We may earn a commission from links on this page.Whatever happened to the erotic thriller? Theres something of a bell curve to the distribution of the subgenre, rising with the relaxing of the production code in the late 1960s, topping out in the 80s with prestige fare like Fatal Attraction, and tailing off by the mid-2000s to the dominance of franchise culture. Todays box office values big-budget, four-quadrant blockbusters, making marketing of films about adult sexuality nearly impossible. Streaming has opened a window for movies that resemble the erotic thrillers of yore, but the kind they used to makefeature lurid hooks and big starsremain decidedly absent from theaters. (Genre master Adrian Lyne even returned to the directors chair for the Ben Affleck/Ana de Armas Hulu thriller Deep Water in 2022, which was a welcomeif largely critically reviledthrowback.) Sex on the big screen is creeping back in as the superhero tide recedes, but sex on the big screen is down by nearly half since 2000. Plenty will say that's a good thing; those people are wrong. Yes, theres plenty to criticize, even in the best examples of the form. The sex is often more titillating than realistic; the movies have also almost always been written and directed by men and emphasized on male perspectives, and many of the women who starred in them didnt have the best time of it (consider Sharon Stones oft-repeated accusations that an iconic nude scene in Basic Instinct involved a nasty bit of trickery from director Paul Verhoeven). It's also very much the case that explicit imagery isn't a requirement for eroticism, as some of these films will showbut we're also not here to be prudish.And yet, it remains curious the way sex seems to have largely vanished from mainstream, theatrically released films. So without further ado, lets celebrate some of the bestor at least the most interestingexamples of a type of movie that they just dont make anymore.Dressed to Kill (1980) Any erotic thriller worth its salt pays at least some tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, film noir, or both, and director Brian de Palma set the tone with Dressed to Kill, a juicy mystery involving a sex worker (Nancy Allen) who witnesses a murder and becomes both the prime suspect and the killers probable next victim. The style is absolutely delicious, and theres a reason it started a new trend; the blend of classic tropes and overt sex is almost too hot to handle. Without spoiling too much, though, it very much comes from an era in film when queer representation was limited to absolutely batshit killers, and so loses some points for falling back on lazy (and overused, even in 1980) stereotypes. You can stream Dressed to Kill on Tubi and MGM+ or rent it from Prime Video. Dressed to Kill (1980) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video After Dark, My Sweet (1990)If it weren't for the sweaty couplings between Jason Patric and Rachel Ward, the plot of After Dark, My Sweet would be perfectly befitting that of a classic noir. Patric plays an ex-boxer (and mental hospital escapee) who takes a job fixing up an old house for widow Ward although, naturally, there's more to itUncle Bud (Bruce Dern), almost certainly not an uncle, shows up to embroil them all in a kidnapping scheme involving a rich man's kid. Based on the Jim Thompson novel, and almost certainly the purest adaptation of that great crime writer's work, there's a visceral, believable sleaziness here that suits the material perfectly. You can stream After Dark, My Sweet on Tubi or rent it from Prime Video. After Dark, My Sweet (1990) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Dangerous Game (1993) Provocative director Abel Ferrara is best known, perhaps, for Bad Lieutenant, while Madonna's very brief erotic-thriller phase is typically seen to be represented by Body of Evidence. Dangerous Game, though, is better than both of them: brutal and immediate, with a couple of stunning lead performances from Harvey Keitel and Madonna. Keitel plays an indie director increasingly obsessed with the low-budget marital drama he's filming, while Madonna plays a young actress whose confidence is slowly eroded by the role, and by the increasingly unhinged demands of her director. You can stream Dangerous Game on Prime Video and MGM+. Dangerous Game (1993) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Body Double (1984) Though it's far less successful than his earlier Dressed to Kill, Brian de Palmas Body Double is, in many ways, a better film, upping the sex and violence while also simplifying the plot and narrowing the focus. Craig Wasson plays Scully, a failed actor housesitting in the Hollywood Hills. Bored and looking through the houses telescope, he spies a beautiful woman and then, of course, witnesses her murder. He winds up a suspect in the case, getting caught up in the world of Hollywood porn when he seeks the help of adult film actress Holly (played by Melanie Griffith in a career-making role) to solve it. Theres nothing particularly sympathetic about Scullyhes alternately a dupe or a bad decision makerand thats as it should be. As with the best classic noir, were not cheering for Scully; were witnessing his long fall. You can stream Body Double on Tubi and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video. Body Double (1984) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Eyes Wide Shut (1999) As an erotic thriller, Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut is a bit of a bait-and-switch, but just a bit. Teasers promised nothing less than a look inside the bedroom of then-power couple Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, with Kubrick doing for cinematic fucking what he'd done for space travel or spooky hotels. And he does, just not in the way we expected: Bill Harford (Cruise) goes on a long night's journey involving murders and sex clubs full of R-rated kink, discovering the dangers of raw titillation and the dehumanizing nature of sexual obsession. For his last film, Kubrick created an erotic thriller that challenges expectations of the genre. You can stream Eyes Wide Shut on The Criterion Channel or rent it from Apple TV+. Eyes Wide Shut (1999) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ Angel Heart (1987) Mickey Rourke plays private dick Harry Angel, under contract from Robert De Niros Louis Cypher to track down an iconic singer who has disappeared. Not only do Angels leads keep turning up dead, but he crosses paths with Epiphany Proudfoot (Lisa Bonet), daughter of the singer, with whom he has enjoys some memorably rough sex. Theres a ton of style and eroticism