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“Informant,” starring “Squid Game” breakout Heo Sung-tae, will open the 24th New York Asian Film Festival with its world premiere on July 11, with both the actor and director Kim Seok attending the opening night screening.

The festival, running July 11-27 across four Manhattan venues, has unveiled its second wave of programming, revealing a lineup of 50+ additional films under the theme “Cinema as Disruption.”

The Korean action-comedy sets the tone for what organizers call “a radically inclusive lineup” featuring more than 50 filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals attending from across Asia and the global diaspora.

The festival’s star-studded guest list also includes Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”) attending the screening of “Ravens,” Taiwanese star Vivian Sung (“Our Times”) for Korean-Taiwanese co-production “The Secret House,” and Filipino sensation Sue Ramirez (“The Kingdom”) for closing night film “Flower Girl.”

Eight films have been nominated for the festival’s signature Uncaged Award for best feature film...

International drama “Chrysalis” has wrapped principal photography in Vietnam and released first-look images from the production.

The film, produced by Sir Daniel K. Winn’s and Randall J. Slavin’s Ws Productions in collaboration with Vietnamese producer Trương Ngọc Ánh, recently completed its extensive shoot across multiple locations in Vietnam, including the construction of a large-scale village set built specifically to authentically recreate the story’s 1970s setting.

Set against the backdrop of war-torn Vietnam in the 1970s, “Chrysalis” follows a resourceful young boy navigating his place in a chaotic world, guided by his grandmother’s wisdom while haunted by memories of his fractured family. The story draws from Winn’s own childhood experiences between ages six and nine, adapted from his forthcoming memoir.

Award-winning actor Kieu Chinh, 88, returned to Vietnam after more than a decade to star in the project alongside Nguyen Vu Uy Nhan and Winn himself. Chinh,...

Created by Peter Craig, the crime-drama mini-series Dope Thief’s first season concluded on April 25, 2025, and has received a positive response from critics as well as the audience. Ridley Scott directed the first episode of the show, where two friends face the consequences of their actions after they realize that they had stolen from an organized narcotics operation under the actual DEA.

The show features Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura, Martin Ireland, and others. With appreciation for its storyline, direction, and performances, fans were curious about the future of the show, and now we have an update.

Dope Thief star Kieu Chinh teases about Season 2

Apple TV+’s Dope Thief concluded its eight-episode run recently, and fans are already talking about the potential second season for the show. There hasn’t been any buzz about season two for Dope Thief, given the success and popularity of the show, Kieu Chinh,...

If Dope Thief Season 1 left you also stunned, you’re not alone. This thrilling crime drama series with razor-sharp twists and turns kept us all on the edge of our seats in season 1. The finale episode, while giving some resolution, left several avenues open-ended and the fans hungry for more.

The show follows the story of two friends in Philadelphia, who fake being DEA agents in their attempt to rob drug dealers, and in turn, get themselves stuck in an even larger narcotics operation. Rumor has it that the upcoming season will dive deeper into the organized crime world with the stakes running even higher.

What do we know so far about Dope Thief season 2? Wagner Moura and Brian Tyree Henry in Dope Thief (Credit: Apple TV+)

Wagner Moura of Narcos fame and Brian Tyree Henry have done a phenomenal job in the series. Just two days after the finale,...

Ridley Scott’s new crime series wrapped up with its final episode today, and one of the show’s brightest stars is already sharing an optimistic outlook on a potential second season. Scott serves as one of the directors on Dope Thief, the drama starring Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura that follows two long-time friends who pose as DEA Agents to rob a house, only to end up unraveling a major narcotics conspiracy. The series debuted with an 87% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and it held firm by concluding the season with an 86% rating, as well as earning an 82% score from critics. Dope Thief’s Kieu Chinh, who portrays Xuan ‘Grandma’ Phan in the Apple TV+ series, recently sat down for an interview with Express UK, where she shared a hopeful update on Season 2:

“I would love to see a second season of Dope Thief! As you can see,...

Series star Jason Sudeikis is among the cast returning for the much-requested new season.

Believe it or not, “Ted Lasso” is coming back! The hit comedy series has officially been renewed for a fourth season after many months of rumors. Find out everything we know about the new season, including who will be returning, plot changes, and when it will begin filming.

Plus, two Philadelphia-based crime dramas premiered this week and are perfect for your weekend binge list— get our watch recommendations below!

This week’s biggest streaming news:

This week’s biggest streaming news:

Stream this weekend: Apple TV+’s ‘Dope Thief’

Stream this weekend: Apple TV+’s ‘Long Bright River’

Richmond ‘til we die: ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4 confirmed

Well, Greyhounds, do you believe now?

