“Obsession” Movie Review: A Would-Be Rom-Com Takes a Sharp Turn into Horror

If you like horror, Obsession hits all the essential elements of the genre. Recently released and rated R, the film is especially notable for the strength of its two lead performances from Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston.

Navarrette, of Mexican and Australian descent, previously had a signature supporting role in The CW’s Superman & Lois. In Obsession, she handles the psychologically complex lead role of Nikki with dazzling believability, delivering a tour de force performance that draws viewers in and does not let go.

As Bear Bailey, Michael Johnston complements Navarrette’s performance with subtle restraint and understated charm, gradually giving way to powerful emotion as the plot darkens. The role feels like a breakout moment for Johnston, who has worked in television, low-budget films and voice-over roles since his teens.

A Romantic Setup Turns Sinister

Johnston plays Bear, a shy young man deeply infatuated with Nikki. Their friend Ian, played by Cooper Tomlinson, is also close with Nikki, and the group works together at a small music store. Megan Lawless rounds out the young adult cast as Sarah, who has a crush on Bear.

The movie begins with the familiar rhythms of a rom-com, making Bear’s awkward affection for Nikki feel endearing and believable. The early workplace and friend-group scenes give the film an authenticity that helps make the eventual horror turn more effective.

When Bear becomes frustrated by his inability to connect romantically with Nikki, he visits a mystic shop and finds a novelty toy called “One Wish Willow.” After making a wish about Nikki, events begin to spiral in bizarre, frightening and increasingly dramatic ways.

The supernatural twist serves as the driving force behind the film’s horror elements. After the wish is made, one character’s behavior changes rapidly, impacting everyone in the friend group in disturbing and unpredictable ways.

Obsession Is a Safe Bet for Horror Fans

Even for viewers who do not typically gravitate toward horror, Obsession offers plenty to appreciate. The characters are engaging, likable and more layered than the one-dimensional figures often found in lesser horror films. The movie is suspenseful, startling and genuinely unsettling as it unfolds.

The film features many shocking moments, yet avoids many of the clichés common to the genre. Director Curry Barker, who also wrote the screenplay and edited the film, does an impressive job in his first major feature-length movie.

The only real disappointment is the ending, which feels surprisingly unsatisfying and leaves too much unresolved. Otherwise, Obsession succeeds in nearly everything it sets out to accomplish.

If you enjoy horror movies, there is a strong chance you will love Obsession. Even viewers who are not usually fans of the genre may find themselves pleasantly surprised by this stylish and emotionally engaging horror film.

The post Movie Review: Obsession Hits All the Right Horror Notes  first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

The Original Pancake House Closes in Falls Church Area After 15 Years

The Original Pancake House Closes Its Doors for Good

The Original Pancake House, long known for its cinnamon-glazed apple pancakes, oven-baked Dutch Baby pancake coated with powdered sugar, and charitable work in the Falls Church area, has closed permanently.

“After 15 amazing years, our restaurant will be closing,” a notice posted on the front door reads. “We are incredibly thankful for the loyalty, support, and friendships our customers have given us throughout the years. Serving this community has been a true privilege. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for being part of this journey.”

Equipment and furniture from the restaurant are listed for sale in an online auction as a “short notice restaurant closing.” Operations appear to have officially ended at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 25.

The restaurant originally opened at 370 W. Broad Street in the Broaddale Shopping Center before moving outside the city in 2010 to the Shops at West Falls Church, located at 7395 Route 29, Suite M.

By that time, the restaurant was already known as “a major supporter of the City businesses and events,” the Falls Church News-Press reported that year.

Longtime owner Jeff Bulman was known for hosting a Christmas breakfast for disadvantaged people in the area, where severely disabled guests were served pancake smoothies and volunteers distributed toys and books to children.

The restaurant also continued supporting community groups over the years, including fundraisers for organizations such as the Arc of Northern Virginia.

The post Original Pancake House Closes After 15 Years Serving Falls Church Area first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

On Wednesday, May 27, the Mustangs boys lacrosse team crushed the Kettle Run Cougars 20-7 to advance to the regional semifinals. The game included weather delays, with the second half postponed 40 minutes to avoid a thunderstorm.

The Mustangs were heavy favorites entering the matchup, with their undefeated record towering over Kettle Run’s 4-10 overall mark. They outclassed the Cougars from the start, scoring their first goal just six seconds into the game and never looking back.