on display, as well as a questionable voodoo aesthetic, but the film is memorable for its blend of tones and for the performances, particularly those of Bonet and Rourke. You can rent Angel Heart from Prime Video. Angel Heart (1987) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video 9 1/2 Weeks (1986) The movie that helped to propel director Adrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction, Indecent Proposal, Unfaithful, and 2022's Deep Water) to fame was also co-written by Zalman King of Red Shoe Diaries fame. In that, it represents a team-up of erotic thriller royalty thats still mostly effective because of the performances from an early-career Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. Very much the Fifty Shades of Grey of its era (except with actual heat), Rourke plays a Wall Street trader who leads Basingers art gallery assistant down an increasingly kinky road.Rourke, by then at a much different place in his career, starred in a direct-to-video sequel in 1997, but kept away from 1998's similarly low-rent prequel. Which is all to say that you could spend a fair bit of time in the steamy 9 1/2 Weeks-verse if you are so inclined. You can rent 9 1/2 Weeks from Prime Video. 9 1/2 Weeks (1986) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Fatal Attraction (1987) Elements of Fatal Attraction arent nearly as appealing today as they were three decades ago, but it remains a taut, suspenseful thriller that brought its adult sexuality (including a memorably awkward bit involving the kitchen sink) all the way to the Oscars; though it didnt win anything, the movie was nominated in all the top categories. Glenn Close (as femme fatale Alex) is clearly having the time of her life playing an unhinged woman who absolutely loses her shit over married Dan (Michael Douglas). The setup has a strong whiff of women, amirite?, but the screenplay is smart enough to recognize that Dan isnt the hero either, and the two generate real heat. You can stream Fatal Attraction on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. Fatal Attraction (1987) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Trois (2000) What we think of as the erotic thriller genre is overwhelmingly white. Major studios, who had already shown little interest in making films about and marketed for Black people, were clearly even less interested in dealing with sexuality among POC characters. That reticence is a big part of the reason Trois stands out, even though it doesnt subvert genre tropes in any other way. But its also a juicy drama in its own right, about a man who talks his wife into joining him in a threesome, only to discover their choice of a third wasnt smart. It did respectable business as an independent film, and very well among Black audiences. It spawned two less successful, but generally sweatier, sequels. You can stream Trois on Tubi and Prime Video. Trois (2000) at Prime Video Get Deal Get Deal at Prime Video No Way Out (1987) Theres a lot of Hitchcock in the more overtly sexual thrillers of the 80s and 90s, reflecting the full expression of the masters more subdued eroticism (Hitchcock himself seemed eager, at the end of his career, to explore filmmaking with more freedom in movies like Frenzy). Neo-noir No Way Out certainly doesnt hit the heights of the films that inspired it, but does make a lot out of a twisty-turny plot involving a love triangle between Kevin Costner, Sean Young, and Gene Hackman(!) and a murder for which Costner is the chief investigatorand also the prime suspect. Its not the hottest movie of the era, but theres real chemistry at work, as Costners all-American charm plays well against Young at her early-career peakand before Hollywood misogyny shoved her aside. You can stream No Way Out on Tubi and MGM+ or rent it from Prime Video. No Way Out (1987) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Bad Influence (1990) The female characters in this Curtis Hanson film are almost entirely incidental, if you couldnt tell from the poster, which features Rob Lowe, James Spader, and a nondescript woman whose face we dont see. Nebbishy Michael (James Spader) starts palling around with more experienced Alex (Rob Lowe), going on adventures involving sex, drugs, and light crime. Which is all fine and fun, until Michael realizes thrill-loving Alex is 100% going to get him killed. The movie loses points for a lack of substantive female presence (and for being a creepy choice for a comeback following Lowes teenage sex tape scandal), but stands out by focusing its sexual chemistry around the two mismatched leading men. You can stream Bad Influence on Pluto TV. Bad Influence (1990) at Pluto TV Learn More Learn More at Pluto TV Basic Instinct (1992) A genuine pop-culture phenomenon as much for its controversies as for its quality, Basic Instinct nabbed a couple of Academy Award nominations as well as plenty of appreciation for Sharon Stones career-making performance. Director Paul Verhoeven (Showgirls) knows all about elevating lurid material to the level of art, or at least camp, so the movie works even though its central mystery doesnt make much sense. Michael Douglas plays a police detective investigating a murder who gets caught up in a torrid, occasionally kinky affair with the prime suspect Catherine Tramell (Stone). The bisexual serial killer angle was already a tired trope by the time of the movies release, but theres no question that Catherine Tramell is a memorable (and, I suppose, sex-positive) villain. Stone participated in the big budget, entirely forgettable 2006 sequel. You can stream Basic Instinct on Paramount+ and Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video. Basic Instinct (1992) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Knife + Heart (2018) There are layers upon layers in director Yann Gonzalezs slick and stylish slasher set in the world of 70s gay porn. Anne Parze (Vanessa Paradis) runs a production company that makes the exploitation movies Knife + Heart centers on, but the series of murders that occurs on set barely draws the attention of the local police, who arent terribly torn up about the deaths of gay porn actors. Anne decides that her next film will be about the murders themselves, unfolding a movie-within-a-movie that only draws the attention of the killer (and his spiked dildo). The movie celebrates giallo, with plenty of deep cuts for fans of classic Italian horror, and 70s sleaze more generally. You can stream Knife + Heart on Shudder, Tubi, and AMC+ or rent it from Prime Video. Knife + Heart (2018) Learn More Learn More In the Realm of the Senses (1976) Typically, the