Tag: Thriller

Post-WWI Trauma Meets Classic Detective Noir: ‘No Saints Only Killers’ Review

‘No Saints Only Killers’ by Luke Deckard is 1920s post-war nor at its finest. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Book Review: No Saints Only Killers by Luke Deckard

Part of Paste Creative Book Tours

The Story

Logan Bishop is an American war-damaged private investigator living in London in 1922. On a cold Monday morning, he returns to his modest home to find a postcard in the mail from his estranged father, Reverend Daniel Bishop of Chicago. He’s in town and needs to meet up with Logan to talk about important matters.

Logan hasn’t heard from him in over a decade, and for good reason. Daniel was abusive to Logan throughout his childhood and Logan equates contacting him with being back at war. Reluctantly, he calls the hotel room. Daniel sounds desperate and paranoid, pleading for Logan’s help with an urgent matter. But before he can explain, the line goes dead after what sounds like a violent confrontation.

Before slipping into a coma, Daniel leaves Logan with a desperate plea: find Greta Matas, a woman tied to his past, before she’s killed.

Logan heads to Edinburgh in search of answers, but from the moment he arrives, nothing adds up:

  • Greta is missing.
  • Her son is wanted for murder and on the run.
  • Logan is being watched—by the police, by gangsters, and by men who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

As Logan encounters police officers, gangsters, and dangerous secrets, his investigation becomes both a hunt for the truth and a search for personal redemption… provided he doesn’t end up dead first.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

Get your copy of ‘No Saints Only Killers’ today!

Review

Set against the backdrop of 1922 London and Edinburgh, No Saints Only Killers delivers a sharp and atmospheric slice of post-World War I noir. The novel follows Logan Bishop as he is forced out of his isolated routines by the brutal attack on his estranged father, launching him into a deadly, fog-shrouded investigation to find a missing woman from his father’s past.

Character Analysis

Logan Bishop is a complex and deeply flawed protagonist who embodies classic hardboiled detective tropes while remaining grounded and human. As a former military sniper struggling with severe shell shock and a crippling morphine addiction, Logan’s willingness to pursue the mysterious Greta Matas reveals a stubborn sense of loyalty beneath his damaged exterior. His troubled relationship with his father gives the story personal stakes, driving Logan into dangerous territory despite his instincts to stay hidden.

Core Themes

  • Trauma and Disillusionment: The shadow of the Great War hangs over every chapter, illustrating the psychological scars left on a generation trying to numb their pain in the early years of the Jazz Age.
  • Systemic Corruption: The narrative explores the dark underbelly of 1920s Britain, exposing a world where institutions offer no salvation and power rests in the hands of ruthlessly corrupt forces.
  • Moral Ambiguity: True to its title, the novel demonstrates that in a broken society, absolute virtue is an illusion and everyone is navigating varying shades of grey.

“‘You want compassion?’ I wanted to laugh. ‘There are no saints in this world, only killers.’”

Style & Tone

In true noir fashion, the story is told entirely through Logan’s first-person perspective. It’s fast-paced, easy to read, and packed with plot twists around every corner. The prose balances gritty edge with vivid, poetic language:

“Two teardrops landed on the table and exploded. I crushed my eyes shut and inhaled as I pushed Tim and the hate I had for myself to the back of my mind.”

Final Verdict

Overall, No Saints Only Killers by Luke Deckard expertly combines historical mystery and postwar trauma, successfully transplanting gritty American noir into 1920s Britain. With its complex protagonist, high stakes, and dark atmosphere, readers who enjoy historical crime fiction and hard-boiled detectives will find this one hard to put down.

“Maybe I was a sucker for her pretty face. Maybe my motivation was shallow. I don’t know. I wanted to believe her. I also wanted to believe that maybe there was something between us, which possibly made me ignorant, or foolish.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

About the Author

Luke Deckard is the author of No Saints Only Killers, which was shortlisted for the Amazon New Voices Awards and a finalist at Bloody Scotland’s Pitch Perfect. He is the co-host of the CINEMA SLEUTHS podcast, a reviewer for Get Your Comic On, and a creative writing mentor at the University of Westminster.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

**Thank you to Stephanie Caruso, Paste Creative Book Tours, and Luke Deckard for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

She Rides Shotgun Digital & 4K Release Date

Taron Egerton’s She Rides Shotgun will be released in 4K on August 18. Photo: Lionsgate

Digital Release Alert: She Rides Shotgun

Where can you run when there’s nowhere to hide?

