Everyone loves a creature feature and sadly, we don’t see as many of them these days as we’d like. But they’ve long been the source of turning the natural world into something terrifying, like the ocean in Jaws, the ocean in The Meg, the ocean in… well, you get the picture. This movie took that idea and transplanted it to Africa, and it combined a historical adventure with a quite unbelievable true story of two lions that ended up terrorizing railway workers in Kenya at the tail end of the 19th century. Now, you can experience it too.

The Ghost and the Darkness has officially joined Paramount+, giving the 1996 adventure thriller a new streaming home following its September 1 arrival. Directed by Stephen Hopkins (Predator 2) from a screenplay by William Goldman (The Princess Bride), the movie turned the story of the Tsavo man-eaters into a big-budget Hollywood production.

In the film, the lions are killing for sport rather than for food, and they have an almost supernatural knack for knowing what traps await them. Big-game hunter Remington and construction engineer Patterson set out to stop these unstoppable monsters. But, in this astonishing tale of man against beast, the hunters become the hunted.

The cast of the film includes Val Kilmer (Top Gun) as John Henry Patterson, Michael Douglas (Basic Instinct) as Charles Remington, Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton) as Robert Beaumont, John Kani (Black Panther) as Samuel, Bernard Hill (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King) as Dr. Hawthorne, Brian McCardie (Rob Roy) as Angus Starling, Emily Mortimer (Shutter Island) as Helena Patterson, and Om Puri (East Is East) as Abdullah.

Is ‘The Ghost and the Darkness’ Any Good?

The Ghost and the Darkness received mixed reviews, and currently holds a 51% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences responded more positively with a 75% score. The movie also received recognition from the Academy Awards, winning the Oscar for Best Sound Effects Editing. It earned around $75 million globally during its original theatrical run and the real life story behind the film is just as fascinating and bizarre as the movie itself. The preserved remains of the two Tsavo lions are now housed at Chicago’s Field Museum, where they remain part of the museum’s collection.

The Ghost and the Darkness is streaming now on Paramount+.

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Release Date

October 11, 1996

Runtime

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109 Minutes

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Dolly Parton’s sister Stella Parton is taking aim at some of the reactions to her sibling’s death.

Posting a lengthy statement via Instagram on Friday, September 4, Stella, 77, condemned the use of “AI and endless garbage” and “snarky tweets” that have been posted online.

“Sadly, because of the way our lives have been lived in front of the public, we have no choice but to be subjected to incredible pressure and insensitivity from strangers,” Stella wrote. “There is a tremendous amount of AI and endless garbage being posted everyday and it’s been challenging to absorb and or ignore.”

While Stella expressed her gratitude for fans who have shown “genuine” support after Dolly’s loved one grieved her death, she urged those who were “exploiting” the tragedy to choose a more positive path.

“I ask that you show more compassion and wisdom as we move forward in life. Use my sister’s life as an example for tolerance and respect toward others,” she wrote. “It’s not about the most clever comments, fake AI garbage or snarky tweets.”

Stella continued, “At the end of the day or the end of a life, how will you feel about yourself? It’s not about what other individuals you will never meet think of you!”

Dolly was known for her positivity in life, and Stella asked followers to channel some of that personality trait that the “Jolene” singer embodied.

“My sister was a positive influence to the world into which she was born. She used her music as a tool and a passion to move people in a positive way,” she wrote, explaining that Dolly believed negativity was “nothing but a huge waste of positive energy.”

Us confirmed that Dolly died on August 25, after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer. She was 80.

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Related: Dolly Parton’s Sister Refuses to ‘Stay Silent’ About Politics Like Singer

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Dolly Parton’s sister Stella Parton refuses to “stay silent” about politics. “‘Stella, why can’t you be more like your big sister Dolly and stay silent about the corruption going on in America?’” Stella, 77, wrote via Facebook on Wednesday, June 3. “I cannot and have not stayed silent about the crimes and blatant corruption going […]

“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author, died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” Dolly’s rep said in a statement last month. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”

Two days after her death, Stella broke her silence via Instagram.

“My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday. If anyone gets to heaven, I’m sure she made it right on time,” she wrote on August 27.  “I know she’s showing out big time, in all her sparkles and shine. That was my sister’s way.”

