A Second Look: The Squared Circle

 

Welcome back for another edition of A Second Look with Jeff Stockton! In this segment I will take a "second look" at a past LRF release with a fresh set of eyes. 

When Season 7 GRA Best Picture winner The Squred Circle first debuted, I remember being blown away by how seriously it treated the world of professional wrestling—not as spectacle, but as generational burden. The film follows aging legend Wallace Dunbar (Mel Gibson), a hard-living icon clinging to one final match at WrestleFest, while his estranged son Ray (Tom Hardy), a former prodigy who fled the business, tries to maintain a quiet, sober life—until his own daughter Hannah (Anya Taylor-Joy) becomes drawn into wrestling herself. What unfolds is a multi-generational story about legacy, addiction, and identity, weaving together Wallace’s physical decline, Ray’s emotional scars, and Hannah’s curiosity about the family name. At the time, I compared it favorably to The Wrestler—not as bleak, but just as insightful in its own way. Gibson was electric, fully embracing Wallace’s volatility and regret, and the film felt like a definitive look at the cost of life inside the squared circle.

Taking A Second Look now, I still admire what the film is aiming for, but I’ve cooled on it slightly. Gibson remains the clear standout—a force of nature who gives the film its emotional backbone and volatility—but the rest of the cast doesn’t quite rise to meet him. Surprisingly, even Tom Hardy feels a bit muted here, and Kate Winslet still comes across as oddly misaligned with the tone of the story. The film is at its strongest when it’s examining the psychological and physical toll of wrestling—the generational damage, the addiction, the identity crisis—and those moments still hit hard. But once the story shifts into the in-ring spectacle, it loses some of that grounded weight, feeling more conventional and less distinct. In hindsight, The Squared Circle is an important early entry in what has become a strong run of wrestling films in LRF, but not quite the all-timer I once thought it was.

Original Grade: A-

New Grade: B+

Link: https://lrfdatabase.weebly.com/the-squared-circle.html

Now Showing: New Christianity

 

New Christianity

Genre: Horror/Drama

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Writer: Alex Conn

Cast: Noah Jupe, Finn Wolfhard, Olivia Rodrigo, Brooklynn Prince, Madison Hu, David Cross, Cheryl Hines, JB Smoove, Jason Alexander

Plot: Caleb (Noah Jupe) first notices James (Finn Wolfhard) during a quiet lunch period in the cafeteria. James is tall, gaunt, and pale, with piercing blue eyes that seem to see into people’s souls. He sits alone, scribbling in a leather-bound notebook. When a teacher (Jason Alexander)asks James to introduce himself in history class, he speaks with unsettling conviction: “God has spoken to me. He has sent me to lead you to the truth.”

At first, Caleb and his best friend, Mia (Olivia Rodrigo) dismiss James’s claims as a ploy for attention. But within days, students begin to gravitate toward him. James performs what some believe are small miracles: he seems to predict pop quizzes, a fire alarm goes off moments after he warns of “impending danger,” and a classmate claims James cured her chronic migraines by placing a hand on her forehead. Whispers about James being a prophet spread through the school.

James begins hosting gatherings in the school auditorium after hours, calling them “sermons.” His message is radical: the current interpretation of Christianity, he says, has been corrupted. He introduces New Christianity, a “pure and modernized faith.” His teachings emphasize personal sacrifice, unquestioning loyalty, and the idea that he is God’s chosen messenger. Students who attend his sermons become zealously devoted, adopting James’s strict guidelines for behavior, dress, and speech. They cut ties with those who refuse to join, referring to outsiders as “Unclean.”

Caleb reluctantly attends one of James’s sermons at Mia’s insistence. The gathering is dimly lit, with James standing under a single spotlight. His voice is hypnotic as he speaks of divine visions, the sins of modern society, and a coming reckoning. Caleb notices how the audience seems entranced, nodding along and even weeping. A girl named Hannah (Madison Hu) steps forward, offering her smartphone as a “sacrifice” to prove her devotion. James accepts it, smashing the device with a hammer and declaring her “purified.”

Afterward, Caleb tells Mia he finds James’s teachings unsettling, but Mia brushes him off, claiming James gives people hope. Over the next few weeks, more students join New Christianity. The group’s presence becomes visible: members wear wooden necklaces carved into a symbol James created, stop participating in extracurricular activities, and spend their free time with James, reciting prayers or chanting verses he’s written.

Caleb grows increasingly alienated as even Mia starts pulling away. She encourages him to “open his heart” to James’s teachings. Meanwhile, parents and teachers express concern, but James deflects criticism with charm and biblical references. The principal (JB Smoove), fearing backlash, refuses to intervene, saying James has the right to practice his beliefs.

Caleb begins noticing disturbing changes in the New Christianity members. They become secretive and aggressive, speaking in cryptic phrases about “purification” and “ascending to the Kingdom.” James starts targeting vulnerable students, those struggling with grief, loneliness, or identity crises, drawing them deeper into his fold.