Taron Egerton stars as Nate, an ex-con on the run, in the new gritty action-thriller She Rides Shotgun. Based on Jordan Harper’s acclaimed 2017 novel of the same name, the film follows Nate as he tries to protect his 11-year-old daughter, Polly (Ana Sophia Heger), while being pursued by unrelenting enemies—including a corrupt sheriff who double-deals as the brutal leader of a criminal gang. (EG PR, 2026)

Photo: Barnes & Noble

As Nate teaches Polly how to fight and survive, she teaches him what unconditional love truly means in an intense, moving story about loyalty, strength, and redemption.

Quick Details

DetailInfo
GenreThriller
RatingRated R
Running Time120 minutes
Physical/Digital ReleaseAugust 18 (Lionsgate 4K + BD + Digital)
StatusAvailable for pre-order

Where to Watch: She Rides Shotgun is currently available to stream digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Apple TV, MGM+, and more.

Cast & Crew

  • Cast: Taron Egerton, Ana Sophia Heger, Rob Yang, John Carroll Lynch
  • Directed by: Nick Rowland
  • Written by: Jordan Harper, Ben Collins, Luke Piotrowski
  • Produced by: Brad Weston, Collin Creighton, Nate Matteson, Hiro Murai, Taron Egerton

4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Release Technical Specs

  • Special Features: Official Trailer
  • Format: 16×9 (2.39:1) Presentation
  • Audio: English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, English Descriptive Audio
  • Subtitles: LAS (Latin American Spanish)
  • Closed-Captioned: No
  • Year of Production: 2025
  • Copyright: She Rides Shotgun © 2024 Fifth Season, LLC. Artwork & Supplementary Materials ®, ™ & © 2025 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Lionsgate

Book Review: ‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir – Life on the Moon & High-Stakes Heists

‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir is a sci-fi crime story set on the Moon. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir

Synopsis

Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara lives in humanity’s first lunar colony, Artemis. She never signed up to be a hero—she just wanted to get rich. Not crazy, eccentric-billionaire rich, like many of the visitors to Artemis, but rich enough to move out of her coffin-sized apartment and eat something better than flavored algae. Rich enough to pay off a debt she’s owed for a long time. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a chance at a lucrative heist presents itself, Jazz can’t say no. But engineering the perfect crime is just the start of her problems, because that little heist is about to land her in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens the future of Artemis itself.

Trapped between competing forces, pursued by a killer and the law alike, she’ll have to hatch a truly spectacular scheme to have a chance at staying alive and saving her city. Jazz is no hero, but she is a very good criminal.

Review

Artemis begins with Jazz reeling from failing her EVA exam, which she needs to join the EVA Guild. Members of the guild lead groups of tourists across the lunar surface and earn a significantly better living. She tries to talk her way into passing, but Bob Lewis, former US Marine and head trainer, doesn’t budge. He tells her to try again and focus on the quality of her equipment.

The story centers around Jazz, a clever, sarcastic porter and small-time smuggler who dreams of escaping poverty. She’s an engaging protagonist whose intelligence, resilience, and moral ambiguity make her both flawed and relatable. Unlike the idealistic heroes often found in science fiction, she survives through quick thinking, technical expertise, and sheer determination. Her growth from a self-serving opportunist to someone willing to risk everything for others forms the emotional core of the story.

“How dare you call me lazy? I’d come up with a scathing retort but, meh, I’m just not motivated.”

Weir once again showcases his talent for making complex engineering and scientific concepts accessible without slowing down the narrative pace. Themes of survival, greed, class inequality, and redemption are woven throughout the novel, highlighting the real-world challenges of building a human society beyond Earth.

