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Time Magazine
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
Breaking Down the Unconventional Rom-Com Ending of Oh, Hi!
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Oh, Hi! It's a not-so-typical love story. Boy meets girl, they go on a romantic getaway together, and have sex. But after sleeping together, Isaac (Logan Lerman) reveals to Iris (Molly Gordon) that he has no interest in pursuing a serious relationship. When Isaac tells Iris this, he's still restrained by his hands and feet (they decided to use some handcuffs they found in the closet of their holiday home). Instead of uncuffing him and ending their relationship, Iris decides to keep him tied up, choosing to turn the weekend into a last-ditch effort to make Isaac love her. In this sense, Oh, Hi! feels like a riff on Misery. But while most films would be quick to condemn Iris for her decision, Sophie Brooks' film isn't interested in having a villain, nor is it in casting judgment on its characters. This is a different kind of romantic comedy, clearly, but it's also a thoughtful interrogation on the idea of being 'crazy,' a word often hurled as an accusation towards women. Of course, Iris is wrong to leave Isaac restrained, but Isaac manipulated her by taking her on a romantic getaway and acting like a madly in love couple, only to suddenly retract and say he's not interested in anything serious. You might say it's enough to make someone go…crazy. Oh, Hi! is a romantic comedy about contemporary dating, but also the way expectations impact our decision-making. 'Expectation and want are the makeup of every story,' says Brooks, who co-wrote and directed Oh, Hi! 'Expectations are inherent to conflict, and inherent to relationships.' Having Isaac and Iris be misaligned in their expectations reflects modern dating. We've gotten into a system where having wants and needs can be considered too much, and everyone should play it cool and act like they don't care.' When working on the movie, her second feature, Brooks was inspired by Joachim Trier's 2021 film The Worst Person in the World to write a rom-com that had a twist of darkness, that stuck to the genre's conventions while making something authentic about the perils of modern dating. 'I really wanted to have this female character who was unashamed of her desire for a relationship. Often in film and our culture, a man wanting love is considered romantic, and a woman wanting love is considered desperate or embarrassing. I think that's really unfair,' says Brooks. 'I'm leaning into the trope of the crazy woman, so she goes too far, and the moral is that you should never convince someone to be with you. But having expectations of someone you're wanting to date feels like a very normal thing to want.' Trying to find a way to get out of accidentally kidnapping Isaac, Iris recruits her best friend, Max (Geraldine Viswanathan), who brings along her boyfriend, Kenny (John Reynolds). Max has a surprising solution: a Wiccan spell to clear his memory. Brooks took inspiration from her lifelong love of witches. 'For a long time in elementary school, I was convinced I was a witch and would develop powers during puberty, and I was devastated when that didn't happen,' says Brooks. Max and Iris gather the ingredients and create a soup for Isaac to drink, but since he's extremely untrusting of Iris, they have Kenny (John Reynolds), Max's boyfriend, give it to him instead. For the potion to work, Iris has to bless it by chanting over an outside fire in the nude. Max stands by her, also naked, and they sway back and forth and chant together. She does it in 'solidarity.' It's not just a sweet moment, but a pointed exploration of women being friends in cinema. 'Female friendship in movies can so often have a tinge of competitiveness or be the source of drama. There are so many frenemies,' says Brooks. 'To have this female friendship that is pure and supportive, and having Max be ride or die for Iris, felt really honest to me. It's what my relationship is like with my friends.' That night, Isaac has a bizarre dream. In it, he's on a date with Iris at a bar, where they have an open and vulnerable conversation, and a gateway into understanding more of who Isaac is, and his hesitations on being in a relationship. Later in the dream, he finds himself at the house they're vacationing in, and heads outside to see Iris singing 'Islands in the Stream'—a callback to the opening scene where they're singing it together. Things are going well, and they dance in each other's arms, but suddenly Iris says, 'I hate you,' and Isaac wakes up. 'They really were falling for each other,' says Brooks. 