Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 34

Mighty Monsterwheelies Speeds into Season 2, Now Streaming on Netflix!

Get ready for more spooky, brave, and heroic adventures! Season 2 of DreamWorks Animation’s popular preschool series, “Mighty Monsterwheelies,” has roared onto Netflix. Families and young fans can now stream the new episodes starring the unique team of half-monster, half-rescue vehicle heroes dedicated to protecting their beloved vehicle city, Motorvania.

“Mighty Monsterwheelies,” which first hit screens in October 2024, captivated imaginations with its creative premise: reimagining the iconic Universal Monsters—figures like Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Bride of Frankenstein—not as terrifying figures, but as friendly, helpful first responders. In Motorvania, these monster truck hybrids use their unique abilities to tackle emergencies, solve problems, and keep their community safe. Aimed directly at a preschool audience (rated TV-Y) and available through Netflix Kids and Family profiles, the series blends action, adventure, comedy, and gentle sci-fi elements into an engaging package designed for the youngest viewers at home.

New Adventures Come to Motorvania: What to Expect in Season 2

The Mighty Monsterwheelies are expanding their horizons in Season 2, taking their rescue missions beyond Motorvania’s familiar streets and venturing into the sea and sky. Viewers will see the team tackle a dramatic avalanche while rescuing skiers high in the Carpathian Mountains, demonstrating their bravery in extreme conditions. They’ll also contend with unpredictable weather patterns, working alongside a new character, Wendy the Weather Van, to keep Motorvania safe. In a particularly challenging twist, the heroes find themselves victims of Dr. Jalopy’s shrinking ray, forcing them to navigate a massive junkyard as miniature versions of themselves and figure out how to reverse the effects. Other challenges include handling emergencies like runaway fairground rides, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Season 2 also introduces a roster of intriguing new characters joining the Motorvania community. Among the most notable is the show’s unique take on Bigfoot, presented not just as a mystery but as a capable vehicle character who happens to be blind but also an accomplished cave explorer. Other newcomers include a plane and a traditional monster truck (in the non-hybrid sense), adding new vehicle types and potential allies or citizens in need. These additions, alongside characters like Wendy the Weather Van and the mischievous Dr. Jalopy, promise to enrich the world and storylines.

This new batch of adventures unfolds across 10 episodes, consistent with streaming release patterns for children’s programming. Each episode maintains the brisk, attention-grabbing pace suitable for preschoolers, running approximately 13-14 minutes.

Mighty Monsterwheelies – Netflix

Meet the Spooky-Brave Team: The Voices Behind the Wheelies

At the heart of “Mighty Monsterwheelies” is its lovable team of heroes, each blending monstrous origins with rescue vehicle capabilities. The core team returning for Season 2 includes:

Bolts Frankenstein: Inspired by Frankenstein’s Monster and embodying a powerful Fire Truck, Bolts serves as the team’s committed leader, always focused on getting the job done.

Axyl Bride: Based on the Bride of Frankenstein and functioning as an ingenious Crane, Axyl is known for her warmth, grit, and determination to solve any problem.

Sonnie Dracula: A mix of Dracula and a versatile Motorcycle/Helicopter combo, Sonnie brings agility and humor to rescue missions, proving a light touch can handle heavy situations.

Sweeps Wolfman: Combining the Wolf Man with a Garbage Truck/Sweeper, Sweeps is characterized by his dog-like enthusiasm and immense heart.

Gill E. Creature: Based on the Creature from the Black Lagoon and serving as a Lifeguard Quad, Gill E. is a bubbly, unsinkable optimist, no matter the challenge.

Wraps Stretcher: Inspired by the Mummy and functioning as an Ambulance, Wraps is both brave and gentle, embodying courage and care.

Bringing these characters to life is a talented voice cast, featuring several recognizable names that add appeal for parents watching alongside their children. The returning main cast includes Tru Valentino, Grace Lu, Cal Brady, Matt Lowe, Sandra Saad, and Chester Rushing, alongside notable recurring voices such as ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, Sean Astin, and Ashley Park.

The continued involvement of well-known actors like Grammy winner ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, Sean Astin (“The Goonies,” “Stranger Things”), and Ashley Park (“Emily in Paris”) lends significant credibility and broadens the series’ appeal. Their performances, along with the main cast, infuse the characters with energy and charm, making the viewing experience engaging for the whole family. The distinct personalities outlined by the creators directly highlight the diverse strengths within the team, reflecting the series’ emphasis on collaboration and individual contribution.

Heroism, Heart, and Helping Hands

Beyond the action and unique character designs, Season 2 of “Mighty Monsterwheelies” continues to build upon a strong foundation of positive social-emotional themes, deliberately woven into the narrative. Executive Producers Stephanie Simpson and Kyel White have emphasized that teamwork remains a “foundational principle” of the series. This season’s stories particularly showcase the value of persistence in the face of obstacles and being able to rely on your friends to pull you through when you’re out of ideas. The series promotes the idea that everyone can contribute to their community, regardless of their specific abilities or perceived limitations—even the smallest task can have a community-wide impact, but the important thing is that we all work together.

A central and consistently reinforced message is the importance of embracing differences and individuality. This commitment to positive messaging is supported by collaboration with academic experts. The production team worked with educational consultants, including Professor Maryam Kia-Keating from the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at UC Santa Barbara, and the UCLA Center for Scholars & Storytellers. Professor Kia-Keating, a specialist in child resilience and mental health, helped develop curriculum guides for the writers and provided feedback to ensure the series’ themes of resilience, teamwork, problem-solving, and restorative communication were presented in a developmentally appropriate manner for preschoolers. This research-informed approach elevates the series, aiming to provide genuine social-emotional learning (SEL) benefits alongside the entertainment.

