Stephen King is one of the most prolific authors in history, with hundreds of stories under his name, and it seems an equal number of movie and television adaptations. In the last decade, multiple Hollywood producers and writers have attempted to adapt his 2014 novel, Revival. All of them have given up at the same point in the story.
Hollywood turned a story about a killer car and another a killer immortal clown alien into hits, so what is it about Revival that makes it unfilmable? It’s the climax, which takes a turn so wild and bizarre that it can’t be translated to the screen. For a Stephen King story, that says a lot.
Stephen King Takes On Frankenstein
For starters, Revival is the most religious of King’s works. The horror centers around a Methodist minister, Charles Jacobs, and his perfect family with his wife, Patsy. Beloved by the people of Harlow, a small town in Maine (What a twist!), Charles is the perfect man of God…until his family is killed in a car accident and he suddenly turns against God. The novel then jumps years at a time, as we see Charles fall from grace to a sideshow carnival act and then to a faith healer using electricity to perform miracles.
James, a young man in Harlow when Charles arrived, crosses paths with the former holy man at different points, and even willingly accepts one of his “cures” to help curb his heroin addiction. Slowly, James realizes that everyone Charles heals has gone mad. There’s no rational explanation for what’s going on, except that in his grief, Charles has become obsessed with the afterlife. That’s the point where Hollywood writers Josh Boone, who helped adapt The Stand (2020), and Mike Flanagan, a modern Master of Horror himself, couldn’t break the script into something filmable.
Revival is Stephen King’s take on Frankenstein, but even that doesn’t get across how bonkers the third act gets once Charles succeeds in his mad experiment. The best comparison is to H.P. Lovecraft and his take on the Elder Gods, which makes sense that Boone and Flanagan would run into the problem of a gigantic budget to bring the final act of the story to life. Even IT, which includes a giant space turtle, doesn’t reach the level of Revival’s reveal of what happens to humans when we die.
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A Story Too Big For Movie Theaters
Revival Is Harder To Bring To Life Than IT
It’s now been five years since anyone has publicly talked about adapting Revival into a film or mini-series. IT: Welcome to Derry has turned King adaptations into a hot commodity again, with Castle Rock and 11.22.63 finding new legions of fans in the wake of the HBO series’ success. Someone’s going to take another crack at the faith-based supernatural horror, but unless something dramatically changes with Hollywood budgets, they’re also doomed to failure.
Horror is wildly popular in Hollywood, not because of a love for the genre, but because it tends to be cheap to produce. It’s why, when a character hits the public domain, the first thing that happens is a slew of cheap horror movies. It’s a shame that to do Revival justice means a significantly higher budget, but it is also King’s best story in years. Until a Hollywood executive throws superhero levels of money at Mike Flanagan, take the time to grab the novel and give it a read. Once the lightning strikes, you’ll know why it’s one of King’s wildest novels and why two of Hollywood’s best minds couldn’t figure out how to bring it to life.
Early in February, it was officially announced that HBO is developing a Baldur’s Gate television series. At the helm of the adaptation is none other than The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin, who is no stranger to turning beloved video games into popular hits for HBO. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a hugely popular RPG that has enticed many millions of players since its 2023 debut. “After putting nearly 1000 hours into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3, it is a dream come true to be able to continue the story that Larian and Wizards of the Coast created,” Mazin said in a statement about his challenge to create, write, executive produce, and showrun the adaptation.
However, before the Baldur’s Gate series makes its debut sometime in the distant future, there’s the small matter of a third season of The Last of Us to address, with Kaitlyn Dever‘s Abby in the spotlight. Dever is joined in Season 3 by returning faces Bella Ramsey, Isabela Merced, Gabriel Luna, and Jeffrey Wright, while Clea DuVall, Jason Ritter, and Patrick Wilson mark new additions to the cast, and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. replaces Danny Ramirez as Manny due to scheduling conflicts.
Ahead of The Last of Us Season 3, and with confirmation of Mazin’s involvement in the Baldur’s Gate adaptation, rumors began to swirl that the popular HBO series would be coming to a close after its third installment, despite some hoping it would last much longer. Now, in a recent interview, HBO Max chairman Casey Bloys has seemingly confirmed that this is the plan, responding to a suggestion that Season 3 is the end by saying, “I believe that’s where Craig is thinking. We always leave the door open, but I believe that’s where he is thinking.”