After what many considered a lackluster final season and following many months of rumors, “Ted Lasso” is back for a second shot on goal.

A new horror film from A24 is now playing in theaters, the latest Samara Weaving genre movie is available for you at home, and Terrifier 3 now has its own official streaming documentary.

Here’s all the new horror that released March 10 – March 14, 2025!

For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.

Now streaming on Screambox is the horror-thriller Uncontained, in which a mysterious drifter struggles to protect an abandoned boy and his little sister from an infection that turns people into a feral-like state and a ruthless militia leader searching for his missing daughter.

Subscribe to the Bloody Disgusting-powered Screambox by the end of the day today, March 14, 2025, with the code SB3 to get your first three months for just $2.99/month!

Uncontained marks the feature debut of police officer-turned-video game writer and technical director Morley Nelson (The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, Mib: Alien Crisis).

Morley Nelson...

“Control Freak” is a fascinating story arriving on hulu today, following a woman who gradually loses her sanity and takes us along on her worst nightmares. This foray into psychological horror and delirium, with its good pacing and some impactful scenes, offers truly striking moments.

Plot

The story follows Valerie, a charismatic motivational speaker played by Kelly Marie Tran, whose life takes a sinister turn when she’s plagued by an uncontrollable itch on her head. This seemingly innocuous symptom triggers a series of disturbing events as Valerie becomes infected with a parasitic demon from her homeland.

The Cast

Kelly Marie Tran, known for her role in the Star Wars saga and for voicing Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess in “Raya,” delivers a powerful and nuanced performance. The cast is rounded out by Miles Robbins as Robbie, Valerie’s husband, Toan Le as Sang, Valerie’s father, and Kieu Chinh as Aunt Thuy.

The body horror film, a Hulu Original, stars Kelly Marie Tran, Miles Robbins, and more.

Despite her success as a motivational speaker, there is still an itch Valerie cannot scratch. The Hulu Original “Control Freak” stars Kelly Marie Tran as a woman on a terrifying journey as she battles an unrelenting parasitic demon on the back of her head. The body horror film debuts this Thursday, March 13— watch exclusively on Hulu with a free trial or subscription!

How to watch ‘Control Freak’ When: Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 3 a.m. Et TV: Hulu Stream: Watch with a 30-day free trial to Hulu From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a Vpn. Everything you need to know to stream ‘Control Freak’

How to watch ‘Control Freak’

What time will ‘Control Freak’ be available?

Can you watch ‘Control Freak’ for free?

Watch the trailer for ‘Control Freak’

What is ‘Control Freak’ about?

What other...

An ambitious motivational speaker is tormented by an unrelenting itch in the back of her head in Hulu’s new horror film, Control Freak, but that itch seems destined to never be satisfied. And it’s a 50/50 split whether horror fans will be, either, in this Kelly Marie Tran-led outing written and directed by Shal Ngo (based on his Hulu short film Control). Tran, known for her work in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Raya and the Last Dragon, is perfectly cast, however. Tran creates a believable protagonist as a fast-rising motivational speaker named Valerie, who spirals down a psychological rabbit hole that leads to bloody terror.

The film is part of a collaboration between Hulu and WorthenBrooks, which has doled out a slew of successful horror movies, including The Mill,Appendage, and Carved. Here, Val battles a mysterious parasitic demon from her homeland — which she believes is inside her,...

“That voice was a parasite inside my mind – and I was way too generous a host.”

This line sets the tone for Control Freak,Hulu's latest bone-chilling psychological horror. Written and directed by Shal Ngo and starring Kelly Marie Tran (of Star Wars and Raya And the Last Dragon fame), Miles Robbins, Kieu Chinh, Callie Johnson and Toan Le, Control Freak is an intensely heady, emotionally charged and unnervingly relevant meditation on the destructive trail of mental illness. Based on Ngo's 2021 short film of the same name, featured in Hulu's Bite Size Halloween, the full-length feature goes all-in on its literal depiction of mental illness, inherited trauma and Buddhist folklore, but its longer length and unsteady pacing works against it.

Valerie Nguyen (Kelly Marie Tran) is a successful motivational speaker. In public, she is capable, confident, and, above all, in control. Behind the scenes, Val's desperate need for control isn't so well-received.

Control Freak: A Hulu Horror That Will Make You Fear the Itch

Hulu’s newest psychological horror film, Control Freak, offers a chilling yet darkly comedic dive into perfectionism, control, and the horrifying consequences of losing both. Starring Kelly Marie Tran in a captivating lead role, this movie transforms a simple nuisance—an itchy scalp—into an unsettling body horror experience that will make you hyper-aware of every little tingle on your skin.

