Category: Entertainment News

Sight Unseen (2026) Movie Review: A Nerve-Rattling Rural Nightmare

Sight Unseen will be available on digital and on demand on May 19. Photo: One Tree Entertainment

Movie Review: Sight Unseen

Every Gift Has a Price

The Synopsis

Three siblings inherit their estranged father’s rural cabin after his mysterious death. But the longer they spend in the house, the more apparent it becomes that someone, or something, still lives there. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)

Sight Unseen traps viewers in a rural nightmare where something waits in the dark. You can’t hide from what you can’t see.

Film Credits

  • Release Date: Digital and On Demand — May 19, 2026
  • Written & Directed by: Stephen Packhurst
  • Starring: Lauren Pisano (Law & Order), Daniel Burns (Inventing Anna, Insomnia), and Kellie Spill.

Atmosphere & Tension

Sight Unseen is a tense and atmospheric horror thriller that leans heavily into isolation and the fear of the unknown. It begins as an uncomfortable family reunion and quickly spirals into something far more terrifying. As strange noises, missing objects, and unsettling encounters mount, it becomes clear the siblings are not alone.

The film’s atmosphere is its greatest asset. The rural setting feels cold, empty, and claustrophobic all at once. By keeping the “presence” largely obscured, the director taps into the primal fear that our imagination is far scarier than any physical monster.

The Verdict on Dread: Rather than relying on cheap jump scares, the cinematography turns darkness into a living threat. The true star, however, is the sound design. Every creaking floorboard and distant whisper builds a layer of anxiety that makes the tagline feel like a personal threat.

The Sibling Dynamic

The emotional weight of the movie rests on the shoulders of the three leads. Their chemistry feels authentic, with years of resentment and unresolved trauma bubbling to the surface.

  • Grounded Performance: Their bickering provides a realistic contrast to the escalating supernatural absurdity.
  • Personal Stakes: Their fractured relationships make the survivalist nightmare feel earned, turning a standard family drama into a fight for their lives.

Final Thoughts

While some plot beats may feel familiar to veteran horror fans, Sight Unseen succeeds through sheer mood and suspense. It is an eerie, nerve-rattling experience that keeps audiences guessing until the final moments.

The takeaway? Some doors are better left locked, and the secrets we inherit can eventually hunt us down.

**Thank you to One Tree Entertainment for the screener link for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Legendary Tony Rice 1977 Self-Titled Album to Be Reissued for 75th Birthday

Tony Rice’s 1977 self-titled album returns on vinyl and digital. Photo: Craft Recordings, used with permission.

Bluegrass Legend Tony Rice’s 1977 Masterpiece Returns for 75th Birthday Celebration

Los Angeles, CA — In celebration of what would have been influential bluegrass guitarist Tony Rice’s 75th birthday, Craft Recordings has announced the return of his seminal 1977 self-titled album. (Craft Recordings, 2026)

Out of print for more than 40 years, Tony Rice captured a pivotal shift in bluegrass toward a more expansive, ensemble-driven sound. Featuring a “who’s who” of bluegrass legends, the record remains a cornerstone of the “new acoustic” genre, seamlessly blending bluegrass standards with contemporary compositions.

The Definitive Reissue

For the first time in decades, fans can experience this foundational recording in its purest form.

  • Release Date: June 5
  • Format: Vinyl (featuring AAA mastering) and Digital (Standard/Hi-Res)
  • Audio Quality: Cut from the original tapes with all-analog (AAA) mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.
  • Packaging: A faithful replication of the original 1977 jacket design.
  • Listen Now: Rice’s take on the traditional folk ballad “Banks of the Ohio” is available to stream today.

Pre-save/Pre-order the album here

A Revolutionary Force in Bluegrass

Tony Rice (1951–2020) was more than just a guitarist; he was an innovative force who shaped the very sound of modern bluegrass.

Born in Virginia and raised in Los Angeles, Rice first rose to prominence in Louisville, KY, as the lead vocalist and guitarist for J.D. Crowe’s legendary group, The New South. In the mid-’70s, Rice returned to California to join the David Grisman Quintet, where he began incorporating jazz, classical, and other sophisticated styles into his playing.

