums, take a page from Davis. Sometimes the answer is simpler (and way more affordable) than you think. Grab the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer for just $20 while it’s still on sale!

Get the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer for $20 (was $29) at Walmart!

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Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives for a visit to Sudbury Silk Mills on September 11, 2025 in Sudbury, England. The Princess of Wales is visiting mills in Sudbury and Cuxton today as she celebrates British creativity and craftsmanship.


Related: Rare Sale Alert! Kate Middleton‘s French-Girl Shampoo Is Marked Down

If there’s one person whose hair we’re always paying attention to, it’s Kate Middleton. The Princess of Wales is famous for her impossibly glossy blowouts — the kind of shiny, satin-like hair that somehow looks perfect at every royal appearance. Naturally, we had to know the secret. Turns out, her go-to shampoo isn’t some impossible-to-find luxury […]

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Survivor Couple Grieves After Son’s Accident

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Survivor Couple Grieves After Son’s Accident

By Jennifer Asencio
| Updated

The Culpeppers are a couple who have had a big presence on the reality competition Survivor. Monica appeared on Survivor: One World with the infamous Colton Cumbie, and was then brought back for a Blood vs Water season alongside husband Brad. Brad made such a big impression that he, too, made a second appearance in Game Changers. Neither of them won, but both made it to the final three.

One thing the couple was always remembered for, especially Monica, was their devotion to being parents. They had three children, Rex, Judge, and Honor. Their only son Rex played a little football in college, but he went on to become a lawyer. Unfortunately, he was killed this past weekend in a motorcycle accident. He was only 28.

Brad Culpepper on Survivor: Game Changers

The Culpepper family demonstrated their fierce loyalty to one another when Brad and Monica appeared together on Survivor: Blood vs Water. That family loyalty included close bonds with all of their children. In 2018, the Culpeppers came out about Rex’s battle with testicular cancer, which required both chemotherapy and surgery, frightening prospects for a 20-year-old man. However, Rex came through it okay and went on to become the backup quarterback for Syracuse University before earning his degree.

During One World, Monica was extremely proud of being a good mom, but she also had a fierce drive to pave her own way in the game, separate from her famous husband. Nevertheless, she made her second appearance in Blood vs Water, where both she and Brad played on opposite teams. She maneuvered her gameplay to align with Tyson Apostle and Gervase Peterson, which took her to the final three, where she lost to Tyson.

Monica Culpepper on Survivor: Blood Vs Water

Brad, a former NFL defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears, was willing to throw challenges to help Monica. He was especially known for ruthless gameplay that involved getting revenge on members of the opposing team by voting off their loved ones from his team. This forced returning contestant, Candice Cody, to face off against her husband, John, and sparked a brutal rivalry between the two. He took a more patient and pragmatic approach to Game Changers, which got him to the Final Tribal Council, where he came in second to Cops-R-Us alum Sarah Lacina.

With three seasons to get to know Brad and Monica Culpepper, audiences recognize them as part of the Survivor family, so it was with heavy hearts that reports of Rex’s death were shared in the Survivor community. Although we never saw Rex on Survivor, he felt like someone who might someday join his famous parents as a second generation to compete on the show.

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Rex is survived by two sisters and a large, loving family.


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Fox’s 6-Part Alternative to ‘The Chosen’ Officially Releases This Week

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The-Bear-2

Over the last few years, The Chosen has become one of the most popular shows on TV. The series was written and directed by Dallas Jenkins, and it serves as a historical and dramatic retelling of the life of Jesus Christ through those who knew him. It’s set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Shahar Isaac as Simon Peter, George H. Xanthis as John, Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene, Paras Patel as Matthew, Noah James as Andrew, Shaan Sharma as Shmuel, Jordan Walker Ross as Little James, Giavani Cairo as Thaddeus, Nick Shakoour as Zebedee, and more. The Chosen has become so popular that its episodes are released in theaters to gross millions before they begin streaming on Prime Video.