Kelly Marie Tran takes on the role of Val, a motivational speaker known for her Ted Talks, where she inspires thousands to take charge of their lives. On stage, she exudes confidence, but behind the scenes, Val struggles with internal battles she cannot seem to win. Beneath her poised exterior lies a woman plagued by compulsions and anxieties that refuse to be tamed.

When an unexplained itch starts tormenting her scalp, Val initially chalks it up to stress.

"There's something wrong with her..." "I can't stop!" Hulu has unveiled an official trailer for another new super creepy streaming horror film titled Control Freak, directed by filmmaker Shal Ngo. Even though it's not part of their usual Huluween offerings, this feels like it belongs in that category. In Control Freak, the very talented actress Kelly Marie Tran stars as Valerie, a woman whose life spirals into chaos due to an inexplicable & powerful affliction on her. Val is a motivational speaker who is tormented by an unrelenting itch on the back of her head, which turns out to be some gross parasitic demon.

Having burst onto the scene as resistance fighter Rose Tico in Star Wars sequels The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, and then followed that straight up with a starring role in 2021's Raya And The Last Dragon, Kelly Marie Tran has been scratching her acting itch in a variety of indie and lower key projects over the last few years. In her next movie, Shai Ngo's Hulu bound horror joint Control Freak, Tran will be scratching a far more literal itch — or at least trying to — as Val, a motivational speaker who finds her bonce being plagued by a demonic parasite. Sound crazy? Well, just check out the trailer below — it looks crazy, too:

She may have played rebels, warriors, Croods, and villains, but suffice it to say that Control Freak is shaping up to be a whole different kettle of effed-up fish for Kelly Marie Tran. In this attention grabbing,...

Star Wars: The Last Jedi star Kelly Marie Tran has an unrelenting itch in the first official trailer for Control Freak, a new Hulu original horror film.

Control Freak follows Valerie (Tran), a motivational speaker who "is tormented by an unrelenting itch on the back of her head", per the official synopsis. This sends Valerie on a journey to battle a parasitic demon from her homeland, bringing a fresh and thrilling perspective to the horror genre. Starring alongside Tran is Miles Robbins, who portrays Valerie's husband, Robbie, in the film. Control Freak also stars Callie Johnson, Kieu Chinh, and Zack Gold. Check out the first official trailer for Control Freak below.

RelatedKathleen Kennedy's Future With Star Wars Reportedly Revealed, Major Shakeup Expected This Year

The major company is experiencing some changes.

Control Freak was written and directed by Shal Ngo, best known for his work on The Park, The Box,...

If you were itching to see Kelly Marie Tran in a horror film, you're in luck, but its premise — on the surface — may confuse you. You see, the Star Wars star is slated to go head-to-head with... an itch. On the back of her head. Only it's not just a pesky patch of dry skin, it's a full-on parasitic demon that has made its way into her body, and it's causing her to do a whole host of uncharacteristic things. Did we mention she is also a motivational speaker? Yeah, Control Freaksounds like it's going to be very stressful. And possibly gory. But also maybe funny?

Given that the film is coming to Hulu, we're inclined to follow our hopes on that. But you can also make your own assessment by watching the extremely anxiety-inducing new trailer for the film, released to entice you to tune in when it hits...

The latest Hulu Original horror flick, Control Freak, has gotten a poster or trailer, but be forewarned – if you suffer from arachnophobia you might not want to look at the poster I’ve included below. It’s a little gross! Control Freak, comes from director Shal Ngo, who expands his own horror short, Control, to feature length with this. The short was originally featured on Hulu’s Bite Sized Halloween. Ngo also recently directed The Park, which was like Lord of the Flies set in an amusement park, but this seems to be his biggest movie to date.

It stars Kelly Marie Tran (of Star Wars: The Last Jedi) as “a motivational speaker is tormented by an unrelenting itch on the back of her head.” The trailer actually reminds me a bit of a fun old schlocky horror movie from the seventies called The Manitou, where a woman was similarly infected by a parasite,...

Kelly Marie Tran will always be known for her role as Rose in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, particularly in The Last Jedi, but she’s found success beyond a Galaxy Far, Far Away in other projects after last appearing in a Star Wars project in The Rise of Skywalker. Hulu has debuted the official trailer for Control Freak, a provocative new horror film that also stars Miles Robbins, Toan Le, and Kieu Chinh. The project follows a motivational speaker tormented by an unrelenting itch on the back of her head. This leads her down a path that pits her against a parasitic demon from her homeland. Control Freak promises to bring a fresh and thrilling perspective to the horror genre and it will begin streaming exclusively on Hulu on March 13.

