The alluring actress Alyssa Sutherland, who just swept the horror community off her feet as the possessed Natalie in “Evil Dead Rise,” has a career trajectory that defies convention. Her career started in the bright lights of the fashion business, not on bloody, gory movie sets. How did this Australian beauty go from walking the haute couture catwalks to facing evil forces on screen?

A Model Start: 

The narrative of Sutherland starts in Brisbane, Australia. At an early age, Alyssa Sutherland was discovered in a mall and moved fast through the modeling ranks. Her remarkable physical attributes secured her highly sought-after endorsements for labels such as Bulgari and Ralph Lauren, and she was featured on the pages of esteemed publications like Glamour and Australian Style. Success as a model seemed to be her destiny. But something else gnawed at Sutherland like a spark.

The Need to Take Action:

Although modeling provided a stable income and an opulent lifestyle, Sutherland’s true ambition was to become an actress. She relates, “I had wanted to be an actress… I was doing drama in high school.” This desire was not just a passing fancy for her. She had a deep-rooted passion for acting, which she nurtured even during her modeling days. But as a child growing up in Australia, an acting profession seemed like a far-off ideal. Despite the seeming constraints, Sutherland’s passion for telling tales and taking on personalities remained strong. 

The Leap of Faith: 

Sutherland took a risky move because she was determined to follow her passion. Despite a successful modeling career, she put off attending college and started her acting profession. There was no denying her skill and commitment. In 2009, she was cast in her debut on-screen part in the short film “The Verge”. Sutherland kept refining her technique and accumulating a filmography demonstrating her range, but this was only the beginning.

Beyond the Runway: 

Sutherland’s acting career is a testament to her versatility. She has portrayed powerful female characters in historical dramas such as ‘Vikings’ and the Australian miniseries ‘Janet King,’ and showcased her comedic timing in shows like ‘The Astronaut Wives Club.’ However, it was her venture into the horror genre that truly captivated audiences, demonstrating her ability to excel in a variety of roles.

Unleashing the Deadite: 

Sutherland was cast as Natalie in the much-awaited “Evil Dead Rise,” the follow-up to the beloved classic horror film franchise, in 2023. This film was not just another project for her. It was a significant milestone in her career, marking her transition from the basic model to the evil character. It was different from your usual role of the damsel-in-distress. After falling under demonic forces’ control, Natalie becomes a formidable force. Sutherland underwent rigorous physical training and delved deeply into the character’s mind to fully accept the role’s emotional and physical demands. Her status as a rising star in the horror genre was cemented by the positive reviews she received for her performance. 

It’s a significant step to have the guts to abandon a successful career to follow one’s passion, but it can be challenging to make that kind of leap in a field where people tend to box artists into their first big success. Sutherland faced constraints on the kinds of parts the business would consider her for rather than misgivings about her ability to transition from modeling to acting. This is how she phrased it:

“I don’t think anyone doubts the ability of models to become actors. The business is not a whole pigeonhole model because I believe plenty have proven themselves. I believe that you struggle with saying, “But she’s too pretty to be a lawyer,” particularly if you’re a woman. She is too gorgeous to be like this. However, we also have Brad Pitt, a very attractive man with a wide range of acting skills. That has proven to be a challenging obstacle for me to conquer, which is why Evil Dead Rise is such a blessing.”

Evil Dead Rise turned out to be a blessing in many ways. Sutherland could not only swing for the fences, get dirty, and deliver one slick one-liner after another in her role as Ellie, but she also got to go big in a place where there was no fear. 

Takeaways from the Transformation:

Sutherland’s transformation from model to actor provides insightful inspiration for budding artists. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing your goals, regardless of how unusual they may seem. It exemplifies the strength of commitment and tenacity, especially in the face of early uncertainties and obstacles. More significantly, it illustrates how acting can change people and how it may push limits and alter perceptions. 

Alyssa Sutherland’s Future:

With “Evil Dead Rise,” Sutherland’s career is about to soar to even higher levels. She is in high demand as an actress because of her versatility in acting and her ability to play nuanced roles. Whether she’s strutting down the catwalk with style or taking on demons in a fierce manner on screen, Alyssa Sutherland never fails to enthrall viewers and surpass expectations. There’s no telling what terrifyingly fun roles she’ll play in the future, but one thing is certain: nothing.

In recent years, the film industry has significantly shifted towards stories set in small towns, bringing fresh perspectives and untold narratives to the forefront.

These stories offer a glimpse into the nuanced lives of communities often overlooked in mainstream cinema, challenging audiences to engage with diverse experiences and environments. This movement towards small-town tales is not just a trend but a transformative force in modern filmmaking, reshaping how stories are told and what stories are considered worth telling.

The Rise of the Underdog

One notable example of this shift can be seen in the Possum Trot movie, a film that brings the intricate dynamics of rural life into the limelight. Such movies go beyond mere settings; they delve into the heart and soul of communities, showcasing the strength, resilience, and complexity of people living far from urban sprawl.

This focus on underrepresented locales has broadened the thematic horizons of cinema and democratized storytelling, allowing for more voices and experiences to be heard.

Authentic Representation

Small town stories provide a platform for authentic representation, showcasing the realities of life in these communities. This authenticity resonates with audiences, offering a break from the often-glamorized portrayals of city life in movies. The realness of the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs strike a chord, creating a more inclusive and relatable cinematic experience.

