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The live-action, 7-part supernatural TV series "Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale", created by Debbie Horsfield, adapting the novel by V.V. James, directed by Lisa Mulcah and Justin Molotnikov, is now streaming on AMC+ and Sundance Now:

"...set in a contemporary world where 'witchcraft' is real, the story starts in the English town of 'Sanctuary', where for hundreds of years witches have lived peacefully, as valued members of society. Until now... 

"'Sarah Fenn' (Elaine Cassidy), Sanctuary's resident witch, on whom the town relies to solve their problems when conventional remedies have failed. When local teen rugby star 'Dan Whithall' dies tragically in an apparent accident, his death exposes a terrifying undercurrent of suspicion and fear towards Sarah and her teenage daughter, 'Harper' (Hazel Doupe). 

"Mother of the deceased 'Abigail' (Amy de Bhrun), once Sarah's closest friend, is wracked with grief, and to avenge her son's death,...

The new live-action, 7-part supernatural TV series "Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale", created by Debbie Horsfield, adapting the novel by V.V. James, directed by Lisa Mulcah and Justin Molotnikov,  is now streaming on AMC+ and Sundance Now:

"...set in a contemporary world where 'witchcraft' is real, the story starts in the English town of 'Sanctuary', where for hundreds of years witches have lived peacefully, as valued members of society. Until now... 

"'Sarah Fenn' (Elaine Cassidy), Sanctuary's resident witch, on whom the town relies to solve their problems when conventional remedies have failed. When local teen rugby star 'Dan Whithall' dies tragically in an apparent accident, his death exposes a terrifying undercurrent of suspicion and fear towards Sarah and her teenage daughter, 'Harper' (Hazel Doupe). 

"Mother of the deceased 'Abigail' (Amy de Bhrun), once Sarah's closest friend, is wracked with grief, and to avenge her son's death,...

The new live-action, 7-part supernatural TV series "Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale", created by Debbie Horsfield, adapting the novel by V.V. James and directed by Lisa Mulcah, Justin Molotnikov, debuts with a two-episode premiere January 4, 2024 on AMC+ and Sundance Now:

"...set in a contemporary world where 'witchcraft' is real, the story starts in the English town of 'Sanctuary', where for hundreds of years witches have lived peacefully, as valued members of society. Until now... 

"'Sarah Fenn' (Elaine Cassidy), Sanctuary's resident witch, on whom the town relies to solve their problems when conventional remedies have failed. When local teen rugby star 'Dan Whithall' dies tragically in an apparent accident, his death exposes a terrifying undercurrent of suspicion and fear towards Sarah and her teenage daughter, 'Harper' (Hazel Doupe). 

"Mother of the deceased 'Abigail' (Amy de Bhrun), once Sarah's closest friend, is wracked with grief, and to avenge her son's death,...

AMC+ and Sundance Now reveal the trailer and key art for the seven-part drama series, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, written and created by Debbie Horsfield and adapted from the novel by V.V. James, which was hailed as “brilliant” and “captivating” by critics worldwide. The Sundance Now Original series debuts with a two-episode premiere on Thursday, January 4, exclusively on AMC+ and Sundance Now, with new episodes airing weekly. The series will be available on applicable platforms in the U.S. and Canada.

Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale is set in a contemporary world where witchcraft is real. It takes place in the idyllic English town of Sanctuary, where for hundreds of years witches have lived peacefully, as valued members of society. Until now…

At the heart of the story is Sarah Fenn (Elaine Cassidy), Sanctuary’s resident witch, on whom the town relies to solve their problems when conventional remedies have failed.

The new live-action, 7-part supernatural TV series "Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale", created by Debbie Horsfield, adapting the novel by V.V. James and directed by Lisa Mulcah, Justin Molotnikov, debuts with a two-episode premiere January 4, 2024 on AMC+ and Sundance Now:

"...set in a contemporary world where 'witchcraft' is real, the story starts in the English town of 'Sanctuary', where for hundreds of years witches have lived peacefully, as valued members of society. Until now... 

"'Sarah Fenn' (Elaine Cassidy), Sanctuary's resident witch, on whom the town relies to solve their problems when conventional remedies have failed. When local teen rugby star 'Dan Whithall' dies tragically in an apparent accident, his death exposes a terrifying undercurrent of suspicion and fear towards Sarah and her teenage daughter, 'Harper' (Hazel Doupe). 

"Mother of the deceased 'Abigail' (Amy de Bhrun), once Sarah's closest friend, is wracked with grief, and to avenge her son's death,...

Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Thursday, December 12, 2023.

Netflix has shared the official trailer for The Brothers Sun, its upcoming drama series from Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu.