Weir’s signature worldbuilding shines brightest here:

  • Lunar Economics: The realistic financial friction between tourists, workers, and corporations.
  • Life-Support Mechanics: Detailed systems keeping the dome breathable and safe.
  • Industrial Realism: Meticulously researched aluminum-smelting processes that anchor the plot.

The fast-paced plot keeps the tension high as Jazz relies on her sharp technical instincts and criminal ingenuity to pull off a spectacular multi-stage scheme.

However, Jazz’s dialogue and internal monologue can feel somewhat forced and juvenile at times, occasionally undermining the tension. While it doesn’t quite match the sheer survivalist charm of Mark Watney’s journey in The Martian, Artemis still delivers a fun, fast-moving sci-fi crime caper.

The Bottom Line

Artemis by Andy Weir is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that blends suspense, humor, and real-world science into an entertaining lunar adventure. If you enjoy hard science paired with high-stakes action, it is well worth the trip to the moon.

“People will trust a reliable criminal more readily than a shady businessman.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of Artemis today!

About the Author

Andy Weir built a career as a software engineer until the success of his first published novel, The Martian, allowed him to live out his dream of writing full-time. He is a lifelong space nerd and a devoted hobbyist of subjects such as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, and the history of manned spaceflight.

Bonus

If you enjoyed the fast-paced survival, witty problem-solving, and high-stakes criminal plots of Andy Weir’s Artemis, these sci-fi heist and mystery novels offer a similar blend of technical intrigue and fast-paced schemes.

High-Stakes Sci-Fi Heists

The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi features post-human master criminal Jean le Flambeur breaking out of prison to pull off an impossible heist across a high-tech moving city on Mars.
Chasm City by Alastair Reynolds follows a security operative hunting a ruthless killer through a bizarre, virus-corrupted sci-fi metropolis while navigating high-stakes crime networks.

Space-Bound Sci-Fi Mysteries

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty combines a locked-room murder mystery with cloning technology as a spaceship crew wakes up to find their previous bodies murdered and their recent memories wiped.
Leviathan Wakes by S.A. Corey pairs a hard-boiled detective on an asteroid belt with an ice-miner captain as they unravel a system-wide conspiracy triggered by a missing girl.

Which Should You Pick?

For an intricate, mind-bending criminal heist set in a futuristic solar system, go with The Quantum Thief.
For a claustrophobic, locked-room whodunit packed with survival tension, start with Six Wakes.
For a grounded space-noir investigation with vast geopolitical stakes, choose Leviathan Wakes.

DJ Qualls Battles the Undead in Lionsgate’s New Horror Thriller ‘Turning Point’

Turning Point will be available On Demand and Digital on August 25. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Movie Premiere: DJ Qualls Stars in the High-Stakes Horror Thriller Turning Point

If you’re looking for a horror movie that refuses to play by the rules, Turning Point deserves an immediate spot on your watchlist. Fusing the nail-biting suspense of a home invasion thriller with the relentless chaos of a zombie outbreak, it delivers edge-of-your-seat tension from start to finish.

Every knock at the door and every shadow could spell disaster, creating a gripping atmosphere that never lets up. Packed with intense action, unexpected twists, and high-stakes survival, Turning Point offers horror fans a fresh, adrenaline-fueled experience that stands out in a crowded genre.

A Simple Heist Becomes an Absolute Nightmare

Directed and written by Joshua Wagner, Turning Point is a claustrophobic, high-tension thriller coming directly to Digital and On Demand courtesy of Lionsgate. (EG PR, 2026)

The story follows two thieves trapped inside a house with a mutating victim. To stay alive, they must rely on a bizarre neighbor in a race against time before they become the monster’s next meal.

“There is danger in the night, but the true terror is inside the house.”

Official Synopsis

Margot and her partner-in-crime break into a home, only to find themselves locked inside with the owner, who is in the middle of transitioning into a zombie. They must find a way out before they become the ghoul’s first victims. Their only hope for survival is a bizarre neighbor with expert knowledge of the undead and the lingering flicker of humanity in their mutating stalker.

