To be honest, this movie was pretty bad. I had seen many negative reviews beforehand that lead me to expect the worst, but after I finished it, I was more confused than anything.
The film is set during the 1950s in an experimental utopian community, Victory. Harry Styles, who plays Jack, goes to work on a top-secret project along with all the other men in the community, leaving the women to enjoy the luxury of their “perfect” paradise. While Jack is away at work, his wife, Alice, played by Florence Pugh, experiences flashes of convoluted memories that threaten to expose their community.
One day, Alice witnesses a plane smoking and falling from the sky while taking a community bus. She ventures through the Californian mountains to find it but comes across a strange structure that she is barred from entering, which turns out to be Victory headquarters. When she returns to the community, flashes of incoherent memories start appearing, which causes Alice to intensely question the Victory Project. Alice eventually pieces together the puzzle that the Victory Project is a simulation. Her husband, Jack, essentially kidnapped her and trapped them both inside the utopian simulation so they could live happily together. Jack and the other men inside the simulation are revealed to be conscious of its parameters; However, the women are not. Once she realizes this, Alice races to Victory headquarters and when she touches the glass boundary is presumably transported to the real world.
Don’t Worry Darling is highly disappointing from my perspective. The premise initially sounded so interesting and there was so much potential for the plot twist. However, none of the characters were developed enough. I had no emotional ties to any character except Alice, barely. I do not think the plot was developed enough either. It felt as if bits and pieces were haphazardly thrown in, which left it more nonsensical.
The police have returned to the Greybriar house. Torrio, a Cuban mob boss, moved in around five years ago. Now and then, I hear screams near the edge of the property by the ancient well. I assume that is where Torrio takes those he deems “enemies” or those threatening his business. However, tonight, the screams came out of the mouths of a few young men from the local college around the corner.
Noises of shuffling and scattered shouts outside of the Greybrair house woke me at around 2:30 am. I pulled back my curtains to see the group of young men stationed just outside the property. They whispered of secret liquor supplies inside a beat-down shed nearing the edge of the lot. Presumably, their friends filled their heads with such attractive rumors and stories. I watched them sneak through the maze of trees, rocks, and other foliage, guarding the shed and well from public view, although visible from my neighborly window. The boys reached the structure, broke the lock, and disappeared into the blackness occupying it.
In the meantime, while awaiting the boys’ return, the world became eerily silent. Minutes later, the group emerged from the darkness, breathless and running. They confusedly stumbled towards the aging well, shifting their complete attention to it. The boys linger as their focus on some strange noise within the well loudens, then, as if a switch flipped inside, they take off towards the street, no liquor in hand.
According to police records, they claimed that they were attacked by a type of monstrous beast. Rumors of Joseph Greybriar, the eldest child of Hiram Greybriar, roaming the grounds have circulated since his cryptic vanishing. It is said that Hiram supplied him with women, which spawned more, assumably defective, Greybriar children. Perhaps that’s what they witnessed in the darkness of the shed.
The police, however, dared to venture onto the property to investigate the source of the strange noises, the aged well. They shone their flashlights down the shaft and carefully inspected it, masks of grief plastered across their faces. As the well’s shaft rose, rotting ivory skeletons protruded into the light. The carcasses, relics of the distant past, were identified after tracing the bloody articles in their pockets. Their murders were attributed to Torrio, and as he was detained, he cursed his enemies and those who dared to contest him. Even from jail, I predict the wicked Torrio will be kept busy.
Thus far, I have enjoyed experimenting with my blog. I initially liked determining my theme and layout, as well as messing with the various features that could be added. I specifically enjoy the ability to insert Spotify songs or playlists into particular pages because it establishes the mood or gives more insight into the topic. I also enjoy writing about different forms of media on one platform.
I decided upon reviewing films, books, and music because they are the types of media I am most passionate about. Whether my reviews contain negative or positive feedback, I find it is most easy to write about subjects you care for.
However, I find it challenging to adhere to a strict writing schedule. It is easy for me to feel confined, and producing things on a fixed schedule usually does that for me. I also have encountered difficulty with conjuring ideas to write about. It requires me to constantly consume new media or think back to the media I have previously consumed. And even though I am consuming new media by the minute every day, it is challenging to form enough thoughts to write about new pieces.
Despite the challenges, it is very satisfying to me whenever I finish a post, especially one that took me a lot of time, such as this one. Overall, producing this “professional” blog has been a gratifying and enjoyable experience. I look forward to continuing my writing!
I recently finished watching the entire Twilight series for the first time. Coming from the perspective of a non-Twilight fan, I definitely have some unpopular opinions.
Twilight
In the first installment of the Twilight franchise, Bella Swan, a seventeen-year-old girl, and Edward Cullen, a vampire, are introduced. The film is set in the rainy town of Forks, Washington, and focuses on Bella and Edward’s budding relationship and the hardships faced due to their conflicting natures. Edward’s family, a coven of vampires, joins forces to protect Bella from a swarm of “evil vampires.”
