FilmFreaks

Tag: Shrinking

  • Backrooms: Everything Must Go Edition adds 15 minutes of bonus footage to the hit horror film

    When major studios pivot from exploring cutting-edge AI partnerships to diving back into cinematic releases, the shift is palpable. A24 has recently turned its attention to its catalog, culminating in a highly anticipated re-release of director Kane Parsons’s hit horror film Backrooms on July 3rd.

    But this isn’t just another run. Variety reports that A24 is packaging the film into Backrooms: Everything Must Go Edition>, adding a substantial 15 minutes of exclusive bonus footage. This extended version boosts the running time to 126 minutes, offering fans an even deeper, more immersive dive into the unsettling world of liminal spaces.

    The success of the original film is undeniable. Produced for $10 million, Backrooms has amassed over $330 million worldwide since its release on May 29th, solidifying its status as the highest-grossing film in A24’s history.

    So what is the world of Backrooms about? The film draws its creative inspiration from a series of viral videos released by director Parsons on his YouTube channel, Kane Pixels. These short clips introduced the concept of a young filmmaker falling into another dimension, wandering through an unsettlingly yellow, empty, and labyrinthine office space that may house otherworldly beings.

    Parsons’ series delves into the story of a shadowy organization known as ASYNC, which, in the late 1980s, opened a portal connecting the real world to The Backrooms. While the original viral shorts provided the seed, the feature film takes this concept and transforms it into something entirely new.

    The screenplay for the feature was penned by Will Soodik, known for his work on films like Westworld>. Instead of a simple jump scare, the movie follows a furniture store operator who stumbles upon an endless array of liminal spaces hidden within the store’s basement. This exploration of liminality and psychological dread elevates the viral concept into a profound cinematic experience.

    The cast brings an impressive collection of talent to the project, including Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World), Mark Duplass (Creep), Finn Bennett (True Detective), Lukita Maxwell (Shrinking), and Avan Jogia (Zombieland: Double Tap). A24 and Chernin Entertainment are co-financing the project, with producers including Shawn Levy and Dan Levine of 21 Laps and James Wan and Michael Clear of Atomic Monster}.

    Credit: JoBlo

  • Apple TV’s 3-Part Crime Drama With a Stacked Cast Deserves a Second Chance

    With hits like Severance, Slow Horses, Silo, and Shrinking setting new standards for prestige television, Truth Be Told, a debut original from the platform, remains an overlooked gem equally worthy of attention. While the current landscape is dominated by high-concept drama, diving back into 2019 reveals a different kind of compelling storytelling—one steeped in the fascinating world of true crime.

    When Truth Be Told premiered, true crime was experiencing a massive cultural surge. Networks were all scrambling for the next viral murder mystery, leading to an explosion of detectives, suspects, and unexpected twists available to consume. It was a landscape saturated with compelling narratives that gripped audiences and fueled intense public interest.

    Amidst this bustling field, Nichelle Tramble Spellman’s series stood out. It featured an Oscar-winning lead, a high-profile supporting cast, and the tantalizing hook of a cold case that begged to be reopened. This combination provided a rich foundation for a story that resonated deeply with viewers seeking mystery and suspense.

    Truth Be Told offered a powerful reminder that the true crime genre possesses an enduring and compelling power. It demonstrated that high-quality investigation, coupled with a compelling personal narrative, can captivate audiences just as effectively as the latest streaming drama.

    The show tapped into a deep human fascination: the pursuit of truth, the complexities of memory, and the often-unresolved nature of justice. By focusing on these themes, Truth Be Told provided an alternative perspective to the current wave of polished, high-concept television. It offered depth and grit in an era prioritizing spectacle.

    Ultimately, while new drama titles continue to define the current streaming scene, looking back at early originals like Truth Be Told helps us appreciate the diverse range of compelling stories that exist outside the mainstream spotlight. It reminds us that the magic of television lies not just in the platform, but in the quality and originality of the narrative itself.

    Credit: Collider

  • This Comedy Is Making a Surprise Comeback in 2026 Emmys Predictions

    The Emmy race for 2026 is heating up, and comedy is firmly in the spotlight. While the ceremony is still months away, early predictions are already buzzing with nominations that suggest a fun and fierce competition among television’s funniest shows.

    One perennial fan-favorite has emerged as a clear frontrunner: Abbott Elementary. This ABC comedy isn’t just enjoying a soft spot from viewers; it’s dominating the nomination predictions, sitting ahead of rivals like Hacks and Shrinking in the race for Outstanding Comedy Series nominations.

    The trend suggests that audiences are ready to celebrate smart, heartfelt comedy. In the prediction polls conducted among editors, experts, and users, Abbott Elementary leads with a staggering 79.51% probability for recognition in this category. Other contenders like Hacks follow closely behind at 74.56%, demonstrating that the comedy landscape is vibrant and highly contested.

    Beyond the series themselves, the cast of these popular shows is also poised for major recognition. Two actresses from Abbott Elementary are leading the pack in lead acting predictions: Quinta Brunson, who played Janine Teagues, leads with a 74.75% chance for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Meanwhile, Jean Smart from Hacks holds a strong position at 71.69%.

    The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Janelle James, who plays principal Ava Coleman, taking the top spot for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series with an 81.22% prediction. This strong showing highlights the collective talent on display. Other nominees also feature strong contenders like Elle Fanning for Margo’s Got Money Troubles and Lisa Kudrow for The Comeback.

    The depth of talent is further revealed in the supporting roles across the board. The poll reveals that Janelle James is overwhelmingly favored for her role, even navigating a tricky path past nominations from peers like Ayo Edebiri and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Furthermore, actresses like Kristen Bell and Selena Gomez are also seeing strong predictions for their respective series.

    The competition extends to the specific acting categories as well. The prediction list indicates that Jean Smart is heavily favored for Outstanding Lead Actress in Comedy, while Hannah Einbinder of Hacks is projected to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in Comedy with a 64% likelihood.

    The anticipation builds as these lists hint at a fascinating mix of established favorites and surprising upsets. While some predictions lean toward established hits like Hacks sweeping the overall categories, others suggest a fresh surprise is on the horizon. With the full list of nominations set to be revealed in July, the television world is eagerly awaiting the final tally that will crown the comedic stars of 2026.

    Credit: ComingSoon.net