Do you know Only Murders like the back of your Arconia? We’re about to find out, as you piece together the facts of this quizzical case.
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Casey Bloys Has Indicated When ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Might Begin Production
In the same interview, Bloys indicated that Mazin will not begin his main duties on the Baldur’s Gate adaptation until The Last of Us Season 3 is completed. “Obviously, he’s deep into season 3 of The Last of Us – but Baldur’s Gate was something he brought to us,” Bloys said. “He’s very passionate about it, and he’s thinking about it, and we’ve talked about it, but he’s going to focus on The Last of Us, and then come back to [Baldur’s Gate] when he’s got more time.”
The third season of The Last of Us will premiere on HBO in 2027, with Seasons 1 and 2 streaming now. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
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Release Date
January 15, 2023
Network
HBO
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Showrunner
Craig Mazin
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Directors
Craig Mazin, Peter Hoar, Jeremy Webb, Ali Abbasi, Mark Mylod, Stephen Williams, Jasmila Žbanić, Liza Johnson, Nina Lopez-Corrado
Neveah Akira Shares Post As Jaidyn Alexis Goes OFF On Blueface For Apparently Sending Her Money
On Wednesday, March 25, Nevaeh Akira took to TikTok to share a video of herself apparently sitting on a flight. Furthermore, she added the on-screen caption, “Nothing on a flight to Miami that my man sponsored, so I can kick my feet up and eat all the fruits and enjoy the sun while enjoying it with my sons…”
Furthermore, that evening Jaidyn Alexis took to Twitch to livestream for her fans. She was joined by Blueface, and during her stream, she began calling him a “loose ass n***a.” From there, Alexis explained to him that she hasn’t asked him for “anything,” and he had only recently given her money because he was giving money elsewhere.
“He handed me his phone, and he over here sending thousands of dollars… and I was like, you might want to send that that way ’cause I’m your baby mama, with babies that are actually here, you might wanna send that my f*****g way!” Alexis said. “…So send me that too!”
Instagram user @qutietv.com_ wrote, “This is why that child acts like that. And Jayden will FOREVER argue with every woman he is with. But how she yelling at him instead of going to the child support office?”
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While Instagram user @dragon.iiiii added, “Blue do whatever tf he wants cuz he knows he CAN. All that pump faking and shit talking Jaidyn do dont mean nothing cuz her legs still open for his asa”
Instagram user @cynabynn wrote, “I thought she said she didn’t need donut money 😂😂 that’s why you need to watch your tongue!”
While Instagram user @melancholy_orchid added, “Jaiyden really doesn’t understand that Blueface isn’t her man. She’s stuck in the past, she should value herself more”
Instagram user @januarysveryown84 wrote, “Arguing and she still gone put up with whatever he dish out”
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While Instagram user @thatgirlkeshh added, “As a Bm, I’m need that too, they do have kids together”
Instagram user @dominiquechinn wrote, “Well she still there, so she not tripping about it that much”
While Instagram user @jayzinhumanform added, “@officialjaidynalexxis @jaialexxis is absolutely correct. How @bluefasebabyy gonna take care of another man’s kid but not his own 2 kids they have together!? That new one isn’t here yet. Nevaeh doesn’t need thousands of dollars. That money should be allocated towards JaVaughn and Journey. It’s bad enough that he does the bare minimum as a parent. The least he can do is contribute financially.”
Before Jaidyn Alexis Went OFF On Blueface For Apparently Sending Nevaeh Akira Money, He & Alexis Made Headlines
Before Jaidyn Alexis went OFF on Blueface for apparently sending Nevaeh Akira money, he and Alexis were making headlines over their son. As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this month, Blueface was streaming while chilling with their son, Javaughn. Additionally, he asked his son if he had an interest in any girls at school. Once Javaughn told him that he’s not interested in girls right now, Blue asked if he was gay. At that point, Alexis stepped in and went off on him for asking his son about his sexuality and doing so in front of the public.
