Exclusive Chinese series The Victims' Game debuts worldwide today

Today marks the global premiere of Netflix’s exclusive Chinese series The Victims’ Game. The series is produced by Greener Grass Production, a winner of numerous Golden Bell Awards in Taiwan. The story is inspired by The Fourth Victim, a bestselling book written by Taiwanese mystery novelist INFINITY.

Starring accomplished actors like Joseph Chang, Wei-Ning Hsu and Shih-Hsien Wang, and featuring one of the most watched Chinese TV actresses, Ruby Lin, this exciting 8-episode mystery and investigation series is set to blow your mind.

Chief Executive Producer Han-xian Zeng says:
“Apart from eye-catching entertainment elements such as serial murder incidents, suspense reasoning plots, as well as stylised character settings, the essence of the story told in The Victims’ Game lies in humanity and love. The main character is a talented forensic expert and a father unable to express his feelings. By hunting down the perpetrators in a series of cases, he tries to rescue those in society who have given up on themselves. However, he also has a hidden agenda unknown to others.

What will happen next? With a level of emotional arousal rarely achieved in the crime investigation genre, this series hopes to resonate with audiences from Taiwan and the rest of the world and take them on a 9-hour mind-striking journey.

Chief producer Sheng-jung Tang adds that:
“The Victims’ Game not only preserves its original Taiwanese features, but also embraces a global perspective. This crime based series set in the local investigation environment of Taiwan, providing a brand-new vision to audiences throughout the world in a narrative way like no other. It is definitely a production that deserves worldwide attention. We hope that global audiences would come to know these talented cast and crew through this series!”

Netflix’s exclusive Chinese Series The Victims’ Game will be premiering globally on 30 April.

About The Victims’ Game
As a forensic detective with Asperger’s syndrome, Fang Yi-Jen detects key evidence in a mysterious murder and discovers that the evidence links to his estranged daughter. In order to find out the truth without being noticed by his police colleagues, he takes risks by utilising his forensic knowledge to mislead his irritable detective partner Chao Cheng-Kuan who is also on this case. In the meantime, he sets out to co-investigate with Hsu Hai-Yin, an adventurous journalist who holds important clues to the case. Fang Yi-Jen eventually realises that the key to the truth is not his excellent forensic knowledge but the feelings and emotions that have been long suppressed…

MotoGP™20 | Launch Trailer

Rev up your engines for a new chapter of the MotoGP™ series! MotoGP™20 is back with a revived Managerial Career mode and more. Awaiting you are even more realistic graphics, improved gameplay, a new way to experience the historic content and all the excitement of the 2020 season!

MANAGERIAL CAREER MODE
Decide whether to join a 2020 season team and race together with the official riders or join a totally brand new team following your manager's advice. A complete entourage is ready to support you on path to the glory.

BIKE DEVELOPMENT
Improve your bike's performance during specific career tests by introducing changes to certain technical aspects:

GRAPHIC AND TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS
MotoGP™20 introduces major graphic improvements to sky, asphalt, settings, weather, lighting, vegetation and damage on the bike, which will also have an effect on its overall performance. You will be able to enjoy more realistic physics, where you will have to learn to monitor your tire wear and the braking system.The new 3D models of the riders, the face scans of official team managers and new animations will make you feel even more immersed in the MotoGP™ world.

Buy on Xbox One
Buy on PS4
Buy on Switch

Edge of Extinction - First Poster and Trailer for post-apocalyptic thriller starring Luke Hobson, Georgie Smibert and Chris Kaye.

The post-apocalyptic thriller is set fifteen years in the future, and stars Luke Hobson, Georgie Smibert and Chris Kaye.

The film will be released across all major On Demand and Download platforms from May 18, with a DVD released later in the year.

15 years after a global apocalypse, mankind is on the verge of extinction. Civilisation no longer exists, food is scarce and most eke out a living by stealing and killing. One man clings onto life in his bunker, where staying away from others has been key to his survival. But this self-imposed isolation comes to an abrupt end when he crosses paths with another group of survivors and faces an enemy far more brutal and savage than any of them could have imagined.

Commenting on the release, Matthew Kreuzer, Commercial Director at Lightbulb Film Distribution, said: 
“We are extremely excited to be releasing this British post-apocalyptic thriller. Edge of Extinction is an independent, hard-hitting actioner that is very of the moment.”

Andrew Gilbert, Director of the film, added: 
“Making Edge of Extinction and bringing its brutal post-apocalyptic world to life has been a real labour of love for us and we’re super excited to finally be showing this unique British film to the world!”

Edge of Extinction will be released on Digital Download from May 18 here and on DVD later in the year here, both can be pre-ordered now

Pre-Order on DVD from Amazon
Pre-Order on demand from iTunes

The Dinner Party - Starring Jeremy London, Bill Sage, Miles Doleac - Poster, Trailer and Release information

Bill Sage (American Psycho, “Power”) and Jeremy London (Mallrats, The Devil’s Dozen) star in writer-director Miles Doleac’s The Dinner Party, coming to theaters, DVD and Digital this June from Uncork’d Entertainment.

Renowned surgeon and culinary enthusiast, Carmine Braun, invites playwright, Jeffrey Duncan, and his wife to join his eccentric friends at their semi-annual dinner party, having promised to fund Duncan’s new play to Broadway. As the evening descends into madness, the group’s true intentions are revealed, along with an ancient secret that will change the Duncans’ lives and fortunes forever.

Lindsay Anne Williams, Mike Mayhall, Alli Hart, Ritchie Montgomery and Miles Doleac also star.

The Dinner Party will hit theaters June 5 (TBC), be available on DVD and Digital from Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, Fandango Now, Xbox, Dish Network, Direct TV and through local cable providers.

Tom Allen to explore 65 years of TV adverts

Comedian Tom Allen is to delve into the advertising archives in a new series produced by Boundless for Channel 4.

Tom Allen: Ad Man (w/t) celebrates 65 years of the nation’s best-loved and most outrageous TV adverts, charting the changing values and attitudes of the UK along the way.

During a romp through six decades of the TV ads that made us gasp, laugh, cry and buy, Tom reveals what some of Britain’s most iconic ad campaigns really say about us. Over four episodes, he’ll take a smart look at the infamous and the long-forgotten, unearthing ads that could be baulked at or banned today, as well as revisiting the nostalgic, the heart-warming and the uplifting.

