DESIRE on Netflix is a steamy thriller from Mexico (org. title: Deseo). If you look at the teaser cover or watch the trailer, you’ll know what to expect. And while it delivers on both steam and thrills, the characters are very unlikable. Read our full Desire movie review here and find it on Netflix now!

DESIRE is a Netflix thriller from Mexico (org. title: Deseo). The scene opens with a woman cleaning around an indoor pool and suddenly coming across a lot of blood. Oh yes, someone has died, and now we go back in time to see how it all ended fatally.

I am always curious about these steamy thrillers, and they can surprise you by actually having a decent plot and interesting characters. One such example was the Prime Video series 56 Days, which I ended up really enjoying. The same cannot be said for this new movie, which annoyed me for the most part. Unfortunately.

Continue reading our Desire movie review below. Find it on Netflix now.

Desire and power in one big mess

Desire (org. title: Deseo) is as much about power and drama as it is desire, really. In fact, too much of this storyline felt like something out of a telenovela. And not even a particularly good or entertaining telenovela.

We meet Lucero (Ludwika Paleta), a successful lawyer, married for 20 years, and with two kids. Her life seems to be exactly as she wants, but we all know looks can be deceiving. Also, she clearly has difficulty buttoning her very nice shirts, so her bra isn’t always showing.

As a result, Lucero soon becomes involved with her daughter’s new swim coach, Matías (Óscar Casas). He’s from Spain, used to compete in the Olympics as a swimmer, and has a rocking body (of course). Needless to say, there’s much more to this story than just a passionate affair that comes out of seemingly nowhere.

It soon turns out to have tragic consequences. The kind that threatens everything in her life and will lead to even bigger problems.

Want steamy scenes? Well, you’ll get ’em

I’m not a particularly difficult viewer with extremely high standards for a steamy thriller. In fact, I just want a decent plot and a few likable characters. That’s often enough for me to be at least moderately entertained. Is that really too much to ask for?

I don’t think so.

Nor should it be out of what one should expect.

With Desire, the plot is in the title, and yet there’s also the whole crime and murder aspect of it. I suppose that part works okay, ultimately, but I did not like any of the characters. They are, in a word, unlikable. Now, for someone like me, that is simply unacceptable.

If I don’t care who dies or who kills, then what’s the point? I mean, I won’t care about who’s having affairs or who might get hurt when everyone is being a jerk in some way. As such, the movie lost me early on, and it never recovered.

Watch Desire on Netflix now

Desire comes from director Teresa Simone, and this is her feature film debut. Again, I am not a fan of the story, but the production quality is impressive, and everything from the pace to the visuals works just fine. As such, I can’t say that she didn’t do a good job with this movie.

My issue is with the story and (mostly) the characters. Now, those elements come from screenwriters Giulia Cardamone and Vanessa Miklos. They’ve worked on shorts as writers before, but that seems to be it.

Desire has already been out in theaters in both Mexico and Spain. And I can understand why, as these kinds of steamy thrillers do tend to sell tickets. I don’t know if that was the case for this movie, but I’m sure it’ll get plenty of views on Netflix.

For me, there were no real surprises in this Mexican Netflix thriller. Not if you pay attention. But hey, if you’re looking for something to just relax with (classic Netflix and Chill), then have at it. The runtime is just 98 minutes, which is too long, but not that bad for the twists and turns along the way.

Desire is out on Netflix from July 17, 2026.

Details

Director: Teresa Simone
Screenwriters: Giulia Cardamone, Vanessa Miklos
Cast: Ludwika Paleta, Óscar Casas, José María Yázpik

THE EAST PALACE on Netflix is a South Korean Horror Period Fantasy series with eight episodes in season 1. This genre-mix has several kinds of evil spirit monsters, and should work for fans of similar period fantasy productions from South Korea. Read our The East Palace series review here!

THE EAST PALACE is a Netflix series from South Korea. This one is a horror fantasy in a period-piece setting.  In that sense, it’s not unlike the successful series Kingdom, which I really liked. However, this 2026 Netflix series is focused on evil spirits that manifest as all kinds of creative monsters.

Personally, I’m more of a zombie girl, so this wasn’t really my jam. Having said that, I have to acknowledge the impressive quality of the production. Especially the sound design. Watching this with a fairly good home sound system was a gorgeous audio experience. The series has eight 45-minute episodes.

