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In a fairly unusual move, Alex Parkinson adapts his own 2019 documentary  to a feature length film - to great effect, delivering a true-to-life thriller that is lean but not mean.  Whilst it may not reinvent the rulebook and could arguably had more staying power in a miniseries format, Last Breath  stands out as a simple, yet effective piece of filmmaking imbued with strong performances from its leads and some particularly entrancing underwater sequences - not to mention a resistance to Hollywood cliché. Director Alex Parkinson behind the scenes. © Focus Features The film, based off the true story depicted in Parkinson’s original doc, follows a trio of expert deep-sea divers - fresh-faced Chris (Finn Cole), jokester veteran Duncan (Woody Harrelson) and surly workaholic Dave (Simu Liu) as what starts as a routine expedition turns into an improbable race against time. When a computer error sets their ship helplessly adrift up above and severs the umbilical cable connecting Chris to his oxygen, electricity, and communications - finding himself stranded at the bottom of the North Sea. With merely minutes of oxygen reserves remaining, Duncan and Chris rallied against time to save their colleague and friend, working in tandem with their captain Andre (played by Chris Curtis, The Piano ) and dive supervisor Craig (Mark Bonner, Napoleon, The Rig ). Just as the real-life crew banded together with lightning efficiency to accomplish their unforeseen mission, the team behind this dramatisation never lose focus on what matters in telling this singular story.  At times, its straightforward structure and stripped-back approach (the score is functional, but unmemorable - its absence is just as significant as its presence) can seem less a Hollywood blockbuster and more a piece of video journalism. Finn Cole as Chris in Last Breath . © Focus Features Parkinson and his cast do well to depict the selflessness and perseverance of a team of divers who appear to make something of a dysfunctional trio at first, but whom are proven to be each others’ greatest allies in the face of adversity - wisely resisting the easy allure of manufacturing conflict between its characters without falling into bland hagiography. Speaking of easy temptations, I would have forgiven Parkinson had he felt the need to create some kind of human representation of the challenge our heroes face to hammer home the stakes - say, a villain in the form of a saboteur or having one of the crew be opposed to rescuing Chris. However, the director holds fast to the reality of the situation he is depicting, which is refreshing though arguably places something of a ceiling on the dramatic potential of the film. The lack of conflict, inspiring though it may be, means that none of the characters we see go through much of what can be termed character arcs - though many may seem that as a good thing, being that it reminds us that these are real people being depicted rather than dramatic archetypes.  The depictions of the trio are thinly-sketched, with the limited runtime denying the space for a great deal of backstory.  Chris misses his fiancée Hanna, Duncan’s jovial veneer conceals his melancholy at being put out to pasture after his final mission and Dave - well, Dave is a brusque man of few words, whom we later learn does so out of fear of being too ‘distracted’ by the outside world (ie his two daughters). Finn Cole as Chris in Last Breath . © Focus Features However, it is the authenticity of the direction and performances which prevents these thin sketches from veering into the territory of caricature. Cole reels us in with a sufficiently vulnerable yet brave young man and Liu is reserved without being one-note (although I could not help but miss the charisma he displayed in the title role of Shang-Chi ). Make no mistake though, the real star of the show is Harrelson.  Although Duncan is a role that as written, he could have sleepwalked through to a serviceable end, Harrelson brings his A-game to this role by imbuing it with such humour, sincerity and easy wit.  The glint in his eye is the spark that helps to keep this film alight. Underwater filming was key to the authenticity of Last Breath . © Focus Features The point deserves to be hammered home of the sheer verisimilitude accomplished by Parkinson not just in terms of the story, but the world into which he invites us as viewers.  I would encourage everyone to take a look at behind-the-scenes photos and footage from this production - but suffice to say, edge-sanding shortcuts were not taken here. Great care was clearly taken to accurately depict the beautiful yet terrifying environment that is the depths of the North Sea.  Awash with sentiment and refusing to use indeterminate light sources, so many of the underwater sequences in this film could have been ripped straight from the original documentary.  That such authenticity is maintained is a testament to Parkinson’s vision, especially as a first-time Hollywood filmmaker.  He is one to watch. Finn Cole, Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu in Last Breath . © Focus Features Being that the story of this film is so remarkably simple in narrative (not to pay a disservice to the Herculean efforts depicted, of course), it would be a disservice and far too easy to spoil it.  I will not speak on the impressive action set-pieces nor the near-unbelievable sequence of events in the third act - many in my screening issued literal gasps on more than one occasion. Suffice to say, 93 minutes is scarce time to commit to be taken on such an inspiring and resonant thrill ride as this, and would be well-spent indeed. RATING: ★ ★ ★ ½

