Latest news with #mysterythriller
Geek Vibes Nation
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
‘Untamed' (2025) Limited Series Review - Eric Bana Shines In Your Next Great Netflix Mystery Binge
Let's get right to the point: Untamed will never be showered with Emmy or Golden Globe nominations. In a week when the Emmys reminded us we're living in the Golden Age of television—with standout series like Andor, The Bear, Adolescence, The Penguin, and Severanc e— Untamed won't move the needle. However, it is a show made for mainstream audiences, delivering a taut, intelligent, and atmospheric mystery thriller that will keep viewers glued to their seats with intrigue and suspense. How many shows claim to deliver on these promises but never come close to their goals? If you love the art of television, you also must embrace 'genre' series. That is the brilliance of Untamed . The final product is a Netflix original series that feels like an adaptation of a great summer popcorn mystery novel, brought to a slow-burning boil on your small screen. Erica Bana in Netflix's Untamed (2025) | Image via Netflix However, what sets Untamed apart from most genre streaming series is the brooding and vulnerable performance by its star, Eric Bana, who perhaps delivers one of the best performances of his career—a reminder of when he first broke onto the scene with his scene-stealing turn in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down and his unheralded work in Steven Spielberg's Munich . Magnetic and in one key scene, profoundly moving, you cannot take your eyes off of him. The story follows Kyle Turner, an agent with the National Park Service's Investigative Services Branch, who works on criminal investigations. (So basically, Turner would have been John Dutton's worst nightmare.) He is called up to the top of the mountain when a couple of climbers on the side of El Capitan have an unlikely encounter with a woman falling from the cliff. Miraculously, both survive, with the body of the young woman tied up in their ropes. Personally, I would have cut the cord and let the woman's dead body fall with a horrendous splat to the bottom of the mountainside. (Watch the howlingly bad Chris O'Donnell movie Vertical Limit to see what I'm talking about.) Turner is called to the scene. He notices the young woman has a gunshot wound on her leg and no shoes. This doesn't look like a suicide. Certainly not a tourist who got too close to the edge. He has a revelation that perhaps she was being hunted. Erica Bana in Netflix's Untamed (2025) | Image via Netflix Untamed comes from Mark L. Smith ( The Revenant ) and Elle Smith ( The Marsh King's Daughter ), who have had mixed success on the big screen but recently hit their stride with the Netflix series American Primeval . Their latest effort is a character-driven drama filled with eye-opening surprises at every turn. The writing is sharp and cleverly layered, delivering a straightforward whodunit with depth and nuance. What makes the series especially compelling is that the characters' backstories are just as intriguing as the central plot. Filming in Yosemite adds a haunting quality, where mysteries vanish into the dense forest, never to be solved. Cinematographers Michael McDonough and Brendan Uegama bring a cinematic, ominous atmosphere to the series that lingers long after each episode. Combined with deeply felt subplots—where local mysteries and emotional wounds surface, and isolation gives way to psychological tension and healing through confrontation—the series becomes a taut thriller that intensifies with each passing episode. However, as the series progresses, it's the human element—particularly the dynamic between Bana's Turner and his ex-wife Jill (played wonderfully by Rosemarie DeWitt)—that goes deeper than we could have imagined. A pivotal scene between them, especially from Bana's side, tackles a subject they've long tried to avoid. In that moment, Bana reveals a rare vulnerability we haven't seen from him before. Erica Bana and Lily Santiago in Netflix's Untamed (2025) | Image via Netflix The Smiths skillfully distract the viewer from where the story is headed. Though the main villain is a bit obvious, cutting the intrigue of the story, it is done so well that you forgive the trope almost entirely. That's because a secondary plot reveal is just as powerful, which is a testament to its effectiveness. There are numerous twists, turns, and suspects. Then, folding in a visceral setting that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. However , Untamed is elevated and worth watching for Eric Bana's performance. Bana has carved out a niche for himself since reaching dizzying heights in the early 2000s. For example, playing weathered and righteous detectives, most notably as Aaron Falk in the acclaimed The Dry and its sequel, Force of Nature: The Dry 2 . A tense and atmospheric thriller elevated by Bana's brooding and vulnerable performance. This is your next great Netflix mystery binge, featuring emotional weight and striking visuals that linger after the credits roll. The entire season of Untamed is now available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
Forbes
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Sirens' Star's Mystery Thriller ‘Drop' Gets Peacock Streaming Date
Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar in "Drop." Drop — a mystery thriller starring Netflix's Sirens star Meghann Fahy and 1923's Brandon Sklenar — is coming soon to streaming on Peacock. Directed by Christopher Landon, Drop was released in theaters on April 11 before debuting on digital streaming via premium video on demand on April 29. The summary for Drop reads, "Meghann Fahy (Devon in Sirens) plays Violet, a widowed mother on her first date in years, who arrives at an upscale restaurant where she is relieved that her date, Henry (Brandon Sklenar) is more charming and handsome than she expected. "But their chemistry begins to curdle as Violet begins being irritated and then terrorized by a series of anonymous drops to her phone.' According to Peacock, Drop will begin streaming on the NBC Universal platform on Friday, July 11. For those who haven't subscribed to the platform, Peacock offers an ad-based package for $7.99 per month or $79 per year and an ad-free package for $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year. Meghann Fahy Gets Top Billing On 'Drop' Following Meghann Fahy's success of Max's The White Lotus Season 2 — which earned her an Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2023 — and a pivotal supporting role in Netflix's limited series The Perfect Couple, Fahy is billed as the lead actor in Drop. In an interview with Variety before Drop was released in theaters in April, Fahy told the trade publication that she was excited to be No. 1 on the call sheet for the film. 'It's been amazing. It's so interesting when you go film something, and then a year later, you get to see and share it with people,' Fahy told Variety. 'It's a really, really cool moment. I loved the process of making the film so much. It was a very new experience for me in a lot of ways. I learned a ton, and I met some amazing people.' Ultimately, Fahy knows there are several other talented people who come together to make movies happen. 'I formed such close relationships with the cast, especially Brandon Sklenar and [fellow actor] Jeffrey Self, so sharing the moment with them is something I will remember when I look back because it felt like such a team sport,' Fahy told Variety. 'Everybody in the cast was there every day, from the beginning to the end of the day, whether or not they ended up being on camera, because we never knew how far we were going to get [in each scene]," she added. "So, it felt very communal, like, everybody was a big part of the making of the film.' Drop earned $16.6 million domestically and $12 million internationally for a worldwide box office gross of $28.6 million. Drop had an $11 million production budget before prints and advertising, per The Numbers. Drop was a big hit with Rotten Tomatoes critics, who collectively gave the film an 84% 'fresh' rating based on 220 reviews. Drop also earned a 79% 'fresh' Popcornmeter score based on 1,000-plus verified user ratings. Rated PG-13, Drop begins streaming on Peacock on July 11.
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘The Survivors' Twist Ending Explained—Who Killed Bronte And Gabby?
Shannon Berry as Bronte in "The Survivors." Courtesy of Netflix Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Survivors on Netflix. Netflix's new Australian mystery thriller The Survivors is climbing up the platform's streaming charts. Read on to dive into the wild ending of the six-episode limited series, including the answers to who killed Bronte and Gabriel, and whether the killer was finally brought to justice. The Survivors takes place in Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, Australia – a town still haunted by a tragedy that happened more than 15 years prior. Toby Gilroy and Finn Elliott died during a storm after taking their boat to rescue Finn's younger brother, Kieran Elliot, who was at the towering caves that border the bay. Kieran's mom, Verity, blames him for his brother's death and believes he was careless for going to the caves and calling Finn for help. What Kieran has failed to tell his mother is that he wasn't the one who summoned Finn; it was Olivia Birch, who was with him that night. Kieran departs Evelyn Bay for Sydney, taking his father's advice that if he didn't leave his hometown, his mother would "destroy" him. Years later, he returns with his partner, Mia Chang, and their daughter. Mia also grew up in Evelyn Bay and suffered an immense loss on the day Finn died in the storm. She lost her best friend, Gabby, and there are still many unanswered questions swirling about her whereabouts, including whether she's alive or dead. Unfortunately for Mia and Gabby's loved ones, Evelyn Bay has only really cared about investigating the deaths of Toby and Finn, refusing to find out what happened to Gabby. Bronte, a photographer in town working on a project about the accidents, takes it upon herself to look into Gabby's disappearance further. 'In 2025, you cannot make a show about a young woman being murdered without trying to understand the context of that, the preconditions of that,' Showrunner Tony Ayres told Netflix's Tudum, adding that it's 'the kind of society we live in, which valorizes male deaths, but ignores female deaths.' Gabby wanted to go to the caves to see Kieran on the day of the storm. Kieran's friend, Sean Gilroy, who knew the caves well, brought her there and led Gabby into the deepest and darkest part. The two carved their names into the side of the caverns. Sean kissed Gabby, but she resisted the kiss, and he became agitated. 'I want to go home now,' Gabby said to Sean. The caves were rapidly overflowing with water, and there was no way she would be able to navigate an exit without him. But it turns out Sean abandoned Gabby and left her there. Sean later told Kieran that instead of helping Gabby get to safety, he left her to die alone in the caves to drown. 'I felt stupid, so I bolted," Sean admitted to his friend. 'All I could think of was … when you found out she'd dogged me … you'd laugh yourselves sick," Sean also told Kieran, explaining his fear of how his friends would react to his rejection. Sean's father, Julian, also knows what his son did that night, and he tries to cover it up – even after seeing how her disappearance impacted her family. Julian was the one who threw Gabby's backpack into the bay to make it look like she drowned in the sea and not in the caves. After learning what happened to Gabby, Kieran feels a sense of guilt for helping perpetuate the toxic environment where his friend could do something so horrible to cover up the truth. Mia reminds him, 'What Sean did was because of Sean" and asks him to forgive himself. 