New Moon
In Twilight: New Moon, Bella celebrates her eighteenth birthday with the Cullens at their house. After a frightening incident when Bella cuts her finger, Edward decides that he is too dangerous to be around her and disappears. Without Edward, Bella exists only in a depressive state and subsequently seeks the comfort of Jacob Black, her best friend. However, throughout their friendship, Jacob begins acting strangely, which leads to Bella finding out he is a “shape-shifter” or a wolf. She also learns of his ancient grudge against the vampire species and consequent disapproval of her relationship with Edward.
Bella later finds out that a vampire named Victoria wants to avenge her mate James, whom Edward killed in the first installment, by killing her. Edward decides to call Bella, but Jacob answers and unknowingly makes him think that Bella has committed suicide. Stricken by grief, Edward sets off to meet the Volturi, the law enforcers of the vampire world, with a request to die. They will not kill him, so Edward decides to reveal himself to humans to ensure his death. Bella appears to save Edward from death; However, the Volturi now want to kill her, but a vision is shown to them of Bella eventually becoming a vampire. Edward tells Bella that he will only turn her into a vampire under the condition that she will marry him.
Eclipse
Eclipse, the third installment of the Twilight series, begins with Victoria turning a college student, Riley Biers, into a vampire. She intends to incorporate him into a “newborn army” to hunt down Bella. Amidst the supernatural violence in Forks, Edward decides to take Bella to Jacksonville, Florida, to visit her mother to assure her safety. After they return, Bella discovers that Victoria has returned and is sent to spend time with Jacob for protection. Jacob later confesses his love for Bella and forcefully kisses her, which results in awkward tension between the two.
A few days later, Bella graduates from high school and discovers that the newborn army is under Victoria’s control. Bella realizes that spending eternity with Edward is more important than anything else and happily accepts his marriage proposal. Bella, Edward, and Jacob then camp in the mountains in preparation for battle with the newborn army. The next day, the wolves and vampires fight the newborn army and manage to kill almost the entire group; However, Victoria successfully flees.
Breaking Dawn Part 1
Breaking Dawn Part 1 begins with Bella and Edward’s wedding. It is set in the woods and heavily decorated with white and pastel-pink flowers, creating a whimsical and ethereal setting. After the wedding concludes, Bella and Edward venture out to Brazil on their honeymoon. During the trip, Bella realizes she is pregnant with Edward’s half-human, half-vampire child. They return to the Cullens’ house and discover that Bella’s pregnancy is progressing at an unnatural rate.
A member of Jacob’s wolf-pack, Sam, decides it is necessary to kill Bella to prevent the impending danger of her supernatural baby on the locals. Jacob, however, separates himself from the pack to defend Bella. As Sam and the rest of the wolf-pack surround the Cullens’ house, Bella discovers that consuming human blood satisfies her weak condition. Shortly after, Bella gives birth to her daughter, Renesmee, which subsequently kills her. But, since Renesmee and Edward bit her, Bella becomes a vampire.
Breaking Dawn Part 2
The final film in the Twilight franchise begins with Jacob imprinting on Renesmee, to Bella’s dismay. The Cullens gather other vampire clans to protect Renesmee from false allegations that caught the Volturi’s attention. Bella begins to learn her abilities as a vampire and trains in preparation to confront the Volturi. The inevitable confrontation leaves the Volturi retreating in fear of their deaths. The film ends with a vision of Edward, Bella, Jacob, and Renesmee living happily together later in their lives.
“Their lenses are more like microscopes, really. And I’m the insect in the dish. See, they’re pulling my wings and my legs off one by one- making notes on how I react.”
Kristen Stweart, Spencer
Spencer
Starring: Kristen Stewart
MyRating:★★★★
Spencer is a historical, psychological drama taking place amidst the failing marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. It focuses on a Christmas weekend with the Royal Family at the Queen’s estate, where Diana and Charles’ relationship is demonstrably cold and failing. While rumors of Charles’ affair with Camilla circulate, Diana’s mental state suffers greatly as she feels suffocated by the constraints of royalty. Princess Diana understands the rules of such social gatherings, but this particular year, she intends for things to be different.
While watching Spencer, I found the film to be very conceptually interesting. The idea of solely focusing on one of Diana’s most psychologically challenging moments provides a creative opportunity to dissect her experience with the Royal Family. Similarly, the film effectively portrayed the claustrophobia that Princess Diana presumably felt around the Royal Family. It depicted her as free-spirited and personable with her children but constrained and tense near others like her husband, Charles. Kristen Stewart also played the role of Princess Diana seamlessly.
With films about Princess Diana, there is bound to be criticism. Many distasted the film because Diana’s children, Harry and William, are still alive and might come across the work. Similar to historical figures like Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana’s story has been exploited and told to death. This prompted others to criticize the film for not letting her Rest In Peace. I however have other criticisms: I feel as if the film portrayed Diana as whiny and entitled, which I know was not accurate of her personality and was most likely not the film’s intention.
Spencer provides an extremely interesting and nuanced perspective on Princess Diana’s departure from the Royal Family. It was spectacularly told and beautifully directed by Pablo Larraín and cinematographer Claire Mathon. I recommend watching this film at least once, especially if you are interested in “drama” about the Royal Family or a fan of Princess Diana.
