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Everyday Great Deals of Up 50% Discount from The Bistro Group Restaurants Nationwide!

There are offers, and there are THESE special offers, only from The Bistro Group!

Guests can avail discounts of up to 50% not only on weekdays or weekends, but every day of the week, across The Bistro Group concepts in some 150 restaurants nationwide. Amazing!

Made possible through Bistro Group’s partnership with some of the country’s leading banks, guests can enjoy an unparalleled variety of choices from diverse cuisines offering practically every imaginable dish to choose from: burgers, pizzas, pastas, ribs, paellas, dimsum, Korean BBQ, all-day breakfast, seafood, sushi, steaks, donuts and more! The selection is impressive, there’s one for every preference.

Take your pick from these credit card offers. Every day of the week, you won’t be left wanting a discount on the day you choose to dine or order take-out.

Mondays to Fridays: BDO

50% off on Bistro restaurants until Aug 31, Mondays to Fridays all day and from Sept. 1 to Nov 26 Fridays to Sundays; 25% off on El Pollo Loco and Randy’s Donuts until August 31 and from Sept. 1 to Nov. 26 (Fridays to Sundays); 50% off on Bistronomia concepts, Mondays to Fridays all day until August 31 and from Sept 1 to Nov 26 (Fridays to Sundays); Bistro Elite 50% August 11 to November 25, all day, Fridays and Saturdays

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Metrobank

50% off, all day, August 1 to September 27

Fridays: Security Bank

50% off, all day until August 25

Saturdays: Citibank

50% off on Bistro and Bistronomia restaurants from 11am to 2pm from July 29 to August 5

Imagine the savings you’re bound to enjoy while feasting on the cuisine of your choice. No deals are like these ones.

For terms and conditions and to know more about these awesome offers, click on the links to take your pick from these credit card offers:

Citi Mastercard http://www.citi.asia/bistro

Unionbank https://bit.ly/3PONGmX

Security Bank http://bit.ly/3D6cr6h

BDO – TBG Concepts, El Pollo Loco and Randy’s Donuts HTTPS://www.deals.bdo.com.ph/deal-welcome/2509 /

Bistronomia HTTPS://www.deals.bdo.com.ph/deal-welcome/2510

Promotions cannot be used in conjunction with other offers such as BFF card and senior citizen’s card.

August 5, 2023
Get a chance to score TWICE 5th World Tour ‘READY TO BE’ concert tickets via SMART

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is giving subscribers a chance to score tickets to TWICE 5TH WORLD TOUR ‘READY TO BE’ at the Philippine Arena on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2023.

The tour is the latest addition to this year’s stellar line-up for Smart Live, which gives subscribers access to exclusive perks and privileges to live concerts and events.

To secure tickets, simply go to these participating Smart Stores: August 18-19, 2023 at the Smart Store in Ayala Center Cebu and from August 25-26, 2023 at the Smart Store in SM Megamall.

Visit the TWICE booth at these participating Smart Stores and avail of Magic Data+ 649 or Magic Data+ 749 offers. Subscribers must top up Magic Data+ offers at said Smart Stores on the promo day to be considered valid. The required number of top-up varies based on your preferred ticket.

Next, present the GigaLife App to show proof of account or mobile number ownership, and proof of purchase of the Magic Data+ offers.

Subscribers may top up Magic Data+ to up to five registered Smart Prepaid numbers per ticket, as long as the required number of Magic Data+ top-up are met. Fans who will top up to more than one number must present proof of purchase on the GigaLife App or e-loading channels such as the subscriber’s number to whom Magic Data+ 649 or 749 was sent, and/or receipt of transaction.

Subscribers may claim one (1) ticket based on the Magic Data+ offer they availed of at the Smart Store. Ticket redemption is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Second concert in the Philippines

TWICE’s upcoming concert is their second visit to the Philippines since 2019.