Tom will make viewers think as well as laugh, as he delves into the issues of gender, race, class and Britishness, and explores how our evolving attitudes to these issues have been reflected in the ads beamed into the nation’s living rooms.

Filmed from the comfort of Tom’s own home, Tom Allen: Ad Man (w/t) will feature playful spoofs and lots of laughs, alongside thought-provoking observations. It will be filmed with a self-shooting kit while Tom is self-isolating in the home he shares with his parents.

Tom Allen said: “I’m delighted to be analysing the world of advertising which, in our consumer age, has really dictated how we see ourselves. I don’t even know who I am unless I’m buying something! If I buy Ski Yoghurt - does that make me a health freak? If I choose Diet Coke - does that mean I should take my top off? Would drinking Cinzano make me Joan Collins??! Anyway, fingers crossed it’s just as glamourous as the programme Mad Men, but here’s hoping I don’t start smoking, drinking Scotch during the day and having an affair with my secretary.”

Cry Havoc (2020) Trailer - Starring Robert Bronzi and Richard Tyson - On Demand 5th May

Robert Bronzi, the star of Death Kiss and Once Upon a Time in Deadwood, faces his deadliest opponent yet in Cry Havoc – available this May On Demand.

An ambitious young reporter is granted an interview with one of the FBI’s most wanted. While entering his compound she finds one of his prized possessions, a serial killer who murders at call, called HAVOC. Her only hope is a rogue police man searching for his daughter.

Co-starring Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop) Emily Sweet, and JD Angstadt, writer-director Rene Perez’s Cry Havoc premieres on demand May 5 from Midnight Releasing.

Get it on iTunes Store here

Human Zoo - Trailer and Poster - Starring Robert Carradine

This May, Robert Carradine (Revenge of the Nerds, Escape from L.A) opens his Human Zoo.

From director  John E Seymore, and also starring Trista Robinson (Echoes of Fear), Rachel Amanda Bryant (In Bed With a Killer), Jose Rosete (“The Walking Dead : Red Machete”), Jessica Cameron (To Jennifer), Megan Le (“No Matter What”), and Heather Dorff (Truth or Dare), Human Zoo premieres on digital/DVD May 5 from Wild Eye Releasing.

Synopsis : The internet watches live, as reality-show contestants struggle against time to see who will stay in solitary confinement the longest and take home the one million dollar prize.

Released: May 05, 2020
Get from iTunes!

BBC re-makes Alan Bennett’s masterpieces - Talking Heads

Starring Jodie Comer, Monica Dolan, Martin Freeman, Tamsin Greig, Sarah Lancashire, Lesley Manville, Lucian Msamati, Maxine Peake, Rochenda Sandall, Kristin Scott Thomas, Imelda Staunton and Harriet Walter (L-R, above).

Filming begins today on new productions of Alan Bennett’s critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning Talking Heads monologues, which first aired on BBC Television in 1988 and 1998. Ten of the original pieces will be remade, with the addition of two new ones written by Bennett last year. They are produced by Nicholas Hytner’s London Theatre Company and Kevin Loader and will air in the coming months on BBC One.

As the British public service broadcaster, the BBC has a key role to play in continuing to offer new programming for our audience at this time of national crisis. The contained nature of Bennett's monologues allowed the opportunity to tell timely and relevant stories while following the latest government guidelines on safe working practices during Covid-19.

Alan Bennett says: "In such difficult circumstances, that the BBC should choose to remount both series of Talking Heads, and produce two entirely new ones, is a comfort and a huge compliment. I hope a new generation of actors will get and give as much pleasure as we did 20 and 30 years ago."

Nicholas Hytner, Bennett's long-term collaborator and Lead Director and Producer, says: "Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads are among the masterworks of one of the very greatest writers in TV, film and theatre history.

"It has been a profound and fascinating experience to work out a way of making them again, this time with a company of phenomenal actors who are the equal of those who first made them; with a group of leading theatre directors, colleagues and friends of long standing; and with a team behind the camera that represents the best of the British TV and film industries.

"It is a wonderful bonus that two of the 2020 Talking Heads are totally new, written only a short time before the current crisis began. Everyone involved has been working in an unprecedented way, rigorously observing social distancing, entirely rethinking ways of filmmaking that until a few weeks ago seemed routine. The shoot will never bring any of us within touching distance of each other, but I hope that in every other way it will reach out and touch millions of viewers. We are all of us beyond grateful to the BBC for setting us this challenge."

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: "Covid-19 has laid waste to drama production in the UK, but it has also posed a challenge: how do we adhere to restrictions while still offering British viewers the chance to lose themselves in great stories at this time of national need?

"Full of insight, wit, daring and compassion, these are stories of individual lives - but of great resonance. I am so grateful to Alan, Nicholas Hytner, Kevin Loader and the whole team for the caution, ingenuity and wisdom which they have shown in bringing these stories to the screen."

The Talking Heads monologues were first broadcast on the BBC in 1988 and 1998, breaking new ground for television, and widely celebrated as Alan Bennett’s masterpieces. They had a stellar cast including Patricia Routledge, Maggie Smith, Stephanie Cole, Julie Walters, Thora Hird, Eileen Atkins, David Haig and Penelope Wilton, alongside Bennett himself. The monologues won two Baftas, an RTS award and have also since been included on the A-level and GCSE English Literature syllabus.

The monologues which will air on BBC One in the coming months are as follows, in alphabetical order:

Jodie Comer in Her Big Chance (1988), directed by Josie Rourke
Monica Dolan in The Shrine (2019), directed by Nicholas Hytner
Martin Freeman in A Chip In The Sugar (1988), directed by Jeremy Herrin
Tamsin Greig in Nights In The Garden of Spain (1998), directed by Marianne Elliott
Sarah Lancashire in An Ordinary Woman (2019), directed by Nicholas Hytner
Lesley Manville in Bed Among The Lentils (1988), directed by Nicholas Hytner
Lucian Msamati in Playing Sandwiches (1998), directed by Jeremy Herrin
Maxine Peake in Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet (1988), directed by Sarah Frankcom
Rochenda Sandall in The Outside Dog (1998), directed by Nadia Fall
Kristin Scott Thomas in The Hand Of God (1998), directed by Jonathan Kent
Imelda Staunton in A Lady Of Letters (1988), directed by Jonathan Kent
Harriet Walter in Soldiering On (1988), directed by Marianne Elliott

REVIEW: Gun Crazy on Xbox One

Review by Jon Donnis
I was kinda sent a review code by Ratalaika Games.
Gun Crazy is a an old school throw back to the run and gun arcade style action shoot em’ from the 90s that some of us grew up with on Sega Megadrive/Genesis and SNES.