My feet may finally be catching a break, because celebrities are making comfortable shoes look seriously chic. Katie Holmes has been wearing ballet flats for years, from luxe Chanel styles to red velvet Mary Janes. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle was recently spotted in a bow-topped pair. Consider me influenced — I’m trying the shoe style this fall by pairing ballet flats with jeans, trousers and dresses.

I rounded up 13 pairs of comfy ballet flats, including satin ballet flats, cushioned knit styles, and even one of Holmes’ exact pairs. You’ll thank me later for recommending these seriously chic flats over stiff heels!

13 Best Ballet Flats for All-Day Wear

1. Our Favorite: Katie Holmes and Meghan Markle have both made a case for classic black ballet flats. I’m skipping the designer price tag and snagging these bow-detail ballet flats for just $27.

2. Day to Night: I’d wear these pointed ballet flats on days when sneakers feel too casual, but heels are out of the question. The sleek shape instantly dresses things up, and the cushioned insole adds extra comfort.

3. Velvet Crush: Katie Holmes made a case for red velvet Mary Janes, pairing hers with relaxed jeans for an easy New York City look. I found these velvet Mary Jane flats for just $20, complete with a similar rich red finish and dainty buckle strap.

4. Bow Beauty: Take a page out of Meghan Markle’s style book and grab these satin ballet flats with a sweet bow detail. They boast an elastic strap, a cushioned insole and come in cute pastel colors.

5. Exact Match: No designer lookalike required — Holmes actually wore these exact silver Mary Jane flats from Franco Sarto. The metallic finish makes simple outfits feel a little more fun.

Related: 13 Comfy Summer-to-Fall Flats to Replace Your Sandals — From Just $20

Whether you’re mega-excited about fall or are holding on to summer, there’s one fashion item that can work for both seasons — comfortable flats. They provide enough coverage for cool days while still letting you enjoy the warm-weather look . . . even if you have a PSL in-hand. And these supportive summer-to-fall flats are […]

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6. Gloss Boss: A little shine goes a long way, and these patent ballet flats are an easy way to make everyday outfits feel more elevated. I also appreciate the cushioned insole, especially if I’m wearing them for hours at a time.

7. Comfy Classic: I’d wear these square-toe Mary Janes when I want the ballet-flat look with a slightly more modern edge. The memory foam sole sweetens the deal, while an adjustable strap helps create a more secure fit.

8. Purse Perfect: I’d stash these foldable champagne flats in my bag anytime heels are part of the plan. They fold up for easy carrying, but still have light arch support and a thick rubber sole.

9. French-Girl Feel: There’s a reason cap-toe flats keep popping up on celebs, and these two-tone ballet flats nail the style. The bow-topped design has that Paris-in-the-fall feel that pairs well with jeans, knits and trench coats.

10. Sweater Weather: These sweater-like ballet flats are more than perfect for cool autumn days. The breathable fabric and soft sole make them practical for long days spent exploring.

11. Chocolate Fix: Consider these woven ballet flats my excuse to bring even more chocolate brown into my fall wardrobe. They’re lightweight, textured and cushioned with memory foam, so I don’t have to choose between looking cute and staying comfortable.

12. Woven Wonder: I’d never guess these woven Mary Janes were an Amazon find based on the intricate handwoven finish. The rich cognac color screams fall, while an adjustable strap and cushioned memory foam add everyday practicality.

13. Point Taken: One reason I’ll always have pointed flats like this comfy knit pair in my closet? The elongated toe can make my legs look longer and slimmer without adding a single inch of heel.

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

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

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>

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Related: Katie Holmes Wore the Shoe Equivalent of a Chunky Knit Sweater — We’re Sold

Katie Holmes wore knit ballet flats this spring, but I can’t stop thinking about how perfect this shoe is for fall. The soft, textured fabric practically looks borrowed from a chunky sweater, while the neutral shade makes them easy to wear with everything from jeans to trousers. Cozy shoes that still look polished? I’m sold. Holmes’ […]

Natural light is one of those home features people rarely think twice about until summer turns it into a line item.

The same south-facing windows that make a room feel bigger and brighter can also spend hours feeding heat into the house, leaving the AC to undo it later. After a record-hot July and another jump in cooling costs, that tradeoff is getting harder to ignore.

The answer is not to turn a sunny home into a cave. For most homeowners, the smarter move is figuring out which two or three windows are doing the most damage and treating those first.

Natural Light Is Getting More Expensive to Keep

Natural light still ranks near the top of what American buyers want. A 2026 Redfin survey found 44 percent of U.S. residents would choose a smaller home with more sunlight over a larger one with less, and 57 percent called sunlight either “non-negotiable” or “very important” when considering a new home.

