Set across eight beautifully crafted episodes, The Five Star Weekend transports audiences to the idyllic shores of Nantucket Island, where celebrated food blogger Hollis Shaw (Jennifer Garner) is still struggling to rebuild her life six months after her husband’s sudden death. Searching for comfort, and perhaps a way back to herself, Hollis devises the ultimate girls’ getaway, inviting four women from different chapters of her life to spend a weekend together at her luxurious Nantucket home.

Those guests include childhood best friend Tatum McKenzie (Chloë Sevigny), former college roommate Dru-Ann Jones (Regina Hall), fellow motherhood companion Brooke Kirtley (D’Arcy Carden), and social media confidante Gigi Ling (Gemma Chan). What begins as an idyllic retreat soon evolves into something far more layered as old wounds, hidden resentments, unexpected revelations and long-held secrets slowly bubble to the surface.

Rather than relying on melodrama alone, The Five Star Weekend carefully peels back each character’s emotional layers, creating a story that feels authentic, intimate and refreshingly human.

Jennifer Garner Delivers One Of Her Finest Performances

At the centre of it all is Jennifer Garner, who reminds audiences exactly why she remains one of Hollywood’s most effortlessly likeable leading ladies. As Hollis Shaw, Garner delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance, capturing every shade of grief, resilience, vulnerability and hope with remarkable sincerity.

Hollis initially presents herself as the perfect hostess, the smiling face behind a wildly successful food empire, but beneath that carefully curated exterior lies a woman quietly questioning every decision she’s ever made. Garner allows those cracks to emerge naturally, never forcing the emotion, making Hollis’ journey feel deeply personal and incredibly relatable.

As the series unfolds, it’s clear that Hollis’ greatest challenge isn’t simply mourning her husband, but rediscovering the woman she was before life became defined by marriage, motherhood and public success. Garner embraces that evolution beautifully, giving audiences a character whose emotional journey becomes increasingly compelling with every episode.

A Celebration Of Female Friendship

While grief provides the emotional foundation, The Five Star Weekend is ultimately a celebration of womanhood and the friendships that carry us through every season of life.

Each member of Hollis’ carefully assembled group arrives carrying emotional baggage of her own, and the chemistry between the ensemble is exceptional. Chloë Sevigny brings sharp honesty to Tatum, Regina Hall injects wit and confidence into Dru-Ann, D’Arcy Carden offers warmth and humour as Brooke, while Gemma Chan delivers a quietly captivating performance as Gigi.

Together, these women create a fascinating emotional tapestry. Conversations shift effortlessly between hilarious banter and deeply moving vulnerability as decades of shared history collide with unresolved conflict. The result is a story that feels remarkably honest about friendship, acknowledging both the joy and the complexity of relationships that span a lifetime.

It’s a refreshing reminder that sometimes the people who know us best are also the ones most capable of challenging us to grow.

A Feast For The Eyes

Beyond its emotional storytelling, The Five Star Weekend is simply gorgeous to look at.

Nantucket itself becomes a character, with its windswept beaches, rolling dunes, picturesque harbours and luxurious coastal homes providing the perfect backdrop for this tale of reinvention. Every frame feels sun-drenched and inviting, while the production embraces an understated East Coast elegance that radiates effortless sophistication.

Fashion lovers will find plenty to admire too, with wardrobes effortlessly balancing classic preppy style, breezy coastal chic and relaxed luxury. Naturally, the series also celebrates Hollis’ culinary world with beautifully photographed meals and indulgent foodie moments that are almost guaranteed to leave audiences hungry.

Every visual choice works together to create an atmosphere that feels comforting, aspirational and wonderfully immersive.

Final Verdict: The Perfect Long Weekend Binge

The Five Star Weekend understands exactly what it’s trying to be, and succeeds with confidence. It’s a smart, emotionally engaging drama that balances laughter with heartbreak while celebrating friendship, healing and the courage it takes to embrace life’s next chapter.

Led by Jennifer Garner’s captivating performance and supported by an exceptional ensemble cast, the series delivers warmth, humour, mystery and genuine emotional depth in equal measure. Whether you’re drawn in by the beautiful Nantucket setting, the compelling relationships or simply looking for a thoughtful escape, this is a series that quietly works its way into your heart.

Beautifully acted, emotionally resonant and wonderfully comforting, The Five Star Weekend is the kind of feel-good television that deserves to be savoured.

