Australians in Film, Screen Australia announce Talent Gateway and Global Producers Exchange participants

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Australians in Film (AiF) and Screen Australia have unveiled the creatives and producers that will take part in its Talent Gateway (TG) and Global Producers Exchange (GPE) programs.

Clare Sladden (QLD), Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes (NSW), Jean Tong (VIC), Kacie Anning (NSW), Thomas Wilson White (NSW), and Timothy Lee (NSW) will take part in the Talent Gateway, which supports Australian writer/directors with the tools, industry access, and relationships necessary to succeed on the global stage.

Carver Films’ Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish (VIC), Future Pictures’ Matt Govoni and Adam White (VIC), Martin Brown Films – Martin Brown and John Collee (NSW), Ramu Productions’ Jodie Bell and Devina McPherson (WA), Thirdborn’s Nicole O’Donohue (NSW), and Unless Pictures’ Meg O’Connell (NSW) are the Global Producers Exchange recipients that will gain insights into developing Australian stories with a global outlook.

AiF executive director Peter Ritchie was excited to work with the “outstanding” cohort.

“Screen Australia’s strategic investment in expanding the international reach of Australian talent and businesses is essential for the continued success of Australian screen stories,” he said.

“These stories not only captivate international audiences but also generate significant economic growth, cementing Australia’s reputation internationally as a breeding ground for exciting new talent. We look forward to working with the outstanding 2025 participants.”

Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon said the participants’ talent highlighted the strength of Australia’s screen industry.

“These programs offer invaluable opportunities to expand their international reach and create new pathways for collaboration,” she said.

“As global demand for Australian stories continues to grow, initiatives like these ensure our talent remains at the forefront of the international screen community, driving both creative innovation and economic growth.”

Talent Gateway 2025 Participants:

Clare Sladden (QLD)Sladden is a Meanjin/Brisbane-based writer passionate about female-driven narratives. Her recent television credits include Good Cop/Bad Cop (Jungle Entertainment and Future Shack for Stan, Roku and The CW), NCIS: Sydney (Endemol Shine AU for Paramount+), and Sunny Nights (Jungle Entertainment & Echo Lake Entertainment for Stan, premiering in 2025). In the audio space, she wrote on the Wentworth spin-off podcast (Fremantle Media for Audible) and wrote and directed the narrative podcast Winding Road, starring Dacre Montgomery and Yael Stone. Clare has also received Screen Australia development funding for her debut feature, Sophie Next Door.

Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes (NSW)This writing/directing duo from Sydney is known for their breakout work on Sissy, which was selected for SXSW and Sydney Film Festival, winning multiple audience awards globally. Their debut feature, For Now, garnered international festival nominations for Best Film. Recently, they received Premium Development Funding from Screen Australia for their next project, Cooch, and were named IF’s Rising Stars.

Jean Tong (VIC)Tong is a multi-talented writer and director for stage and screen. Their television credits include episodes of Heartbreak High (Netflix), Safe Home (SBS), and Erotic Stories (SBS). Jean’s stage work includes critically acclaimed plays like Hungry Ghosts (Melbourne Theatre Company) and Romeo is Not the Only Fruit (Malthouse Theatre). They were also the inaugural Melbourne Theatre Company Playwriting Fellow in 2023. Tong is currently directing the world premiere of Benjamin Law’s adaptation of Dying: A Memoir for Melbourne Theatre Company.

Kacie Anning (NSW)Anning is the creator, writer, director, and executive producer of Class of ’07 (Amazon Prime). She has directed and written for several high-profile series, including The Other Guy (Stan), Diary of a Future President (Disney+), Upload (Prime Video), and Hardball (ABC Me). She has won two Australian Directors’ Guild Awards. Her work as set-up director and EP on Madam (Channel 9), starring Rachel Griffiths, won Best Comedy Series at the Berlin Series Festival and Monte Carlo Television Festival.

Thomas Wilson White (NSW)Wilson-White is an award-winning writer and director, best known for his work on the International Emmy Award-winning Heartbreak High (Netflix). His debut feature The Greenhouse (2021) won the Australian Directors Guild Award for Best Direction in a Feature Film under $1 million. Thomas is currently developing a slate of original TV shows and a second feature film while adapting a best-selling novel for Warner Brothers.

