Category: Movies

Stephen King’s Dystopian Classic ‘The Running Man’ Gets a Bold New Adaptation in 2025

The new book to movie adaptation starring Glen Powell hits theaters on November 7. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Stephen King’s “The Running Man” Returns — and Hits the Big Screen

Originally published under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1982, The Running Man later appeared as part of The Bachman Books collection in 1985. Now, this dark, dystopian thriller is making its way to the big screen, with Paramount’s new adaptation set to premiere on November 7, 2025.

A Deadly Game of Survival

In the world of The Running Man, survival is the only goal.

Ben Richards has lost everything—his job, his savings, and nearly his hope. With a sick daughter in need of urgent medical care, he takes a desperate gamble and signs up for the nation’s most popular (and brutal) reality show: The Running Man, where contestants are hunted for sport.

If Ben can stay alive for thirty days, he’ll win a billion dollars. The catch? No one has ever survived more than eight days. Pursued by a lethal strike force trained to kill, Richards must navigate a world where every step could be his last.

It’s a chilling story about desperation, power, and the lengths one man will go to save his family.

The Film Adaptation

The Running Man (2025)
A man joins a game show where contestants can run anywhere in the world—while professional “hunters” track them down.

  • Director: Edgar Wright
  • Writers: Michael Bacall, Stephen King, Edgar Wright
  • Stars: Glen Powell, Emilia Jones, Josh Brolin
  • Genre: Dystopian Sci-Fi, Dark Comedy, Survival, Action Adventure
  • Running Time: 140 minutes

With Wright’s trademark style and a powerhouse cast, this adaptation promises to bring King’s high-stakes vision to thrilling, satirical life.

About the Author

Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent works include Never Flinch, You Like It Darker, Holly, Fairy Tale, Billy Summers, If It Bleeds, The Institute, Elevation, The Outsider, Sleeping Beauties (co-written with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges Trilogy: Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch.

King is the recipient of numerous honors, including:

  • 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award
  • 2014 National Medal of Arts
  • 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters
Photo: Paramount Pictures

World Premiere Spotlight: Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge at Fantastic Fest 2025

Rui Pedro Silva in Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge. Photo: MoreThan Films, used with permission.

Fantastic Fest 2025: The Tree of Knowledge World Premiere

Fantastic Fest, held annually in Austin and known as the largest genre film festival in the U.S., is back at the Alamo Drafthouse from September 18–25, 2025. Celebrated for spotlighting fantasy, horror, science fiction, action, and cult films, this year’s lineup promises a hauntingly excellent collection of premieres.

One of the most anticipated titles is Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge, having its World Premiere at this year’s festival. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Film Details

The Tree of Knowledge (A árvore do Conhecimento)
Feature Film (Portugal/France)

  • World Premiere – 2025
  • Runtime: 100 mins
  • Language: Portuguese (with English subtitles)
  • Genre: Dark Comedy / Fantasy

Directed by: Eugène Green
Producers: Luís Urbano, Sandro Aguilar, Julien Naveau
Starring: Rui Pedro Silva, Ana Moreira, Diogo Dória, João Arrais

Fantastic Fest Screening

📍 Location: Alamo Drafthouse Lamar
1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

🎬 Next Screening:
Tuesday, Sept 23rd – 6:00 PM @ Theater 8

Synopsis

In biblical terms, the “Tree of Knowledge” symbolizes free will and the ability to discern right from wrong. For filmmaker Eugène Green, it becomes a metaphor for spiritual awakening and renewal, set against the backdrop of Europe’s booming mass tourism.

The story follows Gaspard (Rui Pedro Silva), a Lisbon teenager who falls into the hands of the Ogre, a man who has struck a pact with the Devil. The Ogre uses Gaspard to lure tourists, transforming them into animals before killing them. Gaspard escapes with a donkey and a dog he has grown attached to, and in an enchanted manor, encounters the spirit of Queen D. Maria I of Portugal. Enraged, the Ogre sets off in pursuit—leading to a fantastical and allegorical journey of survival.

About the Director: Eugène Green

Born in New York City on June 28, 1947, Eugène Green is a French filmmaker, writer, theater director, and actor.

