The last set of episodes before the finale of The Circle Season 7 kept viewers on the edge of their seats. While the Disruptor Twist did not make a comeback, the competition remained intense. Alliances shifted, and an unforgettable streak of hangouts took place. This season is one of the most exciting to date, and the unpredictable nature of the game means anyone could still win.
Michelle Buteau, the lively and charismatic host, continues to guide the show, which has been a hit reality series on Netflix since its debut in 2020. In The Circle, players are isolated in their apartments and can only communicate through a special social media app, also called The Circle.
The aim is to stay in the game through a combination of direct messages, games, and strategic blockings. Players compete for the grand prize of $100,000, with only one player walking away victorious. The first four episodes of Season 7 aired on September 11th, and the finale is set to drop on Netflix on October 2nd.
With various subscription options available on Netflix, fans have easy access to the show. The standard plan with ads costs $6.99 a month, while the ad-free version is $15.49. For those seeking the premium, ad-free experience, the cost is $22.99 monthly.
As Michelle Buteau mentioned, the tension was high in the latest episodes, especially when Kevin Fernandez and Gianna, also known as the Scalotta Twins, couldn’t agree on who to block. However, in The Circle, a decision must always be made.
Kevin took the initiative, extending an olive branch and taking responsibility for the blocking decision. Gianna and Rachel, also known as Deb Floyd, agreed to form an alliance with Kevin if he took the lead. The pressure was intense, but after some negotiation, the Influencers chose to block Darian Holt. Darian’s decision in Disruptor Mode to put Kevin in the hangout had backfired completely.
Still from the season (Netflix)
Darian, after some time in his apartment, decided to leave on a positive note and visited Jadejha Edwards, his romantic interest in The Circle. Their reunion was filled with joy, and it was clear that their connection was real.
However, the game was still on, and Darian warned Jadejha to distance herself from Kevin, hinting that he shouldn’t have been an Influencer. They also realized that Gianna might not be trustworthy. Jadejha was left to figure out her next move, but for the moment, their relationship and a shared Polaroid seemed to be the only thing that mattered.
The next morning, Darian revealed himself to the group in a final Circle message. He spoke honestly and confirmed that he was a genuine player. Although he avoided naming Kevin directly, Darian subtly criticized him for being disloyal.
This caused a stir in the group chat, with Jadejha throwing Kevin under the bus, while Kevin took the high road and accepted the blame. Garrett added to the tension by probing Kevin’s motivations for targeting Darian, which could have implicated Madelyn Rusinyak. This situation left Tierra, also known as Antonio Hayes, wondering if Kevin was as trustworthy as he seemed.
As the drama calmed down, private conversations took place between Madelyn and Garrett, as well as Kevin and Tierra. But the peace didn’t last long. The next game, called #Circleama, was designed to stir things up. Players could ask each other anonymous questions, and no subject was off-limits.
Kevin asked Jadejha who her favorite player in The Circle was, and she diplomatically named Garrett, Gianna, Rachel, and Madelyn, without revealing too much of her strategy. Meanwhile, Gianna asked Garrett about his alliances and who he trusted. He acknowledged that Jadejha had been loyal to him and expressed his reluctance to align with anyone who would betray his allies.
Madelyn, not one to hold back, questioned Tierra’s originality and suggested that Tierra was simply following the group’s lead. Although Tierra tried to brush off the accusation, the other players took note of the defensive tone in her response.
Garrett, on the other hand, asked Rachel who she thought was playing dirty. Rachel confidently named Gianna as someone she trusted, but she also called out Kevin for betraying their alliance. This move caused a stir, with Kevin feeling targeted once again.
Still from the season (Netflix)
Jadejha took her turn to question Kevin, asking him which of his alliances he planned to sacrifice next. Kevin, who had already faced a lot of scrutiny, responded cautiously, saying he was just playing the game. Tierra then sent Rachel a message, explaining why she deserved to win over someone pretending to be someone else.
Rachel fired back, accusing Tierra of being a catfish herself. The game wrapped up with Rachel asking Kevin about his supposed profession as a lifeguard, a lie that was beginning to catch up with him. Kevin’s hesitation in answering put a spotlight on him, and his non-response didn’t help his case.
As the ratings loomed, the players worked hard to solidify their alliances and improve their standings. There were plenty of private chats, including one between Kevin and Gianna, and another between Tierra and Jadejha, the latter being an important heart-to-heart conversation.
Before the next set of ratings, another game was introduced—Pick 3. Each player was given a list of fifteen items and had to choose the three they couldn’t live without. Although the game was more lighthearted, Rachel shocked the group when she said she would never give up sex.
With alliances constantly shifting, the upcoming ratings had the potential to make or break each player’s game. When the results came in, Garrett found himself at the bottom. He was followed by Madelyn, Jadejha, Tierra, and Rachel.
Once again, Kevin and Gianna were the top-rated players, with Gianna taking the first spot and Kevin in second. This meant the two of them would be the Influencers for the third time in the game.
