Turnstr+, a new free streaming platform positioning itself as a creator-first alternative to traditional services, officially launched today, debuting with the dark romantic psychological thriller "Forever, This Ring" from director Chris Stokes as its flagship original film. The platform is available free to viewers across web and streaming apps.
"Forever, This Ring" follows Maverick Collins (Taye Diggs), a wealthy entrepreneur and longtime playboy who swears off marriage until he meets the woman of his dreams and changes his mind. After the wedding, he discovers she isn't who he thought she was, and their seemingly perfect union spirals into suspicion, confrontation and increasingly dangerous territory. The film stars Diggs, Loretta Devine, Erica Mena, Marques Houston, Malik Whitfield and La'Myia Good, and reunites Stokes with Diggs, who previously collaborated on the 2017 thriller "Til Death Do Us Part."
The film had its Los Angeles premiere on Sept. 29 at the TCL Chinese Theatre ahead of today's streaming debut and is the first release under Stokes' exclusive 20-picture deal with Turnstr+, an agreement that will see the director deliver a slate of original films to the platform in the coming years.
"I'm excited to scale up another platform bringing original content that's new and what people love to see," said Stokes. "Turnstr+ was built to challenge what audiences expect from modern streaming."
Turnstr+ combines premium original programming, bold independent storytelling and real opportunities for both undiscovered and established filmmakers all in one place, completely free for viewers. The platform represents a new generation of entertainment: creator-driven, audience-focused and unrestricted by the traditional gatekeeping that has defined the industry for years.
"I really enjoyed my role in this movie and the cast members were amazing," said Marques Houston. "This one's personal to us. 'Forever, This Ring' is out now, completely free, on Turnstr+, no catch. Watch and spread the word."
"Forever, This Ring" marks the opening title in a broader programming push for the platform. Additional originals are already set to follow, including "A Good Hand Wasted," a psychological thriller starring Terrence Howard, premiering Nov. 6 on Turnstr+ as the first of director Rhyan Lamarr's three-picture deal with the platform.
The launch of Turnstr+ could have significant implications for the streaming industry, which has been dominated by paid subscription services and traditional gatekeepers. By offering free, creator-driven content, Turnstr+ may attract audiences seeking alternatives and provide a new avenue for filmmakers to distribute their work without the usual barriers. With Stokes' 20-picture deal and Lamarr's three-picture deal, the platform is already building a substantial slate of original films, suggesting a serious commitment to challenging the status quo.
Turnstr+ is available free to viewers starting today across web and streaming apps. "Forever, This Ring" is now streaming exclusively on Turnstr+. Footage Films, the independent production company founded and chaired by Chris Stokes, with Marques Houston as CEO and Juanita Stokes as President, produced the film.
