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The Crowded Room (2023)
This show hit me hard.
Tom Holland is freaking incredible in this role. I've never watched his take on Spider-Man (I'm tapped out on superheroes now), so the first role I saw him in was The Impossible and I knew he had this type of performance in him and man did he deliver.
I felt his pain. It hit home for me on many different levels. The way they portrayed DID was really unique. Some people felt it didn't represent the illness well, based on many reviews here, but I personally felt that it was one of the best ways to portray how his alters were real people. When the story switches to Rya's viewpoint, we can finally see the world he created and the impact it has on him, and those around him. To him, they are real people and how it is presented in the beginning adds to how we view his disorder as well.
The fact that Holland has to portray many different personalities is incredible. I could feel and see the difference between each one. It was obvious when an alter was presenting because he was able to switch between them effortlessly. I can see how this show impacted him mentally because it was heavy for me as well.
I hope others give it a chance and really pay attention because the subject matter is important. Abuse can ruin someone's life, especially in our formative years, so it's important to understand that just because someone does something wrong doesn't mean that they are inherently bad. Understanding and compassion goes a long way and Rya fighting for him the whole show is powerful, even if her intentions started out as an opportunity to advance her career. All it takes is one person to really care about you and to help them heal.
My review is based on finishing the show. While it may not be a perfect 10, for me it is. I'm currently working to try and heal from my past and trauma so this may not have been the best show to watch at this time in my life but it did feel validating on many levels as it highlighted that people are complex and we should be kinder.
School Spirits (2023)
Peyton List is a force.
Having finished the season I can say that this is definitely a show that has crept into my brain and stayed there. There is something beautiful and haunting about the show, but I feel there is more depth to this show than comparable shows like Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars (although the newest take on the latter is pretty good).
Peyton List is incredible as Maddie. I can relate to her character as I lived through a similar high school experience. But the thing about this show that is special is that it wouldn't be what it is without the rest of the cast. Everyone contributes to the story in a wonderful way.
I think this show plays with the purgatory setting really well and I think it's a fresh take on a show that is possibly more for teens but can appeal to all.
Spoiler: the cliffhanger was really well done between learning that the spirit and living world might be more connected than we think. I had a slight inkling that there was a spirit that may have taken control of her body, and I felt the lights flickering each time she went down the hall was a possible indicator that she was between life and death, but not like the others. To see that Janet was the one that caused this whole fiasco and that the so-called teacher that wants to help is a slimebag was somewhat expected, but to know he's hiding this big secret is an interesting story to explore if they renew it.
Overall, with a lot of things, suspending your belief may help the viewing experience better for some. I personally love watching shows that challenge my thought process and allow me to break down scenarios that don't often have a real story behind them. I think that's the charm of the show.
Arrival (2016)
A beautifully woven story.
I'm new to seeing the film, but I can relate to everyone that mentions the emotional impact because it really does hit in a way that is hard to describe.
The storytelling, visuals, sound, acting - it's just all so beautifully seen and told; it sucks you in from the beginning and guides you through the story so well that when it ends it almost feels like a chapter in your own life closed.
This movie displays the power of communication, trust and acceptance (among many other things) and I hope it continues to impact others the same.
Lastly, On the Nature of Daylight is the perfect song for this film. It evokes these powerful emotions when coupled with the movie. It's an excellent example of how music can create such an emotional atmosphere with no words. All around beautifully done.
Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Dear Billy (2022)
An episode I can't stop thinking about.
This was such an emotional ride of an episode and I loved every tense moment we watched unfold. As everyone has pointed out, the ending scene is an amazing example of why everyone fell in love with the show and it showcases Sadie Sinks incredible acting.
This episode touched me personally as I could relate to the pain Max was experiencing and talking about. The trauma she is grappling with and the isolation, all things I know too well, and the way the show portrayed that was beautiful and open, and I appreciate knowing that this can have many meanings for so many. For me, I hope like Max, I can find a way to escape the demons for a bit longer.
This is definitely one of the strongest seasons of the show and I'm nervous (and excited) for the final season.
Normal People (2020)
Heartbreakingly beautiful.
I've never read the book, but that didn't stop my from falling in love with these characters. This show is shot beautifully and paced wonderfully, which is such a nice change of pace from the fast paced nature of modern TV.
Both of the leads were able to express so many emotions with so few words and their chemistry was undeniable. While the plot was simple, it was captivating. I was hooked from the first episode and found myself desperate to peel more layers back as the night ticked on.
I saw myself in both of the characters and I've experienced many of their struggles - I still do. I think it's that relatability that will make Normal People a show that is remembered because it reminds us that we are truly never alone and that love isn't always easy.
The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
Hauntingly beautiful.
I feel this anthology series is a gem on Netflix. I read countless non spoiler reviews to get a feel for the show and was surprised to see so many people disappointed; but I was still intrigued to watch this season despite the reviews, especially due to the fact that I am a big Mike Flanagan fan (I did know that he was not as involved this time around which could be why I am reviewing this as above average instead of higher; regardless I think this anthology series has a lot of charm).