The Chosen has kicked off a renaissance on streaming that has increased the demand for more faith-based content. Even popular stars like Chris Pratt have publicly praised the show, going as far as to call it “incredible pop culture canon.” Fox has found its alternative to The Chosen in a new religious series, The Faithful: Women of the Bible, which will air this Sunday, March 22. The first two episodes of the show will air on Fox this Sunday and begin streaming on Hulu the following day, with new episodes following this trend weekly until the final two episodes of Season 1 air on April 5. The series is billed as a faithful dramatization of the Book of Genesis, told through the eyes of courageous yet flawed women whose descendants would shape the future of faith. It was written and created for TV by René Echevarria.

The-Bear-2


Yes, Chef! An All-You-Can-Eat Buffet About The Bear — The Collider TV Quiz

Pi Day was Saturday (3/14), but instead of testing your pie knowledge, we’re going to go a different culinary route. How much of a Bear Buff are you?

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Who Stars in ‘The Faithful: Women of the Bible’?

The Faithful: Women of the Bible stars Alexa Davalos as Rebekah, Minnie Driver as Sarah, Jeffrey Donovan as Abraham, Natacha Karam as Hagar, and Blu Hunt as Rachel. The series is showrun by Julie Weitz, with Carol Mendelsohn and Franco Della Posta serving as producers. The fate of the series beyond Season 1 has yet to be decided, but if it performs well in the viewership department, it’s a no-brainer that Fox will look for more stories to tell. It could yet be the perfect competitor to The Chosen.

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Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of The Faithful: Women of the Bible, and watch all seasons of The Chosen on Prime Video.


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Release Date
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April 21, 2019

Network

Prime Video, VidAngel, Angel Studios, TheChosen.tv

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Directors

Dallas Jenkins

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  • instar53385847.jpg
  • instar53385859.jpg

    Elizabeth Tabish

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    Mary Magdalene / Lillith

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Kim Kardashian Rocks Blue Contacts at Oscars Afterparty

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Kim Kardashian debuted a new look at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.

Kardashian, 45, stunned on the Sunday, March 15, red carpet in a skin-hugging gold ball gown by Gucci, styling her tousled hair in a shoulder-length cut and deep side part.

She paired the look with Ofira Jewels and gold Pleaser pumps. For her glam, Kardashian wore a nude lip and rocked a smokey eye with blue colored contacts.

Kardashian went on to share her appreciation for Gucci and creative director Demna for the look, writing via Instagram on Monday, March 16, “DEMNA 4 EVER @GUCCI.”

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Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2026 Arrivals Kim Kardashian


Related: Stars Shine as Red Carpet Glam Takes Over the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Hollywood’s biggest night doesn’t end when the final Academy Awards trophy is handed out. A-listers dressed to impress while keeping the party going at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 15, held at this year’s brand-new venue: the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to […]

Kardashian was not the only member of her famous family in attendance at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. Sister Kendall Jenner was all smiles while wearing a light blue gown with a square neckline and floral embellishments. She styled her brown hair down and added diamond earrings to the look.

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Matriarch Kris Jenner attended the afterparty in a dramatic black dress while walking the red carpet with Corey Gamble. Her hair was swept into an updo.

Kardashian’s youngest sister, Kylie Jenner, stunned in a plunging black McQueen gown with a waist cutout and feathered skirt while walking the carpet with boyfriend Timothée Chalamet.

Chalamet, 30, donned a white suit and matching high-top sneakers at the afterparty after he was photographed heading into the awards show ceremony solo. (The actor was nominated for Best Actor in Leading Role for his turn in Marty Supreme, but he lost to SinnersMichael B. Jordan.)

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Hottest Couples at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow More


Related: Hottest Vanity Fair Oscar Party Couples: Timothee and Kylie, More

As the curtain closed on the 2026 Oscars, celebrities turned their sights on the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, led by Best Leading Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet and his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner. Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow were among the first of many A-list couples who hit the red carpet at the Los Angeles County […]

Kylie’s look at the afterparty was a departure from her cherry red Schiaparelli dress at the star-studded awards ceremony. The gown featured a plunging halter neckline, snatched waist, crystals and a keyhole over her chest. She styled her outfit with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, including a diamond necklace and matching earrings.

Kylie previously wore the same design in 2023 while attending the designer’s show at Paris Fashion Week. Her gown then, however, was a sand-toned color.