The Birth of “New Acoustic”

Released during his tenure with Grisman, Tony Rice was the guitarist’s third studio album and his first for Rounder Records. It stands as a prime example of the “new acoustic” style—an improvisation-driven blend of bluegrass, jazz, and prog-rock played on wholly acoustic instrumentation.

The album features an incredible lineup of collaborators:

  • Larry Rice: Mandolin
  • J.D. Crowe: Banjo, Backup Vocals
  • Jerry Douglas: Dobro
  • David Grisman: Mandolin
  • Darol Anger: Fiddle
  • Todd Phillips: Bass
  • Richard Greene: Fiddle

Together, they artfully blend tradition with progression, moving from Bill Monroe’s “Big Mon” to contemporary compositions like Grisman’s “Rattlesnake.”

An Enduring Legacy

Rice’s influence cannot be overstated. Ricky Skaggs once hailed him as “the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years.”

Over a four-decade career, Rice released over a dozen solo albums—including the acclaimed Church Street Blues (1983)—and over two dozen collaborative titles. A GRAMMY® Award winner and International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee, Rice’s distinctive touch and harmonic complexity continue to influence generations of pickers worldwide.

Tony Rice Track Listing (Vinyl)

Side A:

  1. Banks of the Ohio
  2. Rattlesnake
  3. Mr. Engineer
  4. Plastic Banana
  5. Don’t Give Your Heart to a Rambler
  6. Farewell Blues

Side B:

  1. Way Downtown
  2. Stoney Creek
  3. Hills of Roane County
  4. Eighth of January
  5. Big Mon
  6. Temperance Reel

Lord of the Flies (2026): The New BBC/Netflix Limited Series

David McKenna in Lord of the Flies (2026). Photo: J Redza/J Redza/Eleven/Sony Pictures Television

Book to Series Spotlight

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding

Book Synopsis

Lord of the Flies remains as provocative today as when it was first published in 1954, igniting passionate debate with its startling, brutal portrait of human nature. Though critically acclaimed, it was largely ignored upon its initial publication. Yet soon it became a cult favorite among both students and literary critics who compared it to J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye in its influence on modern thought and literature. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

William Golding’s compelling story about a group of very ordinary small boys marooned on a coral island has become a modern classic. At first, it seems as though it is all going to be great fun; but the fun before long becomes furious and life on the island turns into a nightmare of panic and death.

As ordinary standards of behavior collapse, the whole world the boys know collapses with them—the world of cricket and homework and adventure stories—and another world is revealed beneath, primitive and terrible. Labeled a parable, an allegory, a myth, a morality tale, a parody, a political treatise, even a vision of the apocalypse, Lord of the Flies has established itself as a true classic.

Photo: Barnes & Noble

TV Series Adaptation

Lord of the Flies has been adapted as a limited series on Netflix, premiering on May 4, 2026. This BBC/Netflix production, adapted by Jack Thorne, follows a group of stranded schoolboys whose attempt to create a civil society devolves into violence and savagery.

Quick Facts

  • Format: 4-Episode Limited Series
  • Runtime: 1 hour per episode
  • Platform: Netflix / BBC
  • Key Cast:
    • Winston Sawyers as Ralph
    • Lox Pratt as Jack
    • David McKenna as Piggy

The Plot

Following a plane crash, a group of young boys become stranded on a tropical island in the Pacific Ocean in the early 1950s. Ralph attempts to lead the boys, with help from the intellectual Piggy, in the hope of surviving and seeking rescue. However, Jack starts a rebellion, and their makeshift society begins a terrifying descent into chaos.

Each episode focuses on different characters navigating the island’s rising dangers and the collapse of their fragile civilization.

John Mailander’s Forecast Announces New EP ‘Little Wheel // Hope Looming’

John Mailander’s Forecast has unveiled its spellbinding adaptation of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s ‘Little Wheel Spin and Spin.’ Photo: Steph Heath with Smiling Eyes Media, used with permission.

