Affection plunges the audience into a nightmare scenario and never lets up, serving up a gripping and intense psychological thriller/sci-fi/horror film. Affection revolves around a terrifying premise: what if you woke up one day and everything about your life – your home, your spouse, and even your own face – was completely different? How would you respond to a stranger staring back at you in the mirror?
Happy Death Day’s Jessica Rothe delivers a riveting, physically demanding performance as Ellie, the woman who’s inhabiting a body and a life she doesn’t recognize. Following an accident, Ellie wakes up believing she’s someone different than who her partner (played with unnerving patience by Joseph Cross) claims she is. Nothing in their home looks familiar, not even the framed family photos on the walls. This strange man is calling her “honey,” but who is he, and who is the young girl he insists is their daughter?
The fear and paranoia within the rural farmhouse grow as she struggles to piece together her identity. Ellie’s husband insists she’ll get better and the false memories she’s experiencing are the result of a traumatic brain injury. He claims she just needs to have patience and to accept that she’s suffering from a rare condition that causes untrustworthy images to invade her mind. But as days go by and that feeling of something being horribly off continues, Ellie begins to consider the possibility this strange man masquerading as her husband is trying to erase who she truly is.
First-time feature filmmaker BT Meza weaves a satisfyingly intense tale around the terrifying idea of not being able to trust your mind or your most intimate relationships. Meza’s writing is tight and smart, raising complex questions about love, loss, and losing your sense of self. Every new piece of information – and every terrifying seizure Ellie experiences – ratchets up the tension, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between what could be genuine concern on the husband’s part or sinister manipulation.
Rothe does a fantastic job portraying a woman forced into a matriarchal role that feels both alien and strangely familiar. The character’s rapidly deteriorating physical condition mirrors her state of mind until a twist in their relationship convinces her to make bold moves. It doesn’t matter if you see the twist coming; Meza shows real promise in the way his script handles the shifting dynamics and genres.
Confining the story to three central characters gives the story a penned-in, claustrophobic feel. Cut off from the outside world, the large farmhouse and its imposing surrounding fields lend the setting an end-of-the-world vibe. Joseph Cross and Julianna Layne (as the couple’s daughter) are terrific, but Rothe is the force who drives the narrative. It’s Ellie’s story and Rothe is fully committed to giving her a powerful emotional arc that overcomes the film’s few very minor missteps.
Meza’s debut is an absorbing, relentless, genre-blending thriller elevated by strong performances. Affection, which had its world premiere at the 2025 Screamfest, is a compelling showcase for an emerging filmmaker.
GRADE: B
Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: TBA
Writer/Director: BT Meza
Producers: Bay Dariz, BT Meza, Austin Walk, and JP Ouellette
Executive Producers: Christian Henderson and Christy Walker
Director of Photography: Jason Hafer
Editor: David Gallegos
Production Designer: Nicholas Faiella
Music By: Daniel Berk
Discovery Channel’s exploring a truly unusual missing persons case that was blamed on Bigfoot in Bigfoot Took Her. The three-part limited series dives into the case of Theresa Bier, who went missing back in 1987. Decades later, investigator Jessica Chobot and LAPD veteran Robert Collier team up to reopen Bier’s unsolved disappearance.
All three episodes will air back-to-back on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT.
Discovery Channel’s synopsis: “Stranger than the lore that surrounds it, this mind-bending mystery compels the pair to reinvestigate the decades-old disappearance in search of new clues and evidence that may finally solve this unusual cold case once and for all.
Interviewing witnesses who have never spoken publicly, exploring new photos, retracing Theresa’s final moments, and digging into recently uncovered police reports about possible drug trafficking, serial killers, and unspoken family drama, the duo unravels new theories about what may have happened on that fateful day. And why, amid all the evidence, people in her hometown accepted that Bigfoot was not just lore…but her murderer.”
Robert and Jess (hosts) examine campsite in ‘Bigfoot Took Her’ (Photo Credit: Discovery Channel)
Bigfoot Took Her Episodes
“Ghosts in the Canyon” – 8pm ET/PT
What happened to 16-year-old Theresa Bier in the remote forests of central California? For locals, it’s one of the strangest missing person cases of a lifetime. They’ll tell you Bigfoot took her—but Jessica Chobot and Robert Collier believe there is more to the story.