Hulu has unveiled the official new trailer for Control Freak, an original horror movie starring Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi actor Kelly Marie Tran as a woman afflicted with a demonic parasite.

Control Freak debuts exclusively on Hulu on March 13.

The logline for this psychological thriller is straightforward, simple, and effective: “A motivational speaker is tormented by an unrelenting itch on the back of her head.”

Watch the new trailer below, which introduces the start of the parasitic affliction. Intriguingly, the trailer withholds any full glimpse of the entity, though the creepy, crawly new poster below might give us a better look.

In Control Freak, Tran plays “Valerie, a woman whose life spirals into chaos due to this inexplicable and relentless affliction.” Opposite Tran, Miles Robbins plays “her on-screen husband Robbie.” Toan Le rounds out the cast as Valerie’s father, Sang, with Kieu Chinh as Aunt Thuy.

March is already looking to be a good month, with a slew of horror content making its way to Hulu, including chilling new releases, classic scares, and must-watch thrillers. Among the new arrivals is the horror thriller Control Freak, starring Kelly Marie Tran. It's a Hulu original movie that should definitely be added to everyone's watchlist.

We first learned about this film back in April 2024 when it was announced that Sweet Tooth actress Kelly Marie Tran and Halloween's Miles Robbins had signed on to star. While an official release date wasn’t provided at the time, it was confirmed that the movie would debut in early 2025. Now, we finally have the release date. Control Freak is slated to be released on Hulu on Thursday, March 13, 2025. With March right around the corner, you want to make sure not to forget the date. Better yet, it's probably best that you mark it down in your calendar.

Kelly Marie Tran in ‘Control Freak’ (Photo Credit: WorthenBrooks/Hulu)

Hulu’s released the first few photos from Control Freak, the body horror film starring Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi). The photos arrived along with the confirmation of a March 13, 2025 premiere date on the streaming service.

In addition to Tran, the cast includes Miles Robbins (Blockers) and Toan Le and Kieu Chinh from The Sympathizer.

“Control Freak introduces a chilling narrative: ‘A motivational speaker is tormented by an unrelenting itch on the back of her head.’ This intriguing premise leads into a terrifying journey as she battles a parasitic demon from her homeland, bringing a fresh and thrilling perspective to the horror genre,” reads Hulu and WorthenBrooks’ synopsis. Kelly Marie Tran stars as Valerie, “a woman whose life spirals into chaos due to this inexplicable and relentless affliction.” Miles Robbins plays her husband, Robbie,...

Hulu’s upcoming psychological thriller from Shal Ngo will arrive sooner than fans expect as the streamer has finally set a release date, nearly a year after unveiling part of the film's cast list. Starring Kelly Marie Tran, Miles Robbins, Toan Le, and Kieu Chinh, Control Freak will premiere exclusively on Hulu on Thursday, March 13, only a few weeks away, and will be available on Disney+ internationally at a later date. In addition to the release date, Hulu has dropped first-look images featuring the main cast, which you can check out below.

Hulu has revealed first look photos of Control Freak, a new horror movie featuring Star Wars franchise star Kelly Marie Tran. A release date for the film has also been announced.

Per Hulu,Control Freak will start streaming exclusively on Hulu on March 13, 2025. From WorthenBrooks and Hulu Originals, the movie will be made available on Disney+ internationally on a later date yet to be determined. The feature film was spawned from the short film Control featured in the second season of Hulu's Bite Size Halloween event in 2021. Shal Ngo, the writer and director of the original short, returned to write and direct Control Freak as well. The filmmaker's previous work includes The Park, The Box, and The Last Fisherman.

RelatedHulu Pulls the Plug on Series Adaptation of Popular Fantasy Novel After 4 Years Spent in Development Hell

The series was to have been produced by Battlestar Galactica showrunner Ronald D. Moore...

Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi star Kelly Marie Tran will find herself dealing with a mysterious parasitic affliction in WorthenBrooks and Hulu Original’s Control Freak, and our exclusive first look images indicate a psychologically disturbing, bloody time ahead.

Control Freak debuts exclusively on Hulu on March 13 before heading to Disney+ internationally at a later date.

The logline for this psychological thriller is straightforward, simple, and effective: “A motivational speaker is tormented by an unrelenting itch on the back of her head.” That strange itch gives way to an intense journey as the woman finds herself battling a parasitic demon from her homeland.

Tran plays “Valerie, a woman whose life spirals into chaos due to this inexplicable and relentless affliction.” Opposite Tran, Miles Robbins plays “her on-screen husband Robbie.” Toan Le rounds out the cast as Valerie’s father, Sang, with Kieu Chinh as Aunt Thuy.