“This is my favorite look of all time,” she said during an October 2025 episode of Vogue’s “Life in Looks” YouTube series. “This was a couture dress. It was just perfect. I definitely felt the most beautiful I’ve ever felt in my life this night.”

While hinting that she may rock the look again, Kylie continued, “Any time I’m trying to figure out what to wear to an event, I’m like, ‘Should I just wear this keyhole dress again?’ I think I need another moment in this dress. Or maybe another color.”

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10 Greatest Psychological Torture Movies, Ranked

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Willem Dafoe looking at the camera in Antichrist

“Torture porn” is a subgenre of splatter horror that was big in the 2000s, delighting in violence, gore, and sadism. However, the best of these horrors don’t just stick to brutal physical violence but instead delve deeper. Not content to simply maim their characters physically, psychological torture movies force them to confront unbearable moral dilemmas, manipulation, and emotional breakdown.

These psychologically intense and often scarring films are the focus of this list. Whether through sadistic games, cruel experiments, or elaborate revenge schemes, the titles below represent some of the most harrowing examples of horror cinema that go for the jugular and the cerebellum.

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10

‘Antichrist’ (2009)

Willem Dafoe looking at the camera in Antichrist Image via IFC Films

“Chaos reigns.” Antichrist is less a conventional horror movie than a descent into emotional and psychological extremity. In it, a grieving couple (Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg) retreat to a remote cabin in the woods after the accidental death of their child. But their isolation amplifies their anguish, and the natural world around them begins to feel hostile and uncanny. Director Lars von Trier uses dreamlike imagery to blur the line between mental breakdown and supernatural menace. Along the way, the film inflicts truly terrible ordeals on the characters. Their suffering isn’t just violent but spiritually devastating.

Most of all, Antichrist weaponizes grief, portraying it as something that corrodes the mind from the inside. Gainsbourg’s character, in particular, becomes consumed by guilt and self-hatred, believing that she herself is somehow responsible for the death of her child. Her psychological breakdown slowly infects the entire atmosphere of the film. That fusion of emotional trauma, philosophical dread, and visceral horror is what makes Antichrist a grim classic.

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9

‘Saw’ (2004)

Lawrence crying while crawling on the floor in Saw.
Lawrence crying while crawling on the floor in Saw.
Image via Lions Gate Films

“I want to play a game.” While much of the torture in Saw is very literal and physical, the first movie ultimately stands above most of its torture porn imitators in that the scenarios and dilemmas typically have a powerful moral or psychological component as well. The movie starts with two strangers, Adam (Leigh Whannell) and Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), who awaken chained in a filthy bathroom with no memory of how they arrived. They soon discover they are pawns in a sadistic game orchestrated by the elusive Jigsaw Killer, who forces his victims into elaborate tests designed to make them appreciate their lives.

Indeed, Jigsaw’s targets are forced into impossible choices: maim themselves, sacrifice others, or confront truths about their moral failures. While the franchise later became synonymous with escalating spectacle, in this movie at least, the scenes are relatively restrained, and the focus is psychological. This approach resonated: Saw was a runaway success, grossing over $100m against a budget of just $1m.

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8

‘Martyrs’ (2008)

A girl sitting on the floor, getting loose from handcuffs attached to a cabinet
A girl sitting on the floor, getting loose from handcuffs attached to a cabinet. Her shirt and face are bloodied and she looks tired.
Image via Wild Bunch

“Keep doubting.” Martyrs is generally considered one of the key films in the New French Extremity movement, a wave of films in the 2000s that embraced transgressive elements like hardcore violence and explicit sexual imagery (though director Pascal Laugier himself rejected that label). The film begins with Lucie (Mylène Jampanoï), a young woman who escapes captivity and later tracks down the family she believes tortured her. Her quest for revenge draws her friend Anna (Morjana Alaoui) into a hidden world governed by a secret organization obsessed with discovering what lies beyond death.

While the premise is pretty pulpy, Martyrs is a lot more philosophically ambitious than one might expect. It asks terrifying questions about the nature of suffering, faith, and the human desire to understand mortality. The aesthetics reflect this tone: the violence is not presented with style or thrills. Instead, it’s shot with stark realism and long, uncomfortable takes, forcing the audience to sit with the suffering rather than look away from it.