“Speed Freaks” – 9pm ET/PT
Chobot and Collier uncover shocking new testimonies surrounding Theresa’s disappearance. An ex-girlfriend sheds light on Blind Johnny’s dark past, and Skip’s daughter unveils details about Theresa’s final days—and a link to the Speed Freak Killers.
“Bones in the Basement” – 10pm ET/PT
The search for Theresa takes a dramatic turn, and an unsuspecting family’s home becomes a potential crime scene. While new evidence emerges that could change the entire case, a final witness steps forward with heartbreaking new details.
Fox’s Murder in a Small Town season two, episode four, finds Karl with too many suspects and too little time to figure out who’s the murderer. Episode four, “One Last Song,” will air on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT.
Rossif Sutherland stars as Karl Alberg and Kristin Kreuk plays Cassandra Lee. Mya Lowe is Corporal Edwina Yen, Savonna Spracklin is Isabella Harbud, Aaron Douglas is Sergeant Sid Sokolowski, Fritzy-Klevans Destine is Constable Andy Kendrick, and Marcia Gay Harden is Mayor Christie Holman. The series also features Bethany Brown, Marci T. House, and Joshua Close.
“One Last Song” Plot: A famous singer and her team go on a coastal trip to write music but things take a fatal turn. When conflicts arise among the housemates, a stalker, and ex-music partner, Karl and the unit must identify the real killer from a slew of suspects before they can escape by ferry.
Rossif Sutherland in ‘MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN’ season 2 episode 4 (CR: Kailey Schwerman / FOX)
Murder in a Small Town Description, Courtesy of Fox:
Murder in a Small Town follows Karl Alberg (Sutherland), who recently moved to the quiet coastal town of Gibsons to be the new police chief and quickly learns that this gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets. As a world-class detective, Karl calls upon all his skills to solve murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore. Meanwhile, his deepening relationship with the town librarian Cassandra Lee (Kreuk) is challenged as her career and community involvement take her in new and unexpected directions.
In the second season, Karl’s jurisdiction expands, and he has to contend with an increased caseload and limited resources, investigating cases like a body found at a local wedding between members of two feuding families; a double kidnapping that may mask an even bigger crime; a pop star who retreated to Gibsons for a quiet vacation only to be followed by a dangerous stalker; and many more.
Academy Award-winner Marcia Gay Harden joins the cast as Mayor Christie Holman, a practicing doctor, beloved figure in the community, and a consummate political operator. She has the best interests of the people of Gibsons at heart but sometimes lets her personal interests take precedence, as she complicates life for Karl and Cassandra.
Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine in ‘Outlander: Blood of my Blood’ Season 1 Finale (Photo Credit: Starz)
Baby Claire is celebrating her second birthday as Starz’s Outlander: Blood of my Blood season finale opens. She’s toasted by Uncle Lamb, who declares that she has grand adventures in store. “Mark my words, she has the spirit of an explorer,” says Lamb to Henry and Julia. Now, the question is, does Lamb know this from firsthand knowledge as a time traveler himself?
(The following is a recap of season one, episode 10—the finale—and there are spoilers ahead!)
A brief scene from a wedding is interrupted by a flashback to the prior day. Brian (Jamie Roy) is incredibly upset that someone’s trying to kill him, but his mind’s also on Ellen and the fact she just rejected him. Murtagh (Rory Alexander) warns him to keep his mind on the business at hand, which is staying ahead of the gallowglass and staying alive. But Murtagh also understands how Brian feels, and Brian swears he’ll always love Ellen.
Brian apologizes for dragging Murtagh into this and for being in love with the same woman. Murtagh believes Ellen is deeply in love with Brian and could never have felt that way about him. “She’s meant for you and you for her,” says Murtagh.