The Philippine leg is part of the TWICE 5TH WORLD TOUR ‘READY TO BE’ that kicked off in Seoul early this year, which includes shows in Japan, Australia, the US, Singapore, Berlin, Thailand, Paris, and London.

The tour is in support of their 2023 EP – “READY TO BE.”

TWICE, the first Korean group to receive the coveted Breakthrough Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards this year, is a nine-member group composed of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu, who made their debut in 2015.

Fans can enjoy the best concert experience on-ground and instantly share their live moments with the rest of the world powered by Smart, the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network as cited by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

Smart clinched this prestigious recognition for three consecutive semesters – Q1-Q2 2022, Q3-Q4 2022, and most recently in Q1-Q2 2023.

To know more, visit www.smart.com.ph/smartlive.

August 4, 2023
Pelikulove Debuts “SHOUTOUT PINAS 2022” at Cinemalaya Festival 2023

Guided by the masterful insights of artist-mentors such as Ricky Lee, Rody Vera, Jeffrey Jeturian, Issa Manalo Lopez, Raffy Tejada, and Ellen Ongkeko Marfil, Pelikulove introduces an enchanting anthology film that encapsulates the unfiltered viewpoints of the youth. “SHOUTOUT PINAS 2022” paints a tapestry of hope and creativity amidst contemporary challenges.

Mark your calendars for a cinematic treat. “SHOUTOUT PINAS 2022” graces the Cinemalaya Festival as an exhibition film on August 10, 2023. The curtains rise at the PICC Bonifacio Room at precisely 6:15PM.

SHOUTOUT PINAS 2022 follows two ad-makers working for an imprisoned politician, two documentarists on violence in killing fields, a lovestruck “manananggal” trying to break free, media people featuring the history of stolen national treasures, and five pandemic chat members figuring out their paths.

Viewers are in for an experience of wildly differing methods and tones as they hear the voices of the youth in stories presented during the pandemic in Pelikulove workshops.

Marfil, Pelikulove founder and creative head, stated : “I am really thrilled about this as this (anthology) was not part of the plan . Except that, the shorts were good and have much to say which is why I strung them into an anthology. I am thrilled because from shorts, the set of film and theater works is now a full- length film that hopes to reach and impact more.”

“The first inspiration really was the three Asian film anthology Southern Winds with Mike de Leon’s Aliwan Paradise decades ago. Kakatapos lang natin ng SONA. This one is like SONY- State of the Nation’s Youth,” added Marfil.

Tickets are now through Ticketworld and through (63 923) 359-6286.

The short film and theater works:

How to Make an Effective Campaign Ad
Directed by Roman Perez, Jr.
Written by Quiel Dela Cruz

Cast: Soliman Cruz, Karl Aquino, Gboy Pablo, Ethan Magnaye, Jerico Arceo, Yian Gabriel, Wilma Hollis, Sigrid Polon, Jackie Lyn Barcebal. In collaboration with Indiependente Films.

No Trespassing
Directed by Julius Dela Peña and Dada Grifon
Written by Dada Grifon

Cast: Ley Doronilla, Christine Fel Viernes, Milton Dionzon, John Arceo, Mary Jane Quilisadio, Wee Trinidad, Roem Ortiz, Ramil Satingasin Jr., Rose Fransz, Kathryn Baynosa, Jeffrey Lazaro, Kent Ontanieza, Harley Marion Opuan, Rodney Jarder Jr. In Collaboration with the University of St. La Salle Bacolod and La Salle Film Society.

When A Manananggal Loves A Man
Directed by Niel Arkhe Azcuna
Written by Raymund Barcelon

Cast: Jeanie M. Darantinao, Maria Cristina Macapagal, Justin Cabiara. In collaboration with IPAG and MSU-IIT.

Libro For Ransom
Directed by Gab Hernandez
Written by Ralph Morales

Cast: Danica Duno, Desiree Joy Briones, Raffy Tejada, Butchoy Ubaldo, Ralph Morales, Jasmine Medina. With Special Participation from Xiao Chua. In Collaboration with Giya Productions.