erotic thriller tends toward noir and neo-noir sensibilitiesbut I'm including this Japanese classic of sex, obsession, and severed members because the true-crime inspired story set in the 1930s has all the ingredients even if the setting is a bit further afield than usual. Nagisa shimas provocative psychosexual story blends a fair bit of un-simulated sex with hints of horror in its tale of love and murder, based on the true story of geisha, sex worker, and unlikely folk hero Sada Abe (flawlessly played by Eiko Matsuda). Its a beautifully hypnotic and appropriately titled film that culminates in a genuinely shocking act of violence. The original X rating was updated to an NC-17 in 1991. You can stream In the Realm of the Senses on The Criterion Channel. In the Realm of the Senses (1976) at The Criterion Channel Learn More Learn More at The Criterion Channel Single White Female (1992) The elevator pitch is solid enough that the term single white female remains in the pop culture lexiconAllie (Bridget Fonda), searching for a roommate, takes in Hedy (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who becomes so obsessed with her new landlord that she wants to become her. On those terms, its effective, though its a bit more troubling than you might remember: Hedy was the latest and possibly greatest in a long line of unhinged, murderous lesbians (a gay sex scene is shot like were suddenly in a horror movie). The movie also suggests, as so many movies still do, that female friends are always one step away from killing each other. Still, its stylishly made, surprisingly funny, and features two great central performances. You can rent Single White Female from Apple TV+. Single White Female (1992) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) There's nothing at all explicit here, but that's not a particular requirement: This one's all sublimated longing in the sweaty Mediterranean, this adaption bringing the subtext (barely) of Patricia Highsmith's novel to the fore like no adaptation before or since. Sociopathic con artist Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) develops an obsession with Jude Law's Dickie Greenleaf, wanting to be with him every bit as much as he wants to be him. The resulting relationship is far less than healthy, particularly for Dickie. You can stream The Talented Mr. Ripley on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Cruising (1980) There was a lot of controversy surrounding Cruising when it was first released back in 1980: what was, perhaps, an earnest attempt on William Friedkin's part to explore S&M and leather culture in an era just before the HIV/AIDS crisis comes across as entirely unhingedwhich is, frankly, part of its charm. Al Pacino plays Detective Steve Burns, assigned to go undercover and hunt down whoever is killing gay men in this New York subculture. There are things that the movie gets right, but we're also meant to share Burns' fascination and occasional horror with this secret world (which emotion is he feeling during a fisting scene?). Viewed as a giallo-esque murder mystery, nonsensical twists included, it's a bit of fun with an impressive array of male nudity. You can rent Cruising from Prime Video. Cruising (1980) Learn More Learn More Indecent Proposal (1993) Another one that found a weird place in the early 90s pop-culture zeitgeist, this Adrian Lyne drama asks what would happen if Robert Redford made a play for your spouse, backing up his offer to the tune of a cool $1 million. In a 2022 world of greater fluidity in relationships, the answer would be either more or less complicated; in 1993 it was scandalous. You can stream Indecent Proposal on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. Indecent Proposal (1993) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Lust, Caution (2007) Based, very roughly, on a true story, Ang Lee's film finds a group of Chinese students from the University of Hong Kong who plot to kill a special agent in Hong Kong of 1938. Tang Wei stars as the young woman assigned to get close to their prey as part of a honey trap but who, you might not be surprised to learn, develops both emotional and sexual feelings for her quarry (Tony Leung Chiu-wai). When the plan fails, the two are reunited a few years after the war and continue their dance despite very different circumstances. Though the film is a spy thriller, in a sense, the tone is languid and sweaty, the focus always on these two characters and their passionate, dangerous affair. You can rent Lust, Caution from Apple TV. Lust, Caution (2007) at Apple TV Learn More Learn More at Apple TV Mulholland Drive (2001) Mulholland Drive follows "Rita" (Laura Herring), an actress who suffers from amnesia following a Los Angeles car crash, and who stumbles into a wholesome mid-western transplant (Naomi Watts) setting out to become a star. The two try to uncover Rita's true identity, before engaging in some undeniably hot sex. The moment of intimacy becomes a turning point in the film, after which the walls of reality break down and we enter a world that's more explicitly noir and that borders on horror. You can stream Mulholland Drive on The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video. Mulholland Drive (2001) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Last Seduction (1994) Linda Fiorentino plays one of the all-time great femmes fatale in this film about a woman looking to get out of her unhappy marriage. First convincing her husband (Bill Pullman) to sell cocaine (as one does), she creates sort of a pyramid scheme of seductions, with the goal of eventually circling back around to someone murdering her husband. Fiorentinos character is so good, and so well-written, that were rooting for her the whole time. You can stream The Last Seduction on Prime Video, Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Criterion Channel. The Last Seduction (1994) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Bound (1996) The movie that introduced the world to the Wachowskis came along at exactly the right moment: Independent films were starting to have an impact on mainstream audiences and queer content was beginning to nudge its way into movies made for wide release. It doesnt hurt that Bound is an incredibly sexyand cleverBilly Wilder-inspired neo-noir. Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly are one of cinemas all-time power couples; where the erotic thriller genre would tend toward lesbian exploitation, the presence of feminist sex educator Susie Bright and the two not-yet-out trans women behind the camera dodge those tropes almost entirely. You can stream Bound on Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video. Bound (1996) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Love Lies Bleeding (2024) Kristen Stewart plays tough gym manager Lou, daughter of a (very small town) local crime lord who runs, guns, and dumps bodies in a local ravine. Into town one day comes bodybuilder Jackie (Katy OBrian), just stopping over until she meets Lou, the two forming an explosive couple who alternate between doing steroids and fucking as the plot draws them further into a high-stakes, high-intensity world of sweaty neo-noir. You can stream Love Lies Bleeding on Max or rent it from Prime Video. Love Lies Bleeding (2024) at Max Learn More Learn More at Max Body Heat (1981) Kathleen Turner stars in Lawrence Kasdan's essential neo-noir as a top-tier femme fatalematching the energy of Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity, on which this is loosely based, but wearing a lot less clothing. She plays the wife of a wealthy businessman who entangles William Hurt in a plot (involving Mickey Rourke) to murder her husband and run away together (he thinks). The sex here is all part of the game that she's playing with William Hurt, even as he thinks that he's the one toying with her. You can rent Body Heat from Prime Video. Body Heat (1981) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Color of Night (1994) I'm not here to make the case that Color of Night is a brilliant bit of filmmaking. It's pretty silly, honestly, but it's never less than entertaining, playing like a burlesque on the erotic thriller genre (I think unintentionally?), including some memorably risqu sex scenes. Bruce Willis plays Dr. Bill Capa, who witnesses a bloody tragedy after which he can no longer see the color red. A trip to LA to get away from it all proves to be a bad idea after he's dragged into the mystery of his friend's murder and begins an affair with the mysterious Rose (Jane March). The impressive supporting cast includes Rubn Blades, Lesley Ann Warren, and Scott Bakula. You can rent Color of Night from Prime Video. Color of Night (1994) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Obsessed (2009) As I think we've established by this point, there are erotic thrillers that serve as legitimate cinema and others that function very ably as guilty pleasures. While the very best can do both, there's something to be said for a movie that's both horny and a little goofy. That's Obsessed, which finds a successful Black couple absolutely terrorized by an unhinged and desperately horny white lady (Ali Larter) from work. One reason this worksmaybe the only reasonis in the wild lead casting of Beyonc and Idris Elba. Not to spoil too much, but a climactic fight between Beyonc and Larter's character won the MTV Award for Best Fight. You can stream Obsessed on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video. Obsessed (2009) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Vertigo (1958) Alfred Hitchcock inspired much of the erotic thriller genre, even if he mostly worked in an era requiring a bit more subtletyof which he was not a huge fan, pushing those boundaries as hard as possible at every opportunity. Vertigo, while being in no way explicit, is among his most erotic filmsand most disturbing. James Stewart plays Scottie Ferguson, a retired cop hired to follow the wife of an old friend, fearing for her mental state. Scottie falls for Madeleine (Kim Novak) before she falls to her death. When the now clinically depressed Scottie meets her lookalike, his obsession leads her to remake the woman in the perfect image of Madeleine. You can stream Vertigo on The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video. Vertigo (1958) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Dead Ringers (1988) David Cronenberg followed up The Fly with this similarly disturbing bit of psychological fuckery. Jeremy Irons plays both twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle, the more outgoing Elliot seducing women and passing them off to shy Beverly. It all works well (for the creepy brothers), until Beverly develops feelings for Claire (Genevive Bujold), throwing a wrench in the brothers' relationship. Other films of the era might have played this for titillation, but David Cronenberg is fully aware of how unnerving the whole thing is, allowing the movie to slide into something very like horror before the final act. You can stream Dead Ringers on Prime Video, Peacock, and Pluto TV. Dead Ringers (1988) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock The Handmaiden (2016) Best known for stylish, over-the-top violent thrillers like Oldboy and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, director Park Chan-wook turned his talent for beautiful excess to the genre in question, crafting one of the best, and perviest, examples of the form. Set in Korea under Japanese occupation in the 1930s, the film follows thief Sookee (Kim Tae-ri) as she plots to swindle a wealthy heiress (Kim Min-hee) by becoming her handmaiden, but complications ensue once she develops feelings for her mark. Twist follows twist as sex and romance lead to violence and betrayalwhich is all exactly what we sat down for. You can stream The Handmaiden on Prime Video. The Handmaiden (2016) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Wild Things (1998) Depending on the viewer, Wild Things is either complete trash or a glorious ode to trash (not the only film on this list to blur that line, obviously). The plot kicks off with an uncomfortable bit about a false rape allegation, but continues on with a seemingly endless string of turnabouts and red herrings involving a trio comprised of Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, and Denise Richards. Hardly a scene goes by during which there isnt some new revelation, building out a love triangle that becomes a love quadrangle (at least) with the addition of Kevin Bacon, who offers up some memorable, and rare-for-the-genre, male nudity. You can rent Wild Things from Prime Video. Wild Things (1998) Learn More Learn More Cruel Intentions (1999) Adultness is almost a defining quality of erotic films, which is why Cruel Intentions plays almost as much as an underage parody of the genre as it does a thriller in its own right. Its also a teenage take on the French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses, already adapted as Dangerous Liaisons and Valmontwhich is all to say theres a lot to unpack here. Or perhaps youre better just enjoying this cult classic as the juicy, intentionally trashy bit of fun that it is. Reese Witherspoon plays Annette, who