Kevin and Gianna had just formed an alliance, but now they faced the tough decision of who to block. After discussing their options, they considered targeting Garrett, who had been ranked last. However, Gianna was hesitant to break their alliance, despite Kevin’s argument that Jadejha posed a greater threat. In the end, the Influencers chose to block Garrett.
Garrett, after being blocked, visited Rachel’s apartment. He was shocked to learn that Rachel, whom he had ranked second, had placed him last. The emotional conversation that followed revealed that Rachel had been working with Madelyn to rank Garrett low in the ratings.
She explained that after discovering Kevin’s lies, she decided to support his game, which is why she had ranked him high. The encounter was emotional, with Garrett in tears as Rachel shared the painful story of her son who had passed away.
Still from the season (Netflix)
The next morning, Garrett’s parting message revealed his true identity and explained that he had been playing both sides of the game. He called out the Influencers for blocking the weakest player, and his message sparked a desire among the remaining players to turn on Gianna and Kevin. Meanwhile, Rachel and Madelyn, who had once swapped profiles in Disruptor Mode, took the opportunity to throw insults at each other in the group chat.
In a heartwarming twist, the players received video calls from their loved ones. Kevin’s parents called to congratulate him on his performance in the game. Jadejha’s father gave her a pep talk, though he wasn’t thrilled to hear about her new romantic interest.
Tierra, who had been playing as Antonio, had an emotional conversation with herself, reflecting on the risks she had taken in the game. Madelyn’s family encouraged her to heal from her past trauma, reminding her that it was just a game. Finally, Rachel, also known as Deb, received a call from her husband and sons, which brought her to tears.
Before the final ratings, the players took part in one last game called It’s Giving Awards. This was their last chance to make an impression before the final blocking. Kevin won the It’s Giving Lucky Award, while Gianna was awarded the It’s Giving Realness title, despite being a catfish.
Gianna and Rachel both received the It’s Giving Loyal Award, but they were also labeled as manipulators. The most significant award, It’s Giving Circle Winner, went to Rachel, drawing even more attention to her game.
As the final ratings approached, the players learned that the top-rated player would become the Super Secret Influencer, with the power to block anyone they chose. The ratings revealed a three-way tie for first place between Gianna and Rachel, Kevin and Madelyn, and Tierra and Jadejha. In the end, Madelyn was declared the Super Secret Influencer, securing her place in the finale.
With the power to block someone face-to-face, Madelyn’s decision would determine the final five players. However, in typical Circle fashion, the episode ended on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the finale.
Who will Madelyn block? Will Kevin and Gianna’s alliance survive? Can Rachel, the wildcard, pull off a surprise win? Fans will have to tune in to the final episode to see who walks away with the $100,000 prize.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man marks a new journey for one of the most beloved comic book characters. This latest film is the fourth live-action adaptation of Hellboy, a character who first became popular thanks to the two Guillermo del Toro movies and later appeared in the 2019 reboot.
Despite Hellboy’s strong legacy, The Crooked Man didn’t receive much attention and was quietly released on video on demand (VOD). Surprisingly, many fans didn’t even know this new installment existed.
This new Hellboy movie, directed by Brian Taylor, brings a different perspective to the franchise. It is based on The Crooked Man graphic novel, which is considered one of the best works by Hellboy’s creator, Mike Mignola.
With a smaller, thriller-style approach, Hellboy: The Crooked Man tries to take the character back to his darker roots and breathe new life into the series. The film may not have made it to theaters, but it still offers a fresh and bold take on the iconic hero, despite some flaws.
A Brief Overview of Hellboy’s Cinematic History
Before we get into the specifics of The Crooked Man, it’s important to understand Hellboy’s journey on the big screen. Hellboy first appeared in two films directed by the visionary Guillermo del Toro. Hellboy (2004) and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) were both well-received by critics and audiences alike.
Del Toro’s style mixed dark fantasy with unique visual elements, making Hellboy a fan favorite. Actor Ron Perlman’s portrayal of Hellboy was praised for capturing both the character’s humor and toughness.
In 2019, a reboot of the series was attempted with actor David Harbour taking over the role. Unfortunately, this reboot did not resonate with fans.
The movie was criticized for its messy storytelling, lack of direction, and full disappointing execution. This left the future of the Hellboy franchise in question. So, when The Crooked Man was announced, fans were cautiously optimistic.
What Is Hellboy: The Crooked Man About?
Hellboy: The Crooked Man takes a new direction, starting over with a fresh take on the character. The film is set in 1959, moving away from the modern cities seen in previous Hellboy movies. Hellboy, now played by Jack Kesy, finds himself in the Appalachian wilderness.
Accompanied by fellow BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense) agent Bobbie Jo Song (Adeline Rudolph), Hellboy must face a dangerous demon known as The Crooked Man (Martin Bassindale) after their train is derailed.
They are joined by a noble local named Tom Ferrell (Jefferson White), and together, the trio uncovers a story full of demonic witchcraft.
The atmosphere is foreboding and unsettling, enhanced by the haunting rural surroundings. This film transports Hellboy into uncharted territory, shifting away from the grand urban confrontations of previous installments and immersing him in a more personal, chilling journey.