That preference is colliding with hotter summers. The National Centers for Environmental Information reported July 2026 as the warmest month ever recorded for the contiguous U.S., averaging 76.9°F.

For homeowners doing the math on cooling costs, the number worth memorizing comes from the Department of Energy, which estimates that heat gain and heat loss through windows account for 25 percent to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use. During a heat wave, that share shows up in real dollars.

“I have buyers who walk into a home that checks every box online and walk right out after making it past the entryway because of low light,” said Cassia Bourne, a Redfin principal agent in Denver. “I use those moments to tell my sellers that light sells a home — it makes it feel larger, cleaner and more inviting.”

Bourne’s point matters for resale value. Any fix that permanently dims a bright room may fight the exact feature that drives offers.

Window Heat Gain Is Pushing Electric Bills Higher

Three forces are converging on the same pane of glass.

Cooling is materially more expensive than it used to be. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association projected the average U.S. household would spend about $792 on electricity during summer 2026, up 10.5 percent from 2025 and nearly 40 percent from 2020.

“Electricity prices continue to rise, and hotter summers mean households need to use more electricity simply to stay safe,” said Mark Wolfe, Executive Director, National Energy Assistance Directors Association. “The result is that Americans are paying substantially more to cool their homes than they were just a few years ago.”

Buyer taste hasn’t budged. Bourne’s Denver clients keep walking out of dim listings, and Redfin’s survey suggests that reaction is widespread. A seller who blacks out every window to lower the AC load risks losing thousands at closing.

The performance data on window coverings gives DIYers real options, each with a clear tradeoff. Consumer Reports, citing DOE guidance, notes that smart use of window coverings can cut unwanted heat gain by up to 77 percent. Medium-colored drapes with white plastic backings reduce heat gain by about 33 percent. Highly reflective blinds do around 45 percent when fully closed. Exterior awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77 percent on west-facing windows, per DOE, though they aren’t practical for renters.

Drapes are the cheap workhorse, blinds are the flexible middle, and awnings are the heavy hitter if you own the house and don’t mind changing the curb appeal.

Homeowners Are Getting More Strategic About Which Windows to Treat

Expect the next 12 to 24 months to reshape how households think about their windows, less as a binary between “open” and “blackout,” and more as a room-by-room energy decision. Three scenarios look most likely.

Static-cling and low-e films go mainstream as the renter-friendly middle option. In a 2025 Washington Post article, Seattle-area window-film estimator Bret Seeger framed the choice bluntly. “It’s always a trade-off,” he said. Films that block more solar heat generally reduce more visible light too. Seeger estimated that a relatively transparent low-e film letting in about 70 percent of visible light could lower summertime room temperature by roughly 3 to 4°F in a typical Seattle-area home without AC, though results vary by window, climate and film. Reader action. If you rent or don’t want to alter your glass permanently, price out static-cling film this spring for west- and south-facing panes only. Skip north-facing windows entirely, they aren’t your problem.

Seasonal treatment becomes the norm, not the exception. Blackout curtains hung with tension rods can go up in June and come down in September, and film can be peeled off. More households will treat window coverings like storm windows, a summer layer that comes and goes. Reader action. Before the next heat wave, identify the two or three rooms that overheat first in the afternoon. Those are the only ones worth treating. Leave the rest bright.

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Spectrally selective coatings set the ceiling on what’s possible. Some advanced low-e films filter out 40 percent to 70 percent of the heat normally transmitted through insulated glass while still allowing visible light through, per the DOE. Cheap static-cling films won’t necessarily match that. Reader action. If you own your home and plan to stay five-plus years, get a quote for professionally installed spectrally selective film on your worst offenders and weigh it against your last three summer electric bills.

The bottom line for a weekend improver is simple. Don’t try to fix every window. Fix the two or three that are costing you the most, and let the rest keep doing the job you bought them for.

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THREE SIGNALS TO WATCH

1. NEADA’s next summer electricity cost projection, which will show whether the 10.5 percent year-over-year jump repeats in 2027.
2. NCEI’s monthly national climate reports through summer 2027. Another July above 76.9°F would confirm the trend, not the anomaly.
3. The next Redfin sunlight survey. If the 44 percent who’d trade square footage for sun holds or rises despite higher bills, expect film and shade demand to accelerate.