Between AMC’s Interview with the Vampire season two and Paramount+’s Evil season four, horror is absolutely slaying it right now. Which makes it all the more unfortunate that there is just one episode left in IWTV season two. Episode seven found Lestat revealing missing details from Louis’ stories, tidbits that changed the way we view specific events in the couple’s past. Episode seven also saw Claudia making her final appearance on stage before turning to ash.
Episode eight, the season finale, will air on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT. The finale is titled “And That’s the End of It. There’s Nothing Else.” and promises not to pull any punches.
The season two cast is led by Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac, Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy, and Assad Zaman as Armand. Sam Reid stars as Lestat de Lioncourt, Ben Daniels is Santiago, and Delainey Hayles takes over the role of Claudia.
Jacob Anderson as Louis De Point Du Lac, Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy and Assad Zaman as Armand in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ season 2 episode 8 (Courtesy of AMC Network Entertainment LLC)
Interview with the Vampire Season 2 Plot, Courtesy of AMC:
The interview continues in season two. In the year 2022, the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Anderson) recounts his life story to journalist Daniel Molloy (Bogosian). Picking up from the bloody events in New Orleans in 1940 when Louis and teen fledgling Claudia (Hayles) conspired to kill the Vampire Lestat de Lioncourt (Reid), Louis tells of his adventures in Europe, a quest to discover Old World Vampires and the Theatre Des Vampires in Paris, with Claudia.
It is in Paris that Louis first meets the Vampire Armand (Zaman). Their courtship and love affair will prove to have devastating consequences both in the past and in the future, and Molloy will probe to get to the truths buried within the memories.
Sam Reid in season 2 episode 8 (Courtesy of AMC Network Entertainment LLC)Assad Zaman as Armand in season 2 episode 9 (Photo Credit: Larry Horricks/AMC)Jacob Anderson as Louis De Point Du Lac in the season 2 finale (Courtesy of AMC Network Entertainment LLC)Ben Daniels as Santiago in season 2 episode 8 (Photo Credit: Larry Horricks/AMC)Assad Zaman as Armand in season 2 episode 9 (Photo Credit: Larry Horricks/AMC)Jacob Anderson as Louis De Point Du Lac and Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy in season 2 episode 8 (Courtesy of AMC Network Entertainment LLC)
Elizabeth Banks stars in ‘Skincare’ (Photo courtesy of IFC Films)
IFC Films has set an August 16, 2024 theatrical release date for Skincare starring Elizabeth Banks (The Beanie Bubble) and Lewis Pullman (Lessons in Chemistry). IFC Films just picked up the North American rights to the drama, described as a vanity crime thriller, directed by first-time feature film director Austin Peters.
The cast also includes Luis Gerardo Méndez (The Resort), Nathan Fillion (The Rookie), and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (Loot).
“A fictional story inspired by true events, Skincare follows famed aesthetician Hope Goldman (Banks) who is about to take her career to the next level by launching her very own skincare line, but complications arise when rival facialist Angel Vergara (Méndez) opens a new skincare boutique directly across from her studio,” reads IFC Films’ synopsis. “She begins to suspect that someone is trying to sabotage her reputation and business, and together with her friend Jordan (Pullman) she embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery of who is trying to destroy her life.”
Peters, Deering Regan, and Sam Freilich co-wrote the screenplay.
“I have so many seminal memories watching films at the IFC Center on 6th Avenue and movies that begin with the IFC Films logo,” said Peters, commenting on the acquisition. “I am thrilled to be working with Scott Shooman and everyone at IFC Films who so value the theatrical experience and I can’t wait for audiences to see Skincare.”
Jalapeño Goat’s Jonathan Schwartz and Logan Lerman served as producers along with ILBE in association with WWPS.TV.
“Austin Peters has cleverly pumped life into the ‘whodunit’ genre by delivering a riveting thriller dripping with noir,” stated Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group Scott Shooman. “Driven by a stellar ensemble cast with a terrific performance by Elizabeth Banks, who always commands the screen, we look forward to audiences seeing Skincare in theaters this Summer.”
Filming is officially underway in Los Angeles on a sequel to the 2003 body-swapping comedy Freaky Friday. (The official title is Freakier Friday.) Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once) and Lindsay Lohan, reprising their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman, hold hands in the first behind-the-scenes photo from the set.
The sequel is also welcoming back Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Rosalind Chao. Newcomers include Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan.
“A sequel to the beloved 2003 film with a multigenerational twist, the film picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis,” reads Disney’s synopsis. “Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice.”
The original film starring Curtis and Lohan, which earned an 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, opened in theaters in August 2003. Disney’s targeting a 2025 theatrical release for the sequel.
The 2003 movie, based on Mary Rodgers’ novel, was directed by Mark Waters. Nisha Ganatra (Late Night) is at the helm of the sequel, with Jamie Lee Curtis, Kristin Burr, and Andrew Gunn producing. Nathan Kelly, Ann Marie Sanderlin, and Lindsay Lohan are executive producing.
Focus Features’ nearly two-minute teaser trailer for Nosferatu features multiple characters warning that “he is coming.” The “he” is, of course, the vampire everyone fears. He only briefly appears in the intense first official teaser, with most of the snippets focusing on Lily-Rose Depp (Johnny’s daughter) as Ellen Hutter and Willem Dafoe as Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz.
The studio also unveiled new photos from the upcoming December 25, 2024 theatrical release.
“Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake,” reads Focus Features brief description.
In addition to Depp and Dafoe, the horror film stars Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok, Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter, Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding, Emma Corrin as Anna Harding, Ralph Ineson as Dr. Wilhelm Sievers, and Simon McBurney as Knock.