'Unfortunately, just because two people like each other doesn't mean they're gonna figure it out or make it work.' When they're dancing in the dream sequence, it's enough to make you think that if circumstances were different, these two may have had a real chance at romance. 'There are so many miscommunications in the movie, and they're never on the same page, but in this dream sequence, they're completely aligned. It felt like an opportunity to see into Isaac's psyche and show that he does like her, and perhaps love her, but something is limiting him.' When Isaac awakes, he puts into action his escape plan. He's still handcuffed to the bed, but he plays it cool, acting like he has no memory of the events. Iris buys it, and uncuffs him. It speaks to her blind optimism and utter belief in the power of love that she could pull off a magical spell to rid Isaac of his memory, potentially even allowing them to start over. Heading downstairs, Isaac suggests making pancakes, but the flour is in the car. Iris has a flash of concern on her face, but that dissipates almost instantly, and she gives Isaac the keys. She celebrates with Kenny and Max, but it's short-lived—Isaac races off in the car. It turns out that because of an open window, Isaac heard their plan to erase his memory. Terrified that he'll go to the police, Kenny and Max want to pursue him, but Iris believes she's doomed and ready to take responsibility, and she goes back to bed. 'I wanted Iris to have that initial hope. Of course, she's going to doubt the spell worked, but her nature is hopeful, and she likes this guy, so she believes it. She wants to believe that maybe there's a path forward for them still," says Brooks. "And part of that is sad, but sometimes that's what life is. Sometimes it's sad to want something for you that isn't quite right, or even good for you." Iris is woken by a call from the police—her car, the one Isaac stole to escape, was found in a crash with nobody inside. Panicked, Iris heads into the forest to try and find Isaac, eventually discovering him wounded, lying against a fallen tree. You may expect the pair to fight, but instead they have a vulnerable conversation and apologize for the mistakes they've both made. 'I just wish you were honest,' Iris tells him, before sincerely apologizing for what she's done. 'I think by the time Isaac's left and she's able to settle and get some sleep, she's able to take a moment. She's like 'Whoa, I'm not sure how I got here', and she does apologize for her actions, which I thought was really important,' says Brooks. 'I didn't want the movie to end with her thinking she'd done the right thing. She knows she's gotten out of hand and she's embarrassed. But I hope what's nice for the audience is that Isaac learns he didn't handle himself correctly. If he had been honest, they wouldn't be in this situation. When Iris says she wishes he were honest, there's a real truth there. It's an acknowledgement that yes, she did something completely unhinged, and also he got her there.' At the end of the film, Isaac is carted away in an ambulance, and he and Iris have officially, permanently broken up. Iris leaves him with a fond goodbye that references her love of Casablanca: 'We'll always have O high,' she says. It's a callback to a conversation they had in the first scene, where Iris jokes to Isaac about a broken sign that read 'O High Falls' instead of 'High Falls.' But it's all completely lost on Isaac, reaffirming that these two were never truly on the same page. 'It's an example of, 'Oh boy. I was chasing this man, and he is not at all ready for a relationship,' Brooks says. The final shot is a close-up of Iris, who is processing a myriad of emotions before settling on a smile. It's a combination of relief, sadness, and hope. 'There's relief that she's gotten out of this weekend, and he seems not to be going to the cops. Sadness that this connection she felt is over and isn't going anywhere. But there's also a slight smile and light to her eyes, and I think she knows she's going to be okay,' says Brooks. As for whether or not Isaac calls the cops, Brooks has an answer for that, too: 'He's happy this chapter is over, and he doesn't want a legal battle. When he's honest with himself, he can see how they got mixed up in this miscommunication. He does take personal responsibility for how he ended up in that spot. Maybe the spell worked a little, and the part that worked is that he isn't gonna go to the cops.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rumor: This Agatha All Along Hero Could Return in Avengers: Doomsday