The Five Star Weekend is streaming NOW on HAYU.

Image: HAYU

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Check out the brand new trailer below:

Heres the official synopsis:

The Harrigans, heads of North London’s largest criminal empire, are on the brink of civil war, and their rivals are starting to notice. As tensions within the Harrigan family intensify, their ‘fixer’ Harry Da Souza is the only one that can keep them from falling apart.

While this new look trailer doesn’t give too much away as to the mania that is about to be unleashed in Season Two of Mobland, what is certain is that audiences will be in for a hell of a ride as Tom Hardy’s resident fixer Harry Da Souza is tasked with resolving the chaos that is unleashed as the bonds that hold the Harrigan’s begin to tear at one another, and it’s going to make for a thrilling new watch.

The teaser delivers plenty of quickfire moments and also sets the stage for a confrontation between Harry and Beast (Johnny Flynn), a new and totally unhinged gangster who is fresh on the scene and ready to have a go at the Harrigan’s regardless of the chaos that unfurls.

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Set to the kinetic beat of The Prodigy’s infamous rave track ‘Firestarter’, this new teaser promises plenty of heat and edge, and with its unhinged family drama, brooding crime thriller narrative, and one-of-a-kind characters, Season Two of Mobland will be a must watch when it lands on September 18.

Season One of Mobland is now streaming on Prime Video.

Image: Prime Video

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Watch the brand new trailer for Dune: Part Three here:

Following on from the previous teaser trailer, this new look full trailer for Dune: Part Three promises an incredible and scale of the narrative that follows Dune/em> and Dune: Part Two and now finds Paul Atreides, better known as Muad’Dib, now declared the ruler of the known Universe, and who with an armed legion of fanatical warriors has unleashed a genocidal crusade that brought wanton destruction and chaos across his domain. But now the seeds of conspiracy and revolt hand in the balance and rule of Muad’Dib is set to be challenged and it shall make way for a cinematic experience that will leave audiences utterly flawed.

Academy Award nominee Timothée Chalamet looks to be delivery a far darker and more intense performance this time around as Paul Atreides as his megalomaniacal rule is threatened fro m within, and Chalamet is setting up a very interesting arc and development for this his character. Another key player who features prominently within the final narrative, and in the trailer, is Jason Momoa who returns as Hayt, a ghola or manufactured human who has been craeted in the likeness of Duncan Idaho, the sword master of House Atreides who died fighting to protect Paul, and who is now a pawn in the hands of the calculating Scytale (Robert Pattinson), a Tleilaxu Face Dancer who executes a plan to dethrone Paul.

 

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Dune: Part Three is again set to deliver an immense sense of scope and feeling, and you can feel the prestige energy that is vibrating off of the imagery with this picture. The sense of world building and the impressive cinematography of Linus Sandgren melds well with the narrative and storytelling of Villeneuve, and audiences who are Dune: Part Three is a story that will excite all of the audiences senses.

Ready yourself for a monumental watch when Dune: Part Three arrives in cinemas on December 17.

Image: Warner Brothers Pictures

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Set against the vivid backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles, the series follows a group of privileged high school seniors at an elite prep school as they navigate identity, sex, jealousy, obsession and the dangers lurking beneath the surface of American adolescence.

At its center is Bret (Igby Rigney), an aspiring writer and keenly observant teenager whose reality begins to unravel with the arrival of a mysterious and magnetic new student, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere). Transferring in just before his senior year, Robert’s appearance coincides with the growing terror of The Trawler, a serial killer targeting teenagers across the city.

Alongside Bret is his elite social circle, which consists of Susan Reynolds (Kaia Gerber), Debbie Schaffer (Hayes Warner) and Thom Wright (Graham Campbell), a glamorous and deeply entangled group drawn into a life of wealth, beauty, parties and excess.

Check out the brand poster for The Shards below:

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Along with this new look poster (and hopefully a first look trailer is not long off as well), it’s also been confirmed that a brand new line-up of artists will add to the 1980s themed tone of the project with new music to be provided by Hayes Warner, Troye Sivan and Sivan’s longtime collaborator Leland.

With it’s story of autobiographical teenage angst, and serial killer horror at its centre, The Shards will deliver a gnarly watch for eagerly viewers, and we’ll certainly be lining up for this one when it arrives on August 6 on Disney+.