Writer/director Eggers has built up an impressive resume since winning Spirit Awards for Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay with his directorial debut The VVitch: A New-England Folktale in 2015. In 2019, Eggers followed that with the Oscar-nominated The Lighthouse starring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. In 2022, he turned his attention to the Vikings with The Northman starring Alexander Skarsgard, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Willem Dafoe.
Eggers serves as a producer along with Jeff Robinov, John Graham, Chris Columbus, and Eleanor Columbus.
Paramount+’s Evil season four continues to make a strong case for a network or streamer (looking at you, Netflix!) to pick it up for season five. Episode five gave us an original catchy, incredibly inappropriate, R-rated tune sung by Katja Herbers. Next up, season four episode six, “How to Dance in Three Easy Steps,” streaming on June 27, 2024.
Season four stars Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard, Mike Colter as David Acosta, Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir, Michael Emerson as Leland Townsend, and Christine Lahti as Sheryl. Andrea Martin stars as Sister Andrea, Kurt Fuller is Dr. Boggs, Brooklyn Shuck is Lynn Bouchard, Skylar Gray is Lila Bouchard, Maddy Crocco is Lexis Bouchard, Patrick Brammall is Andy Bouchard, and Dalya Knapp plays Laura Bouchard.
“How to Dance in Three Easy Steps” Plot: possibly-possessed dancer leads Kristen, David, and Ben to a dance troupe with coven-like practices. Sheryl reaches her breaking point with Leland.
Mike Colter as David Acosta, Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir and Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard in ‘Evil’ season 4 episode 6 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+)
The Evil Plot, Courtesy of Paramount+
In the new season of Evil, Kristen, David and Ben continue to assess cases that involve wayward technology, possessed pigs, demonic oppression and infestation, a dance muse conjured by alleged witches and an evil relic. Throughout, Leland attempts to lure Kristen into raising a baby antichrist who was conceived with her ovum. David is recruited by the Vatican’s secret service to “remote view” a paranormal ability to see the unseen in order to detect evil. Ben is hit by an ion beam, causing him to see visions of a taunting jinn until he discovers an unusual solution to banish it.
Finally, all three realize they only have a few weeks left to assess cases because the parish has decided to disband the team due to a lack of funds. This culminates in one last confrontation with Leland and the 60 families that make up Evil in the modern world.
Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard and Mike Colter as David Acosta in season 4 episode 6 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+)Stella Everett as Isabella and Mike Colter as David Acosta in season 4 episode 6 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+)Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard and Stella Everett as Isabella in season 4 episode 6 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+)Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard, Mike Colter as David Acosta, Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir and Stella Everett as Isabella in season 4 episode 6 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+)Stella Everett as Isabella in season 4 episode 6 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+)
Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Fabien Frankel in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO)
A search for Prince Jaehaerys’ murderer is underway as HBO House of the Dragon season two episode two, “Rhaenyra the Cruel,” begins. King Aegon reacts like a madman, destroying everything in his room (including his father’s model of Old Valyria) while declaring war. A much more controlled Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) investigates the scene and discovers a gold coin.
Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) advises Queen Dowager Alicent (Olivia Cooke) to keep it together as she sobs, torn up that her son’s eldest child and heir to the throne has been brutally murdered. She believes the gods are punishing her, while Otto takes a much more pragmatic approach to the situation.
King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) demands to know where his small council members were when the murderer snuck about the castle. He’s enraged his eldest son was killed. Aegon’s anger escalates when Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) admits he was in bed (Alicent’s, but he doesn’t mention that) at the time of the murder. Otto attempts to calm Aegon as he rages on, placing the blame squarely on Queen Rhaenyra (using incredibly colorful language).
Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) interrupts with news that they’ve apprehended a Gold Cloak fleeing with the child’s head. Otto puts Larys in charge of questioning the prisoner, while King Aegon shifts his anger to the small council. He believes one of them might have plotted against him. The room falls silent.
Otto finally speaks, confirming that they need to get to the truth. However, no matter the case, they’ll spread word throughout the Seven Kingdoms that Rhaenyra is behind the murder. Aegon disagrees, wishing to keep the death a secret. He doesn’t want to be viewed as weak, but Otto reminds him that ship has long since sailed.
Otto has quickly come up with a plan to win over hearts. He wants a funeral procession with the child’s body open for viewing. Alicent’s shocked and Aegon immediately says no. Otto claims he’s grieving too but believes Rhaenyra’s supporters will renounce her once they’ve learned she ordered a child to be decapitated.
“Jaehaerys will do more for us now than a thousand nights in battle,” says Otto. The Hand thinks war will come, but if they wait a short while their army will grow.
Alicent agrees and convinces Aegon it’s the best path forward. But when Otto adds that Alicent and the Queen will ride behind the body, Alicent briefly objects. Of course, given that she’s Alicent, she acquiesces.
Alicent breaks the news to Queen Helaena (her daughter and also her son’s wife) who is much more difficult to convince. Helaena (Phia Saban) hates being around people and doesn’t want to be involved in such a public display of grief. Alicent attempts to bring up the previous evening when Helaena discovered her in bed with Criston, but Helaena quickly changes the subject.
Olivia Cooke and Phia Saban in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 2 (Photograph by Theo Whitman / HBO)
The citizens of King’s Landing line the streets as the carriage carrying Prince Jaehaerys, now with a reattached head, makes its way slowly to the dragon pits. There’s a moment when it appears the head will fall off, but thankfully it remains in place as thousands of townsfolk grieve with Queen Helaena and Queen Dowager Alicent.