Furthermore, the series distinguishes itself by largely avoiding traditional villains. While characters like Phantom Freeze and Invisible Van act as “troublemakers,” the main conflicts often arise from accidents, environmental challenges (like avalanches or heatwaves), or technological mishaps (like Dr. Jalopy’s shrinking ray) rather than malicious intent. This focus on situational problem-solving and community support, echoing Mister Rogers’ advice to “look for the helpers,” offers a refreshing alternative for parents seeking less antagonistic content in the crowded preschool market. Incidentally, the franchise has also begun to extend beyond the screen, with Simon & Schuster publishing a series of Ready-to-Read books and storybooks based on the series, indicating confidence in the property’s appeal.

Ready to Roll!

Season 2 of “Mighty Monsterwheelies” arrives on screens with an engaging blend of action-packed rescue missions, lovable monster truck heroes, and valuable life lessons. With new characters joining the crew, exciting challenges spanning land, sea, and sky, and a continued commitment to celebrating teamwork and individuality, the series offers fresh adventures for its young audience. Collaboration with educational experts ensures the fun is underpinned by thoughtful messages about resilience and cooperation.

“Mighty Monsterwheelies” is a perfect series for families looking for engaging, visually appealing, and enriching entertainment for a preschool audience. All 10 episodes are now available to stream on Netflix, ready to deliver a unique mix of spooky fun and heroic heart.

Buckle up—the Mighty Monsterwheelies are ready to save the day!

Where to Watch “Mighty Monsterwheelies”

Netflix

Netflix Launches “Britain and the Blitz”: WWII Documentary Features Restored Color Footage and Survivor Accounts

Streaming giant Netflix has launched “Britain and the Blitz,” a new documentary offering a visceral look at the World War II bombing campaign using vividly restored archival material, including color footage, and first-hand accounts from survivors. Produced by the acclaimed 72 Films, the 77-minute British production marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Netflix’s new documentary, “Britain and the Blitz,” revisits the harrowing German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom during World War II. The documentary focuses on the Blitz period from September 1940 to May 1941.

The documentary aims for an “immersive” experience, utilizing meticulously restored archival footage and powerful testimonies from those who lived through the attacks. This approach, emphasized in promotional materials, seeks to emotionally connect viewers with the historical events by going beyond traditional documentary formats.

Released in the year of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the film serves as both a historical document and an act of commemoration.

Restored Footage Brings the Past to Life

A central pillar of “Britain and the Blitz” is its use of “vividly restored” archival material, offering viewers striking clarity. Significantly, the documentary incorporates color footage, providing a stark contrast to the typical black-and-white images of the era and potentially reshaping viewers’ perceptions.

The restored footage depicts the devastating reality of the Blitz: London streets reduced to rubble, intense aerial dogfights, firefighters battling urban infernos, and the daily struggle of civilians seeking refuge from air raids.

The production company, 72 Films, brings proven expertise in handling historical archives. Their previous collaboration with Netflix, World War II: From the Frontlines, won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Graphic Design and Musical Composition, highlighting their skill in restoring and presenting such material. The use of color and advanced restoration aims to make the past feel more immediate and relatable for modern audiences, enhancing the film’s immersive quality.

Britain and The Blitz – Netflix

Survivor Voices Provide the Emotional Core

The documentary features first-hand accounts and testimonies from Blitz survivors, preserving their experiences as living memory fades. These personal narratives form the emotional heart of the film.

Viewers hear poignant recollections, such as a man describing his childhood terror when a bomb fell near his school, and witness the lasting impact through moments like an elderly survivor overcome with emotion recalling the past. These intimate stories anchor the large-scale historical events in personal human experience.

Historical audio, including period radio broadcasts, the chilling threats of Adolf Hitler, and the iconic speeches of Winston Churchill, are interwoven with these personal accounts. This juxtaposition highlights the impact of the Blitz on both individual lives and the national struggle, reinforcing the film’s goal to tell a “powerful human story” and acknowledging the enduring psychological toll alongside the resilience shown.

The “Spirit of the Blitz” Examined

“Britain and the Blitz” explores the famous “Spirit of the Blitz”—the narrative of British stoicism and defiance. The film shows scenes of community solidarity, people helping bombing victims, and examples of wartime adaptation such as female engineers maintaining fighter planes, evacuated children, life in shelters, ARP wardens, and the nightly blackout. Winston Churchill embodies this defiance, speaking of solidarity forged “through fire.”

However, the documentary balances this with the grim reality of the Blitz, emphasizing the “horrors,” “devastation,” and “terror” experienced. It acknowledges the immense human cost – tens of thousands killed and injured, millions left homeless. By presenting both the national spirit and the brutal suffering, the film seeks a balanced portrayal, potentially addressing historical debates around the “Myth of the Blitz” and offering a multifaceted view of British resilience.

Ella Wright and 72 Films

The film is directed by Ella Wright, whose credits include episodes of JFK: One Day in America (Emmy-nominated) and The Real Crown: Inside the House of Windsor, suggesting experience in handling complex historical narratives and archival material.

The production company 72 Films is known for high-impact factual content such as 9/11: One Day In America (Emmy winner), Rise of the Nazis, and Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown. Recognized as a leading independent production company in the UK, they create “engaging, captivating and hard-hitting” documentaries.

This project is the second major World War II documentary collaboration between 72 Films and Netflix, following the successful 2023 series World War II: From the Frontlines. That series’ Emmy awards for graphic design and musical composition indicate the high production values expected in “Britain and the Blitz.” Executive producers are David Glover, Cate Hall, and James Marsh.

Historical Context: The Blitz Explained

The Blitz was Germany’s sustained bombing campaign against the United Kingdom after the Luftwaffe failed to gain air superiority in the Battle of Britain. It aimed to break British morale and disrupt the war effort through terror bombing.

Lasting approximately eight months (September 7, 1940 – May 11, 1941), the campaign began with ‘Black Saturday’ in London, which was then bombed for 56 of the following 57 nights. Although London was the primary target, attacks affected cities across the UK, including major industrial centers and ports such as Coventry, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Sheffield, Southampton, Plymouth, Hull, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Belfast, and Clydebank. The destruction in Coventry was so severe it led to the German term ‘coventrieren’ (to Coventrate).