The Budget Challenges of Hellboy: The Crooked Man
From the opening scene, one of the major issues with The Crooked Man becomes apparent—its low budget. The film suffers from some poorly executed CGI, especially early on. One of the first monsters we see looks unconvincing, which might put off some viewers. Budget limitations continue to affect the movie, with certain sequences feeling underdeveloped.
Still, The Crooked Man does manage to find moments of visual creativity, particularly through its practical effects. Hellboy’s iconic look, for example, is well-executed. The Crooked Man himself is suitably creepy, with his appearance closely resembling his comic book counterpart.
However, the inconsistency between the practical and digital effects does take away from the film’s immersion at times. The movie would have benefited from a larger budget to better realize its ambitious vision.
A New Hellboy – Jack Kesy’s Performance
One of the standout elements of The Crooked Man is Jack Kesy’s portrayal of Hellboy. While Ron Perlman’s version of the character remains a fan favorite, Kesy brings a fresh approach to the role.
Unlike Perlman’s Hellboy, who often disrespects authority, or David Harbour’s more chaotic take, Kesy’s Hellboy is calmer and more thoughtful. He is portrayed as a noir-style detective, staying closer to Mike Mignola’s original vision of the character in the comics.
Kesy’s Hellboy is more responsible, showing maturity while still delivering the dry humor and witty one-liners fans expect.
Still from Hellboy The Crooked Man (Credit: Ketchup Entertainment)
His performance offers a nice balance between the tough, action-hero persona and the cooler, calculated side of the character. Kesy may not dethrone Perlman as the definitive Hellboy, but his version is different enough to stand on its own and deserves recognition for bringing a new layer to the character.
Supporting Cast – A Mixed Bag
In addition to Kesy, Hellboy: The Crooked Man features a solid supporting cast. Adeline Rudolph and Jefferson White both do a decent job as Hellboy’s companions.
While Rudolph’s character, Bobbie Jo, gets caught up in an unnecessary subplot in the third act, her chemistry with Kesy and White helps keep the story engaging. White’s Tom Ferrell adds a sense of nobility and heart to the otherwise dark tale.
On the villain side, Leah McNamara and Martin Bassindale bring a sense of menace as the demonic antagonists. Bassindale, in particular, shines as The Crooked Man, delivering a chilling performance.
However, it’s Joseph Marcell as Reverend Watts who steals the show among the supporting cast. His portrayal of a blind evangelical priest is one of the more entertaining parts of the film, and he brings a lot of energy to his scenes.
The Horror Vibe – Effective but Not Fully Realized
Director Brian Taylor promised that The Crooked Man would be a different kind of Hellboy movie, and in many ways, he delivered. The film leans more toward horror than its predecessors, which were more focused on action and spectacle.
The Crooked Man creates a dark and eerie atmosphere, especially with its rural Appalachian setting and the demonic storyline. At times, the film feels closer in tone to something like Constantine than the previous Hellboy movies.
However, the horror elements don’t always hit the mark. The film relies on some cheap jump scares, which feel out of place, particularly toward the end. While the dark, supernatural themes are present, the movie sometimes struggles to maintain the tension needed for a truly effective horror experience.
Still, there are moments where the horror works, particularly in some of the practical effects scenes and the unsettling atmosphere in the Appalachian woods.
Budgetary Constraints – A Major Obstacle
As previously mentioned, the budget is one of the film’s biggest challenges. While the smaller scale is part of what makes The Crooked Man interesting, the lack of resources becomes apparent in several key moments. The film’s ambition outstrips its budget, and this leads to some underwhelming effects, particularly when it comes to CGI.
The practical effects, on the other hand, are much stronger. Hellboy’s makeup is as impressive as ever, and there are some creative practical sequences, including a memorable scene involving a skin suit.
But the digital effects, especially in the monster designs, often fall short. The contrast between the practical and digital elements creates a jarring experience, where some scenes feel immersive and others take the viewer out of the story.
A Step Forward or a Step Back?
Ultimately, Hellboy: The Crooked Man is a mixed experience. On the one hand, it offers a fresh take on Hellboy, with a new tone, setting, and a more responsible version of the character.
Jack Kesy’s performance is a highlight, and the film’s attempt to return to Hellboy’s darker, horror roots is commendable. The supporting cast does a decent job, and there are moments where the movie’s smaller scale works in its favor.
On the other hand, the low budget and inconsistent effects hold the film back. For every moment that works, there is another that feels underdeveloped or constrained by a lack of resources.
Still from Hellboy The Crooked Man (Credit: Ketchup Entertainment)
Fans of the original del Toro films may find The Crooked Man disappointing, especially since it doesn’t have the same visual flair or sense of spectacle.
For hardcore Hellboy fans, The Crooked Man offers enough to keep them engaged, especially with its fresh take on the character and darker tone. However, casual viewers or those looking for something closer to the original films may be left wanting more.
While The Crooked Man is an improvement over the 2019 reboot, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the del Toro films. It’s a bold but flawed step in a new direction for Hellboy, and time will tell whether this new incarnation of the character will continue to develop or be left behind for another reboot in the future.