Cast & Crew

  • DJ Qualls as “Casper” (Road Trip, Hustle & Flow, The Man in the High Castle)
  • Jillian Lee Garner
  • Mike Apple
  • Shane Brady (Ballers, Synchronic, Doctor Sleep)
  • Lydia Hearst (The Haunting of Sharon Tate, Z Nation, Slayers)
  • Sanchita Malik (Happy Anniversary, Love, Escape the Night)

Film Specifications

DetailInformation
TitleTurning Point
Street DateAugust 25, 2026
Release FormatVideo on Demand / Electronic Sell-Through (Lionsgate)
GenreThriller / Zombie Horror
RatingR (Violent content, gore, language, and some drug use)
Running Time87 minutes
Director & WriterJoshua Wagner
Turning Point still. Photo: Lionsgate

‘The Secret of Secrets’ Book Review: Dan Brown’s Most Ambitious Novel Yet

‘The Secret of Secrets’ by Dan Brown. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: Dan Brown’s ‘Origin’ Review: Where Science Meets Faith

📚 Book Review: The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

  • Author: Dan Brown
  • Genre: Thriller / Mystery / Speculative Fiction
  • Pacing: Fast & Cinematic
  • Audiobook Length: ~23 Hours (Hardcover: ~700 Pages)

📖 Synopsis

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon, a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a romantic relationship. She’s getting ready to publish a breakthrough book that contains explosive scientific discoveries about the nature of human consciousness, revelations that threaten to disrupt centuries of established belief. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, Katherine suddenly goes missing and her manuscript disappears. Desperate to find the woman he loves, Langdon embarks on a thrilling race through the mystical landscape of Prague, ruthlessly hunted by a powerful organization and a chilling assailant sprung from the city’s ancient mythology.

As the action expands to London and New York, Langdon plunges into the dual worlds of futuristic science and historical lore, navigating a labyrinth of codes and symbols, and finally uncovering a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

📝 The Review

Dan Brown returns with another intellectually charged thriller in The Secret of Secrets, a breathless, high-stakes story that seamlessly combines ancient lore with cutting-edge science. Set against the atmospheric backdrops of Prague, London, and New York, it delivers the classic, fast-paced puzzle-solving fans expect while raising provocative questions about human potential.

🔍 Character Dynamics

The story centers around Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, whose usual intellectual detachment is challenged by personal dangers. His romance with Katherine Solomon grounds the narrative, significantly raising the emotional tension. Langdon remains a compelling protagonist, balancing academic brilliance with humility and determination, and his personal tie to Katherine adds welcome depth to his character.

Katherine is equally engaging, portrayed as an intelligent and courageous scientist whose research into human consciousness challenges long-held religious and philosophical beliefs. She is far more than a simple damsel in distress; their partnership creates a refreshing dynamic, with both characters contributing equally to the unfolding mystery.

🧠 Core Themes

  • Science vs. Belief: The narrative continuously pits revolutionary neuroscience against rigid, established dogmas.
  • The Nature of Human Consciousness: Solomon’s findings explore whether the human mind holds untapped power capable of altering reality itself.
  • Mythology as Historical Truth: The story weaves Prague’s rich lore—including dark mythological guardians like the Golem—into modern technological secrets, suggesting that ancient myths often mask advanced truths.

“Brown has written a thought-provoking ride that will leave readers questioning the untapped boundaries of their own minds.”

As expected, Brown fills the narrative with cryptic symbols, historical references, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked. While some plot developments stretch credibility, the intricate puzzles and cinematic pacing make them easy to forgive. With relentless momentum and a haunting antagonist, it’s a deeply compelling read.

🎧 Final Thoughts

Overall, The Secret of Secrets is an entertaining blend of history, philosophy, and speculative science that will satisfy longtime Dan Brown fans while offering newcomers an exciting introduction to Robert Langdon’s world.

At almost 700 pages (or nearly 23 hours on audiobook), it’s one of Brown’s longest books to date. The experience of reading the physical tome versus listening to the immersive narration will likely feel vastly different, but either way, it’s an adventure worth taking.