Brian asks for Murtagh’s help stopping Ellen from marrying Malcolm Grant and Murtagh appears to be all in. Suddenly, men attack and Brian and Murtagh dispatch them, but not before Murtagh takes an arrow to the leg. One man is kept alive, and Brian beats him into revealing who hired him. Brian kills him after he says Colum MacKenzie paid them.
Dougal (Sam Retford) is in the middle of sex in the hallway when Maura Grant (Bobby Rainsbury) asks the maid he’s with to come to her chambers. It’s the first time Dougal and Maura have seen each other since they were children, and Dougal seems impressed. Maura isn’t.
Ellen (Harriet Slater) and Jocasta (Sadhbh Malin) have a special moment together as Ellen’s belongings are packed for the move to the Grants. Ellen apologizes for not consulting Jocasta before their father arranged her marriage. If she had understood what Jocasta was going through then, she would have done things much differently.
Lord Lovat (Tony Curran) is still in a rotten mood as he and Julia (Hermione Corfield) eat dinner. Julia tries to make him feel better by reminding him their son will be king, and everyone will bow at his feet. She suggests a good night’s rest will help him clear his mind and figure out their path forward.
Ellen, her sisters, Maura Grant, and other ladies pluck hens in preparation for Ellen’s wedding feast. They share laughs over the things men have said to them, and they drink as they enjoy time away from the castle and men. When Ellen recites a poem, Maura takes offense, believing she’s insulting her brother, Malcolm. She reminds Ellen that Malcolm’s been sweet on her since they were kids. Jocasta stands up for her sister, and Maura leaves the group in a huff. Ellen’s shocked her sister came to her defense, and Jocasta jokes that giving her a hard time is her job, not Maura’s.
Meanwhile, Julia tells Davina Porter (Sara Vickers) that she found her husband, Henry, and is supposed to meet him by a specific tree. Since Lord Lovat’s gone to bed, Davina recommends that she grab the baby and leave immediately. Davina will keep Balloch distracted. Julia doesn’t want Davina to get in trouble, so she asks her to tell Balloch that she’s been kidnapped. Davina reluctantly agrees, and they hug.
Julia grabs the baby and runs for the tree, calling out to Henry (Jeremy Irvine). She warns him a man is coming after them and tells him to hide. Julia yells for Balloch, claiming to have been taken, and he rushes over. Henry knocks him out but leaves him alive.
They ride off on Henry’s horse.
Jamie Roy and Sadhbh Mailn in ‘Outlander: Blood of my Blood’ Season 1 Finale (Photo Credit: Starz)
Brian knocks out a Grant man and steals his clothing so that he can make it into Castle Leoch without being questioned. He wraps an empty box as if it is a present and makes his way through the castle. He makes the mistake of asking Jocasta the location of Ellen’s chambers, and she remembers seeing him at Beltane and knows he’s a Fraser. He admits he’s Brian Fraser and begs her to let him see Ellen, promising to tell Jocasta why if she helps him.
Only Mrs. Fitzgibbons (Sally Messham) is with Ellen when Jocasta leads Brian to her sister’s chamber. Ellen warns him it’s too dangerous for him to be there, and Jocasta blurts out that the gallowglass warriors were hired by Colum to kill him. Jocasta also reveals that Murtagh’s been hurt, and she believes Brian should be given a chance to speak with Ellen. Brian asks Ellen to tell him again that she doesn’t love him, and he assures her he is hers forever. They embrace, and Ellen responds, “You have my heart, my body, and my soul.”
Mistress Fitz knows Colum and the Grants won’t take the news well. But Ellen insists that since Colum broke his promise, she doesn’t need to uphold her end of the deal.
Ellen speaks with Colum (Seamus McLean Ross), giving him the opportunity to admit what he did. He claims everything is fine and gives her his wedding present—an inkwell and pen for her to write letters home after she’s married. Colum seems to think they still have a close relationship, completely unaware that Ellen knows he ordered Brian killed. He presents her with their father’s sword to give to Malcolm since it’ll be his duty to protect her.
Colum says it’s a mark of respect to the Grants to lay down the Frasers’ sword at their feet, for the love of Ellen. Ellen tells him it will be the last thing he ever does for her in the name of her love.
