Latest news with #crime thriller
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The Assassin fans gobsmacked after spotting soap legend in new Prime Video drama
THE Assassin fans were left stunned after spotting a soap legend in the Prime Video series. The crime thriller stars Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore in leading roles. 4 4 4 It follows a retired assassin now living in Greece, who reunites with her estranged son when he comes looking for answers. Long-time soap fans recognised a familiar face among the cast members. New Zealand star Alan Dale, 78, appears as supporting character Aaron Cross. Previously, Alan played patriarch Jim Robinson, one of Neighbours' original characters. One viewer wrote on X: "jim robinson died in neighbours and was reborn as the shady bad guy in every series in the last 2 decades." He appeared from the Aussie's soap launch in 1985 until leaving the show in 1993. Jim was also the father of Neighbours stalwart Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). The actor briefly reprised this role in 2018 by appearing in a dream to his on-screen son. After his departure from Neighbours, Alan began working extensively in US television. He notably had a recurring role as villain Charles Widmore in the sci-fi drama series LOST. Alan Dale stars in The Assassin on Amazon Prime Alan appeared in a total of 17 episodes spanning from 2006 until the show's 2010 conclusion. As well as this, he made prominent appearances in The OC and Ugly Betty. Earlier this year, The Sun revealed Neighbours would be coming to an end - for a second time. It came just two years after Amazon brought the soap back to life after it was axed by Channel 5 after 37 years. The revival started filming in 2023 and was shown on Amazon Freevee worldwide. Neighbours stars who made it big The long-running Aussie soap has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Here are some of the Neighbours alums who went on to make it big after starring on the soap... Kylie Minogue Before she hit the big time with her music career, Kylie shot to fame playing Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Shortly after her arrival, Kylie began an on and off-screen romance with co-star Jason Donovan, who played Scott Robinson, which gained the couple an army of adoring fans. Jason Donovan After his stint as Scott, singer and actor Jason became an international popstar and had his pick acting of roles. He moved to the U.K., married, had children and has since starred in over a dozen West End show, most notably Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Alan Dale New Zealand born actor Alan was one of Neighbours 12 original cast members having made his debut as Jim Robinson on the soap's first episode on 18 March 1985. As the head of the Robinson clan, widower Jim lived at Number 26 Ramsay Street with his children Paul, Julie, Scott and Lucy, and was a real anchor in the community. He stayed with the show for eight years, before his character was killed off in dramatic scenes aired in 1993 but which still reverberate through the soap to this day. Margot Robbie Way before she was Barbie or Harley Quinn, Margot was best known as Ramsay Street resident Donna Freedman. Her notable storylines included her marriage to Ringo Brown and becoming a young widow following his tragic death. After three years she bid farewell to the soap and Australia with a plan to make a name for herself in Hollywood which she did when she bagged the role of Naomi Lapaglia opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. Jesse Spencer Jesse rocked up on Ramsay street in 1994 with the rest of the Kennedy clan. He stayed for five years, literally growing up in front of the camera, but in 2000 felt it was time to spread his wings and head for Hollywood. It was certainly a smart move as he went on to bag leading roles in popular shows like House and Chicago Fire. Russell Crowe New Zealand-native Russell had a brief arc on Neighbours, appearing in four episodes of the soap 1987 as Kenny Larkin, the former cellmate of Street resident Henry Ramsay. The role obviously got him noticed though because he quickly went on to become a fully-fledged Hollywood A-lister, winning the Best Actor Oscar for his standout performance as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator. The Sun exclusively revealed that Amazon have told Fremantle that their venture into soaps hasn't worked and they are pulling funding A source said at the time: 'Amazon gave Fremantle two years to see if it worked but sadly they just didn't get the viewers. 'It's a really sad day especially for the cast and crew who work on the show in Melbourne. 'This really is the end of Neighbours just as it's celebrated it's 40th birthday.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The Assassin': After 7 seasons of 'The Good Doctor' Freddie Highmore shines with Keeley Hawes in British show