Whereas we may have paid $40/$50 for a game back then, Gun Crazy is available for just a fraction of that at $4.99 on all platforms.

Your character is a female cop, and you battle your way through 4 unique levels, killing bad guys along the way, and of course you get the big bad boss to beat at the end of the level too.

There are different guns to collect, lots of enemies, and non stop action.

So lets talk about the good.
This is a fast paced game, lots going on, and a real throwback to some of the classic games like Gunstar Heroes. The graphics are very much in that style too. For you gamer point fans, the points drop thick and fast and you will get the maximum pretty quick. But for $5 you would hardly expect a 100 hour game.

And the bad?
Well you will finish the game relatively quick, and it is only 1 player, with only one character to control.

Summary
This is a fun, action shooter, nice and simple, you don't need to think to much, just load it up and straight into the action. Thoroughly enjoyable.

7/10

Review by Jon Donnis

Release Dates
SONY America: April 28th, 2020
SONY Europe: April 29th, 2020
Xbox One: April 30th, 2020
Nintendo Switch (NA & EU): May 1st, 2020

Trailer:

Interview with Kevin Barry - Director of Among Them

Kevin Barry’s Among Them is one of the thrilling treats currently for offer during lockdown on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

After a botched heist, two bank robbers and their unwanted hostage retreat into a seedy coastal motel in the dead of winter. When their boss doesn’t show up and their tickets to freedom go missing, the three of them must battle through their deteriorating mental state and find a way out before they turn on each other.

How did you become a writer, let alone a filmmaker?

It was kind of backwards because I initially started experimenting with making movies with my friends by getting a video camera and just shooting some improvised scenes or little special effects shots.  It helped that my friends were kind of crazy, willing to set themselves on fire or draw their own blood for some of my earliest films.  I would edit that stuff together and force myself to write new scenes that could connect the dots with what I shot and try to pull something coherent out of it.  But eventually I realized this wasn't a very effective way to make a movie so in my sophomore year of film school I decided to start writing my first real script.

And have you fused your interests growing up into the stories you write?

The films I've made so far are mostly about crime, which luckily wasn't a real interest of mine when growing up.  But I did have a big interest for punk and rock music and I think there's something intriguing about people who decide to (or can't make themselves) live within the expectations of society.  I like telling stories of struggle and exploring rebellious characters like that because they can be complex and challenging stories to tell.

If you could name two films that most resemble this film, what would they be?

Among Them was inspired by From Dusk till Dawn (1996) in that it follows a couple of criminals with their sights set on freedom only to be sidelined by a force even more dangerous than them.  Kill List (Directed by Ben Wheatley) has a similar vibe, a psychological horror movie following hitmen who have gotten in over their heads and heading towards a dangerous trap.  For the psychological elements we were heavily inspired by visuals and tone of Jacob's Ladder (1990).  All great films but I don't know if Among Them resembles any of them in the end, we were just trying to give this film its own place.

Being an independent film, I imagine you ended up wearing more hats than originally intended. Can you talk about all the things you did on the movie?

Yes indeed, we had to work with a skeleton crew because there really wasn't much money in the budget for anything besides the bare essentials.  This led to me and just about everyone else multi-tasking in order to get through the shoot.  Everyone was a real team player, lending a hand whenever they could so I'll always admire our cast and crew on this film for all the extra effort they put in.  Jonathan Thomson was a lead actor, associate producer and location scout; Evalena Marie was a lead actor, scriptwriter and producer.  Dan Liebman was a lead actor, helped us lug around all the equipment and always kept a pot of coffee brewing for us.  Tony Colapietro handled everything from B-cam, boom operator and gaffer.  A lot of my extra hats were in post-production, doing the edit, foley recording, ADR recording, adding sound effects, color correction, VFX and delivery to the distributor.  It was a long process but totally worth it.

Is this a genre you’ve always gravitated towards?

I've always liked films with a particular energy about them, where you don't really know what to expect and you can't predict how it will all turn out.  There's something about the way a good thriller builds such a palpable tone throughout the movie, that even if many years after watching it, you can remember what it felt like. There's also a pretty broad range of genres that I like so I'm hoping to make many different types of films as a director.

With such terrible things going on in the world right now, do you feel we need more ‘escapism’ films like this?

It's such a strange and stressful time right now for so many of us and I hope people can find some comfort in entertainment.  Especially in the case of pandemic where, unless you're working on the front lines of it, there's not much to do besides wait it out.  If a film or book or piece of music can help somebody step out of that for moment and enter a different world then that's a great thing because getting a chance to rest and relax is what gives you strength to keep going.

And for the next film, think you’ll stick to the same genre?

I've got a few new projects in development and all of them have something to do with criminals so it's looking like it!

Watch on Amazon Prime Here

Check out Kevin and the film on Social Media:
Among Them Instagram: @amongthemfilm
Among Them Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amongthemfilm/
Kevin James Barry Instagram: @kevindangerously

Channel 4 announces 100 Ways to Make a Baby

Channel 4 has commissioned a 1x60 film which follows the journey of Jake and Hannah Graf as they become Britain’s most prominent transgender parents. Jake and Hannah announced the birth of their baby, Millie, on April 16th 2020, but their path to parenthood has had some unique challenges along the way.

Made by Parable and filmed over a year by director Gussy Sakula-Barry, the documentary follows the pair as they strive to turn their dream of starting a family into a reality, using Jake's embryos that he had frozen. As they embark on their unique experience, the couple face up to various ideas of what it means to be a parent in modern Britain and explore the options for surrogacy open to British people in the UK and abroad. With their Belfast-based surrogate's due date rapidly approaching and the country in lockdown, they have to race to Northern Ireland to make it in time for the birth.

Jake and Hannah married in 2018. Jake is a writer, filmmaker and actor known for his roles in The Danish Girl and Colette. Hannah was one the highest-ranking transgender officers in the British Army and has an MBE for her work with LGBT army personnel.