Despite the devastation, the Blitz failed strategically. It did not force surrender or cripple British war production. The Luftwaffe shifted its focus to the Soviet Union in June 1941.

A Timely Retrospective

“Britain and the Blitz” on Netflix offers a compelling and immersive look at a pivotal moment in British history. Its use of vividly restored archival material (including color) and first-hand survivor accounts, combined with the expertise of director Ella Wright and production company 72 Films, promises a high-quality historical documentary.

By bringing the past to life with modern techniques and personal stories, the film makes this crucial history accessible to today’s audiences, offering a timely reflection on resilience and suffering during Britain’s darkest hour, especially poignant on this 80th anniversary of the war’s end.

Where to Watch “Britain and the Blitz”

Netflix

Doc World Returns with Bold New Season of Global Films

The acclaimed documentary series Doc World is set to return with a powerful new season, presenting a lineup of eight international films curated from PBS SoCal’s Link Voices collection. Presented by WORLD, the season promises timely and high-stakes stories offering compelling perspectives from across the globe.

The initial offerings delve into critical contemporary issues. Nina Chaudry, Executive Producer of WORLD, highlighted the significance of the opening films. “A film like And Still I Sing, which follows two Afghan women challenging long-standing societal norms in the final months before the Taliban’s return to power, sheds light on the risks women face in the region,” Chaudry stated. She emphasized that while each documentary originates from a different location, they explore universal themes designed to resonate with American audiences.

The spring season kicks off with And Still I Sing, chronicling the journey of Afghan pop star Aryana Sayeed as she mentors two young female contestants on the show Afghan Star. Their aspirations are abruptly challenged by the resurgence of the Taliban, forcing them into exile as women’s rights diminish in Kabul.

Following this, Flying Hands tells the inspiring story of a mother and daughter in Pakistan’s mountains working to break generations of silence within the deaf community. Aniqa, the mother, establishes a school for deaf youth, striving to create a future where they are heard and seen.

The subsequent weeks will feature diverse narratives:

Someone Lives Here : This film follows Toronto carpenter Khaleel Seivwright’s initiative to build small shelters for the unhoused during the pandemic. His efforts gain international attention but face opposition from city officials, igniting a debate on compassion and the right to shelter. The Ants & the Grasshopper : Viewers travel to Malawi with farmer Anita Chitaya, whose village suffers from climate change effects. She journeys to the United States to exchange ideas with American farming communities and legislators, seeking solutions for her home. Searching for Amani : A 13-year-old aspiring journalist in Kenya investigates his father’s murder amid a devastating drought, uncovering a larger story about the human cost of environmental change. The Making of a Japanese : Expanding on an Oscar-nominated short, this documentary offers an intimate look inside a Tokyo public school, observing how young students learn discipline, empathy, and the balance between individualism and community. Narrow Path to Happiness : This film follows Gergo and Lenard, a young gay Roma couple who move to Budapest hoping to create a musical about their lives. A family death calls them back to their village, offering a chance for reconciliation with those who once disowned them. McCurry: The Pursuit of Color : The season concludes with an intimate portrait of renowned photojournalist Steve McCurry, exploring his complex 40-year career through footage shot across continents, revealing the drive behind the legendary artist.

PBS SoCal Sr. Director of Programming Dwayne Bright reflected on the impact of the Link Voices series over the past decade, noting its role in providing powerful human stories through award-winning international documentaries. “We are proud to partner with WORLD this season in order to give important cultural perspectives to new audiences with the power to bridge divides and facilitate conversation, understanding, and change on critical national and global issues,” Bright said.

The new season of Doc World begins its rollout on WORLD, YouTube, and the PBS app on May 4.

Samaire Armstrong, Corin Nemec, Stelio Savante, Todd Jenkins and Brittany McVicker Board The Kill Trip Movie

Samaire Armstrong (Terror On The Prairie), Corin Nemec (Place Of Bones), SAG award nominee Stelio Savante (Infidel), Todd Jenkins (The Channel), and Brittany McVicker (Break), have joined the cast of Kristian McKay’s horror thriller, Kill Trip, being produced under the banner of Obscura Film.

Corin Nemec. Photo Credit: David VanGorder

Kill Trip follows a group of young festival-goers who hitch a ride to a music festival—only to find themselves trapped in a deadly nightmare when they accept help from the wrong stranger. As the bodies begin to disappear, the group’s road to salvation quickly becomes a race against a malevolent force hiding in plain sight. One thing’s for certain, not everyone is making it to Austin. 

Stelio Savante. Photo Credit: Rudolf Buitendach

Filmed throughout Central Texas, Kill Trip is written, directed, and produced by Kristian McKay. McKay’s filmmaking has garnered awards that include, “The Golden Palm Award” at the Mexico International Film Festival in 2018, the “Audience Award” at NewFilmmakers LA 2018, and Official Selection at Guayaquil International Film Festival for his debut feature film, Ventaja. Ventaja, a thriller filmed in South America, enjoyed a successful eight week theatrical run with Cinemark Cinemas in 2019 and was nominated as Ecuador’s Oscar submission for Best Foreign Film category.

Kill Trip is his American feature film debut. Principal photography is set to begin May, 2025.

Todd Jenkins. Photo Credit: Self Brittany McVicker. Photo Credit: Nicholas Kalikow

Elemental Force: Aubrey Williams’ Abstract Vision Ignites London Gallery

October Gallery in London is set to present a significant solo exhibition dedicated to the work of Aubrey Williams. Titled “Elemental Force,” the show delves into the artist’s distinctive painterly techniques and highly individual approach to abstraction, featuring key paintings created between the 1960s and 1980s.

Williams’ intense and dynamic canvases reveal a dialogue with a diverse range of artistic influences. Echoes of Abstract Expressionist precursor Arshile Gorky and the Afro-Caribbean cultural references of Wifredo Lam can be discerned, alongside the energetic abstraction of the New York School. Despite these connections, Williams forged a uniquely evolved visual language, making a powerful and original contribution to the landscape of post-war art.

