Thursday, 19 March 2026

PREVIEW: Outcome (2026 Film) - Starring Keanu Reeves

Preview by Jon Donnis

Apple Original Films has released the trailer for Outcome, the upcoming dark comedy from director Jonah Hill, with a global premiere set for Apple TV on 10 April 2026. The film brings together a large ensemble cast led by Keanu Reeves, Jonah Hill, Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer, alongside Susan Lucci, Laverne Cox, David Spade, Martin Scorsese, Atsuko Okatsuka, Roy Wood Jr., Welker White, Kaia Gerber and Ivy Wolk.

The story follows Reef Hawk, played by Reeves, a widely adored Hollywood star who is forced to confront a hidden past after being targeted with a mysterious video. The threat is clear, his public image and career could collapse if it becomes public. What follows is a spiralling attempt to uncover the source of the extortion before it destroys everything he has built.

Reef is not alone in the fallout. He is supported by his lifelong friends Kyle, played by Diaz, and Xander, played by Bomer, alongside crisis lawyer Ira, played by Hill. Together they push him into a search for answers that takes him back through old relationships and unresolved conflicts, with Reef attempting to repair damage in the hope of identifying who is behind the threat.

The trailer suggests a mix of uneasy humour and emotional reckoning, with Reef's journey framed as both chaotic and oddly reflective. The tone leans into a version of Hollywood self examination, where fame, reputation and personal history collide under pressure.

Outcome is directed by Jonah Hill and written by Hill and Ezra Woods. It is produced by Matt Dines, Alison Goodwin and Hill under the Strong Baby banner, with Adam Merims serving as executive producer.


PREVIEW: Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (2026 Film)

Image: Sky Press

Preview by Jon Donnis

Shaun and the flock are heading back to cinemas this autumn as Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom arrives as a Sky Original on 18 September. The first look trailer points to a lively and chaotic new outing, filled with the playful energy that has defined the series.

The preview shows a mysterious creature causing trouble across Mossy Bottom, with the farm thrown into confusion. Hens panic, Bitzer dives for cover, and the flock prepares for what looks like an unusual showdown. Shaun is seen stepping into a mad scientist role as events begin to spiral, while traps are set and the chaos builds around them.

The film is the third stop motion feature from Aardman's Shaun the Sheep brand, with Sky partnering as the exclusive UK distributor for a full theatrical release. Dani Dyer joins the cast in her first animation voice role, adding to a production that continues to expand the series.

This year also marks 30 years since Shaun first appeared in Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave. Since then, the series has reached audiences in 170 territories worldwide, with a seventh series due to air later this year. The previous feature films both received BAFTA and Academy Award nominations, while the 2021 special Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas won an International Emmy.

The story centres on the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm preparing for Halloween, until the Farmer accidentally destroys the flock's pumpkin patch. Shaun attempts to fix the problem, but things quickly get out of control. With the Farmer missing and a wild beast roaming the woods of Mossingham, the film brings together the ingredients for a family adventure built around humour, confusion and a seasonal twist.


Wednesday, 18 March 2026

REVIEW: Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead (2026 Film) - Starring Marco Ilsø, James Cosmo, Caroline Goodall, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina and Billy Barratt

Review by Jon Donnis

Zoran Lisinac and Domagoj Mazuran's Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead arrives with a clear sense of ambition. Set in a distant future shaped by catastrophe, it drops us into a fragmented world where civilisation clings to scattered islands and survival hinges on obedience to unseen powers. It is the kind of premise that immediately invites comparison to other dystopian science fiction, yet the film still manages to carve out its own identity through atmosphere and visual confidence.

The setting does much of the heavy lifting. Three centuries after the so called Great Flood, the Earth feels both alien and eerily familiar. The ever present electrical storm that splits the ocean is not just a backdrop but a constant threat, looming over every decision the characters make. Argos, the fortified sanctuary ruled by the Founders, has a cold, almost mythic quality to it. There is a sense of history here, even if not all of it is fully explored, and that gives the film a strong foundation.


Visually, the film is striking. Shot in Croatia, the landscapes are used to impressive effect, giving the world a raw and windswept beauty that suits the tone perfectly. The cinematography often lingers just long enough to let the scale of the setting sink in. The storm itself is particularly well realised. The CGI never tips into distraction, instead blending naturally with the practical elements to create something that feels genuinely threatening rather than artificial.

Marco Ilsø leads the film as Neb, a rebellious figure driven by both defiance and curiosity. He carries the central thread well enough, especially in the quieter moments where the character's internal conflict begins to surface. Ivana Dudić's Ana complements him, bringing a grounded presence to what could easily have become a purely plot driven partnership. Around them, there is a solid supporting cast, with James Cosmo lending gravitas as Neb's grandfather and Caroline Goodall adding a sharp edge to the authority of Argos.


Where the film falters slightly is in its balance. For all the effort poured into building this world, the characters themselves do not always receive the same depth of attention. There are glimpses of richer backstories and emotional stakes, but they are often brushed aside in favour of pushing the narrative forward. As a result, some of the more dramatic moments lack the full weight they could have carried.

The pacing also reflects this imbalance. At around 100 minutes, the film moves quickly, sometimes too quickly. There is a lot happening, from world building to action sequences to revelations about the storm and the Founders. It creates an engaging ride, but it also leaves the impression that the story might have benefited from more breathing room. A longer runtime, or even a split into multiple parts, could have allowed the ideas to develop more naturally.


In terms of originality, the film sits in an interesting position. It borrows familiar elements from the dystopian genre, from authoritarian elites to a chosen figure challenging the system. None of these ideas are new on their own, and the film does not always disguise its influences. However, the way these pieces are assembled, combined with the distinct visual style, keeps it from feeling overly derivative.

