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“The Contestant” Trailer: A Glimpse into the Unsettling World of Reality TV

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The Contestant

In an eye-opening new Hulu documentary, “The Contestant,” viewers are invited into the bizarre and unsettling reality of Tomoaki Hamatsu, famously known as Nasubi, a Japanese comedian whose life became an extreme spectacle of reality television before the concept took the Western world by storm. Directed by Clair Titley and produced by Megumi Inman, the documentary delves into the harrowing experience of Nasubi, who, in 1998, found himself unwittingly participating in a reality show that pushed the boundaries of privacy, endurance, and human resilience.

The Contestant – Official Trailer

Nasubi, aiming for a break in the entertainment industry, thought he was merely auditioning for a role. Instead, he was thrust into an extraordinary challenge by Toshio Tsuchiya, a renowned Japanese TV producer. Stripped of his clothing and provided only with stacks of magazines, Nasubi was tasked with a nearly Sisyphean task: to win his basic necessities through magazine sweepstakes, aiming for a prize goal of one million yen. Unbeknownst to him, his every move was broadcast to an audience of over 15 million people, making him Japan’s most unwittingly famous television personality.

“The Contestant” explores the depths of Nasubi’s psychological and emotional journey during and after the show, featuring interviews with Nasubi himself, Toshio Tsuchiya, and others closely involved. The documentary aims to shed light on the consequences of our culture’s obsession with oversharing and the voyeuristic nature of reality television.

Tomoaki Hamatsu, nicknamed Nasubi

By recounting Nasubi’s ordeal, which he endured with an almost unfathomable determination, the film raises profound questions about the ethical boundaries of entertainment and the voyeuristic tendencies it fosters among audiences. Despite being able to leave at any time, Nasubi’s commitment to completing his mission kept him isolated, stripped of his dignity, and oblivious to his growing fame.

This documentary not only recounts one of the most “WTF” stories of the year but also challenges us to reflect on the cultural phenomena that made it possible.

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New Body Horror Film ‘The Substance’ Releases Teaser

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We haven’t seen Demi Moore in a movie since The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent back in 2022. She has been busy though, she had a part in Ryan Murphy’s latest Feud chapter and now she is contemplating altering her body to make it more youthful in the body horror film The Substance.

Apparently, according to the official synopsis, there is a newly developed beauty regimen that “generates another you. A new, younger, more beautiful, more perfect you. And there’s only one rule: You share time. One week for you. One week for the new you. Seven days each. A perfect balance. Easy. Right? If you respect the balance… what could possibly go wrong?”

A still from the film (used in out header) suggests that this new technology requires a lot more than dabbing it under your eyes or administering a sticky mask. The film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and was bought by Mubi. No US release date has been announced.

The Substance

The Substance reminds us of another FDA nightmare, The Stuff (1985) in which a commercially marketed whipped treat turns people into zombies. That film is a dark comedy about consumerism and gluttony. While Deadline reports that The Substance is humourous as well as gory, they don’t say how rooted it is in satire.

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Alexandre Aja’s Latest ‘Never Let Go’ Drops Official Trailer

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Director Alexandre Aja (Crawl, High Tension) is sticking to form in his latest survival horror movie Never Let Go. The official trailer for it dropped this morning. Perhaps best known for his films Crawl and The Hills Have Eyes (2206), Aja has a penchant for using nature against people in his films.

This theme is further explored in Never Let Go a psychological thriller in which stars Halle Berry. “In this new psychological thriller/horror, as an evil takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection for a mother, played by Academy Award® winner Halle Berry (Actress in a Leading Role, 2001 –Monster’s Ball), and her twin sons is their house and their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.”

Never Let Go will be released only in theaters on September 27.

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Full Theatrical Trailer for ‘Longlegs’ Has Been Released 

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Longlegs

A new full-length theatrical trailer for the horror film “Longlegs,” directed by Osgood Perkins, has been released, offering a disturbing glimpse into the movie’s chilling narrative. Starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe, the film is scheduled for release on July 12, 2024. Monroe plays FBI Agent Lee Harker, who is investigating an occult-linked serial killer, portrayed by Cage.

The trailer is filled with unsettling imagery and cryptic scenes, suggesting a complex and dark storyline. “Longlegs” follows Agent Harker, a new recruit assigned to an unsolved case involving a mysterious serial killer. As the investigation unfolds, Harker discovers a personal connection to the killer, heightening the stakes as she races against time to prevent more murders. Watch the trailer below:

This film continues Osgood Perkins’s exploration of the horror genre, following his previous works such as “The Blackcoat’s Daughter,” “I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House,” and “Gretel & Hansel”. Produced by Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Films, “Longlegs” is rated R for its graphic violence and disturbing images.

The first reactions to the film have been positive, with some early viewers calling it a “masterpiece” and praising its blend of mystery and horror. The film’s unique style and intense narrative have already generated significant buzz among horror fans.

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