A WandaVision and Agatha All Along character may join the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, according to a new report. The update hints at a surprising return. Recent comments from a longtime associate suggest Joe Locke is involved in a Marvel project. That project is currently filming in London, which aligns with Doomsday's production schedule. Avengers: Doomsday rumored to feature Joe Locke's Wiccan Joe Locke may reprise his role as Billy Maximoff in Avengers: Doomsday. Stage actor Steven Sater recently hinted at Locke's involvement, referring to a Marvel project. During a TikTok live, Sater mentioned that Locke was unavailable during a recent trip to London because 'he's doing a Marvel movie.' While Locke's involvement has not been officially confirmed by Marvel Studios, Avengers: Doomsday is the only known Marvel film currently in production in London, unless certain Secret Wars scenes are also being filmed simultaneously. Locke played Wiccan in Agatha All Along (2024). In the series, he gained magical abilities and helped Agatha Harkness battle Death. The story ended with Agatha sacrificing herself and returning as a ghost to assist Billy in finding his brother, Tommy. Marvel is expected to continue that storyline in the upcoming Disney+ series Vision Quest. Locke's potential film appearance could add another layer to his arc. Leaked concept art from early 2025 reportedly showed Locke's Wiccan alongside the Young Avengers. The Russo Brothers denied that the artwork was connected to their version of Avengers: Doomsday. Still, speculation continues that the film may introduce or tease the Young Avengers. Locke himself has commented on his long-term commitment to Marvel, stating he 'signed for [his] whole life' (via The Playlist). Given that Doomsday will feature characters from across the MCU and the X-Men universe, the addition of a magic user like Wiccan could support the expanding team dynamic. Neither Marvel Studios nor Locke has addressed the comments publicly. Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, is scheduled to release on December 18, 2026. Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype. The post Rumor: This Agatha All Along Hero Could Return in Avengers: Doomsday appeared first on Mandatory. Solve the daily Crossword
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Shruti Haasan says Kamal Haasan ‘hates it' when she talks about their lives as atheists, can't stand astrology either
Actor Shruti Haasan has often spoken about her childhood being 'chaotic'. In a recent interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, she opened up about growing up in an atheist household and later embracing her own spiritual path. She also spoke about her belief in astrology and revealed that her father, Kamal Haasan, doesn't tolerate any conversation around the subject. Shruti Haasan says her father Kamal Haasan can't stand a conversation on astrology. Shruti Haasan on growing up on atheist home Talking about her early years, Shruti described her upbringing as 'chaos,' saying she watched her parents figure out how to be parents around her and her sibling. She added, "We grew up in an atheist home; a non-religious home. My dad hates it when I say this, but we didn't have God at home. None of that stuff that other homes have. It's so alien, the concept of religion and God. Somewhere, in my child brain, I knew art was God. Every day of the week would be devoted to artistic endeavours." She shared that her father gave her the freedom to explore her own beliefs without interference. Shruti also admitted to practising the Wiccan religion, which involves elements of witchcraft. Speaking about astrology, she said her father dislikes even hearing the word. She said, "If you went and said astrology to my dad, he'd be like, 'Get out'. He is very practical. He can gauge people better than therapists because he's been acting since the age of four – and so has my mum. They've become readers of people, better than therapists and psychologists. It's literally their survival instinct as actors. He has become more relaxed as a human being; now, with age, he has mellowed." Shruti Haasan's upcoming project Shruti will next be seen in the film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film stars Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Monisha Blessy, and Kaali Venkat. Bollywood star Aamir Khan also makes a cameo appearance. The action thriller marks Rajinikanth's 171st film as a lead actor and is scheduled to release in cinemas on 14 August.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shruti Haasan opens up on belief in witchcraft and astrology, says Kamal Haasan 'hates' god talk at home
