Focus Features

Finally, the long-awaited horror film Obsession (2026) has received its wide release. In this Obsession movie review, I was able to catch the film early about a month ago at the Philadelphia Spring Fest, and I’ve been itching to watch it again ever since. 

How Was Obsession? Movie Review Breakdown 

Let me start off by saying I love Nikki. That’s my girl right there, in both normal and terrifying form. I want the Funkos, I want the t-shirts—give me all the Obsession merch centered around Nikki. I also just want us all to realize that no matter what she did, she is 100 percent the victim in this situation.

It’s that creepy bastard Bear who is to blame for all of this, and he is the true villain of Obsession (also an excellent one, btw). I was blaming him from the moment I saw the trailer and continue to blame him even as the credits roll. He built this nightmare brick by brick (pun intended for those who have watched the film).

The movie itself is great, which seems to be the general consensus in most Obsession movie reviews. It strikes a strong balance of comedy, creepiness, and gore, while still managing to be genuinely terrifying. The most unsettling part, in my opinion, is Bear’s relationship with Nikki.

I personally couldn’t get the whole “Man vs. Bear” debate out of my head after watching Obsession because it feels like the perfect nightmare scenario behind why some women say they would choose the bear. And the fact that his nickname is literally Bear makes it even more unsettling. How often do women have to question their male friends’ true intentions? This shouldn’t even be a thing, but there are many people who believe men and women cannot be just friends because the man is always waiting for the right opportunity to make it more. Steve Harvey is one of the most well-known figures to speak on this idea on several occasions.

I’m not saying I agree with it, but I am saying Obsession does not help that argument at all.

Looking at the film from this perspective, and through Nikki’s experience, this is what makes Obsession so disturbing. Sure, relationships and romances can evolve from friendship, but Bear never even attempts to approach it in a healthy or normal way. And what makes it worse is that when he realizes what he’s done, he continues to prioritize his own feelings and desires, arguably showing that he cares more about himself than Nikki. Meanwhile, Nikki is left trapped in an obsessive connection with someone she thought she could trust since childhood. Pure horror.

Focus Features

What Works Best in Obsession 

Inde Navarretee as Nikki:

Inde absolutely killed her role as Nikki. Going between essentially being normal and obsessively possessed can’t be easy, and she completely slayed it. She has very much given us a new horror movie icon, and she was honestly a huge part of what made the movie so great.

Focus Features

Michael Johnston:

I also have to give it to Michael Johnston. As much as I hate the character of Bear, Michael played the part well, so I’ve got to give him credit for it. He did the perfect contrast of coming off as an innocent and harmless good dude while being an absolute creep. It’s like an unreliable narrator, and his sweetness and good looks were not enough to hide the fact that he was a true piece of shh.

Focus Features

Curry Baker:

Shout out to Curry Baker for writing and directing this new horror gem. I loved everything about it. The dark aesthetics in the scenes match the tone of the movie perfectly. The comic relief moments are also blended in so well. The customer service call between Bear and the One Wish Willow was hilarious. I also love the fact that Curry Baker has a strong, eerie ending, which has not been easy for films to pull off. There are so many movies and shows out there that are solid watches with weak endings. This was all around good.

Focus Features

Who Should Watch Obsession (2026)?

If you like creepy relationship horror movies with comedy sprinkled in, yes—please watch Obsession. I think most horror fans will enjoy this, and I think the story itself carries some deeper layers about relationships, trust, and why being a woman continues to be more and more terrifying.

Obsession (2026) is a messy, unsettling and weirdly funny horror ride that sticks with you long after it is over and this Obsession movie review stands by it as one of the most disturbing takes on trust and friendship in recent horror. 

Thanks for reading.

-A. Monique

Hera Pictures

Motherhood is often portrayed as something soft and sacred but film and television have increasingly begun to show a different reality. Some of the most impactful stories I have watched in recent years explore motherhood through fear, bodily transformation, grief, isolation, and emotional collapse.

These movies and TV shows do not just romanticize being a mother. They examine what it actually costs. For this Mother’s Day, I keep thinking about the stories that have reshaped how I understand motherhood, not just as an identity, but as a physical and psychological experience that can permanently alter a person.

Below are the ones that stayed with me the most.

The Handmaid’s Tale

This is pretty obvious. The entire premise of this story is a nightmare. Society is no longer able to reproduce, and a violent religious regime overthrows the government under the promise of saving humanity. Their solution is to kidnap women who have a history of pregnancy and force them into reproductive servitude.