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7

‘Audition’ (1999)

A woman holds a needle and looks to the side with an ominous expression in Audition. 
A woman holds a needle and looks to the side with an ominous expression in Audition.
Image via Omega Project

“Words create lies. Pain can be trusted.” Takashi Miike’s Audition begins like a gentle romantic drama before revealing its true nature in the last act. Shigeharu Aoyama (Roy Ishibashi), a widower encouraged by his son to remarry, stages a fake film audition to meet potential partners. He becomes enamored with Asami (Eihi Shiina), a quiet and enigmatic young woman. As their relationship develops, subtle warning signs accumulate, hinting at a darkness beneath her composed exterior.

It all finally breaks out at the end, leading to several wincingly brutal scenes of torture, both physical and mental. Retribution is delivered through needles and piano wire. The shift is truly shocking and the single biggest reason why this movie is a cult classic. Audition is a brilliant example of a slow-burn structure being used to chilling effect. These scenes hammer home the themes around loneliness, misogyny, and emotional deception, and they exerted a massive influence over the whole “torture porn” boom.

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6

‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017)

Barry Keoghan as Martin shirtless with wires attached to his chest in The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
Barry Keoghan as Martin shirtless with wires attached to his chest in The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
Image via A24

“If you dig a hole and it’s in the wrong place, digging it deeper isn’t going to help.” This absurdist horror from Yorgos Lanthimos stars Colin Farrell as Steven Murphy, a successful cardiac surgeon who befriends Martin (Barry Keoghan), a teenage boy connected to a patient who died under Steven’s care. Martin insinuates himself into Steven’s family life, and an inexplicable illness begins to afflict the surgeon’s children. Eventually, Martin reveals that Steven must make an unthinkable choice to restore balance.

The movie’s title refers to the Greek myth of Iphigenia, in which a king must sacrifice his daughter to appease the gods. Lanthimos reimagines that myth in a modern setting. Here, the true torture is not physical pain but the unbearable responsibility of choosing who must die. Lanthimos makes this approach all the more unsettling through a clinical tone, where the dialogue is delivered in a flat, almost emotionless style. Conversations about horrific events are spoken with the calm detachment of everyday small talk.

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5

‘Misery’ (1990)

Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes looking sinister and deranged in Misery (1990).
Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes looking sinister and deranged in Misery (1990).
Image via Columbia Pictures

“I’m your number one fan.” Misery is a masterclass in claustrophobic terror. Writer Paul Sheldon (James Caan) survives a car crash only to be rescued by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a former nurse and his self-proclaimed biggest fan. Annie takes Paul to her isolated home to nurse him back to health, but when she discovers he has killed off her favorite fictional character, her devotion curdles into something far more dangerous. Trapped and injured, Paul is forced to write under Annie’s watchful eye.

The late great Rob Reiner and his stars keep the tension perfectly coiled throughout. What makes Misery so effective is its focus on the shifting power dynamic between captor and captive. Paul is bedridden with shattered legs, completely dependent on Annie for food, medicine, and basic survival. Annie, meanwhile, swings unpredictably between kindness and terrifying violence. That emotional volatility creates a constant state of dread, because Paul never knows whether Annie will comfort him or destroy him.

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4

‘Funny Games’ (1997)

“Why don’t we make a bet?” Funny Games is a chilling deconstruction of violence and spectatorship. The story centers on a middle-class family vacationing at their lakeside home when two polite young men (Arno Frisch and Frank Giering) arrive and gradually subject them to a series of cruel “games.” The intruders maintain an eerie calm throughout, treating their actions as casual entertainment. In the process, director Michael Haneke uses the home invasion framework to implicate the audience in the act of watching.

The style complements this message. The film frequently breaks conventional storytelling rules, disrupting expectations and denying catharsis. For instance, the tormentor Paul repeatedly breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly. At one point, when a character seems about to fight back, Paul literally rewinds the film with a remote control to erase the moment. This shocking meta moment removes any illusion that justice or escape might occur.

3

‘Se7en’ (1995)

Brad Pitt looking intently while sitting at his desk in Se7en.
Brad Pitt looking intently while sitting at his desk in Se7en.
Image via New Line Cinema
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“Wanting people to listen, you can’t just tap them on the shoulder anymore.” David Fincher‘s grimmest masterpiece follows detectives Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) as they hunt a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) who stages murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. The investigation drags them through a rain-soaked city steeped in decay, where each crime scene is a grim moral tableau. As the case unfolds, the killer’s meticulous planning reveals a philosophy that is as disturbing as his methods.

Indeed, rather than being cartoonishly evil and doing bad for bad’s sake, John Doe believes he is carrying out a moral crusade against human vice. Each crime is painstakingly designed to represent one of the deadly sins, and the targets are carefully chosen. The grotesque detail of these scenes forces the detectives (and the audience) to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the uncertainty of justice, culminating in the harrowing fate Doe inflicts on Mills.

2

‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)

Malcolm McDowell staring straight into the camera in 'A Clockwork Orange'
Malcolm McDowell staring straight into the camera in ‘A Clockwork Orange’
Image via Warner Bros.
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“There was me, that is Alex, and my three droogs.” With this one, Stanley Kubrick adapts Anthony Burgess’ novel into a stylized vision dystopian masterpiece. The story centers on Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic delinquent who revels in nightly acts of brutality with his gang. After being imprisoned, he volunteers for an experimental treatment designed to condition him against aggression. Alex is strapped into a chair and forced to watch graphic videos of violence and suffering. Drugs are administered to induce extreme nausea, conditioning him to associate aggression with unbearable physical sickness.

The procedure leaves him physically incapable of violence, but it also strips away his agency. Through this setup, Kubrick asks tough questions around criminality, authority, and free will. Chief among them: is a person still human if their choices are engineered? Ultimately, A Clockwork Orange uses satire and striking imagery to examine the ethics of behavioral control, arguing that the suppression of evil can come at the cost of individuality itself.

1

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) holding a hammer at the camera in Oldboy
Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) holding a hammer at the camera in Oldboy
Image via Show East
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“Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Weep, and you weep alone.” When it comes to psychological torture, no movie can top the sheer existential nightmare of Oldboy. In this legendary revenge thriller, protagonist Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) is inexplicably abducted and imprisoned for fifteen years. Without explanation or human contact, he obsessively trains his body and mind, preparing for the day he might escape. When he is suddenly released, he embarks on a desperate search for the identity and motives of his captor.

However, this set-up is only the start of his torment. His enemy, Lee Woo-jin (Yoo Ji-tae), reveals that the entire ordeal was part of a meticulously planned revenge scheme based on a seemingly minor event from their past. The movie then hits us with one of the most devastating twists in modern cinema, revealing that Dae-su has unknowingly been manipulated into committing an act that destroys him psychologically. The revelation reframes the entire narrative. At that point, only forgetting offers Dae-su a chance of survival.

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The Canceled X-Files Crossover That Nearly Ruined Two Shows

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The Canceled X-Files Crossover That Nearly Ruined Two Shows

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Lauren Holly on Picket Fences

The X-Files was never really known for its crossovers, although it had a few: “X-Cops” was a collaboration with the popular Cops TV show, and a fun crossover with Millennium helped this canceled show finish out its doomsday plot. Oh, and a memorable appearance by Detective John Munch means that this show technically crossed over with Homicide: Life on the Street. These episodes were generally a success, though the show nearly had an early crossover that would have been a disaster.

Even though The X-Files was a Fox TV show, there was very nearly a crossover with the quirky CBS show Picket Fences. The networks wouldn’t play nice, so this collaboration quietly died, with the X-Files episode “Red Museum” scrubbing all references to the shared storyline. However, the Picket Fences episode “Away in the Manger” secretly kept some of the references in there, and some fans consider these references enough to place these shows in the same universe.

The Meeting Of The Minds

Where the heck did the idea to crossover The X-Files and Picket Fences come from in the first place? As it turns out, from the showrunners! Chris Carter and David E. Kelley worked for two different networks, but they both produced their shows at 20th Century Fox. They ran into each other in the studio parking lot, and soon enough, they began excitedly plotting an ambitious crossover between the two shows. Soon, Carter had written a script, and Kelley liked it enough to agree to a crossover.