New Music: John Mailander’s Forecast Announces New EP Little Wheel // Hope Looming

NASHVILLE — Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist John Mailander and his visionary collective, Forecast, have announced the independent release of their new 3-track EP, Little Wheel // Hope Looming, arriving May 8, 2026. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Following their 2025 full-length album Let The World In, this latest offering marks a poignant exploration of historical cycles, post-rock textures, and adventurous improvisation.

The Tracklist: A Study in Light and Dark

The EP clocks in at 13 minutes and 18 seconds, weaving together a potent mix of vocal urgency and instrumental atmosphere:

  1. “Little Wheel Spin And Spin” (Buffy Sainte-Marie cover)
  2. “Hope, Looming” (Original instrumental)
  3. “(turnstile)” (Ambient sample piece)

Breaking the Cycle: “Little Wheel Spin And Spin”

The EP opens with a timely rendition of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 1966 classic, featuring guest Kristina Train on lead vocals. Recorded just days before the U.S. entered the conflict with Iran, the track serves as a chilling commentary on the “war machine.”

“It’s chilling to me how relevant these lyrics are today,” says Mailander. “I think our version, and Kristina’s delivery… is felt with a renewed urgency, anger, and resistance… We turned it into a jam vehicle for group improvisation.”

The B-Side: “Hope, Looming”

Inspired by post-rock giants like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Sigur Ros, this instrumental piece explores the “grey areas” of emotion. It serves as a tonal counterweight to the opening track, a slow-building crescendo meant to signal a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

The Coda: “(turnstile)”

The project is tied together by an unsettling yet hopeful ambient piece, featuring a manipulated sample of a train station turnstile layered over synth improvisations.

Hope Looming EP Artwork

Meet The Forecast

Recorded live at Southern Ground Studio by Dan Davis, the ensemble features some of the finest players in the Nashville scene:

MusicianInstrument(s)
John MailanderFiddle, Piano, Electronics
Ethan JodziewiczUpright & Electric Bass
Chris LippincottPedal Steel Guitar, Wurlitzer
Dean MillerTenor Saxophone
Mark RaudabaughDrums, Percussion
Jake StargelAcoustic guitar

About John Mailander

Beyond leading Forecast, Mailander is a prolific collaborator and a current member of Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers.

A Berklee College of Music alumnus, his fiddle and multi-instrumental work have graced recordings by a “who’s who” of modern music, including:

  • Billy Strings (The Grammy-winning Home)
  • Noah Kahan
  • Dermot Kennedy
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda
  • Lucy Dacus

Moving to Nashville in 2015, Mailander formed Forecast to step outside the bounds of bluegrass and explore themes inspired by film scores and jazz-fusion greats like the Pat Metheny Group.

Little Wheel // Hope Looming is available on all major streaming platforms May 8, 2026.

Photo: Michael Weintrob, used with permission.

Otto’s Ice House Announces May Lineup for Riverfront Concert Series

Otto’s Ice House announces the full lineup for their Local Wednesdays music series. Photo: Otto’s Ice House, used with permission.

Related Post: Live Music & Local Vibes: Otto’s Ice House Launches ‘Local Wednesdays’ in San Antonio

River Rhythms: Local Wednesdays at Otto’s Ice House

Pack your bags (or just your appetite)—Otto’s Ice House has officially unveiled the full lineup for Local Wednesdays. This free, all-ages live music series is the perfect excuse to spend your midweek evenings on the scenic banks of the San Antonio River. (Otto’s Ice House, 2026)

The series is already in full swing, featuring a diverse range of local talent every Wednesday this month.

🎤 The Lineup

Mark your calendars for these upcoming performances:

🍔 More Than Just Music

Otto’s is more than just a venue; it’s a community hub designed for trading tallboys and making memories. While you soak in the tunes, you can dive into their signature menu.

Must-try items include:

  • Cantina Queso (The ultimate crowd-pleaser)
  • Hill Country Deluxe Smashburger
  • Otto’s Last Shot

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a spot to grab an ice-cold drink with friends, the riverside atmosphere at Otto’s provides the perfect backdrop.

📍 Plan Your Visit

Where: Otto’s Ice House
111 Newell Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78212

When: Every Wednesday in May
Cost: Free!