Jake and Hannah Graf said: “When we began the nail biting journey to parenthood, we could never have imagined the rollercoaster ride that would follow and the additional pressures and challenges that came with having our baby during a global pandemic. From finding our surrogate through lockdowns, C sections and struggling to register our baby, there has never been a dull moment, and this film will one day be the most incredible memento for the star of the show, our beautiful daughter Millie.”

COMPETITION: Win The Man with the X-ray Eyes (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]

The Man with the X-ray Eyes (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] is out on 4th May.

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and a copy to give away.

Synopsis
Get ready for a visual treat as Second Sight announced the first ever UK Blu-ray release of Roger Corman’s seminal horror sci-fi classic The Man With The X-Ray Eyes.

This 1960s cult favourite will be a sight to behold with a newly restored  Limited Edition Box Set release, featuring stacks of brand new special features, including a new interview with director Roger Corman (The Little Shop of Horrors), commentaries and much more. The set arrives on May 4th complete with new artwork, designed by Graham Humphreys, a reversible poster and a soft cover book.

Obsessed with expanding the powers of human sight, renowned scientist Dr James Xavier (Ray Milland ­– Dial M For Murder), aims to develop a formula that will allow the user to see beyond the visible spectrum. Despite warnings from his friend Dr. Brandt (Harold J. Stone – Spartacus) and business associate Diane Fairfax (Diana Van Der Vlis – The Swimmer), he experiments on himself and finally perfects a serum that gives him the power to see through solid objects. But his ambitions turn to obsession. No longer able to control the effects, his vision extends beyond the realms of human comprehension until he finally sees more than he can bear.

There’s no hiding from The Man With the X-Ray Eyes, he’ll see right through you.

Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 11-05-20
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

COMPETITION: Win The Man with the X-ray Eyes (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]

The Man with the X-ray Eyes (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] is out on 4th May.

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and a copy to give away.

Synopsis
Get ready for a visual treat as Second Sight announced the first ever UK Blu-ray release of Roger Corman’s seminal horror sci-fi classic The Man With The X-Ray Eyes.

This 1960s cult favourite will be a sight to behold with a newly restored  Limited Edition Box Set release, featuring stacks of brand new special features, including a new interview with director Roger Corman (The Little Shop of Horrors), commentaries and much more. The set arrives on May 4th complete with new artwork, designed by Graham Humphreys, a reversible poster and a soft cover book.

Obsessed with expanding the powers of human sight, renowned scientist Dr James Xavier (Ray Milland ­– Dial M For Murder), aims to develop a formula that will allow the user to see beyond the visible spectrum. Despite warnings from his friend Dr. Brandt (Harold J. Stone – Spartacus) and business associate Diane Fairfax (Diana Van Der Vlis – The Swimmer), he experiments on himself and finally perfects a serum that gives him the power to see through solid objects. But his ambitions turn to obsession. No longer able to control the effects, his vision extends beyond the realms of human comprehension until he finally sees more than he can bear.

There’s no hiding from The Man With the X-Ray Eyes, he’ll see right through you.

Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

Who plays Dr James Xavier in The Man with the X-ray Eyes?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition@beentothemovies.com

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 11-05-20
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

The A Word series three returns to BBC One on Tuesday 5 May

Two years on and things have changed for our A Word family. Joe is 10 years old and living in two places at once, processing the seismic change in his life through the filter of his autism.

His parents Alison and Paul are divorced and live 100 miles apart. Nicola has moved to London, Eddie lives with his dad. Only Maurice is holding it together. And if Maurice is the one holding it together, you know you are in trouble.

A family is always a puzzle and this one needs piecing back together, albeit in a different shape.

New faces joining this series include Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sarah Gordy and David Gyasi.

Filming for the new series of The A Word took place in the Lake District and Manchester.

The A Word series three returns on Tuesday 5 May at 9pm on BBC One and the full boxset will be available on BBC iPlayer.

Catch up on series 1 & 2 at
https://amzn.to/2W2U2Sd

BBC announces plans for a Springwatch like no other series

Springwatch will return to BBC Two this May, with a special series of live programmes which aim to keep the UK connected to native wildlife offering real comfort viewing, at a time of heightened uncertainty for the country.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis the BBC has found an innovative new way to ensure the series will continue to broadcast live for three weeks on BBC Two. With the presenters no longer able to gather together in the Springwatch hub, they will be staying on home-turf and broadcasting live from their local areas, across the country.

This special series of Springwatch, will document a spring like no other, as the native wildlife of the UK adjusts to life in both towns and in the country without the presence of people. The stories of this spring will be presented by Chris Packham, live from his New Forest patch, Gillian Burke live from a Cornish base and Iolo Williams, from his home in mid-Wales.

This year Michaela Strachan, who is locked down in South Africa, will be unable to join the team in person. However, she will send a message of support to the viewers and the series will revisit some of her favourite Springwatch highlights from past years.

Across the three-week run, the team will be joined by special guests presenters.

The series will celebrate both the wildlife and the science stories that showcase the diversity of UK habitats and species and will feature a number of pre-recorded wildlife films, captured just prior to the Government restrictions on movement, as well as more recent content shot in accordance with the official guidance on self-distancing.

Chris Packham says: “This Springwatch will be a series like no other. As the country experiences lockdown the natural world offers solace to so many. I’m delighted that through the magic of modern technology, the Springwatch team will be able to share the splendour of spring with the nation again this year. And broadcasting live from the New Forest, I’m looking forward to showing viewers some of the best British wildlife from my neck of the woods.”

Gillian Burke says: “This is certainly a unique spring and one that has presented the whole nation with some really tough challenges. With so many of us stuck indoors, Springwatch will bring the bright energy and colour of a season that is the very symbol of hope and resilience itself. I can’t wait to share this spring with everyone!”

Iolo Williams says: I’m delighted that Springwatch is going ahead next month. With everyone in lockdown, the natural world has provided a soothing escape for so many people. It will be a pleasure to re-join the ‘Watches team and bring the best of British wildlife into the nation’s living rooms.”

SuperMash - Release Trailer | PS4

Have you ever wanted to see what would happen if you threw Platformer mechanics into a JRPG battle? What would you do if you had to fly Shoot 'em Up ships in the middle of a stealthy heist? Expect the unexpected with SuperMash, the game that makes games!