The procession also includes a man yelling, “Behold the works of Rhaenyra Targaryen! Pretender to the Throne! Kingslayer! Defiler of the Innocent!”
The captured City Watch guard (known to readers as “Blood” but never referred to by that name in the show) spills everything he knows before Larys has had a chance to begin torturing him. He admits Daemon Targaryen paid them half in advance and was going to pay the rest when he handed over the head. The guard doesn’t know his accomplice’s name but does reveal he’s a ratcatcher who works in the castle. (The ratcatcher’s called “Cheese” in Fire & Blood.)
Larys was just paving the way for King Aegon to unleash holy hell on the guard.
Meanwhile, at Dragonstone, Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) is told about Jaehaerys’ murder. She’s also informed messages accusing her of the murder have been sent out. Rhaenyra orders messages sent denying any part in this heinous murder. She realizes Dragonstone and Driftmark will be targets of attacks and is assured their defenses have been strengthened.
The timing is horrible as they need to rally the Houses to their side, and this will make that incredibly difficult. Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett) asks to ride out on Vermax to keep an eye on King’s Landing, but Rhaenyra denies his request.
Rhaenyra assures her council she never would have inflicted this on Helaena, “an innocent.” Yet the council understands that Rhaenyra is mourning the loss of Lucerys and might have reacted hastily. Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) has remained silent throughout the discussion and Rhaenyra finally looks at her husband/uncle. What she sees makes her question him in private, and Daemon confirms he sent assassins to murder and decapitate Prince Aemond. He insists he provided a very specific description of the target and claims he can’t be held responsible for the death of a small child.
Rhaenyra is furious. Daemon’s rash move has weakened her and made it more difficult to raise an army. It’s also harmed her standing with her own small council. Rhaenyra admits she’s never fully trusted Daemon and wonders if he’s only used her as a tool to get back his stolen inheritance. Daemon reminds her he took the crown from Ser Erryk and placed it on her head himself. Of course that’s true, but it’s also true he tried to form a war council while she was giving birth alone.
Rhaenyra believes he took her request to kill Aemond as an excuse to exact his own revenge on Otto Hightower, a man he hates. Daemon believes his upcoming trip to Harrenhal to raise an army is proof he’s fully committed to supporting her. Rhaenyra isn’t convinced and asks, “Do you accept me as your Queen and ruler? Or do you cling even now to what you think you lost?”
That leads to an argument over King Viserys and whether he was a strong leader or a fearful coward. Daemon compares Rhaenyra to her father, saying they’re both fools for not wanting to spill blood to achieve greatness.
Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 2 (Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO)
Minutes later, Rhaenyra instructs Lady Baela (Bethany Antonia) to take Moondancer and watch King’s Landing. She doesn’t want to be caught off-guard again. Baela agrees and Rhaenyra warns her to stay safe and remain vigilant. Baela asks about her father, and Rhaenyra says he’s following his own path now. (The next scene shows Daemon leaving Dragonstone on Caraxes.)
Back at King’s Landing, Ser Criston Cole watches as Jaehaerys’ bloody bedding is removed from the Queen’s chambers. Later, he stands watch outside Alicent’s room. She asks if he told anyone about their relationship, and he’s insulted she would believe he’d talk. Alicent slams the door in his face and then sinks into her bath, alone.
Once he’s relieved from watching Alicent’s chambers, Criston confronts Ser Arryk (Luke Tittensor) about the dirt on his white cloak. Arryk’s had a rough day and is finally getting a chance to eat as Criston, being a total hypocrite, accuses him of sullying the honor of the Kingsguard since the white cloak is a symbol of purity.
Arryk apologizes but Criston’s not quite done with him. He insinuates that Arryk shirked his duties and that’s why Jaehaerys was killed. After confirming he was with King Aegon, Arryk wonders where Criston was and why Queen Helaena doesn’t have a sworn protector.
The room clears out as Criston accuses Arryk of being a traitor to the Crown, just like his brother Erryk who pledged to Rhaenyra. Criston suggests the only way to restore his honor is to pretend to be Erryk, enter Dragonstone, and kill Rhaenyra. Arryk reminds Criston they are not supposed to practice deception, but Criston claims Arryk has a chance to end the war before it begins.
Fabien Frankel and Luke Tittensor in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 2 (Photograph by Ollie Upton / HBO)
Arryk knows it’s a suicide mission. Criston insists it’s either go to Dragonstone or be declared a traitor.
Prince Jacaerys and Princess Baela talk about fathers, and she asks what he remembers about her uncle (his father). He smiles as he recalls Laenor Velaryon’s love of cakes. She asks about his real father, Ser Harwin Strong, and Jace describes him as gentle and fierce. Jace knows Harwin loved them, and thinking of Harwin makes him think of Luke. He truly misses his little brother.
Meanwhile, Prince Aemond spends his time at a brothel confessing that he’s proud Daemon considers him such a worthy foe that he sent an assassin to kill him. Aemond makes a surprising confession, admitting he regrets what happened with Luke. He lost his temper, and he’s sorry Luke died. His companion reminds him that when princes get angry, it’s the smallfolk who suffer.
Speaking of the smallfolk, prices are rising throughout King’s Landing. Food is nearly impossible to afford, and those who have money are hoarding supplies in preparation for war.
Over at Driftmark, Alyn of Hull’s brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty), pays him a visit at the docks. They joke about the pirates they’ve slain, and Alyn (Abubakar Salim) is happy to learn his brother has a pot of stew to share back at his home. Addam wonders if Alyn will sail with Lord Corlys since Lord Corlys personally thanked him for saving his life. Alyn says Corlys hasn’t asked him – and he hopes he doesn’t. Addam would jump at the chance, but Alyn’s seen enough fighting. He doesn’t want any part of the upcoming war.