The ending stands out as one of the film's stronger elements. It closes the immediate story while clearly pointing towards a larger narrative still to come. There is a sense that this is only the beginning, and that the world has far more to reveal. It leaves the audience with enough curiosity to want to follow wherever the story goes next.


Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead is not without its flaws, but it remains an enjoyable and often impressive piece of science fiction. It succeeds in drawing viewers into its world, even if it does not fully explore every corner of it. With stronger character development and a little more space to breathe, it could have reached a higher level. As it stands, it is a solid and engaging film that hints at even greater potential.

I score Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead a 7.5 out of 10.

Out In Cinemas Now

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

PREVIEW: Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War (2026 Film) - Starring John Krasinski

Image Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

By Jon Donnis

After four successful seasons on Prime, Jack Ryan steps into a new phase with Ghost War, a feature-length story that pulls the character back into the world of espionage for what is described as his most personal and dangerous mission yet. The shift to film brings a broader, global scope, while keeping the intelligent, grounded tone that defined the series.

The story follows Jack as he is reluctantly drawn into an international covert operation that quickly begins to fall apart. What starts as a mission soon exposes a deadly conspiracy, forcing him to confront a rogue black ops unit as the situation escalates. With events unfolding in real time and lives on the line, the pressure builds with every moment, leaving little room for error.

John Krasinski returns in the lead role, alongside Wendell Pierce and Michael Kelly, whose characters have been central to the series and its appeal. Their shared experience becomes a vital asset as they face an enemy who appears to anticipate their every move, creating a constant sense of tension and uncertainty.

Sienna Miller joins the cast as MI6 officer Emma Marlowe, a sharp and capable addition who quickly proves herself to be as effective as Jack. Together, they form a strong partnership as they navigate a dangerous web of betrayal, with the past resurfacing in ways that make this mission feel closer and more personal than ever before.

Directed by Andrew Bernstein, Ghost War blends sharp storytelling with high stakes action, placing its characters under intense pressure as they face a threat unlike any they have encountered before.

Premiering Globally on Prime Video 20 May 2026


Monday, 16 March 2026

NEWS: Redbreast and Andrew Scott Return to SXSW to Celebrate Emerging Filmmakers

By Jon Donnis

Redbreast Irish whiskey is back at the SXSW Film & TV Festival for the second year with its 'Redbreast Unhidden' programme, a global initiative dedicated to uncovering and supporting new filmmaking talent. This year, the project deepens its commitment to emerging voices with BAFTA-winning Irish actor Andrew Scott taking on the role of Executive Producer for the 2026 Redbreast Unhidden Award winner's project.

The award highlights a single exceptional filmmaker from a curated shortlist of short film finalists, chosen for their creativity, authenticity, and craftsmanship, qualities shared with the celebrated Redbreast single pot still whiskey. Andrew Scott, who has previously served as Brand Ambassador, brings his industry experience and insight to elevate the winning filmmaker's work and help it reach audiences worldwide.

This year's shortlist includes Can I Put You On Hold (James Cutler), Imago (Ariel Zengotita), Visitors (Minnie Schedeen), We Were Here (Pranav Bhasin) and Winter Ceremony (Sidi Wang). These films range from intimate family stories to dark comedies and genre-bending narratives, exploring themes of identity, belonging, migration and generational tension, offering a fresh wave of filmmaking unafraid to challenge convention.

"Short films are where many bold, original ideas take root, and where emerging filmmakers often find their voice," said Andrew Scott. "It's a privilege to help discover these stories and support this year's winner as their work reaches the world."

The 2026 Redbreast Unhidden Award winner will receive a project grant and the opportunity to have their film executive-produced by Scott, building on the success of last year's winner, Andy Reid's Brief Somebodies

The announcement will be made at the SXSW 2026 Film & TV Awards on March 18th.


Francis Román of SXSW , "With Redbreast Unhidden returning and Andrew Scott stepping into an Executive Producer role, we are proud to continue championing bold new voices in filmmaking and giving emerging storytellers a global platform at a crucial point in their careers."

Festival-goers can experience Scott's selection of short films at the Unhidden Showcase, while the Unhidden Speakeasy offers a space to enjoy Redbreast-inspired cocktails.

Francis Román "SXSW has always been about discovery and championing new voices that push the art of filmmaking forward. With the return of Redbreast Unhidden, we're proud to continue spotlighting exceptional short filmmakers whose work reflects bold storytelling. Seeing this initiative grow in its second year, and with Andrew Scott stepping into an Executive Producer role, reinforces our shared commitment to giving emerging storytellers meaningful support and a global platform at a pivotal moment in their careers."

For SXSW 2026, Redbreast is expanding its presence with experiences designed to bring the joy of discovery to festival goers. At the Unhidden Showcase, attendees can explore Scott's selection of cinematic hidden gems, while the Unhidden Speakeasy offers a tucked-away space to enjoy Redbreast cocktails, inspired by the art of storytelling. To learn more and register to attend, visit Redbreast's SXSW page.

Aurelie Torre, VP Marketing for Redbreast Irish Whiskey: "'Redbreast Unhidden' is rooted in the brand's global 'Quite the Find' campaign, which celebrates the thrill of discovering hidden gems - from a remarkable short film to the first sip of Redbreast Irish Whiskey. Building on the success of last year, we are proud to evolve the Redbreast Unhidden platform with Andrew Scott's continued partnership and our shared commitment to creative exploration. We look forward to shining a light on the next generation of creative talent and the cinematic gems waiting to be discovered."

To learn more and register to attend, visit Redbreast's SXSW page - https://www.redbreastwhiskey.com/en-us/redbreast-unhidden-bar-2026


Thanks to Redbreast for an excellent whiskey.