PREVIEW: The Lonely Crowd (2026 Film) - A First Look at the New Romantic Crime Thriller

Preview by Jon Donnis

A bad first date takes a dangerous turn in The Lonely Crowd, a new romantic crime thriller that combines relationship drama with a rapidly escalating tale of violence, corruption and stolen money.

Written and directed by David St. Clair in his feature directorial debut, the film stars Adam Wesley as Peter and Taylor Anne Danehower as Ashley, whose attempt at an online date quickly goes wrong. What begins as an uncomfortable meeting fuelled by frustration and assumptions soon develops into something far more dangerous.

Set against a backdrop of dating fatigue, loneliness and growing mistrust between men and women, The Lonely Crowd explores the difficulties of forming genuine connections in an age of online dating. Peter and Ashley's date ends badly, with Ashley storming out after their encounter descends into an argument shaped by emotional defensiveness and gender assumptions.

However, their evening is far from over. Peter later finds Ashley being harassed outside and intervenes, an act that unexpectedly draws him into a dangerous situation involving corrupt police officers, a kidnapping and stolen money. From there, the story unfolds over three days as the characters become caught up in a whirlwind of crime, violence and romance.

“The Lonely Crowd’s foundation is personal, not procedural. Beneath the suspense lies a story about what happens when people see each other as stereotypes rather than individuals. Romance isn’t fantasy here; it’s forged in the clash of loneliness, pride, fear, and misunderstanding,” said St. Clair, writer/director.

“The film blends thriller pacing with romantic tension and character-driven storytelling that will appeal to audiences who enjoy emotional suspense. The themes resonate across generations, connecting with anyone who has struggled in relationships or in moving beyond first impressions,” adds St. Clair.

“Story comes first,” said St. Clair. “We wanted to make a film that moves with energy and suspense yet is grounded in something honest about how people struggle to connect with one another,” he added.

Alongside Wesley and Danehower, the cast includes Giancarlo Carmona, Jon Oshei, Haley Spencer, Blair Chambers and Andrew Mena.

The Lonely Crowd marks the first feature film from producer Jim St. Clair and co-producer David St. Clair under their Desario Productions banner. Behind the camera, the filmmaking team includes composer Kevin Morrison, cinematographer Garrett Stotko, editor Daniel Seigerman, casting director Bevin Hamilton, and production designers Emily Kiihnl and Paige McGhee.

Indie Rights acquired The Lonely Crowd for worldwide distribution, with the film debuting on Amazon for rent and purchase in May 2026. It is now also available on streaming platforms including YouTube, Tubi and Fawesome, with releases on other major streaming services expected to follow.

With its combination of online dating, relationship drama and a crime story that quickly spirals out of control, The Lonely Crowd looks set to offer a darker take on the modern search for connection.

Apple TV - https://apple.co/4cXFFGN

REVIEW: Enola Holmes 3 (2026 Film) - Starring Millie Bobby Brown

Review by Jon Donnis

The Enola Holmes series has always occupied a comfortable space between mystery adventure and coming-of-age drama, offering a lighter and more playful alternative to the many darker interpretations of Sherlock Holmes. Four years after Enola Holmes 2, this third outing reunites audiences with the young detective as she heads to Malta for what should be the happiest moment of her life. Naturally, things do not go according to plan.

Enola Holmes, played once again by the likeable Millie Bobby Brown, arrives in Malta alongside Lord Tewkesbury, portrayed by Louis Partridge, for their wedding. What begins as a family celebration quickly spirals into another dangerous investigation involving murder, missing treasure, political corruption and the return of an old enemy. At the centre of it all is the disappearance of Sherlock Holmes, with Henry Cavill returning as the famous detective, forcing Enola to untangle a mystery that grows increasingly complicated with every clue she uncovers.

One of the film's greatest strengths remains its lead character. Millie Bobby Brown continues to bring warmth, confidence and charisma to Enola, making her instantly likeable from the opening scene. The character has matured noticeably since her first appearance, and the film wisely allows her to tackle more serious themes without losing the spirited personality that made audiences embrace her in the first place. Her occasional fourth wall breaks remain charming, although they are used more sparingly here, which helps prevent them from becoming a distraction.