A flashback shows Julia and Henry relaxing as Uncle Lamb plays with Claire on the beach. Henry mentions that he’s been asked to go to Scotland on business, and he surprises Julia with tickets for just the two of them to go on holiday there. It’ll be a romantic journey where they can explore the Highlands and relax. Uncle Lamb will babysit Claire while they’re gone.
Henry notes that the travel brochures say it’s like stepping back in time. Julia can’t wait and breaks the news that she just found out that she’s pregnant. Henry can’t stop smiling and laughing.
Harriet Slater in ‘Outlander: Blood of my Blood’ season 1 finale (Photo Credit: Starz)
Ellen’s wedding day arrives, and Malcolm (Jhon Lumsden) is furious with Colum that she’s vanished into thin air. Ned (Conor MacNeill) suggests there might be a good reason, but Malcolm refuses to accept that. He warns Colum that the MacKenzies will pay for this, and Uncle Mac threatens that if there isn’t a wedding, then there will be “a price paid in blood.”
The Grants won’t leave without a head or a hand, and Colum insists they’ll find Ellen. He also insists the MacKenzie and Grant alliance will hold. After Malcolm leaves, Colum orders Ned to find Dougal but to do it discreetly.
The wedding guests stand as a bride makes her way down the aisle, face covered. As she reaches the reverend, she lifts her veil. It’s Maura Grant and the groom is Dougal! Malcolm looks furious as the Grant and MacKenzie wedding moves forward without him. Vows are exchanged, and they’re pronounced man and wife.
The guests clap, even though they’re surprised by the change in main players.
A flashback to hours earlier shows Brian and Ellen in a storage room, waiting for news from Mistress Fitz and Jocasta. They report that all hell broke loose, and Dougal was stunned to learn he had to marry a Grant. The wedding will go on and it will keep everyone busy. Brian and Ellen will leave once the festivities are in full swing.
Wine flows and a feast is enjoyed as the “happy” couple sits at the head table, attempting to come to terms with the situation. Colum delivers a speech and toasts his brother and his bride. Maura asks her new husband if they should consummate their marriage, unable to come up with any reason why they shouldn’t. He downs his wine when she tells him to take her to his chamber. The attendees applaud as they leave the hall.
Maura gets down to business, but it’s Dougal who wants to take things slow. She insists the sooner they get it done, the sooner they can return to the festivities. She lifts her dress and lies back on the bed, and still Dougal doesn’t react. So, she turns over and wonders if he’d rather not see her face.
Mistress Fitz and Jocasta fetch Brian and Ellen and send them on their way, with Ellen and Brian incredibly grateful. They don’t know when or if they’ll see each other again, and Ellen gives both women huge hugs. Jocasta smiles and tells her to go and not look back.
Malcolm is busy pouting when Uncle Mac hands him a whiskey. He regrets agreeing to this change in bride and groom, but Uncle Mac insists it’s what’s best for the clan. But Malcolm is heartbroken that he’s lost Ellen. Uncle Mac says the best way to mend a broken heart is through revenge. He needs to find out what Ellen cherishes the most and take it from her.
The scene shifts back to the newlyweds and Maura’s on top. Dougal doesn’t understand what’s happening when she has an orgasm, thinking he hurt her. She’s fine and is more than happy to make sure he also finishes up happy.
Malcolm catches Ellen and Brian in the hallway and mistakenly believes she’s coming back to him before realizing Brian is dressed as a Grant. Malcolm is furious she threw him away for another man, but Ellen insists that although she’s fond of him, her heart belongs to Brian. Malcolm hurls insults at both Ellen and Brian, calling Brian a low-life bastard. Brian stays in control and asks to pass, but Malcolm refuses and pulls out his sword. He cuts Brian while Brian’s not fighting back and simply protecting Ellen. Brian begs Malcolm to let them pass for Ellen’s sake.
Malcolm refuses to put down his sword, holding it over Brian as if to plunge it into his chest. Brian struggles for control and the men are forced into a death embrace. Malcolm is fatally wounded.
Brian drags him out of sight and then hurries off with Ellen. There’s no turning back now. They ride off at top speed, and the screen shows Henry and Julia doing the same.