And speaking of the Sea Snake, Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) and Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best) relax in bed and their pillow talk turns to Daemon. Corlys hasn’t heard from him and Rhaenys thinks he wishes to be his own master. The fact he’s not the king must be difficult for him to come to terms with. Rhaenys knows exactly how it feels to be passed over, and although Daemon won’t openly challenge Rhaenyra, he won’t allow her to command him.
They believe if Daemon can convince Harrenhal to side with Rhaenyra, then that may smooth things over. Rhaenys confirms she and Corlys will do everything in their power to support Rhaenyra.
At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra summons Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) and asks about her part in Jaehaerys’ murder. Mysaria says she had no real role in that, and she regrets any part she previously played in helping Ser Otto place Aegon on the Iron Throne. Mysaria confesses she gave Daemon two names; that was the extent of her participation. Daemon promised her her freedom and is shocked to hear he’s gone without releasing her.
Rhaenyra stares for a long moment at Mysaria, finally recognizing her from years ago when Daemon said he was going to marry her and that she was pregnant. Rhaenyra is understandably leery of Mysaria’s intentions. Is she a spy? Is she still working for the Red Keep? Mysaria insists she just wants her freedom, but Rhaenyra doesn’t trust her.
Emma D’Arcy in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 2 (Photograph by Theo Whitman / HBO)
Mysaria came from nothing, sold her body to survive, and made herself “valuable to powerful men.” Most of all, she listened. And then everything she built for herself was destroyed at Ser Otto’s orders, with her home burned to the ground. “The Hand did not like it when I showed my teeth,” says Mysaria.
Their conversation ends with Mysaria returning to her cell.
Meanwhile, at King’s Landing, the townsfolk are shocked to see all the ratcatchers in King Aegon’s employ have been strung up. Their dead bodies hang above the city’s streets.
Ser Otto calls his grandson an idiot after Aegon admits he gave the order to kill all the ratcatchers. Criston warns Otto to watch how he speaks, but Otto doesn’t hold back. His grandson is a fool who murdered innocent men and hung them for everyone to see. Aegon defends his actions and Otto reminds him they were fathers, brothers, and sons. Their families are now at the gates, cursing King Aegon’s name.
Every bit of approval they’d just earned has been tossed away, but Aegon doesn’t care. He wants action now and reveals Criston has sent Ser Arryk to slay Rhaenyra. Criston says it’s time Rhaenyra paid, and Otto’s flabbergasted. They didn’t include him or the council. What they’ve done will diminish them in the eyes of their enemies.
Again, Aegon could not care less. He wants revenge. Otto chuckles when Aegon declares that his father made him king. Silly boy has no idea it was Otto who put him on the Iron Throne. Aegon relieves Otto of his Hand of the King duties and names Ser Criston Cole the new Hand. Even Criston’s surprised at his new title.
Ser Otto warns King Aegon that he will regret this.
Back at Dragonstone, Ser Erryk (Elliott Tittensor) accompanies Rhaenyra to Mysaria’s cell. Rhaenyra makes good on Daemon’s promise and releases her, giving her passage on a ship making its way to Myr. Mysaria thanks Rhaenyra for her kindness.
Moments later, Mysaria is walking to the ship when she passes Ser Arryk pretending to be his twin brother. She does a double-take and stops as they walk past.
Arryk makes his way into Dragonstone, easily passing the guards. He walks the halls, and no one even acknowledges his presence. Arryk hides when he spots his brother, and then continues looking for Rhaenyra. He removes his helmet because his brother isn’t wearing his.
Arryk arrives at Rhaenyra’s chambers and convinces the guard at the door that he can’t rest so he’ll take over standing watch. He waits until the coast is clear and enters Rhaenyra’s room. Arryk whips out his sword and apologizes that he doesn’t have any choice.
Rhaenyra doesn’t understand until Erryk bursts into the room, sword out, and screams, “Brother!” Erryk begs his brother not to do this, but Arryk doesn’t back down. The two men are equally skilled fighters and Rhaenyra sends her maid out to get help as they engage in a brutal swordfight.
Ser Lorent arrives and helps Rhaenyra to the door as the battle between twins rages on. Unfortunately, this door’s locked and Rhaenyra can’t leave. Lorent wants to help Erryk, but neither he nor Rhaenyra knows which twin is which.
Both are bloody and badly injured but it’s Erryk who deals the death blow. He asks his Queen to forgive him and then kills himself.
Episode two ends with another visit to King’s Landing. Ser Otto is furious about his removal from power and knows that neither Aegon nor Criston can see the big picture. They won’t fight for the realm; they’ll wage war for vengeance. Alicent believes Aegon can still be persuaded to think before making more mistakes.
Otto decides that he’ll return to Oldtown now that he’s no longer a part of the council. All his carefully laid plans have been smashed, but he believes Alicent’s other son, Daeron, might help them in the near future. Alicent suggests that instead of Oldtown, he should visit the Tyrells at Highgarden and get them to pledge their allegiance. Otto believes that he and Alicent can still bring peace, if they hold fast.
Alicent wants to confess her sins, but Otto doesn’t want to hear it. She leaves her father and finds Aegon alone, sobbing. Instead of comforting her grieving son, she turns around and leaves. When she returns to her bedchamber, Criston is there, waiting. She slaps him twice, followed by a few shoves. That’s just foreplay, as their promise to end their secret sexual relationship is quickly broken.
Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky and Taylor Handley as Kyle McLusky in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ season 3 episode 4 (Photo Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+)
Paramount+’s Mayor of Kingstown season three episode four opens with the city on lockdown. Cops are searching for the two white males responsible for setting off bombs outside the police station.
Ian (Hugh Dillon) is busy beating a man he suspects had something to do with the bombs as the radio alerts officers that the men are suspected of being armed and dangerous. Over at the station, Mike (Jeremy Renner) arrives and Kyle (Taylor Handley) reveals two of the burner phones didn’t set off bombs. The burners received the calls to activate but failed, which is great news for the cops. They were able to retrieve the number that called to activate the bombs.
The call came from John York who’s with the Aryan Brotherhood. The bomb squad guy says this signature is different than the bombs at Mariam’s funeral.
The parking lot clears out when a call goes out for immediate backup and the SWAT team. Suspects have been spotted, and Bunny (Tobi Bamtefa) and the Crips cheer as the description is confirmed to be white males.
Robert’s SWAT guys roll up to a gas station and bust open the bathroom door. There’s a man inside holding a gun, and Robert (Hamish Allan-Headley) gives the order to drop the weapon but doesn’t give the guy time to respond. Robert shoots the suspect multiple times. Mike hears the shots and is upset that Robert failed to keep him alive. He could have been useful.
Mike pays a visit to Warden Kareem Moore (Michael Beach) and finds him blasting music in his garage while working out. Kareem’s in a perpetual bad mood, so he’s definitely not happy to see Mike. Mike fills him in on the latest bombing, which Kareem knew nothing about. Kareem reluctantly agrees to let Mike in to see Callahan at the prison.
Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky and Richard Brake as Merle Callahan in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ season 3 episode 4 (Photo Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+)
Count Callahan (Richard Brake) among those unhappy to see Mike this morning. They reminisce about old times … well, Callahan reminisces while Mike would rather cut straight to the chase. Mike explains that one of Callahan’s AB guys was just shot dead by SWAT after a bombing. He asks Callahan for the name of the second suspect and Callahan tries to make a deal. Callahan will find out the name if Mike gets him put back in general population for the day. Mike agrees to give him six hours.
Mike’s next stop is at the diner for a meeting with Ian, Stevie (Derek Webster), Robert, and Kyle. Ian didn’t know Callahan was back in Kingstown, and Mike hopes that they can find someone to say Callahan ordered the bombing. That way he can be locked up in I-MAX, away from any of his AB gang.
Mike says Callahan blamed the attack on Gunner, but they know that’s not true. Mike warns Robert that they need to bring in the remaining suspect alive to get him to name Callahan. Robert’s insulted that Mike thinks he needs to be specifically called out.
Over at Anchor Bay, Callahan orders one of his men to get him a phone. It’ll be difficult right now, but Callahan doesn’t care. He needs to contact the outside ASAP.
Warden Moore tells the guards that since there’s madness outside the walls, he’s shutting down all visitations and phone calls until it’s resolved. He also wants all the cells turned and anything that can be used to communicate with the outside confiscated. Carney (Lane Garrison) suggests they just lock the prison down, but Kareem calls that “idiotic.” The inmates didn’t bomb KPD; they don’t need additional rights taken away now.
Privately, the new guard who’s been reporting everything to Bunny tells Kareem that he thinks he saw the CO working the X-rays let an employee in with contraband. Kareem warns him that it’s important to report these things if he’s 100% sure but shouldn’t seek it out. He’ll alienate his fellow guards and if he’s ever in trouble, they won’t come to his aid.
Mike attends Anna Fletcher’s arraignment on the charges of killing the man who murdered her son. She admits to doing it, and the judge formally asks how she pleads. She pleads guilty. Mike steps outside to speak with DA Evelyn Foley (Necar Zadegan) and explains why he’s involved. Evelyn points out Anna shot a man six times in front of lots of witnesses. There’s not much she can do. Sentencing guidelines aren’t flexible. It’ll be life without parole.
Mike suggests that she change the charge to second-degree manslaughter, but Evelyn won’t. There’s just too much going on on the streets right now, and Mike admits he doesn’t know if it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
Ian calls Mike with the news that the second suspect has been spotted after stealing a car. Ian and Stevie are headed out, and other cops are also on it. Mike points out the suspect’s location is in Crips territory.
Kareem informs Callahan, who’s casually reading a book in the library, that his six hours in gen pop are almost over. Callahan doesn’t seem to care and claims he sent out feelers. Something will turn up soon.
Cops are hot on the suspect and his getaway accomplice’s tail when their car rams into a pole. Mike asks Ian to hold the suspect there for him, and Ian reminds him there will be press present since this is a big-deal chase.
Both suspects flee the scene and Kyle joins the chase on foot, while radioing in his location.
The Crips have been listening to the radio chatter, and Bunny sends a few guys out to keep their eyes on the situation.
Ian, Stevie, and Kyle chase the driver (who’s out on parole) into an alley and don’t see any weapons. Kyle approaches the man, against Ian’s advice, and speaks calmly to the suspect. Kyle instructs him to get down on his knees as the man screams that he was just giving his buddy a ride. Kyle promises to make the grand theft charge go away if he helps the cops.
Kyle’s promise works and the man takes a knee just as Robert’s SWAT guys pull up. Kyle places him in cuffs without any trouble.