The supporting cast is equally dependable. Louis Partridge gives Tewkesbury more emotional depth than before as the character struggles with revelations surrounding his family's past. His storyline adds genuine weight to the narrative, particularly as he is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about his father's role in a decades-old crime. Henry Cavill once again proves a perfect fit for Sherlock Holmes, balancing intelligence, frustration and vulnerability during some of the film's darker moments. The arrival of Dr. Watson, played by Himesh Patel, also injects fresh energy into the series, even if the "woke" casting is a bit ridiculous (Netflix forced to tick diversity boxes). His chemistry with both Enola and Sherlock works well, and he quickly feels like a decent addition to the established cast. Helena Bonham Carter's return as Eudoria Holmes is brief but welcome, bringing warmth and humour whenever she appears.

The Maltese setting proves to be one of the sequel's most appealing features. The filmmakers make excellent use of the island's historic streets, coastal scenery and striking architecture. Valletta in particular provides a beautiful backdrop for the story, helping the film stand apart visually from its predecessors. The production values are consistently strong throughout, with lavish costumes, detailed set design and polished cinematography creating an attractive Victorian world that remains easy to become immersed in.

As a mystery, however, Enola Holmes 3 is somewhat less successful. The investigation itself is entertaining enough, with plenty of clues, red herrings and twists along the way, but it never feels quite as clever as the best moments from the earlier films. The treasure hunt elements gradually take centre stage, often pushing the detective work into the background. While there is enjoyment to be found in the adventure, some viewers may feel that the Holmes identity of the franchise becomes diluted as the story leans more heavily into action and conspiracy.

Professor Moriarty's return provides a suitably dangerous threat, and the film does a good job portraying her as a manipulative mastermind operating several steps ahead of everyone else. Yet despite her importance to the plot, the character occasionally feels more like a device to move the story forward than a fully realised antagonist. The various revelations surrounding hidden Afghan gold, corrupt British officers and political cover-ups certainly raise the stakes, but they sometimes come at the expense of the more intimate character-driven storytelling that previously defined the series.

The film also struggles slightly with a sense of familiarity. After three adventures, the formula is beginning to show signs of wear. The energetic pacing and likeable cast keep things moving, but there is an undeniable feeling of franchise fatigue creeping into proceedings. Many of the narrative beats feel recognisable, and while the film attempts to raise the emotional stakes through Enola's impending marriage and Sherlock's kidnapping, it rarely captures the same magical spark that made the original films feel so fresh.

That said, there is still plenty of entertainment to be found here. The action sequences are exciting, the mystery remains engaging enough to hold attention, and the emotional resolution between Enola and Sherlock provides one of the film's strongest moments. The ending offers a surprising amount of closure for several major characters, particularly Tewkesbury, whose personal journey receives a satisfying conclusion.

Enola Holmes 3 may not reach the heights of its predecessors, but it remains an enjoyable and easy watch. The strong cast, attractive production design and charming central performance from Millie Bobby Brown carry the film through its weaker moments. While the series is beginning to feel slightly tired and the mystery takes a back seat to the treasure hunt, there is still enough wit, adventure and heart to make this a worthwhile return for fans.

A strong and likeable cast carry this film, even if the franchise is beginning to show signs of exhaustion. It remains an entertaining Netflix adventure with plenty of charm, even if some of the magic has faded. I enjoyed Enola Holmes 3 and score it a solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Netflix

REVIEW: The Sheep Detectives (2026 Film) - Starring Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, and Emma Thompson

Review by Jon Donnis

Family films often struggle to balance broad comedy, emotional storytelling and a compelling plot, but The Sheep Detectives manages to bring all three together with surprising confidence. Directed by Kyle Balda and based on Leonie Swann's beloved novel Three Bags Full, this mystery comedy takes an undeniably unusual premise and turns it into one of the most entertaining family adventures of the year. What could have been little more than a novelty quickly develops into a genuinely engaging whodunnit, packed with humour, heart and enough twists to keep both children and adults invested from beginning to end.