Quarantine 5
Directed by Sari Saysay
Written by Andrew Estacio

Cast: Elmira Jasmin Broncano, Jobert Grey Landeza, Breco Halum, Ma. Quency Castillo. In collaboration with Sining Banwa of Bicol.

Shoutout Pinas 2022 is a culmination of Pelikulove’s dream to empower artists within a nurturing community of kindred artists through mentorship, fellowship and resource sharing.

More details of Pelikulove at www.pelikulove.com and FB page pelikulove.

August 4, 2023
Pandora Celebrates Disney 100 Years of Wonder with Two New Charms

Simba from Disney’s The Lion King will be joining Pandora’s line-up to celebrate 100 Years of Wonder this August. The new charm is crafted from sterling silver with solid 14k gold accents and shows the brave and mischievous lion cub in a playful pose, resting his front paw on a lab-created diamond.

In September, another iconic character will join the celebration: Dumbo, the little elephant with big ears and even bigger dreams. The limited-edition charm in sterling silver features solid 14k gold details and depicts the baby elephant soaring through the sky. He holds a lab-created diamond in his trunk, symbolizing the “magic” feather that gives him the confidence to fly.

Each charm in Disney x Pandora’s newest Disney100 series features a radiant lab-created diamond. Lab-created diamonds are identical to mined diamonds but are grown in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth. They have the same optical, chemical, thermal and physical characteristics as a mined diamond and are graded by the same standards, known as the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat.

Other styles in the Disney100 series launched earlier this year include more beloved icons such as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage and Donald Duck. The designs are accompanied by a dedicated Disney100 bracelet and collector’s box. Pandora will introduce eight charms in total during 2023 to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary.

August 4, 2023
Carlo and Charlie Grapple with Love, Survival in ‘Third World Romance’

Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon star as blue-collared workers determined to find bliss in “Third World Romance,” showing in cinemas nationwide beginning August 16 (Wednesday).

Britney (Charlie), an outspoken grocery cashier, and Alvin (Carlo), a laid-back grocery bagger, strive to be content and happy together despite the harsh realities of life.

But when Britney faces a tough choice between family and her own happiness, she realizes that nothing in life comes for free.

Can Alvin and Britney’s love thrive in a world where happiness continues to be a luxury?

“Yung mensahe ng movie namin, mahirap man maging masaya pero hangga’t may kasama ka na dadamay sa’yo magiging magaan ang buhay,” shared Charlie.

Meanwhile, Carlo described his character as laid-back but knows when to fight for survival. He said, “Chill lang siya pero lumalaban pa rin sa buhay.”

“Third World Romance” is directed by Dwein Ruedas Baltazar, the movie director behind “Oda sa Wala” and “Hello Stranger: The Movie.” The project is a co-production of Black Sheep and Anima.

When asked how the ‘hugot of raket’ plays in the film, Direk Dwein stressed that it is at the core of the story. “Mahalaga kasi ang raket ‘survival’ siya. Nakasentro dun ang conflict ng istorya, kung paano sila mabubuhay araw-araw,” she said.

“Ifo-front natin ang pag-ibig habang dini-discuss ang social issues, trabaho, at iba pang bagay na kinakaharap ng ordinaryong mamamayan,” she added.

The film also stars Ana Abad Santos, Gardo Versoza, Arachie Adamos, Iyah Mina, Esnyr Ranollo, Xilhouette, Brian Black, Lady Morgana, and Junjun Quintana.

Before its theatrical release, “Third World Romance” will be featured as Cinemalaya 2023’s closing film.

Witness the unfolding of Alvin and Britney’s “Third World Romance,” showing in cinemas starting August 16 (Wednesday). For film updates, follow Black Sheep on Facebook @BlackSheepABSCBN, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter @black_sheepph, and YouTube @BlackSheepPH and Anima on their social media accounts @animastudiosph.

