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Forbes
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Untamed' Review: Netflix's Best New Show Is A Murder Mystery With A Killer Setting
Untamed Two mountain climbers scale the sheer cliffside of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan in the opening moments of Netflix's new murder mystery miniseries, Untamed. This alone is enough to make me squeamish. I don't like heights. I've never understood the appeal of repelling up a mountain, only a dizzying drop to certain death below. Of course, this is no ordinary ascent. As they grapple their way up, a young woman topples down. She's caught in the rope, almost bringing the two climbers down with her. It's a harrowing moment. Light spoilers follow. What looks like a possible suicide is quickly revealed to be something far more sinister, and an investigation kicks off led by taciturn Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana). Turner is a man of few words, the sort of grizzled, stoic mountain man that prefers a horse to a truck, and animals to people. He's also very good at his job, just as comfortable interrogating suspects as he is navigating perilous wilderness terrain. He's joined in his investigation by rookie National Park Service ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) who left her police job in Los Angeles – and a bad relationship – behind to start a new life with her young son. Vasquez is as green as they come, but she's a quick learner. Turner doesn't really like working with people, but he's given no choice. Chief Park Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill) makes sure of that. From here, the investigation leads our heroes down an increasingly dark path, first to identify the young woman and then to find out if foul play was involved. Of course, peeling back the truth of the woman's death leads to many other unpleasant revelations. These involve illicit activity in the park as well as Turner's tragic backstory involving his now ex-wife Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt) and their son, who died several years earlier. Untamed The series reminds me a lot of other shows like The Killing, though it's able to fit the entire story into an economical six episodes instead of the 26 that make up that show's first case. In this sense, there's little new or innovative about Untamed. In fact, if The Killing and Taylor Sheridan's (excellent) movie Wind River had a baby, Untamed would be it. Much of the appeal here is in its two main leads: Eric Bana and Yosemite itself. Perhaps the series should have taken a page from Sheridan's biggest hit, Yellowstone, and used Yosemite for the title. It's mostly filmed in British Columbia, but it's gorgeous to look at regardless. The rich forest terrain, the stunning mountains, all that wilderness hiding so much of humanity's darkest secrets. Bana, meanwhile, really channels Pedro Pascal, or at least Pascal's performance in The Last Of Us. Like Joel, this is a man who lost a part of himself when he lost his child. He's turned to booze and solitude and his work to distract himself from the pain and grief of that loss. I kept imagining Pascal in the role, though I'm glad we got Bana instead. Both are fine actors, but Pascal is simply in too many things these days, and Bana is terrific here, tapping into that rugged mountain man exterior while at the same time revealing a much more emotionally charged interior world. Untamed also made me wish that we'd get another season of True Detective from its original creator, Nic Pizzolatto, set in this kind of rugged wilderness. All three seasons of Pizzolatto's True Detective did such a great job of creating a sense of place (whether or not Season 2 worked all that well, the southern California it gave us was remarkably bleak in a way I've never really seen before or since). Seasons 1 and 2 captured the deep south and the Ozarks in grim splendor, making the places come alive in a way that few other shows have ever been able to achieve. Untamed never quite makes Yosemite feel like a real place, no matter how gorgeous the scenery. What it does do is give us a compelling, if not particularly original, mystery in a tight six-episode run, filled with good characters that are easy to root for (or against) and some nice twists and turns to keep us on our toes. This isn't an action-packed series. It's much more about following the clues down whatever mineshaft they lead. There are some moments of tension and even a couple good gunfights, but this is more detective work than shoot-em-up, which I appreciate. Is it groundbreaking? Not at all. Is it a bit too predictable? Absolutely. Is it still a fun watch with some good detective work and emotional beats that keep you invested in the main characters. I certainly thought so. No, this is not on the same level as True Detective, Mare Of Easttown or Happy Valley, but it's a solid watch that doesn't outwear its welcome. Give it a shot. P.S. It's kind of funny that Turner is an ISB agent, because when I think of ISB agents I think of these fine Imperial Security Bureau employees, just doing their best to maintain order in the galaxy: ISB
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix's ‘Assassin's Creed' Live-Action TV Series Has (Finally) Been Officially Greenlit