Jamie Roy and Rory Alexander in ‘Outlander: Blood of my Blood’ season 1 finale (Photo Credit: Starz)
They arrive at a remote bothy (a free cabin for travelers) where Murtagh’s laying by a fire. He’s happy they brought food and whiskey, but the mood sours when they reveal that Malcolm’s dead. Brian admits he killed him, and Ellen confirms that Brian was forced into it. Brian confesses that he’d do it again to keep Ellen safe.
Lord Lovat is enraged that Julia’s gone and that Davina doesn’t know who took her. He’s also upset that Balloch allowed it to happen. Arch Bug rides up, searching for Henry. Lord Lovat realizes that Henry must have taken Julia. Arch Bug and his men head out, following tracks and assuring Lord Lovat he’ll do what he can to return Julia and the child if he finds Henry.
Later, Ellen bandages Brian’s wound and says there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for him. Brian can’t believe what she’s already done to be with him. They both understand they’ll need to fight for their relationship now that they’re leaving their families behind and journeying on together. “With you is where I’m meant to be,” says Ellen.
Henry and Julia make camp for the night, and Henry rocks his son. Arch is still hot on their trail and spots firelight up ahead.
Morning arrives and Murtagh’s leg is in pain. Brian’s out scouting the area and Ellen takes care of Murtagh, thanking him for everything he’s done. Without him, Brian would be dead. Murtagh thinks she saved Brian’s life too, giving him a reason to live. She admits she’s so happy that she doesn’t care what comes next.
Murtagh hands her a bracelet that he made specifically for her wedding day. He confesses his affection, and she vows that the gift will be their secret. She will always cherish it and their friendship. Murtagh says, “I’ll never ask a thing of you except that you let me find my happiness in yours and Brian’s.” (So heartbreaking!)
Ellen gathers wood that Brian’s chopped as Murtagh cooks their breakfast.
Henry and Julia are back on the road while Murtagh’s over in his camp rebandaging his leg. Murtagh heads out hunting, telling Brian he won’t return until the morning at the earliest. They exchange knowing smiles before Brian joins Ellen inside the cabin.
Ellen orders Brian to take off his shirt, ostensibly so that she can look at his wee injury. She wonders if they can stay in this place forever and never leave. They kiss, gently at first and then increasingly passionately. The world seems far away while they’re in each other’s arms.
It’s her turn to remove clothing and she hardly breaks eye contact while doing it. Brian helps her with the remaining clothing, ever so slowly. There’s nothing rushed about it, as they enjoy each other’s company. She thinks maybe they should travel from bothy to bothy until they find the right place to make a home.
More clothing is slowly removed, taking turns as they familiarize themselves with each other’s bodies. They exchange “I love yous” while standing naked in the center of the cabin. They finally lie down and declare themselves to be each other’s body and soul.
Later, they relax in each other’s arms outside the cabin. They gently cut each other’s palms, and Brian quotes a Celtic wedding blessing. “The blood of my blood, for you are my one and I am yours.” They hold hands and kiss, sealing their vows.
Suddenly, the peaceful moment’s broken by the appearance of fiery crosses in the distance. It’s a call to the clans, signifying that the Jacobite rebellion has begun. Brian knows he must go or leave Scotland forever. “I will stand with you, whatever comes,” declares Ellen. “I’m your wife and we are one.”
Henry, Julia, and the baby make it to the standing stones, and Henry immediately hears the buzzing. Henry reaches out to touch the stones, but Julia’s worried their baby might not be able to travel through the stones. They can’t just leave him there by himself if he can’t. Henry suggests that one should go through with him first. If it doesn’t work, then one will go through and the other will remain behind with their son. The one who went through will then return when they can.
Arch Bug and his men approach and Julia urges Henry to step through. They’ll kill him but won’t hurt her since she’s the wife of a laird. She hands Henry their baby and they kiss. Suddenly, Henry hands the baby back to Julia, grabs her hand, and declares his heart is with her, William, and Claire forever. He makes her touch the stone.