Aubrey Williams. Maya series Chac Mool II, 1968. Gouache on paper, 51 x 63.5 cm. © Estate of Aubrey Williams. Courtesy the Estate of Aubrey Williams and October Gallery, London.

His intuitive grasp of abstraction is evident in the striking and entirely original use of colour across the works on display. The exhibition highlights the breadth of Williams’ thematic interests, which spanned ecology, cosmology, music, and the richness of pre-colonial civilisations. Paintings such as Sun and Earth demonstrate his extraordinary ability to fuse form and colour to luminous effect.

Music was a profound source of inspiration for Williams, particularly the compositions of Dimitri Shostakovich. He developed a concept of “feeling colour” to articulate his process of translating the Russian composer’s symphonies and quartets into visual form. This extensive series is represented in the exhibition, including the ethereal Quartet No 5, opus 92 (Shostakovich series). The power of natural phenomena is captured in large-scale pieces like Time and the Elements, where soft-edged boundaries exemplify his mastery of skilfully applied colour, creating effects of natural dynamics that became a signature element of his personal style.

Born in Guyana, Williams moved to London in the 1950s and became an integral part of the vibrant creative milieu of diasporic writers, artists, and intellectuals. He was a founding member of the influential Caribbean Artists Movement (CAM), established in 1966.

In recent years, Aubrey Williams’ significant contribution to 20th-century British art has gained increasing international recognition. Tate Britain dedicated a room to his abstract works in its 2023-2024 rehang of British art. His paintings have been featured in major exhibitions across Europe and North America, including shows in Lodz, Poland, and currently at The Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, alongside Frank Bowling. A major monograph, Aubrey Williams: Art, Histories, Futures, was published last year, further cementing his legacy.

To accompany the exhibition, the gallery will host a talk featuring artist Dr. Hew Locke OBE RA, art historian Dr. Maryam Ohadi-Hamadani, and lecturer Dr. Indie A. Choudhury. They will discuss Williams’ legacy and innovative practice. The talk is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, 29th May, 2025.

The “Aubrey Williams: Elemental Force” exhibition will be on view at October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AL. Admission is free. The exhibition runs from the 22nd of May to the 26th of July, 2025, with gallery hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm. A private view will be held on Wednesday, 21st May, 2025.

Aubrey Williams. Towakaima I, 1965. Oil on canvas, 122 x 153 cm. © Estate of Aubrey Williams. Courtesy the Estate of Aubrey Williams and October Gallery, London.

Christopher Landon’s ‘Drop’: A Suspense Thriller Reminiscent of Brian De Palma

Have you ever used a dating app? Felt nervous about not knowing what to expect? Well, the protagonist of today’s movie is very nervous, especially when she starts receiving increasingly unsettling messages on her phone. Drop taps directly into this contemporary anxiety, transforming a fancy dinner date into a harrowing high-stakes hostage situation orchestrated entirely through the seemingly innocuous interface of a phone. The film presents a chillingly plausible nightmare where technology designed to connect people becomes a terrifying instrument of coercion and surveillance, forcing its protagonist into an impossible game where every notification could mean life or death.

Released with a PG-13 rating, Drop marks a return to the pure thriller genre for Christopher Landon, a filmmaker celebrated for skillfully blending horror and comedy in hits like Happy Death Day and Freaky. Leading the cast is Meghann Fahy, whose star rose rapidly after her Emmy-nominated role in The White Lotus, taking on the demanding central role of Violet Gates. The film also represents a notable production partnership, bringing together genre powerhouses Blumhouse Productions and Platinum Dunes, known for collaborating on lucrative franchises like The Purge. Drop skillfully combines the thriller style of Brian De Palma or Hitchcock with technological modernity. Palpable direction builds suspense in crescendo, featuring stylized shots, excellent editing, and solid direction.

Drop

A Date Gone Terribly Wrong

Violet Gates, played by Meghann Fahy, is a Chicago therapist navigating life as a single mother to her young son, Toby (Jacob Robinson), following her husband’s death. Crucially, her past is shadowed by trauma; her late husband, Blake, was abusive. Violet prepares for her first date in a long time, leaving Toby in the care of her sister, Jen (Violett Beane). The setting for this crucial evening is Palate, an exclusive rooftop restaurant in a skyscraper offering stunning city skyline views—though the elegant interiors and vistas were actually created on soundstages in Ireland. Her date is Henry Campbell (Brandon Sklenar), a photographer she connected with via a dating app, whose real-life charm and good looks initially surpass his profile, offering Violet a glimmer of hopeful relief.

Violet’s phone begins buzzing with unsolicited anonymous messages delivered via “DigiDrop,” the film’s stand-in for Apple’s AirDrop feature. Initially, these intrusions are baffling, even absurdly modern—mostly harassing memes. However, the digital harassment quickly escalates. Directed to check her home security feed remotely, Violet witnesses the terrifying image of a masked intruder inside her house. The messages turn deadly serious: comply with the unseen tormentor’s increasingly sinister demands, or her son and sister will be killed.

Landon at the Helm: Thrills, Style, and Genre Play

Christopher Landon, stepping behind the camera for Drop, consciously deviated from the overt horror-comedy styles that defined Happy Death Day and Freaky. He expressed a desire to tackle a new challenge, returning to a more “classic” and “grounded” thriller framework, reminiscent of his earlier screenwriting work on Disturbia. The resulting film is frequently described as remarkably efficient, a “thrill ride” that establishes its premise and pursues its goal of generating suspense without unnecessary detours. Landon’s direction is marked by a clear reverence for the masters of suspense. References abound to classic thrillers, to Brian De Palma himself, to Hitchcock, and even to Wes Craven (who has a film with a very similar premise). Cinematographically, the director knows exactly what he’s doing: a festival of close-ups, camera movements, constant Dutch angles (oblique shots)… all elegantly lit and featuring exquisite editing. But it’s not all homage; Christopher Landon knows how to modernize everything with the messages the protagonist receives via her phone, words that flood the scenes everywhere.