The Mustangs led 6-2 at the end of the first quarter and added eight more goals before halftime to take a commanding 15-3 lead into the break. Despite the long wait before returning to the field, the Mustangs picked up right where they left off, playing a balanced second half and punching their ticket to the next round of the regional playoffs.

While the game may have looked simple on the scoreboard, the storm delay before the second half created an uncommon and complicated obstacle for the Mustangs to overcome. Head coach William Stewart explained the difficulties of playing around a weather delay.

“Your muscles cool down and it takes the edge off, so [I tell my players] they need to bring it back up to finish the game, and balance their mental state to finish the game,” Stewart said. “I didn’t know the weather was going to be an issue, but even before that, we were coming off a long break with not many games and not having a lot of practices, so those were reasons I put ‘meet the mental challenge’ as one of our keys to today’s game.”

With the dominant win, the Mustangs not only advanced to the regional semifinals but also continued their undefeated season, improving to 16-0 on the year.

“We just try to come into every game with a new approach and talk about how we’re 0-0. Winning last week doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to win this week,” Stewart said. “That being said, I’m so proud of this team. In terms of the record, it’s the greatest accomplishment under my coaching tenure, and it speaks to the players and the way they play together, how hard they play and the work they put in.”

The Mustangs do not yet know their opponent for the regional semifinals, but they will host the contest regardless of who they play. A win in the semifinals would give the Mustangs a chance at a regional championship and, more importantly, secure a spot in the state tournament.

The post Meridian Mustang Lacrosse Dominate Rain-Soaked Region Quarterfinals first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

Virginia Gov. Spanberger Signs Childhood Education Measures Into Law

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of bipartisan legislation focused on strengthening early childhood education, supporting parents and helping more Virginia families access affordable, quality childcare.

The legislation includes House Bill 18 and Senate Bill 3, which create the Employee Child Care Assistance Program to incentivize employers to contribute to childcare costs for their employees.

Snyder Requests Correction on ‘Missing Middle’ Housing Quote

A correction request was submitted regarding the May 21–27, 2026 article “Va. Village: How Many Affordable Homes?” The letter states that remarks about Virginia Village and “missing middle” housing were misquoted.

The clarification says the phrase “missing middle” referred to comments from a current Virginia Village resident during a City community outreach session.

Del. Marcus Simon Calls for Action on Guns, Housing and Education

Delegate Marcus Simon outlined key priorities for Virginia lawmakers, calling for bold action on gun violence prevention, affordable housing, student debt relief, education funding and climate justice.

Simon highlighted support for enhanced background checks, more housing near transit, stronger borrower protections and expanded solar, wind and energy efficiency programs.

Rep. Don Beyer to Keynote Falls Church Democrats Potluck June 7

U.S. Rep. Donald Beyer is scheduled to keynote the Falls Church City Democratic Committee’s annual potluck on Sunday, June 7.

Beyer, who has represented Falls Church in Congress since winning office in November 2014, is running for re-election this year and has received numerous local endorsements.

Daylight Saving Time Legislation Gains Momentum in Congress

Legislation that could allow Virginia and other states to remain on daylight saving time year-round is again gaining traction in Congress.

The Sunshine Protection Act would permit states to end twice-a-year clock changes and permanently keep daylight saving time.

Fairfax County Students Earn Top Honors at FBLA Conference

Fairfax County Public Schools students earned statewide recognition at the 2026 Virginia Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference in Reston.

Twenty-six FCPS students won first-place awards, while more than 90 placed in the top four and qualified for national competition in events including accounting, business law, cybersecurity, digital animation and public speaking.

The post Latest Falls Church News Briefs and Community Updates | May 28, 2026 first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

Have the Republicans in Congress finally found a moral compass or a collective spine? Or did they leave town to avoid their governance responsibilities which often require some compromise to achieve mutual goals?  After prostrating to Donald Trump’s demands, both whimsical and dangerous, for the past 18 months and more, some Congressional Republicans have opened their eyes to the enormous grift and corruption surrounding Trump’s political and business activities.  They seem to be acknowledging, at last, what many voters and Democratic elected officials recognized at the outset – Trump’s race to the bottom includes setting up himself and his family to raid as many government coffers and taxpayer dollars as he can during his second term as president.  No amount of private payments or wealthy “donors” for ballrooms, memorial arches, blue swimming pool paint or whatever is next on his list can mask the stench of sleaze and venality emanating from the Oval Office.  