Cillian Murphy on the red carpet for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal ManImage via Dan Herrick/Future Image/Cover Images
Cillian Murphy has long been one of the most talented actors working in Hollywood, but there are only a few roles for which he’s best known. One of his most notable roles in recent years was his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s 2023 epic, which earned him his first Academy Award. He had worked with Nolan before on his Batman trilogy, led by Christian Bale, playing Scarecrow in the first movie, then stepping back into a much smaller role in the trilogy’s final two installments. Many fans also know Murphy from one of his breakout roles as Jim in 28 Days Later, the hit horror film that returned last year with a legacy sequel that received critical acclaim. Murphy briefly reprised his role as Jim in the sequel to 28 Years Later, The Bone Temple, which premiered this January.
However, another of Murphy’s most famous roles has been Thomas Shelby in the hit crime thriller series Peaky Blinders. Murphy played the brutal gangster across all six seasons of the show, which ended in 2022. Peaky Blinders returned last week with a sequel movie, The Immortal Man, co-starring Rebecca Ferguson, Barry Keoghan, and more. Now that The Immortal Man is out in the world, Cillian Murphy has officially left Peaky Blinders behind for good. He’s even been tapped to star in Damien Chazelle’s next movie, which is reportedly going to be a drama set in a prison. James Bond and Knives Out franchise star Daniel Craig, as well as The Fabelmans star Michelle Williams, are also reportedly involved in the cast. Details about the film are being kept under wraps for now, but the first image of Murphy alongside The Buccaneers alum Mia Threapleton on the set has surfaced online, sparking even more intrigue about his next project.
Period Pieces are such a staple of movies, they might as well be their own genre. Dust off your history books to pass this test on Historical Dramas.
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What Does This Mean for the Future of ‘Peaky Blinders’?
Cillian Murphy’s moving on from Peaky Blinders means the franchise will now have to find another star to put at its center. Murphy alone isn’t what made Peaky Blinders such a success, but it’s impossible to argue that the show wouldn’t have been successful with someone else playing Tommy Shelby. It’s been confirmed that Netflix is developing a new Peaky Blinders sequel series set to be released in the next few years, but details about the project are still being ironed out.
Check out The Immortal Man and Peaky Blinders on Netflix and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Cillian Murphy’s next project.
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Demi Moore’s hair has always been the blueprint for glossy, ultra-healthy lengths — but lately, it’s been hitting a whole new level of shine. Think: reflective, glassy strands with zero frizz in sight. The secret? Celebrity hairstylist and colorist Dimitris Giannetos recently revealed he prepped Moore’s hair with the Kerastase Gloss Absolu Anti-Frizz Glaze Milk before styling. The good news is that it happens to be an under-the-radar find you can snag on Amazon.
The Kerastase hair milk is a lightweight leave-in that does a little bit of everything without ever feeling heavy. “It gives hair a beautiful glossy finish and helps fight frizz and flyaways,” Giannetos said in an interview with InStyle. Designed to smooth flyaways, boost shine and protect against humidity, it acts like a finishing gloss and frizz shield in one. The texture is silky and fluid (not creamy or thick like traditional leave-ins), which makes it especially good for achieving that swishy, light-catching movement Moore is known for.
Instead of coating the hair in oils, the Kerastase hair milk uses conditioning agents to smooth the cuticle and enhance natural shine, so strands look reflective — not greasy. It also offers heat protection, making it ideal to apply before blow-drying if you’re trying to recreate that sleek, red carpet finish. The result is hair that feels soft, looks expensive and holds up against humidity — aka the trifecta.
To use, work a small amount through damp, mid-lengths and ends before styling, or lightly smooth over dry hair to tame flyaways and add a final layer of gloss. It’s one of those rare products that makes your hair look like you just stepped out of a salon — even on day two.
One Amazon shopper called it “the best glaze milk” that “instantly takes the frizz out of [their] hair.” Another reviewer said that they “love how soft [their] hair feels” after using.
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Another five-star reviewer raved, “Smells like luxury. Makes my hair feel like silk, and eases frizz. My hair is so shiny.”