SuperMash will launch for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch on May 8, developer Digital Continue announced. The game, in which players can mix together elements from two-to-six classic genres to create unique gaming experiences, first launched for PC via the Epic Games Store in December 2019

Tropico 6 - Spitter DLC trailer

It’s all about the fame and prestige. Nobody knows this better than a self-declared despot...uh, statesman, such as El Presidente. Tropico 6’s second DLC skyrockets you into the world of stardom and illustriousness.

At the heart of the DLC is the new Spitter social media mechanic, which allows you to interact with celebrities and faction leaders to increase your standing. Enjoy the new mission and sandbox map, along with 3 new buildings (Rehab Center, Beauty Farm and Super Villa) to attract celebrities and make them permanent citizens of Tropico, a new character trait (Narcissist), 3 new music tracks (Comercio Feliz, La Celebridad, Fiesta en el Club) and additional customization items for El Prez and his palace.

Amazon Links - All open in a new window
Buy Tropico 6 on PS4
Buy Tropico 6 on Xbox
Buy Tropico 6 on PC

BBC Three commissions How’s Your Head, Hun? with Michelle Visage

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Big ones, in large glasses. So make Tuesdays your cocktail day, mix yourself a large Quarantini, don your comfiest pyjama bottoms and sashay over to BBC Three where Michelle Visage and family are at home in LA, determined to lift your spirits during lockdown. You are all cordially invited to her weekly house party!

With her Drag Race life temporarily on hold, Michelle’s high energy has been refocused on her family and keeping things light in worrying times. They too are trying to find some kind of rhythm as they settle in for the long haul of lockdown. Michelle is with her husband, David, her teenage daughter, Lola, Lola’s newish boyfriend and a menagerie of pets. Michelle’s older daughter Lily, is away at college, and so she’s ensuring daily motherly contact with not just her, but a large bunch of her nearest and dearest.

She may be physically distanced, but Michelle is doing her utmost to look after her family, keep herself busy, and stay in touch with her friends across both sides of the Atlantic. It’s her way of coping, and she’s inviting you along for the ride too as she asks: “How’s your head, hun?”

Michelle has enlisted her family as both camera operatives and co-hosts. Cameras have been rigged around her house (safely, of course) and there is a non-existent fourth wall. Each week you can join her for a family progress report, and high jinks. Michelle will also be attempting new 'lockdown projects' each week, because much like the rest us, she has taken up new projects with gusto and mixed results.

For Michelle some of it is new territory, such as the kitchen. She’s baked banana bread, is learning Italian; planting pomegranate trees, reorganising her extensive wardrobes, de-cluttering the house, investing in very glamorous loungewear, researching new ways to maintain her diva looks and training her newly adopted dog. She’s staying in with style!

Just like you, Michelle’s had her bad days and good days in lockdown, but we’re all in this together. Let’s stay in and stay sane together. Anybody fancy a vogue?

Michelle says: “I am SO excited to give everyone's anxiety and worry a rest with How's Your Head, Hun? When you see how quarantine life is with MY family and friends, we will all be laughing together! Get ready!”

The series is expected to air in May 2020 on BBC Three.
Will have eight episdoes in total, with each installement being 30 minutes long in length.
Michelle's new series will be available to watch via the BBC iPlayer.

Trials of Mana™, now available for the Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation 4 and STEAM

LONDON (24th April 2020) – Trials of Mana™, now available for the Nintendo Switch™ system, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and STEAM®.

Originally released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 3 in 1995, Trials of Mana is a full, high-definition remake of the third entry in the classic Mana series. The game immerses players in an unforgettable adventure filled with exciting gameplay, memorable heroes and villains. Players will craft varying experiences by selecting a party of three from six unique characters as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime, upgrading their characters’ classes into more powerful forms, learning over 300 different abilities, and discovering a world of secrets and mysteries to explore. Additionally, players can discover an exciting new playable chapter after finishing the game not found in the original release, in which they can unlock brand-new classes, and challenge a powerful new threat.

To celebrate the release of Trials of Mana, popular series artist HACCAN has created new artwork showing the beloved cast of memorable characters fans and newcomers alike will enjoy discovering in Trials of Mana.


Players who have downloaded the playable demo for Trials of Mana can continue their save files in the full game to immediately jump back into the adventure. Additionally, those who purchase the physical or digital versions of the game by 21st May 2020 for the Nintendo Switch™ system or PlayStation®4 system will receive a Rabite Adornment DLC, allowing players to gain more EXP after battles up to level 10, whilst those who purchase from STEAM by 21st May will receive the Rabite Adornment DLC as well as an exclusive wallpaper set.

Trials of Mana is now available for Nintendo Switch™ system, PlayStation®4 system and STEAM. For more information, visit www.trialsofmana.com

Captain Tom's War

Captain Tom's War

Fri 08 May 2020 - 8.00pm - 8.30pm

Captain Tom Moore, Britain’s new national treasure, will tell the story of his part in World War Two for this new ITV documentary to be shown on VE Day.

The former British Army Officer who raised more than £28million for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden with his frame, actually fought in Burma and shares his memories of the conflict to draw attention to the “forgotten war” on the occasion.

Airing just a week after his own centenary celebrations, in this new programme Tom looks back on his time during the War in the brutal Burma campaign, as a million Allied troops from 40 nations attempted to repel the invading forces of Imperial Japan from the British colony over almost three years, between 1941 and 1944.

Captain Tom honours the soldiers who fought in what has since become known, with so much focus on the European battlefront and on VE Day, as 'The Forgotten War’, which finally came to an end in August 1945. 

The fact the Burma campaign, fought in what is now known as Myanmar, remains relatively unknown is a real bugbear for the Yorkshireman, which is why he committed to redressing the balance by making the programme.

Captain Tom’s War will also feature Tom’s daughters, Lucy and Hannah, who reveal family photos from their trip back to Burma.

Captain Tom entered officer training in 1940 at the age of 20, going on to serve in India before reaching Burma. There he was involved in the massive amphibious assault on Arakan, the instrumental part of recapturing the colony, before pushing on with his troops to the capital, Rangoon.

Featuring Captain Tom's recollections interwoven with archive footage, this programme aims to provide a stirring and vivid insight into both the conditions for those who went into battle, and the man himself.