The Joe Panther Band will be performing at Otto’s Ice House on May 27. Photo: Otto’s Ice House

Exploring Supernatural Horror Cinema: New Movie ‘Hokum’

Adam Scott stars in Hokum, now in theaters. Photo: NEON

The Unseen Terror: Why Supernatural Horror Still Haunts Us

Supernatural horror films tap into fears that transcend the physical world. Unlike realistic horror, which relies on tangible threats like serial killers or survival scenarios, supernatural horror explores the unknown. It leans into ghosts, demons, curses, and otherworldly forces that defy both logic and human control.

This genre appeals to a deep-seated psychological unease: the unsettling idea that forces beyond our understanding are lurking just out of sight, watching and waiting.

The Evolution of the Eerie

Over the decades, the appeal of supernatural horror has evolved alongside our cultural anxieties:

  • Early Era: Films often reflected religious fears or moral consequences, portraying evil as a direct result of sin or a terrifying glimpse into the afterlife.
  • Modern Era: As society became more secular, the focus shifted toward internal struggles. Today, supernatural threats often serve as metaphors for trauma, grief, and the fragility of the human mind.

These movies stand the test of time because they confront us with the limits of human understanding. They invite viewers to imagine a world where the rules of physics and logic no longer apply, making the fear feel existential and lingering long after the credits roll.

New Movie Spotlight: Hokum

If you’re looking to test your nerves with the latest in supernatural cinema, Hokum is now playing in theaters.

Synopsis

Written by Damian McCarthy, the film follows novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) as he retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents’ ashes. His stay takes a dark turn as he becomes consumed by local legends of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Before long, disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance force Bauman to confront the darkest corners of his own past. (IMDb, 2026)

Film Details

CategoryInformation
Director/WriterDamian McCarthy
StarringAdam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot
GenreSupernatural Horror
RatingR
Runtime1h 47min

Bottom Line: Hokum promises to be a gripping addition to the genre, blending isolation with the psychological weight of the past. Catch it on the big screen… if you dare.

Photo: IMDb

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio: Don Quixote at The Majestic Theatre

Continue the Fiesta festivities with the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s spirited Don Quixote. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

Celebrate Post-Fiesta Magic with Don Quixote at The Majestic

San Antonio’s Fiesta season might be winding down, but the celebration isn’t over. Join the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) for a vibrant production of the legendary masterpiece, Don Quixote, running May 8–9. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2026)

Performed at the stunning Majestic Theatre downtown, this production is the perfect bridge between the city’s festive heritage and Mother’s Day weekend. It’s a fun-filled experience for the whole family, featuring charming characters, a romantic score, and the hilarious antics of the world’s most famous bumbling knight. Tickets are available online.

A Night in Old Spain

If you love the colorful dresses and party atmosphere of San Antonio’s Fiesta, you won’t want to miss this. Set in a timeless Barcelona plaza, Don Quixote follows:

  • The Lovers: Kitri and the poor barber Basilio, who are desperately trying to elope.
  • The Knight: The comically delusional Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick, Sancho Panza.
  • The Journey: A madcap adventure featuring fortune tellers, circus acts, and of course windmills.

“It is the rare classical ballet that is joyful and comedic. The whole production feels like a celebration. No one dies or is betrayed, and there is a happy ending.” — Vanessa Bessler, CBSA Founder and Artistic Director

This production adds modern flair to the 100-year-old choreography with aerialists, acro performances, and a contemporary dance number. Show up early to browse the special souvenir market and take photos with the cast,

From Russia to South Texas

While Don Quixote is a natural fit for South Texas with its Spanish heritage and cape-whipping toreros (bullfighters), the ballet actually has deep Russian roots. First popularized by the legendary Anna Pavlova in 1924, it remains a living link to the famed Russian Imperial ballet style.

Even if you lean more “rodeo” than “ronde de jambe,” you’ll be mesmerized by the “Dance of Espada and the Toreros,” a showcase of pure charisma and athleticism.

Viva Virtuosity!

Don’t let the word “Children’s” fool you, these dancers are world-class. The young company members of CBSA have earned over 100 placements in prestigious competitions this season alone.