"When the head of a powerful Taiwanese triad is shot by a mysterious assassin, his eldest son, legendary killer Charles 'Chairleg' Sun (Justin Chien) heads to Los Angeles to protect his mother, Eileen (Michelle Yeoh), and his naive younger brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li) — who’s been completely sheltered from the truth of his family until now," the logline teases.

"But as Taipei’s deadliest societies and a new rising faction go head-to-head for dominance — Charles, Bruce and their mother must heal the wounds caused by their separation and figure out what brotherhood and family truly mean before one of their countless enemies kills them all.

The trailer takes us into the world of the action-packed comedy,...

AMC+ and Sundance Now just released the first official trailer for the drama Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, based on the novel by V.V. James. The two-minute trailer introduces the town of Sanctuary, a haven for witches until a horrific accident changes everything.

The seven-episode season stars Elaine Cassidy as Sarah Fenn, Hazel Doupe as Harper, and Amy de Bhrun as Abigail. Stephanie Levi-John is Maggie, Valerie O’Connor plays Bridget Patterson, Kelly Campbell is Julia Garston, and Stephen Lord plays Ted. Debbie Horsfield created the series and adapted James’ novel. Lisa Mulcahy and Justin Molotnikov direct, and Monumental Television executive produces.

Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale premieres on January 4, 2024 with the release of the first two episodes. New episodes arrive on Thursdays.

Poster for AMC+ and Sundance Now’s ‘Sanctuary A Witch’s Tale’

“Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale is set in a contemporary world where witchcraft is real. It takes place in...

Elaine Cassidy as Sarah Fenn in ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’ (Photo Credit: Szymon Lazewski/AMC)

Sundance Now and AMC+ have set a January 4, 2024 premiere date for Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, based on V.V James’ novel published in 2019. The drama will debut with the release of two episodes, followed by new episodes of the seven-episode season on Thursdays.

The premiere date announcement was accompanied by the first three photos from the series. The stills feature the series’ stars Elaine Cassidy as Sarah Fenn, Kelly Campbell as Julia Garston, Amy de Bhrun as Abigail Whithall, and Valerie O’Connor as Bridget Patterson.

The cast also includes Hazel Doupe, Stephanie Levi-John, and Stephen Lord. Debbie Horsfield created the series and adapted James’ novel. Lisa Mulcahy and Justin Molotnikov direct, and Monumental Television executive produces.

Valerie O’Connor as Bridget Patterson, Kelly Campbell as Julia Garston, Amy de Bhrun as Abigail Whithall,...

AMC Networks’ streaming platform Sundance Now is expanding its 2023 slate with orders for two new series, dark comedy Totally Completely Fine and fantasy mystery series Sanctuary, based on V.V. James novel. They join the recently announced upcoming series Clean Sweep, The Lovers, SisterS, Black Snow, and Far North, all for premiere in 2023.

Inspired by true events, six-part dark comedy Totally Completely Fine, a Sundance Now Original series, stars Thomasin McKenzie (JoJo Rabbit) and explores the complexities of grief, the power of friendship, and the ways our sadness can unite us. Per the logline, the series follows 20-something Vivian Cunningham (McKenzie), whose life is a mess. Last week she accidentally burnt down her brother’s vegan food truck with a bacon-flavored vape and this week she’s inherited her grandfather’s coastal clifftop shack and is tasked with helping people who come too close to the edge.

Series also stars Devon Terrell (Rap Sh!

AMC Networks’ Sundance Now has commissioned “Totally, Completely Fine” and “Sanctuary” as two new titles joining the streaming platform’s 2023 slate of original projects.

Written, created and executive produced by Gretel Vella, “Totally, Completely Fine” explores the complexities of grief, the power of friendship, and the ways our sadness can unite us. Inspired by true events,the six-part dark comedy follows 20-something Vivian Cunningham (Thomasin McKenzie), whose life is a mess but nevertheless winds up tasked with helping people who come too close to the edge as she endures her own comedic catastrophes like accidentally burning down her brother’s vegan food truck with a bacon-flavored vape.

Devon Terrell (“Rap Sh!t”), Brandon McLelland (“The Other Guy”), Rowan Witt (“Book of Mormon” – Original Australian Cast), Contessa Treffone (“Doctor Doctor”), James Sweeny (“Total Control”), Max Crean (“Mystic”) and Brigid Zengeni (“The Good Liar”) join the JoJo Rabbit star among the cast.

What did you think of “Outlander” Season 6, Episode 6, titled “The World Turned Upside Down,” which aired Sunday, April 10 on Starz? Senior editor Rob Licuria and super-fan and contributing writer Paula Sullivan-Licuria dish the highs and lows of the episode in this sixth installment of our ongoing video series this season (watch the video recap above).

In this sixth episode, as a dysentery epidemic strikes the Ridge, Claire falls gravely ill, testing her bond with her beloved Jamie. Meanwhile, the episode ends on a shocking twist as a key character is found lying dead in the Frasers’ garden with a slit throat. “The World Turned Upside Down” is written by Toni Graphia and directed by Justin Molotnikov.