A flashback shows Henry and Julia saying goodbye to Claire and Uncle Lamb before boarding the train to Scotland. They promise to celebrate with ice cream when they return. They exchange waves and I love yous as the train pulls away from the platform.
And that’s a wrap on what’s been an incredibly entertaining first season!
Fox’s popular cooking competition series MasterChef has been renewed for seasons 16 and 17. Season 15 premiered in May 2025 and was the network’s most watched summer series.
The renewal announcement also confirmed Gordon Ramsay’s return as host and judge, along with restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef and entrepreneur Tiffany Derry.
“MasterChef remains a standout series for FOX, drawing its dedicated fanbase back season after season to witness amateur cooks transform into culinary masters,” stated Yasmin Rawji, Executive Vice President Unscripted, Fox Entertainment. “Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Tiffany Derry provide culinary expertise, mentorship, and heart, and we can’t wait to see what they, as well as our partners at Endemol Shine North America, have in store for Seasons 16 and 17 of MasterChef.”
Casting is now underway on the upcoming 16th season. For more details, visit www.masterchefcasting.com.
“Securing a two-season pickup for Seasons 16 and 17 is huge news and a testament to the unstoppable momentum of MasterChef. A massive thank you to FOX for always opening doors and inspiring new creative ideas to keep the series fun and fresh,” said Michael Heyerman, SVP Unscripted Original Series, Endemol Shine North America & Executive Producer. “We have cooked up two absolutely great themes for the new season that fans are going to love. We’re thrilled to be back in the kitchen with Gordon, Joe, and Tiffany, building on the incredible chemistry and high standards they set last season!”
MasterChef is produced by Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato. Elisabeth Murdoch, Danny Schrader, Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Fazey, Pat Llewellyn, Ben Adler, and Sharon Levy are the executive producers.
Investigation Discovery is launching their new true crime series Who Hired the Hitman? on November 4, 2025. The six-episode season focuses on cases involving hired killers, including a hit on a snowplowman, a computer genius, and a farmer.
New episodes stream on Tuesdays at 10pm ET/PT.
ID offers this description of the new series: “Featuring six different cases, Who Hired the Hitman? delves into the twisted trails of phone calls, endless suspects, deceiving alibis, and the hidden motives of murder-for-hire plots. Over the course of the season, episodes unravel the twisted web of each unique case, from a murder of a snowplowman that puts his community on edge to a real estate entrepreneur who finds himself at the center of multiple murder attempts.
At the heart of it all lies one haunting question: who is the mastermind pulling the strings?”
Poster for Investigation Discovery’s ‘Who Hired the Hitman?’
Who Hired the Hitman? Episode Guide
Home on the Rage
Premieres Tuesday, November 4 at 10/9c
After a farmer is found dead on his kitchen floor, everyone on the property becomes a suspect in a complicated investigation that leads to a shocking discovery.
The Murder of Big Joe
Premieres Tuesday, November 11 at 10/9c
The midnight murder of a snowplowman puts his friends on edge as their tiny town struggles to root out the culprit. Then, police find a clue on the victim’s forehead that may be the killer’s calling card.
The Witch Doctor
Premieres Tuesday, November 18 at 10/9c
Killers murder an adrenaline-junkie young father, and detectives sift through tales of illegal chicken fighting, drag racing, cheating, and a mysterious figure nicknamed “The Witch Doctor.”
A Hard Man to Kill
Premieres Tuesday, November 25 at 10/9c
For a year, NYPD follows a bloody trail of murder attempts against a real estate entrepreneur, only to discover that no one is who they seem. The victim has ties to a mob family, and the mastermind is closer than they realized.
The Genius and the Mastermind
Premieres Tuesday, December 2 at 10/9c
The assassination of a computer genius sends detectives on a two-decade hunt for missing gold, uncovers a shocking link to a Saudi sheik, and exposes a deadly international scheme that claims another life.
Dead Body Shop
Premieres Tuesday, December 9 at 10/9c
A gunman executes three mechanics in a sleepy Connecticut town. Detectives scrape for evidence and uncover a world of chatrooms, embezzlement, an illicit love affair, and three families of potential suspects.