Continue reading our The East Palace series review below. Find it on Netflix now.

A Ghost-Slaying Swordsman

For some people, the idea of a “ghost-slaying swordsman” will sound like a brilliant premise. For others, not so much. If this does sound like your thing, then The East Palace will probably make for great entertainment.

The South Korean Netflix series The East Palace is the story of Gu-cheon. He’s a man who can travel back and forth between our world and the world of ghosts and spirits of all kinds. Don’t worry, there is an explanation for this, which comes early in episode 1.

Along with a court lady with a big secret, Saeng-gang, he is summoned by the King himself. There’s a real problem at the palace, as all the sons of the King are dying one by one. They are the Crown Princes, so he needs at least one to keep the royal lineage going.

Unfortunately, for the King, the palace seems to be cursed, and now Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang are tasked with getting rid of this curse. Of course, this is easier said than done, which is why the first season has 8 episodes.

Gorgeous production all around

With The East Palace, you’ll be getting a truly gorgeous production. It looks amazing, sounds spectacular, and the storyline is complex and engaging. If this fantasy horror period-piece is your thing, obviously.

In the cast, we have Nam Joo-hyuk (Twenty Five Twenty One, Start-Up) as Gu-cheon, the young man who can see and fight ghosts. Battling with him and keeping him on track is Roh Yoon-seo (Crash Course in Romance, 20th Century Girl) as Saeng-gang.

Without giving away too much, I can reveal that she also has certain abilities that are out of this world. Together, they are the best chance of helping the King, played by Cho Seung-woo (Divorce Attorney Shin, Sisyphus). And yes, he also has a few secrets and ulterior motives himself.

Watch season 1 of The East Palace on Netflix now

The East Palace (org. title: Donggung) comes from writers Kwon So-ra and Seo Jea-won. They’ve already had success with somewhat similar premises in the series Bulgasal: Immortal Souls and The Guest. As director of the eight episodes of the series, we have Choi Jung-kyu (The Devil Judge, Children of Nobody).

As much as I cannot help but compare The East Palace to Kingdom due to its Korean origin, this latest Netflix series is probably more like The Witcher. With all the fantasy creatures and elements of a magical nature, I think this would be ideal for any fan of both the worlds of Kingdom and The Witcher.

If that’s you, then you’re probably in for a real treat. For me, not so much. I can easily acknowledge how well it’s made, but it doesn’t get under my skin. Not that other fantasy shows haven’t managed this, but The East Palace just didn’t do as much for me.

The East Palace (org. title: Donggung) premieres on Netflix on July 17, 2026.

Details

Director: Choi Jung-kyu
Writers: Kwon So-ra & Seo Jea-won
Cast: Nam Joo-hyuk, Roh Yoon-seo, Cho Seung-woo

IN A COLD VEIN is a crime thriller with a crisp runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes and a plot that evolves non-stop. It has both twists and turns that surprise and a few very predictable plot developments. I was entertained but not particularly impressed. Read our full In a Cold Vein movie review here!

IN A COLD VEIN is a new genre hybrid that I enjoyed for its fast pace and entertainment value more than its overall storyline. The plot of this crime thriller was interesting and surprising at first. However, some of the later twists didn’t work too well for me.

That’s just my personal experience, but with a runtime of just 85 minutes, it’s definitely worth checking out. I just always get a little annoyed when I feel the ending lets down what came before. In fact, I found myself not really liking any of the characters towards the end of the movie, which is never good.

Continue reading our In a Cold Vein movie review below. Find it on VOD from July 17, 2026.

A night of survival and revenge

In this crime thriller hybrid, you’ll also get a lot of action-packed scenes. In a Cold Vein focuses on a kidnapped man left for dead, who goes after the people who ordered the kidnapping and attempted murder of him. As a result, the entire movie is one long night of survival (at first) and then pure revenge (in the end).

The man, who was kidnapped and left for dead, is described in the plot as simply “a desperate father”, but he is (of course) much more than that. However, in this plot is a clue as to how it will all unfold.

After surviving the attempt on his life, he goes on a mission to find his missing son. You see, there is much more to this story than “just” him being kidnapped. And it will result in several people getting hurt along the way.

Twists and turns… maybe one too many?!

As much as I love it when a story keeps me guessing, I also need to care about the characters. For this to happen, I need to get to know them. And I also need to trust them and somewhat understand them.