One night, Caleb overhears his younger sister, Emma (Brooklynn Prince), talking on the phone about joining the group. Panicked, Caleb tries to dissuade her, but she accuses him of being “blinded by sin.” Desperate to understand, Caleb sneaks into another sermon, hiding in the shadows. He witnesses James performing a chilling ritual: a student is made to confess their “sins” before the group. James places his hands on the student’s head, and they collapse, writhing on the floor. The audience cheers, calling it a “rebirth.”

Disturbed, Caleb confronts Mia, but she accuses him of being judgmental. Their argument escalates when Caleb calls James a fraud. Mia slaps him and storms off, leaving Caleb alone and more isolated than ever.

James’s sermons grow darker. He speaks of an impending apocalypse and claims that only his followers will be saved. He begins encouraging extreme acts of devotion, including self-harm and estrangement from non-believing family members. Caleb notices that several students have disappeared from school, their absences dismissed by vague explanations about illness or family emergencies.

Meanwhile, Caleb’s parents (David Cross & Cheryl Hines), like many in town, are skeptical but dismiss the group as a harmless phase. One night, Caleb discovers Emma sneaking out to meet James. He follows her to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town, where he finds dozens of students gathered around a bonfire. James stands at the center, wearing a white robe smeared with ash. The group chants in unison, their voices low and haunting.

Caleb’s worst fears are confirmed when James orders a “purging” ritual. A student, trembling with fear, is dragged forward. James accuses them of doubting his teachings and commands the group to “cleanse the impurity.” The scene devolves into chaos as the crowd screams and lunges toward the student. Caleb intervenes, pulling the victim to safety and exposing himself in the process. James locks eyes with Caleb, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

Caleb flees with the victim, who reveals they were planning to leave the group but were caught. The two go to the police, but their story is dismissed as a teenage exaggeration. Frustrated, Caleb decides to expose James himself. He sneaks into the warehouse during the day and finds James’s notebook, filled with ramblings about power, control, and a “final sacrifice.”

That evening, Caleb gathers enough courage to confront James during a sermon. Standing before the crowd, he accuses James of manipulation and brainwashing. For a moment, the room is silent. Then, James begins laughing, a low, menacing sound that sends chills through Caleb.

“You don’t understand, Caleb,” James says, his voice calm but deadly. “This is bigger than you. Bigger than all of us. God speaks through me, and you are standing in the way of His plan.”

The followers, now fully indoctrinated, close in on Caleb. He fights his way out, narrowly escaping the mob. In the chaos, the warehouse catches fire, and James and his followers vanish into the night.

Months later, Caleb tries to return to a normal life, but the scars of what he witnessed remain. The school is quieter, many students still missing. James’s name is never spoken, and the warehouse fire is ruled accidental. Caleb finds solace in writing, documenting the events in hopes of warning others.

One day, Caleb receives a package containing a wooden necklace—the symbol of New Christianity. Attached is a note: “You cannot escape the truth. He will return.”

The camera pans out as Caleb looks over his shoulder, the shadows in his room growing darker.

Fade to black.

In Development

 

New Christianity: Cheryl Hines (Dean, "Curb Your Enthusiasm"), JB Smoove (The Actors, Unreasonable Doubt), and Jason Alexander (The Untitled Paul Nichols Project, The Electric State) are set to round out the eclectic supporting cast of the horror/drama New Christianity. They'll play some of the few adult figures in the high school-set cult horror. Francis Ford Coppola directs the film from a script by Alex Conn.

The Woman Who Walked on Red Snow: Also rounding out its cast is Meirad Tako's post-Russian Revolution drama, The Woman Who Walked on Red Snow, with the additions of Irina Starshenbaum (Shoshana, Fisher) and Mikhail Gorevoy (The Hitman's Bodyguard, Hunter Killer) to its final cast. Tako is writing and directing, while acclaimed Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev is serving as producer.

Batman: Duality: So far the casting news for the latest Batman entry from director Joseph Kosinski and writer APJ has consisted of returning faces, but now we know some fresh faces set to join the franchise. Jessica Alba (Skin Tight, Trigger Warning) has signed on to play Gotham police detective Renee Montoya, Lili Simmons (Gears of War 2, The Crow: Wings of Isaiah) has been cast as Kathy Kane aka Batwoman, and has joined as rising Gotham politician Lincoln March. Melissa Leo (Batman: Knightfall, Spark of Madness) is also set to return as Gotham Mayor Grange.  

Unkempt Garden: Hiroyuki Sanada (Gamera, Police Story: Retribution) and Rinko Kikuchi (Still Lives, Believe It or Not!) are set to headline the drama Unkempt Garden. Sanada will play a former samurai hired to protect a widow living on a decaying estate. Kikuchi will play the aforementioned widow. Cary Joji Fukunaga (Metroid, Thrill of the Kill) is set as director of the project, working from a script by Dawson Edwards (Ghost Recon, Assata).

The Dam: Jonathan Bailey (The Letter Never Sent, The Thin Man) and Lexi Lancaster (The Dancing Queen, Wicked) are set to star in an adaptation of the children's book The Dam by David Almond, which tells the story of a father and daughter who return to their hometown one last time before it is flooded by a newly built dam. Andrew Haigh (Worried Mind, The Grenade) is directing the film from a script by Jimmy Ellis (Rubicon Lies, Coriolanus) and newcomer Georgia Watts.