“Religions had learned long ago that a human mind facing the terrifying prospect of eternal nothingness would believe almost anything. Timor mortis est pater religionis, Langdon mused, recalling the ancient saying made famous by Upton Sinclair. Fear of death is the father of religion.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of The Secret of Secrets today!

📚 The Robert Langdon Series (In Order)

  1. Angels & Demons
  2. The Da Vinci Code
  3. The Lost Symbol
  4. Inferno
  5. Origin
  6. The Secret of Secrets

✍️ About the Author

DAN BROWN is the author of several #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, one of the bestselling books of all time, as well as Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, and Angels & Demons. His thrillers have captivated readers worldwide and sparked global intellectual debate. He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book Wild Symphony. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages internationally, with over 250 million copies in print.

From Book to Screen: Harlan Coben’s New Netflix Series ‘I Will Find You’

Harlan Coben’s ‘I Will Find You.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

From Page to Screen: Harlan Coben’s ‘I Will Find You’ Comes to Netflix

Few authors have mastered the art of suspense like Harlan Coben. His novels captivate readers with intricate plots, unexpected twists, and relatable characters whose ordinary lives are suddenly turned upside down. Each story keeps readers guessing until the final pages, making his books nearly impossible to put down.

That same storytelling brilliance has translated seamlessly to the screen, with numerous Netflix adaptations becoming massive international hits. Series like Fool Me Once, Stay Close, and The Stranger have introduced Coben’s gripping mysteries to an even wider audience. Whether on the page or on the screen, Harlan Coben consistently delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

The latest adaptation to join this thriller lineup is I Will Find You, an eight-episode limited series that premiered on Netflix on June 18, 2026.

📺 The Series: ‘I Will Find You’

Based on Coben’s #1 New York Times bestselling novel, I Will Find You follows David Burroughs, an innocent father serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison for the murder of his own son, Matthew.

Five years into his sentence, David receives shocking word from his sister-in-law, Rachel, that Matthew may actually be alive. To uncover the truth, he must embark on a high-stakes mission that leads him out of prison and into a dangerous world of deceit and despair.

🎭 Meet the Cast

ActorRole
Sam WorthingtonDavid Burroughs
Britt LowerRachel Mills
Milo VentimigliaHayden Payne
Logan BrowningSarah Greer
Chi McBrideMax Williams
Madeleine StoweGertrude Payne

📖 The Book Synopsis

For those who want to dive into the source material, here is the official setup for this breathtaking thriller:

David Burroughs was once a devoted father to his three-year-old son, Matthew, living a dream life just a short drive away from the working-class suburb where he and his wife, Cheryl, first fell in love. Until one fateful night, David woke to discover Matthew had been murdered while David was asleep just down the hall. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

Half a decade later, David’s been wrongly accused and convicted of the crime. Grieving and wracked with guilt, he didn’t have the will to fight the system, leaving the world to move on without him.

Then, Cheryl’s younger sister, Rachel, makes a surprise appearance during visiting hours. She brings a strange photograph, and in the background—just barely in frame—is a boy bearing an eerie resemblance to David’s son. David knows it instantly: Matthew is still alive.

Determined to achieve the impossible, David plans a harrowing prison escape to save his son, clear his own name, and discover the real story of what happened. But with his life on the line and the FBI following his every move, can he evade capture long enough to reveal the shocking truth?

✍️ About the Author

Harlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in 46 languages and have topped bestseller lists in more than a dozen countries. His celebrated Myron Bolitar series has earned him the prestigious Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards.

Coben is also the creator and executive producer of numerous television shows. Beyond Netflix hits like Missing You, Fool Me Once, The Innocent, and The Woods, he is the creative force behind Amazon Prime’s Shelter and Lazarus. With Run Away and I Will Find You anchoring his latest screen adaptations, Coben has plenty more thrilling projects in the works.

Have you started watching I Will Find You on Netflix yet, or are you planning to read the book first? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Uwe Boll’s Citizen Vigilante (2026): Armie Hammer Stars in Gritty New Revenge Thriller

Armie Hammer in Citizen Vigilante. Photo: Axel Stock, used with permission.