With In a Cold Vein, this was the case at first, but the final twist was maybe a little too much for me. Hey, I get it, and it certainly explained a lot. Still, it didn’t result in the overall story evolving in the best way. Not for me, anyway.

The description of “the truth behind the conspiracy is a shocking betrayal” will quickly lead to a few “usual suspects”, which means the surprise isn’t that big. It worked, sure, but could’ve been better. Again, that’s just me, and I still want to acknowledge that the overall pace and action worked well in this crime thriller.

Watch In a Cold Vein on Digital

Eric Owens is the writer and director of In a Cold Vein, which turned out to be a movie where I enjoyed the craft more than the story. Or the form over the content, if you will. It’s not that the story is bad; it just didn’t really work too well for me. I know, I sound like a broken record, but it’s the reason I’m not more excited.

And, to be honest, I should be more excited as the pace and acting worked well. This wasn’t made with a huge budget, and the production quality is solid.

Also, the cast with Evan Gamble (Fear the Walking Dead) in the lead, plus Brian Villalobos (Man Finds Tape), P Michael Hayes, Mor Cohen, Cliff Dean, Marc Pouhe,  and Steve Brudniak (Hypnotic) worked really well. There’s a real lack of women in the cast (just one, really), which never does much good for any movie.

Overall, the biggest issue I had with the movie was that everyone was sort of the “bad guy” while also having redeeming qualities. I much prefer it the other way around: A “good guy” who is ready to do something bad when the situation calls for it. As a result, this isn’t my jam, but I acknowledge that it isn’t a bad movie either.

In a Cold Vein is available on Digital and On Demand on July 17, 2026.

Details

Director: Eric Owen
Writer: Eric Owen
Cast: Evan Gamble, Brian Villalobos, P Michael Hayes, Mor Cohen, Cliff Dean, Marc Pouhe, Steve Brudniak

THE ODYSSEY is the latest movie from Christopher Nolan, who has now turned his attention to a full-blown epic adventure. A mythical action epic, if you will. It’s the perfect genre blend for anyone who loves adventure stories. And I certainly do. Read our review of The Odyssey here and watch it in your local movie theater!

THE ODYSSEY is coming to theaters worldwide, and I cannot recommend it enough. Christopher Nolan’s latest movie delivers on epic monsters, a wildly inventive witch, brutal battle sequences, and unforgettable heroes and villains. It’s exactly the kind of genre mash-up adventure fans dream about.

And yes, I’m absolutely one of them.

Of course, the story itself and the fact that Christopher Nolan is behind the movie are enough to get anyone’s attention. Then you have the ensemble cast, which is overflowing with A-list Hollywood talent. Even the smaller supporting roles are filled with major names.

In this story, sprawling across multiple locations and spanning decades, there are quite a few “smaller” key characters as well. Of course, the movie also has a hefty three-hour runtime.

Keep reading our review of The Odyssey below. The movie opens in US theaters on July 17, 2026.

Nothing Short of an Epic Adventure

As I’ve already established, adventure stories are very much my thing, so The Odyssey is the kind of movie that seems tailor-made for me. Add Christopher Nolan as director, and this incredible cast, and it would have taken quite a spectacular crash for me not to enjoy it.

Thankfully, it easily lived up to my high expectations. Sure, it could have been trimmed just a little, but then again, it also has an enormous story to tell. The kind that truly deserves the “epic” moniker!

Whether your heart beats for space adventures like Star Wars or more grounded, yet equally magical, fantasy worlds like The Lord of the Rings, this is the story that came before them all. Homer’s Odyssey (or at least the version attributed to Homer, even if these tales likely existed long before they were written down) is truly ancient. Literally.

We’re talking about stories that are, at least in part, older than the New Testament itself. These are the myths that inspired many (if not most) of the countless epic adventures that followed. Trying to summarize the plot here would honestly do you more harm than good.

There are too many names, gods, kingdoms, and characters for a quick overview to make much sense.

That alone makes Christopher Nolan’s achievement all the more impressive. He somehow keeps the audience oriented throughout this massive story. Yes, you need to pay attention, but I think it’s perfectly fair to expect that from anyone sitting down to watch a Christopher Nolan movie. Or any movie, for that matter.

And if you do go see The Odyssey (which I absolutely recommend), you’ll be treated to several sequences that could easily have come straight out of a horror movie.