March is nearly here, and it promises an exhilarating lineup of both fresh debuts and beloved comebacks. Disney Plus kicks off the month with the highly anticipated Daredevil reboot, Prime Video brings the epic saga of The Wheel of Time back to our screens, and Max's The Righteous Gemstones is gearing up to bid farewell with its final season. Meanwhile, Apple TV premieres The Studio —a promising new comedy from Seth Rogen. We've compiled a list of titles and release dates to help you plan your viewing schedule. March 4 Charlie Cox in Daredevil: Born Again . © Marvel Television Daredevil: Born Again , Season 1 - DISNEY+ With Love, Meghan , Season 1 - NETFLIX Andrew Schulz: LIFE  - NETFLIX Lost Boys and Fairies , Season 1 - BRITBOX Fear , Season 1 - PRIME VIDEO Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas , Docuseries - PARAMOUNT+ March 5 The Leopard , Season 1 - NETFLIX March 6 Deli Boys , Season 1 - HULU Picture This - PRIME VIDEO Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black , Season 1B - NETFLIX March 7 Plankton: The Movie - NETFLIX Heretic - MAX When No One Sees Us , Docuseries - MAX When Life Gives You Tangerines , Season 1 - NETFLIX Power Book III: Raising Kanan , Season 4 - STARZ Chaos: The Manson Murders - NETFLIX March 9 Edi Patterson, Danny McBride, Adam DeVine in The Righteous Gemstones . © HBO The Righteous Gemstones , Season 4 - MAX Dark Winds , Season 3 - AMC March 12 Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney - NETFLIX Moana 2 - DISNEY+ March 13 Rosamund Pike in The Wheel of Time . © Prime Video The Wheel of Time , Season 3 - PRIME VIDEO Long Bright River , Season 1 - PEACOCK The Parenting - MAX Adolescence , Season 1 - NETFLIX March 14 The Electric State - NETFLIX Dope Thief , Season 1 - APPLE TV+ March 16 Yellowstone , Season 5 Part 2 - PEACOCK March 19 Good American Family , Season 1 - HULU Twister: Caught in the Storm - NETFLIX March 20 The Residence , Season 1 - NETFLIX Happy Face , Season 1 - PARAMOUNT+ Tyler Perry's Duplicity  - PRIME VIDEO March 21 Little Siberia  - NETFLIX Wicked Part One - PEACOCK March 25 Chelsea Handler: The Feeling  - NETFLIX March 26 Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders and Seth Rogen in The Studio © APPLE TV+ The Studio , Season 1 - APPLE TV+ Side Quest , Season 1 - APPLE TV+ The Cleaning Lady , Season 4 - HULU Caught , Season 1 - NETFLIX March 27 Holland - PRIME VIDEO Bosch: Legacy , Season 3 - PRIME VIDEO Survival of the Thickest , Season 2 - NETFLIX March 28 The Life List - NETFLIX Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip - DISNEY+ The Lady's Companion , Season 1 - NETFLIX

The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, produced by Silent House Productions in partnership with SAG-AFTRA, will stream live on Netflix globally on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall. In the television categories, Shōgun leads with five nominations across four categories, followed by The Bear with four nods. For film, Wicked stands as the frontrunnerwith 5 nominations at the 2025 SAG Awards. Below is the winners' list, updated in real time. Best TV Stunt Ensemble The Boys Fallout House of the Dragon The Penguin Shōgun (WINNER) Best Film Stunt Ensemble Deadpool & Wolverine Dune: Part Two The Fall Guy (WINNER) Gladiator II Wicked Best Supporting Actor in a Film Jonathan Bailey,  Wicked Yura Borisov,  Anora Kieran Culkin,  A Real Pain   (WINNER) Edward Norton,  A Complete Unknown Jeremy Strong,  The Apprentice Best Actress in a Drama Series Kathy Bates,  Matlock Nicola Coughlan,  Bridgerton Allison Janney,  The Diplomat Keri Russell,  The Diplomat Anna Sawai,  Shōgun  (WINNER) Best Actor in a Drama Series Tadanobu Asano,  Shogun Jeff Bridges,  The Old Man Gary Oldman,  Slow Horses Eddie Redmayne,  The Day of the Jackal Hiroyuki Sanada,  Shōgun  (WINNER) Best Actress in a Comedy Series Kristen Bell,  Nobody Wants This Quinta Brunson,  Abbott Elementary Liza Colon-Zayas,  The Bear Ayo Edebiri,  The Bear Jean Smart,  Hacks  (WINNER) Best Actor in a Comedy Series Adam Brody,  Nobody Wants This Ted Danson,  A Man on the Inside Harrison Ford,  Shrinking Martin Short,  Only Murders in the Building  (WINNER) Jeremy Allen White,  The Bear Best Actress in a Limited Series/Movie Katy Bates,  The Great Lillian Hall Cate Blanchett,  Disclaimer Jodie Foster,  True Detective: Night Country Lily Gladstone,  Under the Bridge Jessica Gunning,  Baby Reindeer  (WINNER) Cristin Milioti,  The Penguin Best Actor in a Limited Series/Movie Javier Bardem,  Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Mendenez Story Colin Farrell,  The Penguin  (WINNER) Richard Gadd,  Baby Reindeer Kevin Kline,  Disclaimer Andrew