'Horror movie of the year' director explains why the film is full of Irish music

Just a few days ago, the gothic horror film Sinners premiered in cinemas, and fans of the genre are already dubbing it the
horror movie of the year.
However, one aspect of it has viewers feeling puzzled.
The movie, starring Michael B Jordan and Jack O'Connell, seems to be full of
traditional Irish music
- an addition that feels slightly out of place. The opening scene shows a rural Mississippi town, where the opening night of a juke joint is interrupted by none other than a trio of traditional Irish music-playing and
jig-dancing
vampires.
As confusing as it may seem, filmmaker Ryan Coogler had a pretty simple explanation - he's actually just
a fan of Irish music.
He appeared on an episode of the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast and shared where the choice came from.
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Coogler said: 'I'm obsessed with Irish folk music, my kids are obsessed with it, my first name is Irish. I think it's not known how much crossover there is between African American culture and Irish culture, and how much that stuff is loved in our community.'
In the movie, the vampires' most powerful weapon is the allure of their music, which, according to Coogler, needed to be good enough to rival the blues music coming from the juke joint. And so, he chose Irish music.
Filmmaker Ryan Coogler said he is "obsessed" with Irish folk music
(Image: Copyright (c) 2025 Shutterstock. No use without permission.)
Jack
O'Connell plays
Remmick, the lead vampire, in the film. Coogler said it was important for the character to feel old, like he had come from a time long before the one we see on screen.
According to Coogler, using traditional music gives Remmick a timelessness. In his speech at Smoke and Stack's club, the vampire recalls Ireland's first colonization, making him hundreds of years old.
This also helps set him apart from the white American community that terrorizes the black characters in the film. Folk
music helps draw a connection
between the two cultures, showing they are more alike than different.
In an interview during press for the film, Jack O'Connell shared that it wasn't his first experience with
Irish dancing.
He actually used to go to lessons as a child, joking that his nickname was "jumping jack.'
O'Connell, whose dad hails from
Co Kerry
, said he was surprised to see the Irish influence in the script when he first read it. He said, 'I had my talking points, I had stuff that I wanted to ask, so the conversation was kind of dominated by that: What is Rocky Road to
Dublin
doing in this story? Will I really be singing it? Do you like Irish traditional music? I'll talk to anyone all day about Luke Kelly and the Dubliners.'
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage
here
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Yahoo