Haunting of Hill House is the product of a cast and crew (big credit to Mike Flanagan is due here) that takes pride in their work and wants to deliver high quality cinema that can elicit those feelings of fear, sadness, and appreciation without being cheesy or cheap; but I feel Bly Manor is just as special in its own right and many reviewers need to remember these are two separate stories being told. I was captivated by the scenery, the acting, and the story. The casting directors have a way of finding incredible child actors that are capable of sometimes out-acting their adult counterparts; and the older actors are clearly wonderful in their parts as well. I loved the setting and felt that it was beautifully shot, and I often found myself admiring the many details from the clothing to the landscape. I thoroughly enjoyed watching each episode and could feel myself getting sucked in to this world.
The reason I took away two stars (I would probably rate it closer to a 7.5) isn't because I felt it wasn't scary enough, because frankly I feel people forgot what Hill House was at its core and that was a family drama, it is because I felt there were parts that could have been condensed and certain points repeated longer than necessary, for instance many of the "tucked away" or dream sequences. As many others have stated, if the marketing team did things a little differently this may have been received in the way it was intended which is a gothic love story that features ghosts.
But like Hill House (which is a separate entity), I felt Bly Manor was able to set a haunting scene that elicited those slightly terrified feelings based solely on the story alone, and not for cheap jump scares. Unlike another horror anthology like AHS, this show has real depth and I hope that they continue to make more seasons because I have loved witnessing the character development and incredible storytelling that comes with it. It truly is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly splendid.
The Boys (2019)
This show is one hell of a ride.
My husband and I just finished season 2 of The Boys and we have loved every minute of it! We made sure to do a rewatch of the first season, and from start to finish this show just knows how to reel you in and keep you hooked.
The actors are phenomenal, I literally can't even single any of them out because I think they all provide top tier acting, which is insane given how serious the material is.
Many people like to get annoyed about political agendas, but based on what I've read about the source material I feel that the political tones should be expected. Regardless, I don't think a political tone should stop people from watching a show or movie, so I hope anyone that reads these reviews to please give this, and any show, a chance before saying no.
Here's to more seasons of The Boys and their diabolical storylines.
Ozark: Fire Pink (2020)
Seriously, best episode of TV in a LONG time.
I watched this season when it came out and by the end I was drained. I cried, I laughed, and I felt every other emotion I could possibly feel in this one episode alone.
To start, I understand the emotions that Ben experienced because I've lived them. I've gone through unmedicated and medicated stages in my life (currently unmedicated again) and the emotional turmoil he experiences is very accurate for someone with Bipolar. The constant racing thoughts, the feelings of depression followed by manic highs - those are real emotions that people unfortunately experience and oftentimes they come out of people just like it did on screen for Ben. While many reviews mention this as "whiney" or "ridiculous" it needs to be understood that this is not something people living with a mental illness can control. Our emotions are often uncontrollable and can get to the extremes. In his case this was made worse due to the events unfolding around him.
To see such a raw and accurate portrayal on screen was upsetting but also necessary as it helped spread more awareness about mental illness. Mental illnesses aren't pretty and they are hard to handle - not just for the person living it but the people around them. Laura Linney did an excellent job in this episode, regardless of how she handled the situation. The thing is she was going through the same situation and while she tried her best to keep Ben safe, it didn't matter.
This whole episode was a rollercoaster of a ride. It was heartbreaking to see Bens downward spiral as well as Wendys own downward spiral once all was said and done.
I never expected to fall in love with this show but wow does it make gripping television with an all-star cast. Everyone in this show is phenomenal at what they do. With the Emmy nominations being announced today, I truly hope to see many Ozark cast in that list. Fingers crossed for Tom Pelphrey getting that win, though. The man deserves it!
Palm Springs (2020)
Heartfelt and quirky time loop movie.
This movie was a fun and intriguing watch that was able to pull you in from the start. I've loved many of Andy Sambergs previous works, as well as Cristin Milioti, and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
There were many things I loved such as the 80s themed music, beautiful cinematography, sarcastic comments between Samberg and Milioti, as well as the tender moments between the leads and the supporting cast. While this movie was great I did find certain scenes didn't flow as well, and there were a couple plot points that were easy to figure out early on, but I think those things are able to be overlooked with this type of movie.
Overall, if you have Hulu (or even a drive in nearby that might be showing it) I highly recommend it. It has laughs, a likeable cast, and is a well done movie that should be watched during a year when movies have almost ceased to exist.
Searching (2018)
Captivated me from beginning to end!
When I first saw the trailer for this film last year I didn't find it to be something I would be wrapped up in, but after watching it today I can honestly say one word: wow!
This movie is incredibly well done! I haven't been this captivated by a movie in a long time and the twist at the end didn't feel forced at all. Roughly midway through I fell for one possible outcome, and then they portrayed the one we didn't expect, and then with one final blow I was back at square one wondering what I missed.
Overall I would give this a 10/10. It was gripping, had me emotionally invested, and pleasantly surprised by the ending.
Stranger Things: Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt (2019)
So good!
I've been a fan of Stranger Things since the beginning and it's been amazing to see the kids grow as actors and really hone their skills over the years.