For other updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

August 4, 2023
Exhibit of feathered fauna also touches on biodiversity

Fresh from a double exhibit held in Los Banos a few months ago, artist Karla Sajona is holding a solo exhibit—her second—at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria. “Plumage” is a collection of striking and brightly colored paintings of flora and fauna, particularly indigenous and endemic species.

Sajona who is also a visual arts educator creates these intricate pieces, many of which feature pairs of birds preening among leaves and flowers. To further draw attention to these winged creatures, she frames them by painting squares in contrasting colors. She uses assorted media including watercolors, gouache, acrylic paints and colored pencils.

The results are festive and gem-like but there is a deeper reason why she has latched on to this type of fauna. Sajona wants to drive appreciation and interest in local bird life but she also wants Filipinos to become more aware of the need for conservation. In fact, some of the species included in the exhibit have been declared as endangered or near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Her paintings and drawings serve as vehicles in educating viewers about the significance to biodiversity. “These are things we often take for granted but if we observe them closely, one cannot un-see the array of lines, patterns, colors and iridescence they radiate,” she said.

With careful strokes and a studied use of color, the artist is able to bring to life some of her favorite feathered friends including sunbirds, hornbills, kingfishers and roosters. There is even a drawing of a peacock and a peahen clad in what appear to be embroidered collars and jeweled neckpieces.

Her introduction to art came at an early age as she was born into a family of artists where both direct and distant relatives earned their keep as painters and crafters.

“As a child, I used to draw princesses, houses, cartoon characters but as I grew older, I leaned toward botanical subjects, landscapes and portraits, and began experimenting with mediums like watercolor, colored pencils and charcoal.”

She finds inspiration in the works of Van Gogh, Monet and Degas—particularly the latter’s ballet dancer series. Among our local artists, she said she honed her technique by studying the works of National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Vicente Manansala.

Many of Botong’s large-scale paintings have a fantastical, mythical quality and consists of several vignettes while Manansala’s work hews to the idyllic and pastoral.

“My aunt, who also happens to be a painter, was the first one to inspire me to pursue a career in painting. By reading about the lives of Filipino painters, I slowly learned and applied their painting techniques in my own obras. I’ve been practicing my painting style since I was in high school in the ‘90s,” Sajona said.

She’s grateful for the chance to reach a much wider audience with her “Plumage” exhibit at ARTablado which runs from Aug.1 to Aug. 15. “ARTablado offers great opportunities to artists who wish to make a name in society. Having my second solo show here will be a huge breakthrough in my career. The exhibit offers a wide range of lively and vibrant feasts of avian wildlife. If you’re a nature enthusiast, this is the perfect event to visit!”

Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging and established artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 300 artists.

August 4, 2023
Tennis Legend Roger Federer and Leading Fashion Designer JW ANDERSON Jointly Create a New Style of LifeWear

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the launch of the new Roger Federer collection by JW ANDERSON, a collaboration line between UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Roger Federer and JW ANDERSON. Combining Roger’s classic style with JW ANDERSON’s modern and colorful rendition of sports and performance wear. The collection, aimed at those who lead an active and comfortable life seamlessly between sports and the everyday, will be available in the Philippines starting Monday, September 11, 2023.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be launching our new collection designed jointly by Roger Federer and JW ANDERSON. A new style of LifeWear was created by combining the unique talents of a tennis legend and a fashion leader,” said Koji Yanai, Fast Retailing Senior Executive Officer and Head of UNIQLO Global Marketing including Sports. “While developing his tennis wear, we often exchanged opinions with Roger about how it could be worn and enjoyed both On and Off the Court. With this in mind, we immediately thought of JW ANDERSON because he has a deep understanding of sports and performance wear. I am confident that everyone will find something in the new collection that suits their individual daily style.”

Roger Federer commented, “I’ve always wanted to have a collection perfect for playing tennis while also versatile for the other parts of daily life. I’m fortunate that Jonathan shared this vision. Together, we were able to create a stylish and comfortable line rooted in a classic tennis style. Jonathan is talented, creative, and incredibly down-to-earth. It has been a pleasure to work with him on this collection.”