12-06-2025

• Yahoo

Tips and tricks for edging yourself or your partner from sex experts

There are so many exciting, sexy time activities to try. A true buffet of kinks, sex toys, positions, and role-playing options to ramp up your orgasms. But what about withholding orgasms to prolong pleasure? No matter your sexual orientation or gender identity, 'edging' can be a fun way to enhance pleasure and extend sex. You've may have already done this to yourself as you watch porn, but edging isn't just a solo activity, it's also a way to tease your partner by withholding orgasms. To find out if edging is for you and what you should do to make it good for you and your partner, we spoke with sex experts to explain it all. According to gay cruising app Sniffies' 2024 statistics, edging is the most popular kink in America, and with good reason! Edging is the ultimate tease; it's the practice of intentionally bringing yourself and/or your partner to the point right before you climax, but instead of finishing, you pause the stimulation until you've calmed down and then repeat the process before finally allowing an orgasm. Not only does this extend playtime, but it intensifies pleasure and arousal, and often lead to a more intense, longer-lasting orgasm when you are finally allowed to climax. You can edge yourself during masturbation or while having sex with other people to add a little spice to your sex life, but it can also be a great way to explore dom/sub dynamics. Both partners can edge each other, but you can also play with power dynamics where the dominant partner takes control over the submissive's orgasms and decides when they can climax. Edging can also help with premature ejaculation, and for gay men, it is also a great way for tops to manage performance so that no one finishes too early. "For some, edging is a part of kinky play where power dynamics allow for orgasm denial or advanced teasing,' Birna Gustafsson, an LGBTQ+ sex educator and public health advocate, tells PRIDE. 'Many people love edging because of the elements of control, heightened sensations, and subverting expectations of what sex should look or feel like.' Also known as 'surfing' and 'peaking,' the term edging comes from the idea of approaching a metaphorical 'edge' of orgasmic inevitability but stopping from you tip over the edge. Although the word itself is from Middle English, the internet and sex positive online communities helped to popularize the way people use the term today, and it has since entered the Gen Z lexicon on TikTok. Iryna Kalamurza/Shutterstock If you've ever finished and been like, 'is that all?' then you'd probably like edging. For people who feel like the peak of their climax is too short or want to make their sexual experiences last longer, edging is a great technique to add into your playtime repertoire. If you're curious about edging, try exploring it during solo masturbation first before trying it out with a partner. 'It's also great if you're in a sexual rut, exploring solo play in a new way, or curious about adding something fresh to partnered sex,' Gustafsson says. 'It can take some people up to twenty minutes for their genitals to fully engorge and hit peak arousal, and edging offers a fun way to explore as you welcome pleasure in waves, not a flood of sensations all at once.' According to Tim Lagman, a sex expert and board certified sex educator with the lube company pjur, those who already enjoy 'intense build-ups or teasing sensations' or want to explore orgasms control and power dynamics, should give edging a try. It's a low risk, high reward way to make your sex life more interesting! If you've never played with edging before, try it on your own first. That way, you'll get an idea of whether or not you'd like it, then you can try it out with a partner and decide whether you like to be the giver who is in control, the receiver who relinquishes control, or both! Try to slow down your breathing to help you or your partner stay calm and in control. It's also a great way to focus on the sensations in your body instead of rushing into an orgasm. Communication is also key with anything sex-related, but with edging, you have to be aware of your partner's body language and listen to their words so you know when they are getting close and you need to pull back before starting again. You should also talk to your partner beforehand about how they like to be edged, what techniques ramp them up the most (like fingering, oral, or penetrative sex), and what intensity is good for them. Switch back and forth between fast and slow movements and play with different pressure, sex positions, and techniques to make the edging experience more dynamic. You can also tease your partner with different timings. Try doing five second of fast sensation, slow down for five seconds, a then each round add five seconds to each interval until you get up to a minute before you let them finish. And if you're into a sub/dom relationship or are into power play, the dominant partner can count out loud to dial up the heat. Lube should always be in your bedside table drawer, but when you're planning on extending the amount of time you are having sex, make sure you use lots of lube to keep it feeling good all night long. There are so many you can incorporate into edging, the options are limitless! You can try teasing your partner with a blindfold, feathers, or a whip. Or add in vibrators, sex machine, strap on, butt plugs, cock ring, or prostate massager, or anything else that will ramp things up for you or your partner. Try switching things up between using your hands, oral stimulation, powerful toys, warm and cold sensations, and internal and external stimulation. You don't need to go from zero to 60; instead, try alternating between two different sensations and cycling through different rhythms. For instance, try changing between rubbing their clit and using gentle tapping to tease your partner. If you've already mastered the basics, try this more advanced technique: when you feel like you or your partner are about to climax, don't slow down, just stop using your hands and sex toys completely. Spend some time breathing and let the pleasure settle in your body before you go right back to the same intensity you were using before. If you enjoy edging, consider trying gooning too which is an extreme form of edging where you masturbate for hours while watching porn, but never let yourself have an orgasm. Getty Images Edging is versatile, and can be adapted to work with all different kinds of bodies and can be a great way to affirm gender identity. 'For those experiencing gender dysphoria, edging can center sensation elsewhere in the body than just the genitals,' Gustafsson explains. 'Using toys and tools like strap-ons, prosthetics, or powerful vibrators that send sensation through layers of material can all be a part of edging, too.' Sofie Roos, a bisexual licensed sexologist and relationship therapist, has suggestions for all genders and sexualities. For queer men, she recommends combining deign with stimulation of the anus or penis through penetrative sex or using a toy like a vibrating butt plug. Or go the advanced route and focus on edging the prostate alone for an extra strong orgasm. For sapphics, use your hands, vibrator, or tongue to stimulate the clitoris by starting off with calm, light touches, before increasing the stimulation and then starting over again. She also said if you or your partner's clit gets overstimulated switch to focusing on the G-spot, and unlike people with penises, you can keep going until you, your partner, or both achieve multiple orgasms. According to Roos, trans folks can use edging to 'explore their body sexually in new ways that feel more natural than other types of sex' and can also use it to explore new sexual dynamics. For nonbinary people, she says that edging can provide the kind of control that allows for experimentation. 'Nonbinary folks can use edging to feel as if they're more in control of how they get pleasure, and that they can discover their body [on] their own terms and take control over their orgasm,' Roos says. Edging, truly is for everyone! Birna Gustafsson, an LGBTQ+ sex educator and public health advocate. Tim Lagman, a sex expert and board certified sex educator with the lube company pjur. Sofie Roos, licensed sexologist and relationship therapist & author at Passionerad.