Enjoy the Incredible Cast Bringing Homer’s Odyssey to Life

I’m of the firm conviction that a movie like The Odyssey gives filmmakers plenty of room to be creative with casting. That’s exactly why I loved seeing Elliot Page (The Umbrella Academy) in such a pivotal role. Christopher Nolan has, after all, worked with the actor ever since Inception (2010).

The same goes for the casting of Helen of Troy, played here by the wonderful Lupita Nyong’o (Us, A Quiet Place: Day One). At the end of the day, we’re talking about mythology.

Through generations, many have had no problem portraying Jesus as blond-haired and blue-eyed. Even to this day. On that same token, no one should be overly sensitive about casting choices in other legendary tales of the epic and mythical kind. And that’s all I’ll say on that subject.

Leading the cast are Matt Damon (Oppenheimer), Anne Hathaway (Interstellar), and Tom Holland (The Devil All the Time), who provide the emotional backbone of the story. Supporting them in key roles are Robert Pattinson (Tenet), Zendaya (Euphoria, Dune), John Leguizamo, and Charlize Theron (The Old Guard).

Genre fans, in particular, will also have plenty of familiar faces to enjoy. Among them are Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth (MaXXXine), James Remar (Dexter), Logan Marshall-Green, Ryan Hurst (Sons of Anarchy), Samantha Morton (Alpha from The Walking Dead), Himesh Patel, and Josh Stewart (The Collected).

Watch The Odyssey in Theaters

Christopher Nolan once again wrote the screenplay himself while also directing and producing the movie. As usual, he produced it alongside Emma Thomas through their production company, Syncopy. That’s long been the formula that allows Christopher Nolan to fully realize his creative vision.

Naturally, The Odyssey is based on Homer’s epic poem. As mentioned earlier, scholars still debate whether Homer actually wrote these stories or if he ought to be credited more for compiling existing myths into one monumental tale.

Whatever its true origins, Christopher Nolan has transformed this timeless myth into a breathtaking cinematic epic. So why doesn’t it quite earn a perfect score? For me, it comes down to the runtime. It never feels painfully long, but you do become aware of just how much time has passed.

My editor (and Heaven of Horror co-founder) felt this even more strongly than I did, but I ultimately agree that it’s the one element holding the movie back.

And despite my love for adventure stories, I still think both Inception and Interstellar remain stronger films. Those are movies I cannot stop watching if I happen to come across them playing on good ol’ flow TV, commercials and all. That says quite a lot.

The Odyssey is playing in US theaters from July 17, 2026.

📺 Watch trailer

Details

Director: Christopher Nolan
Script: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, James Remar, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Nick E. Tarabay

LUCKY on Apple TV is a new action thriller series starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role. It’s survival and revenge in one, and I enjoyed it much more than expected. Actually, I did expect to like it, but the trailer didn’t win me over. Fortunately, the very first episode did. Read our Lucky series review here!

LUCKY is an Apple TV series with a great cast and a fast-paced plot. As someone who wasn’t the biggest fan of the trailer, actually watching the series was a wonderful surprise. From the very first episode, I was hooked, and I am happy to say that it lasts. And not least, thanks to the many twists and turns along the way.

This is an action-thriller hybrid, officially, but I loved the whole crime and mystery part of it just as much. Very early on, you’ll realize this is a survival and revenge story. Lucky (Anya Taylor-Joy) is focused on surviving, but others are in danger, as well. As far as revenge goes, there is plenty to go around!

Continue reading our Lucky season 1 review below. Find the first two episodes on Apple TV on July 15, 2026.

Survival of the smartest

The thing I first noticed about Lucky is that this isn’t a story about being the strongest or the fastest. Instead, it’s about being the smartest. Sure, some luck helps as well, but fortune favors the bold, and Lucky is certainly a very bold young woman.

When the series begins, we meet her in the aftermath of a successful heist of sorts. Unfortunately, her luck doesn’t last long, and soon she will have to use all the skills taught to her by her dad (Timothy Olyphant) if she is to survive.

Lucky soon finds herself hunted down from several sides, so she needs to embrace her darker side. The kind that will cheat and lie without batting an eye. Not to hurt anyone else, but to ensure her own survival. In a very literal sense, mind you.