New Movie Alert: Uwe Boll’s Controversial Thriller Citizen Vigilante Hits Streaming

The wait is over for indie thriller fans. A man takes justice into his own hands, hunting down criminals. His vigilante crusade makes him a social media star but puts him right in the crosshairs of the law.

Explosive, provocative, and inspired by real events, Citizen Vigilante is the latest high-intensity thriller from internationally recognized filmmaker Uwe Boll. Starring Armie Hammer and Costas Mandylor (SAW franchise), the film is officially available in North America on all major digital and streaming platforms courtesy of Quiver Distribution. (High Roads PR, 2026)

The Controversy Behind the Release

Citizen Vigilante has already sparked intense international debate. Director Uwe Boll publicly claimed the film was effectively blocked from release in Germany following heated disputes surrounding its classification by the country’s FSK ratings board. Because of this, the North American release has quickly become part of a broader conversation surrounding censorship, artistic freedom, and the film’s heavy themes of vigilantism, crime, and public outrage.

Heralded by Boll as “an action film inspired by real events, based on real cases and a commentary about injustice,” the story delivers a brutal, modern vigilante thriller. Produced by Event Film in association with Borvel Film, it blends large-scale action, gritty realism, and emotionally charged storytelling designed for fans of crime sagas, revenge thrillers, and politically charged cinema.

Movie Synopsis

The Story: Sanders (Armie Hammer) is a wealthy American businessman living in Zagreb who inherited a massive real estate empire from his late father. Intelligent, isolated, and emotionally scarred, Sanders transforms himself into a feared underground vigilante. His targets? Violent criminals, rapists, and corrupt judges who escaped meaningful punishment through the legal system.

As his brutal campaign gains traction online and across social media, Sanders becomes both a wanted criminal and an unlikely public hero. But not everyone sees him as a savior. Interpol Chief Henry (Costas Mandylor) believes Sanders represents a dangerous threat to society and launches an aggressive international pursuit to stop him before his influence spirals completely out of control.

Quick Facts & Where to Watch

DetailInformation
GenreAction / Thriller
Runtime1h 29min
DirectorUwe Boll
StarringArmie Hammer, Costas Mandylor
AvailabilityRent or Buy (As of June 19, 2026)

Where to Stream (Rent/Buy):

  • Amazon
  • Google Play Movies
  • Apple TV
  • Fandango at Home

About Director Uwe Boll

Known for his fiercely independent approach to filmmaking, Uwe Boll has directed more than 35 films and produced over 50 features throughout an international career spanning decades.

Boll has worked with major Hollywood stars—including Jason Statham, Ben Kingsley, J.K. Simmons, Christian Slater, Ray Liotta, Ron Perlman, Michelle Rodriguez, Burt Reynolds, and Dominic Purcell—while building a reputation for unapologetically intense films that blend action, controversy, and social commentary. His cult filmography includes POSTAL, the RAMPAGE trilogy, ATTACK ON DARFUR, ASSAULT ON WALL STREET, ALONE IN THE DARK, and IN THE NAME OF THE KING.

Boll has described his filmmaking philosophy as continuing to “explore the new possibilities of innovative technology,” while creating films designed to confront audiences with difficult conversations surrounding violence, politics, injustice, and power. Throughout his career, Boll has frequently sparked international debate for tackling controversial subject matter drawn from real-world anxieties, social unrest, and political division.

Photo: Axel Stock

Fathers (2026) Movie Review: A Dark, Gripping Psychological Thriller

Fathers is a heartbreaking, intense look at trauma and survival. Photo: Painted Creek Productions, used with permission.

Related Post: Indie Thriller Fathers (2026): Release Date, Cast, and Streaming Guide

Movie Review: Fathers (2026) – Blood is Thicker Than Water

If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that refuses to pull its punches, Harley Wallen’s latest feature deserves a spot on your watchlist. Fathers takes a harrowing, headline-inspired premise and morphs it into a deeply intimate, claustrophobic examination of trauma and survival.