The story follows a flock of sheep whose lives are thrown into turmoil after the death of their shepherd, George Hardy, played by Hugh Jackman. Having spent years listening to George read detective novels aloud, the sheep have unknowingly absorbed all the lessons needed to become investigators themselves. As the local police struggle to piece together the truth, the flock embarks on its own investigation, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the surface of their quiet English village.

One of the film's greatest strengths is the mystery itself. Family films often simplify their plots for younger audiences, but The Sheep Detectives refuses to take that route. Instead, it presents a genuinely satisfying investigation filled with red herrings, hidden motives and surprising revelations. The screenplay trusts viewers to follow the clues, creating a story that feels rewarding rather than predictable. While adults will appreciate the structure of the mystery, younger viewers are given enough humour and character moments to remain engaged throughout.

The voice cast is exceptional. Julia Louis-Dreyfus brings warmth, intelligence and determination to Lily, the flock's self-appointed detective, while Chris O'Dowd delivers many of the film's funniest moments as the endlessly memorable Mopple. Bryan Cranston gives Sebastian a surprising amount of depth, transforming what could have been a simple supporting role into one of the film's emotional anchors. Across the board, the sheep are far more memorable than many of the human characters, which is ultimately a compliment considering how much personality the filmmakers manage to give each member of the flock.

That success extends to the film's emotional core. Beneath the comedy lies a surprisingly mature exploration of grief, memory and loss. Like Babe and Homeward Bound before it, The Sheep Detectives treats younger viewers with a level of respect that is becoming increasingly rare in family entertainment. Difficult themes are not avoided or softened beyond recognition. Instead, they are presented in a thoughtful and accessible way that allows the story to carry genuine emotional weight. Some of the film's most effective moments arrive when it slows down and allows its characters to process what has happened rather than rushing towards the next joke.

The film also deserves praise for its tone. Family features often feel frightened of sincerity, constantly undercutting emotional scenes with a joke or reference. The Sheep Detectives embraces earnest storytelling without embarrassment. The result is perhaps the most tonally surprising family film of the year so far, a genuinely heartfelt PG-rated adventure that succeeds through strong characters and timeless storytelling rather than relying on irony or cynicism. Its confidence in well-worn storytelling traditions proves remarkably effective.

Visually, the film creates a charming countryside setting that perfectly suits the story. The village, meadows and farms feel inviting while still maintaining enough atmosphere to support the murder mystery elements. The contrast between the picturesque surroundings and the darker investigation creates much of the film's appeal.

If there is a significant weakness, it is the running time. At 1 hour and 49 minutes, The Sheep Detectives occasionally stretches beyond what its youngest audience members may comfortably sit through. While the mystery remains engaging, some sections feel slightly overextended and a tighter edit could have improved the pacing. Children may begin to lose focus during certain middle portions before the film regains momentum heading into its final act.

Even so, the lengthy runtime does little to diminish the overall achievement. This is a truly lovely and consistently funny family film that never forgets the importance of telling a good story. The mystery is clever, the characters are charming and the emotional moments land exactly as intended. Most impressively of all, the sheep completely steal the spotlight, often overshadowing Hugh Jackman despite his strong performance.

The Sheep Detectives may well become one of the year's biggest surprises. It delivers laughs, mystery, emotion and genuine heart in equal measure, creating a family film that appeals across generations. In an era where family entertainment often struggles to connect with audiences of all ages, this one succeeds with remarkable ease.

The Sheep Detectives is an excellent family film and earns a strong 9 out of 10.

Out Now on Prime Video https://amzn.to/4f1kODW

REVIEW: Now You See Me: Now You Don't (2025 Film) - Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan and Morgan Freeman

Review by Jon Donnis

Ruben Fleischer's 2025 heist film, Now You See Me: Now You Don't, reunites the original Four Horsemen while introducing a new trio of young illusionists, Charlie, Bosco, and June. Using holograms and deepfakes, the newcomers impersonate the Horsemen to carry out daring heists before joining forces with the originals to take down Veronika Vanderberg, a South African diamond heiress involved in laundering money for criminals. The story spans Antwerp, a château in France, and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, blending family secrets, personal revenge, and high-stakes magical trickery.