If Moore-level shine is the goal, this is the kind of low-effort, high-impact product worth adding to your routine. Grab it on Amazon now, and get ready for smoother, glossier, no-frizz strands.
The theater of the absurd is no stranger to those who enjoy their narratives a bit unusual. These stories love to highlight the conflict between humanity’s search for purpose and a universe that is indifferent, borrowing heavily from existential thinkers like AlbertCamus. Here, characters often stumble through futile situations, reminding us just how gloriously absurd life can be.
It’s no wonder why these tales are so captivating — they dare to ask the questions that many of us avoid, serving up memorable and surreal visuals that you won’t forget, and characters that are as bizarre as they are oddly relatable. To celebrate the wonderfully weird, we look back at some of the best absurdist television shows perfect for anyone who’s ever nodded along to life’s strange humor.
The cast of The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret all sitting together in a sofa
If the title alone doesn’t already tip you off to the chaos, the plot removes all doubt: The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret follows an American (David Cross, who also created it) who moves to London to run an energy drink sales team, armed with zero sales experience and one deeply unfortunate employee who somehow seems to make things worse.
Todd Margaretfrequently crosses the line from uncomfortable to cartoonish, with cringey humor and a logic-defying narrative. This, however, is where the show’s charm lives: in its sheer commitment to letting the storm unfold in the most awkward way possible. Cross‘s series is not exactly everyone’s cup of tea — especially given its strong emphasis on “cringe.” Still, Todd Margaret can be a great pick for those who are keen on bizarre comedies with a chaotically uncomfortable, absurdist tone.
Todd (Elijah Wood) and Dirk (Samuel Barnett) both look surprised at something in the distance. They are surrounded by bright lights.Image via AMC Studios
Leaning into surreal randomness, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agencydelivers an entertaining mash-up of detective noir, horror, sci-fi, and pure screwball comedy. The result is a constant and refreshing sense of surprise. At the narrative’s center are lead titular character, played by Samuel Barnett, and his reluctant assistant, Todd, brought to life by Elijah Wood, as they untangle bizarre and interconnected cases, including murder, time travel, and body swapping.
The 2016 series is the kind that thrives on events that make little sense, whether that’s people turning into dogs, time loops, or assassins who can feel where their victims are. If you love an intentionally chaotic plot with multiple factions, running gags, and connected coincidences, this might be a great pick. With its over-the-top humor, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency treats a chaotic and illogical universe as the norm.
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8
‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’ (2019 – 2023)
Tim Robinson in the Driver’s Ed sketch in ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’Image via Netflix
A sketch comedy show from former SNL writer Tim Robinson, the 2019 comedy series — with Robinson himself at the center of most sketches — almost operates as a stress test; each segment sees the writer and his guests driving someone to the point of needing or wanting to leave.
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinsonthrives in a specific kind of absurdism born out of tiny social misteps that eventually spiral into a full-blown public catastrophe. Whether it is a missed cue or an overreaction, suddenly you’re watching a meltdown that feels both surreal and plausible. No doubt, the show can be polarizing: it’s uncomfortable, goofy, and certainly won’t charm just anyone. That being said, if your sense of humor thrives on surreal and illogical premises and you don’t mind a little cringe and discomfort, Robinson and Zach Kanin‘s absurdist series is a standout.
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7
‘Search Party’ (2016 – 2022)
Alia Shawkat’s Dory smiling as a cult leader in Search Party Season 5Image via HBO Max
This dark comedy mystery, centering on four self-absorbed youngsters (Alia Shawkat, John Reynolds, John Early, and Meredith Hagner) in their twenties, illustrates the characters’ entanglement in an ominous mystery when a former college acquaintance suddenly disappears.
Through its blend of elements of the thriller, mystery, and neo-noir genre, Search Partybecame one of the most interesting series in recent years. Beneath its clever plotting and suspense, it flirts with the absurd (and even the nihilistic). Despite initially unfolding as a whodunit, the series captivates with a surreal and existential meditation and is unafraid to defy any genre labels. At its core, though, Search Party is an engaging commentary on narcissism and the obsession with self-image and social media in a seemingly meaningless world that is constantly seeking purpose.