Through flashbacks, we learn that she was raised to be smart and always notice ways out of any sticky situation. It’s all about remaining calm and in control. Also, it’s about ensuring you have cash and transportation so you can keep moving onward and away from danger.

Anya Taylor-Joy has more smarts than luck here

Despite both the name of her character and the Apple TV series, Anya Taylor-Joy plays a character who survives on being smart rather than being lucky. Sure, there are a few instances where luck plays a part, but that can be said for most people. In far more cases, she lives to see another day by outsmarting everyone else.

This is hardly a new character trait for Anya Taylor-Joy, who has played everything from an android in Morgan to a chess genius in The Queen’s Gambit, a witch in The VVitch, and even a mutant in The New Mutants.

More recently, we also saw her fighting monsters in The Gorge. In Lucky, she’s “only” up against very human criminals.

Also in the amazing cast of Lucky, you’ll see Annette Bening (The Bride!), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Lovecraft Country), Drew Starkey (Hellraiser), Clifton Collins Jr. (M.F.A.), and William Fichtner (The Outer Threat).

Start watching Lucky on Apple TV

The 2026 Apple TV series Lucky is based on the New York Times bestselling novel and Reese’s Book Club pick of the same name by Marissa Stapley. The TV series is created, co-showrun, written, and executive produced by Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project) through his Tropper Ink banner as part of his deal with Apple TV.

Executive producer Cassie Pappas (Griselda, Silo) serves as co-showrunner alongside Jonathan Tropper. The series is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter for Hello Sunshine, while star Anya Taylor-Joy executive produces through her production banner, LadyKiller.

The episodes of the series are directed by Jonathan van Tulleken (the Cape Fear series), Greg Yaitanes (Presumed Innocent), and Jet Wilkinson (Before, First Kill). Jonathan van Tulleken, who directed the pilot, also executive produces.

Personally, I always see it as a good sign when those in the cast or crew also produce. It just feels like they’re that much more invested in the project.

Overall, I was expecting to enjoy Lucky for the cast, and I did. However, I also truly enjoyed the plot, which I wasn’t expecting too much from. Lucky will get its global debut on Apple TV with the first two episodes, which are then followed by new episodes every Wednesday through August 19, 2026.

Lucky premieres on Apple TV on July 15, 2026.

Details

Creator: Jonathan Tropper
Writers: Jonathan Tropper, Cassie Pappas
Director: Jonathan van Tulleken, Greg Yaitanes, Jet Wilkinson
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Clifton Collins Jr., Drew Starkey, William Fichtner, Mo McRae

Fantasia Film Festival is once again serving up one of the year’s most exciting genre lineups, and honestly, narrowing it down to just seven movies wasn’t easy.

The 2026 edition of the legendary Montreal film festival offers everything from creature features and vampire folklore to homegrown Canadian horror, revenge thrillers, and highly anticipated sequels. As always, Fantasia proves that horror is thriving across every corner of the world, with established genre masters sharing the spotlight with exciting new voices.

Whether you’re attending the festival in person or simply keeping an eye on the titles destined to dominate horror conversations over the coming year, these are the seven horror movies we’re especially excited to watch at Fantasia Film Festival 2026.

Freaks Part II

One of the biggest events at Fantasia 2026 is undoubtedly the World Premiere of Freaks Part II, which also closes this year’s festival.

After the original Freaks quietly became a genre favorite and directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein went on to deliver the hugely successful Final Destination: Bloodlines, expectations couldn’t be much higher for their return to this universe.

Several years have passed since the first film, and Mary (Amanda Crew, FREAKS) and her daughter Chloe now live in hiding while being hunted by the terrifying Abnormal Defense Force. Early descriptions promise inventive gore, emotional storytelling, explosive action, and timely themes surrounding authoritarianism, family, and identity.

The original balanced superhero mythology with intimate drama remarkably well, and Freaks Part II sounds ready to expand that world in bigger, bloodier ways.

Colony

Whenever Yeon Sang-ho releases a new genre film, it immediately lands on our watchlist.

The filmmaker behind Train to Busan returns with Colony, a biotech nightmare that transforms a scientific conference into a desperate fight for survival after a rapidly mutating virus unleashes cannibalistic attackers.

The premise may sound familiar on paper, but Yeon Sang-ho has repeatedly demonstrated an unmatched ability to elevate zombie and outbreak stories with emotional depth, social commentary, and relentless tension.