Timothy Lee (NSW)Lee is the co-creator and writer of the Australian neo-Western Territory (Netflix), which topped the charts in 11 countries and reached #2 globally on Netflix. He also wrote on Mystery Road (ABC) and Mystery Road: Origin, earning AACTA nominations for Best Screenplay in Television. His writing credits include Bump (Stan/Netflix), Doctor Doctor (Nine), and The Unlisted (Netflix).

Global Producers Exchange 2025 Participants:

Carver Films – Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish (VIC)Carver Films is led by award-winning producers Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish. Their 2023 feature Run Rabbit Run, starring Sarah Snook and directed by Daina Reid, premiered at Sundance and became the top-streamed English-language film on Netflix in Australia and the USA. Their previous credits include Relic (2020), Sunshine (2018), and Snowtown (2011), which debuted at Cannes Critics Week. Carver is currently in post-production on Saccharine with director Natalie Erika James

Future Pictures – Matt Govoni and Adam White (VIC)Founded by Matt Govoni and Adam White, Future Pictures is known for producing Late Night with the Devil (2023), which premiered at SXSW and won Best Screenplay at Sitges, and Lone Wolf (2021), which premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.

Martin Brown Films – Martin Brown and John Collee (NSW)Martin Brown Films is a Sydney-based screen production company founded by Martin Brown and John Collee. Martin Produced Moulin Rouge and co-produced Romeo+Juliet. John recently adapted the TV series Boy Swallows Universe, which was Netflix’s most successful Australian-made show to date. Martin and John are recognized individually for their expertise in content development and international co-productions. Their company has a number of exciting projects in development.

Ramu Productions – Jodie Bell and Devina McPherson (WA)Based in Broome, Western Australia, Ramu Productions specializes in First Nations storytelling. CEO Jodie Bell, a Butchella and Jagera woman, has produced numerous award-winning short films and documentaries, including Putuparri and the Rainmakers. Devina McPherson, a Widi Yamatji and Noongar woman, is an experienced development and associate producer. Together, they focus on creating authentic First Nations content with a strong cultural lens.

Thirdborn – Nicole O’Donohue (NSW)Thirdborn, founded by filmmakers Shaun Grant, Justin Kurzel, and Nicole O’Donohue, is committed to developing bold films and premium television series. Their debut series, Exposure (2024), was nominated for seven AACTA Awards. With a focus on distinctive storytelling, Thirdborn partners with extraordinary cast, crew, and producers with a shared creative ambition and passion for original storytelling to deliver impactful narratives for global audiences. 

Unless Pictures – Meg O’Connell (NSW)International Emmy-winning producer Meg O’Connell founded Unless Pictures, a creative production company known for innovative storytelling. O’Connell’s credits include the AACTA-winning Robbie Hood (SBS/NITV), the Rose d’Or-winning Content (ABC), and the international hit Bluey (ABC/BBC/Disney+). Her most recent project is the feature film Windcatcher (Stan/ACTF).

‘The Long Kiss Goodnight: Limited Edition’ 4K Ultra HD movie review

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Director Renny Harlin teamed up with his then-wife and celebrated actress Geena Davis (“Thelma and Louise”) in a cult classic, action thriller back in 1996 now available as a rejuvenated 4K disc format special release in The Long Kiss Goodnight: Limited Edition (Arrow Video, rated R, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, 120 minutes, $49.95).

The frightening and oddly amusing journey of Samantha Caine (Ms. Davis) plays out eight years after she was found on a shore, devoid of her memories and pregnant with daughter Caitlin (Yvonne Zima).

Samantha is now living in a small town as a schoolteacher and preparing for the winter holidays with her daughter and boyfriend Hal (Tom Amandes). Her joyful life gets shattered after a car accident with a deer triggers a flood of memories from her previous life as a clandestine assassin named Charly.

A violent encounter with an escaped convict breaking into her house and looking for deadly retribution for a past encounter begins her descent into a fuller realization of her skills and former occupation.

Shady private detective Mitch Henessey (Samuel L. Jackson), hired by Samantha earlier to find out who she was and what happened to her on that beach, shows up and delivers a suitcase containing the final clues to jog her memory.

The revelations eventually lead the pair to team up on a dangerous mission to uncover a high-level, national security government conspiracy, all played out in extreme action scenes that ramp up to an overtly explosive, jaw-dropping finale.

“The Long Kiss Goodnight” mixes some of the more entertaining and humorous elements of films such as “The Bourne Identity” and “True Lies” and makes for a yearly Christmas treat comparable to Mr. Harlin’s other holiday opus, “Die Hard 2.”

