Latest news with #British-set
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business Insider
I pushed myself to talk to strangers every day in a foreign city. It went so well that I brought the habit home.
I spent three weeks in London and challenged myself to talk to at least one stranger every day. I started my conversations on the Tube, but after I got comfortable, I expanded to pubs and stores. I made friends I still talk to today, learned about the city, and developed new social skills. Last year, I made it my personal mission to continue confronting three of my greatest fears: flying, traveling alone, and meeting new people. I'd been taking baby steps by visiting friends in various cities across California, where I live, and I'd even made it to New York — but it was time to push myself even further out of my comfort zone. So, I decided to embark on a three-month solo trip across Europe. I was lucky enough to work remotely, and who knew if I would ever get this amount of freedom again? As a connoisseur of British-set murder mysteries, UK pop culture, and English singers (Olivia Dean, anyone?), I knew that I had to spend a few weeks in London. I was nervous, though — especially when I met a local on my first night, who warned me that Londoners weren't particularly friendly. Then, I had an idea that would help me challenge that assumption while breaking out of my shell: I'd push myself to strike up at least one conversation a day with a stranger on public transit. I fell in love with London as soon as I arrived, but felt nervous about approaching people on the Tube London's infectious energy charmed me immediately. I loved the street style and the way groups of friends hit the pubs at 5 p.m., when a lot of people back home in San Francisco would still be working. Most of all, though, I loved observing people on the Tube. I believe public transit is the best way to learn what a city's culture is really like, and I quickly took note of the Tube's unspoken rules: look down, avoid eye contact, and definitely do not make conversation. Still, I wanted to make the most of my trip, learn about places off the beaten path, and improve my confidence with striking up small talk. Plus, nobody would ever see me again. What did I have to lose? I started out small by complimenting people's outfits. I'd mention how I liked their hair ribbon or the color of their coat. Everyone I approached seemed surprised and happy, and often complimented me back as well. I also struck up conversations with people I saw reading books — something I'd never done back in the US, for fear of bothering them. As it turned out, many passengers seemed delighted to talk about their favorite (or least favorite) reads. I started talking to strangers outside the Tube, too Surprisingly, having just one conversation a day was pretty easy. I decided to up the ante and talked to people while dining solo, hanging out in pubs, and grocery shopping. I asked locals for recommendations on their favorite pubs, and quickly learned that every Londoner has one. I also noticed that longtime locals loved talking about their neighborhoods — and found it endearing when I believed Yorkshire pudding was a dessert. One woman even invited me to join her at her favorite local spots, like Victoria Park and Hackney City Farm. At the end of our first conversation, she said, "I'm really glad you approached me today," and told me she'd been wanting to make more friends. We ended up staying in touch, and a year later, we still call each other via WhatsApp. Although I still struggle with anxiety, my travels have equipped me with an essential mindset shift Most of my tube conversations weren't particularly noteworthy — they were usually polite and brief, and a few fizzled out quickly. Even these were valuable, though. I learned to embrace the beauty of connection without any expectations of a conversation going well, or even continuing. I also learned that I have a lot of control over my experience in a city. If I hadn't challenged the belief that Londoners weren't friendly, I think I would've had a drastically different experience there. Talking to strangers on the Tube initially started as a fun challenge and social experiment. By the end, though, it brought me something bigger: an understanding of the importance of connection and community. Now that I'm back home in California, I always choose to pay an unexpected compliment whenever and wherever I can — even on Bart in San Francisco, where those unspoken rules (no eye contact, no conversation) look a lot like the ones on the Tube.