Meghann Fahy Dominates the Screen

Amidst the twists, turns, and technological terror of Drop, one element receives near-universal praise: Meghann Fahy’s central performance as Violet Gates. This role serves as a significant big-screen showcase for the actress following her widely lauded, Emmy-nominated performance in the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus. Fahy is tasked with embodying a complex tapestry of emotions. She convincingly portrays Violet’s initial first-date jitters, the rapidly escalating panic and terror as the threats unfold, the deep-seated trauma informing her reactions, and the moments of desperate ingenuity and nascent resilience that emerge under pressure.

The Cast (of Potential Suspects)

While Meghann Fahy carries the emotional weight of Drop, she is surrounded by a capable supporting cast tasked with populating the claustrophobic restaurant setting and serving as potential suspects in the central mystery. Brandon Sklenar takes on the role of Henry Campbell, Violet’s initially charming date who finds himself unwittingly drawn into a deadly scenario. Sklenar, gaining recognition for his work in 1923 and It Ends with Us, brings an amiable presence to Henry. The supporting cast forms a gallery of potential culprits, adding layers to the “whodunit” aspect of the plot. Key figures include Violett Beane as Violet’s sister, Jen, whose safety becomes a primary concern; newcomer Jacob Robinson as the vulnerable son Toby; Reed Diamond as Richard, another diner enduring a seemingly bad date; Jeffery Self as Matt, the memorably outgoing and upbeat waiter; Gabrielle Ryan as Cara, the observant bartender; Ed Weeks as Phil, the unlucky pianist; and Travis Nelson as Connor. Other patrons, like a man persistently watching Violet’s table (Ben Pelletier), further populate the suspect pool.

Crafting Claustrophobia: Visuals, Sound, and Setting

The intense, suffocating atmosphere of Drop is meticulously crafted through its technical elements, working in concert to immerse the audience in Violet’s psychological state. Cinematographer Marc Spicer’s work is crucial in achieving this effect. The film leans heavily on close-ups, particularly on Meghann Fahy, keeping her emotional turmoil front and center and forging a strong connection between the protagonist and the viewer. This intimate focus is contrasted with wider shots capturing the restaurant’s sleek design and the glittering skyline outside, creating visual tension between the luxurious setting and the horror unfolding within. The strategic use of camera movement, including long takes to build suspense in quieter moments and quicker cuts during action sequences, further modulates the film’s rhythm and intensity. The film’s editing, handled by frequent Landon collaborator Ben Baudhuin, contributes significantly to the overall tone, praised for its sleekness during high-tension moments.

Sound design plays an equally vital role. Bear McCreary’s score, another regular Landon collaborator, is consistently noted for its effectiveness in amplifying the extreme tension and drawing the audience deeper into Violet’s terrifying experience. McCreary’s music underscores the mounting panic and the race-against-time nature of Violet’s predicament. A distinctive visual element is the film’s creative approach to displaying the menacing text messages. Instead of relying on static phone inserts or simple screen overlays, the texts are dynamically integrated into the restaurant environment, appearing on walls, tables, or even momentarily interacting with the characters. Finally, the physical setting itself is a key player. The production team built an elaborate, fully operational 12,000-square-foot restaurant set on soundstages in Ireland. This detailed environment, complete with real food and a bustling atmosphere, provides a convincing and visually rich backdrop for the contained thriller. Subtle design choices, like a hallway leading to the dining room described as resembling the “belly of a beast,” further enhance the symbolic weight and oppressive feel of the space.

Behind the Scenes: Blumhouse Meets Platinum Dunes

The screenplay for Drop was penned by the writing duo Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach. This team had previously collaborated with Blumhouse on other genre projects, including Truth or Dare and Fantasy Island, indicating a familiarity with the production house’s brand of horror and thriller. The film’s production represents a significant collaboration between two major forces in contemporary genre filmmaking: Blumhouse Productions, led by Jason Blum, and Platinum Dunes, co-founded by Michael Bay and represented here by producers Bay, Brad Fuller, and Cameron Fuller. Sam Lerner served as an executive producer. This partnership brought together producers known for their successful work on The Purge franchise, signaling a potent combination of genre expertise. The project came together relatively quickly. Christopher Landon signed on to direct following his departure from Scream VII, providing him a swift return to directing within the genre. The script itself was brought to Platinum Dunes by producer Cameron Fuller.

Our Take

If you appreciate dynamic camera movements, slick editing effects, and a bit of technical showmanship, you’ll likely enjoy this quite a bit. If you prefer cinema focused more on character depth and performance… this might not be the film for you. However, both camps might agree on one thing: the ending may not satisfy everyone. Regardless, it’s an aesthetically pleasing and superbly directed film. Enjoy it.

Unseen Season 2 Arrives on Netflix: Zenzi Mwale Returns Today

Unseen premieres its second season today on Netflix. The series plunges viewers back into the perilous world of Zenzi Mwale. Powerfully portrayed by Gail Mabalane, Zenzi began as a seemingly ordinary cleaning lady whose desperate search for her missing husband, Max, dragged her into Cape Town’s dark criminal underworld, setting her on an unexpected path of violence and startling self-discovery. Season 2 kicks off in prison, with our pregnant protagonist looking for a way out. Will she succeed?