This is a North One production for ITV

Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker present from around the globe in The Last Leg: Locked Down Under

THREE HOSTS ACROSS THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND ACROSS TWO HEMISPHERES….

The multi award-winning and triple BAFTA nominated entertainment series The Last Leg is returning to Channel 4 on Friday 8th May – but not quite as we know it. 

The Last Leg: Locked Down Under (4 x 60’) will attempt a TV first, a live comedy show with three hosts in three different locations at the same time. The show will take viewers on a global tour from Melbourne, to London and finally Huddersfield, as hosts Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker present from their respective homes to offer their unmatched satirical insight to current world events. In each episode, Adam, Josh and Alex will be joined by special guests, and as always, the audience at home will be encouraged to get involved using their Twitter hashtag #isitok.

Ian Katz, Director of Programmes at Channel 4 said, “Adam, Josh and Alex will surely be setting a new record for the most socially distanced entertainment show on the planet by broadcasting live from their homes in Melbourne, London and Huddersfield. What can possibly go wrong?”

Richard & Judy: Keep Reading and Carry On starts Monday 4th May at 5.30pm on Channel 4

One of the country’s most loved couples, Richard and Judy are returning to teatime on Channel 4 to reveal their best reads to help the nation whilst we are all staying at home.  The 5x30’ fast turnaround series from Label1 will air over one week starting from 4th May.

Shot from their home, seasoned TV hosts and self-confessed bookworms Richard and Judy will be joined virtually by authors and celebrity guests who will discuss new releases and share their top recent reads.  

Richard Madeley said: “It is no secret that Judy and I are avid readers and we are excited to return to Channel 4 to share what we love with viewers. “

Judy Finnigan said: “Books can transport you to incredible places from the comfort of your sofa and so there is no better time to share our top picks for lockdown reads and hear from viewers, celebrities and authors about the books that have helped them whilst staying at home.”

REVIEW: Deliver Us The Moon on Xbox One

I was kindly sent a review copy of Deliver us the Moon for Xbox by the great people at Wired Productions.

The game is a "Sci-Fi thriller set in an apocalyptic near future, where Earth's natural resources are depleted. A lone astronaut is sent to the moon on a critical mission to save humanity from extinction."

So the description sounds pretty awesome and unique, but lets not rush ahead, first of all the game is beautiful, truly stunning to look at and you know that the game makers must be very proud of that.

The game is a story driven game, so a good story is important, and again the game makers should feel proud because the story is a good one, and you do very quickly feel immersed in that story. Whether the story is told through narration, audio logs that you collect, things you may read as well as cut scenes, it can be a bit slow moving, although you never feel bored of the story.

As a thriller the main fear of the game is driven through the feeling of loneliness, there aren't monsters jumping out at you, or anything like that, so the game uses storytelling as well as incredible visuals to really push home the idea you are alone, and if you fail to do something in time, then that is it.

You start off on Earth, a storm is approaching and you have to get to the rocket so you can get yourself on the way to the moon, of course nothing is a walk in the park, and you have to over come obstacles, whether that is solving a code, reaching a hard to get to area, doing something within a set period of time.

And don't think you will get to the moon too quick either, there's a lot to do before then, whether that is taking off in the rocket, docking with a space station, solving various story line issues there and so on, But when you do get to the moon, for what is such a baron place, it truly is stunning. Look at this shot below!

As a story driven game, sadly this does mean that game play has to take a backseat, so if you are after an arcade shooter, this really isn't the game for you, and there are some repetitive parts of the game which you do notice, but if you appreciate a good story, incredible visuals, then you will enjoy this.

There are some issues with the camera, it feels a bit clunky at times, and I am guessing they were going for more of a cinematic style, but sometimes it can be a bit slow, and frustrating, and sometimes you swap between an external shot and a first person shot, and you can't choose one or the other, which is frustrating, for example when you first dock with the space station and you are suddenly floating about, it is really hard to see where you are supposed to go, and although the feeling of not knowing which way is up or down is a good thing when you are playing a game in space, when you cant see clearly where you are going that becomes frustrating instead of challenging.

This is a hard game to score, it has its good points and its bad points.
If you are thinking of buying it, I really suggest you check out some of the game play videos you will find on Youtube to decide if it is the kind of game you would enjoy.

The Good
Graphically brilliant, excellent story driven game play, a true feeling of loneliness and desperation.

The Bad
Short game, probably complete it in about 5 hours if not sooner, frustrating camera angles.

Summary
I enjoyed the game, I enjoy story driven games, so this game was good for me. But it wont be to everyone's liking. Do your research before you decide to play.

I score this game a strong 7/10

Review by Jon Donnis

Buy on Xbox
Buy on PS4
Buy on Nintendo Switch

Jimmy Carr: Comedian (2007) FULL SHOW

Live from London's Bloomsbury Theatre (in 2007, when it was filmed): Jimmy Carr - Comedian (Live) sees funnyman Jimmy Carr sharing his cynical, but always hilarious, take on life's little absurdities.

But don't let his deadpan delivery fool you--beneath that air of smug superiority lies a razor-sharp wit that he wields like a comedy Samurai, carving out little gems of sarcasm with each swipe.

Interview with Brando Benetton - Writer and Director of Nightfire

Real location. Practical action.
Nightfire starring Dylan Baker.
Streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime May 1, 2020.

Two American agents are hired to retrieve military chips containing top-secret content. Their plan goes awry when an unexpected political prisoner (Emmy-nominee Dylan Baker) enters the picture.


Shorts are well-known for being a launchpad for some of today’s biggest names. Why did you decide to, well, start small (or rather, short)?

Honestly, our movie runs less than a full feature in length (just shy of 45 minutes), but in terms of scale, production and ambition it definitely felt closer to a feature film than a short. Our shooting script was 55 pages and the first cut was about 1h5m. But usually short are a good creative ground because—on a “stakes” level—you have less resources pulled and less to lose in regards to your career.


But you’ve still decided to do a film that’s rather ambitious – even for short standards. Did you have anyone try to talk you out of that?

Oh, absolutely. Many people suggested we were better off chopping the story way shorter or “watering it down” to reach a feature film runtime. There are definitely pointers in regards to what festivals are looking for, but we always kept audiences in mind and felt that the film needed to be as extensive as the characters and the story called for. As long as it’s well paced and tightly edited, we were hopeful the film would keep audiences engaged, and by the end of this process Nightfire kind of began to feel like the pilot episode of a very ambitious TV show.