intends to stay pure until her marriage, which, good luck in the face of the horny, scheming pair played by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe. You can rent Cruel Intentions from Prime Video. Cruel Intentions (1999) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Unfaithful (2002) Just as director Adrian Lyne ushered in the genres golden age, he popped by to see it off with Unfaithful, a thriller with a setup thats made clear from the title: Diane Lane plays a bored wife to Richard Gere, by chance meeting a man who she winds up having an affair with. Annnnndddd cue the inevitable murder. Its middling on the whole, but worth it for Lanes Academy Award-nominated performance. You can rent Unfaithful from Prime Video. Unfaithful (2002) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Stranger By the Lake (2013) Erotic thrillers peaked in the 90s, and had largely died out (beyond the direct-to-video market) around the turn of the century, so much so that this 2013 French film plays like an homage to an older form, in much the same way that some of the better thrillers of the 80s paid tribute to film noir. Here, Pierre Deladonchamps plays Franck, a regular visitor to a nude beach and the surrounding woods, both popular cruising spots. Franck begins a passionate relationship (meaning: lots of sex in the woods) with Michel (Christophe Paou), who Franck later spots drowning someone in the lake. As the investigation into that event heats up, Franck finds himself struggling to give up a good thing, even in the face of murder. As with the lead in any good erotic thrillers, the better the sex, the more Franck will risk. You can rent Stranger by the Lake from Prime Video. Stranger By the Lake (2013) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Deep Water (2022) Adrian Lyne (9 Weeks, Fatal Attraction, and Indecent Proposal) returned to the directors chair after an absence of two decades for this Hulu original. Ben Affleck is probably a rough equivalent in star power and sex appeal to the male leads of yore, and Ana de Armas is a good choice as a co-lead, even if the casting does remind us that age gaps in these movies will always favor the idea of an older man with a significantly younger woman. Here, Afflecks Vic agrees to overlook his wifes string of affairs in order to preserve his marriage, but then becomes the prime suspect when her lovers start turning up dead. Its a solid setup (taken from a Patricia Highsmith novel) that doesnt quite connect, but still serves as a reminder that there's a bit of life in a time-honored genre. You can stream Deep Water on Hulu. Deep Water (2022) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu Saltburn (2023) Yes, it plays a bit like The Talented Mr. Ripley sans subtextbut maybe we're past subtext at this point. Scholarship kid Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) weasels his way into the life of the popular, handsome, and impressively wealthy Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). Oliver is there to take everything he can, but he's also genuinely obsessed with Felix, building to romantic moments in a bathtub, and over an open grave. If Oliver can't have Felix and his lavish life and palatial estate, he'll take the second one, thanks. You can stream Saltburn on Prime Video. Saltburn (2023) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video

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HIRING: Park ranger. SEEKING: Nuclear submarine engineer. WANTED: Sled dog musher.If they seem unlikely postings, they probably are. But a laid-off federal worker can dream.Axed from jobs not easily found outside government, thousands of federal workers caught in President Donald Trumps cost-cutting efforts now face a difficult search for work.If youre doing, say, vegetation sampling and prescribed fire as your main work, there arent many jobs, says Eric Anderson, 48, of Chicago, who was fired Feb. 14 from his job as a biological science technician at Indiana Dunes National Park.All the years of work Anderson put in the masters degree, the urban forestry classes, the wildfire deployments seemed to disappear in a single email dismissing him.Hes hoping theres a chance hes called back, but if he isnt, hes not sure what hell do next. He was so consumed with his firing that he broke a molar from grinding his teeth. But he knows hes caught in something larger than himself, as the new administration unfurls its chaotic cost-cutting agenda.This is someone coming in and tossing a hand grenade and seeing what will happen, he says.The federal job cuts are the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tearing through agencies looking for suspected waste. No official tally of firings has been released, but the list stretches into the thousands and to nearly every part of the country. More than 80% of the federal governments 2.4-million-person civilian workforce is based outside of the Washington area.Cathy Nguyen, 51, of Honolulu, was laid off last month from her job at USAID, where she helped manage the PEPFAR program, which combats HIV/AIDS.Her firing not only brought the turmoil of finding new health insurance, halting saving for retirement and her kids college education, and trimming spending for things like the family subscription to Disney Plus it also has forced her to reconsider her career goals.PEPFAR is a landmark effort that stretches across dozens of countries and is credited with saving some 26 million lives. Nothing rivals it. So where does a former PEPFAR worker go?Its requiring me to rethink how I want to spend my professional life, Nguyen says.As specialized as Nguyens work has been, Mitch Flanigan may have her beat.Flanigan, 40, was assigned to the sled dog kennels at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska until he was fired Feb. 14. It never brought a huge paycheck, but where else could he get to work as a dog musher against such a breathtaking panorama?He has appealed his firing with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board.I still kind of want to fight for the job that I lost, he says. Im not really making much money, its just fun and its a unique thing to be a part of.A November report from the Federal Salary Council, which advises on government pay, found that federal salaries were one-fourth lower than those in the private sector.A Congressional Budget Office report released last year found pay disparities depended on workers education. Federal workers with a high school diploma or less outearned their private-sector counterparts with 17% higher wages, the CBO found. That edge disappeared among