Scott,  Ripley Life Achievement Award Jane Fonda (WINNER) Best Supporting Actress in a Film Monica Barbaro,  A Complete Unknown Jamie Lee Curtis,  The Last Showgirl Danielle Deadwyler,  The Piano Lesson Ariana Grande,  Wicked Zoe Saldaña,  Emilia Perez  (WINNER) Best Drama Series Ensemble Bridgerton The Day of the Jackal The Diplomat Shōgun  (WINNER) Slow Horses Best Comedy Series Ensemble Abbott Elementary The Bear Hacks Only Murders in the Building  (WINNER) Shrinking Best Actor in a Film Adrien Brody,  The Brutalist Timothée Chalamet,  A Complete Unknown  (WINNER) Daniel Craig,  Queer Colman Domingo,  Sing Sing Ralph Fiennes,  Conclave Best Actress in a Film Pamela Anderson,  The Last Showgirl Cynthia Erivo,  Wicked Karla Sofía Gascón,  Emilia Pérez Mikey Madison,  Anora Demi Moore,  The Substance  (WINNER) Best Film Ensemble Anora A Complete Unknown Conclave  (WINNER) Emilia Pérez Wicked

The 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, hosted by Aidy Bryant, will take place on Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 pm PT/5:00 pm ET and can be streamed live on YouTube . The winners' list below is being updated in real time throughout the ceremony. Best Breakthrough Performance Isaac Krasner, Big Boys Katy O’Brian. Love Lies Bleeding Mason Alexander Park, National Anthem René Pérez Joglar, In the Summers Maisy Stella, My Old Ass (WINNER) Best Documentary Gaucho Gaucho Hummingbirds No Other Land  (WINNER) Patrice: The Movie Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series Tadanobu Asano, Shōgun Enrico Colantoni, English Teacher Betty Gilpin, Three Women Chloe Guidry, Under the Bridge Moeka Hoshi,  Shōgun Stephanie Koenig, English Teacher Patti LuPone, Agatha All Along Nava Mau, Baby Reindeer  (WINNER) Ruth Negga, Presumed Innocent Brian Tee,  Expats Best Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer  (WINNER) Diarra Kilpatrick, Diarra From Detroit Joe Locke, Agatha All Along Megan Stott, Penelope Hoa Xuande, The Sympathizer Best First Feature Dìdi  (WINNER) In the Summers Janet Planet The Piano Lesson Problemista John Cassavetes Award (for the best feature made for under $1,000,000) Big Boys Ghostlight Girls Will Be Girls  (WINNER) Jazzy The People’s Joker Best Screenplay Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, Heretic Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain  (WINNER) Megan Park, My Old Ass Aaron Schimberg, A Different Man Jane Schoenbrun, I Saw the TV Glow Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series How to Die Alone  (WINNER) Ensemble Cast: Melissa DuPrey, Jaylee Hamidi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Arkie Kandola, Elle Lorraine, Michelle McLeod, Chris “CP” Powell, Conrad Ricamora, Natasha Rothwell, Jocko Sims Best New Scripted Series Baby Reindeer Diarra From Detroit English Teacher Fantasmas Shōgun  (WINNER) Best New Nonscripted or Documentary Series Erased: WW2’s Heroes of Color Hollywood Black  (WINNER) Photographer Ren Faire Social Studies Best First Screenplay Joanna Arnow, The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed Annie Baker, Janet Planet India Donaldson, Good One Julio Torres, Problemista Sean Wang, Dìdi  (WINNER) Best Cinematography Dinh Duy Hung, Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell Jomo Fray, Nickel Boys  (WINNER) Maria von Hausswolff, Janet Planet Juan Pablo Ramírez, La Cocina Rina Yang, The Fire Inside Best Editing Laura Colwell, Vanara Taing, Jazzy Olivier Bugge Coutté, Olivia Neergaard-Holm, The Apprentice Anne McCabe, Nightbitch Hansjörg Weissbrich, September 5  (WINNER) Arielle Zakowski, Dìdi Someone to Watch Award Nicholas Colia, Director of Griffin in Summer Sarah Friedland, Director of Familiar Touch (WINNER) Pham Thien An, Director of Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell Best Supporting Performance Yura Borisov, Anora Joan Chen, Dìdi Kieran Culkin,  A Real Pain  (WINNER) Danielle Deadwyler, The Piano Lesson Carol Kane, Between the Temples Karren Karagulian, Anora Kani Kusruti, Girls Will Be Girls Brigette Lundy-Paine, I Saw the TV Glow Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, Sing Sing Adam Pearson, A Different Man Truer Than Fiction Award Julian Brave NoiseCat, Emily Kassie, Directors of Sugarcane Carla Gutiérrez, Director of Frida Rachel Elizabeth Seed, Director of A Photographic Memory (WINNER) Robert Altman Award His Three Daughters , Director: Azazel Jacobs  (WINNER) Best International Film All We Imagine as Light Black Dog Flow  (WINNER) Green Border Hard Truths Producers Award Alex Coco Sarah Winshall (WINNER) Zoë Worth Best Director Ali Abbasi, The Apprentice Sean Baker, Anora (WINNER) Brady Corbet, The Brutalist Alonso Ruizpalacios,  La Cocina Jane Schoenbrun, I Saw the TV Glow Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series Brian Jordan Alvarez, English Teacher Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer  (WINNER) Lily Gladstone, Under the Bridge Kathryn Hahn, Agatha All Along Cristin Milioti, The Penguin Julianne Moore, Mary & George Hiroyuki Sanada, Shōgun Anna Sawai,  Shōgun Andrew Scott, Ripley Julio Torres, Fantasmas Best Lead Performance Amy Adams, Nightbitch Ryan Destiny, The Fire Inside Colman Domingo, Sing Sing Keith Kupferer, Ghostlight Mikey Madison, Anora  (WINNER) Demi Moore, The Substance Hunter Schafer, Cuckoo Justice Smith, I Saw the TV Glow June Squibb, Thelma Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice Best Feature Anora  (WINNER) I Saw the TV Glow Nickel Boys Sing Sing The Substance