Was the script bigger  - in terms of action – than the finished product? Anything that you just couldn’t, either due to money or resources, bring to life?

Great question! Well, the script didn’t include larger set pieces because we were kind of “locked” into locations and shooting days dictating what could or could not be done for a specific sequence. But we did have small gags—whether it was stunts or practical special effects—that were either cut or created on the day (bullets breaking through a car’s windshield, a stuntman jumping off a speeding truck, etc) that were small modifications we’d add or remove from an existing action sequence.

Keep in mind, we wrote the movie around what we had at our disposal, as it felt like the smartest way to maximize our production value as opposed to write elements that we’d then have to go buy/rent. Does you cousin own a bar? Your uncle’s friend have a horse. Well, that’s production value. Looks like you’re gonna make a “horse in a bar” story as your first feature, congratulations! Write around the resources already at your disposal.

How long did it take – from conception to release – to get Nightfire done?

For the bulk of it, I’d say about 16 months, from when we started writing to when we delivered our first full cut. But I’d add about 4/5 months where we returned to the movie, right before release, to polish our sound design. Sound is still 50% of the cinematic experience, and we tried to deliver through sound what we couldn’t shoot in camera (a character line, a larger crowd just off-screen, etc) was carried through our sound. You’re still re-writing your movie to polish story and emotion, in a way.


And distribution, how was that achieved?

This is a funny and totally unexpected story. Almost a year after completing the first full cut of the movie, I got a phone call while in Los Angeles from a distribution company based out of New York names Hewes Pictures. They had seen a teaser trailer we had released online, and contacted me with the hopes of purchasing the movie. So not only I feel immensely grateful to them for having the good sense of tracking down filmmakers via Youtube, but felt proud of the work we had put into editing the trailer, which along with a poster can be the greatest tool to promote and spread the word about your film.

What kind of doors would you like to see open as a result of your short?

Write the movies you’d love to see yourself as an audience member. This film was such a collaborative effort and made possible thanks to so many people, but I hope it’s proof (on a technical level) of what can be achieved if you write “smart.” Turning one’s hometown into a large-scale movie backlot, thanks to the support of locals and fellow friends. If they wish for us to do more, or dream bigger… they know where to find us. We got many more stories to tell. Thank you guys!

Enjoy here a behind-the-scenes look at the Practical Stunts of Nightfire:

Horror sequel FOR JENNIFER starring Dominique Swain available On Demand during lockdown

Tiffani Fest, Felissa Rose and Dominique Swain star in director Jody Barton’s exceedingly clever FOR JENNIFER, available now On Demand from JB Films.

After a surprise horror themed birthday party, Jennifer gets a scare that leads to an accident. Jennifer is a horror blogger and huge horror movie fan. Her friends, to cheer her up after the accident, decide they could make a movie. They collect their gopro cameras and phones and begin to shoot. Soon, the discoveries of other low budget horror films similar to theirs begin to intersect with their own movie. This sends Jennifer on a journey to understand where these other "Jennifer" films came from. The journey leads to a discovery about the films she could never have imagined, and she realizes her participation has put her life, and the lives of her friends, in real danger. A danger they have to endure, whether by choice or not ... if they want to make a good horror movie.

Lanett Tachel, Rich Finley and Nick Kekeris also star in the film.  Nick Kekeris, James Cullen Bressack, Hunter Johnson and Frank Merle produce.

Available now to stream on Amazon
https://amzn.to/2VvauLY

Among Them - New Heist Thriller starring Jonathan Thomson, Dan Liebman and Evalena Marie

Heist thriller AMONG THEM comes to Tubi and Amazon

Tarantino meets Bad Times at the El Royale in writer-director Kevin James Barry’s Among Them, now available on Amazon Prime and Tubi TV from Cinema Epoch.

After a botched heist, two bank robbers and their unwanted hostage retreat into a seedy coastal motel in the dead of winter. When their boss doesn't show up and their tickets to freedom go missing, the three of them must battle through their deteriorating mental state and find a way out before they turn on each other.

Starring Jonathan Thomson, Dan Liebman and Evalena Marie, who also co-wrote the script, Among Them is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi TV.

Watch on Amazon Prime Here

Angelfish - Official Trailer - Starring Destiny Frasqueri aka Princess Nokia

Destiny Frasqueri, better known as rapper Princess Nokia, stars in the acclaimed romantic drama “Angelfish”, available this May on Tubi.

 Shot on location in the Bronx, NY, “Angelfish” is a coming-of-age love story between Eva (Frasqueri), a young Puerto Rican woman torn between her responsibilities to her family and her dreams, and Brendan (Jimi Stanton, the upcoming  “Greyhound”), an Irish-American man dealing with family problems of his own.

The film is produced by Robin Rose Singer, Rabia Sultana, Peter Lee, and Ricardo Vilar and also features actors Erin Davie, Rosie Berrido, and Stanley Simons.  Frasqueri also serves as an executive producer on the project, along with Ruth Lapin, Robert I. Levine, Brent Finley, and Lawrence Gillet.

Peter Lee, the film’s director, said about the casting choice: “From the moment I first met Destiny, I knew she was an incredible talent with a magnetic presence, both in person and on film.  People have never seen her like this before— they’ve only known her as Princess Nokia— and I feel honored to be able to introduce this side of her talent to the world through Angelfish.  She’s a true artist, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Eva.”

Synopsis:
Synopsis: Brendan is a troubled, hard-working 20-year-old high school drop out, living in the Bronx. His manipulative mother, Mary, neglects her kids' well-being in favor of her own, and his younger brother hangs out with the wrong crowd. Sparks fly when Brendan meets Eva, a young Latina girl from the Puerto Rican quarter of the Bronx, on her own journey of self discovery. As the young couple's relationship develops, their home lives and dreams for the future threaten to tear their young and fragile love apart.

Watch now on Amazon

Watch now on iTunes

THE COLOR ROSE Official Trailer (2020)

Seven girls from a religious private school start a cult where each of them must embody one of the seven deadly sins. They realize there's more to their town when they go missing one by one.