Taylor Handley as Kyle McLusky in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ season 3 episode 4 (Photo Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+)
However, the suspect they really want is now deep in the heart of Crips territory. Bunny calls Mike and says, “I’ve got something that belongs to you, Mike.” Strangely, the scene switches from late afternoon to deep in the night as Mike pulls up at Bunny’s headquarters. (Mike was less than 10 minutes away when his phone rang.)
Bunny has the suspect tied up and insists the man failed to comply. Bunny is perfectly fine with Mike questioning the guy and then taking him away. However, he wants Mike to let the cops know that he caught the suspect for them.
Mike introduces himself and asks who called in the order. The man claims it came from on high but got to him second or third hand. He’s a soldier for the AB and won’t give up any names. Eight of his guys were just barbecued by SWAT, and he’s ready to die, too, if he needs to.
The man goes off on a racist tirade, saying Mike got what he had coming because he’s friends with Black people. The AB was justified in shooting up his house and bombing his mom’s funeral. Mike loses it and grabs the suspect, demanding to know the shotcaller. Mike attempts to get him to say Merle Callahan but the guy won’t. And worse, he claims Merle Callahan did a lot for Mike and now Mike’s ready to turn on him.
Mike ends the argument by pushing the guy off the roof.
Robert, Ian, and the guys are unwinding at a bar, drinking and playing pool, when Robert asks if Ian noticed how Kyle stepped up today. Ian’s in no mood to talk shop but agrees. Robert wanders over to Kyle to discuss what went down during the arrest and warns him never to approach a suspect like that again unless he knows for sure the man’s unarmed. Still, it’s obvious Robert didn’t know Kyle had it in him and that he’s impressed.
Mike speaks to Callahan and says the guy they were after ended up in the Crips neighborhood. Mike claims the Crips threw him off a three-story building, and that he didn’t give up any names before he died.
Later, Mike has a sit-down with Callahan at the prison. Apparently, Callahan is going to be allowed back in gen pop, and Mike claims to be ready to work with him to keep the peace. Callahan calls his predecessor, Gunner, a “roided out punk” who made questionable moves. Mike says he was put in place to even things out. Callahan wants assurances that Mike will pick up when he calls and do favors when he’s asked.
Callahan reminds Mike that he helped him survive inside, and Mike concedes that he respects their shared history. He also confirms he’ll answer Callahan’s calls.
Episode four ends with Konstantin at an orgy. He receives a call from Callahan and assures him they’ll do great things together.
Keith Kupferer and Katherine Mallen Kupferer in ‘Ghostlight’ (Photo Courtesy of IFC Films, an IFC Films Release)
In the theater, a ghostlight is a single-bulb lamp left near center stage overnight or between productions for safety purposes so that anyone who may be wandering around can see where they are going.
This is how, despite its spooky title, Ghostlight gets away with not being a horror movie about ghosts.
Ghostlight is about a construction worker named Dan (Keith Kupferer from Monuments) who is working a job near a theater. He makes friends with one of the theater workers, a woman named Rita (Dolly De Leon from Triangle of Sadness), and strangely finds himself cast in their production of Romeo and Juliet. Soon after, his troubled daughter, Daisy (Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’s Katherine Mallen Kupferer), also joins the play, and both quickly find that the story mimics events in their real lives.
Directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson (the same pair behind Saint Francis) from a screenplay written by O’Sullivan, Ghostlight is two stories in one. The first is the underdog story of the theater getting its play produced with all the snags and setbacks that occur. The second is the family drama that mirrors the stage action, with Dan and his family working to cope with troubles after a tragedy and those troubles spilling over into his work life. The theater that connects the two stories is both Dan’s escape and his therapy.
From a narrative standpoint, Ghostlight meshes its two plots together seamlessly. At first, it just seems as if Dan is just a fish out of water within the theater. But once he finds comfort there, the details of his family’s story start to unfold. It’s within the little hints and nuggets of the event that tore Dan’s family apart that Ghostlight’s brilliance is shown. The slow reveal of the heartbreak and its relevance to the play keeps the audience completely engaged.
Keith Kupferer’s Dan may be the lead, but it’s Katherine Mallen Kupferer’s Daisy that steals the movie. Daisy goes from rebellious teen to responsible young woman, and while the arc may be typical, Mallen Kupferer manages to express real growth in her character. The turning point for Daisy comes right after she discovers her father’s “secret” life within the theater. She joins the cast at a karaoke bar and Rita gets her to sing “I Cain’t Say No” from Oklahoma!, a show in which Daisy once performed. Daisy nails the song and, thus, goes from her father’s troubled child to his co-star. And even the other cast members can’t help but keep their eyes glued on Katherine Maller Kupferer. She’s that good.
And speaking of the family unit, the last names of Keith Kupferer and Katherine Mallen Kupferer is not a coincidence. The family in the movie is a family in real life, with Kupferer’s wife, Tara Mallen (Fools) playing Dan’s wife/Daisy’s mom, Sharon. The chemistry between the three is undeniable because, well, they’re partially not acting. Of course, all are accomplished thespians, but the fact that the real family plays a movie family makes it all that much more believable.
One can’t really call Ghostlight a feel-good movie, as it deals with unresolved grief and that never really feels good. But it is a testament to the power of the theater, and how someone finding their tribe can help with healing. And anyone who doesn’t root and cheer for the theater production to succeed is a stick in the mud. Or maybe an emotionless ghost.
Russell Crowe in ‘The Exorcism’ (Photo Courtesy of Vertigo)
If he’s not careful, Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe (Gladiator) is going to get typecast late in his career. Last year, he was in The Pope’s Exorcist, and now, he’s in The Exorcism.