That alone is disturbing, but what makes it even more unbearable is how motherhood is controlled, staged, and taken away from the women experiencing it.

One of the most haunting scenes is Janine giving birth. She is surrounded by other handmaids and forced into a ritualized childbirth while the commander’s wife pretends to give birth behind her. It is surreal in the worst way. You are watching a woman go through one of the most vulnerable experiences of her life while completely stripped of ownership over it.

After she gives birth to a healthy baby girl, Janine is not even allowed to hold her first. That moment is devastating. You can see that she did not want this life forced on her, but she still feels love and connection to the child she brought into the world.

Another scene that stayed with me is when June gives birth to Holly alone while on the run. It is the opposite situation. No ritual, no control, just survival. She gives birth in isolation and catches her baby with her own hands, exhausted and barely conscious. It is terrifying, but also intimate. For a brief moment, she is allowed to simply be a mother on her own terms.

Both scenes show different sides of the same idea. Motherhood under extreme conditions still carries love, endurance, and survival, even when everything else has been stripped away.

Hulu

The Testament of Ann Lee

The Testament of Ann Lee did not get nearly enough attention, which is disappointing because it is one of the most psychologically layered portrayals of faith and motherhood I have seen.

Ann Lee’s story is shaped by repeated loss. She loses all four of her children in infancy, and that grief plays a strong influence in her faith and beliefs. Afterward, she turns toward extreme religious devotion and eventually celibacy, rejecting sex entirely and devoting herself fully to her faith.

There is a lot to unpack in her transformation. Her relationship with sexuality is complicated, shaped not only by loss but also by discomfort and trauma. Motherhood itself becomes tied to suffering in her mind, something sacred but also punishing.

After her final child’s death, she becomes increasingly devoted to  her beliefs and eventually becomes a huge influence in  the Shaker movement. During an imprisonment scene shortly after her last child’s death, she refuses to eat and begins experiencing visions of Adam and Eve, which leads to her to a vow of celibacy.

Whether Ann believed that sex was the original sin or that childbirth itself was a form of punishment is unclear. What feels clear is that grief reshaped her entire understanding of womanhood and motherhood. 

Searchlight Pictures

House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon ended up being far more emotionally impactful than I expected. While I came into it expecting political drama within the Targaryen family, what stood out most was how centered it is on motherhood and feminism,  and how differently each woman experiences it.

The conflict between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower is a deep tense rivalry  about duty, freedom, and what motherhood demands from women.

Alicent embodies duty. She follows the expectations placed on her: marriage, childbirth, obedience, even when it costs her personal happiness.

Rhaenyra, on the other hand, resists those expectations. She still becomes a mother, but she does it on her own terms.  I would be biased to not acknowledge that she was also allowed to do this because of her royal status. This adds another layer of the beef between her and Alicient. 

The first episode of House of the Dragon is a traumatic episode because we witness Rhaenyra’s mother die during childbirth. In one episode, we see that Rhae Rhae is not a princess who wants to do what is expected of her. She likes to ride dragons, she does not find her mother’s pregnancy appealing, and she has to later grasp the fact that her mother has died from something that was considered to be her duty as a woman. And her death is quite horrific. The show does an excellent job of making you feel for this woman’s suffering during childbirth after meeting her only 30 minutes prior to her ultimate death. At one point, she even tells her husband, the king, that this is the last time that she will try to birth him a male heir because she has lost too many children and she cannot bear the state of pregnancy and childbirth again. Tragically enough, it did indeed end up being her last time.

Knowing what happened to her mother, Rhaenyra had every right to fear pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, and her duty as a woman. She later found a way to make peace with it through unconventional means (procreating with a man who was not her husband) and ultimately became a very loving mother to her children and a queen of the kingdom. Alicent, on the other hand, was groomed to marry a man she did not want and bore him children because it was expected of her. Are either of these women more respectable women or mothers? By the end of season 1, there appears to be a glimpse of hope that can be reconciled, but then one of them loses a child at the hands of the other, and the war enters a territory of maternal anger that cannot be returned.

HBO

Hamnet

I went into Hamnet expecting a love story more than anything and left crying about three times. This is a movie about Shakespeare, but it is not centered on Shakespeare alone. Hamnet really focuses on Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, more than anything, and the family they had together.

They lose their child Hamnet from what many believe to be the plague, and deep grief follows all family members afterward. Agnes, understandably so, seems to be hit the hardest.