Dune: Prophecy' s second season coming is nigh, and writers and producers are answering the call. HBO has gathered writers and producers for the second season of the hit series. According to the WGA directory, Dune: Prophecy season 2's scribe council comprises the showrunner Alison Schapker, who will be returning alongside Suzanne Wrubel, Jordan Goldberg, Monica Breen, Kor Adana, and Kevin Lau. Newcomers Henry Crum, Gregory Weidman, Geoff Tock, and Johanna Lee are completing the team.   Dune: Prophecy © HBO Alison Schapker will be leading the writers and producers once again for Dune: Prophecy's sophomore year on HBO. Her other credits include HBO's Westworld , The Flash(CW) , Altered Carbon , and Lost . Suzanne Wrubell also worked on Westworld in addition to Weird City and The Outcasts. Jordan Goldberg and Kevin Lau complete the mini Westworld reunion with the latter carrying House of The Dragon , The Nevers , and Lovecraft County under his belt. Monica Breen's credits include Lost , Percy Jackson and The Olympians , Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. , and Alias. Kor Adana's include Netflix's The Imperfects, Mr. Robot, and The Acolyte. Dune: Prophecy Has Just Begun   Dune: Prophecy © HBO Dune: Prophecy is seeking conquest over the small screen while Denis Villeneuve's films conquer the big screen. Prophecy's first season premiered to 1.2 million viewers across the US  but it still has to find a way to match its theatrical counterpart in terms of substance and scope. As great as the prequel is it is the lowest-rated installment in the current saga due to the extremely high bar set by both Villeneuve's films. Hope is far from lost, there is still a large audience hungry for more spice and there is nowhere to go but up. "I am thrilled to be able to announce that HBO is picking us up for a season 2. We are so thrilled and so grateful there for their support, their partners at Legendary, and most of all, that we get to continue working with these extraordinary people in front of the camera and behind the camera, that we keep get to keep telling the story that we care so deeply about and get to continue building out our corner of the Dune universe." - Alison Schapker About Dune: Prophecy Premiere Date:  November 17th, 2024 Episode Count:  6 Executive Producer / Showrunner: Alison Schapker Inspired by:  Sisterhood of Dune, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Executive Producers: Diane Ademu-John, Anna Foerster, Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, Jon Spaihts, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert Production:  Warner Bros. and Legendary Television Distribution:  Warner Bros. Cast:  Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha. Synopsis:  From the expansive universe of Dune , created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, DUNE: PROPHECY  follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Source: WGA Directory

Elle star Lexi Minetree via Natalie Serratos The development of Elle , the Legally Blonde prequel series from Prime Video is in full swing. Starring Lexi Minetree , the series follows a young Elle Woods during her high school years. The series is being produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine and Amazon MGM Studios. We can also exclusively confirm that the series consists of eight half-hour episodes. Jason Moore ( Pitch Perfect ) is set to direct the first two episodes of the series. Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde' ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection "I truly couldn’t be more excited about this series! Fans will get to know how Elle Woods navigated her world as a teenager with her distinct personality and ingenuity, in ways that only our beloved Elle could do. What could be better than that?! I’m extremely grateful to the incredible teams at Prime Video and Hello Sunshine - along with our amazing writer Laura Kittrell - for making this dream of mine come true. Legally Blonde is back!" - Reese Witherspoon The cast for Elle hasn't been rounded out just yet but we do have the names inside the writers' room, according to the Writers' Guild of America website : Laura Kittrell (showrunner, executive producer, showrunner/executive producer for High School ) Caroline Dries (showrunner, executive producer, showrunner/executive producer for Batwoman ) Asmita Paranjape (co-producer for Mythic Quest ) Eli Wilson Pelton (supervising producer for Bridgerton ) Jen Regan (story editor for Emily in Paris ) Julia K Brownell (co-executive producer for This Is Us ) Chad Charlie (staff writer for Reservation Dogs ) With an exciting crew behind-the-scenes, along with Reese Witherspoon's involvement in the series, it's sure to be a hit with fans of Legally Blonde . Although a release date has yet to be announced, the series is expected sometime in 2025.