Jonathan Anderson said, “When I was first approached about creating a collection with Roger, I remember being very happy and excited. That’s because I was so influenced by watching Roger play. Thinking a lot about what LifeWear means for all the different people who look up to Roger, we designed a collection that could be worn in an actual match, for a classic look, or just as easily be worn around town. We’ve got something that feels elevated, and it is kind of timeless.”

Collection Overview

Along with polo shirts and shorts in the UNIQLO DRY EX material, the collection, which was created through constant dialogue with Jonathan Anderson, includes many genderless items such as nylon easy pants with piping down the sides as color accents, a striking premium lambswool crewneck sweater with bold colors and knitted, and a fleece full zip jacket accented with a breast pocket in a different material.

Roger Federer Collection BY JW ANDERSON
Special website: https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/contents/collaboration/rogerfederer-jwanderson/23fw/

August 3, 2023
Everything is Bigger in “Meg 2: The Trench”, Say Filmmakers

The cast of “Meg 2: The Trench” also got a very welcome addition that helped supersize its cast – global action icon Wu Jing, star of five of the 10 highest-grossing films in China. “To be honest, I’ve always been terrified of monster films,” says Jing. “You can ask me to jump off a high-rise building, and I think that’s easier for me – but fighting a fictitious monster? That is something very hard for me.”

Lucky for Jing, it’s not all about fighting fictitious monsters. Part of the charm of “The Meg,” one of the biggest surprise blockbusters in 2018, was its sense of humor. “Meg 2” producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura admits, “There was a little bit of uncertainty with the first film how the comedy would play for the audience. But they really bought into the notion of ‘Let’s not take ourselves too seriously – let’s have some fun and some scares.’” He adds that for the sequel, everything is more: “This time around, we’ll have some more scares, a little more carnage in and out of the water, two globally popular actors in Jason Statham and Wu Jing, some new cast members, more action… and more Megs. It’s a balance between reminding them of what they really loved and the characters they loved, and then giving them a new experience.”

Looks like it’s mission accomplished for director Wheatley. Producer Belle Avery agrees that “Meg 2: The Trench” is bigger and more. She says that for the sequel, they’re “giving [audiences] more creatures, creating more personalities with the Megs and making more discoveries in the trench. I think that’s pretty important. You know, mankind has a tendency to destroy things, and we touch on that. But, it’s kind of like Jonas [Jason Statham] said in the first film, ‘Meg versus Man is a slaughter.’ So, you’re going to see a little bit of that in this one, too, but fun slaughter.”

In “Meg 2: The Trench,” Statham and Jing lead a daring research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal Megs and relentless environmental plunderers, our heroes must outrun, outsmart, and outswim their merciless predators in a pulse-pounding race against time.

About “Meg 2: The Trench”

Jason Statham and Wu Jing lead an ensemble cast that also includes Sophia Cai (“The Meg”), Page Kennedy (“The Meg”), Sergio Peris-Mencheta (“Rambo: Last Blood”), Skyler Samuels (“The Gifted”), and Cliff Curtis (“Avatar” franchise).

“Meg 2: The Trench” is directed by Ben Wheatley (“In the Earth,” “Free Fire”), from a screenplay by Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber (“The Meg,” “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”) and Dean Georgaris (“The Meg,” “Lara Croft: Toom Raider – The Cradle of Life”), and a screen story by Dean Georgaris and Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber, based on the novel The Trench by Steve Alten. The film is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura (“The Meg,” “Bumblebee”) and Belle Avery (“The Meg,” “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”), and executive produced by Jason Statham, Cate Adams, Ruigang Li, Catherine Xujun Ying, Wu Jing, E. Bennett Walsh, Erik Howsam, Gerald R. Molen and Randy Greenberg.