A retired assassin and her estranged son find themselves unexpectedly on the run in twisty, heartfelt crime thriller A high stakes, deadly adventure, told with appealing sarcastic and witty dialogue, the U.K. series The Assassin (on Crave in Canada) is a unique take on the popular crime thriller genre. Starring Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore as a mother-son duo, this exciting show is full of dangerous twists, but a lot of heart. Created by Harry Williams and Jack Williams, who both worked on The Tourist and Fleabag, it's no surprise that the writing is the perfect foundation for this show. Something that really appealed to the actors. "They had just gone from strength to strength over the years, and I really enjoyed The Tourist, and so I started reading this and at that time Freddie's name was also mentioned. So really, the whole package was sort of very exciting," Hawes told Yahoo Canada . "And five lovely months in Athens, the tone of the show, the characters so well drawn, it was all a bit of a gift. While Highmore was quick to stress that he was excited about working with Hawes, an actor he really admires, he was also excited about getting on to a British show, particularly after filming The Good Doctor in Vancouver for a number of years. "I just long admired [Keeley's] work, and having been in Vancouver and doing a different show for a long time, it was so exciting to get back to working in a British environment with the icon that is Keeley, and also Harry and Jack, and their writing," Highmore said. "They're both just brilliant at bringing the high stakes." "I think underneath it, what really matters about the show is this mother and son duo, and how the two of them started off in a place that seems quite conflicted and messy and complicated, but hopefully figure out that, in some ways, they are quite similar. ... [It's] exploring this nuanced mother-son arc that's not stereotypical or trope-y." What is 'The Assassin' about At the beginning of The Assassin we meet Julie (Hawes), living on a Greek island now that she's retired from her work as an assassin. While she doesn't have a close relationship with her son Edward (Highmore), who lives in England, he's set to come visit her. But Edward arrives with questions about who his father is, which Julie is still not going to answer. It's during Edward's visit that Julie gets a call that brings her back to a job as a hitwoman, but that results in both Edward and Julie being on the run, with a web of secrets for both of them starting to unravel. It is particularly compelling to meet Julie when she's at a place where she's been away from her job for some time. "She has no intention of going back, ... but she sort of can't resist it, really, because it's just part of her DNA," Hawes said. "It's a really lovely setting off point, rather than meeting her in the middle of any action. So we're kind of not aware of what she's been doing at all. So that is part of the story in itself." 'What you need is that heart' While revealing much more will veer into too many spoilers, we'll tease that the witty banter between Julie and Edward is absolutely a highlight, especially paired with these really risky and deadly circumstances of the story. "I think the humour, even if it's not necessarily laugh out loud, I think there's always a sort of dark humour that is underneath it, and it just adds to the texture and nuance," Highmore added. "Brits and Canadians definitely kind of share a similar comedic sensibility, I think, and there's something that's sort of in that more deadpan humour that is funny, but without being too broad or trying too hard." "And I think we were always aiming for that as a tone, nothing that kind of completely undercut the tension of the scene, but just gave it another level. And with Keeley as a scene partner, it was just great fun to sort of mine that and to find that together." Ultimately, what's incredibly impressive about The Assassin is that it's a thrilling action-packed journey, but always keeps the heart of the mother-son relationship central in the story. "I love a bit of action, ... but what you need is that heart, I think, to keep people's interest," Hawes said. "I think that was what really hooked me when I first read the script. You love the fun stuff. It's great. You look forward to doing it. But actually, the scenes with Freddie are meaningful ... and we should be rooting for them." "There's something really authentic about them both. We don't see their best selves straight away, but we know that they are good people, and we're rooting for them and their relationship. And I think that's what will ultimately keep people watching, is to see their journey, along with the big set pieces. I think there's a set piece in almost every episode that's a huge, fabulous, exciting extravaganza. ... I love it, but it's that relationship that's at home to it, and that's why it works."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The Assassin': After 7 seasons of 'The Good Doctor' Freddie Highmore shines with Keeley Hawes in British show