Unseen – Netflix

Where Season 1 Left Off

The first season of Unseen introduced Zenzi Mwale at her most vulnerable. Her husband, Max (Vuyo Dabula), vanished immediately after being released from a two-year prison sentence. This inexplicable disappearance triggered Zenzi’s frantic search, a quest that quickly entangled her with dangerous figures from Max’s past and the criminal syndicate he was involved with. A central theme emerged as Zenzi navigated this treacherous landscape. Often dismissed and overlooked as just a cleaner by the wealthy employers whose homes she maintained and even by the criminals she encountered, Zenzi weaponized her perceived invisibility. This allowed her to move through dangerous situations unnoticed, but it also led her down a dark path as circumstances forced her to commit a series of murders to survive and continue her search. Key figures like the gangster Jackson and Max’s associate Joseph fell victim to Zenzi’s desperate actions as she sought answers. Beneath the surface of Zenzi’s personal tragedy lay a complex conspiracy. It was revealed that Max had taken the fall for a murder committed by others within a criminal organization involved in money laundering through a corrupt bank, orchestrated by powerful figures like Blessing and the ultimate mastermind, Andrew Harting. The promise that Zenzi and their son, Esulu, would be cared for during Max’s imprisonment was brutally broken; instead, the gangsters killed Esulu, a devastating loss that fueled Zenzi’s subsequent actions. She eventually uncovered the horrifying truth that Raymond (Brendon Daniels) and Joseph, men connected to Max, were responsible for her son’s death. Season 1 concluded on a knife’s edge, leaving Zenzi’s fate deliberately ambiguous. Having lost her son, witnessed her husband’s death in a police shootout, and finding herself hunted by both the authorities and the remnants of the criminal syndicate, Zenzi stood on the edge of a building, seemingly contemplating suicide as her estranged sister Naledi pleaded with her.

What to Expect from Season 2

In the aftermath of tragedy, Zenzi is forced to rely on those who put her behind bars. Will her newfound desire for freedom finally bring an end to her pain? This new season shows us a more complete Zenzi, taking more risks and involved in new plots, with more supporting characters and a storyline that dives almost entirely into the crime thriller genre: shootings, attacks, and the criminal plot of a bank deliberately stealing its clients’ money. Unseen is a classic suspense and action thriller, and even more so in this second season. We already know the characters and their stories, and now the plot tends to feature more action and more high-tension sequences.

Returning Stars and New Faces

At the heart of Unseen is Gail Mabalane’s portrayal of Zenzi Mwale. Her performance in the first season garnered praise for capturing Zenzi’s complex journey from unassuming cleaner to reluctant killer, and she remains central to the ongoing narrative. Several key figures from the first season return alongside Mabalane. Dineo Langa reprises her role as Naledi, Zenzi’s estranged sister whose relationship with Zenzi faced immense strain in season 1. Ilse Klink also returns as Detective Lyners, one of the officers investigating the string of murders connected to Zenzi. The season 1 cast also included actors like Colin Moss, Shamilla Miller, Vuyo Dabula, Brendon Daniels, and Mothusi Magano, whose characters played significant roles in Zenzi’s entanglement with the criminal world. Season 2 introduces several prominent South African actors to the cast, promising to inject fresh intrigue and tension into the already complex narrative. Notable additions include the late Sello Motloung (playing Zenzi and Naledi’s father), Siv Ngesi, Sindi Dlathu, Zolisa Xaluva (as Naledi’s husband, John), and Eric Davids.

From the Creators of ‘Blood & Water’: Behind the Production

Unseen is produced by Gambit Films, a prominent South African production company. Gambit Films is also the creative force behind Blood & Water, another highly successful South African series for Netflix that garnered both local acclaim, including SAFTA awards, and international popularity. This track record establishes a level of quality and audience appeal associated with their productions. The series was created by Daryne Joshua and Travis Taute, key figures at Gambit Films who were also involved in Blood & Water. Travis Taute is credited as a director for episodes in both seasons, alongside other directors like Rea Rangaka and Brett Michael Innes for season 2. The writing team includes contributions from Tristram Atkins, Meesha Aboo, and Sean Drummond. Benjamin Overmeyer and Bradley Joshua are producers from Gambit Films associated with the series. The production of Unseen is part of a broader multi-title partnership between Netflix and Gambit Films. It’s worth remembering that Unseen is an adaptation of the 2021 Turkish Netflix series Fatma. While adapting a proven story provides a solid narrative foundation, it inevitably invites comparisons.

Where to Watch “Unseen” Season 2

Netflix

‘Bad Boy’ on Netflix tackles juvenile reformatories with humor, sarcasm, and realism

Realism, sarcastic humor, and juvenile reformatories—these are the calling cards of “Bad Boy,” a series now arriving on Netflix with the impressive credentials of a successful creator, Ron Leshem, which is reason enough to watch. Furthermore, it only takes a few minutes to realize the series boasts quality in its script and aesthetics, and is narrated in an original way—raw yet funny and ironic.

Hailing from Israel, this eight-episode drama series comes with a significant pedigree, co-created by Ron Leshem, the mind behind the original “Euphoria” (2019) series that sparked the HBO global phenomenon, and filmmaker Hagar Ben-Asher, known for works like “The Slut” and “Dead Women Walking.”

The series delves into the life of Dean Scheinman, a successful comedian whose current achievements are constantly threatened by the unprocessed trauma of his past: years spent locked away in a brutal juvenile detention center. Adding a profound layer of authenticity, “Bad Boy” is inspired by the true story of its co-creator, co-writer, and star, Daniel Chen, who plays the adult version of the protagonist, drawing directly from his own experiences within the Israeli juvenile justice system.

Already lauded in its home country, “Bad Boy” arrives on the world stage carrying significant critical weight. After premiering at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023 and achieving “huge success” during its run on Israeli network HOT starting in November 2024, the series swept the 2025 Israeli Academy Awards.

Bad Boy – Netflix

The Two Deans: Navigating a Fractured Life

“Bad Boy” unfolds across two distinct timelines, constantly weaving past and present to paint a complex portrait of its protagonist, Dean Scheinman.