4K in action: Viewers get a pristine presentation created by scanning the original 35mm camera negative in 4K, 16-bit resolution at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging and then restored in 4K resolution and color graded at Duplitech, all approved by Mr. Harlin.

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The result finds colors popping, especially blood-reds and explosive-yellows, and clarity in details such as billowing smoke coming out of a sniper bullet hole in a wall.

Scenes that especially take advantage of the 4K magic include a deer crashing into a windshield; the grayed and textured Jersey Correctional Facility exterior architecture that looks like Arkham Asylum; a hallway engulfed in flames following Sam and Mitch’s crash through a second-story window; and some epic flyovers of Niagara Falls.

Best extras: Arrow Video offers viewers a bevy of new optional commentary tracks, interviews and analyses of the films.

Of course, begin with the pair of commentary tracks, one with film critic Walter Chaw (from filmfreakcentral.com) and the other with film critics Drusilla Adeline and Joshua Conkel (co-hosts of the Bloodhaus horror podcast).

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Both are nonstop, conversational, enlightening and an easy listen packed with nonstop facts with very little overlap.

Mr. Chaw focuses often on a deep exploration of the cast and crew including Mr. Harlin’s origins, and discussing Ms. Davis’ film catalog, her action heroine status and declining career. He adds analyzing the keys to the film including its poor box office as the critic theorizes it was due to a potential fan backlash with the romantic relationship between Mr. Harlin and Ms. Davis (recently divorced from Jeff Goldblum).

In the second track, Ms. Adeline and Mr. Conkel are easy to chuckle at each other and often comment on the onscreen action. They also offer a bit more pointed look with facts such as screenwriter Shane Black was paid $4 million for the script, the character Sam Caine was an anagram for amnesiac, and Mr. Jackson was an usher at Martin Luther King’s funeral.

Moving to the new interviews, they start with an all-grown-up Ms. Zima taking 16 minutes to reflect on her experience on the set and how much support she received from the cast and crew during her work on the film.

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Stunt co-coordinator Steve Davidson then covers more than nine minutes working on the hardest film of his life, shooting in freezing weather as well as stunts such as the deer accident; Sam and Gina jumping out of a window; the water torture scene; and a truck sliding on its side.

Finally, makeup artist Gordon J. Smith spends 12 minutes mainly talking about the origins and uses of silicone in his craft such as for prosthetics and in particular for creating a lifelike corpse of Brian Cox to submerge in water.

Three visual essays follow and feature film scholar Josh Nelson exploring the history of amnesia-themed films and scripts with dual identities as well as espionage stories while reflecting on the film (19 minutes); film historians Kevin Marr, Howard S. Berger, and Angela McEntee deliver an exhaustive retrospective centered on Samantha’s extreme midlife crisis (38 minutes); and film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas covers the empowered female action hero, the older actress dilemma, gender duality and feminist ideals (14 minutes).

I’ll also mention the tossing in of vintage promotional interviews with Mr. Harlin. Ms. Davis, Mr. Jackson and actor Craig Bierko (the villain Timothy) as well as some archival behind-the-scenes footage (15 minutes total).

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The immersive, well-rounded limited edition also shines thanks to a selection of goodies in the packaging, starting with a reversible sleeve for the disc case featuring newly commissioned artwork by Sam Hadley.

Next, a generous, 40-page, full-color collector’s booklet features color photos throughout brand-new essays on the film by critics and authors Clem Bastow, Richard Kadrey, Maura McHugh and Priscilla Page.

Topping off this release, viewers get a “Skating Prohibited, Thin Ice” sticker based on the sign seen in Chesterman Parks outdoor ice rink and a full-color holiday postcard with Mitch Henessey chopping wood in the snow and a profane “Merry Christmas” greeting written on the back.

‘Banger’ Movie Ending Explained & Summary: What Happens To Scorpex?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Netflix’s Banger is a comedy thriller film centered around a has-been DJ, Scorpex, whose mundane life took a drastic turn when he was approached by the National Intelligence specializing in drug trafficking. While people barely recognized Scorpex, he took pride in his past glory. He was envious of Vestax, a young, popular DJ he felt lacked originality. Scorpex had not produced music for a long while, and the public had pretty much erased him from their memories. Scorpex had made peace with the fact that his glory days were over, and playing a brief set before Vestax got on stage was the only gig he would get. One day at a record store, Scorpex crossed paths with a woman who completely changed his life. 