'You have to forgive yourself, Kieran. For everything.' Sean killed Bronte in The Survivors after she pieced together that he had killed Gabby. Bronte traveled to Evelyn Bay to investigate Gabby's disappearance. When she went to the caves where Gabby died, she discovered the rock Gabby and Sean had carved their names into and began taking photos. 'Most people have forgotten about Gabby,' Bronte says to Sean. 'All the memorial stuff is all about the men. Why isn't she included?' However, Sean, not ready to take responsibility for his actions 15 years later, isn't going to let this information come to light. Sean attacks Bronte and beats her to death on the beach. He drags her body into the ocean and runs when he sees Kieran's dad, Brian Elliott, walking toward them. Sadly, Brian is unable to save Bronte despite performing CPR. "The Survivors" on Netflix. Aedan O'Donnell/Netflix In the final episode of The Survivors, Sean tries to kill Kieran inside the caves after telling his friends all of his secrets. Kieran manages to survive, and Sean is finally held accountable and arrested for the deaths of Gabby Birch and Bronte Laidler. Gabby's mother, Trish, can finally receive the closure she needs after 15 years. In the final scene, the families of the victims gather together to remember their loved ones and throw flowers into the sea. While the ending of The Survivors isn't necessarily a happy one, Ayres told Netflix that it plants a 'seed of hope.' He continued, 'If we keep working together and if we drop our barriers and shields and all the things that keep us apart, then we might get to a better place.' The Survivors is streaming on Netflix. Watch the official trailer below.
South China Morning Post
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Why Disney+ K-drama Nine Puzzles has no romance between Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku
Actress Kim Da-mi has revealed that she and co-star Son Suk-ku ultimately decided against including a romantic element in their characters' relationship in the Disney+ original series Nine Puzzles, even though they initially considered it. In a recent interview, Kim reflected on her role in the mystery thriller , which follows criminal profiler E-na (played by Kim), who reopens a decade-old unsolved case for which she was the only witness, and detective Han-saem (Son), who continues to suspect her. As new puzzle pieces emerge, the two are drawn back into a string of murders. Kim said she was captivated by the script upon first reading. 'I couldn't stop. At the time, the cast hadn't been finalised, so I had even more room to imagine. I had never done a mystery before, and when I heard director Yoon Jong-bin was involved, I couldn't help but be intrigued,' she said. Play Describing her character, Kim said: 'E-na is someone you want to comfort. She's a person who wants to believe in people. It hurt my heart to play her.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New historical mystery-thriller series to be launched at literary festival
A new historical mystery-thriller series by an Oxfordshire author will be launched at a Headington literary festival this weekend. Amanda Roberts, who lives in Islip, will unveil her third novel, Lady of the Quay, at HeadLitFest on Saturday, May 10. The one-day festival will be held at Headington Quarry Village Hall. Headington Quarry Village Hall (Image: Greg Blatchford) Set in 16th-century Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, the book begins the Isabella Gillhespy series, which follows the only daughter of a wealthy merchant who finds her inheritance is not what she expected after the unexpected death of her father. Ms Roberts, a member of the Royal Society of Authors and the Historical Novel Society, was inspired to set her new series in Berwick-upon-Tweed after a family holiday in the town in 2021. The Elizabethan ramparts and the town's unique past, marked by its strategic importance and frequent changes in ownership between the English and the Scottish from the 11th century to 1482, sparked her imagination. Ms Roberts' first novel, The Roots of the Tree, is a true family story that follows her mother's struggle with the discovery that her biological father was not the man she had known all her life. Her second novel, The Woman in the Painting, is a dual-timeline historical novel set in 2019 and 1645, in her home village of Islip - the site of a little-known battle between Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army and three of the King's regiments. The book was awarded the silver medal in the Coffee Pot Book Club Historical Fiction Book of the Year Awards in the time slip/time travel/dual timeline category. The narrative of Lady of the Quay, as summarised on the book jacket, reads: "1560, Berwick-upon-Tweed, northern England. "Following the unexpected death of her father, a series of startling discoveries about the business she inherits forces Isabella Gillhespy to re-evaluate everything she understands about her past and expects from her future. "Facing financial ruin, let down by people on whom she thought she could rely, and suspected of crimes that threaten her freedom, Isabella struggles to prove her innocence. "But the stakes are even higher than she realises. "In a town where tension between England and her Scottish neighbours is never far from the surface, it isn't long before developments attract the interest of the highest authority in the land, Sir William Cecil, and soon Isabella is fighting, not just for her freedom, but her life. "She must use her wits and trust her own instincts to survive." Ms Roberts is also a member of West Oxfordshire Writers and Oxford Independent Authors.