See ‘Outlander’ Episodes Ranked Worst to Best By Fans

For this week’s special episode recap, Rob and Paula invited back three previous super-fan guests to dish the highs and lows of “The World...

In the next new episode of Season 6 of “Outlander,” Claire (Caitriona Balfe) faints from a mysterious illness, and Variety has obtained an exclusive sneak peek.

The episode, titled “The World Turned Upside Down,” airs April 10 on Starz. It was written by Toni Graphia and directed by Justin Molotnikov. In the episode, a dysentery epidemic has spread across the Ridge. While attending a funeral for those who’ve already succumbed to the sickness, Jamie (Sam Heughan) tells Claire she doesn’t look so well herself.

“You look a bit like a ghost, Sassenach. Haven’t slept for days and hardly paused for food,” Jamie says to his wife, using his nickname for her. As the Ridge’s only medic, Claire has likely been investigating the cause of the epidemic but has come up empty-handed. Without modern medicine or protective clothing to keep her safe from infection, Claire’s efforts to help...

What did you think of “Outlander” Season 6, Episode 3, titled “Temperance”, which aired Sunday, March 20 on Starz? Senior editor Rob Licuria and super-fan and contributing writer Paula Sullivan-Licuria dish the highs and lows of the episode in this third installment of our ongoing video series this season (watch the video recap above).

For this third episode, Roger (Richard Rankin) saves baby Henri-Christian from almost drowning in the river, as Fergus (César Domboy) worries for his new son’s quality of life when he is bullied by superstitious Protestants. Claire (Caitríona Balfe) performs surgery on Tom Christie’s (Mark Lewis Jones) hand without any anesthetic as Jamie (Sam Heughan) stands by to comfort him. “Temperance” is written by Shaina Fewell and directed by Justin Molotnikov.

See ‘Outlander’ Episodes Ranked Worst to Best By Fans

“This is a really interesting episode, I really liked it,” Rob declares. “I think this probably could be...

Roster includes Slay The Dragon, Allagash.

London-based sales outfit Kew Media Distribution (Kmd) heads to Afm next week with a slate that includes Nick Broomfield’s documentary My Father And Me, sci-fi 2067 starring Kodi Smit-McPhee and Ryan Kwanten, and Susan Hill’s The Small Hand: A Ghost Story.

2067 takes place on an earth ravaged by climate change when a utility worker who may hold the key to mankind’s survival is dispatched to the future and lands in a luscious green world where he seems to be the only person around.

Seth Larney directed the Arcadia, Kojo, Freedom Films and Futurism Studios production,...

Roster includes Slay The Dragon, Allagash.

London-based sales outfit Kew Media Distribution (Kmd) heads to Afm next week with a slate that includes Nick Broomfield’s documentary My Father And Me, sci-fi 2067 starring Kodi Smit-McPhee and Ryan Kwanten, and Susan Hill’s The Small Hand: A Ghost Story.

2067 takes place on an earth ravaged by climate change when a utility worker who may hold the key to mankind’s survival is dispatched to the future and lands in a luscious green world where he seems to be the only person around.

Seth Larney directed the Arcadia, Kojo, Freedom Films and Futurism Studios production,...

Paradigm has signed young actor Woody Norman, who most recently starred on the fifth season of Masterpiece Theatre's Poldark as the illegitimate son of the title character.

Justin Molotnikov, one of the directors on Poldark, has tapped Norman to star in the U.K. thriller The Small Hand, based on the novel of the same name by Susan Hill (The Woman in Black). The actor's other credits include playing Thomas Edison's (Benedict Cumberbatch) son in director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon's cut of The Current War; portraying young Marius on PBS' miniseries adaptation of Les Misérables; and playing Prince Harry opposite Jodie Comer ...

Paradigm has signed young actor Woody Norman, who most recently starred on the fifth season of Masterpiece Theatre's Poldark as the illegitimate son of the title character.

Justin Molotnikov, one of the directors on Poldark, has tapped Norman to star in the U.K. thriller The Small Hand, based on the novel of the same name by Susan Hill (The Woman in Black). The actor's other credits include playing Thomas Edison's (Benedict Cumberbatch) son in director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon's cut of The Current War; portraying young Marius on PBS' miniseries adaptation of Les Misérables; and playing Prince Harry opposite Jodie Comer ...

U.K. broadcaster Channel 5 has unveiled a slate of original dramas, marking the latest step in the Viacom-owned broadcaster’s push into scripted content.

The new dramas include a two-hour ghost story from Awesome Media & Entertainment and Two Rivers Media called “The Small Hand” adapted from novel by “The Woman in Black” author Susan Hill; psychological thriller “Penance” from West Road Pictures; four-part thriller “The Deceived” from New Pictures; and the return of thriller “Blood” for a new six part series.