The...

The box office record-breaking success of "Wicked" is once again proving the crowd-pleasing chops of Jon M. Chu, who had previously demonstrated them via the massive success of a certain swanky romantic comedy to which he was connected long before becoming its director. Based on the eponymous novel by Kevin Kwan, 2018's "Crazy Rich Asians" topped the box office in its release week and went on to gross over $239 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. It's safe to say that it's a movie with a lot of fans.

Thankfully, there are several other films you can queue up if you count yourself as one of those fans. Whether you're drawn to the perfectly executed rom-com plotting, to the Asian American representation, to the themes of familial displacement and culture clash between North America and Asia, to the snarky sense of humor, or to the ritz and sumptuousness of the wedding...

The Asian World Film Festival announced its winners Nov. 21 at an awards ceremony at the Culver Theater hosted by Kyrgyz director and actress Elnura Osmanalieva and TV host, filmmaker and actor Mico Saad.

Crime drama “Abang Adik” (Malaysia), directed by Jin Ong, took home the Snow Leopard Award for best film, while the film’s star Wu Kang-ren won the Snow Leopard best actor trophy. Best actress went to Diamond Bou Abboud for the social dramedy “Arze” (Lebanon), directed by Mira Shaib.

The Special Jury Prize went to family drama “In the Arms of the Tree” (Iran) directed by Babak Khajeh Pasha. The Snow Leopard Panavision Award for cinematography was awarded to cinematographer Zhanrbek Yeleubek for Kazakhstan coming-of-age drama “Bauryna Salu.” The award comes with a $45,000 Panavision Camera Package Grant. “The Glassworker,” Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film and directed by Usman Riaz, won the Audience Award.

Writer, director and...

“The Sympathizer” is an epic about Vietnamese histories — plural.

The HBO series takes its title from the experience of a North Vietnamese spy known as the Captain (Hoa Xuande), who embeds in a South Vietnamese community in 1970s Los Angeles after the war. By the end, he has nearly lost his sense of himself after struggling to make sense of the infinite political ideologies held by his country’s people and the fact that none had put an end to human suffering.

That’s a lot to hold — too much, in fact, for one person. So casting director Jennifer Venditti, known best for crafting the ensembles of “Euphoria,” “Uncut Gems” and more, went on an eight-month worldwide journey to find actors whose overlapping performances, and personal histories, would add layers to the Captain’s journey.

Traditional auditions aren’t Venditti’s style. “Part of my process is I do interviews with people as well,...

Amanda Burrell and Susan Downey hint at a rich future for The Sympathizer, with focus on character depth and narrative possibilities. Robert Downey Jr. emphasizes the need to perfect season 1 before exploring sequels, drawing on past experiences for caution. The potential for The Sympathizer to continue past season 1 is fueled by critical acclaim and audience response.

Amanda Burrell and Susan Downey, the producers of HBOs adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyens Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Sympathizer, recently shared updates on the potential for a second season. The series, a collaborative effort between HBO and A24, has garnered attention for its nuanced storytelling and star-studded cast, including Hoa Xuande and Robert Downey Jr., under the directorial guidance of Park Chan-wook.

During their interview with TheWrap, Burrell and Downey's excitement were evident. Burrell expressed a profound connection to the series characters and the narrative possibilities that lie ahead. She highlighted the ongoing passion of Nguyen for his characters,...

Co-producers are eager for The Sympathizer season 2 with more character exploration. They were focused on season 1 before planning sequels. Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar-created series features a talented and starry cast.

The Sympathizer season 2 gets a candid update from the producers of the HBO drama, which recently concluded its run. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer was created by showrunners Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, with the acclaimed filmmaker Park directing the first three episodes. The cast includes Hoa Xuande, Robert Downey Jr., Toan Le, Fred Nguyen Khan, Duy Nguyn, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Phanxin, Kieu Chinh, Alan Trong, and Sandra Oh.

In an interview with TheWrap, co-producers Amanda Burrell and Susan Downey gave an update on the chances of The Sympathizer season 2:

Burrell: Were so in love with these characters and I think with Hoa as our are Captain it would be amazing.

The Sympathizer is a period spy thriller and dark comedy series created by Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar. Based on a 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Vietnamese author Viet Thanh Nguyen, the HBO series follows the story of the Captain, a North Vietnam spy planted in the army of South Vietnam but when he is forced to flee to the United States, he keeps gathering information on his community to send it back to the Viet Cong. The Sympathizer stars Hoa Xuande in the lead role with Robert Downey Jr., Toan Le, Fred Nguyen Khan, Duy Nguyễn, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Alan Trong, and Sandra Oh starring in supporting roles. If you loved the spy thriller and dark comedy aspects of The Sympathizer here are some similar shows you could watch next.