Spoiler Alert

Why was Scorpex hired by the National Intelligence?

Scorpex came across an enthusiastic fan at the record store who later turned out to be a secret agent named Rose. She wanted Scorpex to work for them because she believed he had an incentive to serve their purpose. According to Rose, Vestax owed his popularity to a criminal gang; they financed everything for him, from his music videos to his PR and even his music lyrics. Scorpex was not surprised; he expected no better from the talentless youngster. But Vestax was not the man the National Intelligence was after. They wanted Scorpex to hang out with Vestax and gather intel to help the national intelligence expose the criminal organization he worked for. Vestax was close to Molotov, the second most important person in the gang, and that was why Rose believed that Vestax also had a connection with the leader, Dricus Mascarilla. The National Intelligence had lost track of him after he underwent  facial reconstruction surgery post a poisoning attempt that left him with scars all over his face and body. Dricus was investing in a backup plan with his new identity. According to the information they had, he’d put money into legal businesses, particularly fashion, and they were convinced that he had a stake in the brand, Van Straat. Since Vestax idolized Scorpex, Rose was convinced that he would not struggle to befriend the gangsters. Rose wanted Scorpex to be Vestax’s new best friend and help her team apprehend Dricus Mascarilla. Such an unbelievable life twist was not something Scorpex had predicted, but the possibility of helping the authorities nab a criminal by just being himself felt like quite an honor to him. Bonding with the incompetent DJ did not come naturally to Scorpex, but he had a job to do, and he was ready to fake his way through. Also, the success of the plan guarantee the fall of Vestax, and that was something Scorpex looked forward to.

Why was Toni disappointed in her father?

Scorpex’s daughter, Toni, had moved in with him to spend some time together. While he was glad to have her by his side, he also struggled to keep the truth from her. There were days when he wanted to discuss the secret mission he was on, but he had to control himself. Toni was a jack of all trades, and she was trying to figure out if she could master one. She had inherited her father’s love for music and had been working on her own track. The more Scorpex got involved with the gang, the more he feared for the safety of his daughter. After he mistook a gang member for Dricus, the gangsters became extremely suspicious of the people they were dealing with. Scorpex had convinced Toni to spend 24×7 at his studio so that she could complete the track she was working on, also hoping to keep her away from the gangsters in the process. But unfortunately, Molotov had tracked Scorpex’s studio and found Toni there. As soon as Scorpex realized that Toni was not safe with him, he requested her to leave. Toni had hoped that one day she and her father would create music together, and perhaps Scorpex too wanted to do the same, but he had too much on his plate, and it resulted in a misunderstanding between the father and daughter. Scorpex and Vestax had to compose a track for the Van Straat fashion show, but Molotov rejected every option they came up with. Scorpex had to offer up something completely new, and he turned to the track Toni created. 

Was Scorpex Successful In Executing The Mission?

This was Scorpex’s only chance to redeem himself, and he was hellbent on making it work. When Vestax mentioned that the big boss would risk his life to attend the Van Straat show, Scorpex knew he had to come up with a banger track. When all options failed, he decided to ignore Vestax and directly approach the designer behind the brand, Tabitha. Since the brand was clearly very dear to Dricus, Scorpex thought that the only way to make sure that his track got approved was by incorporating Tabitha’s vocals. He requested Tabitha to come along with him to his studio and just record the thoughts and ideas that she believed the brand stood for. Tabitha refused to record unless Scorpex provided a background track. As luck would have it, Tabitha loved the track that Toni had created. Even though Scorpex knew that using his daughter’s music without her permission was unfair, he didn’t have a choice. The recording went smoothly, and the track was selected for the ramp walk. Vestax, unfortunately, didn’t make the cut as the sound designer, and Scorpex finally got the opportunity to soak in the fame. He had informed Rose that the boss would attend the show, and she had her team ready to track him down. The show was significant for Scorpex because it was his chance to reclaim the title of the best DJ in town, and also help the secret intelligence nab a notorious criminal.

Tabitha’s support system and an important member behind the brand, Capitani, thanked Scorpex for coming up with a brilliant track at the very last minute. He was in charge of the execution of the show, and he’d arranged a glamorous DJ booth for Scorpex. He guided Scorpex to the backstage, where the models were getting dressed for the event. Tabitha wanted everyone to sport Van Straat clothing, and Scorpex too was handed the clothes she’d selected for him. 