Channel 5 increased the amount of money going into scripted following its cancellation of the “Big Brother” franchise. Dramas “15 Days” and “Agatha & The Truth of Murder” have already aired, while the broadcaster has previously announced drama commissions “Cold Call” and “All Creatures Great and Small.”

“The Small Hand” is a feature-length single drama adapted from crime writer Susan Hill’s book by Barbara Machin, creator of BBC’s long-running crime drama,...

Viacom’s Channel 5 has unveiled its latest drama slate including a thriller from Mr Selfridge writer Kate O’Riordan.

The British broadcaster has ordered three-part series Penance and two-hour drama The Small Hand as well as the renewal of Blood, starring Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar.

This comes after Deadline revealed that it was working on psychological thriller The Deceived.

O’Riordan is adapting her own novel Penance into a three-part series. A psychological thriller that follows the lives of Rosalie and Luke Douglas and their teenage daughter, Maddie. Following the loss of their son, Rosalie and Luke find their marriage under immense strain. Maddie and Rosalie find themselves in the caring hands of Jed, a charming and charismatic young man that they encounter at bereavement counselling who is also suffering under the weight of his own grief. Jed rekindles a hope for the future within the Douglas household.

Doctor Who, Series 9, Episode 10, “Face the Raven”

Written by Sarah Dollard

Directed by Justin Molotnikov

Series 9, Episode 11–12, “Heaven Sent” and “Hell Bent”

Written by Steven Moffat

Directed by Rachel Talalay

The curtain closes on Doctor Who series nine with the show’s first three-parter since series three’s Master-centric finale, “Utopia”/“The Sound of Drums”/“Last of the Time Lords”, and while it’s not perfect, the extended finale is a fitting end to what has been one of NuWho’s most consistent seasons. The end of series three is not one of the better Who multi-part stories, starting strong before fizzling out spectacularly (let’s take a moment to remember The Tenth Doctor shriveling into GollumDoctor before becoming floating JesusDoctor. Now to piggy back off of The Twelfth Doctor’s memory wipe…), and perhaps that’s why showrunner Steven Moffat wisely avoids a traditional multi-part structure with these episodes.

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The BBC has released a tidy pile of brand new pictures from Doctor Who series 9 episode, Face The Raven...

Now that Sleep No More is, er, no more, it's time to move on to the next episode of Doctor Who series nine: Face The Raven.

Written by Merlin and Primeval's Sarah Dollard, Face The Raven sees the Doctor and Clara inside a magical world concealed in our nation's capital. For more on that, here's the official synopsis:

"The Doctor and Clara, with their old friend Rigsy, find themselves in a magical alien world, hidden on a street in the heart of London. Sheltered within are some of the most fearsome creatures of the universe… and Ashildr (Maisie Williams)! With a death sentence hanging over their heads, not all of the intruders will get out alive."

You can see the preview teaser for the Justin Molotnikov-directed episode,...

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Is Face The Raven any good? Yes, yes, yessity-yes. Here's our spoiler-free review of the next Doctor Who series 9 episode...

Today, the BBC has cost me 40p. In that time, I've listened to a bit of radio, caught up with the news at the BBC website. And then?

I watched Saturday's Doctor Who.

Good grief. In a series that's not been afraid to take twists, turns, to go off in precisely the opposite direction that people were expecting, Face The Raven has again demonstrated the confidence and talent that's fuelling modern day Doctor Who. It does feel like we take a lot of this for granted, but there are several flat-out exquisite moments in this episode - not least Peter Capaldi giving his work in The Zygon Inversion a run for its money - that surely deserve at the very least a lot more respect. Some thunderous applause would help,...

Andrew Reynolds is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

The BBC have released a new promotional image for next Saturday’s episode, Face the Raven. Written by Sarah Dollard and Directed by Justin Molotnikov Face the Raven sees the Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and Clara (Jenna Coleman) reunited with their old friend Rigsy (Joivan Wade) as the trio find themselves in a magical alien world, hidden on...

The post Face The Raven: Next Time Trailer and New Promo Image appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

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With spoilers, here are our thoughts on Doctor Who series 9, Sleep No More...

This review contains spoilers. Our spoiler-free review is here.

9.9 Sleep No More

"Calm down, pet"

I know it's not part of the writing-for-the-internet training manual, but I don't take pleasure really in penning reviews of things that I didn't really like too much. Especially if there are interesting ingredients, that don't really mesh together. But, after going through Sleep No More twice - once by myself, once with my kids - I confess I struggled with it.

It's easy, after all, to jump on a hate bandwagon. I think this series and last of Doctor Who have been the best in years, and I was hardly writing letters of complaint to the BBC about the Matt Smith era before that. But Sleep No More never really took off for me.

It's a coincidence that...

