Latest news with #TheHuntingWives
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Star of Netflix hit show The Hunting Wives reveals White House figure who inspired her notorious character
The star of Netflix 's new drama The Hunting Wives revealed how she manifested her scheming, scandal-soaked character. In an interview, Malin Akerman said the show's creative team gave her one clear point of referenc e when building the role of Margo, the manipulative, politically-connected Texas housewife at the center of murder, adultery, and deception. The character was modeled on First Lady Melania Trump. 'During filming, [the creative team] described Margo as a bit like Melania Trump, someone who "came into a marriage to this rich man as one woman," then finds the expectations for her have shifted once he becomes politically ambitious,' Åkerman told Vulture. 'That was the only reference, really.' Akerman's character, a Texas housewife married to a governor hopeful, hides a sordid past of poverty, sex work, and a trail of lovers. Her storyline in the eight-part series involves an abortion after a fling with a high-school student, a murder to cover it up, and an ongoing affair with newcomer Sophie, played by Brittany Snow. Those secrets threaten to unravel when her husband launches a campaign built on 'a pro-gun, anti-abortion, happy-marriage platform.' Akerman - who was born in Sweden and raised in Canada - also drew on her own encounters with the upper crust to flesh out Margo's razor-sharp social instincts. 'It's just high society,' she said. 'I've mingled with aristocrats and high-society people and seen the games that go into it. For lack of a better word, I wouldn't say "authenticity" is how those people lead.' The revelation about Margo's political muse comes as The Hunting Wives cements itself as one of the most provocative shows on television. Described by writer Rebecca Cutler as a project she was in 'awe of… [for] its flagrant horniness,' the show compares to Disney's Rivals for sheer sexual heat - with some viewers claiming 'every single scene ends with someone having sex or masturbating.' Adapted from May Cobb's bestselling erotic thriller, the series mixes murder mystery with erotic drama, unflinching in its depictions of full-frontal nudity, same-sex encounters, and messy, no-holds-barred passion. Critics have compared it to Big Little Lies and Desperate Housewives, but with far more explicit scenes. Forbes reviewer Dana Feldman said there hadn't been a 'book-to-screen adaptation this salacious' since Fifty Shades of Grey. In one scene that alludes to the sexual politics, Margo says: 'Open marriages are for liberals, Jed and I have an arrangement.' Melania Trump, meanwhile, has kept a lower profile so far during her husband's second term in office. But she has also shown she is willing to push back forcefully against false or defamatory claims. Just last week, her lawyer compelled Democratic strategist James Carville and his Politics War Room podcast to delete and edit comments about her that linked her early modeling career to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Last week, Melania's lawyer compelled Democratic strategist James Carville and his Politics War Room podcast to delete and edit comments about her that linked her early modeling career to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein 'After the episode, we received a letter from Melania Trump's lawyer,' Carville told listeners. 'He took issue with our title of one of those YouTube videos from that episode and a couple of comments I made about the first lady. We took a look at what they complained about, and we took down the video and edited out those comments from the episode. I also take back these statements and apologize.' Akerman's revelation about Melania as an inspiration for Margo comes as The Hunting Wives cements itself as one of Netflix's most talked-about new dramas. Based on May Cobb's bestselling novel and picked up by Netflix after its original home, Starz, dropped the project, the series debuted July 21 and became an instant streaming hit.