Eidolon: Like clockwork, Dan Stevens (Shatterhand, Justice League Unlimited) is back for another adventure as James Bond - marking his fourth film in the role. This time around, Bond finds himself driven by grief and vengeance to uncover a conspiracy tied to a high-stakes rocket launch. Lupita Nyong'o (Kindred, Mass Effect 3 - Part 2) has been cast as Nia Dlamini, a UN operative whose own investigation crosses over with Bond's. Sharlto Copley (Girl in the Fog, Carbon) is set as the primary villain - an updated version of Hugo Drax, a tech mogul secretly working with Spectre. Meanwhile, Adele Exarchopoulos (Offside, Mr. Happy) is back as the love of Bond's life, Tessa Vignaud. Danny Boyle (Lucifer, Open Hearts) is directing this entry in the franchise based on Ian Fleming's characters, which has been once again written by John Malone (Full Custody, Lucifer).

PREMIERE MAGAZINE #348

 

The Roundup with Jeff Stockton (Season 35 Round 8)

 

 

I don't want to jinx anything, so here's The Roundup.... 

3. Wrong Turn

Better than the Paramount+ reboot, but not as good as the original (which wasn't really that great to begin with). The setting made for some easy scares, and the young cast was game - especially rising Scream Queen Sophie Thatcher.

2. The Case of Molander

I was not familiar with the background of this story very much, and based on the brief logline was expecting yet another film in the longline of mediocre WWII films. Instead, I found myself quite engrossed by the story. 

1. The House of Black

While I did find the film a bit slow at times - and a clueless Muggle like myself could have used a bit more context/explanation of the world of the film - overall The House of Black was a decent start to what is hopefully a fruitful new franchise for the studio.

3. The House of Black

I liked the film, but I have to give it mention down here in the bottom 3 at least briefly. Like I said before, I'm not very familiar with the Harry Potter mythos, so I found myself wondering why certain characters/moments/plot points were important at times.

2. Wrong Turn

Like I said before, this one did not reach the heights of even the first Wrong Turn film. I didn't find this one particularly clever with its kills and felt it didn't utilize the unique element of the Wrong Turn franchise nearly enough (that being (inbred, mutant cannibals in the woods).

1. Box Office

The House of Black did pretty well at the box office, but I can't help but think the studio was hoping for more (I agree that having the Drama genre probably killed a chunk of potential box office). 

On Location (Season 35 Round 8)

 

The Molander Case

- Munich, Germany

The House of Black

- Oxfordshire, England, UK

Wrong Turn

- Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Box Office Breakdown (Season 35 Round 8)

 

The Molander Case

Budget: $28,000,000

Total Box Office: $40,645,353

Total Profit: -$11,003,130

Wrong Turn

Budget: $20,000,000

Total Box Office: $54,581,190

Total Profit: $20,998,900

The House of Black

Budget: $100,000,000

Total Box Office: $341,463,995

Total Profit: $101,904,777

Box Office Facts

The Molander Case

Heading into the release of The Molander Case, writer Wyatt Allen was 50/50 at the box office. That is no longer the case as Allen now has released 15 films, with seven of them managing to earn profits.

Wrong Turn

Wrong Turn is a welcome return to the Horror genre for writer Ben Collins, becoming his 17th film in the genre. Collins has always had a pretty good track record in the genre, with Wrong Turn becoming his 14th profitable horror entry.

The House of Black

Through 11 films, writer Sammy-Jo Ellis now has the highest grossing and most profitable film in her filmography with the first film in a proposed cinematic universe set in JK Rowling's Wizarding World - The House of Black.

Genre Rankings

The Molander Case

Drama: #268

War: #26

Wrong Turn

Horror: #100

The House of Black

Fantasy: #43

Action: #145

Drama: #6

Season 35 Round 8

Total Box Office: $436,690,538

Total Profit: $111,900,547

Season 35 Totals

Total Box Office: $3,141,183,960

Total Profit: $229,132,425

Season 35 Summary

1. ThunderCats : $372,054,861

2. The House of Black : $341,463,995

3. Rubicon Lies : $260,355,992

4. Man-Thing : $233,236,537

5. The Punisher: Purgatory : $231,004,586

6. Ghost Recon : $218,792,715

7. Zorro : $215,997,717

8. Blood and Glory : $196,666,547

9. Discovery : $167,267,665

10. The Tick : $166,896,092

11. Spelljammer : $158,394,702

12. The Friend Zone : $94,345,981

13. Unreasonable Doubt : $73,817,196

14. Tara's Wrath : $73,090,751

15. Man of God : $63,494,668

16. Wrong Turn : $54,581,190

17. The Molander Case : $40,645,353

18. The Writer and the Film Star : $39,529,721

19. Thus Dreamed Zarathustra : $34,589,058

20. Vultures : $29,509,391

21. The Letter Never Sent : $29,417,143

22. Dust Saint : $26,796,972

23. Behind Closed Doors : $11,549,978

24. Running from the Spotlight : $7,685,149