Diverse Storytelling Perspectives

The shift towards small-town narratives has introduced a variety of storytelling perspectives, enriching the film industry with diverse tales that might otherwise remain untold. These stories challenge stereotypes and offer a more nuanced understanding of places and people frequently marginalized or misunderstood in mainstream media.

Innovative Storytelling Techniques

Filmmakers exploring small town stories often employ innovative storytelling techniques to capture the essence of these communities. From unique cinematography that highlights the natural beauty of rural landscapes to narratives that weave together the folklore and traditions of a place, these films push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

Economic Impact on Small Towns

Interestingly, films set in small towns can have a positive economic impact on the locations where they are shot. They bring attention to lesser-known areas, potentially boosting tourism and local business. This symbiotic relationship between filmmaking and location benefits the art of cinema and the communities that inspire it.

Fostering Community and Connection

Small town stories often center around community, belonging, and connection themes. These universal themes resonate widely, reminding viewers of the importance of human connections and the power of community, regardless of the setting. Films highlighting these aspects can foster a sense of unity and understanding among audiences.

Challenging Mainstream Norms

By bringing small town narratives to the forefront, modern films challenge mainstream norms and expand what is considered worthy of cinematic exploration. This shift not only diversifies the stories seen on screen but also challenges audiences to question and expand their perspectives.

The Future of Small Town Stories in Cinema

As the film industry continues to evolve, the importance of small town stories remains undeniable. These narratives counterbalance the urban-centric tales that dominate cinema, providing a refreshing change of pace and depth. The continued interest in small town stories signifies a broader desire for films that reflect the full spectrum of human experience, promising a future of cinema that is more inclusive, diverse, and representative of our world.

Incorporating small town stories profoundly changes the landscape of modern films. These narratives bring depth, diversity, and authenticity to cinema, challenging conventional storytelling and offering audiences new perspectives on the world. 

As filmmakers continue to explore the rich tapestry of life in small communities, we can expect to see a broader, more inclusive representation of human experiences on screen. The shift towards these stories reflects a changing industry and society, which values the stories of all its members, regardless of where they live.

When Beyoncé announced her 2022 album Renaissance, she made it clear that it was merely the first installment of a multi-act body of work.

And now, after over two years of waiting, the singer has revealed that Act II is on the way — Cowboy Carter. Cowboy Carter, also known as Act II: Cowboy Carter or just Act II, is Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, set to be released on March 29, 2024, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. 

It is the second chapter of Beyoncé’s trilogy project, developed during the COVID-19 epidemic, and follows Renaissance (2022).

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The then-untitled album was first announced on February 11, 2024, during Super Bowl LVIII, when Verizon Communications aired a Super Bowl commercial, titled ‘Can’t B Broken,’ in which Beyoncé tried to ‘break the Internet’ by doing increasingly outlandish means —  from releasing a jazz saxophone record and performing on top of the Las Vegas Sphere to building an AI version of herself and launching a “Barbey” doll collection.

After all of the ideas failed, Beyoncé closed the advertisement by saying, “Okay, they ready. Drop the new music.” Following the broadcast, the singer shared a preview video for Act II on Instagram. 

The video paid tribute to the 1984 movie, Paris, Texas, which mentions border blasters, and incorporates Chuck Berry’s 1955 song ‘Maybellene.’ The singer’s official website was updated the same day, announcing her eighth studio album, Act II, which would be released on March 29, 2024.

The album’s two main singles, ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and ‘16 Carriages,’ were then made available for digital download and streaming. On March 12, 2024, Beyoncé stated that the album would be called Cowboy Carter via a teaser poster with a western saddle and sash. 

She released the album cover on Instagram on March 19, 2024, and teased surprises and collaborations on the album. On March 20, 2024, she unveiled a limited edition unique cover featuring a ribbon that says “act ii BEYINCÉ,” referring to a generational family surname.

On March 27, 2024, she unveiled the album’s tracklist via a themed poster. She shared a graphic on Instagram of the album’s tracklist, which was inspired by classic Chitlin’ Circuit posters. 

Cover of Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, ‘Cowboy Carter.’ (Source: Instagram)

It includes the titles “Dolly P” and “Smoke Hour Willie Nelson,” implying possible collaborations with Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Similarly, ‘Jolene,’ was written on the poster, which netizens believe is a cover or reinterpretation of the Parton’s song of the same name.

‘The Linda Martell Show,’ has also been mentioned on the poster, possibly referring to the first Black woman to achieve commercial success in the country genre. 

The themed poster revealing the album’s tracklist has been confusing a lot of netizens. The following things have been mentioned on the poster, so possibly, these are the songs on the album.

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They are —  ‘Texas Hold ‘Em,’ ‘16 Carriages,’ ‘Ameriican Requiem,’ ‘Blackbiird,’ ‘Protector,’ ‘My Rose,’ ‘Bodyguard,’ ‘Daughter,’ ‘Spaghettii,’ ‘Alliigator Tears,’ ‘Smoke Hour Willie Nelson,’ ‘Smoke Hour II,’ ‘Just for Fun,’ ‘II Most Wanted,’ ‘Levii’s Jeans,’ ‘Flamenco,’ ‘Ya Ya,’ ‘Oh Louisiana,’ ‘Desert Eagle,’ ‘Riiverdance,’ ‘Tyrant,’ ‘II Hands II Heaven,’ ‘Sweet Honey Buckin’,’ ‘Amen,’ ‘Jolene,’ and ‘The Linda Martell Show.’ 

It looks like we will only get to know the collaborations and tracklist of Cowboy Carter after its release on March 29, 2024.