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The Enduring Appeal of BoundI'm not necessarily inclined towards what might typically be dubbed "feelgood." No, you won't find me seduced by a happy ending, nor am I partial to the oeuvre of Disney (in fact, I find all the talking animals and poreless princesses a bit grotesque). The raw edges and friction of feelbad have tended to be much better suited to my tastes: the porno chic slasher Knife+Heart, the sartorial murder of In Fabric and the snuff film-obsessed Thesis. Sex and gore, basically. For a long time, my favourite film was Crimes of the Future: a stomach-churning body horror about sexual-surgical experiments.A Queer MasterpieceHowever, there is one movie that reveals a slightly soft(er)core side to my viewing habits, which I frequently return to in order to feel the gushy feelings and butterflies of a school crush. That film is Bound. The 1996 directorial debut from the Wachowski sisters, the plot revolves around an opposites-attract scenario which is both familiar and high stakes: plumber Corky, and mafia moll Violet. When their eyes meet across an elevator, the tiny vestibule becomes thick with sexual tension: it is so on.Most of what makes this film work is the palpable chemistry between Corky, whose slick masculinity is embodied by Gina Gershon, and Violet, played with ultimate sex pot prowess by Jennifer Tilly. The whole thing is shot in the conventions of the sapphic gaze: we get plenty of closeups of Corky's hands wrestling with pipes, snaking holes and unscrewing things in languorous, laborious detail.Say what you will about how openly queer actors should play openly queer roles, but this film – starring two ostensibly cis, straight female leads – is a masterclass in lesbian eroticism. The two main actors so seamlessly embody a masc/femme dynamic, without the try-hard didacticism of many later cinematic attempts, to create a relationship that feels oddly real (except much, much hotter).Character Analysis and ChemistryHaving just starred as the vamp Cristal Connors in the trash-cult, 1995 Vegas romp Showgirls, it's uncanny to see Gershon undergo such a dramatic gender transformation to play a butch pin-up just one year later. It's not a stretch to say that Corky has the kind of sly smirk and shaggy hair that no doubt served as the blueprint to The L Word's Shane.And then, well, there's Jennifer Tilly. A porcelain doll: her sex appeal is painted on the surface of her pout and her whole-bosom sighs but, underneath, she has a strong and stony demeanour. A complex female protagonist who smolders and manipulates to get what she wants from men, and a femme imprisoned by her own beauty, Tilly delivers probably the most astute performance exploring the double life of a straight-passing lesbian which I have ever seen.The Plot and Its ThemesAnyway, back to the plot. What comes after our protagonists' initial meeting is oh-so relatable: Corky, having just got out of prison, is particularly vulnerable to Violet's high-femme charms. In a turn that can only be explained by unbridled lust, Corky agrees to help her in a mad caper to steal $2m from the mob and pin it on her boyfriend. I, too, fear that I would do whatever Violet asked me to.But, to be honest, the crime plot is pretty inconsequential to me. What do I care if they pull it off or not? If you're interested, however, there are some tired – almost femmephobic – overnotes, where Corky begins to doubt if Violet is really the lesbian she says she is, or if she will ditch her for a man the first chance she gets. But despite it all, they get their own happy ending.Interestingly, the plot draws an equivalence between the prison time served by Corky and Violet's very own sentence: the years she spends as a clandestine lesbian in straight relationships with men, for her own financial survival. At the end of the film, evading prison and with a stack of cash, they are both free: Corky of the criminal justice system, and Violet from the confines of cis-heterosexual society.Legacy and Cultural ImpactWhile this film came out about 30 years ago – in my birth year – it remains the most convincing depiction of dyke sexual dynamics I have ever seen on screen. While they weren't out at the time, the Wachowski sisters (both trans lesbians) were cinematically brave: depicting the cheek, mischief and pleasure of sapphic relationships with Bound. I'm of a different generation to the directors, and I supposedly have access to a whole plethora of queer representation, but if it wasn't for this film made by two trans women in the 90s, I wouldn't have cinematic proof of my own sexuality.Bound is available on Kanopy or to rent digitally in the US and to rent digitally in the UK and Australia

Messi’s Unexpected Exit Raises World Cup DoubtsLionel Messi asked to be substituted in the 72nd minute of Inter Miami’s MLS match against Philadelphia Union, prompting immediate speculation about his fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.72nd‑Minute Substitution in Inter Miami’s 6‑4 Victory Over PhiladelphiaMatch date: May 24, 2026Final score: Inter Miami 6 – 4 Philadelphia UnionMessi’s contribution: two assists before leavingReplacement: Mateo Silvetti entered at minute 73Messi gestured to the bench, felt the back of his left leg, and walked off without medical staff visibly assisting.Season Appearance Record and Match StatisticsMessi has missed only one MLS game this season prior to this incident.He has played the full 90 minutes in each of his last ten league matches.Potential Ripple Effects on Argentina’s World Cup CampaignIf the injury proves serious, Argentina could lose a key playmaker just weeks before opening their group match against Algeria on June 16, 2026. The eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner has hinted he will only play if fully fit, and any setback would force coach Lionel Scaloni to adjust tactics.Outlook for Messi’s Participation and Argentina’s Title DefenceInter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos described the substitution as precautionary, citing fatigue and pitch conditions. With the MLS break beginning and the national team’s pre‑World Cup friendlies scheduled for June 6 and June 9, medical assessments will be critical. Analysts expect a cautious approach, but the prevailing sentiment is optimism that Messi will recover in time for the tournament.

