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Three former YouTubers have turned the horror genre into a springboard for Hollywood breakthroughs, delivering box‑office results that rival big‑studio titles and prompting a fresh debate about the value of online platforms as training grounds for filmmakers. From YouTube Shorts to Box‑Office Hits: The 2026 Horror Surge In January, Markiplier (real name Mark Fischbach) self‑released the sci‑fi horror adaptation Iron Lung, which quickly outgrossed several major studio releases. By May, comedy‑sketch star Curry Barker debuted Obsession, a sub‑million‑dollar film that became the summer’s box‑office phenomenon, posting higher earnings in its second and third weekends than in its opening week. Simultaneously, 20‑year‑old visual‑effects artist Kane Parsons saw his internet‑meme‑inspired film Backrooms claim the top spot at the North American box office, surpassing titles such as Wuthering Heights, Scream 7 and the latest Pixar release. Box‑Office Numbers That Redefined Indie Success Obsession – budget under $1 million; weekend‑to‑weekend growth of > 30 % after debut. Backrooms – became the highest‑grossing A24 release of the year within weeks. Iron Lung – outperformed several mid‑tier studio titles in its opening weekend. Why Horror Became the Gateway for Online Creators The post‑pandemic market has favored horror for its low production costs and strong youth appeal. These creators, accustomed to rapid‑turnaround, click‑driven content, found horror’s emphasis on visceral reaction a natural extension of their YouTube skill set. Moreover, horror’s budget flexibility allows newcomers to experiment without the financial risk that studios typically attach to comedy or superhero projects. What the Next Wave of YouTube‑Trained Directors Might Look Like Industry observers expect more online personalities to test the feature‑film waters via genre projects that can be produced cheaply yet marketed aggressively through social platforms. As audiences continue to trust creators they follow online, studios may increasingly scout YouTube talent for horror, thriller and even genre‑blending hybrids, blurring the line between digital‑first and traditional cinema.

Australia’s 178 billionaires added $25.7 bn to their collective fortunes over the past year, yet Oxfam Australia estimates that 3.7 million Australians still live in poverty, underscoring a stark wealth divide.Record‑Breaking Billionaire Wealth Gains Driven by AI and DatacentresThe 2026 Australian Financial Review Rich List, analysed by Oxfam, shows the number of Australian billionaires rose to 178, up 17 from the previous year. A significant share of the new wealth stems from artificial intelligence ventures and the expansion of datacentres.New entrants include AI‑driven jobs platform founder Katrina Leslie, property developers Anthony El‑Hazouri and Charbel Hazzour, mining magnate Chris Ellison, fashion label White Fox founders Daniel and Georgia Contos, and luxury property developers Adrian and Peter Puljich, alongside long‑time rich list regular Gina Rinehart.$25.7 bn Wealth Increase Quantified: Numbers Behind the GapTotal billionaire wealth now exceeds $686 bn.The increase equals roughly $50,000 a minute over the year.Oxfam reports 3,706,000 Australians in poverty, including 757,000 children under 15.One in three households faced food insecurity in the past year.The 20 richest Australians hold more wealth than the bottom 3 million households combined.Deepening Inequality: How the Wealth Surge Contrasts with Rising PovertyOxfam Australia chief executive Jennifer Tierney warned that “extreme wealth keeps skyrocketing while so many people are struggling to afford the basics.” She noted that the billionaire wealth gain could have lifted nearly a million Australians out of poverty or covered every household’s electricity bill for over a year.The report highlights structural issues in the tax system, with modest reforms to capital gains tax and negative gearing deemed insufficient to curb the growing divide.Outlook: Policy Reforms and Tax Changes Needed to Bridge the DivideTierney calls for a “fairer approach to taxing extreme wealth” to fund affordable housing, healthcare, climate action and broader community support. Without substantive tax reform, the wealth gap is projected to deepen, further entrenching socioeconomic disparities.