The Americans (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – FX

The Americans is a...

Note: This story contains spoilers from “The Sympathizer” Episode 6.

In Sunday’s episode of “The Sympathizer,” the Captain (Hoa Xuande) murders his nemesis Sonny (Alan Trong) in his apartment, following the General’s (Toan Le) orders after concerns surfaced about his reporting on their covert mission.

But the decision is fueled by more than just the directive, after The Captain learned that his girlfriend Sofia Mori (Sandra Oh) had been having an affair with Sonny while he was away, working as a Vietnamese interpreter on Nikos’ (Robert Downey Jr.) movie.

“We have a rivalry that’s obviously spanned through our childhood because we have very similar backstories. The Captain and Sonny had American education before they split ways, so they see their causes for the Vietnamese people very similarly, but they obviously act upon it in very different ways,” Xuande told TheWrap. “I can only speak on behalf of the...

In the upcoming episode of “The Sympathizer” titled “Endings Are Hard, Aren’t They?” viewers are in for a gripping ride as the story delves deeper into the life of the spy embedded in the South Vietnam army. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War’s final days, tensions run high as the spy navigates his double life in the United States, torn between loyalty and survival.

As the episode unfolds at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, 26 May 2024, on HBO, audiences can expect to witness the intricate web of espionage and betrayal unravel in unexpected ways. The spy’s struggles intensify as he grapples with the moral complexities of his actions, blurring the lines between right and wrong in a world fraught with uncertainty.

With stellar performances and a riveting storyline, “The Sympathizer” continues to captivate viewers with its raw portrayal of war, identity, and the human experience. As the series reaches its seventh episode,...

Quick Links What Major Aspects of The Sympathizer Remained the Same? What Are the Differences Between The Sympathizer Show and the Novel? What Difference Benefits The Sympathizer TV Series? The Sympathizer is a faithful adaptation, balancing realism and humor for an engaging historical fiction experience. The series follows Hoa Xuande's dual identity as a Communist spy in the South Vietnamese police force. Non-linear storytelling adds depth to characters like the General and re-education sequences, enhancing thematic impact.

As a whole, HBO's The Sympathizer is a faithful adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize for Fiction-winning novel. A complex tale of deception, hollow allegiances, and political intrigue, it's one of the better historical fiction novels of the 2010s. It also excels in being as realistic as it is humorous, allowing for a balance that makes the 400+ page novel a breeze to read through.

Park Chan-wook's limited series isn't much different,...

Get ready for an intense and gripping episode of “The Sympathizer” as Season 1 Episode 6, titled “The Oriental Mode of Destruction,” airs at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024, on HBO. In this thrilling installment, viewers will be drawn deeper into the world of espionage and intrigue as the story nears its climax.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War’s final days, “The Sympathizer” follows a spy embedded within the South Vietnamese army as he flees to the United States and takes up residence in a refugee community. Despite his new surroundings, the spy continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong, navigating a dangerous world of double-crosses and betrayal.

As tensions rise and the stakes escalate, viewers can expect plenty of twists and turns as the spy’s loyalties are put to the test. With its complex characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, “The Sympathizer” offers...

The Sympathizer, starring Robert Downey Jr., deals with the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The series is a semi-fictional story based on a book by Viet Thanh Nguyen. The fall of Saigon was the catalyst for the HBO miniseries and is crucial to the story.

HBO's latest miniseries deals with the aftermath of the Vietnam War in the mid-'70s, both with the Vietnamese and Americans who were involved in the war. The drama is an adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen's 2015 novel of the same name and is written and executive produced by legendary South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. The miniseries has also been made in collaboration with A24, and Robert Downey Jr. serves as an executive producer and stars in the show. The Sympathizer is a semi-fictional story based on the real-life events of the Vietnam War and primarily takes place after the Fall of Saigon in 1975.

While the main characters are entirely fictional,...

HBO's miniseries The Sympathizer is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel and focuses on a North Vietnamese spy continuing his mission as a South Vietnam plant after the end of the Vietnam War. The show features a diverse ensemble cast and crew, showcasing Vietnamese representation and collaboration among Asian cultures. Phanxin and Kieu Chinh open up about their character arcs in the show, how their real-life experiences informed their performances, and the importance of the show's Vietnamese representation.

Get a new perspective on the Vietnam War and its fallout with The Sympathizer. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the HBO miniseries centers on the Captain, a North Vietnamese spy working as a Communist plant in the South Vietnamese army in the '70s. When the war comes to an end, and he's forced to escape his home to head to America, the...