It's been nearly five years in the making, but the live-action Assassin's Creed series at Netflix is finally greenlit with Roberto Patino (Westworld, Sons of Anarchy) and David Wiener (Halo, The Killing) as creators, showrunners and executive producers, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The blockbuster Assassin's Creed gaming franchise from French video game publisher Ubisoft first launched in 2007. The games have gone on to sell more than 230 million copies worldwide. More from The Hollywood Reporter Colin Farrell's Netflix Movie 'Ballad of a Small Player' From Edward Berger Gets Fall Release, First Look 'Amy Bradley Is Missing,' But the Netflix Docuseries Filmmakers Think They Know Where She Is Filming Underway on Season 2 of Netflix's 'Geek Girl,' Layton Williams Joins Cast Assassin's Creed jumped from consoles to the big screen in 2016 via Twentieth Century Fox. The movie version made $240 million at the worldwide box office. The Netflix series' logline reads: 'Assassin's Creed is a high-octane thriller centered on the secret war between two shadowy factions — one set on determining mankind's future through control and manipulation, while the other fights to preserve free will. The series follows its characters across pivotal historical events as they battle to shape humanity's destiny.' The Assassin's Creed TV show follows other gaming adaptations at Netflix, like Castlevania, Arcane, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and the upcoming Splinter Cell: Deathwatch. 'We've been fans of Assassin's Creed since its release in 2007. Every day we work on this show, we come away excited and humbled by the possibilities that Assassin's Creed opens to us,' Wiener and Patino said in a joint statement. 'Beneath the scope, the spectacle, the parkour and the thrills is a baseline for the most essential kind of human story — about people searching for purpose, struggling with questions of identity and destiny and faith. It is about power and violence and sex and greed and vengeance. 'But more than anything, this is a show about the value of human connection, across cultures, across time,' they continued. 'And it's about what we stand to lose as a species, when those connections break. We've got an amazing team behind us with the folks at Ubisoft and our champions at Netflix, and we're committed to creating something undeniable for fans all over the planet.' Peter Friedlander, Netflix's vice president of scripted series, added, 'When we first announced our partnership with Ubisoft in 2020, we set out with an ambitious goal to bring the rich, expansive world of Assassin's Creed to life in bold new ways. Now, after years of dedicated collaboration, it's inspiring to see just how far that vision has come. Guided by the deft hands of Roberto Patino and David Wiener, the team has carefully crafted an epic adventure that both honors the legacy of the Assassin's Creed franchise and invites longtime fans and newcomers alike to experience the thrill of the Brotherhood as never before.' In addition to Wiener and Patino, executive producers on the streaming series include Gerard Guillemot, Margaret Boykin, Austin Dill for Ubisoft Film & Television, and Matt O'Toole. 'We are so excited to work alongside Roberto, David, and our Netflix partners to bring this beloved franchise to series,' Boykin, executive producer and head of content at Ubisoft Film & Television, said. 'We look forward to delivering an experience that speaks to the heart of what fans love about Assassin's Creed, while introducing its unforgettable worlds and timeless themes to new audiences worldwide.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise Solve the daily Crossword
Epoch Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘The Killing': Kubrick's Brilliant Noir-Heist Classic
NR | 1h 24m | Drama, Crime, Mystery, Thriller | 1956 Director Stanley Kubrick's third feature, 'The Killing' barely made a dent at the box office when it was first released in 1956 but is now regarded as one of the greatest and most influential heist films ever made.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sofie Gråbøl, Sidse Babette Knudsen Talk ‘Good Mothers' as Oscar Nominee Jasmina Žbanić Reflects on the Female Side of War at Film i Väst Cannes Event
At today's star-studded press event hosted by Scandinavia's leading regional film Fund Film I Väst, star actresses Sofie Gråbøl ('The Killing,' 'Fortitude') and Sidse Babette Knuden ('Westworld,' 'Borgen') as well as Oscar-nominated Jasmila Žbanić ('Quo Vadis, Aida') raised their voices in the name of all mums and women in the world, in times of peace-and war. 'We're seeing what's happening now in Ukraine and Palestine [Gaza], and it's crazy. We see and hear only men's side of what's going on. But the female side of war needs to be told,' said a passionate Žbanić, discussing her upcoming project 'Quo Vadis, Aida – the Missing Part'. More from Variety 'Case 137' Review: Dominik Moll's Riveting Police Procedural Places Good Cop and Bad Cop on Opposite Sides São Paulo's Film Cash Rebate Delivers Early Wins, Sets Stage for 2025 Edition Brazil's Trailblazing Film-TV Org Spcine Turns 10 One of eight new projects co-produced by Film i Väst, the sequel to the 2021 Bosnian Oscar nominated film 'Quo Vadis, Aida' will be produced by Deblokada in co-production with Ruben Östlund's Swedish outfit Plattform Produktion. The story explores the aftermath of the tragic consequences of the 1990s' Bosnian War, from the viewpoints of wives and mothers uniting together after the genocide of thousands of husbands and sons and fighting for justice. 