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Mark Gatiss penned this Saturday's Doctor Who instalment, Sleep No More. We've got lots of pictures from the episode right here...

No, your monitor isn't playing up. That distorted image above is a promotional picture for this Saturday's Doctor Who episode, Sleep No More, which looks set to be a creepy one. 

Mark Gatiss has penned the script, and his League Of Gentlemen cohort Reece Shearsmith has been recruited for a guest appearance. Justin Molotnikov - of Merlin, Atlantis, Da Vinci's Demons and My Parents Are Aliens vintage - directed this episode, as well as the one that will follow it - Face The Raven. 

"This terrifying story is assembled from footage discovered in the wreckage of Le Verrier Space Station," the brief synopsis tells us.  

You can see lots of images from the episode by clicking into the gallery at the top of this page.

Sleep...

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Doctor Who's first found footage, written by Mark Gatiss, is ambitious, tight, and another real departure from the rest of series 9...

Wisely, following the terrific Zygon two-parter that we've just had, Doctor Who series 9 has now veered off once more in a completely different direction. As such, Sleep No More plays with structure, story and format. It's a found footage episode, anchored by guest star Reece Shearsmith, from the pen of Mark Gatiss.

The basic setup sees the Doctor and Clara land on the Le Verrier Space Station. It would be fair to say that said Space Station has seen much better times, and the mystery here is for the Doctor to uncover just what's happened.

In doing so, Doctor Who presents its first ever found footage episode. In fact, writer Mark Gatiss argues that television hasn't really done found footage before. He clearly has fun with it,...

Maisie Williams will make a third appearance in Doctor Who series nine.

Writer Sarah Dollard has confirmed that the Game of Thrones star will appear in Dollard's episode 'Face The Raven'.

'Face The Raven' is the tenth episode of series nine. It will also feature the return of graffiti artist Rigsy and will be directed by Justin Molotnikov.

Dollard commented on her Twitter that Williams' return has been "really difficult not to tell everyone".

She was speaking at the McM London Comic Con earlier as part of a panel with Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and Rachel Talalay, who will be directing the series nine double-bill finale.

Moffat has insisted, though, that Williams is not the new companion.

In the show, Williams plays Viking girl Ashildr and viewers saw her make her second appearance on last night's episode 'The Woman Who Lived'.

Her character was made immortal in 'The Girl Who Died'.

Last Updated: August 6, 2015

Doctor Who is the persistent subject of rumours - from the credible to the outright absurd - and it can be difficult to separate what's fact from what's fiction.

Lucky for you, dear reader, that Digital Spy is on hand to cut a swathe through the nonsense - these are the facts, 100% confirmed, about series 9 of the world's greatest science-fiction series.

Filming began on the 9th series of Doctor Who - its 35th run overall - on January 5, 2015 for a planned transmission in the autumn. Steven Moffat will serve as lead writer and executive producer for the fifth time.

Peter Capaldi will return for his second full series as the Doctor, while Jenna Coleman will be back for her third run of episodes as Clara Oswald.

Coleman was widely expected to be leaving the series in the 2014 Christmas special - and indeed had planned to exit -...

Joivan Wade will be reprising his character of Rigsy in Doctor Who's ninth series.

Rigsy first appeared in last year's episode 'Flatline', and will now make his next appearance in an episode directed by Justin Molotnikov and written by The Game's Sarah Dollard.

The Being Human writer said of her episode: "Getting to play in the Doctor Who toy box is a dream come true. It's a total honour to contribute to a show that has brought me such joy as a fan.

"However, writing for Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman has presented a serious problem: some days I've been too excited to actually sit down and type!"

Rigsy is a young graffiti artist who helped save the world in 'Flatline', and he will now reunite in a new adventure with the Doctor (Capaldi) and Clara (Coleman).

Meanwhile, Michelle Gomez will return as Missy in the opening episodes of series 9, while Rebecca Front,...

The Twelfth Doctor will make his first ever Comic-Con appearance this summer.

Peter Capaldi is heading to San Diego Comic-Con 2015 on Thursday, July 9 with his Doctor Who co-star Jenna Coleman, who's making her second appearance at the annual event.

The pair will be joined by executive producer Steven Moffat, producer Brian Minchin and Missy actress Michelle Gomez at a panel to discuss the show's upcoming ninth series.

Capaldi said: "Tales of San Diego Comic-Con are told in awe on every set around the known fantasy/sci-fi production world.

It's become a fabled kingdom. One I am thrilled to find myself heading for. And to appear in the legendary Hall H is a further twist to the cosplay and comic madness I may never recover from."

Doctor Who will return to screens this autumn with a two-part premiere, 'The Magician's Apprentice' and 'The Witch's Familiar', which will feature the return of...

Doctor Who series 9 has hired Justin Molotnikov to take charge of two episodes.