Image: Disney+/FX Networks

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The breakout horror sensation has officially smashed $25 million at the Australian and New Zealand box office, with distributor Rialto Distribution celebrating a phenomenal theatrical run that has transformed the film into one of the biggest horror success stories of recent years.

Even more impressively, Obsession is now set to claim the title of the highest-grossing horror release across Australia and New Zealand in the last decade, cementing its status as a genuine cinematic phenomenon.

A Horror Event Audiences Couldn’t Resist

Great horror has always been built around shared experiences.

Whether it’s the collective gasp, nervous laughter or outright screams echoing through a packed auditorium, the genre has consistently delivered some of cinema’s most memorable theatrical moments; and Obsession has tapped directly into that magic.

Powered by exceptional word-of-mouth and an ever-growing legion of horror fans, the film has become one of the year’s true must-see theatrical events, demonstrating that audiences are still eager to leave the couch behind when a film offers a truly unforgettable experience.

For Kelly Rogers, CEO of Rialto Distribution, the achievement reflects both the enduring popularity of horror and the power of the theatrical experience.

“To see Obsession reach $25 million across Australia and New Zealand is an incredible achievement,” Rogers said.

“Horror has always been one of the most powerful theatrical genres, and audiences have embraced this film in a way few could have predicted. This milestone is a testament to strong word-of-mouth, passionate fans and the enduring appeal of seeing a truly terrifying story unfold on the big screen.”

Another Landmark For Rialto Distribution

While Obsession has become the distributor’s latest box office juggernaut, it also continues an extraordinary run of success for New Zealand-born distributor Rialto Distribution.

Long recognised as one of Aotearoa’s biggest champions of local cinema, Rialto has released more New Zealand productions than any other distributor, bringing 19 Kiwi films to cinemas over the past five years while consistently delivering record-breaking performances at the domestic box office.

Among those successes are Tenor: My Name Is Pati, which became the highest-grossing New Zealand film of 2026 to date with more than $1.19 million, Prime Minister, the country’s biggest documentary release in more than a decade, Muru, the highest-grossing New Zealand film of 2022, alongside acclaimed local releases including Not Only Fred Dagg, Bookworm and Sgt. Haane.

Together, these films showcase Rialto’s remarkable ability to connect New Zealand audiences with stories that matter—whether they’re homegrown dramas and documentaries or major international theatrical releases.

The Big Screen Strikes Back

At a time when streaming continues to dominate entertainment conversations, Obsession serves as another powerful reminder that cinemas still possess a unique magic.

Audiences are increasingly turning out for films that promise more than just another night of entertainment; they’re seeking genuine event cinema, shared experiences and unforgettable moments that can only be found in a packed theatre.

With Obsession now standing as the highest-grossing horror film released across Australia and New Zealand in the past decade, the film has firmly established itself as one of the defining theatrical success stories of 2026.

For horror fans, one thing is abundantly clear: fear has never been so profitable.

Image: Rialto Distribution

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Projectile insemination, slimy extraterrestrials, practical creature effects and an unexpected alien pregnancy are all on the menu in Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, the gloriously bonkers debut feature from Kiwi filmmaking duo THUNDERLIPS (Sean Wallace and Jordan Mark Windsor), and which is ready to be unleashed on audiences at this year’s Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) on August 7.

Equal parts outrageous body horror, sci-fi comedy and heartfelt coming-of-age story, Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant looks set to become one of the year’s most unforgettable homegrown cinematic experiences.

Watch the all-new trailer below:

Expanding upon their acclaimed 2024 short film, Wallace and Windsor deliver a wonderfully bizarre story centred on twenty-something shut-in Mary (Hannah Lynch), whose hopes of finally moving out of home are spectacularly derailed following a rather unfortunate extraterrestrial encounter.

After an unexpected projectile-insemination incident leaves her carrying an alien lifeform, Mary suddenly finds herself battling sceptical doctors, an utterly hopeless baby daddy and an overly enthusiastic mother, all while attempting to reclaim control of her future.

It’s a premise that embraces the wonderfully absurd, but beneath the tentacles, slime and creature chaos lies a surprisingly heartfelt story exploring expectation, autonomy, family and growing up. And yes; there’s plenty of goo!

Before making its way home, Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant has already enjoyed an impressive international festival journey.