Donald Trump is, by far, the wealthiest president in American history, a billionaire many times over.  His net worth is estimated to have increased by more than two billion dollars since his second inaugural speech in January 2025.  But apparently it’s not enough for someone whose tech cronies are many times richer and who fancies himself as a “very stable genius.”     The proverbial icing on the cake occurred last week, when Trump withdrew his ten-billion-dollar lawsuit against the United States in favor of a “settlement” of $1.776 billion for an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” that would provide compensation to people who claim they were victims of government legal actions.  That would include more than 1000 Trump supporters who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The fund would be controlled by five commissioners appointed by Acting Attorney General and former Trump personal lawyer Todd Blanche, with no reporting requirements.  What’s the word for an American president who sues the very government he has sworn to protect from enemies both foreign and domestic?  The answer is easy, and appalling – Donald Trump.

What’s worse, and perhaps what caught Congressional objections, is the additional agreement, supposedly negotiated by Blanche, that essentially indemnifies Trump, his family members and his businesses from any tax-related audits to this point, and is unclear about handling any future audits or misdeeds of the Trump empire. In this giant Monopoly game, that’s a “Get Out of Jail Free” card and he’s already passed “Go.”

Coupled with Trump’s declaration that he doesn’t care about ordinary Americans’ financial challenges exacerbated by his war on Iran, his campaigns of vengeance and retribution against fellow Republicans, and thousands of stock trades disclosed just in the first quarter of 2026, it’s quite apparent that governance is the farthest thing from his mind.  Deals and dollar signs are on his mind.           

For generations, the President of the United States was a role model of leadership, empathy, careful commentary and character. Disagreements with Congress and constituents were expected but many differences could be addressed with negotiation and, often, respect. It’s too late to expect Donald Trump to change his approach to the presidency, and that goes for his Cabinet, too.  Congress, and the voters, must do their jobs, now and in November.

The post A Penny for Your Thoughts: Why Civility Still Matters in 2026 first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

Through the course of my adult life, there have been three “big picture” causes that I still feel are essential to the continued life of human beings on this planet.

They are these: ensuring there is enough fresh water, ensuring there is enough housing and ensuring there is enough energy.

I still feel there is a need for Manhattan Project-style mobilization efforts on all three fronts, out of fear that shortages are dooming us.

The Need for Fresh Water

On the matter of enough fresh water, I used to advocate for something that went by the name of the North American Water and Power Alliance, or NAWAPA. Devised in the 1950s by the Ralph Parsons Company, it was a very ambitious plan to divert the massive flows of fresh water in Canada and Alaska southward to address water shortages in the U.S. Southwest, from the depleted Ogallala Aquifer on the high plains to the Los Angeles basin and even northern Mexico.

Yes, I went around that whole region giving talks in the 1980s, from western Kansas to Phoenix to Salt Lake City to Torreón, Mexico. Often my sidekick in those efforts was the late U.S. Senator Frank “Ted” Moss, the last Democrat elected to the Senate from Utah. He had introduced documentation on NAWAPA into the Congressional Record.

But I am no longer sure that something like NAWAPA, fashioned as it was on the big fresh water diversion projects that brought water to California’s Central Valley and to Los Angeles itself, is the right approach today.

After all, we live on a planet that is covered mostly by water. It seems to be a better prospect to make our oceans a safe and reliable source of fresh water than to divert the small amounts of water that move over our land surfaces.

The key, then, is in effective and inexpensive desalination technology. A Manhattan Project-style effort toward that end is essential to our species’ long-term survival.

The Housing Crisis

Second, on the issue of housing, where the world, including the United States, is now entering a period of existential crisis, some good-faith efforts are falling woefully short because the current costs of construction are simply too high.

This is not primarily due to organized labor, but to a lack of sufficient creative thinking.

Do you remember the Katrina cottages that gained notoriety following Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago? They became part of a “tiny house” movement that has apparently stalled out badly, due, I fear, to politics. But it was in the right direction.

Truly affordable modular housing is capable of putting every man, woman and child under a roof.

When I walk on a downtown street in the nation’s capital on a sunny morning and pass by a tent where someone inside is coughing, it really pains my heart. It should not be like this.

The Future of Energy

Third, on the issue of energy, I am pleased to see that we are nearing the point where a net gain in energy out versus energy in, using nuclear fusion technology, is about to happen — thanks in large part to my congressman, Don Beyer of Northern Virginia.