From the beginning of Hamnet, we see that Agnes is very in tune with nature. She is witchy, but in a good way that still makes some people uncomfortable. She even gives birth to their first child, Susanna, outside in a wooded area that she often visits. For her second birth of twins, Hamnet and Judith, she experiences a very difficult and challenging birth that she is forced to do inside.

This is one of the most emotional childbirth scenes I have ever seen in my life. Just thinking about it tears me up again. You can feel a range of emotions that Agnes is going through as she reflects on losing her own mother during her final childbirth and how she was not allowed to see her. You can feel the fear, sadness, and pain as she cries out for her mom while delivering her own children. Her mother-in-law, who she has had a rocky relationship with, comforts her in this moment as she is full of empathy like the audience. It is a painfully beautiful scene.

Hera Pictures

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

I know the bulk of these stories have focused on childbirth, but there are also a couple of stories that do not show childbirth at all and still show how difficult motherhood can be after women have survived the battle of delivering children. The film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, in particular, is a deep dive into the mental health struggles of a mother raising a child with an eating disorder. The craziest part has to be that the main character, Linda, is a therapist herself, but she seems to not even have enough time to care for her own mental health between work, her daughter’s needs, and essentially no support from her husband. The only relief that she seems to get is late at night when her daughter is asleep and she sneaks off to grab a bottle of wine.

What’s really daunting about this movie is that everyone seems to want to make Linda feel like she is not a good mother. The story shows that mothers are expected to be these perfect beings that place all of their personal needs second to their child and makes you reflect on whether that is actually okay or not.

A24

Die, My Love

Die, My Love is easily the most surreal and unsettling film on this list.

It follows a woman experiencing severe postpartum depression that begins to blur into psychosis. After giving birth, her sense of reality begins to fracture, and her relationship with her husband deteriorates.

She loves her child, but she also becomes increasingly detached from reality, experiencing hallucinations and emotional disorientation. The film never fully clarifies what is real, which makes it even more disturbing.

The ending is ambiguous. She is seen walking into a burning forest, and it is unclear whether this represents death, escape, or rebirth.

What makes it so unsettling is how isolating it feels. Like If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, she is left to navigate motherhood largely alone, and her mind becomes the only place where she can process it.

It is one of the most horrifying  portrayals of postpartum mental health I have ever seen.

Mubi

What connects all of these stories is not just motherhood, but the emotional and physical transformation it demands. They explore fear, grief, isolation, love, and endurance in ways that refuse to idealize the experience.

Motherhood is often expected to look effortless, selfless, and serene. But these films and shows challenge that expectation by showing something more complicated: that motherhood can be beautiful and devastating at the same time.

And maybe what makes it so powerful is not perfection, but survival and resilience.

Credit Amazon MGM Studios

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the richness of AAPI cultures and stories. Below are some of my favorite films (and where to watch them!) that highlight Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences through history, humor, and heartfelt moments. This AAPI Month watchlist features Asian American and Pacific Islander films and movies spanning comedy, drama, and family stories. 

Chief of War (2025)

Jason Momoa has to be one of the most gorgeous men to grace our screens. He was the perfect selection to play the role of Kaʻiana in the historical drama Chief of War. This is an Apple TV+ exclusive and well worth it. There aren’t many movies about the history of Hawaii, and this one feels very authentic to the culture. This story centers on a war between the major kingdoms of Hawaii during the 18th century. If you are squeamish, just know this gets very graphic and gory at times; it really does feel authentic. 

The Wrecking Crew (2026)

Momoa makes another appearance here, and Dave Bautista joins in on the eye candy treat as his brother. Hawaii is the setting again here, but this time we are set in the modern era. This is a crime comedy movie. It gives me similar vibes to the Bad Boys franchise, except Momoa and Bautista are actual brothers and the crime that they are trying to solve is very personal for them. The balance of action and comedy is HILARIOUS, and these two make a great pair on screen together. Available on Prime Video exclusively. 

Joy Ride (2023)

The premise for Joy Ride sounds innocent enough—a group of friends travels to China to help their adopted friend find her birth mother. The journey ends up being the wildest mess ever! Drugs, sex, K-pop…it gets very random and very hilarious. I didn’t plan on laughing as hard as I did. It feels like a cross between Girls Trip and Road Trip in the best way.  