Scotsman
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Netflix drops first look at British thriller Hostage
Suranne Jones stars in Hostage on Netflix 🚨 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Netflix has dropped the first look at Suranne Jones' Hostage. The TV icon has teamed up with the streaming giant for the first time. Political thriller is from an Oscar-nominated writer. Netflix has offered viewers the first look at a gripping new British drama arriving next month. TV icon Suranne Jones leads the cast of political thriller Hostage. The Doctor Foster star has teamed up with the streaming giant for the first time. The five-part series is due to arrive in August, it has been confirmed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hostage is Netflix's latest British-set thriller joining the likes of The Diplomat and Black Doves - with Keira Knightley. But what can you expect from the show? Netflix drops first look at Hostage Suranne Jones in Netflix's Hostage | Netflix The first official trailer for the show has now been released by Netflix. It comes ahead of the series' launch in August and gives a glimpse at the high stakes drama. We have embedded the trailer below, so you can watch it for yourselves. Please give it a moment to load. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When does Hostage release? The five-part political thriller is set to land on the streaming service in just less than a month's time. It will debut on Thursday, August 21 with all episodes released at once. Netflix typically releases its shows at 8am British time - except for live events, such as recent boxing events. (L to R) Julie Delpy as Vivienne, Suranne Jones as Abigail in Hostage | Des Willie/Netflix What to expect from Hostage? The thriller is from writer Matt Charman, who received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for his work on 2015's spy film Bridge of Spies. He co-wrote the film with the Coen brothers. He also created the crime drama Black Work for ITV in 2015. It was recently added to Netflix and became a surprise hit on the streaming service in the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The synopsis reads: 'When the British Prime Minister's husband is kidnapped and the visiting French President is blackmailed, the two political leaders both face unimaginable choices. 'Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, can they work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both?' Suranne Jones said: 'I'm thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I'm really proud of. It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. 'We'd talked about projects previously, but for me, it was about finding the right thing. Hostage was perfect — me and Matt together, backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who is in the cast of Hostage? Suranne Jones is the headline name, playing the British Prime Minister in the five-part thriller. She will also be joined by Julie Delpy, Corey Mylchreest, Lucian Msamati, Ashley Thomas, James Cosmo, Martin McCann, Jehnny Beth. Viewers will recognise Suranne from her lengthy work in British TV - from shows like Doctor Foster and Gentleman Jack. She is also one of the stars of BBC's Vigil, which is due to return for a third season. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.
Scotsman
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Netflix drops first look at British thriller Hostage
Suranne Jones stars in Hostage on Netflix 🚨 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Netflix has dropped the first look at Suranne Jones' Hostage. The TV icon has teamed up with the streaming giant for the first time. Political thriller is from an Oscar-nominated writer. Netflix has offered viewers the first look at a gripping new British drama arriving next month. TV icon Suranne Jones leads the cast of political thriller Hostage. The Doctor Foster star has teamed up with the streaming giant for the first time. The five-part series is due to arrive in August, it has been confirmed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hostage is Netflix's latest British-set thriller joining the likes of The Diplomat and Black Doves - with Keira Knightley. But what can you expect from the show? Netflix drops first look at Hostage Suranne Jones in Netflix's Hostage | Netflix The first official trailer for the show has now been released by Netflix. It comes ahead of the series' launch in August and gives a glimpse at the high stakes drama. We have embedded the trailer below, so you can watch it for yourselves. Please give it a moment to load. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When does Hostage release? The five-part political thriller is set to land on the streaming service in just less than a month's time. It will debut on Thursday, August 21 with all episodes released at once. Netflix typically releases its shows at 8am British time - except for live events, such as recent boxing events. (L to R) Julie Delpy as Vivienne, Suranne Jones as Abigail in Hostage | Des Willie/Netflix What to expect from Hostage? The thriller is from writer Matt Charman, who received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for his work on 2015's spy film Bridge of Spies. He co-wrote the film with the Coen brothers. He also created the crime drama Black Work for ITV in 2015. It was recently added to Netflix and became a surprise hit on the streaming service in the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The synopsis reads: 'When the British Prime Minister's husband is kidnapped and the visiting French President is blackmailed, the two political leaders both face unimaginable choices. 'Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, can they work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both?' Suranne Jones said: 'I'm thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I'm really proud of. It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. 'We'd talked about projects previously, but for me, it was about finding the right thing. Hostage was perfect — me and Matt together, backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who is in the cast of Hostage? Suranne Jones is the headline name, playing the British Prime Minister in the five-part thriller. She will also be joined by Julie Delpy, Corey Mylchreest, Lucian Msamati, Ashley Thomas, James Cosmo, Martin McCann, Jehnny Beth. Viewers will recognise Suranne from her lengthy work in British TV - from shows like Doctor Foster and Gentleman Jack. She is also one of the stars of BBC's Vigil, which is due to return for a third season.