Tatler Asia

10-06-2025

• Tatler Asia

6 production studios making a killing in the horror genre

2. A24 Since its establishment, A24 has cultivated a niche within the horror genre that blends artistic ambition with commercial viability. The studio's approach focuses on psychological and atmospheric horror, appealing to discerning viewers seeking depth and innovation. Films such as Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019) and Heretic (2024) have earned both critical praise and solid box office numbers, with Hereditary grossing over US$80 million globally on a US$10 million budget. And then there's the Pearl universe, which has earned a cult following of hardcore horror fans. A24's ability to back auteur-driven projects has helped elevate the horror genre's artistic profile without sacrificing financial returns. 3. Atomic Monster Founded by director James Wan, Atomic Monster has played a crucial role in mainstream horror's evolution. Wan's own The Conjuring universe is one of the most successful horror franchises of the last decade, with multiple entries surpassing US$300 million globally. Atomic Monster combines blockbuster sensibilities with genre storytelling, extending horror's appeal to mass audiences. Wan's productions often feature high production values, tight narratives and supernatural elements that have become staples of modern horror. 4. Ghost House Pictures Co-founded by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, Ghost House Pictures has built a reputation for making horror that's accessible, entertaining and internationally appealing. The company strikes a balance between classic scares and modern pacing, producing hits like Drag Me to Hell (2009), Don't Breathe (2016) and Evil Dead Rise (2023). These films tend to blend practical effects with clever tension-building, offering audiences a familiar but well-executed experience. Ghost House may not chase awards-season buzz, but its track record at the box office speaks to a solid understanding of what horror fans want—and are willing to pay to see. 5. Monkeypaw Productions Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions has redefined the horror genre's cultural and financial potential. Starting with Get Out , which grossed over US$255 million worldwide on a US$4.5 million budget, Monkeypaw has merged horror with social commentary in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. Subsequent releases like Us (2019) and Nope (2022) have continued this trend, combining scares with themes of identity and society. Monkeypaw's approach broadens the genre's appeal beyond traditional horror fans, contributing to its commercial success. 6. Proximity Media Founded by Ryan Coogler alongside Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, Proximity Media has made a significant impact on the horror genre with its 2025 release, Sinners . Directed by Coogler and starring Michael B Jordan, the film blends supernatural horror with social commentary, set against the backdrop of 1930s Mississippi. Sinners has achieved remarkable box office success, grossing over US$351 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year so far. The film's unique narrative and strong performances have solidified Proximity Media's position as a formidable player in the horror genre. The financial success of these production houses demonstrates that the horror genre is far from a niche market. By embracing innovation, efficient budgeting and strong storytelling, these companies have established themselves as leaders in one of cinema's most consistently profitable areas. Their varied approaches prove there is no single formula for success in the horror genre, but all share an ability to turn fear into formidable returns. NOW READ 11 female directors who shaped the horror movie genre 11 cancelled TV shows we still can't stop thinking about 6 noona romance K-dramas where love blossoms against the odds

Tatler Asia

29-05-2025

• Tatler Asia

Things you didn't know about Baileys

The name Baileys isn't Irish either According to the Irish Times , Gluckman and Seymour-Davies borrowed the name from Baileys Bistro, a restaurant located beneath their new office in SoHo, London. It just sounded right. Baileys comes in more flavours than you'd expect Above From Dublin to the world: Baileys has won hearts with its variety of flavour twists (photo: Getty Images / Monica Schipper) Beyond the original Irish Cream, the brand has expanded its repertoire to include indulgent favourites like Salted Caramel, Espresso Crème, Chocolate Cherry and Vanilla Cinnamon. Seasonal specials such as Pumpkin Spice keep things fresh, while the vegan-friendly Baileys Almande—made with almond milk—offers a plant-based option. Limited-edition releases such as Strawberries & Cream, Chocolat Luxe and Dulce de Leche (the latter exclusive to Mexico) prove Baileys isn't afraid to experiment. Pure ingredients, proudly sourced Each year, Baileys uses more than 250 million litres of fresh milk sourced directly from Ireland. According to a 2015 report by the Irish government's Merrion Street agency, this milk is collected from over 40,000 cows across 1,500 carefully selected farms. It is then transported to the Baileys facility in Dublin, where it becomes the cream used in the liqueur—a product with a shelf life of up to two years. Above Baileys has come to symbolise indulgence and ease (photo: Instagram / @baileysofficial) At least five men have laid claim to its creation The names most often associated with Baileys' beginnings include David Gluckman, David Dand, Mac Macpherson, Steve Wilson and Tom Jago. Among them, Jago is widely regarded as the most credible source. A pioneer in spirits innovation, he also helped create Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Malibu, and later co-founded The Last Drop Distillers with James Espey. According to Jago, Gluckman and Seymour-Davies were copywriters, Macpherson served as the chemist, Wilson assisted him, and Dand oversaw the project. Together, they experimented with a mix of whiskey, cream, sugar and chocolate, along with a name that would eventually become world-famous. A favourite among women Above Versatile and stylish, Baileys pairs beautifully with a wide range of treats (photo: Instagram / @baileysofficial) With an approachable alcohol content of around 17% and a soft, sweet profile, Baileys holds strong appeal, particularly among women. In 2014, Diageo launched a female-focused campaign titled 'This is for Us,' conceived by an all-female creative team at BBH London. According to Irish Central, the campaign was crafted specifically for the Millennial woman. It isn't just for after dinner In 2019, Baileys debuted a line of coffee creamers (think cold brews in flavours such as Caramel and Irish Coffee) aimed at brightening up your morning ritual. The brand has also ventured into desserts, releasing products like yoghurt and chocolate biscuits for fans wanting a little extra indulgence.