A retired assassin and her estranged son find themselves unexpectedly on the run in twisty, heartfelt crime thriller A high stakes, deadly adventure, told with appealing sarcastic and witty dialogue, the U.K. series The Assassin (on Crave in Canada) is a unique take on the popular crime thriller genre. Starring Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore as a mother-son duo, this exciting show is full of dangerous twists, but a lot of heart. Created by Harry Williams and Jack Williams, who both worked on The Tourist and Fleabag, it's no surprise that the writing is the perfect foundation for this show. Something that really appealed to the actors. "They had just gone from strength to strength over the years, and I really enjoyed The Tourist, and so I started reading this and at that time Freddie's name was also mentioned. So really, the whole package was sort of very exciting," Hawes told Yahoo Canada . "And five lovely months in Athens, the tone of the show, the characters so well drawn, it was all a bit of a gift. While Highmore was quick to stress that he was excited about working with Hawes, an actor he's really admires, he was also excited about getting on to a British show, particularly after filming The Good Doctor in Vancouver for a number of years. "I just long admired [Keeley's] work, and having been in Vancouver and doing a different show for a long time, it was so exciting to get back to working in a British environment with the icon that is Keeley, and also Harry and Jack, and their writing," Highmore said. "They're both just brilliant at bringing the high stakes." "I think underneath it, what really matters about the show is this mother and son duo, and how the two of them started off in a place that seems quite conflicted and messy and complicated, but hopefully figure out that, in some ways, they are quite similar. ... [It's] exploring this nuanced mother-son arc that's not stereotypical or trope-y." What is 'The Assassin' about At the beginning of The Assassin we meet Julie (Hawes), living on a Greek island now that she's retired from her work as an assassin. While she doesn't have a close relationship with her son Edward (Highmore), who lives in England, he's set to come visit her. But Edward arrives with questions about who his father is, which Julie is still not going to answer. It's during Edward's visit that Julie gets a call that brings her back to a job as a hitwoman, but results in both Edward and Julie being on the run, with a web of secrets for both of them starting to unravel. But it is particularly compelling to meet Julie when she's at a place where she's been away from her job for some time. "She has no intention of going back, ... but she sort of can't resist it, really, because it's just part of her DNA," Hawes said. "It's a really lovely setting off point, rather than meeting her in the middle of any action. So we're kind of not aware of what she's been doing at all. So that is part of the story in itself." 'What you need is that heart' While revealing much more will veer into too many spoilers, we'll tease that the witty banter between Julie and Edward is absolutely a highlight, especially paired with these really risky and deadly circumstances of the story. "I think the humour, even if it's not necessarily laugh out loud, I think there's always a sort of dark humour that is underneath it, and it just adds to the texture and nuance," Highmore added. "Brits and Canadians definitely kind of share a similar comedic sensibility, I think, and there's something that's sort of in that more deadpan humour that is funny, but without being too broad or trying too hard." "And I think we were always aiming for that as a tone, nothing that kind of completely undercut the tension of the scene, but just gave it another level. And with Keeley as a scene partner, it was just great fun to sort of mine that and to find that together." Ultimately, what's incredibly impressive about The Assassin is that it's a thrilling action-packed journey, but always keeps the heart of the mother-son relationship central in the story. "I love a bit of action, ... but what you need is that heart, I think, to keep people's interest," Hawes said. "I think that was what really hooked me when I first read the script. You love the fun stuff. It's great. You look forward to doing it. But actually, the scenes with Freddie are meaningful ... and we should be rooting for them." "There's something really authentic about them both. We don't see their best selves straight away, but we know that they are good people, and we're rooting for them and their relationship. And I think that's what will ultimately keep people watching, is to see their their journey, along with the big set pieces. I think there's a set piece in almost every episode that's a huge, fabulous, exciting extravaganza. ... I love it, but it's that relationship that's at home to it, and that's why it works."