  • Studied literature and art history in Paris
  • Founded Le Théâtre de la Sapience in 1977, staging both contemporary poetic and baroque theater
  • Directed his first feature, Toutes les Nuits (1999, released 2001), winner of the Louis Delluc Prize for First Film
  • Has since directed 10+ feature films and 6 mini-films
  • His works have screened at Cannes, Locarno, Berlin, and other international festivals
  • In 2019, the Fundação Serralves in Porto hosted the first major exhibition dedicated to his cinema

✨ With The Tree of Knowledge, Green brings his signature poetic and philosophical style to Fantastic Fest, offering audiences a surreal and allegorical tale that blends dark comedy, folklore, and fantasy.

The Allure of Cozy Mysteries: Spotlight on ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman is now a Netflix movie. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Charm of Cozy Mysteries

Cozy mystery books offer readers a delightful escape into charming worlds filled with intrigue but softened by warmth and comfort. Unlike darker crime novels, cozies balance suspense with lighthearted settings—small towns, bookshops, bakeries, or quaint villages—where everyday life continues even amid mystery.

Their appeal lies in clever puzzles, quirky characters, and the absence of graphic violence, allowing readers to enjoy the thrill of solving a crime without the heaviness. Often featuring amateur sleuths, cozy mysteries invite readers to feel part of the investigation. They’re the perfect blend of relaxation and mental challenge, making them irresistible comfort reads.

Spotlight: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

One of the most popular cozy mysteries in recent years is The Thursday Murder Club, the first installment in Richard Osman’s bestselling series.

Here’s the setup:

  • Four septuagenarians with a few tricks up their sleeves
  • A female cop tackling her first big case
  • A brutal murder
  • And a retirement village with secrets to spare

In a peaceful retirement community, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes. Together, they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club.

When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph beside the body, the group suddenly finds themselves facing their first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, the unorthodox but brilliant gang must race to catch the killer—before it’s too late.

From Page to Screen

The Thursday Murder Club is now a Netflix film, directed by Chris Columbus with a screenplay by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote. The star-studded cast includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie.

The story follows four irrepressible retirees who spend their days solving cold cases for fun, only to stumble into a real whodunit. With its blend of humor, heart, and suspense, the adaptation brings the cozy mystery spirit to life on screen.

About the Author

Richard Osman is an author, producer, and television presenter. The Thursday Murder Club was his debut novel, and it quickly became a New York Times bestseller.

Beyond writing, Osman is well known for his work on TV shows including Pointless and Richard Osman’s House of Games. As creative director of Endemol UK, he has worked on popular programs such as Deal or No Deal and 8 Out of 10 Cats. He is also a regular face on panel shows like Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You, and Taskmaster.

✨ Cozy mysteries like The Thursday Murder Club prove that crime-solving can be clever, funny, and comforting all at once. If you’re looking for a mystery that keeps you guessing while wrapping you in charm, this series is the perfect place to start.

Beneath Us All: A Folkloric Twist on Classic Horror

Harley Wallen’s Beneath Us All. Photo: IMDb

Beneath Us All (Movie Review)

Director: Harley Wallen
Cast: Sean Whalen, Angelina Danielle Cama, Maria Olsen
Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Mystery

A Haunting Premise

The film opens in Scandinavia in 912 AD, where a man named Frey murders a young girl. The villagers capture him and bury him alive. Centuries later, we’re introduced to Julie (Angelina Danielle Cama), a foster child nearing her 18th birthday. Julie lives under the watch of foster parents Todd (Sean Whalen), a struggling gambler, and Janelle (Maria Olsen), whose kind facade quickly cracks.

When Julie discovers a mysterious Yggdrasil pendant in the woods, she unknowingly unleashes Frey—an ancient evil disguised as a wounded man. Out of compassion, she shelters him in a barn, only to realize his sinister nature as his power grows.

Mythology Meets Horror

Beneath Us All delivers a haunting twist on Norse mythology. The pendant and Frey’s dark origins add a folkloric depth that elevates the familiar “evil in the woods” setup. The film avoids cheap jump scares, instead relying on slow-building dread and an atmosphere of unease.

The cinematography captures the forest as a living threat—dark, still, and heavy with shadows. Every frame lingers with tension, making the setting a character in its own right.

Performances and Themes

Angelina Danielle Cama delivers a standout performance, balancing fear, compassion, and determination. Her protective nature toward the younger children raises the stakes, grounding the supernatural threat in raw human emotion.

Some dialogue feels clunky, and the middle act struggles with pacing, but the emotional weight of the final confrontation makes up for it. Themes of survival, found family, and temptation intertwine with the mythological horror, keeping the story compelling.

Final Thoughts

Beneath Us All is a chilling, myth-driven thriller that blends folklore with classic horror suspense. While some familiar tropes creep in, its Norse twist and atmospheric tension make it worth watching. It’s available for streaming on Tubi.

🎥 Recommended for fans of atmospheric horror and creature features.

“Look, Julie. I know you, okay? You’re a good person. No, they stomped it out of me a long time ago.”

From Haunted Houses to Last Rites: The Legacy of The Conjuring Universe

The latest installment of The Conjuring movies is now in theaters. Photo: The Conjuring Movie

The Conjuring Movies: Why Fans Keep Coming Back for More

Few horror franchises have left as big a mark on modern cinema as The Conjuring series. Blending supernatural chills with the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, these films go beyond simple jump scares. One big difference is the human element, the Warrens’ deep bond as a couple. Their love, faith, and unshakable resilience ground the terrifying stories, making audiences feel invested not only in the hauntings, but also in the people fighting against them.

The gothic atmosphere, expertly timed scares, and “based on true events” tag keep moviegoers coming back for more, proving that fear feels a little more real when it’s rooted in history.

The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) – A Spine-Chilling Farewell

Released this week, The Conjuring: Last Rites closes out the first phase of The Conjuring Universe with an emotional and terrifying send-off. As the sequel to The Devil Made Me Do It, it doesn’t just aim for scares, it aims for closure.

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, reminding us why they’ve become horror icons. Their chemistry elevates every scene, balancing tenderness with the heavy burden of confronting evil. This time, we also see the Warrens’ daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) and her boyfriend Tony (Ben Hardy) step into the story, which adds fresh family stakes.

At 2 hours and 15 minutes, the movie packs in plenty of eerie set pieces, bone-chilling encounters, and a sense of finality that longtime fans will appreciate. It’s less about reinvention and more about honoring the legacy of what came before, a fitting, if bittersweet, conclusion.

Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 2 hr 15 min

A Look Back at The Conjuring Universe

Over the past decade, the franchise has delivered both hits and spin-offs, expanding into one of the most successful horror universes of all time:

  • The Conjuring
  • Annabelle
  • The Conjuring 2
  • Annabelle: Creation
  • The Nun
  • Annabelle Comes Home
  • The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
  • The Nun II
  • The Conjuring: Last Rites

With Last Rites, the Warrens’ chapter may be closing, but the fear they’ve stirred on screen will linger for years. Are you a fan of these movies? Which one is your favorite?

From Festival Favorite to VOD: The Compatriots Launches Nationwide This September

The heartfelt comedy will be released digitally starting in the US and Canada on September 16. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

The Compatriots Brings Heartfelt Humor and Immigration Stories to VOD This September

Release Date: September 16, 2025 (U.S. & Canada)
Platform: VOD Nationwide (with international releases to follow)

Blue Harbor Entertainment has announced that its award-winning festival favorite The Compatriots will be available on Video on Demand across the U.S. and Canada beginning September 16, 2025. Additional VOD releases in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other territories are coming soon. (EG-PR, 2025)

The film’s release aligns with Citizen Day in the United States (Sept. 17), making its themes of immigration, identity, and belonging especially timely.

A Story of Friendship, Belonging, and Resilience

Marking the narrative feature directorial debut of Spencer Cohen, The Compatriots is a nuanced comedy-drama starring Rafael Silva (Javi) and Denis Shepherd (Hunter), alongside Dakota Lustic, Caroline Portu, Jaison Hunter, and Brandon Grimes.

The story follows Javi, an undocumented immigrant facing deportation, who unexpectedly reconnects with his estranged best friend Hunter, a charming bachelor yearning for deeper connections. Together, they embark on a heartfelt mission to keep Javi in the only country he has ever known.

Inspired by Cohen’s childhood best friend Alberto Sayan, a Dreamer from Peru, the film offers an intimate look at the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants—especially those brought to the U.S. as children and now facing deportation to countries they barely remember.

Festival Accolades

Since its premiere, The Compatriots has made an impressive run on the festival circuit, earning:

  • Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature – Woods Hole Film Festival
  • Emerging New England Filmmaker Award – Woods Hole Film Festival
  • Best LGBTQ Feature – Poppy Jasper Film Festival
  • Best Narrative Feature – San Antonio Film Festival

It has also been featured at the Maui, Ojai, Chelsea, and Fort Lauderdale Film Festivals.

Director’s Statement

“Dreamers are not an abstract concept; they are our neighbors, nurses, teachers—and in my case, my best friend Alberto,” says director Spencer Cohen. “They are integral parts of our communities, and they deserve to feel safe in the country they call home. I hope audiences will see Javi as their best friend and fight for policies that give permanent protection to millions like him.”

About Blue Harbor Entertainment

Founded in 2023 by Amanda Sherwin, Mike Messina, and Seth Needle, Blue Harbor Entertainment is a boutique distributor dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers. With decades of combined industry experience, the company offers full-scale distribution and marketing solutions for theatrical, digital, and television releases—providing a flexible, filmmaker-first approach in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Release Date Reminder: The Compatriots premieres on VOD September 16, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada.

Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

‘Flesh of the Unforgiven’ Review: A Dark Descent into Fear and Damnation

Joe Hollow’s ‘Flesh of the Unforgiven.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Flesh of the Unforgiven: Death Is Only the Beginning

Synopsis

In Flesh of the Unforgiven, novelist Jack Russo (Joe Hollow) is suffering from crippling writer’s block. In a last-ditch effort to revive his creativity, he retreats to a secluded cabin in the mountains of Quebec with his estranged wife, Sienna (Debbie Rochon). Under pressure from his agent to deliver a treatment for his next bestseller within 72 hours, Jack is sent a mysterious VHS tape—meant to spark inspiration.

It starts as mere curiosity and quickly devolves into obsession. The disturbing contents of the tape drag Jack into a spiral of paranoia, hallucination, and dread. As he teeters on the edge of madness, Sienna struggles to ground him in reality. But she harbors secrets of her own—ones that blur the lines between the living and the dead. As they’re pulled into the twisted realm of the Death Dealer and his legion of manipulative demons, both Jack and Sienna must confront terrifying truths—about themselves, and about the price of fear.

Written and directed by Joe Hollow, the cast includes Debbie Rochon as Sienna Russo, Joe Hollow as Jack Russo/Death Dealer, August Kyss as Vivienne, and Adriana Uchishiba as Livinia.

It is available for rent/purchase on Amazon Video.

Movie Review: Flesh of the Unforgiven

This independent psychological horror film is a brutal, dreamlike exploration of grief, guilt, and damnation, wrapped in a narrative that feels like a waking nightmare. As psychological unrest spirals into full-blown torment, reality becomes warped, and redemption feels increasingly out of reach.

The film’s atmosphere is suffocatingly dark, enhanced by haunting cinematography and a pulse-pounding score that echoes like a heartbeat from hell. The performances are raw and deeply emotional—especially as the Death Dealer toys with his victims, offering twisted salvation in exchange for them embracing their deepest fears.

While the story sometimes stumbles under the weight of its own symbolism, it never loses momentum. The creature design is grotesque and unforgettable, with each demon representing a unique form of psychological torment. It’s not just a horror movie—it’s a disturbing reflection on punishment, corrupted love, and the monsters that live within us.

⚠️ Content Warning

Flesh of the Unforgiven is not for the faint of heart. The film features graphic nudity, gore, and intense violence throughout, including an explicit opening scene, and as a whole, flirts with softcore horror-porn territory. It’s a bold and boundary-pushing film that won’t appeal to everyone—and it’s definitely not family-friendly.