Master of None (2015)

I was obsessssed with Master of None when I first started watching it. I can’t believe we only got two seasons out of it. Yes, there are technically three, but the third season doesn’t focus on Aziz Ansari’s character Dev as the first two seasons do. Dev is an actor in his 30s just trying to figure it all out. It’s low-key giving Insecure vibes, and that’s probably why I latched on to it. A great balance of comedy and drama, and Aziz is just a natural comedian. This is a Netflix exclusive. 

Beef (Season 1) (2023)

Another Netflix exclusive, Beef (Season 1) is honestly a horror story. All of this drama between two of the pettiest people on Earth stems from a road rage incident. Ali Wong leaves me in tears all of the time, and she’s one of my favorite comedians. Fan favorite from The Walking Dead, Steven Yeun, holds his own as well. This is honestly a great cast of Asian actors, and the story just gets more chaotic with each episode. Next time you feel yourself heating up over a road incident, just simmer down. It’s not worth it. 

K-Pops! (2026)

One of the most recent watches on the list, K-Pops! fell under the radar but deserves much more recognition. I personally really enjoyed it, but I’m probably a bit biased because I love Anderson .Paak. He wrote, directed, and stars in the film with his son Soul. It’s a cute blend of Korean and Black cultures (just like .Paak himself) with mostly comedy and feel-good moments. 

The Joy Luck Club (1993)

A timeless classic that makes you laugh, cry, and reflect on family relationships. One of my favorite movies of all time, and usually my go-to when I think about Asian American culture films that dig deep into the soul. This is the story of four Chinese women and their relationships with their first-generation Chinese-American daughters. I like to watch this movie with a nice plate of Chinese takeout and a box of tissues to really immerse myself in the vibes. A beautiful story that leaves me teary-eyed on every watch. 

A24

When The Drama was first announced I was expecting some typical fun wedding rom-com with a dash of weirdness (A24 vibes), but this movie took a turn that I was absolutely not expecting. There is a bit of divisiveness around this film; rightfully so. It touches on some very sensitive topics so here is a little PSA. If you are triggered by controversial issues relevant to current American politics, you might want to peek at some spoilers before watching. It is that deep.

How Was the Movie?

I love this movie. For me, it turned out to be way better than I expected. It was a great balance of comedy, drama, romance, and awkwardness. People don’t like awkwardness, right? But it’s part of our lives; everything isn’t clean cut and I enjoy how this film doesn’t shy away from that.

It takes the typical “cold feet” trope in wedding movies and turns into something more mentally provocative. I feel like The Drama makes us ask “what are my morals when it comes to my relationships?” And surprisingly this doesn’t just mean romantic relationships. It’s also about our relationships with our families, our friends, our colleagues, and with society at large. 

This is brought up when the friend group in the film decides to have a little impromptu game of “what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”  Many surprises come from the confessions, along with some intense judgments. Mind you, they decided to do this game in the midst of drinking, so this was probably doomed from the beginning.

Everyone admits to doing something pretty damn bad, and like the characters, I feel like each individual viewer will have their own morals and opinions on how bad each thing actually was. The concept of “doing something vs thinking about doing something” also comes into play, and the rest of the movie becomes a reflection of trust, commitment, unconditional love through the eyes of Robert Pattinson’s character Charlie. 

Best Parts About the Movie?

Robert Pattinson

I think Robert Pattinson has proven his point more than enough now that he is a great actor. Not because he did great in this role, but because I’m so used to him playing an American so much that I've forgotten that he’s English. Watching him with an accent was splendid, and the film is actually centered around his character as he works through the dilemma of his engagement. 

A24

A Unique Rom-Com :

Some people are saying that this is not a Rom-Com, but I still think that it very much is. Is it cute and bubbly? At times, yes. But there’s a clear darkness wrapped in this film as well and I think that’s what makes it stand out. Love isn’t perfect, and it isn’t always cute. Also, as the title warned us, there is drama. Let’s call it a Rom-Com-Dramedy, if you will.

The Drama:

The actual  drama in the movie is something that most people weren’t expecting. It’s also not something that you can simply get over quickly. By the end of the film, I’m betting that most viewers are still questioning “how bad is this really?” 

I’ll tell you my personal thoughts; It’s not something that I would let slide, or be comfortable with, but I appreciate the ownership of it from Zendaya’s character Emma.

All the other people, however, get a total side eye because they all tried to play down their “bad thing” as if it weren’t a big deal. Pure manipulation and lack of accountability. 

A24

Is This Movie for You?