A$AP Rocky and Rose Byrne in ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ (Photo Credit: A24)
Some movies are just made for festivals. They’re simple, artistic, and generally leave audiences with something to think about. Having its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and doing the usual run through all the rest, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a perfect example of one of these films.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You stars Rose Byrne (Insidious) as a woman named Linda who is dealing with a seriously ill child and an absentee husband. Just when it seems as if things couldn’t get any worse, Linda’s apartment floods and she is forced to move into a hotel, along with her daughter and all of her daughter’s medical equipment. And that is not the end of Linda’s problems.
That’s kind of all there is to If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. It’s a movie about one poor woman dealing with avalanching problem after problem, and her methods of dealing with said avalanching problems range from healthy and normal to downright dangerous. Writer/director Mary Bronstein (Yeast) has crafted a compelling look at one poor woman’s wits-end descent into madness. It’s also a brutally honest and unflinching look at motherhood.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a tough movie to pin down. It’s a bit too thriller-y to be dramatic, but it takes itself too seriously to be a real thriller. There are parts that are humorous, but if it’s a comedy, it’s the darkest, blackest comedy there is. Although it does lean a bit into horror, it’s not quite a horror movie either. Despite this identity crisis, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You knows exactly what kind of movie it wants to be. It just doesn’t want to let the viewer know. It wants to be difficult.
At the center of the movie is Rose Byrne’s powerhouse performance. Throughout the movie, Linda is both desperate and driven, both vulnerable and strong. She’s outwardly trying to hold things together for the sake of her daughter and her family, but she’s also slowly succumbing to the intense pressure of trying to carry the world on her shoulders. Byrne captures this balance perfectly, getting the audience to feel sympathy for her even though she’s not an entirely likeable character. The viewer cares for her, flaws and all.
The support cast is solid as well. Late Night talk show icon Conan O’Brien pulls his weight in a surprisingly non-comedic role as Linda’s therapist. A$AP Rocky spreads his wings as one of Linda’s hotel neighbors, and it’s refreshing to see the young rapper actually act instead of just play himself. Saving one of the most pivotal roles for herself, writer/director Mary Bronstein even shows up as a doctor who attempts to provide some clarity to Rose’s muddied perspective.
The technical aspects of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You are also remarkable. Cinematographer Christopher Messina’s claustrophobic camera work is purposely selective, only showing what he and Bronstein want to show and thus allowing the viewer to feel just as trapped in the movie as Linda feels trapped in her life. Editor Lucian Johnston cuts Messina’s footage together with a sense of controlled chaos, using long takes that let Byrne go with her role while still creating a sense of jump-cut urgency.
The real MVP of the movie (aside from Rose Byrne) is sound designer Filipe Messeder. Messeder has a horror background, having worked on movies like Weapons, The Lighthouse, and the upcoming Black Phone 2, and he puts this experience to good use here. He deftly combines external sound effects like medical equipment beeping and cell phone vibrations with internal imaginary voices and bodily sounds, mashing it all up into one terrifyingly anxious soundscape. Sound is always half the movie, but in the case of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, it’s more than that. It’s integral. It literally makes the movie.
In the end, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You leaves a lot of questions unanswered, and that is frustrating for the viewer. But it’s a good kind of frustrating. It’s the kind of frustrating that keeps the movie in the theater of one’s mind for days after it ends in the actual theater. And that is one of the hallmarks of good indie cinema.
GRADE: B
Rating: R for language, some drug use, and bloody images
Release Date: October 10, 2025 (Limited), October 24, 2025 (Nationwide)
Running Time: 1 hour 53 minutes
Studio: A24
HBO released the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms teaser trailer during the show’s panel at the New York Comic Con before bringing it online. The lengthy teaser shows the central characters, Duncan and Egg, meeting for the first time. It also reveals Duncan’s desire to be something more than just a hedge knight. The trailer ends with Ser Lyonel Baratheon advising Duncan that “in every man, there are many men. So be brave. Be just. Be tall.”
Here’s what we know about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms:
The first season consists of six episodes.