'Quo Vadis Aida' changed a lot of people [in Serbia],' said Žbanić about her multi-awarded drama turning on the Srebrenica massacre in 1995 which she said was able 'to overcome censorship at home thanks to the streamers.' 'I hope this film will also put people in the shoes of all the women who took action to bring to justice those responsible [of the massacre]. Because peace cannot be achieved without finding justice.' In Cannes to close the financing of her pic, Žbanić said she hopes to start filming in the spring 2026. In a totally different genre, the Danish thriller 'Good Mothers,' produced by Zentropa, will be a tense thriller about how far mothers –and dads – are willing to go to protect their children. Helmed by rising talent Amalie Næsby Fick ('Sex') from a script co-penned by Oscar-nominated Nicolaj Arcel ('The Promised Land' 'A Royal Affair') and Sara Isabella Jønsson ('Copenhagen Cowboy'), the character-driven drama stars Knudsen and Gråbøl – for the first time united on screen – and Asta Kamma August ('Families like Ours'). Set in a quiet suburban community, the story turns on three women whose friendship is challenged when one of their sons is accused of sexual assault. 'I read the script, loved it, but honestly, my main reason was the opportunity to work with Sidse!!,' said Gråbøl, in a laugh. 'She is a good friend and we've known each other decades but never got a chance to work together. So finally we can do this now!'About her role in the film and being a mother Gråbøl said: 'I have done research for 24 years now, having a son turning 24 soon. The balance between unconditional love, ambitions, expectations, is very interesting. It's like there are angels and demons inside this role [of being a mum]. This story plays in that whole field.' Arcel, who said he became a father of two sons in the last five years, confessed he was intrigued by the theme of parenthood – at any cost. 'Would you really defend your child, no matter what?' he asked. The project, in the final stages of financing. is being produced by Louise Vesth for Zentropa Entertainments3, in co-production with Zentropa Sweden, Topkapi Films and Film i Väst with support from Danish Film Institute Market Scheme, NL Film Fonds in co-operation with DR, SVT, September Film and Nordisk Film Distribution. Trust Nordisk handles sales. Family Themes Several other upcoming projects tackle family relationships. 'Bloody Men,' reuniting 'The Pirate Bay' helmer Jens Sjögren and producer Fredrik Heinig (B-Reel Films), is described by Sjögren as 'a coming-of age set in the 1980s, about a boy and his relationship with his mother-and her-showing and not showing love. 'It's about friendship and growing up, something we all connect to,' said the director who plans to fill his project with 'a punk aesthetic'. The story, penned by Karin Arrhenius ('Blackwater'), is based on Andrev Walden's best-selling book 'Jävla Karlar' which won the top literary August Prize 2023 and sold across Europe, including in the U.K. where it will launch this August. Headlining the cast are Filip Berg ('A Man Called Ove') and Aliette Opheim ('Black Crab,' 'Exit'). 'Bad Moon Rising', helmed by Norway's acclaimed filmmaker Erik Poppe ('Quisling the Final Days,' 'The Emigrants'), is based on Nobel Prize winning author Jon Fosse's only original script written for the screen. The story centres on a couple, from their first meeting, through to becoming parents until their separation. 'It's a beautiful love story about people, longing for something,' Poppe told Variety. According to the director's long-time producer Finn Gjerdrum, the cast will be announced this summer, before start of principal photography. Other projects pitched were Nordic Drama Queens' empowering drama 'Will You Care If I Die?' helmed by Rojda Sekersöz, announced exclusively by Variety, the animated pic 'Dante' from producer Linda Hambäck of Lee Film ( 'The Ape Star'), with Stellan Skarsgård and David Dencik lending their voices to the main characters, and the SVT series 'Burden of Justice' penned by Frans Wiklund from an idea by 'Easy Money' creator and author Jens Lapidus. Strive Stories is producing. Kristina Börjeson, Film I Väst's head of production also mentioned Cristian Mungiu''s family drama 'Fjord' toplining Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan. As announced in Variety, the pic, which wrapped shooting in Norway, was just picked up by Neon for the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Asked to comment on yet another top year in Cannes for Film i Väst, with five titles in official selection including three Palme d'or contenders – 'The Eagles of the Republic,' 'Sentimental Value' and 'The History of Sound' – Börjeson said: 'It's really hard work! No, but jokes aside it's one of our objectives, and we've managed to achieve this through a combination of long-time relations with producers and directors as well as a 'good nose' to find new talents,' the inhouse 'nose' being senior executive, in charge of international co-productions Anthony Muir. Börjeson said she's hoping that in 2026 the Film i Väst protégé and Palme d'Or winner Ruben Östlund will again challenge the audience and the jury with his upcoming pic 'The Entertainment is Down.' 'Then we'll celebrate a 10-year-in-a-row-strike rate in competition in Cannes,' she said. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