Projects about the Vietnam War and its aftermath are so plentiful as to be practically their own genre, and they’ve starred a who’s who of Hollywood icons, including John Wayne, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson and Christian Bale.

Notably missing from the casts — at least among the substantive speaking parts — have been performers of actual Vietnamese descent. That’s finally changed with The Sympathizer, HBO and A24’s limited series adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer-winning novel. Robert Downey Jr. (who also executive produces) and Sandra Oh are the big names involved, but they are led by relative newcomer Hoa Xuande and joined by Vietnamese costars to tell a story about spycraft and personal and collective identity immediately following the conflict, centering the people whose lives and country were torn apart as a result.

The Hollywood Reporter spoke with eight of...

The Captain has a big morale dilemma in the first season of The Sympathizer TV show on HBO. As we all know, Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like The Sympathizer is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the first season episodes of The Sympathizer here.

An HBO historical dark comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese...

This Sunday on HBO, viewers are in for a gripping and thought-provoking episode of “The Sympathizer” with Season 1 Episode 4 titled “Give Us Some Good Lines.” Set near the end of the Vietnam War, the series follows the journey of a spy embedded in the South Vietnamese army who flees to the United States and settles in a refugee community. Despite his new surroundings, he continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong.

In this installment, tensions rise as the spy navigates the complexities of his double life while grappling with the moral dilemmas that come with espionage. As the stakes escalate, viewers will be drawn deeper into the web of intrigue and deception that surrounds the protagonist.

Tune in at 9:00 Pm this Sunday, May 5th, 2024, on HBO, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of “The Sympathizer.” It’s a riveting portrayal of loyalty, betrayal, and...

South Korea's Park Chan-wook is widely considered to be one of the finest filmmakers working today. Throughout his career, Park has constantly proven himself and has continued to push boundaries while never compromising the message of each story he creates. Since getting his start in the 1990s, Park has gone on to direct, produce, and/or write 20 feature films and has been involved in three TV shows.

As a director, Park Chan-wook is known for his work in the thriller and mystery genres. He is often uncompromisingly brutal in his depiction of humanity's darker side. His work is also characterized by a strong technical understanding of framing, movement, and editing, which, in his more recent years, he's felt free to push and expand on.

The Sympathizer Employs Park's Black Comedy

The Sympathizer DramaHistoryThriller 9/10

Based on the novel by Viet Thanh Nuyen, The Sympathizer explores the last days of the Vietnam...

We don't have to wonder if The Sympathizer will be cancelled or renewed for a second season since it's been promoted as a limited series. Still, HBO sometimes likes to change course and find a way to keep shows going. Big Little Lies and The White Lotus are good examples. Could The Sympathizer continue beyond these seven episodes? Stay tuned.

A historical dark comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. He flees to America with his general (Le) and begins a new life in Los Angeles within a...

Vulture Watch

The Captain has serious choices to make. Has The Sympathizer TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on HBO? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of The Sympathizer, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  

What's This TV Show About?

A historical dark comedy-drama series airing on the HBO cable channel, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. He flees...

Get ready for an intense episode of “The Sympathizer” titled “Love It or Leave It,” airing on HBO at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024. In this gripping installment, tensions rise as the Captain grapples with the General’s orders to eliminate the spy among them.

Feeling the weight of this task, the Captain turns to Bon for assistance in crafting and executing a plan, timed perfectly for Independence Day. As they strategize, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the pressure mounts as they race against time to uncover the traitor in their midst.

Meanwhile, amidst the turmoil, Claude introduces the Captain to the enigmatic figure known as the Auteur during an upscale lunch. With alliances shifting and secrets lurking, the Captain finds himself navigating treacherous waters where loyalty and betrayal blur the lines.

Don’t miss out on the suspenseful twists and turns of “Love It or Leave It...

Exclusive: Kelly Marie Tran and Miles Robbins will star in Shal Ngo’s Control Freak, a psychological thriller from WorthenBrooks for Hulu Originals. The feature film has wrapped production and will premiere in early 2025.

Control Freak follows a motivational speaker plagued by an uncontrollable itch on her head, who becomes infected with a parasitic demon from her homeland. Tran stars as “Valerie,” alongside Robbins who plays her husband, “Robbie.”

Additional cast includes Toan Le (The Sympathizer) as Valerie’s father, “Sang” and Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club) as her “Aunt Thuy.”

Toan Le and Kieu Chinh

Ngo was tapped to direct Control Freak based on the short film Control. He also wrote and directed for Season 2 of Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween. WorthenBrooks developed Control Freak for Hulu Originals with David Brooks,...