Starring: Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long
My Rating:★★★★ 1/2
Unlike films akin to Midsommar and Get Out, Barbarian is more of a “traditional” horror movie than a psychological horror/thriller. Barbarian tells the story of a young woman who travels to her rental home in Detroit, MI. She discovers that a stranger is already occupying the house, and despite her better judgment, she stays with him. As she spends the night, she soon discovers there is more to fear in the house than just the stranger.
Before seeing the film, I had heard mostly positive reviews. This was surprising to me because horror films are pretty hit-or-miss. I went into the theater blindly, only reading the description, and it shocked me, to say the least. The pacing was excellent, I felt as if new ideas were constantly being thrown at me. The film’s backstory was also thoroughly developed, which is not common in other “traditional” horror movies.
I think that because of the release of films like Midsommar, Hereditary, and Get Out, which all fall into the genre of psychological horror, Barbarian has acquired invalid criticism. Many expect horror movies to have this extra layer that creates this psychological question, but Barbarian neither has it nor needs it to be considered good from my perspective.
Barbarian also warrants praise outside of the technical realm. Every single actor was fantastic. Unlike many other horror movies, the dialogue did not feel awkward or cringe. The plot was so creative and well-developed, and hard to dislike watching it play out. The storyline was incredibly engaging, and I genuinely felt horrified while watching. Despite difficulty reviewing Barbarian without spoiling it, the film earns so much merit, and I highly recommend seeing it in theaters.
“There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.” – Colleen Hoover, It Ends With Us
Content warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of rape and sexual assault.
The novel It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover has garnered bouts of publicity since its publication. It went viral on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and is now one of the most popular books on Goodreads. As of now, public reception of It Ends with Us is overwhelmingly positive; However, after I read the novel, it left an unshakable sour taste in my mouth.
Colleen Hoover is an American author of romance and young adult fiction books, her most notable being It Ends with Us. Her novels generally revolve around themes of abuse and domestic violence, which is consist with this particular work. It Ends With Us is the story of the relationship between Lily and Ryle, a young newlywed couple living in Boston. Lily works as a florist and entrepreneur, and Ryle is a talented neurosurgeon. Early in their relationship, Ryle begins to physically abuse Lily. After the initial display of abuse, Ryle is portrayed as a man who desperately wants to be good, but is suffering from internal conflicts (mainly residual effects of prior trauma). The first two incidents occur in a “heat of the moment” manner in which Ryle looses his temper; However, the third incident reveals Ryle to be sadistic, calculated, and cruel through his attack.
In summary, Ryle discovers a sentimental gift given to Lily by her high school boyfriend. Because of this, Ryle spirals into a fit of jealous rage, causing him to create a calculated plan of abuse against Lily. Ryle waits for Lily to get home from work in the dark where he initiates a sexual encounter with her. While in the midst of the encounter, Ryle holds up the gift and demands Lily to tell him who gave it to her. To spare the details, Lily asks him to stop and Ryle continues to physically assault her until she is knocked unconscious. During her unconsciousness, Ryle “snaps out of it,” then expresses remorse to Lily. However, Ryle didn’t “snap into it.” His attack was planned and calculated, and carried out almost methodically.
While in the ER being treated for injuries, Lily learns she is pregnant with Ryle’s child. Lily quarrels with the question of what to do, given that she still loves Ryle and clings onto hope of their relationship despite the physical abuse. However, Lily ends up divorcing Ryle and breaks the cycle of abuse. But the book does not end there. At the end of the novel, in presumably a redemption arc for Ryle, Lily and Ryle can be seen amicably coparenting their children. Lily ultimately decides that parents must “work through their differences” in order to do what’s best for the child.
It Ends With Us feeds into toxic masculinity and romanticizes “red-flags” as well as a male lead with “inner troubles.” Despite its quest to do exactly the opposite, It Ends With Us delivers an extremely anti-feminist message, especially with the conclusion of Ryle’s redemption arc. For some reason, people see this story as one of female empowerment, but to me that message is emphatically contradicted.
“It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.”
– Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
In The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, the aging and elusive Evelyn Hugo chooses to reveal her truth of scandalous Hollywood to an unknown reporter, Monique Grant. While interviewing in Evelyn’s apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the star spills her entire life story. Evelyn details her ruthless ambition in search of stardom, each of her seven husbands, and her epic love. Just as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes apparent that Monique’s life intersected Evelyn’s in an irreversible and tragic way.
This novel is a story of complexity and unraveling the truth. It is utterly beautiful and overflows with author Taylor Jenkins Reid’s creativity. Reading this work felt like real insight to the time period of old Hollywood and truly transported you into Evelyn’s shoes. Evelyn is revealed to be unbelievably complex, and all of the struggles that she goes through in her tumultuous life, such as the loss of her innocence so early on, her life in poverty surrounded by predators, the disconnect with her culture after being forced to portray herself as white to please the masses, how she was faced with abuse in her first marriage, are so well represented in the mere 352 pages of text.
It maintained my interest completely and really surprised me regarding Monique’s connection with Evelyn. I highly recommend reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to anyone looking for a dramatic, complex, representative, and extremely well-written novel.