Following its launch at Cannes 2026, Colony arrives at Fantasia for its Canadian Premiere, making this one of the festival’s biggest international horror highlights.

No Rest for the Wicked

Few films in this year’s lineup sound as unique as No Rest for the Wicked.

Director Kasper Kalle brings a haunting queer vampire love story to the rugged landscape of the 19th-century Faroe Islands, combining Gothic romance, folk horror, religious oppression, and entirely new additions to vampire mythology.

The comparisons to Carl Theodor Dreyer and Robert Eggers certainly caught our attention, but it’s the film’s commitment to building something entirely its own that makes it especially exciting.

As Danish horror continues gaining international attention, No Rest for the Wicked feels like another landmark entry that could resonate far beyond the festival circuit.

And it doesn’t hurt that Pilou Asbæk (RUN SWEETHEART RUN, GAME OF THRONES) stars.

Fantasia 2026 Continues to Be Every Horror Fan’s Happy Place

Every year, Fantasia Film Festival reminds us why it’s one of the world’s essential destinations for genre cinema. The 2026 lineup once again blends established filmmakers with exciting newcomers, showcasing everything horror has to offer, from intimate psychological nightmares and atmospheric folk horror to explosive action, creature features, and blood-soaked revenge.

These seven films are only scratching the surface of what Fantasia has in store, but they’re certainly the titles we’ll be racing to catch first.

Want more horror picks and festival coverage? Follow us for updates from Fantasia and beyond! Or you can subscribe to our newsletter.

MURDER 101 on Prime Video is a true crime documentary series in three parts. If you want productions that focus on the victims, then this one is ideal for you. I found this to be both very inspirational and deeply emotional in all the right ways. Read our full Murder 101 docuseries review here!

MURDER 101 is a Prime Video documentary series with three hour-long episodes. Trust me, this is the kind of production you’ll find it very difficult not to binge-watch. It all revolves around a High School sociology class that focuses on cold cases. Mostly by looking at the victims in the case. I would’ve loved to take such a class.

I was expecting to like this true crime docuseries, but I didn’t expect to enjoy both the production and the people in it as much. We’re talking high school students, who are just being very honest and showing us all that “kids these days” are exactly as we’ve always been. Give them an interesting project, and they’re hooked.

Continue reading our full Murder 101 docuseries below. Find it on Prime Video now.

A serial killer cold case becomes hot

Watching Murder 101, I almost found myself getting upset that it took a high school class to get someone looking at this cold case. I mean, we are talking about a serial killer with a very specific type, who killed so many young women in a very short span in the 1980s.

All his victims were redheads, so the media named it the “Redhead Murders“, and – as is so often the case – most weren’t even identified. Once a victim was identified as a sex worker, this just meant less of a focus on the case. Also, it became too easy for people to start victim-blaming and assume that all the victims were probably sex workers.

I am grossly oversimplifying, but at the same time, you know how this goes. So really, I’m just stating facts.

In any case, this Prime Video docuseries is all about a high school sociology class in rural Tennessee. Here, the students help revive a decades-old case, which turns this ice-cold case into a very active hunt for a killer.

What a difference a good teacher makes

As someone who enjoyed going to school and actually learning stuff, I’ve always been acutely aware of what difference a good teacher can make. If you haven’t been blessed with at least one really good teacher, Murder 101 just might show you exactly what kind of difference this makes.

In this docuseries, we see a teacher who engages and inspires his students, which in turn means they want to get involved and spend time. In short: They want to learn!

A classroom project done right is always so much more effective than most people realize. In this case, it focuses on an actual true crime case that they find clues for. However, it goes so much further for each student. Inspiring them both to understand the victims better and maybe even helping them choose a future career.

Watch Murder 101 on Prime Video now

The Prime Video docuseries Murder 101 is based on the successful KT Studios and iHeart Media true crime podcast. I am not familiar with the podcast, but I certainly love the concept of this documentary series. The three episodes are directed by Stacey Lee (The Secrets of Hillsong).

The Murder 101 docuseries is executive produced by Jon Watts (Clown), Dianne McGunigle (Final Destination: Bloodlines), and Stephanie Lydecker (The Idaho Student Murders).

All three episodes of the series will be available on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Maybe it can help inspire similar classes in schools all over the world. Whenever someone gives a cold case more time (and fresh eyes), there’s a chance of new clues being uncovered.