Here is everything you need to know about this gripping new release.

Movie Info

  • Genre: Drama / Mystery / Thriller
  • Run Time: 1 hr. 34 mins.
  • Written & Directed By: Harley Wallen
  • Starring: Kaiti Wallen, Harley Wallen, Jerry Hayes
  • Where to Watch: Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video

Synopsis

A young girl (Natalie) is kidnapped, but it’s not long until we realize things are much more complex as her captor presents a completely different picture. After years in captivity, Natalie escapes the man she believed was her father. But as her true father tries to bring her home, her loyalty, fear, and confusion spiral into violence, forcing them both to confront the devastating truth about her past.

The Review: A Bleak and Tragic Exploration of Trauma

Fathers is filled with psychological tension. The film begins with Natalie in the hospital following her escape; however, the true horror begins during the painful process of reintegration. Using a non-linear narrative, it slowly pieces together the tragic details of her experience.

When her biological father attempts to ease her into a new life, the movie brilliantly eschews typical Hollywood sentimentality. Instead, it dives headfirst into the fractured psyche of a survivor. Natalie is caught in a devastating limbo, torn between the Stockholm syndrome-induced loyalty to her captor and the alien warmth of a biological family she doesn’t remember. She struggles to distinguish truth from the lies that have shaped her entire life.

Raw Performances and Unpredictable Tension

The performances are raw and powerful, particularly in portraying the emotional conflict between a daughter desperate for stability and a father trying to reclaim a relationship stolen from him.

As Natalie’s fear and confusion spiral into erratic violence, that’s when the real tension begins. The film violently deconstructs the concept of paternal instinct, forcing both characters—and the audience—to confront the reality that some bonds are broken beyond repair. This makes her both a sympathetic and unpredictable protagonist.

The Bottom Line: Fathers doesn’t offer easy answers or cheap catharsis. Instead, it presents a heartbreaking examination of how deeply abuse can alter a person’s perception of love and trust.

While some scenes are difficult to watch, they serve the story’s emotional core and highlight the long-lasting consequences of trauma. Dark, gripping, and thought-provoking, it’s a bleak, yet tragically beautiful exploration of the devastating effects of manipulation and fractured identity.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Have you watched Fathers yet? Let me know your thoughts on Natalie’s journey and that intense psychological tug-of-war in the comments below.

Dan Brown’s ‘Origin’ Review: Where Science Meets Faith

Robert Langdon is back to solving puzzles in ‘Origin.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Origin by Dan Brown

Synopsis

Edmond Kirsch is a billionaire philanthropist, computer scientist, futurist, and outspoken atheist. He sets up a meeting at the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Catalonia (Spain) with Roman Catholic Bishop Antonio Valdespino, Jewish Rabbi Yehuda Köves, and Muslim Imam Syed al-Fadl—all members of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Kirsch informs them that he has made a revolutionary discovery that he plans to release to the public in a month.

This discovery would severely undermine the public’s religious beliefs. Despite his hatred of organized religion, which he blames for his mother’s death, Kirsch wanted to inform them out of respect. However, the three religious leaders soon learn that Kirsch actually intends to make his discovery public in just three days, prompting Valdespino to urge him to reconsider. Kirsch proceeds with his plan, hosting a lavish event at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to reveal his findings. Among those in attendance are:

  • Robert Langdon: Kirsch’s former teacher and brilliant Harvard symbologist.
  • Ambra Vidal: The Guggenheim’s curator and fiancée to Prince Julián, the future King of Spain.

All guests receive a customized headset to communicate with Winston, a highly sophisticated, seemingly all-knowing artificial intelligence developed by Kirsch. During the presentation, Kirsch admits he fears he has put himself in grave danger due to the religious controversy surrounding his announcement. Suddenly, the carefully planned event erupts into chaos. With Kirsch’s precious discovery on the verge of being lost forever and facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced to flee along with Ambra Vidal. Together, they travel to Barcelona on a dangerous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret.

Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and Vidal must evade an enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace. They uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.