Now showing in Philippine cinemas, “Meg 2: The Trench” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Meg2

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

August 3, 2023
From track to screen: Director Neill Blomkamp talks about making “Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story”

Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story Director Neill Blomkamp, whose credits include District 9 and Elysium, says that Jann makes a compelling character because his real-life story is an unbelievable series of dreams coming true. Like a lot of young adults, Jann seems more interested in playing videogames than with making something of his life, until he’s given a chance to play for real. “Jann is playing ‘Gran Turismo’ in his parents’ house when all of a sudden – after years – he sees the option for GT Academy,” Blomkamp explains. “Only then did he learn how to drive proper cars – how to hit an apex and exit a corner – everything he’d done intuitively inside the game, but had never been taught.”

Blomkamp’s way into the film was through a longtime love of cars—the merging of mechanics, engineering, art, and design—and that meant the exciting possibility of showing what these cars can do. “With a movie like this one, sometimes the temptation is to go all-digital. Shoot some background plates, do digital cars, drop your actors in from a virtual production environment. But in this case, everything is real, and I mean literally everything is real. When we portray an actor driving the car, they are actually going around the track pretty close to the speed that they should be going.”

David Harbour

Part of doing it for real was getting the real cars and shooting on the real tracks, including the Slovakia Ring in Slovakia, the Dubai Autodrome, the Nurburgring, the Red Bull Ring in Austria, and the Hungaroring; this latter track doubles for both the GT Academy (loosely based on Silverstone, the home of UK auto racing) and Le Mans.

And in the driver’s seat, Blomkamp had one other secret weapon in showing what it was like for Jann Mardenborough behind the wheel – and that was Jann Mardenborough himself, who served as the film’s stunt driver for the character of Jann. “The story is based on him, Archie Madekwe portrays him, and he’s the stunt driver who drives Archie’s car as the character based on him,” says Blomkamp. “It’s amazing – some very interesting meta thing happening there.”

Orlando Bloom

“It’s so surreal,” says Mardenborough. “The last time I was in Hungary, the track was packed with trucks for a race. This time, it was packed with trucks for a film being made about me. That blew my mind.”

Watch the inspiring true story of videogamer-turned-racecar driver Jann Mardenborough in Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, opening in Philippine cinemas in August.

About Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story

Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver.

Directed by Neill Blomkamp, screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin, based on the PLAYSTATION STUDIOS video game.

Archie Madekwe & Jann Mardenborough

Produced by Doug Belgrad, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Dana Brunetti. The executive producers are Kazunori Yamauchi, Herman Hulst, Jason Hall, Matthew Hirsch.

The cast is led by David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner and Djimon Hounsou.

In Philippine cinemas August 2023, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #GranTurismoMovie

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

August 3, 2023
FILM FACTS: 5 Things to Know About “Cobweb”

Prepare to step into the shadowy world of “Cobweb,” a film shrouded in mystery and suspense. Before you enter this eerie realm, let’s arm you with some bone-chilling facts about the film. Uncover five riveting facts about this cinematic enigma that’s set to grip audiences from start to finish.

1. A Not-So-Imaginary Fear

“Cobweb” centers on eight-year-old Peter who is tormented by a mysterious, incessant tap-tap from inside his bedroom wall, a sound his parents insist is all in his head. This psychological narrative taps into every child’s fear – the fear of the unknown, the fear of being dismissed, and, perhaps most terrifyingly, the fear of their parents harboring a dark secret. Imagine being in Peter’s shoes—what if you heard the ominous tap, tap, tap every night? How will this chilling plot unfold? You’ll have to brave the film to find out.

Woody Norman as Peter in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea.

2. A Sinister Director’s Vision

If there’s one thing that distinguishes “Cobweb” from other thrillers, it’s the sinister vision of its director, Samuel Bodin. Rejecting a conventional approach to storytelling, Bodin crafts a world that’s far from normal, teetering on the edge of a chilling dream. He manipulates ordinary elements to evoke unease, painting a world where nothing is as it seems. A house that’s just a bit too large, doors that squeak unsettlingly loud, and an eerily overripe pumpkin patch – all these elements create a tableau that is both familiar and utterly strange.