Stars: Kaitlyn Bernard, Brenna Llewellyn, Brenna Coates 

Normal People - The highly anticipated adaptation of Sally Rooney’s literary phenomenon

Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones (Cold Feet, War Of The Worlds) as Marianne and Paul Mescal in his first Television role as Connell, the series is a highly anticipated adaptation of Sally Rooney’s international literary phenomenon, Normal People.

Directed by Oscar-nominated Lenny Abrahamson (Room) and award-winning Hettie Macdonald (Howard’s End), Normal People tracks the tender but complicated relationship of Marianne and Connell from the end of their school days in a small town in the west of Ireland, to their undergraduate years at Trinity College. Marianne is lonely, proud and intimidating whilst Connell is well-liked and popular. A strange connection grows between the two teenagers - one they are determined to conceal.

Sally Rooney co-wrote the first six episodes with Alice Birch and executive produced the remaining episodes, which were written by Alice Birch. Episode 11 was written by Mark O’Rowe.

Filming took place last year in Dublin, Sligo, Sweden and Italy and will air on BBC Three on Sunday 26 April, and Hulu on 29 April. Normal People will also air on BBC One.

Series synopsis
In a school in a small-town west of Ireland, Connell (Paul Mescal) is a well-liked, good looking and athletic football player. Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is a proud, intimidating and unpopular loner who actively avoids her classmates and challenges teachers’ authority.

Sparks fly between the two when Connell comes to pick up his mother Lorraine (Sarah Greene) from her job at Marianne’s house, and a strange and indelible connection grows between the two teenagers - one they are determined to conceal from their peers.

A compulsive modern love story, Normal People sees the pair weave in and out of each other’s lives, and explores just how complicated intimacy and young love can be.

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins Series 2 - Programme Billings (1st two episodes)

EPISODE 1: DISCIPLINE

Monday 20 April, 9pm, Channel 4

Once again 12 Celebrities will leave their glamorous lives behind to take on the challenge of this unique version of SAS selection.

Chief Instructor Ant and his team of directing staff don’t care about their status, how successful they are or how big their fan base is. They will be asking the recruits to take on tougher challenges than they will have ever faced in their lives, pushing them to their limits. But can any of these famous recruits make it through to the end?


EPISODE 2: MINDSET

Monday 27 April, 9pm, Channel 4

In this second phase of SAS Selection, the celebrity recruits are tested on their mental and physical strength and whether they have the right mindset to complete selection.

This episode focuses on the youngest recruit, 24 year old YouTuber Jack Maynard, and the two oldest recruits on the course, 56 year old former footballer John Fashanu and 59 year old TV presenter, Anthea Turner, as they try and tackle the course with their very different mindsets. Not all of them will make it.

Each will face brutal tasks, including, a backwards helicopter dive into near freezing water, and a high adrenaline firearms task where they must make the life-changing decisions whether to shoot or not. Then showing some of the most aggressive behaviour witnessed in all of SAS: Who Dares Wins history, the celebrities struggle to control their aggression and the DS punish them. The episode starts with all 12 celebrities, but ends with just 9 recruits remaining.

Reawakened - New Poster and Trailer

From director Jose Altonaga, and starring Steffani Brass (“Six Feet Under”), Brooke Mackenzie (“Everybody Hates Chris”) and Tina Cole (The 6TH Friend ), discover the witch inside this April!

Michele is the sole survivor of a vacation gone horribly wrong, in which several of her friends were murdered. She discovers that she is harboring the spirit of a centuries-old witch inside her, and it’s up to her best friend to find a way to save her soul from eternal damnation. 

Reawakened, written by Jose Altonaga and Remy MacKenzie, also stars Chantelle Albers (Seberg),  Dabier (“Black Lightning”), Charlie Ian (Whiplash) and Malcom Matthews (“Juiced”).

Available April 28 On Demand from Wild Eye Releasing.

Get it on iTunes here

13TH - Full Film - Oscar-nominated film won Best Documentary at the Emmys, the BAFTAs and the NAACP Image Awards.

Combining archival footage with testimony from activists and scholars, director Ava DuVernay's examination of the U.S. prison system looks at how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America.

13th is a 2016 American documentary by director Ava DuVernay. The film explores the "intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States;" it is titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, adopted in 1865, which abolished slavery throughout the United States and ended involuntary servitude except as a punishment for conviction of a crime.

DuVernay contends that slavery has been perpetuated since the end of the American Civil War through criminalizing behavior and enabling police to arrest poor freedmen and force them to work for the state under convict leasing; suppression of African Americans by disenfranchisement, lynchings and Jim Crow; politicians declaring a war on drugs that weigh more heavily on minority communities and, by the late 20th century, mass incarceration of people of color in the United States. She examines the prison-industrial complex and the emerging detention-industrial complex, discussing how much money is being made by corporations from such incarcerations.

Selah And The Spades - UK release on 17 April on Amazon Prime Video

Tayarisha Poe’s SELAH AND THE SPADES is set for UK release on 17 April on Amazon Prime Video. Starring Lovie Simone (Greenleaf, Orange Is The New Black), Celeste O’Connor (Irreplaceable You, Wetlands), Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight, When They See Us), it received its world premiere to critical acclaim in the NEXT selection at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. In the closed world of an elite Pennsylvania boarding school, Haldwell, the student body, is run by five factions.

Seventeen-year-old Selah Summers (Lovie Simone) runs the most dominant group, the Spades, with unshakable poise, as they cater to the most classic of vices and supply students with coveted, illegal alcohol and pills. Tensions between the factions escalate, and when Selah’s best friend/right hand Maxxie (Jharrel Jerome) becomes distracted by a new love, Selah takes on a protégée, enamored sophomore Paloma (Celeste O'Connor), to whom she imparts her wisdom on ruling the school. But with graduation looming and Paloma proving an impressively quick study, Selah’s fears turn sinister as she grapples with losing the control by which she defines herself.

In her feature debut, writer/director Tayarisha Poe immerses us in a heightened depiction of teenage politics. This searing character study encapsulates just how intoxicating power can be for a teenage girl who acutely feels the threat of being denied it. Exciting newcomer Lovie Simone’s performance beautifully embodies both Selah’s publicly impeccable command and the internal fears and uncertainty that drive it. Producers of SELAH AND THE SPADES are Jill Ahrens, Lucas Joaquin, Lauren McBride and Tayarisha Poe.

STREAM NOW ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO