‘To Die Alone’ Is Now Streaming in the UK: A Stark and Emotional Survival Film

‘To Die Alone’ is now streaming in the UK. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

To Die Alone Review: A Haunting Survival Thriller Now Streaming in the UK

Following its successful release in the US and Canada, To Die Alone is now available on major digital platforms in the UK. Directed by Austin Smagalski, this indie survival thriller blends physical danger with psychological depth, delivering a tense and emotionally resonant experience. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)

A stark survival nightmare where injury, isolation, and buried trauma collide and the only way out is facing your past.

Related post: Survival, Suspense, and Adrenaline: New Survivalist Thriller ‘To Die Alone’


Film Details

  • Director: Austin Smagalski
  • Producers: Connie Jo Sechrist, Austin Smagalski
  • Cast:
    • Lisa Jacqueline Starrett as Irving
    • James Tang as Ford

Review

To Die Alone is an emotionally charged survival drama that strips its story down to the essentials: one injured woman, an unforgiving wilderness, and the weight of unresolved trauma. After a devastating accident while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Irving must fight to survive while confronting the emotional scars she has long avoided.

Hiking alone in an attempt to come to terms with her past, Irving’s inner turmoil is revealed through subtle flashbacks. Her journey takes a turn when she meets Ford, a paramedic and experienced forager who hikes recreationally. Though initially wary, Irving agrees to join forces with him as the dangers of the trail escalate.

Both characters are burdened by past trauma and appear to be searching for escape. As their bond develops, Ford confesses his greatest fear: dying alone. When Irving is violently injured after being pulled into a lake by an unknown assailant, the film shifts into full survival mode. Although Ford treats her injury, it becomes clear that escaping the wilderness will be far more difficult than anticipated.

The film’s long stretches of silence and sweeping wilderness cinematography create an atmosphere that is beautiful and brutal, emphasizing human fragility in isolation. Irving’s injury is portrayed with unflinching realism, making every movement feel earned. Ford’s presence transforms the story from a survival thriller into an emotional reckoning, exploring trust, vulnerability, and human connection.

Ultimately, To Die Alone is less about conquering nature and more about confronting oneself. Its ambiguous ending and unexpected plot twist deepen the film’s emotional impact, making it a haunting and intimate exploration of survival, grief, and resilience.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New Movie Strangers in a Car Park Challenges What We Choose to Believe

Strangers in a Car Park will be available on digital and on demand on November 11, 2025. Photo: One Tree Entertainment, used with permission.

New Movie Spotlight: Strangers in a Car Park

🎬 Strangers in a Car Park

The truth will always come to light

Available On Digital and On Demand – November 11

Written and Directed by: Stuart McBratney

Starring:
Brenton Prince (Home and Away, Underbelly),
Lawrence Ola (Upright, Wellmania, face of STEP ONE underwear), and
Arnijka Larcombe-Weate (Boy Swallows Universe)


When a cleaning lady spots a celebrated surfer being honored with a medal for heroism, her world comes crashing down. She recognizes him as the man who assaulted her years ago. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

With only a streetwise courier by her side, she sets out to expose the truth, risking everything to confront the man who’s built his life on lies.

Strangers in a Car Park is an unflinching and unorthodox drama about memory, justice, and the lies we tell ourselves and others.


Release Date: November 11
Watch: On Digital & On Demand


Photo: One Tree Entertainment, used with permission.

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.


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.

‘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)

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

Star People will have its World Premiere at Dances With Films: LA 2025. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

🌟 STAR PEOPLE to Premiere at Dances With Films: LA 2025 🌟

The highly anticipated sci-fi thriller STAR PEOPLE will have its World Premiere at the 28th Annual Dances With Films: LA on Saturday, June 28 at 7:15p.m. at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. It will hit theaters July 25 and Video on Demand on August 12. (EG-PR, 2025)

🎬 Directed by Adam Finberg in his narrative feature directorial debut, STAR PEOPLE stars a powerhouse ensemble:

  • Kat Cunning (The Deuce, On Swift Horses)
  • McCabe Slye (Destroyer, Fear Street Trilogy)
  • Connor Paolo (The Last Stop in Yuma County, Gossip Girl)
  • Eddie Martinez (The Sinner, Night Swim)
  • Bradley Fisher (Westworld)
  • Adriana Aluna Martinez (Duster)

Written and Directed by: Adam Finberg
Produced by: Adam Finberg & Josh Shader
Runtime: 103 minutes
Language: English
Country: USA (2025)


🔭 Inspired by Real Events

Loosely based on The Phoenix Lights, the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history, STAR PEOPLE follows a determined photographer (Kat Cunning) who receives a tip that might explain her childhood alien encounter. But as a deadly heatwave grips the region and uninvited guests arrive, her obsessive quest for the truth spirals into something far more dangerous.


🎥 Meet the Filmmaker: Adam Finberg

Adam Finberg, a Phoenix native and graduate of the American Film Institute’s directing program, brings over two decades of storytelling experience to his first narrative feature.

He began in music videos (Armin van Buuren, Otis) and commercials (GoDaddy, Napoleon Perdis), then transitioned to socially conscious documentary work. His film The Business of Recovery exposed corruption in the addiction treatment industry and was featured on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Washington, D.C.

Finberg has also served as lead editor on numerous unscripted shows across networks like Discovery, MSNBC, Showtime, VH1, and ABC.

Adam Finberg. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

🎟️ Festival Screening Details

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Location: TCL Chinese Theater
Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028


🎞️ About Dances With Films

Now in its 28th year, Dances With Films (DWF) continues to uplift fiercely independent storytellers. Unlike other festivals that focus on celebrity status, DWF champions raw talent, innovative ideas, and relentless creativity. Its alumni have gone on to shape the future of film and television across genres and platforms.


Mark your calendars—STAR PEOPLE is set to be one of the standout sci-fi debuts of 2025.

Stay tuned for tickets and updates! 🚀



Photo: IMDb

‘Finding Nicole’: A True Story of Survival, Strength, and Justice

‘Finding Nicole’ is available to rent or purchase. Photo: Fandango

“Finding Nicole: A True Story of Love, Loss, Betrayal, Fear, and Hope”

By Nicole Beverly

In her powerful memoir, Finding Nicole: A True Story of Love, Loss, Betrayal, Fear, and Hope, author and advocate Nicole Beverly shares an unflinching, deeply personal account of her journey from domestic violence victim to survivor—and ultimately, to warrior. (Amazon, 2025)

The Cycle of Abuse

Nicole met her ex-husband in college, and over the course of a decade, found herself trapped in a progressively abusive and violent relationship. Like so many victims, she stayed for a complex mix of reasons: love, financial dependency, her children, and fear. In 2009, she finally left—but the danger didn’t end there.

For more than two years after leaving, Nicole endured relentless stalking, threats, and harassment. Her powerful victim impact statement at his sentencing eventually led to her ex-husband’s conviction for stalking. Yet even behind bars, he continued to pose a lethal threat—attempting to hire inmates to kill Nicole and their children.

A System That Failed Her

Nicole’s story also sheds light on the failures of the criminal justice system. Due to errors by law enforcement, breakdowns in communication, and a hesitant prosecutor, her abuser was almost released despite these credible threats. In a desperate bid to protect her family, Nicole even considered identity change—only to discover how difficult it would be to start over without a past.

Fighting Back—and Winning

Instead of disappearing, Nicole chose to fight. She turned to social media to share her story and rallied support from family, friends, fellow survivors, and strangers across the globe. In just a few weeks, her plea for justice went viral.

Thanks to public pressure, the Attorney General of Michigan took on her case. After 13 months, multiple court hearings, and unwavering courage, Nicole’s abuser was found guilty of new charges and sentenced to a longer prison term—giving Nicole and her children some much-needed peace.

A Guide for Survivors

Nicole’s book doesn’t end with her story. In its final chapters, Finding Nicole serves as a guidebook for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and toxic relationships. With practical advice and heartfelt encouragement, she offers tools to help others leave safely, reclaim hope, build resilience, and ultimately, find themselves again.


A story of fierce determination and the power of collective voices, “Finding Nicole” is a must-read. It’s not just a memoir—it’s a call to action for justice, awareness, and unwavering support for survivors everywhere. The film adaptation is available to rent or purchase on YouTube, Google Play Movie, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.


Movie Review: Finding Nicole — A Powerful Story of Survival and Strength

If you’re looking for a film that will leave a lasting impression and stir your soul, Finding Nicole is a must-watch. Based on the true story of Nicole Beverly, this film chronicles her harrowing journey through domestic abuse and her courageous fight to protect her children and reclaim her life.

Nicole’s story has been featured on Inside Evil with Chris Cuomo, Til Death Do Us Part, and in her top-selling book of the same name. The movie adaptation does a remarkable job of bringing her experiences to life with authenticity and emotional depth. Rather than sensationalizing the violence, the film focuses on the psychological impact of abuse and the long road to healing.

Kaiti Wallen delivers a standout performance, capturing Nicole’s quiet strength and vulnerability. Through gripping courtroom scenes and haunting flashbacks, we witness not only the terror Nicole endured but also her unwavering determination to break free.

Finding Nicole is more than just a film—it’s a powerful statement about resilience, justice, and hope. It’s an emotional, necessary watch that sheds light on the very real issue of domestic violence and the courage it takes to survive it. This is storytelling with purpose.

Cast

Kaiti Wallen – Kaiti Wallen
Mari G. – Warren Beverly
Sean Whalen – Cameron Banks
Shawntay Dalon – Shonda Wright, Esq
Richard Tyson – Judge Carter




*The author was contacted for an honest review of this film and received a screener link. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

‘Ingress’: A Grief-Stricken Journey Through the Multiverse

Ingress is available on digital and on demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New Movie: Ingress – Beyond Grief, Beyond Time, Beyond Reality.

Directed by Rachel Noll James

Starring: Rachel Noll James, Christopher Clark, Tim Dekay, and Johnny Ferro

Ingress is available to rent/buy at Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

The Story

A woman with the ability to travel between parallel realities is devastated when she loses her husband in a tragic accident. Overcome with grief, she journeys through the multiverse in search of a reality where he’s still alive. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)


Movie Review: Ingress – A Haunting Journey Through the Multiverse

Ingress is a gripping sci-fi drama that combines emotional depth with mind-bending concepts. At its core is Riley (played masterfully by Rachel Noll James), a woman shattered by the sudden loss of her husband in a tragic accident. But Riley isn’t like most people—she has the rare ability to travel between parallel realities. Fueled by grief and desperation, she begins a journey across the multiverse in search of a world where her husband still lives.

Director Rachel Noll James crafts a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative that explores not only the scientific “what-ifs” of alternate realities but also the human heart’s unwillingness to let go. Every effort at a reunion gives her glimpses of hope, heartbreak, and hard truths, challenging her understanding of love, fate, and identity. Along the way she meets Daniel Cassanders, an author who tries to help her with his specialized skillset.

The production value is good and the cinematography is striking. Rachel Noll James skillfully brings Riley’s struggles to life and given Daniel’s complicated role in her life, Christopher Clark handles his role well.

Ingress skillfully combines intimate storytelling with grand speculative ideas. It’s not just about science fiction—it’s about the emotional consequences of clinging to the past and the cost of rewriting fate.

With a haunting score and a poignant conclusion, Ingress will linger long after the credits roll. It’s a must-watch for fans of cerebral, emotionally driven science fiction.

Have you seen Ingress? Share your thoughts.