The choreography is famously demanding. The duet between Kitri and Basilio is considered one of the ultimate tests of a dancer’s ability, featuring:

  • Dizzying pirouettes
  • Soaring leaps
  • Feather-light lifts

Many of these performers have received invitations to train at European powerhouses like the Royal Ballet of London and the Dutch National Academy.

Better Than Brunch: Make it a Mother’s Day Tradition

Skip the standard brunch line and treat Mom to an afternoon of high-quality art. CBSA is an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to providing young performers with professional-level stage experience. Under Vanessa Bessler’s inclusive leadership, the production celebrates the joy of dance across all ages.

Event Details

DateTime
Friday, May 87:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 92:00 p.m.

Location:
The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Note: The Souvenir Market and Cast Photo op opens one hour prior to showtime.

About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio

The award-winning CBSA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that produces professional-level productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented youth. Their mission is to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for creative lives through elite training and performance opportunities.

Danny Griego’s ‘Angelina’ Hits New Heights on Billboard & Mediabase AC Charts

Texas-based country artist adds another chart milestone to a catalog forged alongside outlaw legends. Photo: InPerpetuity Entertainment

Danny Griego’s “Angelina” Skyrockets: A New Milestone for the Outlaw Country Artist

Nashville, Tenn. — Country singer-songwriter Danny Griego is reaching new heights as his latest single, “Angelina,” climbs to No. 24 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary (AC) chart and No. 13 on the Mediabase AC chart. (Aristo PR, 2026)

The track, a captivating blend of Latin, Americana, and Griego’s signature outlaw country influences, is rapidly gaining momentum across the airwaves.

A Steady Climb to the Top

Recorded at the legendary Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, “Angelina” was co-written by Griego alongside Jerry Crutchfield and Mark Nessler. Since its AC chart debut on April 4, the track has seen a steady rise, fueled by heavy rotation on 28 Mediabase AC stations.

Key markets showing major support (with over 50 spins each) include:

  • Huntsville & Phoenix
  • Omaha & Tucson
  • Reno & Atlantic City
  • Nassau, Bridgeport, and Johnson City

This Top 25 placement adds to Griego’s impressive Billboard résumé, which already includes recognition as a Top 10 Billboard recording artist.

The Story Behind the Song

“Angelina” is more than just a chart-topper; it is a haunting, emotionally driven ballad that explores the ripple effects of heartbreak.

“‘Angelina’ is a song that’s always felt personal to me,” says Griego. “I’ve often wondered if Angelina would be the love of my life.”

The song tells the story of a woman shaped by the early loss of her father, a wound that leads her to build walls and move through relationships, leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake to protect her own.

Music with a Mission: Freedom Horse Ranch

Beyond his musical achievements, Griego is deeply committed to service. He is the owner and operator of Freedom Horse Ranch, a 501(c)(3) organization in Weatherford, Texas.

The ranch is dedicated to helping:

  • Veterans & First Responders
  • Individuals with physical or cognitive challenges
  • Those seeking emotional recovery

Through therapeutic equine-assisted activities and outdoor experiences, the ranch provides a sanctuary for healing, confidence-building, and growth.

A Voice for Veterans

Griego’s advocacy for the military is a cornerstone of his career. He frequently performs at military bases and has released powerful tracks like “Lady Liberty” and “Twenty-Two” (a collaboration with K.P. Fitz highlighting the Veteran suicide epidemic).

About Danny Griego

Born in Arizona and based in Texas, Danny Griego’s sound is a rich tapestry of outlaw, cowboy, and Latin influences. His journey is one of incredible resilience: after surviving a lightning strike during his college years, he taught himself to fingerpick on his grandfather’s nylon-string guitar as part of his rehabilitation.

Notable Discography:

  • Destination (2007)
  • Cowboys, Outlaws & Border Town Dogs (2014)
  • 22 (2018)
  • “You Never Stop Loving Somebody” (2019)
  • “Angelina” (2024/2026)

With a full slate of touring and new music on the horizon, Danny Griego continues to prove why he is one of the most authentic voices in modern Americana.

Live Music & Local Vibes: Otto’s Ice House Launches ‘Local Wednesdays’ in San Antonio

Otto’s Ice House announces live music series and a steak night event. Photo: Otto’s Ice House, used with permission.