That said, for fans of indie psychological and supernatural horror, this film offers a darkly imaginative take on fear, deals with the devil, and the unbearable weight of our inner demons. NSFW alert: proceed with caution—but horror lovers may find themselves morbidly transfixed.

“Don’t run from your fears, embrace them.
The words of an ancient evil called…the Death Dealer.
It is said that he exists within a realm that lies between life and death.
Searching for lost souls and using his legion of demons to guide them..
If you’re chosen, he’ll make you a deal.
Granting a new life beyond death.
In return…you must face your fears…and embrace them.
He owns your soul once the deal is made.
But the fate of the soul, depends on your will to survive.”

*Thank you to Joe Williamson for the screener link for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions are my own.

Debbie Rochon as Sienna Russo. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Why We Love Horror—and Why Do Not Enter Should Be on Your Radar

Coming soon: Do Not Enter. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

The Allure of Horror Movies

Horror movies captivate audiences by tapping into primal fears and creating a safe space to confront the unknown. They offer an adrenaline rush, suspense, and the thrill of survival, all from the comfort of a theater or living room.

Viewers are drawn to the tension, unexpected twists, and the release that comes after a scare. Horror also reflects societal anxieties, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether through supernatural entities, psychological terror, or gore, these films challenge boundaries and stimulate curiosity.

Ultimately, horror allows people to explore fear, mortality, and the dark side of human nature in a controlled environment.

Coming Soon: Do Not Enter

Attention horror movie fans — if you’re looking for your next terrifying thrill, Do Not Enter is one to watch for. (EG PR, 2025)

Based on the 2005 novel Creepers by First Blood (the basis for the Rambo movies) author David Morrell, the film follows a group of urban explorers known as the Creepers. These thrill-seekers livestream their adventures through abandoned locations, and their latest target—the eerie, mob-connected Paragon Hotel in New Jersey—promises more danger than they bargained for.

Blending action-thriller roots with supernatural horror, Do Not Enter explores themes of loss, trauma, and the high cost of fame.

🎬 Do Not Enter – Movie Details

  • Genre: Horror
  • Rating: R (for bloody violence and some language)
  • Runtime: 91 minutes
  • Release Date: Coming Soon
  • Directed by: Marc Klasfeld
  • Screenplay by: Stephen Susco, Spencer Mandel & Dikega Hadnot
  • Based on: Creepers by David Morrell
  • Produced by: Jordan Schur, p.g.a.

Cast:
Jake Manley, Adeline Rudolph, Francesca Reale, Shane Paul McGhie, Kai Caster, Javier Botet, Nicholas Hamilton, Brennan Keel Cook, Catrina Shank, and Laurence O’Fuarain.

Synopsis

The Creepers are thrill-seeking urban explorers chasing the ultimate stunt: livestreaming their night inside the abandoned Paragon Hotel. With a dark history of mob activity, ghost stories, and a rumored hidden fortune of $300 million, the hotel is irresistible.

But the deeper they go, the more terrifying it becomes. Haunted by supernatural forces and hunted by deadly rivals, the Creepers are forced to confront their limits—mentally, physically, and morally.

Lionsgate and Suretone Pictures present a Suretone Pictures production: Do Not Enter.
Stay tuned for the official release date.

Experience Prince Like Never Before: Sign O’ The Times in IMAX This August

Prince’s critically acclaimed film will be shown in IMAX for the first time ever. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Prince’s Iconic Concert Film Sign O’ The Times Coming to IMAX for the First Time Ever

Los Angeles, CA — IMAX, Mercury Studios, and FilmRise (a Radial Entertainment Company) have officially announced the global re-release of the legendary concert film Prince – Sign O’ The Times in IMAX theatres for a limited one-week engagement starting August 29, 2025, with early access showtimes on August 28. (MAGNUM PR, 2025)

For the first time ever, fans will be able to experience the critically acclaimed 1987 concert film — directed by and starring Prince — in breathtaking IMAX format. The film has been digitally remastered using IMAX’s proprietary DMR (Digital Media Remastering) technology, delivering unmatched image clarity and immersive surround sound.