If you’re expecting a feel-good wedding movie with typical drama like Monster-in-Law or Runaway Bride then this ain’t it. This is a dark comedy and a psychological drama that will make you question how we judge those closest to us. 

I think I need a spoiler talk on this movie. If you’ve seen The Drama, I would love to know what you thought.

Thanks for reading.

-A. Monique

*Spoiler Talk* Press Play to Set the Vibe While You Read

HBO

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season one has completed, and that emptiness that I feel with each ending of a GOT story has returned yet again. There’s a twinge of happiness to it because this was an excellent adaptation from the book.

This was very much a “trust the process” watch for many people, especially for those who are more into the serious heroic and dramatic tales that GOT is known for. Needless to say, the ending more than paid off. Out of the entire series I can’t get that one line from Lyonel Baratheon, aka The Laughing Storm, out of my head- “ The gods don’t favor a fraud.”

The “fraud” in this context was Prince Baelor in Lyonel’s eyes. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t any truth to what he said, despite how harsh it was; as the saying goes, sometimes the truth hurts. But is Prince Baelor the only “fraud” in this particular saga? One may even take this saying and reflect on Duncan’s true character. Did the gods favor Ser Duncan the Tall as a true knight or was he a fraud that got extremely  lucky?

Dunk Through Egg’s Perspective

We see much of Drunk’s personality blossom through his relationship with Egg. From the beginning, we see Egg takes a keen liking to Dunk (despite him being a smart ass to him half of the time). Dunk is resistant at first, but comes to see much of himself in Egg and decides to allow him to squire for him. They appear to bond naturally, despite being total opposites. Even when Dunk learns that Egg is a prince, and has lied to him, he still can’t seem to let go of that bond that they quickly developed.(Sidenote, this makes Egg a total fraud too right? JK..Kinda) This is enough to show us that Dunk is a sweet and forgiving man, but it is really through Egg’s perspective that we gain a deeper understanding of why he latches on to him so much.

Throughout the story we learn that Egg is no stranger to knighthood. Once we learn that he is a Targaryen, we realize that this young noble has spent his life seeing “the best of the best;” from the kingsguard that protects his family to the prince knights that he yearns to become when he gets older. But there’s just something about Dunk that makes Egg persistent in trying to squire for him. He sees a man who is not wealthy, yet he still embodies nobility in ways that he is unfamiliar with. He sees Dunk’s appreciation for nature, his kind spirit, and his internal drive to be honorable and decides that this is the man he wants to become like.

HBO

Dunk is also the polar opposite of Egg’s brother Aerion; a vicious man who doesn’t follow the honor code of knights. In one day alone he purposely attacked a horse during a tourney match and broke the finger of a woman puppeteer over a play that he didn’t like.

His other brother Prince Daeron isn’t much better, as he is a liar and a drunkard. They have been given all of the luxuries of life, and it didn’t make either of them good knights (or men). Their royal status grants them social nobility, while their actual characteristics deem them to be…frauds. 

It was Dunk who took the role that both of these men should’ve been for Egg- mentors, loving brothers, and honorable knights that live by their code. Egg surely favored Dunk for this, but did the gods as well?

HBO

Ser Duncan the Tall Through Lord Lyonel Baratheon’s Perspective

So, in the book I absolutely loved Lyonel Baratheon aka The Laughing Storm. However, I was not expecting to love him as much as I did in the tv series. Lyonel just about stole every scene that he was in, and I love that the show added more depth to his relationship with Duncan.

As Duncan is being overlooked by other nobles and knights, Lyonel immediately took notice of him. Was he particularly nice at first? That’s debatable. Yet, just like Dunk and Egg, Lyonel and Duncan appeared to form an almost instant bond as well.

The first episode with the two meeting one another for the first time is one of the best moments in the entire story. I love when Lyonel tells Duncan “The seven above gave you tallness, so be tall! ” He doesn’t mind that Dunk is in his tent simply for a free meal, and they proceed to dance the night away. They end the night with Dunk wearing Lyonel’s Baratheon antler crown as they have a heart to heart chat. True bromance.

HBO

Lyonel goes on to fight in The Trial of the Seven on Duncan’s side, and offers him a place with him at Storm’s End when the battle is over. This leads to the intense “fraud scene” mentioned earlier.