The film made its World Premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, before delighting audiences at the Fantasia International Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, and is next set to screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

Critics have embraced the film’s fearless originality, with Geek Vibe Nation praising its “sharply written script” that cleverly uses its outlandish premise to explore themes of expectation, choice and parenthood, while Daily Dead described it as “a gooey little sci-fi miracle.”

For producers Alix Whittaker, Morgan Leigh Stewart and Ilai Amar, bringing the film back to New Zealand audiences marks an especially exciting milestone after months on the international festival circuit.

Leading the cast is Hannah Lynch (The Rule of Jenny Penn) alongside Arlo Green (Nautilus), with an ensemble packed full of familiar New Zealand talent including Yvette Parsons (The Power of the Dog), Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers) and Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows).

Produced by Morgan Leigh Stewart, Alix Whittaker and Ilai Amar under the Hot Candle Wave banner, the film was created with support from the New Zealand Film Commission, with Umbrella handling distribution across Australia and New Zealand while XYZ Films oversees international sales.

One Of The Year’s Most Original Kiwi Films

Kiwi cinema has never been afraid to embrace the strange, and Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant looks set to continue that proud tradition with an irresistible blend of practical effects, outrageous comedy, sci-fi spectacle and genuine emotional warmth.

Following rave reactions from audiences around the globe, New Zealand moviegoers will finally have the chance to experience this gloriously gooey adventure when it premieres at the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival on Friday, 7 August, before arriving in cinemas across the country later this year.

Image: The Public Good

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Running through till 10 August, the Oscar-qualifying festival has unveiled its full 2026 programme, presenting an impressive collection of 49 feature documentaries, 26 short films and 12 immersive storytelling experiences that shine a light on some of the world’s most urgent issues while celebrating resilience, creativity and the human spirit.

With screenings taking place in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, alongside the nationwide Virtual Cinema, Doc Edge once again cements itself as one of New Zealand’s premier cultural events for lovers of documentary storytelling.

An Incredible Showcase Of World Premieres

One of the festival’s biggest draws this year is its remarkable collection of 28 world premieres spanning film and immersive media.

One of the this year’s most intriguing offerings was Feather Strength, directed by Jon Earle. More than a decade in the making, the deeply personal documentary chronicles Earle’s family’s journey raising his daughter with profound developmental disabilities, offering an intimate portrait of love, resilience and the realities of caregiving.

Another standout is Ranginui: Call of the Ice, where Māori astronomer Rangi Matamua and language expert Mataia Keepa venture into Antarctica, blending modern science with mātauranga Māori in one of Earth’s most unforgiving environments, and which makes for a perfect and timely Matariki watch.

Meanwhile, First Cuts Are The Deepest follows three young students across Thailand over six years, capturing the friendships, challenges and defining moments that shape their lives through vastly different educational experiences.

Stories That Matter

True to Doc Edge’s reputation, the 2026 programme refuses to shy away from the issues shaping our world.

Audiences can expect documentaries exploring family, Indigenous knowledge, environmental collapse, conflict, activism, music, creativity and survival, with filmmakers from around the globe bringing fresh perspectives to stories that resonate on both local and international levels.

A special French showcase, presented with support from Institut Français and the Embassy of France in New Zealand, adds another exciting dimension to this year’s programme, featuring acclaimed documentaries including Inside Gaza, Collapse, Cagnat, Drawing or Nothing and If You Don’t Like It, Look Away.

The programme also celebrates homegrown filmmaking with screenings including The War Below: Restoring Hope in the Solomon Islands and a special presentation of NZ Wars: Stories of Waerenga a Hika.

A New Festival Hub For Auckland

One of the biggest additions to this year’s festival is the transformation of Auckland’s iconic Smith & Caughey building into the new home of Doc Edge, and which is an awe-inspiring sensory experience that is just waiting to be seen.

The World Press Photo & Doc Edge Immersive Exhibition combines award-winning international photojournalism with cutting-edge immersive experiences under one roof for the very first time in New Zealand.

This raw and unflinching look at the world around makes for an utterly gripping and sobering experience as we audiences share in the events that have shaped our world, and the very experience of what makes us human on this planet.

Serving as both exhibition space and festival hub, this venue is the beating heart of Doc Edge throughout the festival, welcoming audiences, filmmakers and industry guests for a unique celebration of documentary storytelling.

Don’t Miss Doc Edge Festival 2026

Whether you’re passionate about global affairs, fascinated by remarkable true stories, or simply looking for unforgettable cinema, Doc Edge Festival 2026 promises one of its strongest programmes yet.