🎶 A Masterpiece Reimagined

Sign O’ The Times is widely regarded as capturing Prince at the height of his creative powers. Featuring electrifying performances by Prince, Sheila E., and his powerhouse band, the film seamlessly blends high-energy concert footage with cinematic storytelling and genre-defying sound.

Now, enhanced by IMAX’s customized theatre design and audio precision, audiences can witness this cultural milestone like never before.

🎤 Iconic Tracks. Unforgettable Moments.

The film features some of Prince’s most celebrated songs, including:

  • If I Was Your Girlfriend
  • Sign O’ The Times
  • U Got The Look (featuring Sheena Easton)

More than just a concert, Sign O’ The Times is a celebration of Prince’s legendary artistry, vision, and influence that continues to resonate across generations.

🎬 Film Details:

  • Director & Star: Prince
  • Producers: Robert Cavallo, Joseph Ruffalo & Steven Fargnoli
  • Co-Producer: Simon Fields
  • Director of Photography: Peter Sinclair
  • Runtime: 85 minutes
  • Rating: PG-13

🌍 Global Release Information:

  • U.S. Distribution: IMAX
  • International Distribution: Pathé Live
  • Note: IMAX, Mercury Studios, and Pathé Live previously partnered on the global success of Queen Rock Montreal.

🎟️ Tickets & Theatre Listings:
Visit IMAX online for a complete list of participating locations and ticket information.

Don’t miss this one-week-only IMAX experience!
Experience the music. Experience the magic. Experience Prince.

‘Star People’: A Haunting Journey Through Memory, Mystery, and the Desert Sky

Star People, starring Kat Cunning, opens this Friday in limited theaters. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

Related post: Kat Cunning Leads in Star People, a New Sci-Fi Feature Inspired by the Phoenix Lights

Star People — A Meditative Sci-Fi Mystery Rooted in Memory and Mystery

“Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.” — Rumi

Star People opens with this evocative quote, setting the tone for a film that’s as much about the cosmos as it is about the human soul. Inspired by the real-life Phoenix Lights event of March 13, 1997—the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history—the film follows Claire, who was just 10 years old when she first saw the lights. To her, it felt as if they were calling to her.

Now a photographer haunted by that childhood encounter, Claire receives a mysterious tip that pulls her back into the Arizona desert during a deadly heatwave. Accompanied by her UFO-streamer boyfriend and her troubled brother, the journey soon takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with a vulnerable immigrant family, complicating Claire’s mission.

The film is a haunting and atmospheric blend of personal trauma and cosmic intrigue. As the desert heat intensifies, so does Claire’s obsession. The cinematography captures sun-bleached landscapes and eerie night skies, while a subtle, pulsing score heightens the sense of isolation and internal unraveling.

Claire’s story is both literal and psychological. Since the day of the Phoenix Lights, she’s lived with epilepsy—leaving the audience to question whether her visions are the result of extraterrestrial contact or something far more earthly. Her journey brings her face to face with locals, fringe believers, and surreal events that blur the line between memory, delusion, and reality.

The film unfolds in a non-linear narrative, revisiting fragments of Claire’s childhood as she searches for meaning, both on the ground and among the stars. The oppressive heat almost becomes a character in itself—distorting time, warping perception, and deepening the mystery.

In the end, Star People is not a conventional alien film. It doesn’t offer clear answers. Instead, it embraces ambiguity, exploring themes of grief, identity, and our need to connect with something larger than ourselves. Quietly gripping and deeply introspective, this is a sci-fi experience for viewers who appreciate mystery, emotion, and cosmic wonder over spectacle.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Emma Griffiths PR for the screener link for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Adam Finberg’s Star People, opens in theaters July 25, with a VOD release to follow nationwide on all major platforms on August 12.

Updated Theaters:

July 25
-Cinema Village (New York)
-Harkins Theatres Arrowhead (Peoria)
-Harkins Theatres Fashion Center 20 (Chandler)
-Harkins Theatres Shea (Scottsdale)
-Harkins Theatres Superstition Springs (Mesa)

August 8
-Laemmle Royal (Los Angeles)

August 12
VOD release nationwide on all major platforms (Apple, Amazon and many more)