Director Samuel Bodin of the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Jun Michael Park

Anchoring this vision is the central character, Peter, through whose terrified eyes we experience this distorted reality. This childlike perspective adds an additional layer of terror to the narrative, subverting familiar safety and comfort.

The director also uses clever sound design, using a simple yet haunting tap, tap, tap to drive the narrative and ratchet up the tension. This auditory motif serves as a constant reminder of the lurking horror. Interestingly, Bodin likens the movie to a “dissonant, wobbly nursery rhyme” and a “Halloween joke gone wrong,” cementing its status as a macabre twist on conventional storytelling.

3. A Stellar Cast Hailing from Distinct Backgrounds

The cast of ‘Cobweb’ brings an eclectic mix of talents that infuse the film with riveting performances. Leading the cast is Emmy-nominated Lizzy Caplan, whose diverse acting portfolio spans from dramatic roles to comedic performances. Known for her ability to infuse depth into her characters, she has been praised for her roles in various hit series including “Masters of Sex”, “Castle Rock”, and “Fleishman is in Trouble”.

Lizzy Caplan as Carol in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

In the role of Peter, we have UK-based actor Woody Norman, who has proven his remarkable talent in acclaimed films such as ‘C’mon C’mon’, and ‘The Electric State’. Norman’s authentic and touching performances have already earned him notable accolades such as the London Critics’ Circle Award for Young British/Irish Performer and a nomination for the Critics Choice Award for Best Young Actor/Actress.

Woody Norman as Peter in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

Bringing warmth and kindness to the film is Australian actress Cleopatra Coleman, renowned for her diverse roles in projects ranging from psychological thrillers like ‘Infinity Pool’ to romantic comedies like ‘The Right One’. Her magnetic performance in the Hulu series “Dopesick” was widely praised, cementing her position as a versatile and compelling performer.

Cleopatra Coleman as Miss Devine in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

Finally, adding to the stellar line-up is Antony Starr, best known for his character “Homelander” in the hit series “The Boys”. Starr’s portrayal of complex and intense characters has been critically acclaimed, earning him the Critics Choice Super Awards for Best Actor in a Superhero Series and Best Villain in a Series.

(L-R) Cleopatra Coleman as Miss Devine and Antony Starr as Mark in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

4. A Collaboration of Notable Talents from the 2018 Black List and BloodList

The screenplay for “Cobweb,” a feature film directed by Samuel Bodin for Lionsgate, was penned by Chris Thomas Devlin. The script earned distinction on the 2018 Black List, a prestigious collection of the year’s best unproduced screenplays, and topped the 2018 BloodList, a compilation of the best original horror scripts. This unique collaboration of talent brought a compelling narrative to the screen, further cementing Devlin’s reputation as a gifted writer in the horror genre.

Lizzy Caplan as Carol in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

5. A Grimm-esque Tale

Drawing inspiration from the dark and twisted tales of the Grimm Brothers, “Cobweb” creates a menacing aura around Peter’s parents. It’s a twisted tale imbued with a disconcertingly playful tone. At its core, the film is akin to a Halloween joke gone wrong. This twisted tale is filled with disquieting surprises and a creeping sensation of dread, much like biting into a poisoned birthday cake – definitely not for the faint-hearted. The film’s soundscape is crafted to mirror a wobbly, dissonant nursery rhyme. This distorted symphony enhances the unsettling tone of the movie, transforming it into a chilling horror tale.

Woody Norman as Peter in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

Ready to unravel its secrets? “Cobweb“ is set to reel you into a web of fear, uncertainty, and thrill. It masterfully blends the innocent fears of childhood with a creeping, pervasive horror, creating a thrilling journey that will keep viewers guessing until long after the credits roll. So, brace yourself, and prepare to be swept into the spine-chilling world of “Cobweb.” Who knows what you might uncover within the walls of Peter’s house?

August 3, 2023