With dozens of world premieres, immersive experiences and documentaries that entertain, educate and inspire in equal measure, audiences across New Zealand have an incredible opportunity to experience the very best in contemporary documentary filmmaking.

Doc Edge Festival runs 24 June – 10 August 2026, with screenings taking place in Auckland until July 12, with screenings in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and nationwide via the Virtual Cinema. Learn more here.

Image: Doc Edge Festival 2026

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A Dangerous Game of Betrayal

Picking up immediately after the shocking conclusion of Season One, gifted CIA NOC operative Brandon Colby, better known by his callsign “Martian”, finds himself promoted to Deputy Director of Operations at the CIA’s London Station. But with greater authority comes even greater danger. Determined to protect the woman he loves, Dr. Samia Fatima “Sami” Zahir (Jodie Turner-Smith), Martian is forced ever deeper into a web of lies, manipulation and impossible choices that threaten not only his career, but his life.

From its opening episode, The Agency wastes no time escalating the tension. Double-crosses, covert negotiations and shifting allegiances come thick and fast as showrunners Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth expertly expand the series’ already intricate mythology. Joined by directors including Neil Burger and Grant Heslov, the creative team masterfully balances multiple converging storylines without ever losing sight of the emotional core that drives the series.

Every episode leaves audiences questioning who can be trusted, and the result is a constantly evolving narrative where every conversation feels like a battle of intelligence and every decision has potentially catastrophic consequences.

Michael Fassbender Commands Every Scene

At the heart of it all remains Michael Fassbender, delivering one of the finest performances of his career.

Martian continues to be an endlessly fascinating anti-hero; an enigmatic, emotionally guarded operative whose greatest weapon has always been his ability to stay three steps ahead of everyone else. Yet Season Two cleverly begins stripping away that certainty, exposing cracks beneath his icy exterior as the weight of his choices slowly catches up with him.

Fassbender plays the role with remarkable restraint, allowing the smallest expressions and subtle shifts in body language to communicate volumes. The audience is rarely certain what Martian is truly thinking, and that uncertainty becomes one of the show’s greatest strengths. While he remains brilliantly adept at manipulating allies and enemies alike, Season Two continually reminds us that even master strategists cannot control fate forever.

It’s a layered, psychologically rich performance that makes Martian one of television’s most compelling modern spies.

Grounded Espionage With Real-World Weight

One of The Agency’s greatest strengths is its commitment to realism. Rather than relying on explosive action set pieces, the series builds its suspense through intelligence work, political manoeuvring and psychological warfare.

Season Two expands its scope considerably, weaving together dangerous operations in Iran alongside the emergence of a terrifying mercenary threat led by the ruthless Viking, played with chilling intensity by Clayne Crawford. Given today’s geopolitical climate, the international storylines feel unsettlingly relevant, lending the series an added layer of authenticity that makes every development hit even harder.

The tension rarely lets up. Every negotiation, surveillance operation and clandestine meeting feels like it could erupt into violence without warning, while the bureaucratic realities of CIA operations are balanced against the brutal consequences of black ops missions taking place in the shadows.

Visually, the series remains exceptionally polished. Stylish cinematography, moody European locations and a cool, understated aesthetic give The Agency an atmosphere all its own, perfectly complementing its measured, cerebral storytelling.

Final Verdict: Razor Sharp Spy Thrills

Season Two confidently builds upon the strong foundations established in its debut, expanding both its characters and its world while delivering an even more absorbing espionage thriller. Intelligent, emotionally charged and relentlessly suspenseful, The Agency proves that the smartest spy stories don’t rely on spectacle, they rely on exceptional writing, layered performances and constant psychological tension.

For audiences craving a sophisticated thriller that rewards patience and attention, The Agency is essential viewing, and Season Two cements it as one of the finest espionage dramas currently streaming.

Season Two of The Agency is now streaming on NEON.

Image: NEON

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Long before Harvard Law School, courtroom victories and “What, like it’s hard?”, there was high school. Elle follows a young Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree) as she navigates first love, friendship, family upheaval and discovering the inner strength that will eventually define her. Stylish, nostalgic and packed with heart, this is one series that’s absolutely made for the girlies.