Ingress movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

*The author was contacted for an honest review and received a link to this movie. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

‘Inheritance’ Unpacks Family Ties and Hidden Truths

Emily Moss Wilson’s new film ‘Inheritance.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

When it comes to films, dramas contain emotional depth, compelling characters, and exploration of the human experience. They often tackle complex themes such as love, loss, identity, and morality, allowing viewers to connect with the story on a personal level. This emotional resonance is a key reason for their enduring appeal. Whether based on true events or fictional narratives, dramas invite introspection and empathy, offering a mirror to society and the self. Their ability to evolve with cultural shifts while maintaining timeless emotional truths ensures their continued popularity across generations, making them a cornerstone of cinema around the world.

The new drama film Inheritance will be showing in select US theaters from May 6 through May 22 and will be available on digital and on demand on June 3. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Inheritance’…The Past Never Dies

Directed by Emily Moss Wilson
Starring Austin Highsmith Garces (Scream TV Series, Criminal Minds, Dolphin Tale), Rachel Noll James, Wes Brown (True Blood, 90210, Hart of Dixie), Michelle Hurd (Star Trek: Picard, Blindspot Hawaii Five-0)

Estranged sisters Lucy and Paige reluctantly reunite to bury their father, only to find themselves drawn back into the tangled web of their painful past. As old wounds resurface, they discover that they’ve inherited far more than just money.

CINEMA SCREENING TIMES BELOW

LOS ANGELES, CA
May 6th @ 7p.m. – Laemmle Glendale – MORE INFO HERE
*Talkback with actors Michelle Hurd & Austin Highsmith Garces
May 8th @ 7p.m. – Laemmle Santa Monica – MORE INFO HERE
*Talkback with actors Michelle Hurd & Austin Highsmith Garces
May 9th – May 22nd – Laemmle Santa Monica (Various Times – TBA)

WASHINGTON STATE
May 9th – 22nd @ 6:30p.m. daily – Bainbridge Island Cinemas – TICKETS HERE
*Talkbacks on May 13th and 22nd with actor/writer Rachel Noll James and producer Sienna Beckman
May 9th – 15th @ 6p.m. daily – Historic Admiral in West Seattle – TICKETS HERE
May 21st @ 7p.m. – Kingston Firehouse Theater – TICKETS HERE
*Talkback with actor/writer Rachel Noll James and producer Sienna Beckman

NEW ORLEANS, LA
May 18th @ 3p.m. – The Broad Theater – TICKETS HERE
*Talkback with director Emily Moss Wilson, editor Misty Talley, producer Daniel Lewis

Inheritance still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘It’s Our Time’: A Fresh Take on Love, Laughter, and Second Chances

Written and directed by Joy Hopwood, It’s Our Time will be available starting April 15, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Romantic comedies, or rom-coms, hold a timeless charm that continue to captivate audiences. Blending humor with heart, they offer a lighthearted escape into worlds where love triumphs and laughter heals. Viewers are drawn to the chemistry between characters, the witty dialogue, and the hopeful endings that promise happiness despite obstacles. Rom-coms often mirror real-life relationships, making them relatable while still idealized enough to be comforting. Their universal themes of connection, vulnerability, and second chances resonate across cultures. In an often chaotic world, romantic comedies provide a feel-good refuge—a reminder that love, with a little humor, can be beautifully uncomplicated.

For fans of romantic comedies, here’s a new one that will be available on digital and on demand starting April 15, 2025: It’s Our Time.

It’s Our Time: Filmmaker Emilia Kong is about to be evicted and her screenplay might just be her ticket to success. But when her ruthless script funding officer falls for her best friend, Emilia’s plan spirals into a hilarious mess of misunderstandings, friendship, and love. It will be available on digital and on demand on April 15, 2025. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Written & directed by Joy Hopwood
Starring Peter Thurnwald (XO, Kitty), Tiana Hogben, Bianca Bradey

It’s Our Time movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.