But the development remains too slow. This truly revolutionary technology, which replicates the process by which not only our sun, but all the energy in the universe, is unleashed, is by virtue of that fact alone the de facto solution to what will eventually provide all our planetary energy needs.

Using ordinary water as its fuel, nuclear fusion may one day not only power the Earth, but become the way we move around the universe.

A Remarkable Age for Humanity

After all, we cannot overlook the remarkable age in which we now live. In the 13-billion-year life of the universe and the five-billion-year history of Earth, you and I are alive in the time when we, as a sentient species, are for the first time demonstrating a capability of moving beyond our own planet.

In doing so, we are establishing the grounds for spreading ourselves across the cosmos.

How extraordinary.

The post Nick Benton’s Weekly Column — May 28, 2026: Three New Manhattan Projects Humanity Can’t Afford to Delay first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

Falls Church Memorial Day Weekend Celebrates Community, Service and Graduation

Falls Church, VA — An extended Memorial Day weekend in the Little City brought together community celebration, remembrance, graduation and tribute, showcasing the many sides of Falls Church civic life.

Harvey’s Summer Stomp Launches the Weekend

The weekend began Thursday evening with the first-ever Harvey’s Restaurant-sponsored Summer Stomp, featuring nearly two dozen local businesses and organizations, including Clay Cafe, Creative Cauldron, Founders Eye Care, KiPS Family Gymnastics, Scramble and Mary Riley Styles Public Library.

Memorial Day Parade Honors the Fallen

Despite a rainy weekend, the annual Memorial Day parade proceeded smoothly after the weather cleared. The event honored those who gave their lives in defense of the United States, with remarks from Harry Shovlin, retiring City Manager Wyatt Shields and Revenue Commissioner Tom Clinton.

Meridian High School Class of 2026 Graduates

On Tuesday morning, Falls Church’s Meridian High School celebrated the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026, as rain and drizzle failed to dampen the spirit of the occasion.

Falls Church Remembers Ted White

Later Tuesday, Friends of the News-Press gathered at the Stratford Garden Inn to honor Falls Church native, science fiction author, editor, fan and music critic Ted White, who died over the weekend at age 88.

From young graduates to fallen heroes, local businesses, community service and the memory of a life well lived, Falls Church’s Memorial Day weekend reflected the full spirit of the Little City.

The post Falls Church News-Press Editorial, May 28, 2026: An Extraordinary Memorial Weekend first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

Meridian Mustangs Playoff Preview: Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball and Tennis

Regular seasons are over, and that means playoff sports for the best of the best at Meridian. Several teams begin their charge for a state championship this week, and while some face taller tasks than others, they all hope for the same outcome.

Meridian Baseball Enters Regional Playoffs as Fifth Seed

Baseball enters the playoffs as the fifth seed in the region after winning five of their final six games of the regular season, including a 7-1 beatdown of third-seeded Brentsville.

The Mustangs will have their work cut out for them against fourth-seeded Culpeper County, who boasts a 14-7 overall record and went an impressive 9-5 against regional opponents.

Their record is noticeably better than Meridian’s, who went 11-10 overall and only managed 7-9 against regional opponents. However, the Mustangs have been playing their best baseball as of late and will pose a great threat to any team they face.

Girls Lacrosse Earns Top Seed in Regional Playoffs

Girls lacrosse enters the playoffs as the first seed in their region, set to play against fourth-seeded Fauquier.

Meridian holds one of the best overall records at 12-3, and their in-region record is also very strong at 4-1. This is a stark contrast to Fauquier, who only managed a 2-7 overall record and 1-3 in the region.

The one and only matchup of the season between these two teams resulted in a resounding Meridian win, 21-4. The Mustangs will, of course, look to replicate that performance and advance to the regional semifinals.

Undefeated Boys Lacrosse Hosts Kettle Run

The boys lacrosse team’s incredible undefeated season was rewarded with the first seed in the playoffs, where they will host the Kettle Run Cougars.

The Cougars are just 4-10 on the year, with a 1-5 record against regional opponents. The two teams have met before during the regular season, with the Mustangs crushing the Cougars 16-5.

Meridian would be very happy to repeat that result and move on to the next round.

Meridian Tennis Teams Compete in Regional and State Play

Boys tennis was unfortunately beaten in the regional quarterfinals by Maggie Walker. The Mustangs were not at full strength with senior Max Von Schriltz out with a foot injury.

Girls tennis qualified for states with their second-place finish in the regional tournament, bested only by Maggie Walker in the regional finals. They will start their quest for a state championship on June 5.