During Banger’s ending, when Scorpex entered the changing room, he noticed Capitani in the adjacent room removing his shirt, and that was when Scorpex realized that he’d been interacting with the big boss all along. As it turned out, Capitani was Dricus, and while he’d changed his face, his body scars confirmed that he was the same man. Rose had arranged for an earpiece that Scorpex could use to connect with her. He used it to inform her that Dricus was Capitani before the show began. To make matters worse, Scorpex discovered that his daughter was one of the models on the show. He was about to use her music without her permission, and he felt extremely guilty about it. Scorpex apologized to his daughter even though she didn’t know why yet. When the show began, Toni figured out what her father was talking about, and she didn’t know how to react. She kept a straight face while walking the ramp.

In Banger’s ending, a cat-and-mouse chase ensued. Dricus figured something was up when his men stormed the backstage. He tried to escape, and he stabbed whoever came in his way. Meanwhile, Scorpex was trying to explain himself to his daughter when he noticed Dricus walking in their direction with a dagger in his hand. He threw himself on the floor to protect Toni, and in the process, Dricus tripped and fell. Rose and the team handcuffed Dricus; the plan was a success, all thanks to the DJ. Toni embraced her father; she finally realized everything he’d told her was the truth, and that he would risk his life to protect her. She needed that reassurance, and she was glad that even though it was not the kind of collaboration she’d hoped for, unknowingly she and her father had created quite an impressive track. The final scene suggests that Scorpex chose spending time with his daughter over fame. Rose called him to inform him that she was about to start the debrief, and she hoped that he would attend the meeting. But Scorpex was a free spirit; he’d helped the National Intelligence, and he would perhaps continue supporting them in any way he could, but he didn’t care about recognition. He was already in another country with his daughter, playing music for a group of strangers. This had always been the life he’d envisioned, and he was glad that he could share it with Toni. Also, did Rose and Scorpex grow romantically fond of each other? Possibly so!

Related

A Bonkers New Trailer Asks: What If Jurassic Park Was A Vietnam War Movie?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

[embedded content]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if someone decided to make a Vietnam War movie that had dinosaurs in it? If you have, today is your lucky day. Even if you haven’t, today is also your lucky day because this concept is being introduced to you in the form of the first teaser trailer for “Primitive War.” This is a very real movie that is coming out this year that is based on a very real book. Check it out for yourself above and marvel at what’s coming.
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There’s a lot to discuss here. There are lots of dinosaur movies that aren’t “Jurassic Park.” Everything from “The Land Before Time” to “The VelociPastor.” But in the realm of blockbuster entertainment, the “Jurassic” franchise has had a stranglehold on the genre for decades. While “Primitive War” is probably closer to a mockbuster, it does look pretty darn good, even though the budget is clearly not huge. The special effects are largely impressive. The movie didn’t skimp on the dinosaurs. The action set pieces look rad. In other words, this looks like it might be the best kind of bats**t crazy movie.
Directed by Luke Sparke, this one is expected to arrive sometime this summer. Perhaps not coincidentally, Universal is also releasing “Jurassic World Rebirth” in July. It’s shaping up to be a dino-filled year, it seems, with two very different dinosaur movies on offer. The synopsis for “Primitive War” reads as follows:
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Set in Vietnam in 1968, the Primitive War movie will follow a search and rescue team known as Vulture Squad sent to an isolated jungle valley to reveal the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon. As they hunt through the primordial depths of the valley and the casualties mount, the Vulture Squad members must embrace their savage instincts to survive the horrors they face, including the ultimate Apex predators, dinosaurs.

Primitive War is giving Jurassic World some competition

Sparke Films

The film is based on author Ethan Pettus’ book “Primitive War: Opiate Undertow.” I first wrote about the movie adaptation of “Primitive War” back in 2022 when Sparke Films secured the rights. Oftentimes, the rights will lapse and a movie won’t actually get made. In this case, Sparke managed to get this one across the finish line.
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“Dinosaurs in the Vietnam war? What’s not to love about that concept?!” Sparke said when the project was first announced in 2022. “When I first heard about the books, I loved the ideas and concepts Ethan brought into them, and we’re shaping our film version into an exciting survival-horror film.”
The cast is led by the likes of Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”), Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”), Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”), Nick Wechsler (“This is Us”), Anthony Ingruber (“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”), Aaron Glenane (“Snowpiercer”), and Jake Ryan (“Home and Away”).
Currently, it’s unclear if this one is going to get a theatrical release or if it will go straight to VOD/streaming. Look, if a mockbuster like “Top Gunner: Danger Zone” got its day in theaters, surely a dinosaur movie that is also a Vietnam War movie deserves the same. Here’s hoping, but we’ll have to see how it shakes out in the coming months.
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“Primitive War” is due to arrive later this year but no specific release date has been set. Stay tuned.

