In a unique twist on the horror-comedy genre, The Parenting, directed by Craig Johnson, brings together an ensemble cast led by Lisa Kudrow and Brian Cox. Set to premiere on Max on March 13, this film promises to entertain with its blend of supernatural elements and family dynamics. The story revolves around a young gay couple, played by Nik Dodani and Brandon Flynn, who plan a weekend getaway with their families at a country home. Unbeknownst to them, the house harbors a demon that turns their retreat into a nightmarish adventure. With moments of both terror and laughter, the trailer hints at unconventional methods to combat the haunting, including a possessed dog and some unexpected nudity from Cox. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema, the movie showcases the talents of Edie Falco, Dean Norris, Vivian Bang, and Parker Posey.
An Unsettling Country Retreat in the Clutches of Poltergeists
In the heart of a serene countryside, a picturesque weekend getaway takes an eerie turn for Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), a young gay couple inviting their families to bond over a few days away from home. What starts as a peaceful escape quickly descends into chaos when strange occurrences begin to plague the house. “There is something really bad happening in this house,” Josh declares, realizing they are not alone. As the situation escalates, the group finds themselves trapped in a haunted abode, facing inexplicable phenomena. One of the most memorable scenes involves an innovative approach to subduing a possessed dog, adding a touch of dark humor to the terrifying scenario. Meanwhile, Brian Cox’s character adds an element of surprise with an impromptu nude stroll through the house, leaving audiences wondering about the plot's peculiar twists. Directed by Craig Johnson, The Parenting masterfully blends suspense and comedy, delivering a fresh take on the haunted house trope.
From a viewer's perspective, The Parenting offers more than just scares; it delves into the complexities of family relationships under extreme circumstances. The film serves as a reminder that sometimes, the scariest thing about family gatherings isn’t the supernatural but the unpredictable nature of being together. It challenges us to laugh at our fears and find humor in even the most daunting situations. This movie is set to become a must-watch for fans of horror-comedies, offering a unique blend of thrills and laughs while exploring deeper themes of love and acceptance.
An independent animated film, Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, has claimed the prestigious award for Best Animated Feature at this year's 97th Academy Awards. This remarkable achievement comes as a surprise to many, as it outshone major productions from industry giants such as Disney and DreamWorks. The film’s success not only marks a significant moment for independent filmmakers but also sets a new precedent for low-budget animation. With a modest budget of $3.7 million, Flow managed to captivate audiences and critics alike, winning both the Golden Globe and PGA Award prior to its Oscar triumph.
The story of Flow unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world submerged under water, where a cat embarks on an extraordinary journey aboard a boat with an eclectic group of animals. Director Zilbalodis emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation during his acceptance speech, stating that despite their differences, all creatures must work together to survive. This theme resonated deeply with viewers and critics, who praised the film for its innovative storytelling and emotional depth.
Zilbalodis expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hoped that this win would pave the way for more independent animators worldwide. The film's success is particularly noteworthy given its competition against high-budget films like Inside Out 2 ($200 million) and The Wild Robot ($78 million). Despite the disparity in financial resources, Flow stood out for its unique visual style and compelling narrative, proving that creativity and vision can surpass financial investment.
In addition to its Oscar win, Flow has made history as the first Latvian film to achieve such recognition at the Academy Awards. Host Conan O’Brien humorously remarked on this milestone, jesting about Estonia’s turn next. The event took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where celebrities graced the red carpet, adding glamour to the evening. The film’s victory highlights the power of independent cinema and the potential for smaller productions to make a big impact on the global stage.
The opening weekend of the Spring Classics in northern Europe has set the stage for an unpredictable season. Despite both men's races culminating in bunch sprints, no major disasters or defining crashes occurred, leaving the classics wide open. Notably, sprinters took center stage, with Jasper Philipsen celebrating a birthday victory. Meanwhile, established teams like Visma-Lease a Bike faced challenges, while younger riders showed promise.
Sprinter Triumphs Highlight the Weekend
The first weekend of the Spring Classics was marked by strong performances from sprinters, particularly Jasper Philipsen, who secured a third-place finish at Omloop Nieuwsblad and a victory at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on his birthday. Philipsen's results have positioned him as a key player in the early classics, dispelling any doubts about his form after a less successful start to the season at the UAE Tour. His ability to navigate the cobbled terrain and position himself for a sprint finish has been commendable, making Alpecin-Deceuninck a team to watch as the classics progress.
Philipsen's victories were not just a matter of speed but also strategic positioning. In both races, he managed to stay in contention despite the challenging climbs and cobbled sections. His performance at Omloop Nieuwsblad, where he placed third, demonstrated his versatility. By the time Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne rolled around, Philipsen was ready to capitalize on his momentum. His win, achieved on his birthday, showcased not only his sprinting prowess but also his mental resilience. This early success has set a high bar for the rest of the classics season, with Philipsen and his team now in the spotlight.
Mixed Results for Established Teams and Emerging Talent
While sprinters like Philipsen shone, established teams such as Visma-Lease a Bike and Soudal-QuickStep experienced mixed fortunes. Visma-Lease a Bike, coming off a difficult 2024 season, faced further challenges this weekend. Despite having strong riders like Wout van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson, the team struggled to execute their race plans. Van Aert, although present, did not find the opportunities to make a decisive impact, and teammate Olav Kooij finished second at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. The team's struggles highlight the competitive nature of the classics, where even top-tier squads can face setbacks.
In contrast, younger riders from teams like Lidl-Trek and Ineos Grenadiers showed promise. Lidl-Trek's Mathias Vacek, a 22-year-old Czech rider, made a significant impression by leading the peloton through key climbs, including the Kapelmuur. While the team's sprinter Jonathan Milan finished sixth at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Vacek's performance indicated the squad's growing strength. Similarly, Ineos Grenadiers, fielding a youthful lineup, managed a top-five finish at Omloop Nieuwsblad. Riders like Sam Watson and Josh Tarling demonstrated potential, hinting at a bright future for the British team in the classics. The emergence of these young talents adds an exciting dimension to the classics landscape, promising more competitive racing ahead.