The Lead: A Season of DisappointmentThe 2025-26 Premier League season will be remembered for its high-profile flops and underperforming teams. While some clubs exceeded expectations, others with significant investment and talent fell dramatically short, creating a season of disappointment for fans and stakeholders alike.Newcastle's Costly Summer SigningsNewcastle's year-long chase to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford culminated in a £55m deal in September. The Democratic Republic of the Congo forward arrived after scoring 19 goals for Brentford the previous season and was expected to lead the charge for Eddie Howe. However, it has been a disappointing experience. Wissa scored just once in 13 league appearances, starting only four times, as he failed to fit into the system and build rapport with teammates. His struggles mirrored those of other Newcastle attacking recruits, with £65m Nick Woltemade and £55m Anthony Elanga also underperforming. The team as a whole struggled, finishing 12th—a seven-place drop from the previous season—and missing out on European competition.Tottenham's Chaotic SeasonTottenham's season descended into chaos after an initial promising start. Thomas Frank was brought in to bring stability but was sacked in February after the team managed only two victories between November and mid-April. His replacement, Igor Tudor, lasted just 44 days before being dismissed following a Champions League humiliation at Atlético Madrid. Roberto De Zerbi became the third person to take charge as the club battled to avoid relegation, ultimately finishing 17th—the same position as the previous season. The club's instability was evident when captain Cristian Romero made public criticisms of the hierarchy, indicating deep issues within the dressing room.The Declining Quality of FootballThe standard of entertainment in the Premier League has come under scrutiny, with many matches described as aesthetically unpleasing. The modern game appears increasingly focused on physicality rather than technical skill, with teams prioritizing corner wins and aerial dominance over attractive play. While occasional thrilling matches emerged, the overall quality has suffered as the league continues to prioritize financial gain over sporting excellence. The demanding schedule, particularly for elite players, has contributed to fatigue and inconsistent performances across the season.Short-Lived Tenures: Postecoglou and AmorimAnge Postecoglou's tenure at Nottingham Forest was one of the shortest in Premier League history, lasting just 40 days. The Australian, who had recently won the Europa League with Tottenham, failed to adapt his style to a squad not built for his philosophy, resulting in poor performances and a relegation battle. Similarly, Ruben Amorim faced challenges at Manchester United, taking over from Erik ten Hag to find a disjointed squad low on morale. While the full extent of his struggles is not detailed in the provided text, his arrival at Old Trafford represented another high-profile appointment facing significant obstacles in the 2025-26 season.Future Implications for Underperforming ClubsThe disappointments of the 2025-26 season raise questions about recruitment strategies, managerial appointments, and the direction of several Premier League clubs. Newcastle's failure to capitalize on significant investment may lead to further squad restructuring, with Anthony Gordon potentially departing. Tottenham's instability suggests a need for a long-term vision rather than short-term fixes. As clubs reflect on their performances, the 2025-26 season serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of maintaining success in an increasingly competitive and financially driven league.

The Welfare Bill Conundrum Tackling the root causes of joblessness, instead of cutting benefits, is the best way to get the welfare bill down, and polling shows voters support that approach, according to research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The Economic Impact of Joblessness In a forthcoming report, JRF economists show that hitting the government’s target of getting 80% of the working age population into jobs would cut the cost of universal credit by £10bn – an eighth of the current bill. The Data Analysis The research points out that official projections show spending on non-pensioner benefits “will remain flat, at around 5% of GDP for the remainder of the parliament”. A survey of more than 4,000 voters showed that 59% supported the idea of reducing the welfare bill in the longer term by tackling the underlying causes. The Impact Analysis The research seeks to push back against the “dominant political narrative” that spending on social security is “spiralling”. Instead, it points out that claims for health-related universal credit have risen more since the Covid pandemic in places where there are fewer jobs available locally, many of them former industrial or coastal areas. The Prediction The report contains calls for the government to prioritise measures such as increasing support for public health, building more social housing, and regenerating struggling regional economies. The research comes ahead of this week’s publication of the interim report from an inquiry into tackling young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) by Alan Milburn, the former cabinet minister who went on to chair the Social Mobility Commission.