A Bonkers New Trailer Asks: What If Jurassic Park Was A Vietnam War Movie?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

[embedded content]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if someone decided to make a Vietnam War movie that had dinosaurs in it? If you have, today is your lucky day. Even if you haven’t, today is also your lucky day because this concept is being introduced to you in the form of the first teaser trailer for “Primitive War.” This is a very real movie that is coming out this year that is based on a very real book. Check it out for yourself above and marvel at what’s coming.
Advertisement

There’s a lot to discuss here. There are lots of dinosaur movies that aren’t “Jurassic Park.” Everything from “The Land Before Time” to “The VelociPastor.” But in the realm of blockbuster entertainment, the “Jurassic” franchise has had a stranglehold on the genre for decades. While “Primitive War” is probably closer to a mockbuster, it does look pretty darn good, even though the budget is clearly not huge. The special effects are largely impressive. The movie didn’t skimp on the dinosaurs. The action set pieces look rad. In other words, this looks like it might be the best kind of bats**t crazy movie.
Directed by Luke Sparke, this one is expected to arrive sometime this summer. Perhaps not coincidentally, Universal is also releasing “Jurassic World Rebirth” in July. It’s shaping up to be a dino-filled year, it seems, with two very different dinosaur movies on offer. The synopsis for “Primitive War” reads as follows:
Advertisement

Set in Vietnam in 1968, the Primitive War movie will follow a search and rescue team known as Vulture Squad sent to an isolated jungle valley to reveal the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon. As they hunt through the primordial depths of the valley and the casualties mount, the Vulture Squad members must embrace their savage instincts to survive the horrors they face, including the ultimate Apex predators, dinosaurs.

Primitive War is giving Jurassic World some competition

Sparke Films

The film is based on author Ethan Pettus’ book “Primitive War: Opiate Undertow.” I first wrote about the movie adaptation of “Primitive War” back in 2022 when Sparke Films secured the rights. Oftentimes, the rights will lapse and a movie won’t actually get made. In this case, Sparke managed to get this one across the finish line.
Advertisement

“Dinosaurs in the Vietnam war? What’s not to love about that concept?!” Sparke said when the project was first announced in 2022. “When I first heard about the books, I loved the ideas and concepts Ethan brought into them, and we’re shaping our film version into an exciting survival-horror film.”
The cast is led by the likes of Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”), Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”), Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”), Nick Wechsler (“This is Us”), Anthony Ingruber (“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”), Aaron Glenane (“Snowpiercer”), and Jake Ryan (“Home and Away”).
Currently, it’s unclear if this one is going to get a theatrical release or if it will go straight to VOD/streaming. Look, if a mockbuster like “Top Gunner: Danger Zone” got its day in theaters, surely a dinosaur movie that is also a Vietnam War movie deserves the same. Here’s hoping, but we’ll have to see how it shakes out in the coming months.
Advertisement

“Primitive War” is due to arrive later this year but no specific release date has been set. Stay tuned.