Luca Guadagnino’s team-up with Daniel Craig for DC Studios’ Sgt. Rock  has fallen through. Our sources confirm that Daniel Craig has passed on the role. Guadagnino and Craig were set to join forces after Queer , but that plan is off now. We haven’t been given any specific reason for Craig’s decision. We were first to report that Luca Guadagnino is set to direct and Justin Kuritzkes would be writing the script—the same writer who penned Guadagnino’s previous films Challengers and Queer . Related: EXCLUSIVE: Luca Guadagnino Set to Direct ‘Sgt. Rock’ at DC Studios with Justin Kuritzkes Penning the Script Sgt. Rock in Creature Commandos © Max Sgt. Franklin Rock, created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, made his debut in Our Army at War  #83 back in 1959. Known as a key member of Easy Company, which fought in the European Theatre during World War II, Rock has been a long-standing character in comic book history. There have been several attempts to bring his story to the big screen since the 1980s, with many writers attached and various drafts written. The character even made his DC Universe debut in a G.I. robot-centric episode of Creature Commandos . Guadagnino is represented by CAA, Range Media Partners, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, while Craig is represented by CAA, Independent Talent Group, and Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs Howard Avchen & Shapiro.

Vought Rising , spinoff from the acclaimed show The Boys , has its writers’ room.  We can also exclusively confirm that the filming will begin in August. The series is a prequel set in 1950s New York, charting the origins of the shady Vought corporation through a “twisted murder mystery”, as described by showrunner Paul Grellong during its announcement in July 2024 ( Variety ) .  It stars Aya Cash and Jensen Ackles reprising their Boys universe roles as Stormfront and Soldier Boy, respectively. Aya Cash as Stormfront in Season 2 of The Boys . © Prime Video Although the full cast has yet to be announced (though casting is underway), we are glad to report on some of the names within the Vought Rising writers’ room (as listed on the Writers’ Guild of America website ).  In addition to showrunner Grellong (who previously worked as a producer on The Boys, Hawaii Five-O and Scorpion ), the writers’ room will include: James Barnes : Executive Producer.  Previous work includes The Walking Dead (co-executive producer), Timeless  (supervising producer) and Gotham (co-producer). Paul Keables : Co-Executive Producer.  Previous work includes Spinning Out  (supervising producer) and Nashville  (writer). Sophia Lopez : Executive Producer.  Previously worked as a writer on Hightown. Lauren Greer : Producer.  Previously worked as a co-producer and executive story editor on Gen V (a previous spinoff of The Boys ) and a writer on Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector . Sheila Wilson : Supervising Producer.  Previously worked as a story editor and writer on Warrior Nun . Eric Kripke, creator of The Boys  series and architect of its TV universe, will serve as an executive producer on the new show.  Star Aya Cash had high praise for the writers’ work. “I’ve read two scripts and they’re absolutely insanely good. But that’s about all I can tell you,” ( ComicBook , October 2024). Previously, Cash’s Stormfront had an arc on Season 2 of The Boys,  whilst Ackles’ Soldier Boy was introduced in Season 3.  Stormfront was Vought’s first successful Compound V test subject (and a Nazi), whilst Soldier Boy was the first ageless American superhero, created during WWII. Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy in Season 3 of The Boys . © Prime Video Vought Rising represents another addition to the broadening stable of Kripke’s Boys  universe, which encompasses the main series’ fifth and final season, the animated series Diabolical  and the college drama Gen V .  Also in development is The Boys: Mexico , from writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer ( Blue Beetle ). For more news, reviews and more on Vought Rising , The Boys  universe and all things TV and film, be sure to follow us on X .

I had the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Tim Davis, the maths consultant on the new Apple TV+ thriller Prime Target (you can read our review for that here ). When Dr. Davis was approached by the producers of the show to serve as its mathematics adviser, he never expected that he would end up with his very own IMDb page and be so entwined into the fabric of the production. Absurd though the show may inevitably seen (which is part of the fun of it!), with its notions of a mathematical equation being the centre of a massive conspiracy theory that is leaving a trail of bodies in its wake, the maths you see on screen is grounded in realism. Yes, insular academic genius Edward Brooks (played by Leo Woodall) might indulge in scribbling formulae on tablecloths (or whatever surfaces he can get his hands on). However, such frenetic sequences are not mere sound and fury signifying nothing - equivalent to the blind keyboard mashing that passes for 'hacking' in Hollywood). No, dear reader: We have ourselves a show whose creative team were conscientious enough to actually consult a mathematician in its depiction of mathematicians. This is a step in the right direction and a practice that Dr. Davis hopes more productions will adopt moving forwards. Edward Brooks considers some of Dr Tim Davis' handiwork. © Apple As a lecturer in mathematics at Northeastern University in London, Dr. Davis was integral to the show's creation, having provided input from the script stage, numerous insights throughout prep, all the way through to rehearsals and filming, even ending up on set to coach the actors. He worked closely with Woodall on all maths work, collaborating with the art department and ensured continuity of the maths through the episodes. Such attention to detail is something that has rarely been given in depictions of mathematics on screen. "I think what really made it a great time is the cast and crew. They allowed me to say 'okay, that doesn't necessarily work.' Obviously, there were bits and pieces [that had to be simplified] for story reasons and whatever, but a lot of [the time] l'd be like, 'guys, that really doesn't make a lot of sense for them to do this, so l'd recommend you do this.' And I'm glad they really took into account what I said and what we wanted it to do." Of course, a balance had to be struck in the show's depiction of mathematics, Dr. Davis told me. It had to be as accurate as possible, yes, but also allow for some "fudging" (a technical term, I was assured) to serve the needs of the fictional narrative. The mathematical concepts were roadmapped to ensure that they built upon each other in a logical and chronological way.  The mathematics depicted in the show increases in complexity throughout the episodes, allowing the audience to see the characters' research becoming more advanced without necessarily needing to understand all the details. Quintessa Swindell as Taylah in Prime Target . © Apple Inevitably, comparisons will be drawn by viewers between this show and the acclaimed Ron Howard film A Beautiful Mind in its depiction of a troubled mathematical genius. However, even putting aside the fact that John Nash was a real person and Edward Brooks was not, Dr. Davis spoke of how he wanted to take a different approach that focused more on the foundations of mathematics and logical thinking - that is, pure mathematics . As Dr. Davis put it: "I wanted the maths that they were doing to be 'If you do this, you get to this, which gets you to that, which gets you to something else. And of course there's bits along the way that don't necessarily work, but I wanted all of the maths to be correct.' "I worked very closely with the producers and the writers, and I would say, this is what I think this is some maths that he could do or the other actors could do in this bit. And why we want to do that is because it leads to this. And so there are bits that are interconnected." Leo Woodall in Prime Target . © Apple He also spoke passionately about his hopes that Prime Target would act as a springboard for the general audience to learn more about maths, especially pure maths, beyond the rote sense in which it is taught at secondary/high school. "| really want to get maths out there in the wider population. You see how Brian Cox and Neil deGrasse Tyson have really taken physics more into the mainstream and more people are talking about it and interested in, and I sort of want to do the same for mathematics." Dr. Davis expressed his hopes to continue to work on similar projects in the future, whether that be in the realm of further fiction or even non-fiction programming - noting the potential for increased output of quality mathematics-focused TV and film projects to inspire more people to engage with and appreciate the subject. By helping to create accurate and engaging representations of mathematical concepts, he and consultants like him hope to herald a new era of television and film that seeks to work in closer collaboration with the sectors and fields it portrays - to educate and inspire whilst continuing to entertain audiences. To that, we should all say, more power to them (yes... that is a ham-fisted maths pun). Episodes 1-5 of Prime Target are available to watch now on Apple TV+. New episodes premiere every Wednesday through March 5. Thank you to Dr. Davis and Apple TV+ for facilitating this interview.