Live Music & Live Fire: What’s New at Otto’s Ice House

Located right on the banks of the San Antonio River, Otto’s Ice House is more than just a place to grab a tallboy, it’s becoming the city’s go-to spot for community, culture, and incredible flavors. There are two major events coming up that you won’t want to miss. (Otto’s Ice House, 2026)

🎸 Introducing: Local Wednesdays

Announcing the launch of Local Wednesdays, a free, all-ages live music series highlighting the incredible talent right here in San Antonio.

This five-week series kicks off with Wally Robles on the backyard stage. Whether you’re a fan of Americana, country, or soulful acoustic sets, their rotating lineup has something for everyone.

  • Kickoff Date: Wednesday, April 29
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • The Vibe: All-ages, free entry, and diverse local acts.
  • Bonus: The series continues every Wednesday throughout the month of May

Featured Artist: Wally Robles – A Texas-born powerhouse, Wally Robles brings over a decade of experience to the stage. His genre-defying style pulls inspiration from the 1950s all the way to modern hits, ensuring a performance that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

🔥 Special Event: Steak Night with Levi Goode

Get ready for live-fire cooking. On Thursday, May 7, Otto’s will host a special Steak Night featuring their founder, three-time James Beard Award nominee Levi Goode, and the Goode Co. culinary crew.

Traveling in from Houston, the team will be using a Mill Scale pit to showcase authentic vaquero-style cooking. This event serves as a delicious preview before the crew heads to Lockhart Rising on May 9.

The Featured Plate ($26):

  • 10 oz. Picanha Steak: Smoked and finished over mesquite.
  • Sides: Chile pequin chimichurri, ranchero potatoes, and a monkey bread roll brushed with persillade butter.

Note: Steak Night starts at 5:00 p.m. and runs until sold out. Show up early!

🍔 Sip & Snack

While you enjoy the music or the mesquite smoke, their full menu will be available all day. Pair your evening with house favorites like:

  • Food: Cantina Queso, Hill Country Deluxe Smashburger, or Redfish on the Half Shell.
  • Drinks: The Damn Goode Margarita, a classic Michelada, or an ice-cold beer.

📍 Plan Your Visit

Otto’s Ice House 111 Newell Avenue San Antonio, TX 78212

EventDateTime
Local Wednesdays KickoffApril 296 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Steak NightMay 75 p.m. – Sold Out
May Music SeriesEvery Wed. in May6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

About Levi Goode – A fifth-generation Texan, Levi Goode has spent his life honoring the diverse culture of the Lone Star State. From Gulf Coast seafood to mesquite-smoked BBQ, Levi is committed to preserving the hospitality and rich traditions that make Texas dining legendary.

Sally Field to Star in Netflix’s ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ Adaptation

The film adaptation of ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ will premiere on Netflix on May 8. Photo: Amazon

Book to Screen: Remarkably Bright Creatures

For fans of A Man Called Ove, Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a charming, witty, and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope. This heartwarming story traces a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus, and it is finally making its way to the silver screen.

🎬 The Netflix Adaptation

The beloved novel has been adapted into a Netflix original movie featuring a powerhouse cast and creative team:

  • Starring: Sally Field as Tova and Alfred Molina as the voice of Marcellus.
  • Director/Co-Writer: Olivia Newman.
  • Release Date: May 8, 2026.

📖 Book Overview: A Tale of Eight Arms and One Big Secret

After Tova Sullivan’s husband passed away, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Keeping busy has always been Tova’s way of coping, ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

While mopping floors and tidying up, Tova becomes acquainted with Marcellus, a curmudgeonly giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus is more observant than anyone can imagine, but he wouldn’t dream of helping his human captors, until he forms a remarkable bond with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces exactly what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. Now, he must use every trick his aging invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. It is a gentle reminder that taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

📽️ Movie Snapshot

The film captures the essence of the novel, focusing on the life-changing discovery Tova makes through the unlikely bonds formed during her quiet night shifts. (IMDb, 2026)

FeatureDetails
GenreDrama
RatingPG-13 (Thematic material, strong language, brief drug use)
Runtime1hr 51min

“Sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.”