Sky News AU
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Hot, horny and white': Hollywood's 'progressive snowflake era' is over, New York Times guest essay says
Hollywood's "progressive snowflake era" is over, with studios turning away from DEI and socially conscious programming, a New York Times column argued on Saturday. "Hollywood is rapidly shifting away from the socially conscious framework that for more than a decade has driven its narratives, casting and green lights," editor-in-chief for The Wrap, Sharon Waxman, wrote in a guest essay for The New York Times. Waxman pointed to the recent sale of an "anti-woke" reboot of the 1992 Paul Veerhoven film "Basic Instinct" as an example of how Hollywood is pivoting away not just from diversity, equality and inclusion in its business practices, but from a social justice-oriented outlook at the box office as well. She cited the Netflix show "The Hunting Wives" as evidence that Hollywood is no longer woke — proclaiming that everyone on the series is "hot, horny and white." Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad is further evidence of Hollywood's anti-woke shift, Waxman claimed. Upon the launch of the advertisement, both Sweeney and American Eagle received backlash, with critics claiming the ad was hinting at eugenics. However, according to Waxman, it failed to penetrate the Hollywood power centers in Burbank or Beverly Hills, and Sweeney was left unscathed from the controversy. "It's had no echo in Burbank or Beverly Hills, where not so long ago, Ms. Sweeney might have had to apologize for her insensitivity and make a donation to the A.C.L.U," she wrote. Waxman claimed that after a string of controversies that beset Hollywood — including the #OscarsSoWhite campaign and criticism of a lack of diversity among creators — the industry set out to course-correct by emphasizing diversity in its hiring practices and storytelling. Yet, the efforts to hire additional non-White directors, screenwriters and showrunners left many creatives in Hollywood feeling like they'd been pushed aside. "The new rules resulted in a strict if unspoken set of boundaries that tacitly put certain topics and categories outside the accepted circles of casting and green lights. It isn't only that conservative groups gripe that "their" stories… don't get produced," Waxman said. "But I also can't count the number of times I've heard quiet frustration from a reasonably accomplished white male screenwriter who felt cast out by the top talent agencies. In the process of "recentering" Hollywood, some people suddenly felt shunted to the side." Waxman said Hollywood's shift had been a long time coming, predating President Donald Trump's return to office. However, with the president's return to the White House, the trend has accelerated. His administration's fight against DEI has contributed to Hollywood studios abandoning the controversial policies. "At the talent agencies where Hollywood's hustlers are out selling scripts and projects, no longer are queer writers of color, for example, so much in demand. No longer are preferred pronouns expected on your email signature," Waxman said. Originally published as 'Hot, horny and white': Hollywood's 'progressive snowflake era' is over, New York Times guest essay says
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Sucked in from the Very 1st Episode': Why Is 'The Hunting Wives' So Popular?
Netflix's 'The Hunting Wives' has found its place on the platform's Top 10 list. Since its July 21 release, the television series, based on the novel by May Cobb, has evolved into a cultural moment, racking up over 11 million views on Netflix, per Deadline. On TikTok, thousands of viewers are sharing their thoughts on show's roller coaster of twists and soap-level drama. Where did all this buzz come from? Here's what to know about the show's appeal and the phenomenon it sparked. What is 'The Hunting Wives' about? Originally created for Starz, the erotic thriller was acquired by Netflix. "The Hunting Wives" follows PR exec Sophie O'Neil (Brittany Snow) as she moves from Boston to East Texas with her architect husband Graham (Evan Jonigkeit). She immediately finds herself out of place in an inner circle of wealthy Southern housewives who call themselves the "Hunting Wives." These women seemingly couldn't be more different from Sophie: Not only does the elite clique embrace gun culture, but also they also adopt an unabashed stay-at-home lifestyle that is foreign to her. When Sophie asks her new friends what they do for work, they emphasize that their job is to 'wife.' Along with culture shock, Sophie grapples with her looming dark past through frequent flashbacks. Sophie eventually becomes enthralled by the group's queen bee, Margo Banks (Malin Åkerman), the wife of Graham's boss, Jed (Dermot Mulroney), an oil tycoon running for the governor of Texas. Margo takes Sophie under her wing, and their friendship quickly escalates into a steamy affair. A throughline of the show is its twisty murder plot. After local teenager Abby (Madison Wolfe) is found dead, Sophie finds herself inconveniently tangled in the mystery. As the town searches for the culprit, its residents cultivate messy love triangles and secret relationships on the side. Why has 'The Hunting Wives' become such a phenomenon? Part of the appeal of the 'The Hunting Wives' is that it goes there — all manner of daring places. Each character is shamelessly committed to making jaw-dropping decisions. Take, for example, Margo's affair with an 18-year-old high school student who also happens to be Abby's boyfriend. Or Sophie's decision to rashly secure a firearm, a choice that backfires after she blacks out on the night of Abby's death ... and her gun turns out to be the murder weapon. Then, of course, there are the show's multiple murders and frequent extramarital escapades. 