In the past, we meet Dean as a 13-year-old boy (played with vulnerability by Guy Manster), abruptly torn from his home by correctional officers and thrown into the grim, fortress-like reality of a juvenile detention center. Described as “biting” and “sharp and witty,” Dean quickly learns that his humor and intelligence are double-edged swords: tools for survival in a brutal environment, but also sources of potential conflict. The center is a place designed to break its inhabitants, marked by violence from the outset. Here, Dean forms a crucial and complex bond with Zion Zoro (Havtamo Farda), a fellow inmate regarded by others as a mysterious, cold-blooded killer serving time for murder. Navigating this world involves dealing with figures like the shrewdly elegant prison director Heli (Liraz Chamami) and coping with the complicated love of his troubled mother, Tamara (Neta Plotnik).

Juxtaposed against this harsh past is Dean’s present life as a successful stand-up comedian, portrayed by Daniel Chen himself. While his comedy delves into parts of his story, Dean remains desperate to keep the full extent of his juvenile incarceration a closely guarded secret. The series’ central tension lies in this precarious balance: the unprocessed traumas and buried secrets from his time behind bars constantly threaten to resurface and shatter the life he has painstakingly built.

The True Story Behind ‘Bad Boy’

The raw power of “Bad Boy” stems directly from its roots in lived experience. The series is explicitly “inspired by real events,” drawing heavily on the life of co-creator Daniel Chen. Chen spent a significant part of his youth – sources mention both four and six years – in and out of various institutions for juvenile offenders in Israel. He has spoken openly about the circumstances leading to his incarceration, citing being raised without a father, a mother who wasn’t always present, hyperactivity, and a lack of boundaries that led to increasingly severe placements, culminating in actual prison. His path was fraught with difficulties; he admitted to being arrested again just two days after a release for assaulting another youth with a knife, describing prison as a place that “tests your limits.”

The project truly solidified when Chen partnered with Ron Leshem. Leshem, a former investigative journalist, brought his own long-standing fascination with the subject. Twenty years prior, inspired by reports on children born in prison – individuals he felt were “born into a destiny and were not given a chance for an alternative destiny” – he had written a story about pre-teen youths incarcerated alongside older, hardened teenage criminals.

The individual whose life inspires the series is also the co-creator, co-writer, and star playing the adult version of himself: this imbues “Bad Boy” with a layer of authenticity. It creates a powerful feedback loop between lived experience, creative interpretation, and performance, likely resulting in a raw emotional honesty rarely seen on television.

However, the series isn’t solely Chen’s story adapted directly. It represents a collaborative genesis, blending Chen’s reality with Leshem’s thematic interests and narrative concepts. The involvement of a broader writing team, including Roy Florentine, Moshe Malka, Amit Cohen, and Daniel Amsel, further suggests a collective effort in shaping the final narrative, enriching the personal story with multiple creative perspectives.

The Creative Force

Guiding “Bad Boy” is a trio of key creative figures, each bringing distinct expertise to the project. Ron Leshem serves as showrunner, co-creator, and co-writer, drawing on his extensive experience with acclaimed series like “Euphoria,” “Valley of Tears,” and “No Man’s Land.” His track record with complex, often dark, character-driven narratives provides a solid foundation for the series.

Hagar Ben-Asher takes on the crucial role of directing the entire eight-episode run, in addition to co-creating and co-writing. Her previous work, including “The Slut” and “Dead Women Walking,” demonstrates an ability to handle challenging themes and intimate character studies. Having a single director at the helm for all episodes ensures a unified visual and tonal consistency, vital for navigating the series’ dual timelines and emotional complexities.

Rounding out the core trio is Daniel Chen, whose multifaceted role as co-creator, co-writer, star (as adult Dean), and the very inspiration for the series is central to its identity. His involvement grounds the narrative in an undeniable reality.

The cast features Guy Manster delivering what promises to be a breakout performance as young Dean, alongside Havtamo Farda as the enigmatic Zion. Supporting actors include Liraz Chamami as Director Heli and Neta Plotnik as Dean’s mother, Tamara. Notably, many cast members, particularly younger actors like Manster and Farda, are non-professionals acting for the first time.

The series is an international co-production, a collaboration between global studio Sipur and Peter Chernin’s The North Road Company (marking North Road’s first international co-production), alongside Israeli broadcaster HOT and Tedy Productions.

Our Take

As with Euphoria, we are genuinely impressed by the quality and originality of the series. Initially, you might think: a series about a reformatory? Watching a juvenile drama doesn’t sound very appealing, does it?

But that perception changes after watching just a few minutes: there’s humor, reality, but above all, cinematic quality, especially in the script. Like Euphoria, it’s a complex vision of reality, presented with humor, style, and modernity, and it doesn’t give us all the answers. There’s no cheap morality or televised life lessons here; there’s reality, woven with cinematic quality, that manages to draw the viewer into its web of complex characters.

Is it worth watching? Absolutely, yes—for its quality, its story, and above all, for its characters and the way it’s told.

Where to Watch “Bad Boy”

Netflix

Another Favor, Another Twist: Stylish Sequel ‘Another Simple Favor’ Arrives Today on Prime Video

Seven years after audiences were captivated by martini-fueled mystery and toxic friendship, the stylish saga continues. Another Simple Favor, the highly anticipated sequel, makes its streaming debut today on Amazon Prime Video. The 2018 original, directed by Paul Feig and starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, became a surprise hit and critical darling, praised for its sharp twists, dark humor, and the electric chemistry between its leads. Now, Feig and his leading ladies reunite, promising another cocktail of glamour, intrigue, and danger, this time served under the Italian sun. And with more humor and a style much closer to Knives Out.

The original film, based on the novel by Darcey Bell, grossed over $97 million worldwide on a modest $20 million budget. Its success, both in theaters and later on streaming, made a sequel likely. Amazon MGM Studios and Lionsgate are releasing this sequel exclusively on Prime Video. Fans can now dive back into the treacherous world of Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson, where murder and betrayal are always on the guest list.