This won't be the first time Molotnikov has tackled a BBC fantasy series, having helmed episodes of Merlin and Atlantis.

His involvement in the new series of Doctor Who was revealed by his client page on The Agency website.

It is currently unclear which two episodes he will direct, with two slots - episodes 9 and 10, and episodes 11 and 12 - still thought to be open.

Doctor Who's lead writer Steven Moffat has confirmed that series 9 will feature more two-parters, though some pairs of episodes may only be loosely linked.

Scottish filmmaker Molotnikov directed eight episodes of Merlin between 2011 and 2012, eight episodes of Atlantis between 2013 and 2015, and has also worked on Da Vinci's Demons.

Doctor Who - starring Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman - will return to BBC One this autumn.

Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular review: A wonderful...

Da Vinci’s Demons, Season 2: Episode 9 – “The Enemies of Man”

Written by Allison Moore & Marco Ramirez (story by Brian Nelson & Marco Ramirez)

Directed by Justin Molotnikov

Airs Saturday nights at 9 on Starz

After a thoroughly entertaining departure from the series norm by visiting the New World, Da Vinci’s Demons brings several of its central characters back to Italy–Leo to Florence and Riario to Rome. The help of the exotic setting has made much of this second season so enjoyable, but luckily the events we see here in Florence, at least, aren’t boring in the slightest. The city has been sacked by Duke Federico, making Leo’s homecoming more than just a little bit problematic (and not very warm at all). If other areas of “The Enemies of Man” slightly drag, this central plot does exactly what DVD needs to do on a weekly basis to be...

Da Vinci's Demons is heading further into fantasy, which is no bad thing, says Ron...

Review

This review contains spoilers.

2.9 The Enemies Of Man

When Da Vinci's Demons takes a page from the book of Leonardo (not the Book of Leaves) and uses the character's creativity as an asset, it can be one of the most fun shows on television. Perhaps more importantly, it shows that brains can and will beat brawn if properly applied, which is one of the great lessons of Renaissance Florence as a whole. It was never the strongest of the Italian city states, but it reached a height that made it infamous both in its time and in our own. Using creative solutions, Florence became a power-broker known worldwide. The clever application of brains over brawn is the story of Florence, and it is the story of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Da Vinci has proven that...

Juliette Lewis (Whip It) has signed on to co-star in Blood or Water.

Lewis will star opposite Stephen McCole (Crying with Laughter), Kate Dickie (Red Road), and Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot) and Greta Scacchi (Flightplan).

Blood or Water is being described as “a contemporary film noir about disconnected family and unwitting incest”.

Scottish filmmaker Justin Molotnikov is attached to direct, with production scheduled to begin early next year.

Source: THR...

You know what I think is depressing? For as much time as I spend watching trailers, I can't remember the last time Juliette Lewis was predominately featured or at least had a line of dialogue. Though she has multiple titles on her resume that show off just how good she can be, she's largely been relegated to the background in recent years. Part of it could be that in 2007 and 2008 she didn't make any films, but now it looks like she's finally back and now, according to Variety, she'll be headlining her next film. Juliette Lewis is now set to star in Blood or Water, a new thriller from writer/director Justin Molotnikov. The feature will be Molotnikov's first since his 2009 feature film debut Crying With Laughter. The trade doesn't provide a plot or character description, but Lewis will be co-starring with Stephen McCole, Greta Scacchi, Kate Dickie and Gary...

Scottish director Justin Molotnikov has rounded up the cast for his follow-up to 2009’s Crying with Laughter. He’s locked in Juliette Lewis, Stephen McCole, Kate Dickie, Gary Lewis and Greta Scacchi for modern noir Blood Or Water. There’s precious little out there about the plot right now, aside from one tiny nugget that talks about its noirish nature and a brief mention of “unwitting incest.” Which sounds almost like a BBFC caution phrase than anything else.Despite that, Lewis seems enthused to be taking part: “I am excited by Justin Molotnikov’s unconventional, completely organic approach to storytelling and filmmaking," she said in a statement picked up by The Hollywood Reporter. "He creates one of a kind, totally engrossing stories with characters that jump off the screen." Molotnikov will shoot early next year in Scotland.Lewis was last seen in Due Date, and has the likes of Hick,...

This is a serious little casting break that follows either movies with serious intent (there's one below about 'unwitting incest,' which I hope isn't a comedy) or serious filmmakers like Kelly Reichardt. So, after the break, you'll find: Juliette Lewis stars in the 'unwitting incest' movie Blood or Water, Ted Levin is in an indie inspired by secret CIA programs, and Peter Sarsgaard is going to be in Kelly Reichardt's new film, Night Moves. We don't have a lot of info about Blood or Water, which Justin Molotnikov will direct, but Juliette Lewis has just signed to play the lead role in the Danish/Scottish co-production. It will shoot in Spring 2012 in Scotland, with Stephen McCole, Greta Scacchi, Kate Dickie and Gary Lewis taking other roles. The director's first feature, Crying With Laughter, won best film in the Scottish BAFTAs in 2009. The basic plot description of Blood or...