Review

Origin is a fast-paced thriller that combines cutting-edge science, art, religion, and mystery into an engaging adventure. Langdon and Vidal’s search for the cryptic password leads them through iconic landmarks, hidden histories, and powerful religious and political forces determined to suppress the truth.

Brown has always been an expert at creating suspense; the novel’s short chapters and constant twists keep the reader hooked. The vivid descriptions of Spain’s architecture and culture add incredible richness to the story, while the exploration of science versus faith gives the narrative real intellectual depth.

Character Dynamics

  • Robert Langdon: The brilliant Harvard symbologist remains the steady, intellectual anchor of the series.
  • Edmond Kirsch: The true standout character. As a charismatic futurist and billionaire, his hubris and genius drive the entire plot, acting as the spark for a fierce debate on existence.
  • Ambra Vidal: Brings strong emotional stakes and a sharp mind to their journey through Barcelona’s historic architecture.

Literary Themes

Brown weaves compelling, thought-provoking themes that focus squarely on the collision between faith and reason. By asking two fundamental human questions—“Where did we come from?” and “Where are we going?”—the book contrasts traditional religious dogmatism with the rapid, unchecked advancement of artificial intelligence and science.

The Ideal Reader

This book is a perfect match for readers who love:

  • Fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers.
  • Art history, architecture, and cryptology.
  • Philosophical debates regarding how technology might shape the future of human spirituality.

Final Thoughts

Origin by Dan Brown is an entertaining and intelligent novel. While some readers may find the ultimate philosophical resolution more thought-provoking than genuinely surprising, the shocking final twist makes it well worth the ride. Fans of Robert Langdon and readers who enjoy mysteries built around big ideas will find plenty to enjoy here.

“Historically, the most dangerous men on earth were men of God… especially when their gods became threatened.”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

About The Author

Dan Brown is the author of nine #1 bestselling novels including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the bestselling books of all time. His Robert Langdon thrillers, including The Lost Symbol, Angels & Demons, Inferno, Origin, and The Secret of Secrets, have captivated readers world wide and continue to spark intellectual debate, dialogue, and conjecture. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages around the world with over 250 million copies in print.

Indie Thriller Fathers (2026): Release Date, Cast, and Streaming Guide

Fathers will be available on digital and on demand on June 2, 2026. Photo: Painted Creek Productions, used with permission.

New Movie Spotlight: Fathers (2026)

“She escaped the monster she knew… only to face the truth she feared.”

If you love a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last frame, mark your calendars. Coming to theaters and digital platforms this June 2, 2026, is Fathers, a gripping new dramatic mystery-thriller that proves blood isn’t always thicker than water. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)

🎬 The Premise

After years held in captivity, Natalie finally escapes the man she believed was her father. But the nightmare doesn’t end there. As her true father steps in to bring her home, Natalie’s loyalty, fear, and confusion spiral into a web of violence. Trapped in a maze where every clue leads to another lie, she must figure out what is real before everything explodes, forcing both father and daughter to confront a devastating truth about her past.

🎭 Cast & Crew

Directed and written by Harley Wallen and distributed by One Tree Entertainment, Fathers boasts a stellar indie cast, including an award-winning lead performance.

  • Writer/Director: Harley Wallen
  • Starring:
    • Kaiti Wallen (Finding Nicole, Beneath Us All, Ash and Bone) – Winner of Best Actress honors at the Top Indie Film Awards for this role!
    • Harley Wallen (Ash and Bone, Finding Nicole)
    • Leslie Mechigian (Chasing Hope, Final Recovery)
    • Richard Tyson
    • Vida Ghaffari
    • Dennis Marin

📅 Release Date & How to Watch

Fathers hits theaters and digital platforms across the U.S. and Canada on June 2, 2026. Ready to dive into the mystery? You will be able to rent or buy the film on the following streaming platforms:

  • Prime Video
  • Fandango at Home / Vudu
  • Netflix

What are your thoughts? Will Natalie find peace, or is her real father hiding secrets of his own? Let me know in the comments below if you’ll be adding Fathers to your summer watchlist.

Fathers still. Photo: Painted Creek Productions