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix horror film with twist no one saw coming has perfect rating
His House, a horror thriller directed by Remi Weekes, was released on Netflix in 2020 and has since become a huge hit with fans of the genre, who are still reeling from the devastating twist Netflix viewers have been left petrified by a hidden gem of a horror film that has bagged the rare achievement of a flawless 100 percent rating on review site, Rotten Tomatoes. His House, helmed by Remi Weekes, was launched on Netflix in 2020 and narrates the tale of a refugee family escaping South Sudan to settle in a small English town. However, their new home conceals a terrifying secret. The dilapidated house, damp with peeling wallpaper and old furniture, is located on the fringes of London. The family also faces racism and suspicion from their neighbours following their ordeal. Living under strict restrictions or facing deportation, the family does what they can to blend in with their new neighbours in their new home. But the mother, Rial, senses an evil presence in their house and concludes that an apeth, or night witch, had moved in with the previous owner. She undergoes a series of horrifying flashbacks she believes to be real, including being transported back to South Sudan on the day of a massacre she narrowly escaped, reports the Mirror US. A shocking twist left fans of the horror thriller stunned, and critics showered nothing but praise for the impactful movie. Following its release, The Guardian praised the film, stating: "There are strong performances from Dirisu and Mosaku, acing roles of great technical and emotional difficulty, securing our investment in their journey, one that has greater stakes than the average haunted house horror. At a tight 93 minutes, Weekes knows how to pace his story with the assurance of a film-maker with far more experience, a tenacious calling card that should pique the interest of observant Hollywood execs as it simultaneously scares its way into your house when it lands on Netflix." His House boasts a flawless score on Rotten Tomatoes, earning acclaim for its suspenseful and gripping thrills. One critic said: "I cannot wait to see what director Remi Weekes does next. His House blew me away with how it successfully reinvents the haunted house story to explore the horrors of being an immigrant in a xenophobic world." Another critic was impressed by the film's depth: "Educational, profoundly scary and an experience that delights in taking unexpected routes, this film is one of those debut features that makes you want to keep track of everything a director does from here on out." A third critic highlighted the film's complexity: "A multi-layered British-set haunted house film that skillfully weaves socio-political commentary, an engrossing character study, and unnerving visual frights.." Meanwhile, fans are still reeling from the film's unforeseen twist. One viewer shared their enthusiasm, saying: "An actual scary horror film, and for a British person, even though I'm not a refugee, it's quite relatable, which helps, very atmospheric and well-made, couldn't recxom enough quite underrated in the horror community as well from what I've seen." Another commented: "I really enjoyed this film. The twist was unexpected and it was a really interesting premise. Scary in various ways, would definitely recommend." A third added: "Had me seeing faces in my own holes in my walls! Very scary, loved it. Must see." His House, is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Netflix hidden gem horror film has fans 'seeing faces in walls'
Netflix viewers have been left quaking in their boots by a little-known horror flick that's bagged the coveted 100 percent rating on review site, Rotten Tomatoes. His House, a chilling masterpiece from director Remi Weekes, hit Netflix in 2020 and spins the tale of a refugee family escaping South Sudan to find refuge in a quaint English town. But their new home harbours a spine-chilling secret. Their dilapidated dwelling, damp with peeling wallpaper and filled with dated furniture, sits on the fringes of London. The family also grapples with racism and suspicion from their neighbours following their traumatic journey. Living under harsh restrictions or facing the threat of deportation, the family strives to blend in with their new community. However, mum Rial senses an ominous presence in their house, suspecting an apeth, or night witch, took up residence with the previous occupant. She is haunted by a string of petrifying flashbacks she believes are real, including being whisked back to South Sudan on the day of a bloodbath she narrowly escaped, reports the Mirror US. A jaw-dropping twist left fans of this horror thriller shell-shocked, while critics showered nothing but accolades on this potent film. Post-launch, The Guardian said: "There are strong performances from Dirisu and Mosaku, acing roles of great technical and emotional difficulty, securing our investment in their journey, one that has greater stakes than the average haunted house horror. At a tight 93 minutes, Weekes knows how to pace his story with the assurance of a film-maker with far more experience, a tenacious calling card that should pique the interest of observant Hollywood execs as it simultaneously scares its way into your house when it lands on Netflix." His House boasts an impressive score on Rotten Tomatoes, garnering kudos for its captivating tension and seat-clinging suspense. A reviewer said: "I cannot wait to see what director Remi Weekes does next. His House blew me away with how it successfully reinvents the haunted house story to explore the horrors of being an immigrant in a xenophobic world." Another critic added: "Educational, profoundly scary and an experience that delights in taking unexpected routes, this film is one of those debut features that makes you want to keep track of everything a director does from here on out." Yet another observer said: "A multi-layered British-set haunted house film that skillfully weaves socio-political commentary, an engrossing character study, and unnerving visual frights.." And viewers are still reeling from the jaw-dropping twist that took everyone by surprise. One viewer was particularly struck by the frights, saying: "An actual scary horror film, and for a British person, even though I'm not a refugee, it's quite relatable, which helps, very atmospheric and well-made, couldn't recxom enough quite underrated in the horror community as well from what I've seen." Another fan shared their enthusiasm, saying: "I really enjoyed this film. The twist was unexpected and it was a really interesting premise. Scary in various ways, would definitely recommend." A third wrote: "Had me seeing faces in my own holes in my walls! Very scary, loved it. Must see." The chilling flick 'His House' is now streaming on Netflix.