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6
‘Russian Doll’ (2019 – 2022)
Natasha Lyonne with her hands up against the glass doors of a subway in Russian Doll.Image via Netflix
Fans of the beloved BillMurray-led film Groundhog Daywill likely want to check out Russian Dollif they haven’t already. Praised for its existentialist take on the time-loop genre, the Natasha Lyonne-led series follows a cynical software engineer stuck in a time loop, dying repeatedly on her 36th birthday in New York City. In the meantime, she must confront her past and resolve her long-buried trauma to break the cycle.
There is a strong case to be made that Nadia is a perfect example of the absurd hero. Much like Sisyphus in Camus’s The Myth of Sisyphus,Nadia is condemned to an absurd, repetitive cycle that forces her to confront the meaninglessness of her existence. Each reset becomes a chance to confront herself and inch toward self-understanding. Russian Doll is at once hilarious, surreal, and philosophical, suggesting that even in a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent, the act of meaning-making, of choosing how to live despite the absurd, is itself a form of rebellion.
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5
‘Barry’ (2018 – 2023)
Bill Hader looks confused in a Barry close-up shot.Image via HBO Max
Starring Bill Hader as hitman Barry Berkman, who travels to Los Angeles for a job and discovers his passion for acting, the 2018 dark comedy-crime drama co-created by Hader and Alec Berg chronicles the character’s struggles as he attempts to leave his violent life behind. Along the way, Barry juggles acting classes, a romance, and handlers who refuse to let him walk away.
Rather than a straightforward crime or drama story, Barry presents something more interesting: a narrative that thrives on extreme situations, revealing, in the meantime, just how unpredictable and irrational characters’ lives are. Violence is often over-the-top; humor drifts between deadpan and existential; Barryhimself is treated like an almost supernatural anti-hero who keeps surviving scenarios that should kill him. Layered atop the blood and dark comedy is a clever satire of LA hustle culture and the world of amateur acting, which ultimately becomes one of the show’s freshest and funniest angles.
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4
‘Atlanta’ (2016 – 2022)
LaKeith Stanfield as Darius in Atlanta, sitting in a chair in Season 2, Episode 6 “Teddy Perkins.”Image via FX
Donald Glover‘s Rotten Tomatoes-approved surrealist series follows college dropout and music manager Earn Marks, played by Glover himself, and rapper Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles (Brian Tyree Henry) as they navigate a strange, at times otherworldly Atlanta hip-hop scene. The result? A vibrant watch that throws comedy and drama into the mix as few others dare.
While Atlantakeeps its feet on the ground, it handles surrealism and absurdism exceptionally well, mostly thanks to its incredible writing and great performances. Filled with memorable lines and a handful of moments that teeter on the edge of the bizarre, this often-overlooked gem sends poignant messages about systemic injustice, racism, and prejudice through illogical, magical, and darkly comic scenarios. In doing so, it turns the absurdities of modern life, race, and capitalism into both entertainment and insight.
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3
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019 – 2024)
Nandor the Relentless waiting alone at the train station in the Season 3 finale of What We Do in the Shadows.Image via FX
Starring Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, and NatasiaDemetriou, among other talents, What We Do in the Shadowsinvites audiences into the lives of four vampires who have lived together on Staten Island for over a century. Jemaine Clement‘s dark fantasy entertains not merely through its depiction of immortality but also, and especially, through its pettier inconveniences — the mundane, at times boring lives of centuries-old vampires.
What We Do in the Shadows essentiallyfinds humor in the gap between who these vampires think they are and who they often turn out to be. It mirrors the absurdity of existence through its memorable central personalities: ancient, all-powerful beings who are somehow still stuck with dealing with the same nonsense as everybody else. With a fun mockumentary style that shapes its irony and grounds the supernatural in awkward everyday life, Clement’s series delivers a unique angle on existential humor. If that kind of offbeat vibe works for you, Our Flag Means Death may be worth a look too (similar energy, but trade the fangs for pirates).
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2
‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge staring into the camera while sitting in a pew in ‘Fleabag’ Season 2.Image via Prime Video
Despite running for only two seasons, Fleabaghas firmly secured its place among the best contemporary comedies on television, especially following the release of the beloved second season. Written by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the dark comedy Prime Video original follows the unnamed lead character as she attempts to cope with life in London whilst coming to terms with a recent tragedy.