I loved how this classroom project evolved into a real-life investigation. And I am a huge fan of the approach where the victims are at the forefront. Not only are they given a name (something other projects also focus on), but they also notice overlooked clues that have been long forgotten.

The true crime docuseries debuted its first episode at the Sundance Film Festival. It was part of the Nonfiction Pilot Showcase earlier this year, and I can only imagine this will be a huge hit. Both on Prime Video and as inspiration for more classes in high schools all over the United States. Hopefully, even the world.

Murder 101 is out on Prime Video from July 13, 2026.

SHIPWRECKED: NIGHTMARE AT SEA on Netflix is a true crime disaster documentary. It is extremely well-made and absolutely heartbreaking. From the first-hand accounts of the event to the footage, you’ll feel like you were there. Read our full Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea documentary review here!

SHIPWRECKED: NIGHTMARE AT SEA is a Netflix documentary about the luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia. The ship sank on Friday the 13th of January, just off the coast of a small island in the Tuscany region of Italy. I remember the 2012 catastrophe vividly. Not least the actions of the captain.

This documentary is labeled as a “disaster documentary”. However, I would argue that it’s also a true crime documentary. After all, the disaster wasn’t natural, but rather man-made. Also, several people were convicted and given prison sentences. All of this is included in the final half hour of the documentary.

Continue reading our Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea documentary review below. Find it on Netflix now.

Useless and incompetent captain

It’s impossible not to compare the events shown in Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea with those of the Titanic. Once again, a ship hits something that causes water to come in with such force that the ship ultimately sinks. Also, there is (again!) an issue with the lifeboats.

The Costa Concordia sank on January 14, 2022 (after crashing into a piece of cliff on Friday the 13th), just off the coast of Giglio Island in the Tuscany region of Italy. They should never have been that close to the island, which is just one of the things that went wrong.

Overall, the captain made many mistakes. He would be known as Captain Coward because he abandoned ship early on.

A famous conversation with the coast guard is also played, and I clearly remember seeing this on the news: The coast guard is angry and virtually ashamed that the captain has abandoned ship and orders him to go back. Captain Francesco Schettino does not follow this order, as he has already gotten safely off the ship.

So many lives lost

Officially, 32 lives were lost in the Costa Concordia tragedy. 27 passengers and 5 crew members. One more person is still missing, but is considered a victim, making the total 33. In Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea, we hear from survivors, and some of them lost loved ones in the disaster.

The people interviewed include many passengers, who speak very honestly about the brutal experience and how it affected them in the years that followed. Also, we hear from crew members, including a chef, a dancer (Rose Metcalf, who was an absolute hero), and the Costa Concordia hotel manager.

From the rescue aftermath, there is a fire brigade diver, a member of the forensic investigation team, and a CNN correspondent. With all these people getting interviewed, we get a very well-rounded documentary that focuses both on the emotional toll and the legal aspects of the disaster.

In fact, I learned that as terrible as the Captain’s actions were (and they were abhorrent), he wasn’t the only person to blame. He even raised concerns about issues that would be part of the disaster.

Key lesson: Horror fans survive!

Admittedly, this is not a core element of the Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea documentary, but I still want to highlight something. You see, two of the people who survive the tragedy are fans of The Walking Dead. As such, they do what many of us do: Talk about how to survive the zombie apocalypse.

This means they look around and notice both exits and possible weapons. While the latter wouldn’t be necessary, the former would become a key. And I always say that horror fans tend to notice and think about these things, so I loved having actual real-life proof in this Netflix documentary.

On a personal note, I would also never have chosen to be on a cruise ship on a Friday the 13th. I mean, come on, that’s just playing with horror lore fire. I joke, of course, but also… I don’t!

Watch Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea on Netflix now!

The Netflix true crime disaster documentary hybrid comes from director Chiara Messineo (producer of Vatican Girl). She has created something full of facts, while also leaving plenty of room for the emotional toll. With Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea, you’re getting a documentary that takes us, viewers, through the 2012 maritime catastrophe.

Plus, thanks to all the actual footage and first-hand accounts, you get very close.

And yes, it is more terrifying than most horror movies. Also, it’s impossible not to feel their dread and fear. Both from hearing them describe the events and from what was caught on camera. The fear and horror are palpable.

So is hearing the translations of the ship’s black box recordings, which expose the cowardly captain.