Outdoor Track Competes at Northwestern District Championships

Meridian’s outdoor track team recently competed in the Northwestern District Championships on May 13.

Their most notable finish was senior William Anderson’s bronze medal in the Boys 3200 Meter Finals, with a time of 10:24.84.

Girls Soccer Faces Brentsville in First Round

Despite a roller coaster of a season, girls soccer managed to sneak into the playoffs as the sixth seed and will face Brentsville in the first round.

Brentsville was one of the best teams in the region this season, and the Mustangs will need to be at the top of their game if they want to advance. Brentsville went 11-3-1 overall and 8-2-1 against regional opponents.

This record is far better than Meridian’s, who went 8-9-1 overall and 3-5-1 in the region. Interestingly, the two clubs just played each other for their final regular season games.

Brentsville was able to net a 2-0 victory over the Mustangs, but Meridian still has a chance to beat their rivals when it matters.

Boys Soccer Holds First Seed in Region

Last but certainly not least, boys soccer holds the first seed in the region and will play against Kettle Run in the regional quarterfinals.

Meridian has an excellent overall record of 15-1-1 and an equally strong record against regional opponents with an 8-0-1 record. Meanwhile, Kettle Run is 8-9 on the year, having played exclusively against regional opponents.

The last meetup between these teams was earlier this season, and it saw the Mustangs enjoy a 2-1 victory.

The post Meridian Mustangs Playoff Preview: Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball and Tennis first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

Business News and Events in Falls Church and Northern Virginia

Are You One of the Top B2B Providers for SMBs?

Are you the engine that helps businesses grow, scale, and thrive? Whether you deliver game-changing software, essential logistics, cutting-edge marketing, or top-tier customer service, your company could be recognized as an Inc. Power Partner — the ultimate honor for B2B excellence.

Inc.’s Power Partner Awards celebrate and promote the companies that entrepreneurs and small businesses trust the most — the partners that truly move the needle. This prestigious list highlights the very best B2B providers in the United States and around the globe.

Apply by Friday, May 29, to secure the super-early rate.

incpowerpartners.secure-platform.com/a

How Technology Can Help Law Firms

Firms can join this webinar to learn more about streamlining operations with legal tech using automation and workflow tools to reduce administrative burdens, improve turnaround times, and allow attorneys to focus on higher-value work at 2 p.m. on May 28.

The session also covers how AI can drive increased profitability through the use of analytics, AI-assisted research, and billing optimization tools. Register for the Zoom link.

us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EfHK-pRRSVuPrGjTWQrK8g#/registration

Building Your Business Performance Dashboard Metrics

Thursday, May 28, 10 a.m. — This webinar is useful for early-stage companies, growth companies, and mature businesses.

During this free webinar, participants will learn:

• The significance of a business “scorecard”
• The principles that guide a first dashboard draft
• How to build a dashboard
• How to decide on key metrics
• How dashboard insights can positively impact business performance

The meeting link will be shared upon registration.

clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=110460023

Virginia Dream FC Has New Sponsor

Virginia Dream FC announced Tax Analysts as a proud sponsor of the team.

In game news, the Dream hosted ASA Pro and finished with a 1-1 tie last Wednesday. On Saturday, Virginia Dream FC faced Summit Valley United and returned with an 8-0 win, maintaining its undefeated UPSL season.

This Saturday, the Dream travels to District Elite for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. The team also hosts Alexandria Reds Pro at “The Cloud,” also known as Meridian High School Stadium, at 8 p.m. Saturday.

25 Classic Restaurants in the D.C. Area That Stand the Test of Time

Washingtonian magazine highlighted 25 restaurants that have thrived in the area for 25 years or longer.

Three local restaurants received accolades:

• Panjshir
• Peking Gourmet Inn
• Huong Viet

Congratulations to all.

Read more at washingtonian.com/2026/05/19/old-classic-restaurants-in-the-dc-area

Three Floyds Brewing Tap Takeover at The Casual Pint Falls Church

The Casual Pint Falls Church will hold a tap takeover Thursday, May 28, from 5–8 p.m. featuring Indiana’s OG, Three Floyds Brewing.

Three Floyds Brewing is celebrating 30 years of making craft beer and will feature multiple taps. Guests can try them in a flight.

business.fallschurchchamber.org/events/details/three-floyds-brewing-tap-takeover-at-the-casual-pint-84916?calendarMonth=2026-05-01

Falls Church Arts – 250 Exhibit Closing Soon

This is the last week to see the exhibit featuring works in all media that reference American life during the 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.