The Surge in Tech Spending Tech billionaires have shelled out hundreds of millions of dollars ahead of the June 2 primary election in California, marking an unparalleled attempt to shape the state's political future. The tech industry's approach is comprehensive, funding candidates and ballot measures of all sizes, which is likely to make this the most expensive primary season in California's history. Key Players and Their Spending Google co-founder Sergey Brin has spent $66 million to fight a billionaire tax on the November ballot. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Matt Mahan has received the most donations, including from top executives at Google, Amazon, Snap, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Palantir. Crypto mogul Chris Larsen has funded three Super PACs with $26 million to influence campaigns across California. Google and Meta have collectively funded a Super PAC with $10 million to back assembly and senate candidates in local district races. The Impact on California Politics The influx of tech money has led to a barrage of TV ads, robotexts, and mailers promoting various issues and candidates. Experts warn that this spending will give tech companies political and regulatory leverage, allowing them to avoid stringent regulations and continue their rapid growth. The Tip of the Iceberg The disclosed spending likely represents only a fraction of the total, as some contributions are made through dark money entities that are not traceable. This has experts like Francesco Trebbi, a public policy professor at UC Berkeley, suggesting that the actual influence of tech money is far greater than what is publicly reported. Targeting State and Local Primaries The tech industry's influence extends beyond state-level races, with significant spending in local campaigns. Larsen, for example, has funded Super PACs aimed at various causes and candidates, including the state insurance commissioner race and state legislative primaries. The Future of Tech Influence in Politics The unprecedented spending by tech billionaires in California elections signals a new era of corporate influence in politics. As the tech industry continues to grow and shape the state's economy, its impact on the political landscape is likely to intensify, raising questions about the balance between economic power and democratic governance.

The Skeptic's Manifesto: "Ghost in the Machine" ReviewDirector Valerie Veatch, known for documentaries like Love Child and Me at the Zoo, shifts her focus to the intersection of internet culture and artificial intelligence with her latest film. Her self-set remit is urgent and germane to everyone right now: to critique the pursuit of AI, its questionable utility, and its dark history in race politics and eugenics. The film arrives as a counter-narrative to the current stock-market bubble pushing the value of major tech companies toward the stratosphere.Connecting AI to Eugenics and Silicon Valley's Dark PastThe film functions as a straightforward primer on AI history, guiding the viewer toward AI-skeptical conclusions. Veatch and her interviewees explore a dazzling array of colorful, often crazed figures, including Victorian British eugenicist Francis Galton and William Shockley, the Silicon Valley founding father and overt racist. The documentary also touches on current-day figures like Elon Musk, juxtaposing their influence against the historical roots of the technology.Historical Depth: The film traces the lineage of AI from 19th-century eugenics to modern Silicon Valley.Interviewees: Features a mix of philosophers, linguists, and historians.Recent Context: While it misses the recent courtroom brawl between Musk and Sam Altman, it captures the broader skepticism surrounding the industry.Market Skepticism Amidst the AI Stock BubbleDespite the hype driving valuations, the documentary argues that the utility of AI is highly debatable. The film serves as a critical lens through which to view the current financial landscape, suggesting that the market may be detached from the reality of the technology's capabilities. By highlighting the historical misuse of data and classification systems, the film questions the ethical foundation of the current AI boom.The "AI vs NOT AI" Visual IndicatorA unique device in the film is the use of capitalized, Helvetica-font text in the upper-right corner to indicate whether the content being shown is AI-generated or not. This visual cue addresses the growing difficulty for viewers to distinguish between human and machine-generated media, a central theme in the documentary's polemic.The Future of Tech Critique in DocumentariesWhile the film occasionally feels dense—resembling a university lecture with goofy archive clips—it provides a necessary counter-balance to the industry's marketing narrative. As AI integration deepens, the demand for critical, historical context in media is likely to grow, making documentaries like this essential viewing for understanding the full scope of the technology's impact on society.