This A24 Horror Movie With 94% On Rotten Tomatoes Is Crushing It On Netflix

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Yes, “Talk to Me” has been lauded by critics for its clever storytelling and impressive practical effects, as the film sports a cool 94% on Rotten Tomatoes at the moment. But what makes this movie so special? For starters, it opts for a plausible premise that doesn’t seem too far from the realm of possibility, which adds to the terror evoked throughout.
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“Talk to Me” follows teenagers Mia (Sophie Wilde) and Jade (Alexandra Jensen), along with Jade’s brother Riley (Joe Bird), as they participate in a game involving a severed, embalmed hand that allows those holding it to be possessed by the dead. It’s entirely believable that a group of bored teenagers, all of whom are dealing with personal issues, would casually mess around with something so dangerous. Of course, strict rules are put in place to avoid causing any permanent damage, so surely none of these kids will get carried away as they take turns being possessed … right? Sure enough, the inevitable happens, and the story takes a pretty grisly turn even before the gravity of the situation sinks in.
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The adrenaline rush that comes with letting a spirit take over them is reason enough for these teens to find this enjoyable or even worthwhile. After all, any sort of ridiculous, over-the-top spooky video is an interaction magnet on social media; hence, when a participant violently chokes and contorts, it’s initially perceived with glee. However, this giddy spell breaks once things get out of control, and this is when “Talk to Me” shines, using its smart narrative device to instill fear in us as viewers.
Moreover, the intent here is to explore heavier emotions, such as the grief Mia is experiencing after losing a loved one, as she is trying to find ways to escape the hellish claws of pain. But can you really outrun an emotion you’re meant to accept and process, especially when the alternative is a nefarious specter that will end up outwitting you? As expected, the answers aren’t easy, as no two people go about life the same way.
If you haven’t experienced “Talk to Me” yet, this is a great opportunity to make the most of your Netflix subscription. No matter what your thoughts might be after the credits roll, you’re bound to emerge from the experience with a deep appreciation for the film’s escalating, pit-in-your-stomach horror. There’s even a “Talk to Me” sequel in the works, which promises to reveal more about the movie’s bleak, dreary universe than we ever imagined.
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This A24 Horror Movie With 94% On Rotten Tomatoes Is Crushing It On Netflix

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Yes, “Talk to Me” has been lauded by critics for its clever storytelling and impressive practical effects, as the film sports a cool 94% on Rotten Tomatoes at the moment. But what makes this movie so special? For starters, it opts for a plausible premise that doesn’t seem too far from the realm of possibility, which adds to the terror evoked throughout.
Advertisement

“Talk to Me” follows teenagers Mia (Sophie Wilde) and Jade (Alexandra Jensen), along with Jade’s brother Riley (Joe Bird), as they participate in a game involving a severed, embalmed hand that allows those holding it to be possessed by the dead. It’s entirely believable that a group of bored teenagers, all of whom are dealing with personal issues, would casually mess around with something so dangerous. Of course, strict rules are put in place to avoid causing any permanent damage, so surely none of these kids will get carried away as they take turns being possessed … right? Sure enough, the inevitable happens, and the story takes a pretty grisly turn even before the gravity of the situation sinks in.
Advertisement

The adrenaline rush that comes with letting a spirit take over them is reason enough for these teens to find this enjoyable or even worthwhile. After all, any sort of ridiculous, over-the-top spooky video is an interaction magnet on social media; hence, when a participant violently chokes and contorts, it’s initially perceived with glee. However, this giddy spell breaks once things get out of control, and this is when “Talk to Me” shines, using its smart narrative device to instill fear in us as viewers.
Moreover, the intent here is to explore heavier emotions, such as the grief Mia is experiencing after losing a loved one, as she is trying to find ways to escape the hellish claws of pain. But can you really outrun an emotion you’re meant to accept and process, especially when the alternative is a nefarious specter that will end up outwitting you? As expected, the answers aren’t easy, as no two people go about life the same way.
If you haven’t experienced “Talk to Me” yet, this is a great opportunity to make the most of your Netflix subscription. No matter what your thoughts might be after the credits roll, you’re bound to emerge from the experience with a deep appreciation for the film’s escalating, pit-in-your-stomach horror. There’s even a “Talk to Me” sequel in the works, which promises to reveal more about the movie’s bleak, dreary universe than we ever imagined.
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First Look at Marvel Studios’ Vision TV Show Filming