It’s a half-hour drama, but the tone is much lighter than Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
The series will premiere on January 18, 2026, with new episodes airing on Sundays at 10pm ET/PT.
And HBO released the following description: “A century before the events of Game of Thrones, two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros… a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne, and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.”
TThe cast is led by Peter Claffey, who plays Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall, and Dexter Sol Ansell, who portrays Egg. Daniel Ings stars as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, Bertie Carvel is Baelor Targaryen, Danny Webb is Ser Arlan of Pennytree, Sam Spruell is Maekar Targaryen, Shaun Thomas is Raymun Fossoway, Finn Bennett is Aerion Targaryen, and Edward Ashley is Ser Steffon Fossoway. Rounding out the ensemble are Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle, Henry Ashton as Daeron Targaryen, Youssef Kerkour as Steely Pate, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as Plummer, and Daniel Monks as Ser Manfred Dondarrion.
Author George R. R. Martin co-created the series with Ira Parker. Martin, Parker, Sarah Bradshaw, Owen Harris, Ryan Condal, and Vince Gerardis serve as executive producers, and Parker is the showrunner. Season one is directed by Owen Harris and Sarah Adina Smith.
It’s not just the new by-the-rules warden Mike’s up against in season four of Paramount+’s Mayor of Kingstown. The official trailer for the upcoming season shows Bunny’s got powerful backers, now that the Russians are out of the picture.
Jeremy Renner returns to star in the titular role. Also returning for the upcoming season are Hugh Dillon as Ian, Taylor Handley as Kyle, Tobi Bamtefa as Bunny, Derek Webster as Stevie, Hamish Allan-Headley as Robert, and Nishi Munshi as Tracy. Newcomers include Edie Falco, Lennie James, and Laura Benanti.
Poster for ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ season 4 (Photo Credit: Paramount+)
“In season four, Mike’s control over Kingstown is threatened as new players compete to fill the power vacuum left in the Russians’ wake, compelling him to confront the resulting gang war and stop them from swallowing the town,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis. “Meanwhile, with those he loves in more danger than ever before, Mike must contend with a headstrong new Warden to protect his own while grappling with demons from his past.”
Season four premieres on October 26, 2025, with new episodes streaming on Sundays.
Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon created Mayor of Kingstown and serve as executive producers along with Jeremy Renner, Antoine Fuqua, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Michael Friedman, Christoph Schrewe, Wendy Riss, Evan Perazzo, and Keith Cox. Dave Erickson is the showrunner and executive producer.
Paramount+ previously renewed Dexter: Original Sin and then made an about-face, canceling it following the Paramount-Skydance merger. Hopefully, Dexter: Resurrection doesn’t share the same fate now that the streamer’s officially confirmed it’s been renewed for a second season.
Michael C. Hall’s short video reveals that the writers’ room is now open but doesn’t tease a start of production or targeted premiere date. The first season, which focused on Dexter and his son, Jack, debuted in July 2025.
Season one’s cast included Hall in the titular role, David Zayas as Angel Batista, Jack Alcott as Harrison, Uma Thurman as Charley, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Blessing Kamara, and Kadia Saraf as Detective Claudette Wallace. Dominic Fumusa played Detective Melvin Oliva, James Remar returned as Dexter’s father Harry Morgan, and Peter Dinklage played Leon Prater.
Jack Alcott as Harrison Morgan and Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan in ‘Dexter: Resurrection’ (Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard / Paramount+ with SHOWTIME)
“Dexter: Resurrection, a continuation of Dexter: New Blood, takes place weeks after Dexter Morgan takes a bullet to the chest from his own son, as he awakens from a coma to find Harrison gone without a trace. Realizing the weight of what he put his son through, Dexter sets out for New York City, determined to find him and make things right. But closure won’t come easy,” reads Paramount+’s season one synopsis. “When Miami Metro’s Angel Batista arrives with questions, Dexter realizes his past is catching up to him fast. As father and son navigate their own darkness in the city that never sleeps, they soon find themselves deeper than they ever imagined—and that the only way out is together.”
Clyde Phillips guides the series as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Hall, Scott Reynolds, Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, and Marcos Siega.