The Exorcism stars Crowe as Anthony Miller, a washed-up, alcoholic actor who lands a role in a horror film when the original actor mysteriously dies. The movie is called The Georgetown Project, and it’s a remake of…a legendary film whose title The Exorcism dances around but never says outright.
Anyway, Tony’s estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins from the Fear Street movies), has been kicked out of college, so he lands her a job on set as a production assistant. While getting into character, Tony winds up struggling with his sanity, leaving Lee to wonder if he is falling back into his old addictions…or if there is something more sinister going on within the project.
So, it’s clear that the movie that the crew is remaking in The Exorcism, The Georgetown Project, is The Exorcist. There’s a fun little connection there, as director Joshua John Miller, aside from being a screenwriter (The Final Girls) and a child star (Near Dark, River’s Edge), is also the son of Jason Miller, who played Father Karras in The Exorcist. Small world.
The screenplay for The Exorcism, which was written by Miller along with his writing partner M.A. Fortin (who also co-wrote The Final Girls), has a lot of potential. It’s a clever concept – a cursed film set that is producing a remake of an already supposedly cursed film.
That’s pretty much where the cleverness ends. Rather than keep things mysterious and have the crew deal with unexplained accidents and tragedies, The Exorcism embraces the possession angle, which turns it into a predictable, heavy-handed slog. At one point, when Tony is approached, he literally says “My name is not Tony!” Yeah, The Exorcism is that kind of possession movie.
To its credit, The Exorcism does deal with important themes like addiction, mental health, and grief. It’s an admirable attempt, but the execution is ham-fisted. Just the fact that those around him assume that Tony’s erratic behavior is from a relapse instead of another, more serious reason is, while justified, very stereotypical. And when Tony is faced with temptation, it’s even more silly – as he’s about to crack open a bottle, he finds a crucifix under a copy of the movie’s script. Divine intervention? Nah, just an attempt at dramatic imagery.
Even the segments that are effectively constructed seem as if they are lifted out of other movies. In one scene, the possessed Tony bangs his head repeatedly against a table. In another, a character is attacked through a mirror. Miller shows his competence as a filmmaker in these moments, but it’s nothing that hasn’t been seen before. Sure, the whole thing is a low-key homage to The Exorcist, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a little original while it does it. But it’s not.
The biggest difference between Russell Crowe’s The Pope’s Exorcist and The Exorcism is in how the former knew exactly what kind of movie it was and leaned into it. Crowe in The Pope’s Exorcist was fully aware that he was making a glamorized B-movie and looked as if he was having as much fun while making it as the audience was having while watching it. The Exorcism takes itself way too seriously, and therefore, so does Crowe in it.
Tackling a movie that attempts to outdo The Exorcist, even one that does so through the guise of making a movie within the movie, is brave. In this respect, Joshua John Miller and Russell Crowe should be commended. But it’s not unreasonable to expect that movie to be better than The Exorcism. Or at least scarier.
Jennifer Connelly in ‘Snowpiercer’ season 4 (Photo Credit: AMC Networks)AMC Networks‘ summer 2024 lineup includes the season four premiere of Snowpiercer, new episodes of My Life is Murder with Lucy Lawless, and the continuation of Orphan Black: Echoes season one with Krysten Ritter. Arcadian starring Nicolas Cage debuts on Shudder on July 12th, and Caitlin Cronenberg’s directorial debut, Humane, premieres on July 26th.
AMC+ July 2024 Lineup
Snowpiercer Season 4 – Sunday, July 21 on AMC and AMC+
Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, Snowpiercer centers on the remnants of humanity who inhabit a perpetually moving train, with 1001 cars, that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation based on the graphic novel series by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette, and the film from Oscar-winner Bong Joon Ho (Parasite).
Orphan Black: Echoes – New Episodes Sundays on AMC, AMC+ and BBC America
Starring and executive produced by Krysten Ritter, Orphan Black: Echoes is set in the near future and takes a deep dive into the exploration of the scientific manipulation of human existence. It follows a group of women as they weave their way into each other’s lives and embark on a thrilling journey, unraveling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a wrenching story of love and betrayal. Ritter plays Lucy, a woman with an unimaginable origin story, trying to find her place in the world.
Planet Earth: Mammals – Saturday, July 13 on BBC America and AMC+
Narrated by renowned naturalist and three-time Emmy Award-winner Sir David Attenborough, the series reveals how mammals have conquered the Earth, uncovering the secrets to their success with their winning design, incredible adaptability, unrivaled intelligence, and unique sociability. 66 million years ago, when the reign of the dinosaurs came to an end, mammals were set free to exploit every corner of the planet.
Mammals reveals the strategies, behaviors and traits that lie behind the astonishing success of this remarkable group of animals. Above all, the series celebrates the amazing intelligence that enables mammals to learn, remember, problem-solve, parent, and cooperate.
Planet Earth – Available for One Month Beginning Friday, July 12
Documentary series on the wildlife found on Earth with each episode covering a different habitat: deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles.
Featured Collection: Comic-Con Favorites – Available All Month Long
AMC+ invites fans to celebrate the kick-off to San Diego Comic-Con with new episodes of Orphan Black Echoes and Snowpiercer, as well as library favorites including series from the Anne Rice Immortal Universe, The Walking Dead Universe, Orphan Black, Preacher, Chucky, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency and many more!