Finally, I would say that you should probably skip this if you have a cruise ship trip planned. However, with the lesson of The Walking Dead fans surviving, I would say you should definitely watch this. After all, it’s better to prepare for something that will (hopefully) never happen than be caught completely off guard!

Watch it, regardless of whether you love going on cruises or would never dream of it. Also, watch this Netflix documentary because it is truly well-made and follows the chronology of the tragic disaster!

Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea is on Netflix from July 10, 2026.

NIGHT NURSE is often called a psychosexual thriller, but to me it felt more perverted. I don’t want to kink shame, so let me just acknowledge that it did not work for me. I can appreciate the filmmaking craft and quality, but I downright loathed the storyline. Read our full Night Nurse movie review here!

NIGHT NURSE is a thriller that also has words like “erotic” and “psychosexual” attached. Well, that may well be, but it did nothing for me. Or, no, that’s not true. It made me cringe as I found no reason for the way the story escalated. I need a lot more storyline or character introduction for any of the plot to make sense.

There’s clearly a wish to make a David Lynch-inspired movie here. And I can see that. However, for me, it came nowhere near what he has created. Instead, and I apologize for this comparison, it made me think of Compulsion. Well, except that the production quality of Night Nurse is much higher!

Continue reading our Night Nurse movie review below. You can find it in select theaters on July 10, 2026.

So, you want to be a scammer?!

The title of Night Nurse may sound good for a thriller. It could just as well have been titled “So, you want to be a scammer” or maybe “Old scammer, young nurse”. Yeah, I am a little bitter because I expected this story to be one thing, and it was something very different.

I mean, if you read a plot about a “starry-eyed nurse” who becomes “entangled with her mysterious patient” and a “series of perverse scam calls”, then you wouldn’t expect this either. I don’t think many would.

It all plays out in an idyllic retirement community. A place not unlike what we see in The Boroughs. Well,  except everyone seems to have a personal nurse. The kind that virtually coddles them, despite these senior citizens looking healthy enough.

Anyway, before you know it, the young nurse will be making scam calls at the behest of an elderly man in pajamas. Next, she just cannot resist him. No one can, apparently. Suddenly, there’s a whole throuple situation (three people in one relationship).

“How? Why?!” you may wonder.

Well, don’t look to me for answers, as I do not understand these characters at all.

And the actors are clearly doing as asked, so I’m not going to go after them.

Real-life inspiration… sort of

To me, this felt like something made by a stereotypical “dirty old man” as a fantasy brought to life on screen. It wasn’t even made by a man, but instead by a younger woman. Now, I have no problem with age differences (as long as two consenting adults are involved), but it just made no sense to me.

Apparently, this movie was inspired by a phone call the director’s grandmother received one night, years ago. This was a scam caller, not unlike what you’ll see in the movie.

Sounds like a great premise, I can appreciate that.

However, how do you go from your grandmother nearly getting scammed – due to feeling needed by the person pretending to be her grandchild – to writing a psychosexual erotic thriller from the POV of the scammer?! I do not understand.

Nor do I really want to, I suppose.

There’s also a love of the iconic doomed “love story” that played a part in the creation of this movie. And I understand this part even less. To me, there is a huge difference between a steamy relationship (that came out of nowhere in this movie) and an actual love story. This one offers neither, as I experience it.

But hey, that’s just me, and I am clearly not the key demographic. Not that I know who would be.

Watch Night Nurse in select theaters

Night Nurse was written & directed by Georgia Bernstein. This is her feature film debut as both director and screenwriter, which presents me with a bit of a conundrum when it comes to this review. On the one hand, I can appreciate the craftsmanship of filmmaking as a director. On the other hand, I loathed the plot.

Yes, loathed is a strong and very loaded word, but it feels appropriate here. And I’m sorry for that, but I can also gather that I’m not the only one with this experience.

If you’re curious, then – by all means – check it out for yourself. You always should, no matter what any film review or user review says. To me, however, the plot sounded really intriguing, and the final product was not at all what I expected. I did not enjoy this one at all, but I appreciate the filmmaking qualities.

Night Nurse opens in select theaters on July 10, 2026.

Details

Director: Georgia Bernstein
Writer: Georgia Bernstein
Cast: Cemre Paksoy, Bruce McKenzie, Eléonore Hendricks, Colleen Rose Trundy, Mimi Rogers