'The Hunting Wives' consistently prioritizes steamy scenes over sensible plotting or nuanced characters, juicy twists over deep emotions or big ideas. It might all be incredibly frustrating, if it were not also so wildly entertaining,' The Hollywood Reporter writes of the show. The show's hype is not necessarily due to its quality: Some fans on Reddit point out, Margo's wig looks (perhaps purposefully) unrealistic, and there may be more than a few plot holes. Instead, the series' shock factor is what makes it bingeable. 'Look, it isn't Emmy award winning TV. The acting only ranges slightly fair. The characters are terrible people,' one Reddit user writes. 'But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sucked in from the very first episode.' 'Everything has been said regarding it being the perfect summer sleazy schlockfest we all love,' another adds. In addition to its wild plot twists, the show's depiction of Margo and Sophie's queer relationship has led to chatter. Them, an LGBTQ+ publication, writes that 'The Hunting Wives' might be 'the gayest show of the year." Many fans have posted their reactions to Margo and Sophie's relationship, crediting the show's suggestive scenes for their sexual awakenings or awkward watch moments with family members. 'With all of the attention the show is receiving, viewer reactions have proved feverish, with fans across party lines gamely questioning their sexuality after witnessing Margo's effects on Sophie,' NBC Out writes of this phenomenon. Watchers also have also found themselves enthralled by the series' political message. 'When you first start watching the show, it's just a very fun, campy romp… It really feels like they are glamorizing this certain type of lifestyle. But, in actuality, it is such a scathing review of the hypocrisy of the nuclear family (and) God fearing Republicans,' one reviewer theorizes on TikTok. 'Perhaps the show's most intriguing wrinkle involves incorporating just enough political references to feel like a satire of Southern-fried hypocrisy,' Slate writes. This layer adds, for some, enough to turn the show from a beach read on screen to something a little deeper. However, not everyone is a fan — some criticize the show for being too vulgar or underdeveloped. But the show's blend of lustful romance, a messy murder plot and perhaps a bit of political humor is what has many fans knocking on Netflix's door for another salacious installment. This article was originally published on Solve the daily Crossword
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
These 42 Items Aren't Expensive, But They Sure Fooled Me
A cross-hatch tissue holder that's unnecessary, as it is simply placed around the tissue packaging, but it's giving Bottega Veneta, gonna be your next need. A timeless tennis bracelet sure to look like you put down some serious $$$ on Swarovski, which can stay our little secret. A layered necklace set so you can show off your social elite style even though your credit card isn't exactly platinum — they come separated, so you can add on other pieces, too! Reviewers rave about how great the quality is for the price because they don't tarnish. Inexpensive jewelry that doesn't turn your skin green? That's a gift from the gods. Tie-front satin PJs that'll have you looking like an influencer even when you're home alone watching The Hunting Wives non-stop while eating macaroni and cheese in wearing *catwalk-worthy* loungewear. Velvet room-darkening curtains so luxe you may avoid looking out your window because pushing these aside ruins the your unreasonably elegant curtains. A bunch of faux tulips (with over 17,000 5-star reviews!!!) that'll stay in bloom all year long, helping you keep your apartment lookin' bright and sunny no matter the season. A floating shelf sure to improve both the look and storage space in your dollhouse-sized kitchen. Those mug hooks make me more mugs. They're so darn darling hangin' up all at-the-ready! A coffee syrup dispenser set complete with premade flavor labels for turning your kitchen into the intimidatingly chic cafe you, sigh, don't have on your side of suburbia. A safety razor designed to be displayed upright and within site thanks to its included stand (available in a bunch of colors to best match your bathroom!). Keep your skin smooth and your bathroom looking *sharp* with this cute tool. A quirky coffee press for anyone who wants a French press with a look that perks them up as well as the coffee they make with it does! A pair of platform slippers that are basically Ugg Tazz fraternal twin, just without the hefty price tag. These are great as an indoor or errand slipper *and* they'll give you a smidgen of extra height if you could use a little ~lift~ every now and then. A chunky knit bag so eye-catching several reviewers have said they get nonstop compliments when they take it out. If you're looking for a statement accessory as useful as it is cute, look no further than this brag-worthy bag! A retro lamp that'll shine a light on your vivid, crayon-inspired color scheme brilliantly. An ultra soft faux-fur rug sure to feel luxurious every time you get out of bed and have this fancy fuzz between your toes instead of the cold wood floors beneath your feet. A slouchy matching set made with thick waffle knit material and big buttons, designed for folks who know how to rock that effortlessly chic "throw on and go" vibe that looks so cool comfortable people think it's gotta be $$$. A set of extra soft cooling bedsheets reviewers say feel like sleeping at a luxurious hotel. If you've found falling asleep a chore because of tossing, turning, and *sweating* at night then treat yourself to these cult-favorite sheets! And a pair of satin pillowcases for preventing bedhead and pillow creases on your face in the mornings *and* to help you slip into a silky smooth slumber every night thanks to their subtle cooling effect. Reviewers