SUNDANCE NOW
Domino Day: Lone Witch – New Episodes on Thursdays Through July 25
The supernatural series stars from Lauren Sequeira stars BAFTA-nominated Siena Kelly as Domino Day, a young woman on all the dating apps. But Domino isn’t swiping to find her soulmate – she’s swiping to hunt. A young witch with extraordinary powers, Domino is desperately seeking a community that can help her understand who she is, but she doesn’t need to look far, as a coven of witches is already tracking her every move, convinced they have to stop her before her powers destroy everyone and everything around her. When a dangerous figure from Domino’s past comes back to haunt her, will it be a fresh start for them all or a final showdown?
Nicolas Cage, Maxwell Jenkins, and Jaeden Martell in ‘Arcadian’ (Photo Credit: Courtesy of RLJE Films)
SHUDDER
Arcadian – Friday, July 12
Set in the near future, life on Earth has been decimated. Paul (Nicolas Cage) and his twin teenage sons, Thomas (Jaeden Martell) and Joseph (Maxwell Jenkins), find tranquility by day but torment by night. When the sun sets, ferocious creatures of the night awaken and consume all living souls in their path. When Paul is nearly killed, the boys come up with a desperate plan for survival, using everything their father taught them to keep him alive.
Humane – Friday, July 26
In the wake of an environmental collapse that is forcing humanity to shed 20% of its population, a family dinner erupts in chaos when a father’s plan to enlist the government’s new euthanasia program goes horribly awry. Caitlin Cronenberg’s directorial debut stars Jay Baruchel, Peter Gallagher and Emily Hampshire.
The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs Season 6
LIVE Watch Parties continue every other Friday (July 5 and July 19) at 9pm ET on Shudder TV and AMC+ TV.
The supersized sixth season continues with all-new episodes available on Shudder and AMC+ biweekly.
ACORN TV
Signora Volpe Season 2 – Monday, July 29 on Acorn TV and BBC America
Former British spy Sylvia Fox (Emilia Fox) has settled in the Umbrian countryside for a quiet life, reconnecting with her sister and restoring a beautiful house. But old habits die hard, and she’s soon solving the murder of a pillar of the local community and going undercover for MI6 at a perilous house party by the lake. Then, a dead man comes looking for vengeance, and Sylvia’s family have to race against time to save her life.
My Life is Murder Season 4 – New Episodes on Every Monday
Eight new mysteries. Eight new worlds. Eight diabolical killers that only Alexa Crowe (Lucy Lawless) can catch. But this time, Alexa is bringing her friends and family along for the ride: Tech guru Madison (Ebony Vagulans) is stepping up, contributing her considerable technical skills to Alexa’s investigations and the two of them have fallen into a comfortable mentor-mentee relationship. Though neither of them will ever agree on who is the mentor and who is the student.
Cafe owner Reuben (Joe Naufahu) is stepping in. Brother Will (Martin Henderson) is staying close. Detective Harry (Rawiri Jobe) has her back and cranky cat, Chowder, can’t help complicating everything.
Candice Renoir Season 9 – Monday, July 22
After infringing the law by hiding Antoine’s amnesia, Candice (Cécile Bois) is disciplined and not allowed to take part in any investigations. She’s told to either end her relationship with her superior or be transferred to the other end of France. Reduced to performing administrative tasks and sidelined in a tiny ground floor office. her unit is now headed by a top-notch investigator named Penelope Vallier. But Inspector Renoir has more than one ace up her pink sleeve, as she fights her way back and does her best to kick her rival out of her old office.
As for Antoine, Candice takes care to keep a safe distance and sets tons of rules to keep herself from falling for him again. Meanwhile, Sete’s Urban Police Brigade finds itself in the eye of the storm, figuratively and literally!
ALLBLK
Deb’s House – New Episodes Tuesdays until Finale on Friday, July 19
Legendary music mogul Deb Antney returns, to once again change the female rap game. In a nationwide search, Ms. Deb handpicks eight artists to move into DEB’S HOUSE. Here, Antney proves that music is just a vessel and that becoming a hip-hop superstar takes much more than a hot 16 bars. Ms. Deb calls on her colleagues including L. Londell McMillan, Esq. from The Source magazine, and TT Torrez from Hot 97 as guest judges. Literally stripped down to their raw potential, the contestants are challenged in tests of sisterhood, resilience, and talent. Who will rise to the top of the charts, and who will crumble under the pressure of Deb’s House?
Makeup x Breakup Season 3 – New Episodes Every Thursday until Thursday, July 25
Returning for its third installment, Makeup x Breakup fast forwards to present day, focusing on the different ways love presents itself by breaking all the rules and challenging traditional norms. In the first episode, we visit Brooke present day and learn that she is engaged to Vaughn. Laura is stressed trying to find a vision for her wedding and Blake reconnects with an old flame. Kyle has an awkward moment with Amber.
In the finale episode, oth Laura and Brooke find what works for them on their wedding day. Blake gets some surprise news and Bryce comes to an understanding with his father. Spencer and Chantel become partners and plan a future together.
The Braxtons Special – Premieres on July 30
It’s been over three years since the Braxtons, one of TV’s first reality families, graced the screen with their hit series, Braxton Family Values, which ran for seven seasons and remains one of TV’s most beloved family docuseries. Now, the Braxton family is back with a new series, picking up where they left off: sharing their combined rollercoaster journey from the last few years to the family’s present triumphs.
The series will feature unfiltered, unseen private moments, from quarantine to the devastating loss of their sister, Traci Braxton – taking viewers into their lives like never before as they build this new chapter without her.
Love After Lockup – Premieres on July 30
This season couples finally reunite after one is released from prison. Once the bars are gone, will their love survive after lockup on the rocky road to the altar? Will the inmates ditch their mate as they face shocking “firsts,” fights & family drama? Is it true love or just a con?