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Disney+’s Vision Quest set photos revealed a Scottish town location in the series.Marvel Studios recently started filming a brand-new Disney+ series, Vision Quest. The show will bring back Paul Bettany as the synthezoid Avenger in a WandaVision spin-off from Star Trek: Picard’s Terry Matalas.Marvel Studios’ Vision Quest Set Photos Surface OnlineJournalist Jane Franklin took to X to post photos captured from the set of Marvel Studios’ Vision Quest in a village in the Chilterns, England. The Southern English village looks to be doubling for a Scottish town as the Saltire flag is waving outside a pub, which has been renamed “The Old Selkie.”For context, selkies are mythical creatures in Scottish folklore that can shapeshift between seal and human forms by removing or replacing skin.
Jane FranklinSet photos revealed that certain roads were closed as tents and trailers were placed in the English village for Vision Quest filming on April 2.
Jane FranklinA report from Screen Daily stated that production on Vision Quest began in March 2025 at Pinewood Studios. Marvel Studios and the London studio will apparently use locations around the U.K. for filming.
Jane FranklinThe production seems to be utilizing a crane for filming outside the fictional MCU pub, which has temporarily replaced an existing one in the village.
Jane FranklinFranklin noted the production is occurring in the village under the series’ working title Tin Man, an apparent reference to Vision’s synthezoid origins.
Jane FranklinIt’s currently unclear which actors are involved in this chunk of filming, but Vision Quest’s cast includes Bettany, James Spader, Ruaridh Mollica, Todd Stashwick, and an Iron Man star breaking an MCU record with his comeback.Vision Quest is expected to premiere on Disney+ in 2026, with filming taking place in the U.K. in the coming months.Why Is Disney+’s Vision Quest Going to Scotland?
Marvel StudiosVision has some history in Scotland in the MCU. He and Wanda Maximoff were hiding in its capital city, Edinburgh, at the start of Avengers: Infinity War before Thanos’ Black Order attacked them at the Waverly train station.That said, Vision’s return to Scotland on Disney+ looks to be swapping out the cityscapes for a small town and a local pub, likely far away from the capital.Vision Quest will see Paul Bettany’s Avenger trying to regain his lost memories and humanity after he was resurrected as White Vision in WandaVision. Perhaps that journey will take the synthezoid hero back to Scotland, filling in the gaps of his time there with Wanda Maximoff, which went largely unexplored.One has to wonder if Vision will be retracing these steps or if the Disney+ series will feature flashbacks to unseen moments from his past. If that were to be the case, there could be room for Elizabeth Olsen to return after a report stated “there is a possibility” that Wanda will appear in Vision Quest.

First Look at Marvel Studios’ Vision TV Show Filming

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Disney+’s Vision Quest set photos revealed a Scottish town location in the series.Marvel Studios recently started filming a brand-new Disney+ series, Vision Quest. The show will bring back Paul Bettany as the synthezoid Avenger in a WandaVision spin-off from Star Trek: Picard’s Terry Matalas.Marvel Studios’ Vision Quest Set Photos Surface OnlineJournalist Jane Franklin took to X to post photos captured from the set of Marvel Studios’ Vision Quest in a village in the Chilterns, England. The Southern English village looks to be doubling for a Scottish town as the Saltire flag is waving outside a pub, which has been renamed “The Old Selkie.”For context, selkies are mythical creatures in Scottish folklore that can shapeshift between seal and human forms by removing or replacing skin.
Jane FranklinSet photos revealed that certain roads were closed as tents and trailers were placed in the English village for Vision Quest filming on April 2.
Jane FranklinA report from Screen Daily stated that production on Vision Quest began in March 2025 at Pinewood Studios. Marvel Studios and the London studio will apparently use locations around the U.K. for filming.
Jane FranklinThe production seems to be utilizing a crane for filming outside the fictional MCU pub, which has temporarily replaced an existing one in the village.
Jane FranklinFranklin noted the production is occurring in the village under the series’ working title Tin Man, an apparent reference to Vision’s synthezoid origins.
Jane FranklinIt’s currently unclear which actors are involved in this chunk of filming, but Vision Quest’s cast includes Bettany, James Spader, Ruaridh Mollica, Todd Stashwick, and an Iron Man star breaking an MCU record with his comeback.Vision Quest is expected to premiere on Disney+ in 2026, with filming taking place in the U.K. in the coming months.Why Is Disney+’s Vision Quest Going to Scotland?
Marvel StudiosVision has some history in Scotland in the MCU. He and Wanda Maximoff were hiding in its capital city, Edinburgh, at the start of Avengers: Infinity War before Thanos’ Black Order attacked them at the Waverly train station.That said, Vision’s return to Scotland on Disney+ looks to be swapping out the cityscapes for a small town and a local pub, likely far away from the capital.Vision Quest will see Paul Bettany’s Avenger trying to regain his lost memories and humanity after he was resurrected as White Vision in WandaVision. Perhaps that journey will take the synthezoid hero back to Scotland, filling in the gaps of his time there with Wanda Maximoff, which went largely unexplored.One has to wonder if Vision will be retracing these steps or if the Disney+ series will feature flashbacks to unseen moments from his past. If that were to be the case, there could be room for Elizabeth Olsen to return after a report stated “there is a possibility” that Wanda will appear in Vision Quest.