In addition to its chaotic narrative and humorous approach, the seriesfascinates in how it navigates the emptiness of contemporary existence and the emotional detachment of modern life. In an increasingly isolating world, Fleabag attempts to find meaning and authentic connection, even as she engages in self-sabotaging behavior. At its heart, the series depicts a protagonist who confronts a chaotic universe with irony: by acknowledging the absurdity of her own life — often literally breaking the fourth wall — Fleabag revolts in a true Camusian sense, finding humor in the face of life’s unpredictability.
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1
‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014 – 2020)
The BoJack Horseman Story, Chapter One – pilot episode (2014) – the titular character sits at a desk drinking whiskey.Image via Netflix
This Netflix fan-favorite tragicomedy by Raphael Bob-Waksberg has cemented itself as one of the most beloved animated series of all time, and for good reason. BoJack Horsemantakes audiences inside the life of a washed-up 1990s sitcom star — an anthropomorphic horse, no less, voiced by Will Arnett. Bojack lives in Los Angeles, struggling with alcoholism, depression, and self-loathing, all while attempting a comeback.
With razor-sharp humor and unflinching honesty, the streaming platform’s original is heavily rooted in absurdism and existentialism, but it does it in a way that feels fun and entertaining. It marries a cartoonish, surreal world with brutally honest depictions of addiction, depression, and the search for meaning; in doing so, it brings the absurd to life. In the end, BoJack and the people around him are all just striving to find meaning and purpose in a universe that seems to offer none.
Savannah Guthrie shut down rumors accusing her sister and brother-in-law of being involved in kidnapping her mother, Nancy Guthrie.
“[The FBI video was] just absolutely terrifying. It’s just totally terrifying,” Savannah, 54, said while addressing footage of the potential subject during an emotional sit-down with Today’s Hoda Kotb, which aired on Thursday, March 26. “I can’t imagine that that is who she saw standing over her bed. I can’t — it’s too much.”
Savannah expressed gratitude to investigators and tech companies for being “able to find that video” as the search for her mom continues.
“So I hope at least with people of good heart and compassion stop the irresponsible and cruel speculation that had started to swirl,” she noted. “I’m glad that people saw what came to our door.”
Savannah Guthrie’s strong bond with sister Annie Guthrie is one that many parents dream of. “My sister is by far the most wise, intelligent, thoughtful, creative, generous and profoundly original person I know,” Savannah wrote in her 2024 book, Mostly What Goes Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere. “She is my forever […]
When asked about the theories swirling online that Nancy’s kidnapper could be a family member, Savannah added, “It’s unbearable and it piles pain upon pain. There are no words. There are no words. I don’t understand, I’ll never understand.”
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She continued: “And no one took better care of my mom than my sister and my brother-in-law. No one protected my mom more than my brother. We love her and she is our shining light. She is our matriarch. She’s all we have.”
Nancy, 84, was reported missing in Arizona in February. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has continued to offer updates on the case, more than 50 days into the search.
The FBI released footage last month of a person in a mask outside of Nancy’s home who appeared to have a gun, but authorities have reiterated that no suspect has been identified. (Nanos previously told Us Weekly that Savannah’s sister, Annie, was the last person to see Nancy before she went missing.)
Today viewers are rallying around Savannah Guthrie and her family. News broke on Sunday, February 1, that Savannah’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in Arizona. The following morning, Savannah was absent from the Today show but released a statement on behalf of her family. “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone […]
“At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case. Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie,” a statement from the department read in February. “Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family. While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.
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The message concluded: “No suspect or person of interest has been identified at this time.”
Savannah and her siblings have shared several statements pleading for their mom’s safe return in the weeks since her disappearance. In a separate clip from her Today show interview, Savannah broke down in tears while speaking about her mother.
“Someone needs to do the right thing. We are in agony,” she shared about the “unbearable” pain of waiting for answers. “And to think of what she went through. I wake up every night in the middle of the night. Every night. And in the darkness, I imagine her terror. And it is unthinkable.”