Whistler Serves Up Comfort‑Food Narrative of Reunited LoversWhistler is Ann Patchett’s latest novel, a gentle, nostalgia‑laden story that reunites a high‑school teacher with her former stepfather after four decades. Set against the backdrop of Westchester suburbs and the Metropolitan Museum, the book trades the farm‑yard intimacy of Tom Lake for a polished, almost curated, domestic world.Story Mechanics and Thematic ThreadsProtagonist Daphne Fuller, a high‑school English teacher, is drawn back into childhood memories when Eddie Triplett, a Manhattan literary editor, reappears.The narrative pivots on a past car accident that split their lives, using flashbacks to explore grief, missed time, and the “sharp kernel” of Daphne’s happiness.Supporting characters—steady husband Jonathan and daring sister Leda—populate a world of brunches, art‑gallery meet‑cutes, and “pricey ice‑cream” comfort.Publication Facts and PricingPublisher: BloomsburyRelease price: £20Available through the Guardian Bookshop and major retailers.Critical Reception and Cultural ResonanceThe Guardian’s review frames the novel as “top‑shelf comfort food,” noting its polished prose and lack of the “Anthropocene terrors” that gave Tom Lake its edge. While the story may feel “mawkish” to some, its meticulous construction and nostalgic tone resonate with readers seeking solace in post‑pandemic fiction.Future Outlook for Patchett’s OeuvreIf the novel’s warm reception translates into strong sales, Whistler could cement Patchett’s reputation for crafting emotionally resonant, character‑driven narratives. Its modest commercial price point and broad appeal suggest it will remain a staple in book clubs and literary discussions throughout 2026‑2027.

The LeadUnited States President Donald Trump has abruptly shifted position on potential negotiations with Iran, telling his representatives not to rush into any deal as the 87-day-old war continues. This reversal comes just a day after Trump had suggested an agreement had "largely been negotiated," including the reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil supplies.The Diplomatic ShiftThe US blockade on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz would "remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed," Trump wrote on Truth Social. This statement significantly downplays the optimism that had been building after Trump's previous comments about a nearly completed deal.A senior Trump administration official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, outlined what he claimed were the latest contours of negotiations: Iran had agreed "in principle" to open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade, and to dispose of Tehran's highly enriched uranium. However, the official criticized the Iranian system for not moving fast enough.Regional ImplicationsThe ongoing conflict continues to have severe consequences across the Middle East. In Lebanon, Israeli air attacks have destroyed houses in southern Lebanon's Tyre area, while Israeli drones were reportedly hovering over the Lebanese capital for a second consecutive day. The Israeli military confirmed one soldier was killed during combat in southern Lebanon.In Iran, the domestic situation remains tense with state media reporting the execution of a man identified as Abbas Akbari over charges related to nationwide antigovernment protests. Meanwhile, some shipping activity has resumed in the Strait of Hormuz, with a liquefied natural gas tanker heading to Pakistan and a China-bound supertanker with Iraqi crude leaving the Gulf after being stranded for nearly three months.Global Economic FalloutThe conflict's impact on the global economy continues to ripple outward. State-owned fuel retailers in India have increased diesel prices by 2.71 rupees ($0.0283) per litre and petrol by 2.61 rupees, marking the fourth hike in May as authorities attempt to recoup losses driven by higher crude costs due to the war.Conversely, Japan's Nikkei Stock Average surpassed the 65,000 threshold for the first time, driven by increased appetite for risk assets amid growing optimism surrounding a potential agreement to end the war. This demonstrates how market sentiment can be highly sensitive to diplomatic developments in the conflict.Political CalculationsSecretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that "the president is not going to make a bad deal," suggesting a "pretty solid" proposal is on the table. However, Trump is facing intensifying pushback from prominent hawks within his Republican Party, including Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, who oppose a negotiated end to the US-Israel war on Iran.The Iranian government has not responded directly to Trump's latest statements, but the Tasnim news agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, claimed the US was still obstructing parts of a potential deal, including Tehran's demand for the release of frozen funds. The two sides remain at odds on several difficult issues, such as Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel's war in Lebanon, and the lifting of sanctions on Tehran.Path ForwardAs the conflict enters its third month, the prospects for a diplomatic resolution remain uncertain despite the intermittent signs of progress. The fundamental disagreements between Washington and Tehran suggest any potential deal would require significant compromises from both sides.Lebanese President Joseph Aoun observed Resistance and Liberation Day, marking the 2000 end of Israel's 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon, and reiterated that "the path to a complete Israeli withdrawal remains a steadfast national demand." This statement highlights that even if a US-Iran agreement is reached, regional conflicts may continue to complicate the situation.