rave about these (seriously, they have over 200,000 5-star reviews!), saying they're an affordable alternative to ones that are typically $18 or more. Lilac St. Original Lashes — you're sure to wanna join the reviewers who have saved *thousands* of dollars by replacing their expensive lash extension appointments with these silk lash fiber lashes. These have an ultra-thin band, they adhere well, and they're meant to last up to 10(!!!) days. look at these review photos! They look more natural than my *actual* lashes. A brass and glass wall sconce available in sharp, rounded, and lifted petals that'll provide the cozy main-character-who-reads-a-lot energy you need in your own nook with your book. A retro-style smoothie maker, which is, to put it lightly, overwhelmingly lovely. This includes a mason jar mug and smoothie bottle, making it the perfect blender for a two-person household. This thing is a Power Puff Girl level appliance — darling, for sure, but it can pulverize ice and frozen fruits in its SLEEP. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress — a spot-on Skims lookalike that'll delight anyone who wants a chic silhouette they can actually move, eat, and *breath* in. Reviewers love that this material is comparable to the soft fabric used with Skims pieces, and some like the feel of this even more. And a bodycon jumpsuit with fun flared bottoms and a flexible fit great for workouts and days out. This piece may make you wonder if you accidentally bought an Aritzia Butter jumpsuit (until you see how much money you have left in your bank account thanks to this *steal* of a deal). A hammered glass ceiling light that has brushed brass hardware and an iridescent glow — this is sure to dazzle everyone who walks down your hallway with its diamond-like lighting effect. A reviewer-favorite Alleyoop 4-in-1 makeup brush designed with an eyeshadow brush, a blush brush, a brow brush, *and* a blending sponge — all in one! This beauty tool is about to become your new best friend, adventuring with you (because it's small enough to fit in your bag for quick touch-ups) every single day. A pair of stylish teardrop earrings that'll look like the golden version of the tears streaming down your face when you get overwhelmed by how ravishing they look. Too much? Not enough! These are practically the Bottega Veneta ones, minus the $$$ — both are even gold-plated. P.S. Reviewers say they're super lightweight and don't affect their sensitive ears! Uh oh, here come those tears again. A frosted globe floor lamp sure to look right at home whether you're holding tight to a sleek minimalist aesthetic or want a striking piece to add to the chaos in your maximalist space. We love it all! A mixed set of coupe glasses with luxe, dark hues that are so eye-catching they'll double as kitchen decor if you place them on your open shelves. A metal mirror with an open black frame — this piece is sure to provide depth and interest in any room it rests in. With a mirror like this, whatever reflects in it is sure to look like a piece of art. Oh, it's your face? Gorgeous! Get on the phone with Guggenheim! A handmade jute rug that'll be useful in pet-friendly homes, while also making your accent pieces stand out. An artificial olive tree for folks who love *window* shopping at Pottery Barn and West Elm, but prefer getting clever and creating the vibe at half the cost. A pair of palazzo pants to create the diva-chic aesthetic you've been dreaming of. Pair these with a crop top and long trench coat, toss on your favorite shades, and then (even with your hair unwashed and in a bun) you're runway ready. A luxury-scented candle comparable to Le Labo's Santal 33 (we're talkin' rich notes of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood) for folks who are old enough now to want their home to have its very own signature scent. Sigh, it's such a satisfying stage in life — I'm right there with you. And this candle is about to be with ME. A marble board wire cheese cutter so you can host a wine and cheese night with some elegant entertainment — let your guests slice their own pieces of cheese and watch them quickly become envious of your un-brie-lievably unique kitchen tool. A mossy garland light — place this on your headboard, vanity, or windowsill for a dreamy forest aesthetic that'll make West Elm feel jealous. A pretty copper measuring cup set so every step of your baking process can be pretty as a picture. A TikTok-famous sunset lamp for giving yourself some soothing light therapy every night — letting you enjoy a sunset even if the view from your window is the brick wall from the building next door. A quilted chenille floor pillow — an eclectic option for anyone in an apartment so small, "furniture" is a word that needs a little wiggle your apartment has none at all. A framed canvas painting sure to create a cozy, lived-in touch in empty nooks and crannies that could use a little somethin' special. A pair of plush velvet pillow covers that'll look straight off the shelves of Anthropologie. The large ruffled edges and rich jewel tones are going to add depth and interest to your cozy reading room. Plus, plush materials like velvet are gonna organically complement the dark, romantic aesthetic you've embraced since getting on that romantasy bandwagon. Kitsch's iconic claw clip, made famous for its impressively strong hold despite such a dainty design (it's suitable for all hair types) and rounded teeth that'll hold your style together all day without damage or breakage. An arched floor mirror you're gonna realize is a classic for a reason. The arch makes the reflection feel open, helping increase the size of any room you place it in. This is also a particularly great option for wardrobe you were wondering. An elevated laptop tote bag so *dang* good looking you might feel like you should be working for it and not the other way around!