After 6 short weeks, we have reached the end of Dune: Prophecy's first season. The season finale of the epic origin story is just as epic with strangely satisfying and heartbreaking twists, drama, political intrigue, and espionage that can only exist in The Known Universe. In this episode, "The High-Handed Enemy," every conspirator reveals their hand just as Mother Tula faces a ghost from her tragic past, the Sisterhood faces a ghost from theirs, and Mother Valya plots to take down Desmond Hart once and for all. Secrets come to light, alliances shift, and Emperor Corrino finally awakens to the truth of how hopelessly powerless and outnumbered he is. Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline. Faoilean Cunningham as Sister Jen. Dune: Prophecy. © Warner Bros. The true nature of the series is cemented in this finale. Dune: Prophecy is not simply an origin story. It is an extensive tale about war, both external and internal. Throughout the season I have been rooting for our protagonists, Valya and Tula Harkonnen. Despite the blood on their hands, they are the protagonists, and Desmond Hart is the antagonist. After watching this episode I am not so sure. The sins of the Harkonnen sisters are examined intimately through fresh eyes including their own, especially Tula's. Olivia Williams as Mother Tula. Dune: Prophecy. © Warner Bros. Tula mirrors my feelings about the Harkonnens throughout the episode, seeming more remorseful than Valya upon discovering how she's responsible for a demon from her past. She experiences a whirlwind of emotions with sorrow and guilt being the most dominant. Valya on the other hand is another story. She is a warrior who never hesitated to commit heinous acts for the Sisterhood above all, as their mantra says. She never showcased much of her feelings other than an intense yet solemn rage until now in beautiful Shakespearean fashion, in other words, tragic. She confronts the evils she has committed, seeing the hurt she caused her family, but remains strong in her resolve to do them again. To say Desmond Hart is the "big bad" of Dune: Prophecy's first season is no longer that simple, then again it never was. His origins reveal him to be a victim of conspiracy and tragedy, which is why he stands against the Sisterhood and the Imperium. I was wrong to think he was a deranged sociopath after the throne, smirking all the time. He shows a different side to him, revealing his fear and vulnerability. As it turns out, he is just like Valya and Tula, only on the opposite side. Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart. Dune: Prophecy. © Warner Bros. The resolutions for the Sisterhood and the Imperium do not disappoint. Their arcs for this season come to a close with tears and blood. To no one's surprise, The Sisterhood learns the truth about their mothers Valya and Tula. I won't get into the specifics about how. All you need to know is that seeing it play out left me in an emotional wreck so it will more than likely do the same for you. The Imperium collapses as expected, Emperor Corrino finds out about those conspiring against him only because they tell him right to his face. If that's not an indication of how powerless he has always been I do not know what is. The only problem with this finale is the physical action. The fight scenes lack the fluidity and momentum of Denis Villeneuve's Dune films, making it hard to be invested in them. Fortunately, the brilliant writing and acting make the episode amazing; otherwise, this would be a different review. Emily Watson as Mother Valya. Dune: Prophecy. © Warner Bros. Dune: Prophecy delivers a great finale to the excellent first season with a clever story deeply rooted in philosophical and political natures. The ensemble cast is full of amazing actors, with Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Travis Fimmel standing among them. It was a pleasure watching this series. I can't wait for season two and I look forward to rewatching season one in the meantime. RATING: 4.5/5 About Dune: Prophecy © Warner Bros. Premiere Date:  November 17th, 2024 Episode Count:  6 Executive Producer / Showrunner: Alison Schapker Inspired by:  Sisterhood of Dune, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Executive Producers: Diane Ademu-John, Anna Foerster, Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, Jon Spaihts, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert Production:  Warner Bros. and Legendary Television Distribution:  Warner Bros. Cast:  Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha. Synopsis:  From the expansive universe of Dune , created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, DUNE: PROPHECY  follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.

The BAFTAs are here! The awards ceremony will take place at London’s iconic Royal Festival Hall and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm local time. In the United States, BritBox airs the Film Awards at 11am PT/2pm ET. The ceremony is hosted by David Tennant. On the nominations front, Conclave leads with 12 nods, followed closely by Emilia Perez and The Brutalist . Below is the winners' list, updated live throughout the ceremony. Best Special Visual Effects Better Man Dune: Part Two (WINNER) Gladiator II Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Wicked Best Children's and Family Film Flow Kensuke's Kingdom Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (WINNER) The Wild Robot Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer Hoard Kneecap (WINNER) Monkey Man Santosh Sister Midnight Best Production Design The Brutalist Conclave Dune: Part Two Nosferatu Wicked  (WINNER) Best Film not in the English Language All We Imagine As Light Emilia Pérez  (WINNER) I'm Still Here Kneecap The Seed of the Sacred Fig Best Sound Blitz Dune: Part Two  (WINNER) Gladiator II The Substance Wicked Best Original Score The Brutalist  - Daniel Blumberg (WINNER) Conclave  - Volker Bertelmann Emilia Pérez  - Camille, Clément Ducol Nosferatu  - Robin Carolan The Wild Robot  - Kris Bowers Best Original