How would this have worked, though? It would have started with an X-Files episode where our erstwhile FBI agents are investigating cows in a tiny Wisconsin town who may or may not have been injected with alien DNA. Next, Mulder would have popped up in a Picket Fences episode where similar things were happening in the show’s familiar town of Rome, Wisconsin. 

Why Did The Crossover Fall Apart?

Plans for this crossover died for the exact reason you’d suspect: money. Back in December 1994, an unnamed Fox source told Entertainment Weekly that the Picket Fences network, CBS, was “unwilling to help another show on another network.” The result is that both TV shows shot their intended episodes, but the X-Files episode “Red Museum” removed all references to Picket Fences, including changing the setting of the episode from Rome, Wisconsin, to the nearby town of Delta Glen. Otherwise, the bizarre, cow-injecting plot remained the same.

However, in an interesting bit of quiet rebellion against CBS, David E. Kelley kept several references to the crossover in his Picket Fences episode. The episode “Away In a Manger” refers to the events that happened in Delta Glen, and someone specifically mentions how the drama over there involved cows, alien DNAs, and a man named Dr. Larsen, who died in the X-Files episode “Red Museum.” The same character saying all of this even mentions that the FBI was investigating what happened, though he never mentions Mulder and Scully directly by name.

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The Crossover Died (And That’s A Good Thing)

While I love the idea of Kelley giving CBS the middle finger and keeping these references in, I’m personally glad that the official X-Files/Picket Fences crossover was killed. For one thing, “Red Museum” was part of X-Files’ second season, when the show was still trying to discover its true identity. If the producers opened the door to silly crossovers early on, this could arguably have ruined the show because episodes would start focusing more on gimmicky marketing and less on lore and world-building.

Additionally, a crossover with Picket Fences would likely have contributed to continuity problems while making it difficult to stream this story in the future. As of this writing, Picket Fences is unavailable to stream without buying individual episodes. That means that if this crossover went through and you got invested in it as a fan, you would not have an easy way to stream the complete story and would have to resort to individual episode purchases or tracking down physical media (always good to have).

The Crossover Died So Two Shows Could Live

Finally, while Picket Fences was quirky in its own way, it was also a more comedic show, and one that reveled in offering social commentary. Generally, X-Files was more serious, both in terms of its characters and its conspiracy-loving subject matter. Long story short, I can’t help but think a crossover would have been bad for both shows, hurting Chris Carter’s show in its infancy and possibly killing David E. Kelly’s Emmy-winning show that much quicker.

Now, the crossover that could have been is nothing more than a weird bit of trivia. It might have happened and delighted ‘90s audiences back in the day, but on the subject of internetwork collaboration, CBS executives adopted the wisdom of Fox Mulder. Namely, to trust no one!


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Kid Rock calls Conan O'Brien's Oscars diss 'not a very good one'

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The host’s joke about an “alternate” Oscars didn’t land with the musician who served as counterprogramming to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.

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Tom Brady’s Awkward Dating Game Exposed By Insiders

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Tom Brady leaving the Cosmopolitan Hotel for the Fanatics party ., 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada..10.0.22024

Tom Brady may have dominated the NFL for decades, but his life off the field appears far less predictable.

After the retired quarterback was spotted chatting closely with Yael Cohen Braun at a Los Angeles party, speculation quickly erupted about his romantic life.

Now, insiders are offering a surprising glimpse into the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s reportedly awkward approach to dating.

Tom Brady Sparks Buzz After Cozy Moment With Yael Cohen Braun

Tom Brady leaving the Cosmopolitan Hotel for the Fanatics party ., 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada..10.0.22024
The US Sun/ MEGA

Tom Brady recently found himself at the center of relationship rumors after attending a birthday celebration for fellow NFL legend Tony Gonzalez in Los Angeles.

During the event, the former quarterback was reportedly seen spending time with Yael Cohen Braun, the ex-wife of music executive Scooter Braun.

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According to reports, the pair were “huddled up at the bar together,” which immediately sparked chatter about Brady’s love life.