The LeadThe 2025-26 Premier League season will be remembered for its unpredictability and dramatic encounters. As the season concludes, we revisit five matches that perfectly encapsulated the thrilling nature of this campaign, showcasing why the Premier League remains the most exciting football competition in the world.The Thrill of October: Crystal Palace vs BournemouthOn October 18, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth delivered a 3-3 thriller that had everything. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a hat-trick for Palace, including a penalty in stoppage time, yet still managed to miss a golden chance to win the match in the 10th minute of added time. The rollercoaster encounter saw Palace fall 2-0 behind before fighting back, only for Ryan Christie to seemingly snatch victory for Bournemouth in the 89th minute before Mateta completed his hat-trick. This match set the tone for a season of high-scoring, dramatic encounters.December's Goal Fest: Fulham vs Manchester CityDecember 2 saw Fulham host Manchester City in a nine-goal thriller that resembled, as Eamon Dunphy put it, 'two drunks fighting in an alley.' Despite City's 20th consecutive victory over Fulham, the match was notable for Erling Haaland reaching 100 Premier League goals in just 13 matches—faster than Alan Shearer. Samuel Chukweze's double ensured a frantic finish, while Phil Foden provided a sensational strike and Alex Iwobi a wonderfully controlled curling finish. The match showcased the attacking prowess that defined both teams' seasons.February's Drama: Liverpool vs Manchester CityFebruary 8 witnessed a chaotic encounter at Anfield where Liverpool led 1-0 with 16 minutes remaining through Dominik Szoboszlai's viciously swerving free-kick. However, City's resilience shone through as Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva combined to turn the game around. The match reached its climax in stoppage time when Szoboszlai and Haaland engaged in a slapstick-comedy sprint while chasing a long-range effort, leading to a VAR review that saw Szoboszlai sent off and City seal a dramatic victory that reignited their title pursuit.The Pennine Thriller: Burnley vs BrentfordOn February 28, Burnley and Brentford served up a mesmerizing seven-goal encounter on the edge of the Pennines. Mikkel Damsgaard and Igor Thiago gave Brentford an early 2-0 lead before Kevin Schade made it 3-0. However, the match became a rollercoaster of emotions with Michael Kayode's own goal and Jaidon Anthony's deflected effort bringing Burnley back into contention. Zian Flemming's header and Damsgaard's late goal sealed a 4-3 victory for Brentford, though Ashley Barnes's stoppage-time strike was disallowed for handball, adding another layer of drama to this unforgettable match.The Tyne-Wear Derby: Newcastle vs SunderlandMarch 22's Tyne-Wear derby carried extra significance as Newcastle reeled from a 7-2 Champions League drubbing by Barcelona. Despite Anthony Gordon putting Newcastle ahead early, Sunderland's efficient display preyed on their rivals' frayed nerves. Chemsdine Talbi equalized on 57 minutes before Brian Brobbey, described as outstanding, scored the last-minute winner to complete a classic centre-forward's performance. This victory was particularly sweet for Sunderland, having also beaten Newcastle 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in December, further intensifying this fierce local rivalry.What Makes These Matches SpecialThese five matches exemplify what makes the Premier League unique—the unpredictability, the drama, and the sheer quality of football on display. From individual brilliance to team resilience, from last-minute winners to VAR controversies, the 2025-26 season provided everything a football fan could desire. As we look ahead, these encounters remind us why the Premier League continues to captivate audiences worldwide and why it remains the benchmark for domestic football competitions.