Breaking the Drought US men's national team star Christian Pulisic had been under immense pressure due to his goal-scoring drought, which had stretched back to November 2024. The Milan midfielder hadn't scored a goal for club or country in nearly six months, leading to constant questions about his form and the pressure it created for him and the team. The Turning Point On Sunday, Pulisic finally found the back of the net, scoring a crucial goal in a 3-2 win against Senegal. This victory was much-needed for the US team, which is set to host the World Cup. Pulisic's goal came after a lovely assist to Sergiño Dest on the US's opener. He then showed off his finishing skills on their second goal, rounding the goalkeeper and finishing neatly from a tough angle. The Impact The goal seemed to lift a significant weight off Pulisic's shoulders. In the mixed zone after the match, he expressed relief that he could finally talk about breaking the spell rather than extending it. "Hopefully now people can stop talking about it," Pulisic told reporters. "It felt great. I've felt this confidence [the whole time]. I've played really well in recent months … I feel good and now, obviously this was just a friendly – we have big games ahead and I have to be ready." The Coach's Perspective US head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Pulisic's performance, noting that he played well in 45 minutes. However, Pochettino also emphasized that Pulisic still has potential to improve. Teammates' Support Pulisic's teammates have been supportive throughout his drought. Weston McKennie expressed confidence in Pulisic's abilities, stating, "Any player goes through high and low moments in their career. Obviously I think the outside world may have been worried and questioning 'what he's gonna look like, is he gonna be in form?' But I think Christian has shown countless times at club level and country level that he shows up in the moments that we need him the most."

The Lead: A Cryptic Journey Through GreeceThe title of Rita Azevedo Gomes's lyrical but frustrating docu-essay about her travels in Greece cuts both ways—expressing impatience with classical ideals or critiquing modern society that has betrayed ancient standards of beauty and harmony. The film presents a tension between nostalgic aspirations and sobering reality, with texts recited over travelogue images from Athens and the Cyclades.The Artistic Vision: Myth Meets ModernityGomes adds a layer of fictionalization to her exploits, reading a poem by João Miguel Fernandes Jorge based on a 2007 journey to Greece. The poem tells of Irma, who romances a young man named Ion on the island of Delos—birthplace of Apollo and Artemis—but the affair founders against incongruous modern elements like Chinese cargo ships traversing the 21st-century Aegean. The tension between myth and modernity hangs over the film like red kites hovering above ancient ruins.The Personal Context: Beauty and TranscendenceTwo-thirds into the film, Gomes reveals what originally drove her to seek refuge in Greece: an ominous medical diagnosis that has since receded. Her preoccupation with finding consolatory beauty and transcendence is only fleetingly present in a visual collage that feels haphazardly aligned with dense texts. The crew reads many texts on camera—including excerpts from Byron and Keats—but this alienation device comes over inert and uninspiring.The Cultural Resonance: Poets in a Modern WorldSinger María Farantoúri, whom Gomes watched on her first visit to Greece, supplies some focus with lyrics that keep 'the old flame burning.' As she sings, 'The people always find new kings—but we are poets and we remain alone.' Gomes positions herself in this camp, 'far from the polis,' suggesting a deliberate distancing from contemporary society's values and priorities.The Critical Reception: Sphinxlike EnigmaWhile the film presents a visually rich experience, its sphinx-like nature proves to be both its strength and weakness. The reviewer suggests that Gomes's 'forlorn ramblings' may intentionally reflect how degraded modern sensibilities can no longer serve up classical concision. The film's cryptic nature may be part of its artistic statement, but ultimately leaves the viewer wanting more clarity and connection.