The Sympathizer is a historical black comedy series with elements of war, spy, politics, and mystery. Based on a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winning 2015 best-selling novel of the same name by Vietnamese-American professor Viet Thanh Nguyen, the HBO series is co-written and directed by Park Chan-wook.

The HBO series is set near the end of the Vietnam war and it follows the story of a spy embedded in the South Vietnam army as he flees to the United States to gather intelligence for the Viet Cong. The Sympathizer is simply a thrilling experience with some great comedy and layered characters that will have you glued to your screen.

The Sympathizer – Episode Guide (When Will the New Episodes Arrive?) Credit – HBO

The Sympathizer consists of seven episodes in total. The historical dark comedy series premiered on HBO with its first episode on April 14, with the rest of the episodes coming out weekly every Sunday.

Team Downey reunites with HBO for The Sympathizer, featuring Robert Downey Jr. in four unique roles. The captivating Vietnam War-era thriller is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel exploring espionage and immigrant struggles. Executive Producers Susan Downey and Niv Fichman prioritized authenticity by involving Vietnamese voices in all aspects of production.

Team Downey keeps their success streak with HBO going with The Sympathizer. The production banner headed by Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. first teamed up with the premium network for the Perry Mason revival/reboot, in which the Oscar winner was set to star before reverting to just an executive producer due to scheduling issues. In addition to HBO, Team Downey is also working with the network's sister streaming platform, Max, for two Sherlock Holmes spin-off shows.

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel of the same name, the HBO thriller centers on a North Vietnamese spy known...

Don McKellar tackles a new project with The Sympathizer, bringing his creative talents to the TV sphere with renowned director Park Chan-wook. The Sympathizer delves deep into a complex narrative, capturing the essence of the source material's Hollywood satire and war drama. McKellar navigates challenges in adapting the novel, particularly in capturing the voice of the Captain through a unique narrative device.

Multihyphenate Don McKellar is tackling his biggest project to date with The Sympathizer. The Canadian creative first found success as an actor in everything from the David Cronenberg-helmed eXistenZ to the Samuel L. Jackson-starring The Red Violin, which he also penned. McKellar went on to find further acclaim behind the camera with the 1998 apocalyptic black dramedy Last Night, which he wrote and directed and won him the Cannes "Award of the Youth" trophy.

With The Sympathizer, McKellar makes his return as a creator/showrunner in the TV sphere,...

Vietnamese actors in HBO's The Sympathizer present a truthful depiction of their culture on screen through natural dialogue delivery. The show's non-linear production allowed stars Vy Le, Ky Duyen, and Toan Le to grow with their characters, exploring inner power in different ways. Director Park Chan-wook's precision and vision made him the perfect choice to helm the HBO thriller to his stars, guiding them with exact direction.

Some wars continue long after they end, as seen in The Sympathizer. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the HBO miniseries revolves around a North Vietnamese spy simply known as the Captain, who has been working undercover in the South Vietnamese army in the hopes of undermining their war efforts in the '70s. As the Vietnam War comes to an end, the Captain and some of his South Vietnam cohorts escape to America to start new lives,...

Director Park Chan-wook brings his genre-bending expertise to TV with The Sympathizer miniseries on HBO, exploring the complexities of espionage and immigrant experiences. Director Park, alongside his team, made a conscious effort to stay true to the Vietnamese representation in the show by hiring dependable consultants for authenticity and guidance. With Robert Downey Jr. taking on four different roles, filming for The Sympathizer was a unique and challenging process that Director Park found both delightful and exciting.

Park Chan-wook makes his triumphant return to TV with The Sympathizer. The South Korean filmmaker became a worldwide phenomenon with the release of 2003's Oldboy adaptation, the second installment in his unofficial The Vengeance Trilogy that began with Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and concluded with 2005's Lady Vengeance. He's since gone on to find acclaim with the 2009 horror movie Thirst, producing Bong Joon-ho's breakout hit Snowpiercer, the psychological thrillers The Handmaiden and Stoker,...

The Sympathizer presents Vietnamese culture with a primarily Vietnamese cast speaking their native tongue. Stars Fred Nguyen Khan and Duy Nguyn researched extensively to time-travel into the late 1970s setting, finding inspiration in music. Interestingly, the two actors were already friends well before being cast in the show, which further helped them capture the close bond between their characters.

The Vietnam War is being told through a unique new lens with The Sympathizer. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the HBO thriller is set near the end of the Vietnam War, following a group of refugees as they escape from the country and head to America to build new lives. Amid the refugees is the Captain, a spy for North Vietnam who had been working undercover in the South Vietnam army and continues his mission while on the other side of the world.