Visit by May 31.

The post Falls Church Business News & Notes 5-28-2026 first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.

Falls Church Council Proclaims June as Pride Month

At this Monday’s Falls Church City Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution in recognition of June as Pride Month in the City, here in its entirety:

WHEREAS, June is recognized as Pride Month nationwide as a celebration of sexual  and gender diversity and to increase awareness of the efforts to establish and preserve equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people; and 

WHEREAS, Pride Month has its origins in the riots, protests, and anti-discrimination  campaigns of the 1960s, organized by LGBTQIA+ community members to  fight for equal rights at every level of government, the commemoration of  which underscores our determination to support, preserve and advance the civil rights of all human beings; and 

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to celebrate progress made in the decades since the first Pride, and to recognize the challenges the community continues to face; and

WHEREAS, according to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Alert  Desk, in 2025 over 1000 reported anti-LGBTQIA+ incidents occurred across the U.S., with 532 incidents directly the targeting trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming community; and 

WHEREAS, the City Council affirms its year-round support for the civil rights of people of  all backgrounds and identities, including transgender, intersex, and gender non-conforming people, people of varying sexual orientations, and those engaged in diverse relationship structures; and 

WHEREAS, City-run programs, events, and activities are open for all to participate in a  manner consistent with their gender identity, sexuality, and relationship structure; and 

WHEREAS, the Falls Church community is a proud home to LGBTQIA+ community  members and joins them in celebrating diversity and unity in their many  forms; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Letty Hardi, Mayor of the City of Falls Church, Virginia, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Falls Church and urge all to respect and honor our diverse community, celebrate and build a culture of inclusiveness and acceptance, and participate in the  City’s “June Joy” pop-up event, Pride in Cherry Hill Park. 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of  the City of Falls Church, Virginia to be affixed this 26th day of May, 2026. 

Letty Hardi, Mayor.

Cannes Film Festival Highlights Gay Films

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, there were many gay films, several by prominent out gay filmmakers. Ira Sachs’ “The Man I Love,” the sole American film in official competition, a “musical fantasy,” starring Oscar winner Rami Malek, received a lengthy standing ovation. Malek plays an actor in New York City during the late 1980s who encounters a turning point in his life and career.

“Bitter Christmas,” by gay icon Pedro Almódovar, has a woman (Bárbara Lennie) coping with loss and love while a parallel storyline depicts a gay filmmaker (Leonardo Sbaraglia) writing a script of her story. And out gay filmmaker Lukas Dhont’s (“Close”) new film, “Coward,” concerns two men who meet and fall in love during World War I. Costars Emmanuel Macchia (his debut) and Valentine Campagne, shared the Best Actor Award at the Festival.

The opening selection in the “Un Certain Regard” category was trans and non-binary filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun’s “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,” about a gay filmmaker and a horror actress. The film won this year’s Queer Palm Award.

Fairfax Gay Leaders Host Pride Month Brunch Sunday

All Are Welcome: A Celebration of Fairfax County’s Out and Proud Democratic Leaders this Sunday, May 31, from 2 to 4 p.m at Mackenzie’s Tunes and Tonic, 3950 University Dr., Suite 210 in Fairfax.

This event brings together out and proud Democratic leaders, including School Board Members Karl Frisch, Robyn Lady, and Kyle McDaniel to send an unmistakable message: in Fairfax County. We are committed to fighting every single day to ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect.

Upcoming Gay Community Brunch at Freddie’s 

On Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. enjoy the community brunch and conversation at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S., Arlington, Virginia 22202. LGBTQ+ folk will gather in the heart of National Landing. The all-you-can-eat buffet-style brunch is reasonable priced at $14.99 plus gratuity and includes dessert and a mimosa or a non-alcoholic beverage.

This brunch is unique in that it is more than a brunch. It attracts a diverse group of local professionals and gay community advocates for insightful conversation. 

NoVa Gays Prepare for Pride Month Dinner

The local LGBTQ+ community is gearing up for a Pride Month dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at Federico Ristorante Italiano, 519 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia. The event is a monthly activity hosted by Go Gay DC – Metro DC’s LGBTQ+ Community, that promises to blend Crystal City’s rich history with a modern, inclusive social atmosphere.

The post Northern Virginia Gay News 5-28-2026 first appeared on Falls Church News-Press Online.