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Jaw-dropping' thriller leaves Netflix fans begging for one thing after racking up 5,000,000 views
Netflix viewers are all demanding the same thing after binging the new series Netflix viewers are all making the identical plea for a gripping new series they simply cannot switch off. Adapted from May Cobb's novel, The Hunting Wives debuted on the streaming giant last month and clocked up 5,200,000 views in just its opening week. The drama centres on Sophie, a woman who relocates from Boston to Texas with her family and swiftly climbs the social ladder to achieve socialite status. Yet once she infiltrates the exclusive circle surrounding Margo Banks and her clique, also known as The Hunting Wives, she becomes entangled in a web of obsession, temptation and ultimately murder. The eight-episode thriller features Dollface star Malin Akerman as Margo, with Pitch Perfect's Brittany Snow portraying Sophie, alongside Dermot Mulroney, Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes and Evan Jonigkeit, reports the Express. This steamy psychological thriller kicks off with a corpse, as the whodunit unfolds and numerous potential culprits are dragged into the mayhem. Despite securing third position on Netflix's worldwide English-language programmes last week, The Hunting Wives remains unavailable for British audiences, leaving fans desperately pleading for access. One viewer posted on X: "We getting The Hunting Wives anytime soon @NetflixUK! ? Went to watch it last night and was disappointed it hasn't reached us in the UK yet." "When are we getting #TheHuntingWives in the UK? @NetflixUK. Feels like everyone's talking about it and I've got FOMO," another wrote. Someone else said: "Dude they need to get #TheHuntingWives available on uk netflix soon cus i know my mum and all her friends will eat that s**t up." "Begging that we get The Hunting Wives in the UK," another penned, whilst someone else commented: "I want to watch #TheHuntingWives but they're doing the UK dirty." One viewer gushed: "Can't look away from The Hunting Wives but equally like what the f**k am I watching." Meanwhile, on Rotten Tomatoes The Hunting Wives has bagged an 80% rating, with one person declaring: "I'm hooked! ! ! ! Loving this show. Season 2 PLEASE!" Another gushed: "Wow wow wow! This show needs more attention and recognition than it's been an unpredictable and having you on the edge of your chair type of vibe and honestly a depiction of a lot of real things going on in the rich world. "The sex, the drama, the greed, the power, was very well portrayed. Overall, I was gasping from the beginning until the very last minute of the very last episode." "Very raunchy, jaw dropping," a third penned, whilst someone else commented: "Binged it within 24-hours. There is some tremendous acting in this series!" Though The Hunting Wives can't be streamed in the UK currently, Deadline reports Lionsgate has flogged the series in 10 additional territories including the UK, "where it will launch soon". Sources also revealed to the publication that Netflix isn't the purchaser in any of the additional territories, so it will likely broadcast on another streaming platform or channel. Hints of a second season have also been dropped, with creator Rebecca Cutter revealing to Variety that the new series might feature "a little bit of a time jump - not a year, but a time". She also suggested that "it would be smart" to centre the storyline around a fresh murder mystery. "I don't know whodunit yet or who got done!" she further added. The Hunting Wives can be streamed on Netflix US.