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix fans gripped by crime thriller dubbed 'the best in a very long time' as it rockets up charts with 'phenomenal acting and raw emotion'
Netflix fans are already gushing about a new crime thriller dominating screens with its competitive storyline and the actors' 'raw emotion'. Currently holding the number one spot on the streaming platform is the limited series Untamed, starring Eric Bana. The murder mystery is gruesome and exciting, drawing watchers in with its captivating premise. But quickly climbing the charts is rival show To Kill A Monkey - a tense thriller hailed by watchers as gripping, impactful and technically excellent. Netflix has already released all eight episodes of the Nollywood drama, which has garnered global acclaim since its release earlier this month. The plot follows a young man who is coaxed into the 'alluring world of cybercrime, where every decision he makes draws him deeper into a moral minefield.' Our protagonist, Efe, is a struggling father who must make compromising decisions to keep afloat. His life quickly spirals into chaos when he finds himself involved in a cyber conspiracy, attempting to outrun 'the fallout of his choices'. The show by Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba stars Stella Damascus and William Benson, and has jumped sporadically in and out of the Netflix top ten most-watched shows in recent days. The story of betrayal, emotion and pivoting plot points has been lauded by fans. One reviewer wrote online: 'I think this is the best Nigerian series I have seen in a very long time. 'There are more than 1001 lessons to learn from this eight-episode packed series. At some point, you will wish the series will never end.' Another gushing watcher agreed, saying: 'This show is one of the best I have watched for a very long time. 'There were zero dull moments from the beginning to the end. The actors perfected the script and I wish we would have more of such TV series that are loaded with life lessons. 'Kemi Adetiba is a century filmmaker and television director. Not a dull moment with her production.' One called the show 'the best limited series Africa has ever produced,' while another praised the slickness of 'authentic, well written and well executed' production. Aside from the merits of the series itself, viewers pointed to the grabbing title and imagery, having been drawn in from the start. One said: 'The title of this series caught my eye. I decided to watch a little of the first episode to see how it was. I am completely hooked! 'From the first scene, the acting and story line is riveting! I binged all the episodes in two days. I highly recommend this show to anyone. 'It's very authentic, great characters - a look into a world and culture totally different from mine and so fascinating...a must watch!' And commenters noted how gripping the series was, prompting watchers to turn to the next episode. 'Surprisingly good!' said one, before adding: 'Keeps you on the edge of your seat.' The actress playing Idia in the show, Lilian Afegabi, opened up about how important the role had been to her. She wrote on social media: 'Playing Idia was more than just a role. It was a journey of becoming one with a character whose strength, vulnerability and spirit I poured my soul into. Adoring fans of the newly-released thriller sang its praises online, lauding the direction, acting and storyline 'I gave everything to bring her to life and seeing your kind words, messages and encouragement means the world to me and makes it all worth it.' This summer has seen Netflix produce a range of hard-hitting dramas that have been vying for the few top spots, as well as introducing new installments of already-loved shows. The streaming service has revealed the future of Wednesday beyond the upcoming series two. The American supernatural comedy series, which began in 2022, follows Jenna Ortega, 22, as the spooky Wednesday Addams. It is one in a series of takes over the years on The Addams Family, the eccentric fictional old-money clan, famously macabre and gothic in manner and look. The second series of the Emmy-winning programme, executive produced and often directed by horror icon Tim Burton, 66, is set for release in August. And now, it has been announced that not only will Wednesday definitely be back for a third series, a spin-off programme is currently under discussion, according to Hollywood Reporter. Fans were absolutely delighted to hear the fate of the beloved show has been secured, taking to social media to express their excitement.
New York Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A Deaf Actress Has a Message She Wants You to Hear
When Rose Ayling-Ellis is lip reading, she's guessing most of the time. 'You can get the shape of a mouth,' she said recently, but to understand what someone is saying, context is everything. 'You have to pick up body language, the mood, the vibe,' she said. Ayling-Ellis, 30, said that learning to lip read had been 'a survival technique.' The actress, who was born deaf, speaks and also uses British Sign Language, and was aided in an interview by an interpreter. In the TV crime thriller 'Code of Silence,' which arrives on Britbox on July 24, Ayling-Ellis plays a deaf woman who is recruited by the police to eavesdrop discreetly. In the show, as in life, she said, lip reading is 'like a puzzle.' When Ayling Ellis's character, Alison, watches CCTV footage of suspected gang members, she scrutinizes their facial expressions and observes how they stand. Like any good detective, Alison must study the scene, piecing together clues. In a clever visual conceit, jumbled subtitles appear onscreen and gradually unscramble as she decodes each sentence. 'Code of Silence' first screened on ITV in Britain in May, and its debut episode drew over six million viewers, according to the broadcaster. Ayling-Ellis was already known to many from 'Strictly Come Dancing,' the wildly popular BBC show that inspired the 'Dancing With the Stars' franchise. She won the show in 2021 with a routine, to Clean Bandit and Zara Larsson's 'Symphony,' that fell silent halfway to mirror her experience of being deaf. That victory made her a household name and landed her TV presenting gigs, including as a sportscaster at the 2024 Paralympic Games. But after being 'on the TV as myself quite a few times,' she said, she wanted to get back to acting. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