Here’s something I’ve learned about myself that I’m not particularly proud of. When I’m scrolling through my streaming apps looking for something to watch, I occasionally stumble upon a Nicolas Cage flick I’ve never seen before, like 2019’s A Score to Settle. The truth is I probably thought I’d already seen it, but was confusing it with one of his other straight-to-video outings with a similar revenge-coded title, like Stolen, Rage, Dog Eat Dog, and so on. While I’m thrilled that I’m one film closer to seeing everything Nicolas Cage has ever done, I’ve gotta say this movie is pretty terrible.
But here’s the thing every Nicolas Cage fan will tell you: a terrible Nicolas Cage movie is still a good Nicolas Cage movie, because Nicolas Cage is in it. I’m sorry, but it’s true. The screenplay is absolute trash, but he still commits to it. It makes no sense no matter how you break it down. He’s still the greatest actor on this planet, and I’m glad I’m alive at the same time he is because it means that when I stare up at the moon at night, he might be looking at it too.
Why A Score To Settle Makes No Sense
Here’s where I’d normally break down the plot before offering commentary, but I don’t think that’s entirely possible with A Score to Settle. I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything coherent. Nicolas Cage plays a man named Frank who’s released after serving 19 years in prison because he has a rare form of insomnia that will eventually kill him, so they just send him home.
Why is Frank serving 19 years? When he was younger, he worked for the mob and witnessed his boss Max (Dave MacKinnon) murder one of his hustlers with a baseball bat. He’s promised he’ll be paid handsomely and that his family will be taken care of, so he takes the fall under the assumption he’ll be out in six years. Instead, he gets a life sentence. His wife dies while he’s inside, and his son Joey (Noah LeGros) grows up to become an orphan and a drug addict.
In other words, Nicolas Cage’s character is perfectly set up for revenge because he willingly went to prison for someone known to double-cross people, and then acts shocked when that exact thing happens, as if he was born yesterday. After his release, he reconnects with Joey and digs up a briefcase buried in his old backyard that contains $450,000 and the murder weapon. And I need to remind you again that the people who locked him up thought he bludgeoned somebody to death with a baseball bat, and they just let him go, even though it’s confirmed without a sliver of a doubt that he’s mentally unstable.
He then takes his drug-addicted son to a luxury resort, buys him lobster and lamb, expensive watches, and a Corvette, as if that’s going to make up for an entire childhood without a father who willingly put himself behind bars for an amount of money that in this economy will buy a modest house, at best. Considering how much money he’s spending right off the rip on an excessive amount of luxury items, he’ll probably have to settle for a duplex with bars on the windows when all is said and done.
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It Gets Worse
Nicolas Cage starts tracking down the men who wronged him in A Score to Settle, passing out at the most inopportune times because of his life-threatening insomnia. He falls in love with a prostitute named Simone (Karolina Wydra), then gets mad at a pimp for sending a different woman using the same name the next day. He buys automatic weapons from the daughter of a former associate known as Sleepy, in front of her kid, then kills a man named Tank while snacking on beef jerky at his upscale, butcher-themed gastropub.
Nicolas Cage doesn’t know how to use a cell phone because he missed the smartphone boom while in prison, but somehow immediately knows how to use the device’s GPS while driving a sports car at reckless speeds. Earlier in the film, he paid a bellhop $500 to help him get it off its lock screen and look up a couple of addresses for him. Stuff like this keeps happening in A Score to Settle, and I’m not even going to spoil the most ridiculous part because you need to see it for yourself.
Every revenge trope you can think of shows up in A Score to Settle, but you also have to remember that because of the insomnia angle, it’s technically a psychological thriller too, but only when it feels like being one. It’s a ramshackle affair where Nicolas Cage does the best he can with what he’s given, but what he’s given is so bad that even he can’t save it. I’ll give him an A for effort, but A Score to Settle makes Prisoners of the Ghostland look like Casablanca by comparison.
If you’re working your way through Nicolas Cage’s filmography as a means to cope with the horrors of modern life, A Score to Settle won’t do you any favors. It will get you one step closer to your final form, and it does deliver some classic Cage Rage, which is always good for the soul. This one’s an absolute punisher, though, and you should know that going in.
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