Season One of Elle follows Elle Woods before she was a fish-out-of-water at Harvard. We meet her in 1995 as a fish in the tumultuous waters of high school where she encounters tricky friendships, forbidden romance, and questionable fashion choices. Through it all, Elle uses her family as a touchstone, and forms an even tighter bond to her mother, proving that they can get through anything life throws their way as long as they have each other. With each challenge she faces, Elle grows closer to the Elle Woods we know and love today.

An Origin Story With Plenty of Heart

Set in 1995, Elle finds the ever-sunny Elle Woods suddenly becoming a fish out of water when her father becomes embroiled in a shocking scandal. Forced to leave glamorous Beverly Hills behind, the Woods family relocates to rain-soaked, grunge-infused Seattle, where Elle must navigate an entirely different world during some of the most important years of her life.

Can a California blonde survive the Pacific Northwest? More importantly, can “blonde go grunge”?

Produced by Reese Witherspoon through Hello Sunshine, Elle serves as both a loving prequel to Legally Blonde, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary—and a confident coming-of-age drama that proudly stands on its own. Rather than simply recreating familiar moments, showrunners Laura Kittrell and Caroline Dries carve out a fresh story that explores who Elle was before she became the confident lawyer audiences know and love.

The freedom to tell a completely new story allows the series to flourish. It digs into Elle’s emotional growth, her developing sense of justice and the experiences that begin shaping the woman she will ultimately become. Fans will certainly recognise the DNA of Legally Blonde, but Elle confidently establishes its own identity from the very first episode.

Lexi Minetree – Becoming Elle Woods

Everything about Elle depended on finding the right actress to inherit one of pop culture’s most beloved roles—and Lexi Minetree is nothing short of a revelation.

From the moment she appears on screen, Minetree captures the unmistakable spirit of Reese Witherspoon’s original performance while bringing her own warmth, vulnerability and authenticity to the role. There are moments where her mannerisms, delivery and infectious optimism feel almost uncanny, yet she never slips into imitation.

This is Elle Woods before she truly knows who she is. Crushes, cliques and popularity still dominate her world, but when life suddenly pulls the rug out from beneath her, she is forced to reassess everything she thought mattered.

Watching Minetree navigate that emotional journey is genuinely rewarding. Her Elle remains endlessly optimistic, witty and compassionate, but she gradually begins looking beyond shopping trips, fashion shows and social status to discover a much deeper sense of purpose. It’s in these quieter moments of reflection that Minetree truly excels, revealing remarkable emotional depth while never losing the sparkling charm that makes Elle so instantly lovable.

She doesn’t simply play Elle Woods, she earns her place as the next generation of the character.

A Wonderful Family Dynamic

The supporting cast gives Elle tremendous emotional grounding.

June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott deliver wonderfully heartfelt performances as Eva and Dr. Wyatt Woods, Elle’s devoted parents, whose unwavering love helps shape the woman she is destined to become.

Raphael is a particular standout as Eva; a Chanel-clad Beverly Hills socialite who effortlessly balances elegance with genuine warmth. While impeccably stylish, Eva is also refreshingly honest with her daughter, offering advice on everything from boys to confidence and becoming an inspiring role model in her own right. Raphael gives the character tremendous depth, making every mother-daughter conversation feel authentic and heartfelt.

Tom Everett Scott is equally impressive as Dr. Wyatt Woods. Facing professional and personal setbacks, Wyatt remains a compassionate father determined to help his family through difficult times. His quiet strength provides some of the series’ most touching moments and further reinforces the loving family dynamic at the centre of Elle.

A Touching Final Performance

The series also carries an unexpected emotional weight through the late James Van Der Beek’s performance as ambitious politician Dean Wilson.

Appearing in his final on-screen role, Van Der Beek brings quiet confidence and gravitas to the character, making each of his scenes especially poignant. His performance serves as a touching farewell to an actor who has long been part of popular culture, and audiences will undoubtedly feel the emotion behind every appearance.

Fashion, Music and Peak 1990s Nostalgia

If Elle excels anywhere beyond its storytelling, it’s in recreating the unmistakable magic of the 1990s.

From glamorous Beverly Hills to Seattle’s grunge movement, the series beautifully captures two completely different worlds while making both feel vibrant and authentic.