better-educated workers. Workers with bachelors degrees had wages 10% lower than the private sector and those with professional degrees or doctorates earned 29% less. Federal benefits were vastly better than the private sector for the lowest-educated workers, the CBO found, and about even for the highest-educated workers.Many laid off from federal positions were drawn by stability, benefits and, more than anything, the opportunity to do work they might not be able to do anywhere else. Now, everyone from diplomats to public health workers are flooding the job market looking for suitable positions.Gracie Lynne, a 32-year-old fellow at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, who lives in Eugene, Oregon, took a pay cut when she started her job four years ago.Her parents lost their home during the Great Recession, which led to their divorce, years of financial angst, and Lynnes own interest in financial regulation. She found herself following the nascent CFPBs rulemaking and poring over 1,000-page bills on bank regulations. She wrote her masters thesis on the bureau. She couldnt pass up the job.This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she told herself.Plus, she thought, the benefits would come in handy when her and her husband decided to start a family. Now, six months pregnant, she finds herself jobless and scrambling to get insured.She isnt sure where shell land, or if shell find many employers rushing to hire someone about to become a mother. But she feels more committed than ever to the work she did.I feel even more compelled to stay in the public sector after this experience, she says, noting the good work protecting consumers she was every day, to stay in the fight.Luke Tobin, a 24-year-old forestry technician who worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Idahos Nez Perce National Forest, who was fired from his job Feb. 14, finds the accusations of waste by Musk and others laughable. He sees extreme understaffing and threadbare budgets.He earned about $19 an hour and was furloughed for about half of the year but still relished a job that had him backpacking in remote areas for days at a time.Scrambling to find a replacement job, hes put in dozens of applications. He has pursued openings on tree farms, at tree-trimming companies and at nurseries, but so far, has only heard back from two employers on two minimum-wage jobs: one as an Amazon delivery person and the other as a line cook at a fried chicken restaurant.I need a job, he says, any job.Associated Press writer Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska, contributed to this report.Matt Sedensky can be reached at msedensky@ap.org and https://x.com/sedensky.Matt Sedensky, AP National Writer

If youve ever felt frustrated by job listings that seem too good to be true or lead nowhere at all, youre not alone. The truth is, the job market is full of fake postings and ghost jobs that can waste your time or even put you at risk. To help you navigate this confusing landscape, nine experienced experts have shared their advice on red flags to watch out for, so you can differentiate between legitimate opportunities and scams designed to exploit job seekers.Look for salary transparencyIn my experience, the biggest red flag has nothing to do with the job description or the company website. The real issue shows up when a listing has zero mention of salaryor worse, it dodges the topic altogether.If a job post says something vague like competitive pay or salary dependent on experience without giving even a basic range, I immediately question whether the company is serious about hiring. A real position has a budget. If a company cannot commit to a number, it probably is not committed to filling the role anytime soon. I have seen roles stay open for six-plus months because companies want to see what talent is out there without offering a concrete salary. That being said, the real test happens during the first conversation. If an employer dances around pay or refuses to give a range even when asked, something is off.Avoiding salary discussions leads to drawn-out hiring cycles, wasted interviews, and applicants walking away after weeks of back and forth. Personally, if a company will not disclose a number after the second conversation, I consider that a dead end. The best job listings give at least a range$65K to $75K, $20 to $25/hour, or even starting at $80K. Anything is better than a mystery.Patrick Beltran, marketing director, Ardoz DigitalIdentify unusual application methodsFrom what Ive seen, one key indicator that job seekers can use to identify fake or ghost job listings is unusual application methods or interview processes. Being able to identify these uncommon practices can serve as red flags, potentially saving candidates time and protecting them from scams.Be cautious of job postings that ask you to apply through non-standard channels. Legit companies typically use official company portals or professional job platforms for applications (for example, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc). Red flags for application methods include:Requests to apply via personal email addresses (like @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc.)Applications through messaging apps or social media platformsUnusual file upload requirementsReal companies generally follow standard interview protocols. Be on the lookout for:Interviews conducted entirely via text messagingUnusually short interviewsSudden interview invitations without prior applicationRequests to download specific messaging apps like Telegram for interviewsSome additional warning signs during the interviews could be:Immediate job offers without thorough vettingOverly agreeable interviewers who quickly present offers that sound too good to be trueBy being vigilant about these unusual practices, job seekers can better protect themselves from potential scams and focus their efforts on real job opportunities. Remember, most reputable companies will conduct initial interactions through professional channels and use standard video conferencing tools for remote interviews.Lisa Frank, marketing specialist, AM Industrial GroupBeware of pressure to act quicklyOne big red flag Ive noticed with fake or ghost job listings is when theres an intense sense of urgency. If a recruiter tells you to apply or accept an offer immediately, without giving you time to think or ask questions, thats a major warning sign. Legitimate companies understand that making career decisions takes time, and they dont push candidates into rushed commitments.This urgency is often a tactic to catch people off guard, leaving them less time to notice inconsistencies or research the company. For example, Ive seen postings where they say, You must confirm today, or the offer will be gone! Thats just not how real hiring works.When you feel pressured like this, take a step back and ask yourself why theyre in such a hurry. A trustworthy employer will respect your need to evaluate the opportunity and respond on your timeline, not theirs. Always prioritize your due diligence, even if it means walking away.Ani Ghazaryan, head of content marketing, neptune.aiWatch for overpromising job listingsA major red flag that job seekers often overlook is job listings that overpromise but under define. If a role boasts unlimited income potential, vague benefits, or rapid career growth but lacks concrete details about daily responsibilities, team structure, or performance expectations, thats a strong indicator that the listing may be misleading or even nonexistent. Remember that in hiring, clarity is key, legitimate employers know exactly what they need and can articulate it. If a job sounds too good to be true without clear accountability, it likely is.From my experience, a well-structured job posting reflects an organizations professionalism and operational maturity. Companies with real hiring needs define their expectations, required skills, and key performance indicators clearly. When those elements are missing, it suggests either disorganization or, worse, a bait-and-switch scenario where the role doesnt truly exist, or the reality of the job is far from whats being advertised.Another critical factor is the lack of transparency about success metrics and internal structure. If a company cannot outline who the role reports to, how performance is evaluated, or what the first 90 days will entail, it signals potential instability. This could mean unclear leadership, shifting priorities, or a lack of long-term investment in employees.To vet these listings, job seekers should scrutinize the details. Does the job posting explain how success is measured? Is there a clear reporting structure? Are the responsibilities specific, or is it all broad promises? If the listing reads more like a promotional pitch than a structured opportunity, its worth questioning whether the job is real, or whether its just a tactic to build a talent pipeline without immediate intent to hire.Stephen Greet, CEO and cofounder, BeamJobsCheck for clear points of contactUsually, a real job listing includes a clear point of contact. If a posting only provides a generic company email or a web form with no mention of a hiring manager, that is a major concern. A genuine employer will always make it clear who is in charge of recruitment. When there is no name, no department, and no way to confirm who is reviewing applications, there is a good chance the job does not exist. Many applicants send in rsums, receive an automated response, and never hear anything again.This becomes even more obvious during the hiring process. If you get an interview but cannot figure out who is making the hiring decision, that is a red flag. Companies that post fake openings often go through the motions of interviews, wasting time without ever planning to hire. Asking directly who is leading recruitment and when a final decision will be made can provide answers. If those details stay vague or keep changing, there is little reason to believe the job is real.To avoid getting caught up in this cycle, always check if the hiring manager is listed on the companys website or LinkedIn. If there is no sign of anyone connected to the job, that is a signal to be careful. When reaching out, ask for direct contact with the person making the decision. If a company is serious about hiring, they will be upfront. If they are not, you will save yourself the trouble of chasing something that was never real to begin with.Lucas Botzen, talent acquisition specialist and founder, RivermateResearch companys online presenceMost companies tech savvy enough to utilize online resources for hiring are also likely to have some kind of online presence. Its not just about a random job posting floating around. You should be able to find them onlinelike, do they have social media? A blog they actually update? Check out places like LinkedIn or Glassdoor. See what employees are saying or if the company posts anything there.If you cant find anything recent about them, no updates, or they basically dont exist online at all, thats a huge warning sign. These ghost jobs often come from companies that are only names on paper (or on a job board), not actual, real businesses. Or sometimes, its agencies using fake jobs to collect rsums or contact info.Basically, if a companys legit, there will be some online buzz about themmore than just one lonely job post. If the job listing doesnt match up with what you find online, its likely a fake.Sha Cannon, fractional chief operating officer, Sha Cannon Business SolutionsAvoid requests for excessive personal informationA company that asks for excessive personal information is a big red flag. Legitimate employers do not typically request sensitive details (bank account info, social security number, passport details) in the early stages of the hiring process. If the application requires unusual personal data upfront, its likely not legitimate, and applicants should stay away. Any requirement to pay a training fee or invest in equipment for a job almost always signals a scam. Trust your gut.Jacquelyn Lloyd, CEO and HR consultant, Jacquelyn Lloyd ConsultingCheck posting durationOne key indicator job seekers can use to discern whether a job is fake or a ghost job is how long it has been posted past its closing date. Job seekers often apply to hundreds of jobs to land one. The numbers game is not just wasting time. Its also increasing their personal information exposure to scammers as its likely that several companies are fake or ghost jobs out of the hundred in a month. In fake and ghost jobs, your personal information is vulnerable to scams or marketers for profit.If its a fake job, its legitimacy can often be questioned depending on where its posted, who posted it, and how fast the posting disappears. On LinkedIn, fake jobs disappear quickly. The key to discerning the validity is if the company posting is an actual company. Mostly, phony job postings are from fake companies. Job seekers should Google the company and check the website to confirm whether the posting is active. You can also contact the company directly via email or phone to ensure the company is still hiring. You can also search LinkedIn for the recruiter to see if theyve posted the position.If you confirm that the job posting is real, the company may have hired the candidate but kept the posting past its closing date. Companies use this strategy to fill their pipeline with future candidates. Some companies post their hiring process flow on their website and give applicants options on how the company can use their application or resume information. Options may include information that could only be used for posted positions, the companys newsletter, or future positions.With the increased use of AI for job postings, there are blurred lines between whats fake and whats just a ghost job. While this allows many fake job creations or ghost jobs to save companies money by collecting data, job seekers must research companies deeply to avoid scams and save time applying for jobs.Mark Anthony Dyson, founder, The Voice of Job SeekersAssess job listing qualityA key indicator to look out for is the quality of the job listing itself. Often, fake or ghost job postings may contain numerous spelling and grammatical errors, overly generic job descriptions, or unrealistic promises such as extremely high pay for minimal experience or effort. Legitimate job postings are usually well-written and provide a clear, realistic description of the role, responsibilities, and qualifications required. If a job ad seems too good to be true or poorly put together, it could very well be a red flag signaling a fake job listing.Gary Edwards, director, Voceer

"Don't design, just to design," says Jake Miller. "Set out to solve a problem. Then, solve that problem in the most elegant way imaginable." Miller runs Fellow Products, a company he founded to "introduce more people to specialty coffee through approachable design." Surprisingly, Miller is not an industrial designer himselfhis background is in businessbut he has cited the strong influence of Dieter Rams on Fellow's design aesthetic. "I'm a marketer with an MBA, but I was able to take classes at the Stanford School of Engineering and at the [Design] School and that's where Fellow was started," Miller said in an interview with Shopify. "Fellow was dreamed up with the spirit of never having to choose between aesthetics and functionality," Miller said in a different interview with coffee t&i magazine. To that end, a lot of Fellow's productslike these grinders, immediately below--look like they came out of Braun's skunkworks circa the 1960s and '70s. Given today's stripped-down product aesthetic, they could even be mistaken for foamcore mockups that would eventually be refined into a Braun product of that era. "Unfortunately, specialty coffee and tea culture can be both overwhelming and intimidating," Miller states. Fellow's bid to make gear accessible and friendly-looking has yielded these vacuum canisters and tumblers: This handsome insulated stainless steel tumbler features a ceramic interior: If you're wondering how the lid closes:One of their designs that deviates beyond the Ramsian is their Corvo Electric Kettle, which veers into Scandinavian territory: All in all, the company produces some really handsome goods. I'm dying to know if they have an inside design team or if they farm this out to different firms. (If you're one of those firms, please drop a line, we'd love to credit you.)

Situated in Thandarai, India, Vaazh House, crafted by Vy Architecture Studio, seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern design to create a space that is both functional and intimately connected to its environment. The 1,500-square-foot (139-sq-m) home features a perforated curved wall that serves as a dynamic climate buffer.This strategically placed wall shields the home from the harsh western sun, enabling a playful interaction with light while protecting the interior from intense heat. The dwelling is constructed with natural materials such as compressed earth blocks, mud, and river rocks, so it minimizes its carbon footprint. These materials also enhance the houses thermal mass, keeping it cool during scorching days and warm on cooler nights.Designer: Vy Architecture StudioThe home also integrates sustainable design features like rainwater harvesting and solar panels. The courtyard serves as a natural rainwater collection area, with the curved, perforated wall channeling monsoon rains into a mesmerizing flow. Solar panels are installed to supply the house with a renewable energy source, reducing its reliance on external electricity.The homes layout is organized into three different zones. The communal area comprising the thinnai (a traditional covered veranda for socializing), living room, and courtyard are interconnected, fostering an open and welcoming atmosphere. The more private sections, including the kitchen and bedrooms, are arranged linearly, ensuring privacy while maintaining the overall sense of openness and connectivity throughout the home.The interior design of the home is a seamless extension of the surrounding natural red landscape, featuring exposed mud-brick walls and flooring that lend a warm, earthy feel throughout the living spaces. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls have been strategically incorporated to invite the lush, landscaped surroundings into the home. This design element ensures that residents can enjoy stunning views of the outdoors, while clever architectural planning maintains their privacy, allowing for a serene living environment.At the core of the house is the courtyard, serving as the centerpiece of the homes design. Encircling the courtyard is the perforated curved wall, which offers protection from the harsh afternoon sun. This wall is not simply an architectural component, but it is an inviting space that welcomes natural elements, allowing sunlight and fresh air to filter gently through its perforations. The curve of the wall is more than just a striking sculptural feature, it also provides functionality, as residents can ascend the wall to access the roof.Vaazh House is more than just a living space it is a harmonious blend of architecture and the local climate. This thoughtfully designed dwelling embraces its environment through innovative features such as the perforated wall, open roof, and integration of natural elements throughout the interior. The combination of these features creates a rich sensory experience, allowing the residents to feel an intimate connection with the earth beneath them, the rhythm of the rain, and the skies above.The post Perforated Walls & Natural Materials Create a Sensory Connection In This Eco-Friendly Haven In India first appeared on Yanko Design.

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