Justin Molotnikov has directed his fair share of television — particularly a series of several episodes on both Shoebox Zoo and High Times — but in 2009 he jumped into the medium of feature filmmaking with his debut, Crying with Laughter. I know next to nothing about the film, though I’ve since learned that it not only took home a Scotland BAFTA for Best First Film, but that it also caught the eye of the well-known American actress Juliette Lewis — enough of her eye, in fact, that she’s agreed to star in Molotnikov‘s follow-up feature, a contemporary noir titled Blood or Water. [The Hollywood Reporter]

“I am excited by Justin Molotnikov’s unconventional, completely organic approach to storytelling and filmmaking,” said Lewis about the up-and-coming Scottish director. “He creates one of a kind, totally engrossing stories with characters that jump off the screen.” Stephen McCole, Kate Dickie, Gary Lewis, and Greta Scacchi are...

New stills from Bel Ami, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Safe, Contagion and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

First photos of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Isla Fisher on the set of The Great Gatsby; and various vehicles on the set of Prometheus.

Posters for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Three Musketeers, The Ides of March and The Skin I Live In.

The first glimpse of footage from the second season of the BBC's "Sherlock" is up on Youtube, sadly it's only about fifteen seconds from "The Hound of the Baskervilles" episode.

"Focus Features is moving Tomas Alfredson's "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" adaptation an awards season push, but to do it they're delaying the U.S. release another three weeks - from November 18th to December 9th…" (full details)

"Originally conceived as a web series, "Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome" looks to be ditching plans to become...

Juliette Lewis - one of the more interesting actresses out there - might have concentrated a lot on her music career over the last few years with her band Juliette and the Licks and then The New Romantiques but that doesn't stop her from taking on more film roles all the same. The Hollywood Reporter has the news that Lewis has signed on to star in contemporary film noir Blood or Water, from Scottish director Justin Molotnikov. She joins the cast which includes Stephen McCole (Stone of Destiny), Katie Dickie (Red Road), Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot) and Greta Scacchi (The Player). Lewis had this to say: "I am excited by Justin Molotnikov's unconventional, completely organic approach to storytelling and filmmaking... He creates one of a kind,...

Stalker films were all the rage in the 90s after Fatal Attraction’s bunny-boiler antics astounded audiences. Hand That Rocked the Cradle, Cape Fear, Single White Female and One Hour Photo all followed a standard set pattern. Creep appears, ruins decent person’s life and then is dispatched much to the audience’s relief. Placing a stand-up comedian at the heart of one such story might be misleading, but director Justin Molotnikov knows exactly what he’s doing in this surprise Scottish BAFTA winner which treads a fine line between darkly comic and just plain dark.

When comic Joey Frisk (Stephen McCole) befriends ex-school buddy Frank (Malcolm Shields) during a turbulent week, he little suspects just what an impact old demons between the two might have on the unhinged former marine. On the surface Frank offers Joey some much-needed help when he’s suspected of a nasty GBH charge and made homeless,...

Berlin -- Danish sales exec Natja Rosner has joined Tine Klint's world sales group Level K and will set up an office for the company in New York.

Both Klint and Rosner worked together at Danish sales giant TrustNordisk.

Level K is a boutique specializing in international art house titles. Recent acquisitions include "Crying with Laughter" by Brit director Justin Molotnikov, the Australian psycho-drama "Say Nothing" and "Dirch," the second feature from Danish director Martin P. Zandvliet which stars Nicolaj lie Kaas as famed Danish comic actor Dirch Passer.

Cemetery Junction (15)

(Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, 2006, Us) Christian Cook, Jack Doolan, Tom Hughes, Felicity Jones. 95 mins

Those averse to Ricky Gervais's "white-man overbite" will see surprisingly little of it in his second co-directed movie. Set in suburban 70s Reading, this rites-of-passage drama stars newcomers Cook, Doolan and Hughes as three mates growing apart on the threshold of adulthood. The ending may be formulaic, but Gervais and Merchant carve a neat middle path between comedy and pathos to get there.

The Ghost (15)

(Roman Polanski, 2010, Fr/Ger/UK) Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor. 128 mins

While he remains in chokey, Polanki's latest release is an old-school political thriller, starring Brosnan as a slick ex-pm with guilty secrets and McGregor as the hack hired to launder them.

Beeswax (Nc)

(Andrew Bujalski, 2009, Us) Tilly Hatcher, Maggie Hatcher. 100 mins

Mundane mumblecore about the travails of twins.

The Heavy (18)

(Marcus Warren, 2010, UK) Gary Stretch, Vinnie Jones. 102 mins...