Another Simple Favor – Prime Video

The Plot: From Connecticut to the Cliffs of Capri

The sequel swaps the placid settings of Connecticut’s elegant suburbs for the sun-drenched beauty of the island of Capri. This change of scenery was deliberately chosen by Feig for its cinematic potential. The plot ignites when Emily Nelson (Lively), apparently released early from the prison sentence she received at the end of the first film, bursts back into the life of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick). Stephanie, now a moderately successful true-crime author whose first book chronicled her previous entanglement with Emily, receives an offer she can’t refuse: Emily wants her to be the maid of honor at her upcoming “extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman” named Dante Versano (played by newcomer Michele Morrone). However, Sean Townsend, whom you’ll remember from the first film, is murdered in the shower. Everyone is a suspect.

The Team Behind the Sequel

Unlike its predecessor, which adapted Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel, Another Simple Favor features an original screenplay. Penned by returning screenwriter Jessica Sharzer, with contributions from Laeta Kalogridis and Paul Feig himself. While the first film benefited from the novel’s established structure, crafting a sequel from scratch required building a compelling new mystery worthy of the original’s reputation. Familiar faces abound, with Henry Golding returning as Emily’s ex-husband Sean Townsend, Andrew Rannells as the gossipy Darren, Bashir Salahuddin as Detective Summerville, and Joshua Satine and Ian Ho as Stephanie’s and Emily’s sons, respectively. They are joined by a high-profile new cast, including Allison Janney as Emily’s ominous aunt Linda, Elizabeth Perkins as her mother Margaret, Michele Morrone as the groom Dante, Alex Newell as Vicky, and Elena Sofia Ricci as Dante’s disapproving mother, Portia.

Kendrick and Lively Reunite

The first film thrived on the chemistry between Anna Kendrick’s earnest Stephanie and Blake Lively’s enigmatic Emily – a volatile bond built on secrets, martinis, and mutual fascination. That dynamic remains the driving force of the sequel, though the power balance has shifted. Seven years after Emily’s disappearance and reappearance, Stephanie is no longer the wide-eyed mommy vlogger easily dazzled by Emily’s glamour. She’s survived betrayal, solved a mystery, and turned the experience into a true-crime book, “The Faceless Blonde.” When Emily re-enters her life, fresh out of prison and demanding Stephanie serve as maid of honor under threat of a lawsuit, Stephanie approaches with justified suspicion. This altered dynamic – a wary author forced back into the orbit of her dangerous muse – fuels much of the sequel’s tension.

Behind the Camera

Director Paul Feig’s return is crucial to the identity of Another Simple Favor. Known for helming female-led comedy hits like Bridesmaids, The Heat, and Spy, Feig notably directed his first-ever sequel with this project. This sequel, co-produced by Feigco Entertainment alongside Amazon MGM Studios and Lionsgate, followed a development path spanning several years: announced in May 2022, filmed in Italy in the spring of 2024, premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2025, before its Prime Video launch today.

Our Take

This is an anticipated sequel that may, however, disappoint many. It follows more in the vein of Knives Out (another recent hit with a sequel) and focuses more on crafting a whodunit than reinforcing the aesthetic side, which was a fundamental piece of the first film. The two actresses are still there, but some of the initial mystery is lost, as is the strength of the plot. It remains fun, but it’s far less mysterious and captivating than the original. Humor plays a much more central role here, making it a lighter film than the first, which felt more sophisticated, stylized, and, above all, had a much stronger script and story. While not displeasing, Another Simple Favor doesn’t fully convince due to its script and because, fundamentally, it’s a much slower-paced, more humorous follow-up with less mystery.

Enjoy the movie.

Where to Watch ‘Another Simple Favor’

Prime Video

Netflix Premieres “The Four Seasons,” a Series Starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell

Arriving today on Netflix, “The Four Seasons” is an ensemble story about a group of friends on a retreat, navigating the complexities of midlife crises: just when everything should be settled, it all seems to be falling apart. “The Four Seasons” tells the story of several characters who, during a friends’ getaway, watch their lives unravel for no apparent reason, largely driven by relationship troubles.

The series boasts a stellar cast, including Steve Carell and Tina Fey in leading roles, alongside a lineup of familiar faces: Colman Domingo, Erika Henningsen, Kerri Kenney, and Will Forte. Notably, Tina Fey herself is one of the series’ creators, alongside Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher. And yes, the series unfolds to the rhythm of Vivaldi, whose famous composition, The Four Seasons, sets the emotional tempo with modernized variations.

The Plot

“The Four Seasons” follows a group of friends who gather for a few days together. Among them are Nick (Steve Carell) and Anna (Kerri Kenney). Nick announces he wants to end their marriage due to a lack of motivation and interest – the toll of passing years, as they say. Meanwhile, Anne is secretly planning a big anniversary party for Nick. In this charged atmosphere, conflicts begin to surface among the different couples, all of whom have long histories together, their relationships worn down over time.

But this is just the beginning, because the different stories will take us beyond this weekend, and the different stories of the couples will intertwine with each other to follow the characters.

About the Series

No, this isn’t an HBO-style retreat filled with mysteries. Netflix and its creators have a clear goal: a series about fifty-somethings facing an age crisis. The objective is to reflect on the passage of time, but to do so in a lighthearted way, without bitterness. “The Four Seasons” is a comedy, but a bittersweet one that never fully leans into outright hilarity. We have a great comedic actor (Steve Carell) playing the role of a man in his fifties, weary of his relationship and seeking something new. The dialogue is sharp, especially for Carell, who embodies a role he seems born to play.

Great actors join Carell. “The Four Seasons” is an ensemble series about three couples in crisis, touching on themes of decline, the passage of time, and the unfortunate reality that we can’t be young again. It sounds depressing, we admit, but the series strives to make this journey bearable – a light comedy that leans towards the familiar and highlights the kinder side of human relationships during times of crisis.

Our Take

The characters are relatable and grounded in normalcy, representing the middle-class crisis of reaching fifty and realizing that dreams have slowly faded. Strong actors anchor this ensemble comedy which, while not breaking new ground, leaves the pleasant aftertaste of a warm series filled with charming characters.

Enjoy the show.

Where to Watch “The Four Seasons”

Netflix