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Actor and singer Shruti Haasan has opened up about her spiritual journey and complex relationship with her father, Kamal Haasan 's, atheist beliefs. Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast, Shruti revealed that she is a firm believer in astrology and practices the Wiccan religion, a nature-based spiritual path often associated with witchcraft. Her father, however, remains a staunch atheist who "hates" it when she talks about religion or God in public. 'We grew up in a non-religious, atheist home,' Shruti shared. 'My dad really hates when I say this—but we didn't have God in our house. No rituals, no religious symbols. It was all very alien to us.' She explained that while Kamal Haasan never imposed his beliefs on her, discussions about astrology were strictly unwelcome. 'If you said astrology in front of him, he'd be like, 'Get out,'' she said, half-jokingly. "We are the granddaughters of the witches you couldn't burn." Shruti revealed her deep connection to Wicca and Paganism, spiritual practices that focus on nature, feminine energy, and ancestral power. 'I feel the bloodline of my female ancestors. There's this beautiful quote I love: 'We are the granddaughters of the witches you couldn't burn.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo That stayed with me,' she said. She believes her draw towards these faiths has roots in the matriarchal strength passed down through generations of women in her family. Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Invited To Oscars 2025! India Shines Bright With Payal Kapadia Too While her spiritual path differs greatly from her father's pragmatic and atheist outlook, Shruti noted that Kamal has always respected her choices. 'My poor father,' she said with affection. 'He's seen me be rebellious my whole life but never stopped me. He hates tattoos, and I have five.' Art as the family religion—"Art 'is the only God." Despite their differences, Shruti described her childhood as one filled with 'creativity and chaos,' where art was treated as a kind of religion. 'Every day of the week was about some form of artistic expression,' she recalled. 'Art is the only God he believes in.' On the work front, Shruti Haasan will be next seen in Rajinikanth's 'Coolie.'
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kamal Haasan ‘hates it' when daughter Shruti reveals he doesn't believe in God, would kick her out if she discussed astrology with him
Shruti Haasan spoke about her belief in astrology, and said that her father doesn't tolerate conversations around it. She also admitted that she is a practitioner of the Wiccan religion, which involves witchcraft. 'We are the granddaughters of the witches you couldn't burn,' she said in a new interview, revealing that her illustrious father 'hates it' when she publicly speaks about the atheist household she grew up in. Shruti said that art is the only religion that Kamal believes in. Appearing on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast, she said that her household was filled with 'creativity and chaos' when she was growing up. While she was surrounded by atheism, she found spirituality later in life. She said that her father allowed her to pursue her beliefs without interfering in her journey. 'We grew up in an atheist home; a non-religious home. My dad hates it when I say this, but we didn't have God at home. None of that stuff that other homes have. It's so alien, the concept of religion and God,' she said. Also read – Shruti Haasan says she went from traveling in Mercedes to taking a Mumbai local after parents Kamal Haasan-Sarika's divorce She continued, 'Somewhere, in my child brain, I knew art was God. Every day of the week would be devoted to artistic endeavors.' Shruti said that her father is 'emotionally esoteric', which helps him as an actor, but he's 'extremely pragmatic' on a day-to-day level. 'He can gauge people better than therapists, because he's been acting since four, so has my mom… He has become more relaxed as a human being; now, with age, he has become more mellow,' she said. While Shruti admitted that her parents' diverse interests influenced her, her father would draw the line at some topics. 'If you went and said astrology to me dad, he'd be like, 'Get out'.' Shruti said that she is a believer in the transference of feminine power through generations, which is what drew her to nature-based religions such as Paganism and Wiccan. 'I think it has something to do with the matriarchal line of my family. It's the women ancestors before me, and I can seriously feel that, which is why I moved towards Wicca and Pagan worship. There was this beautiful saying, 'We are the granddaughters of the witches you couldn't burn', and I love that. I feel the bloodline of my female ancestors,' she said. In the same interview, Shruti said that she feels for her 'poor father', who has witnessed her rebelliousness from a young age, but has never stopped her from doing what she wants. 'He hates tattoos,' she said, revealing she has five. Shruti also spoke about her fascination with astrology, and said that the last year was terrible for everybody on planet Earth.