The film is visually energetic and chaotic. The heists are elaborate and colourful, with Fleischer keeping the pace brisk and the spectacle constant. Combining the original cast with new performers injects energy, particularly in scenes where the older Horsemen mentor or intervene. For casual viewing, it works well as a light, entertaining popcorn film that can fill a festive evening without demanding full attention.

On the other hand, the plot is weak and largely predictable. The story relies heavily on CGI, which reduces the sense of cleverness in the heists and trickery. Dialogue often feels forced or unnatural, and while the younger magicians are central to the action, they struggle to be engaging. The original cast are underused, with their talents largely sidelined, and the narrative is cluttered, likely a result of having too many writers contributing to the screenplay.

There are moments of fun in the interplay between characters, especially when the past failures of the Horsemen are referenced or old rivalries resurface. The attempt to pass the torch to the younger magicians adds a sense of continuity, although it sometimes feels like it is stretching the story rather than enriching it. Key sequences, including the final heist and twist involving Charlie, offer spectacle but do not have the same cleverness or charm that defined the first film.

Now You See Me: Now You Don't is a colourful and occasionally enjoyable adventure, but it lacks the ingenuity, cohesion, and charisma of its predecessors. It provides light entertainment, with some fun set pieces and magical sequences, but the weak plot, predictable story beats, and underdeveloped new characters make it a disappointment for fans of the franchise. I would give it a 6 out of 10.

Out Now on Digital

Apple TV - https://apple.co/3MPbsQg

REVIEW: The Naked Gun (2025 Film) - Starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson

Review by Jon Donnis

The Naked Gun (2025) had me grinning within minutes. It doesn't waste time setting up the tone. Straight away, we're watching Frank Drebin Jr, son of the late, great Lt Frank Drebin, bust a bank robbery while dressed as a schoolgirl. It's ridiculous, over the top, and exactly the kind of humour I was hoping for. Turns out, this whole thing was just a distraction so someone could swipe a device called the P.L.O.T. Device from a deposit box.

From there, Drebin's heavy-handed approach to justice gets him reassigned. He visits his father's memorial and even asks for a sign of approval in the form of an owl. The plot properly kicks in when a software engineer, Simon Davenport, dies in what looks like a suicide. Drebin spots a clue at the scene that ties back to a nightclub owned by Simon's boss, Richard Cane, a tech billionaire with a sinister plan. Cane wants to use the P.L.O.T. Device to revert humanity to its most savage state, all while the rich hide safely underground.

The film packs in gag after gag. Some of them land front and centre, others sneak in the background for you to catch on a second watch. There's a set-piece with a self-driving car Cane donates to the police that spirals into pure chaos. A nightclub scene where Beth Davenport, Simon's sister, distracts Cane with some of the worst scat singing you'll ever hear. And then, yes, a romantic weekend that somehow involves a living snowman. You know exactly what kind of film you're watching by that point.

Liam Neeson nails it as Drebin Jr. He plays it totally straight, which makes the absurdity around him even funnier. Pamela Anderson brings more spark than you might expect as Beth, and Danny Huston is perfect as the smooth but unhinged villain. The cameos are great fun too, with a few I didn't see coming.

If you've never liked the old Naked Gun films or Police Squad, this probably won't change your mind. It's the same style of humour, and I mean exactly the same. That's why it works though. It's not trying to reinvent anything. It's here to give you the kind of silly, rapid-fire comedy we haven't had in years. My only gripe is there's just one Nordberg gag. I get why they held back, but a few more awkward references could have been comedy gold.

I went in a bit nervous, thinking it might tarnish the legacy. Instead, I came out wanting to see it again. I laughed out loud all the way through. For me, it's a solid 9 out of 10.

In Cinemas NOW!

If you are new to this kind of comedy, and enjoyed the film, make sure you check out the original films, they truly are comedy gold.

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