However, a source close to the situation quickly dismissed the speculation. Speaking to the Daily Mail, the insider said, “When it comes to Tom and Yael and if they are ‘hooking up’… not so fast.”

The source explained that their connection is rooted in shared interests rather than romance. “They are friendly because of her work with her cancer prevention non-profit, ‘F*** Cancer’. She is a major health activist, and Tom might be the healthiest guy in the world, so they have bonded over that,” the insider revealed.

The connection reportedly goes deeper due to personal experiences within their families.

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According to the insider, “Yael’s mom had breast cancer and Tom’s mother did as well. They both have children and were friendly with each other when she was married to Scooter.”

The source added that their discussions often revolve around health and advocacy, noting, “They are currently friends and talk about what they can do to make sure people are healthy, especially in the world of cancer. Who knows if they will ever get together romantically, but as of right now, their connection is focused on their individual health goals and health goals for others.”

Ultimately, the insider suggested that romance simply isn’t part of the picture right now.

“That is what is important for them; hooking up right now is just silly. Just talk,” they shared.

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Brady’s Dating Life After Gisele Bündchen

Tom Brady smiling
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Since his high-profile divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen in 2022, Tom Brady has been linked to several women.

One of the most recent names associated with the former New England Patriots star is TikTok personality Alix Earle.

The two were first spotted spending time together during a New Year’s Eve celebration in St. Barths. Later, Brady was seen getting close to Earle at a party ahead of the Super Bowl in Santa Clara.

However, sources suggest the situation may not be serious.

A second insider told the Daily Mail that the retired quarterback is not actively searching for a committed relationship.

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“Tom isn’t dating anyone specifically,” the source said. “He’s not really looking for that. Dating isn’t something ever on his mind.”

Tom Brady Reportedly Has ‘No Game’ With Women

Tom Brady at Los Angeles Premiere Screening Of Paramount Pictures' '80 For Brady'
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Despite his fame and success, insiders claim Brady’s approach to dating is surprisingly awkward.

According to one source, the legendary quarterback doesn’t take the lead when it comes to romantic pursuits.

They shared, “He’s kind of awkward when it comes to dating. Surprisingly, he doesn’t really have great game. Usually, it’s a woman making the first move with him, which would surprise a lot of people. He lets them take the lead a lot of the time.”

The insider also clarified that Brady’s rumored connection with Earle should not be mistaken for a serious relationship.

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They said, “Tom and Alix are not exclusively dating. It’s a hooking up and having fun type of thing, at least for now, but she is totally his type.”

Earle, for her part, recently ended a two-year relationship with NFL wide receiver Braxton Berrios.

Interestingly, Berrios once played for the Patriots during Brady’s time as the team’s starting quarterback.

Yael Cohen Braun’s Relationship Status Explained

Scooter Braun and his wife Yael were seen arriving for dinner at 'Craig's' Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA
MEGA

While Tom Brady’s name has been attached to the speculation, insiders insist Yael Cohen Braun is unlikely to be pursuing anything romantic with the sports icon.

Cohen Braun separated from Scooter Braun in 2021 after seven years of marriage. The former couple shares three children: Jagger, Levi, and Hart.

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Since the split, she has reportedly moved on with professional surfer Danny Fuller.

According to another insider, the pair were even seen spending the holidays together.

The source told the Daily Mail that a public relationship with Brady would be unlikely.

“She wouldn’t date someone else in the public eye like that, anyway,” they said, referencing the NFL legend.

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Tom Brady Focuses On Family While Remaining Single

Although Brady’s personal life continues to attract attention, the football icon appears to be focused on family and life after retirement.

Since his split from Bündchen, Brady has been rumored to have spent time with several high-profile figures, including model Irina Shayk and actress Sofia Vergara.

However, those connections were later described as friendships rather than serious relationships.

Despite the ongoing speculation about his love life, Brady recently showed where his priorities lie.

On Valentine’s Day, instead of posting about a romantic partner, the former quarterback shared a heartfelt message dedicated to his three children.

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For now, it seems the legendary athlete may still be navigating life as one of America’s most talked-about single men.

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