This season has blown me away. Normally a show that has been around for a few years starts to feel stale but this season happened to outdo the last two. The show is great but the acting, emotions, suspense, storyline, etc was amazing.
This episode had me in tears for the last 10 minutes (I've never felt such emotion for this show and to me that is when I know I'm attached). If you've been on the fence about this show or stopped watching for whatever reason, definitely give it another try because this season definitely proves why this show is one of Netflix's top shows.
P.S. I love Netflix because I can watch everything I want at once but now that it's over I'm stuck waiting year(s) for the next season. Give us more!
The Haunting of Hill House: Witness Marks (2018)
Kate Siegel is incredible!
The monologue that Theo (Kate Siegel) delivers towards the end of the episode is incredible.
I know everyone complains about the monologues but I loved hers.
The Haunting of Hill House: Touch (2018)
Captivating!
I feel that Theo has one of the best stories in the show. Don't get me wrong, I love all of the characters and the show as a whole but Theo's story was compelling from start to finish. I love Kate Siegel and have watched her other movies and McKenna Grace is a fantastic young actress. This episode was great from start to finish.
The Haunting of Hill House: The Bent-Neck Lady (2018)
Fantastic and heartbreaking.
As everyone else has said, this episode was truly one of the best episodes of the series. The twist was heartbreaking. It was incredible storytelling and directing and the acting was beyond superb.
Make sure to watch this show. This episode will be the best thing you've seen in a really long time.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
I am in awe!
This show held my attention from the beginning. It captivated me in a way that most shows can't do. The story telling, the acting, the actual cast, the directing - all of it kept me hooked.
It certainly had it's creepy moments, but I didn't continue to watch for that. I continued to watch because the lives of these characters drew me in. Sometimes I sit on my phone during shows or movies because there isn't much keeping me drawn in, but not this time.
I also applaud the show for the way they portrayed mental health. I struggle with various mental illnesses and the way some of the characters acted, or the monologues spoken, really resonated with me. I know that many of the characters didn't have a true illness, but it was still there at times and it hit home hard.
Thank you for making this show. It was excellent.
The Handmaid's Tale: The Last Ceremony (2018)
Elisabeth Moss is a force to be reckoned with!
This episode was hard to watch. Elisabeth Moss is an incredible actress and since the first episode of this series she has quickly become one of my favorite actresses. She knows exactly how to deliver every word - how to say it and the facial expressions needed to let the viewer know exactly how she feels. Often times I feel like I'm watching a reality show because everything feels and seems so real.
For reviews that mention, "oh great, more rape", I don't think the reviewers seem to understand that this is what the show is about. Any sex we see, it is rape. They explained to us exactly why this specific scene was going to take place - Serena wanted her baby faster and she knew that a proven and natural way to induce labor is through sex. Did June have a say? No. But has she ever had a say in this arrangement? No. Rape is not meant to be pretty. It's a controversial topic that many people have trouble hearing about. But watching it puts it on a whole other level.
Elisabeth was able to make the viewer uncomfortable, while also making us feel her pain. I've never been in this situation, but I can only imagine that what she was feeling (between her narrative and the facial expressions) that this is what the majority of rape survivors experience and think.
Nobody wants to see it. It's like a car accident - you want to look away but sometimes you can't help but watch. You're forced to experience her pain, just like she was forced to experience it. It's not comfortable and it's not okay. But to have these instances portrayed in the media helps to evoke those emotions in ourselves that we may not have known were there. I think it's also important to state that this happens all over the world. It doesn't matter if someone says no because sometimes it's going to occur regardless.
We need to talk about controversial issues so that we can help create a safe space for those that go through it. I applaud The Handmaid's Tale for bringing these topics to light, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.
The Handmaid's Tale: The Word (2018)
Great season finale!
I've read countless comments about this season, many of which stated that it was rather slow and dull. For me though, this season was just as good, if not better than the last one.
After reading multiple reviews on here about the finale and how it was a huge letdown, I can see how that could be the case. Yes, June had three failed attempts at escaping (although the first one hardly counts as she didn't have a choice in it going wrong), the second time also became problematic as she gave birth and was unable to get the car out of the garage. This third time though is completely on her. But as much as I hated that she didn't leave, I'm also excited to see where this next season goes.
She stared at Professor Lawrence for a reason, and I believe that reason is because she has just realized that there are higher ranking people in Gilead willing to sacrifice their lives to help those without a choice escape. She also experienced firsthand that the Martha's have a strong connection and that they are capable of sneaking out people that so desperately need it. I think June is going to use this knowledge to her advantage next season.
As far as the consequences for her actions, I am certainly concerned, but who's to say that she will go right back to the Waterford's? I obviously don't see any other way for her to walk back into town without being captured and possibly killed, but we all know Fred has a deep obsession with June that killing her may not be something he would do.
To end this long review, before you write this show off, or before you blame money being the reason for June staying behind (which is admiral and brave of her because she is hoping to start a revolution and take back a broken country), wait to see what this next season brings. The next season could be it's last if it goes how I think it might.
P.S. I appreciate this show continuing on this route instead of doing what Game of Thrones did with their final two season's and condensing everything into shorter season's.