Screenplay Anora The Brutalist Kneecap A Real Pain  (WINNER) The Substance Best Adapted Screenplay A Complete Unknown Conclave  (WINNER) Emilia Pérez Nickel Boys Sing Sing Best Animated Film Flow Inside Out 2 Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl  (WINNER) The Wild Robot Best Supporting Actor Yura Borisov - Anora Kieran Culkin - A Real Pain  (WINNER) Clarence Maclin - Sing Sing Edward Norton - A Complete Unknown Guy Pearce - The Brutalist Jeremy Strong - The Apprentice Best Supporting Actress Selena Gomez - Emilia Pérez Ariana Grande - Wicked Felicity Jones - The Brutalist Jamie Lee Curtis - The Last Showgirl Isabella Rossellini - Conclave Zoe Saldaña - Emilia Pérez  (WINNER) Best Casting Anora  (WINNER) The Apprentice A Complete Unknown Conclave Kneecap Best Editing Anora Conclave  (WINNER) Dune: Part Two Emilia Pérez Kneecap Best Cinematography The Brutalist  (WINNER) Conclave Dune: Part Two Emilia Pérez Nosferatu Best Documentary Black Box Diaries Daughters No Other Land Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story  (WINNER) Will & Harper Best British Short Film The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing Marion Milk Rock, Paper, Scissors (WINNER) Stomach Bug Best British Short Animation Adiós Mog's Christmas Wander to Wonder  (WINNER) Best Make-up and Hair Dune: Part Two Emilia Pérez Nosferatu The Substance  (WINNER) Wicked Best Costume Design Blitz A Complete Unknown Conclave Nosferatu Wicked  (WINNER) Outstanding British Film Bird Blitz Conclave  (WINNER) Gladiator II Hard Truths Kneecap Lee Love Lies Bleeding The Outrun Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl EE Bafta Rising Star Award (voted for by the public) Marisa Abela Jharrel Jerome David Jonsson   (WINNER) Mikey Madison Nabhaan Rizwan Best Director Anora  - Sean Baker The Brutalist  - Brady Corbet   (WINNER) Conclave  - Edward Berger Dune: Part Two  - Denis Villeneuve Emilia Pérez  - Jacques Audiard The Substance  - Coralie Fargeat Best Leading Actor Adrien Brody - The Brutalist  (WINNER) Timothée Chalamet -  A Complete Unknown Colman Domingo - Sing Sing Ralph Fiennes - Conclave Hugh Grant - Heretic Sebastian Stan - The Apprentice Best Leading Actress Cynthia Erivo - Wicked Karla Sofía Gascón - Emilia Pérez Marianne Jean-Baptiste - Hard Truths Mikey Madison - Anora  (WINNER) Demi Moore - The Substance Saoirse Ronan - The Outrun Best Film Anora The Brutalist A Complete Unknown Conclave   (WINNER) Emilia Pérez

Yellowjackets season three continues the legacy of its previous two seasons with building on the things viewers loved the most: expanding on the minds and existences of these characters while giving them room to grow, or get worse, as time progresses. While this season opens on a slow note, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. The pace in these opening four episodes sets the stage for multiple intriguing storylines to be expanded on as the show progresses while giving its cast the time to shine with their material.  Disclaimer: This article contains minor spoilers for Yellowjackets season 3. Photo by Kailey Schwerman/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME Episode one opens with the teen Yellowjackets surviving the winter, opening the door for a fresh storytelling perspective during the summer and the girls being able to survive in an easier environment that mirrors Season 1. We see this shift on screen from the hardships the survivors faced in Season 2 to the survivors happily being able to cope with being in the wilderness - everyone besides for Shauna. Shauna’s realistic stand on struggling to live with the ongoing trauma from the crash puts emphasis on the delirium the rest of the crew is experiencing in the wild.  This narrative continues throughout episode one and sets up an important background to what the adults will face in their timeline. There are bits and pieces sprinkled throughout the first four episodes where we see the adults debate the balance of life in relation to “It” from the wilderness (especially in a plotline with Adult Taissa and Van, but I won’t get into that because of spoilers). Seeing these characters question their morality and legacy frames them in a new light, especially after everything they’re been through. Speaking of framing people in a new light, one of my favorite things from this season is the decision to highlight side characters within the teen timeline. Seeing some of these characters and their stories being expanded on was an exciting inclusion that adds more depth to the past while letting new and old characters show different sides of themselves. This allows for refreshing perspectives being brought to the table that I hope continues with future episodes. Another highlight of this season was the incorporation of more horror elements. Audiences get to see this play out in both the adult and teen timeline (in ways that I won’t expand on because of, again, spoilers) that adds onto how the wilderness impacted these individuals regardless of the timeline. Whether this is done through nightmare sequences or being haunted by a presence, the addition of trippiness will intrigue viewers and keep people on their toes. Photo by Kailey Schwerman/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME If you love character-driven stories and explorations of grief, love, and relationship building, then you are going to love this season of Yellowjackets . As I mentioned, this season dives into the psychology of these characters like never before: Teen Lottie openly talks about her mental health, Adult Misty’s storyline (so far) has been grief-ridden, Teen Shauna lets her guard down to an unexpected companion, Adult Taissa and Van’s relationship gets put in the spotlight, and more. This cast takes already intriguing material and runs with it, giving nuanced performances throughout every episode that are determined to leave the audience impressed, intrigued, and wanting more. Rating: 4.5/5 The first two episodes of Yellowjackets season three are now streaming on Paramount+ with episodes airing every Friday.