The Philosophy of ConfrontationFor the author, feeling good is not about escapism, but about confrontation: staring at what one truly cares about and embracing it. This perspective defines the enduring appeal of Billy Elliot, a film that resonates deeply as a coming-of-age story about striving to become the person you want to be, regardless of circumstances.The 1984 Miners' Strike and Billy's JourneySet in County Durham during the 1984 miners' strike, the film follows Billy Elliot, an 11-year-old boy who discovers a passion for ballet while his community is torn apart by political and social upheaval. Initially a reluctant boxer, Billy is drawn to dance classes held in the boxing gym. With the support of his dance teacher, Sandra (played by Julie Walters), and his brother Tony, Billy auditions for the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London, defying the expectations of his working-class environment.Breaking Class and Gender NormsThe film serves as a powerful commentary on the courage required to break free from societal convention. The author highlights that the story is not merely about queerness, but about the broader struggle of expressing one's true self against class expectations. Drawing from their own background in South Wales, the author reflects on how artistic inclinations were often viewed as a form of non-conformity or 'queerness' in their community. The narrative validates the experience of those who have faced ridicule for their choices, emphasizing that support from family, even when hesitant, ultimately outweighs criticism.A Lasting Legacy of ValidationUltimately, *Billy Elliot* offers a profound sense of optimism and belonging. The author describes the film as a source of comfort during times of life change, providing a 'hug' from the world. It serves as a reminder that one is loved and allowed to live life on their own terms, ensuring the film remains a vital source of inspiration for future generations.

The Lead: HBO’s New Docuseries Exposes a 80s Model CultBring Me the Beauties premieres on HBO in the US on 1 June 2026 and on Max in the UK and Australia on 2 June 2026. Directed by veteran documentary maker Chris Smith, the three‑episode series investigates Eternal Values, a cult founded in the 1980s by the eccentric Frederick von Mierers that recruited primarily fashion models.Unearthing Eternal Values: The Story Behind the Cult of ModelsThe series follows former member Hoyt Richards, often called the first male supermodel, as he recounts his recruitment, the group’s promise of peak performance, and the eventual collapse after von Mierers’ death in the 1990s. Archival public‑access shows, low‑resolution VHS footage, and fresh interviews reveal a blend of new‑age self‑help rhetoric and overt control tactics.Release Dates and Viewership ExpectationsUS HBO launch: 1 June 2026UK/Australia Max launch: 2 June 2026Three episodes, each ~55 minutesWhy the Cult’s Narrative Resonates in Today’s Influencer AgeSmith notes that von Mierers was “ahead of the curve” in promoting constant self‑optimization, a theme echoed in modern wellness and “looks‑maxxing” movements. The series draws parallels to contemporary groups, from fringe religious movements to online influencer circles, suggesting that the allure of charismatic leadership and curated perfection remains potent.What the Series Suggests for Future Media Explorations of Hidden SubculturesBy combining painstaking archival research with personal testimony, the docuseries sets a template for future documentaries seeking to uncover obscure subcultures before they disappear into digital oblivion. As streaming platforms continue to mine untold stories, we can expect more investigations into the shadowy intersections of fame, self‑help, and cult dynamics.

The Ban on Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker US political commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker have been barred from entering the United Kingdom. British authorities cited their public comments about Israel as the reason for the decision. The Event Details Uygur, co-founder of The Young Turks, learned of the restriction while trying to board a flight to London. He was scheduled to attend the SXSW London festival and deliver a speech at Oxford University. Piker, a staunch supporter of Palestine and one of the internet's biggest political streamers, also had his UK visa revoked as he prepared to travel to the same event. The Reason Behind the Ban According to Uygur, British authorities told him he is considered "a serious risk to the public order" due to his criticism of Israel. He claimed that the government stated his comments about Israel's influence on the American government are antisemitic. Piker also stated that the UK used the terminology "not conducive to the public good" when denying him entry. The Impact on Free Speech The restrictions have sparked concerns about free speech and the influence of Israel advocacy organizations on public discourse. Piker stated that "Israel advocacy organisations have unbelievable amounts of power over what even the United Kingdom has to say and do; if you are an avowed anti-Zionist, your travel will be restricted." The Future Implications This incident comes weeks after British authorities barred US rapper Ye from entering the country, citing his history of anti-Semitic remarks. The decision has raised questions about the UK's stance on free speech and its relationship with Israel.