Only Murders in the Building is a hilarious and sharp Murder mystery that will have you on the edges of your seats laughing and shocked with plenty of reveals and surprises. It embarks on exactly what viewers are looking for in a suspenseful, comical mystery, which makes it more compelling to watch, especially with It’s star studded cast of characters.
Neighbours Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) live at the Arconia, an Upper West Side apartment building. However after being evacuated from their apartments they bond over dinner and discover each have a shared love of true crime, especially the podcast “All Is Not Ok In Oklahoma”. So when a fellow resident named Tim Kono (Julian Cihi) dies in their building a seismic shift occurs and the trio are determined to solve the mystery whilst recording an accompanying podcast (also named Only Murders In The Building).
still courtesy of Hulu
This Podcast is truly an integral part of the overall storyline as it seems to shape directions of their investigation in unexpected ways. This Murder mystery feels like a vehicle which is moving more towards a character-driven story, especially when there’s plenty of residents keeping secrets. Though deep down the first two episodes that are available on Disney Plus Star in the UK show that Charles, Oliver and especially Mabel are hiding secrets themselves.
The show reunites beloved iconic comedians Steve Martin, Martin Short, who team up with Selena Gomez as the three neighbours brought together by the murder of their fellow tenant. Each brought different skillsets to the case and the series gives a good look into their backstories.
still courtesy of Hulu
I especially loved that each characters apartment reflected their personalities, the interior of the Arconia building is absolutely gorgeous. Steve Martin’s character Charles is a former television star, so his apartment seems to be stuck in the past. He made lots of money and has consistently updated his apartment with modern art pieces. Oliver’s (Martin short) apartment truly displays a career of glory but also failure as a theatre director. His apartment is a little overdone and lavishly luxurious. The apartment even included a grand dining room.
still courtesy of Hulu
There is a real sweetness to these character interactions, especially with Charles and Mabel. Who is a twenty something with plenty of dry wit and a home renovation on her hands. Martin and Short are absolutely fantastic and it was great to see Selena’s return to tv in a great way. Her opening scene definitely foreshadows the unexpected but thrilling direction the series is taking as we get to know Mabel a bit more including her close circle of friends.
Especially in episode two when these three neighbours begin to research more about the victim, especially when Mabel’s secret past starts to unravel.
still courtesy of Hulu
In the End, ‘Only Murders In The Building’ episodes one and two take the idea of a whodunnit? and reinvent the mystery in a thrilling, suspenseful comical way. All these aspects add to the appeal of the show and will certainly make you get your detective cap on and join in this Manhattan Murder Mystery. I can’t wait to see where Episode three takes us next week.
Dream Scenario | Official Trailer — A24 Starring Nicolas Cage
A hapless family man finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. When his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom.
A hapless family man finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. When his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom.
The following piece was written during the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie material being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Genre: Comedy Horror
Release Date: 6 October 2023
Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Writers: David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver & Jen D’Angelo
Distributed by: Amazon Prime Video
Production Companies: Blumhouse Television & Divide/Conquer
Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Charlie Gillespie, Lochlyn Munro, Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson, Liana Liberato, Kelcey Mawema, Stephi Chin-Salvo, Anna Diaz, Ella Choi, Jeremy Monn-Djasgnar, Nathaniel Appiah, Jonathan Potts, Randall Park & Julie Bowen
Plot Summary
Thirty-five years after the shocking murders of three teens, an infamous killer returns on Halloween night to claim a fourth victim. When 17-year-old Jamie comes face-to-face with the masked maniac, she accidentally time-travels back to 1987. Forced to navigate the unfamiliar culture, Jamie teams up with her teenage mother to take down the psycho once and for all.
Streaming October 6, 2023, exclusively on Prime Video. Watch the official trailer now!
Heartstopper was one of those shows that comes out of nowhere and instantly becomes a sensation. Last summer we were introduced to this heartwarming and sweet show from Netflix, and now we finally have its second season. The wait was only a little over a year since its freshman season, but the wait still felt like an age. But the teen drama is back, this time with a more mature and settled storyline.
Corrina Brown and Kizzy Edgell
The show created by Alice Oseman and also based on her graphic novel, follows Nick and Charlie on a journey of self-discovery and romance at an all-boys school. Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, and Tobie Donovan all return this season. Season 2 picks up right where season 1 left off with Nick and Charlie finally getting together. Season 1 was quite simply a delight, and going into season 2 many were concerned that season 2 will not be able to reach the standards set by the first one, but season 2 will prove the doubters wrong.
Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring were finally together after so many ups and downs, but there were still a lot of problems left to deal with. Charlie has problems at home while Nick is still figuring out who he is and figuring out how and when he wants to come out to other people, as their relationship is still a secret apart from charlie’s close friend group, who have supported them all along.
Fisayo Akinade as Mr Ajayi, Nima Taleghani as Mr Farouk
The story tackles more mature themes this time around and dives into more serious teenage issues. The pacing is good as always and the tone stays consistent throughout. The direction is a notch above the first season with some very smart shots in key scenes. Kit Connor and Joe Locke are as amazing as always and their storyline keeps on finding interesting routes to go to and keeps the viewer rooting for them.
William Gao as Tao is a standout and steals the first half of the season. His development as a character is very clear and he grows a lot as a person this season. Tobie Donovan stays in the shadows for most of the season but packs a solid punch in the end. Olivia Colman has a small yet impactful role and it is always a delight when she’s on screen. Fisayo Akinade as Mr Ajayi also has a bigger role this time and Nima Taleghani as Mr Farouk was another standout for me.
Heartstopper Season 2 is a blissful return for the wonderfully radiant show that somehow finds a way to consistently put a smile on your face and get you invested in the enchanting storyline. It is filled with so many likable characters and adorable romances. The performances are incredibly charming and you’ll never get tired of watching them. Fans of the first season will be anything but disappointed and I personally believe that it is an improvement from its first season.
Heartstopper season 2 will stream on Netflix from August 3.