The Lead West Ham's journey from European glory to Championship relegation is a cautionary tale of leadership failure. Despite winning the Europa Conference League in 2023, the club now faces life in the second tier of English football, with blame squarely placed on the shoulders of chairman David Sullivan. The Strategic Failures at the Top West Ham's downfall began with a lack of vision at the highest level of the club. Despite three consecutive years of European football, there was no strategic plan for long-term success. The article highlights how David Sullivan listened to the wrong people and made critical decisions that would ultimately lead to the team's relegation. Financial Mismanagement and Recruitment Errors The club wasted the £105m received from Arsenal for Declan Rice during Tim Steidten's tenure as technical director. Poor recruitment decisions included spending £91.8m on Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Maximilian Kilman, who became some of the worst central-defensive options in the league. Other questionable signings included the £35m Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez, who spent the season on loan at Fenerbahce, and the injury-prone Germany striker Niclas Füllkrug, who scored only three goals in 26 league appearances. Managerial Instability and Its Consequences West Ham's managerial turmoil exacerbated their problems. While David Moyes initially shielded the club from dysfunction, his league form began to slide in January 2022. Julen Lopetegui joined but clashed with senior players, identified poor targets, and was fired after just six months. Graham Potter followed but struggled with a quiet dressing room and failed to address key squad needs. Nuno Espírito Santo's appointment came too late, and his tactical decisions, including "weird team selections" with inverted full-backs during dismal defeats, further damaged the team's prospects. The Impact on West Ham's Future Relegation represents a significant setback for West Ham, who were promised that leaving Upton Park for the London Stadium would take the club to the next level. The financial implications are substantial, with potential loss of television revenue and commercial opportunities. Players like Jarrod Bowen, burdened by the captaincy, and manager Nuno Espírito Santo have refused to commit their futures to the club, raising questions about the squad's stability for the upcoming Championship season. The Path to Recovery For West Ham to bounce back, fundamental changes are needed. The article suggests that David Sullivan must sell up for any meaningful change to occur. The club needs a clear footballing strategy, better recruitment decisions, and stability in the dugout. With the Championship season ahead, West Ham will need to quickly regroup and build a squad capable of mounting an immediate promotion challenge while addressing the deep-rooted issues that led to their Premier League demise.

The Lead The 2025-26 Premier League season has concluded with several players emerging as standouts who made significant impacts on their teams' success. From record-breaking performances to crucial saves, these individuals defined the season and left lasting impressions on fans and critics alike. The Standout Performers Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United had an exceptional season, dragging the team through matches early on and later leading Michael Carrick's unified side. He won the Football Writers' Association player of the season award and set a record Premier League assist tally of 21 at Brighton on the final day of the season. His intelligence, work rate, and technique have made him the most influential captain in the league. David Raya of Arsenal proved to be a significant upgrade over Aaron Ramsdale, having at least a share of the Golden Glove award for the most Premier League clean sheets in all three of his seasons at Arsenal. He started every game except the final match, making crucial saves at critical moments to ensure Arsenal edged out Manchester City in the title race. Erling Haaland continued his impressive form for Manchester City, scoring 27 league goals at a rate of one every 110 minutes. Despite criticism about his overall game, his goal-scoring prowess is undeniable, with Pep Guardiola declaring him "the best striker in the world." Igor Thiago exceeded expectations at Brentford after the team lost key players and their manager. He scored 12 goals in his first 14 games of the season in all competitions and was named in Brazil's World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti, who praised his ability to be a top performer in the Premier League. Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest embraced the responsibility of the armband under Vítor Pereira, helping the team maintain their Premier League status and reach the Europa League semi-finals. With 15 goals in 37 Premier League games, he became one of the most feared attacking players in the league. The Statistical Impact The standout players of the 2025-26 season produced remarkable statistics that underscore their importance to their teams: Bruno Fernandes set a Premier League record with 21 assists David Raya maintained at least a share of the Golden Glove award for three consecutive seasons Erling Haaland scored 27 goals, averaging one every 110 minutes Igor Thiago scored 12 goals in his first 14 games after returning from injury Morgan Gibbs-White scored 15 goals in 37 Premier League appearances The Changing Landscape of Premier League Excellence The 2025-26 season highlighted how individual excellence can transform team fortunes. Fernandes' leadership and creativity were instrumental in Manchester United's improved second-half performance, while Raya's consistent goalkeeping gave Arsenal the stability needed to challenge for the title. Haaland's continued dominance for Manchester City demonstrates the importance of clinical finishing, while Thiago and Gibbs-White showed how players can exceed expectations and become key figures in teams not expected to challenge at the highest level. The Future Outlook As we look ahead to the 2026-27 season, these standout players are likely to continue their influence. Fernandes will aim to build on his record-breaking season as Manchester United seeks to challenge for the title, while Raya's consistent performances will be crucial for Arsenal's title ambitions. Haaland will remain the focal point of Manchester City's attack, though teams will continue to develop strategies to contain him. Meanwhile, Thiago and Gibbs-White will look to build on their breakout seasons and help their teams achieve even greater success.