Costume designer Sara Byblow deserves enormous praise for crafting a wardrobe that celebrates every side of ’90s fashion. Whether it’s Elle’s signature preppy pink ensembles or Seattle’s darker flannel-and-docs aesthetic, every outfit feels meticulously researched while remaining stylish enough to inspire today’s fashion lovers. This is nostalgia done right—and yes, you’ll absolutely be tempted to refresh your wardrobe afterwards.

The soundtrack is equally fantastic, featuring iconic artists including Garbage, No Doubt, Madonna, Soundgarden and Nirvana. Every song perfectly complements the story while immersing viewers in one of pop culture’s most unforgettable decades.

Bruiser Woods Is the Scene-Stealer We All Needed

And yes, the real diva of the Legally Blonde universe finally arrives.

Bruiser Woods makes his adorable debut as Elle’s faithful puppy companion, instantly stealing every scene he appears in. Whether you’re already a lifelong Bruiser fan or meeting him for the first time, every appearance is guaranteed to make you smile.

Sometimes all a girl needs is her dog—and Bruiser proves exactly why he’s an icon.

The Verdict: Blonde’s Have All The Fun

Legally Blonde became a defining film for an entire generation by reminding audiences that intelligence, kindness, ambition and femininity can all exist together. It encouraged women to chase their dreams unapologetically while staying true to themselves.

Elle beautifully builds upon that legacy.

Filled with heart, humour, fabulous fashion and genuine emotional warmth, it offers a fresh chapter that feels both nostalgic and entirely new. Whether you’ve loved Elle Woods since 2001 or you’re discovering her story for the first time, this prequel is a joyful celebration of friendship, family, finding yourself and embracing exactly who you are.

So slip into your favourite pink outfit, pour a Cosmopolitan, gather your besties (and your favourite furry companion), and settle in. Elle is one of 2026’s most charming, uplifting and stylish television series—and one that proves pink will never, ever go out of fashion.

Elle is streaming now on Prime Video.

Image: Prime Video

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Whenever we hear the news that Robert Eggers is ready to get back behind the camera, it’s cause for excitement, and after the blood-curdling, gothic glory that was 2024’s Nosferatu, Eggers is ready to return to screens with a project that he has touted as his ‘darkest narrative yet’ in Werwulf…. and its first trailer will chill you to the bone.

Watch the freakishly raw new trailer for Werwulf below:

Drawing on the director’s fascination with monsters, mythology, and folklore, Eggers dials the drama and intensity back to the 13th century, as a vicious monster prowls the desolate and scarred English countryside, and a cursed man must desperately search for a way back to the light.

Conceived with noted poet and writer Sjón, who helped deliver Eggers’ Viking epic The Northman, this first look at Werwulf promises a tale of unnatural terror as pagan rituals smash against the shadow of Christianity in a world of pure instinct and reaction, and this first trailer definitely left us unnerved.

By giving audiences only a taste of what awaits in Werwulf, Eggers delivers an edgy, uncompromising film whose action is intense and whose horror is beastial and terrifying in its impact. Eggers has also been very clear that Werwulf will not follow the standard ‘werewolf-bite-narrative’ which has now become standard and almost cliché, but instead he has described this story as being very much about trying to outrun a curse that one did not naturally invite.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is front and centre as the unnamed protagonist, merely known as The Cursed Farmer, who is desperate for a chance to shed the beast that lives inside him, and he gives a completely animalistic performance as this shaken and broken man. There’s also the presence of Lily-Rose Depp as The Cursed Farmers’ Wife, who understands that there is a force inside her husband that cannot be tamed, and who desperately gives her love to him, while Willem Defoe could very well deliver his most freakish performance to date as The Hunter who wants to rids the lands of this beats no matter the cost, and his presence is utterly devilish in the narrative.

Shaping the script with Early Modern English, which required Eggers and Sjón to work with Oxford Academics, no detail has been left unturned, and the film carries a richness in both texture and feeling that will bring audiences deeper into its horrific experience. The cinematography of Eggers’ collaborator and friend Jarin Blaschke also deserves praise for its orthochromatic look, which incorporates the grain structure of black-and-white film onto colour film, with the film shot on 35mm Film Stock to amplify the vision Eggers seeks to bring to the big screen.

With its monstrous narrative and blood-drenched visuals of pure horror, Werwulf is an experience not for the faint of heart, and best say your prayers, because we’re pretty sure audiences won’t leave this one unscathed, but with its release this Christmas, we could very much see a picture that could reshape the very experience of horror cinema forever.

Image: Universal Pictures

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