Strong directorial debut by Justin Molotnikov with a slice of noir black comedy. By Peter Bradshaw

First-time feature director Justin Molotnikov serves up a tasty slice of Edinburgh noir with this black-comedy-thriller. Stephen McCole is Joey, the obnoxious standup comic with a coke habit and a chaotic private life. Malcolm Shields is impressive as the menacing Frank: an ex-army guy and stalker-fan who claims to have been at school with Joey and wants him to attend a sinister "reunion" he's organising. Molotnikov drives his movie forward with real storytelling skill; there's some interesting location work, and the comedy is at all times satisfyingly nasty. Some untied plot strands at the end let things down a little, but this is a very strong debut from Molotnikov.

Rating: 3/5

DramaThrillerPeter Bradshaw

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Rating: 8/10

Writers: Justin Molotnikov

Director: Justin Molotnikov

Cast: Stephen McCole, Malcolm Shields

Crying With Laughter is one of those movies that hits you like a ton of bricks, and the best part is that you never see it coming. From the title and the short synopsis I read, I went into the film expecting a fun, dark comedy, but from the first opening minutes, I was proven wrong– in a good way.

Read more on SXSW 2010 Review: Crying With Laughter…...

Movies of all kinds have entered into my own personal pantheon of favorites, for various different reasons. All of them are great, but there are some that are successful due in part to how well they.re constructed, utilizing the film.s time and pacing in such an efficient manner that I lose track of time and am thoroughly immersed in the story.

Crying With Laughter is one of these films. Written and directed by Justin Molotnikov, this film took hold of my reigns right from the beginning and drove me hard straight through to the end of the trail, before I even knew the ride was done. My blinders were on and the world outside of this film no longer existed.

Enough of the horse metaphors, I promise. Crying With Laughter is a story about Joey Frisk, one of the top stand-up comics in Scotland. Joey Frisk, played by Stephen McCole,...

"Is that a camera to take pictures at the party? Who are you taking pictures for," asked "Crying With Laughter" producer Claire Mundell Saturday night. She, along with the film's writer/director Justin Molotnikov were exiting a very popular and rowdy IFC party in downtown Austin and charmed iW, so why not... The film, which won a BAFTA Scotland Award, centers on a stand-up comic whose life goes completely awry, but an ...

Austin, Texas -- Distribution deals were never the point of the SXSW Film Festival, and that's still true at its 17th edition, which began this weekend.

But for filmmakers, actors, independent film aficionados and yes, sales executives, it's a laid-back Lone Star love-in.

"Audiences are more relaxed here," says Ron Yerxa, who with Albert Berger executive produced Jacob Hatley's "Ain't in It for My Health: A Film About Levon Helm," which held its world premiere Saturday afternoon. "Screenings at the Alamo Draft House have almost a party atmosphere, which is what I always thought festival screenings should be."

  Wedged as it is between Sundance and Tribeca, SXSW has continued to grow and draw a wider spectrum of North American and world premieres. (The sublime mid-March Texas weather may have something to do with that.) Though this has contributed to greater attendance, the festival remains a less pressurized destination for...

The Loved Ones, NY Export: Opus Jazz, A Different Path, For Once in My Life, Erasing David, Crying with Laughter, The Phantom of Liberty II, Beijing Taxi As I mentioned yesterday, we are kicking off our SXSW coverage with previews to the films that were selected into the 2010 Film Festival. Today we have eight reviews from the fingers of our Senior Contributing Writer, Don Simpson. Check out the excerps below and click the links to see the full reviews. Stay tuned for more previews as we inch closer to March 12th opening day to SXSW Film 2010. Loved Ones, The | Review "The Loved Ones, a brilliantly creepy feature-length debut from writer-director Sean Byrne, is sure to please some of the more discerning horror fans out there with its brains, creativity and visual panache. From my estimation The Loved Ones is prone to become a “midnight movies” cult favorite ala Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead trilogy,...

Director: Justin Molotnikov Writer: Justin Molotnikov Starring: Stephen McCole, Malcolm Shields, Andrew Neil, Jo Hartley, Laura Keenan, Micaiah Dring Joey Frisk (Stephen McCole) is a Scottish comedian. Fueled mostly by cocaine and booze, Joey’s comedy is brutally violent and emotionally raw – you might even say it’s frisky. We meet Joey as he appears on stage; he is bloodied up with a massive shiner that looks like it stings like a mother-fucking bee. Joey is in a damn sorry state, you might say. Rather than flat-out jokes, Joey begins to recollect the chain of events that made him this way. The audience seems uncomfortable. Where is Joey taking us with all of this? Where is the punch-line? (Pun intended.) Well, patience my dears. This film is told in flashback from this point onward, so you will just have to sit back and enjoy the ride… While swimming at the local pool,...