Lyonel appears to become very offended that Duncan is hurt at the passing of Prince Baelor Targaryen, and goes on to boldly proclaim that “the only good dragon is a dead dragon.” Additionally, he makes it known that he and the other five men truly put their lives on the line for Duncan during the trial, while Prince Baelor knew that most men on the other side would avoid hurting him based on his royal status. Again, facts. 

This scene is also interesting because Duncan asks “then why have the gods favored him?” Lyonel dismisses the question by saying that Duncan’s suffering in winning is not favor but instead mockery. Another interesting and brutal blow from The Laughing Storm. There’s a lot to unpack here.

HBO

The show is a bit different from the book in the trust that that audience has that Duncan was knighted by Ser Arlan of Pennytree. In the book, you pretty much don’t question if Dunk is telling the truth (at least I didn’t), but in the show he more so appears to be lying. The truth is still not revealed and is left ambiguous. If Dunk is actually lying, this would of course make Dunk a fraud.

For Lyonel to believe that Dunk is being made a mockery of insinuates that he also doesn’t believe that Dunk was truly knighted, but that he also doesn’t care. There are a couple other hints that support this. From their first meeting, he asks Dunk’s name and he answers “Ser Dunkl,” and Lyonel replies “that’s ridiculous.” Later on in the story he also notices that Dunk hesitates to knight apple boy Raymun Fossoway so that he can fight by Duncan’s side in the trial in place of his cousin. Lyonel steps in to perform the ritual for him instead (in a very gorgeous scene nonetheless). 

Like Egg, Lyonel sees goodness and nobility in Dunk. He may not believe that Duncan was ever officially knighted, but he still offers him a place by his side and claims that he will love or hate him like a brother based on his decision. Lyonel may not believe that the gods have favored Dunk, but for some reason, he surely does. 

Ser Arlan of Pennytree Through Dunk’s Perspective

It all comes back to good ol’ Ser Arlan of Pennytree. Did he really knight Duncan or not? We may never know. What we do know is that Ser Arlan molded Dunk into the Duncan into the legendary knight that everyone came to know, love, and remember. 

Despite not having riches and being a relatively unknown hedge knight, Ser Arlan proved to be the one person that Dunk looked up to the most. It’s clear that Dunk wants to take a similar path as Ser Arlan from the beginning. Dunk’s options were limited but he still had a couple directions that he could’ve gone with his life. He decided to commit to knighthood because he had grown to admire the lifestyle deeply. 

Drunk’s initial plan makes sense. Enter the tourney, win at least one fight, and make a name for himself as a legitimate knight and earn some winnings. This would essentially set up a way for him to continue finding hedge knight work. There is even a moment where he admires the kingsguard knights; seemingly thinking that he could become one himself one day.  By the end of the trial, Dunk’s opportunities have essentially exceeded his expectations and he receives two separate offers to serve House Targaryen and House Baratheon- he rejects permanency with both.

HBO

Dunk deciding to continue life as a hedge knight instead of a sworn sword of a noble house speaks volumes. I don’t blame Dunk for saying “I think I’ve had enough of princes,” but I think his decision was backed by more than royal fatigue.

In a way, Dunk seemingly ends up worse than how he started by the end of season one. He didn’t win the tourney, so there was no money won. He is broken and battered, and three men have died while fighting for his honor. Yet, on the other side he has beaten the odds and survived a once in a lifetime battle that has solidified his honor and reputation. Not to mention, the whole point of the battle was because he was doing what all knights are sworn to do- protect the innocent. He has made a bigger name for himself than he ever anticipated.

I believe that Duncan decided to continue life as a hedge knight after this because he realized that he would not have gotten as far as he did without  Ser Arlan. Even during the trial, he saw flashbacks and visions of Ser Arlan; this man was everything to him.

Despite not being remembered by all the noble and well known knights, he realized that Ser Arlan was the epitome of a true knight. He kept enough coin to make sure they never went hungry (or thirsty), he fought fearlessly and protected the innocent (a personal experience for Dunk), and he knew he always had a home in nature. That was a good, respectable life that Dunk found admirable. 

Continuing life as a humble hedge knight-who was now well known- may have been Dunk’s way of paying respect to both Ser Arlan and the gods for favoring him enough to help him survive as long as he did. Whether he was truly knighted by Ser Arlan doesn’t matter by the end of the season to Egg, Lyonel, the gods, or even the audience. We all see Dunk for who he truly is, and we all favor him. 

HBO

-A. Monique

Listen While Reading :)

Is there anything that Anderson .Paak can’t do? I think what blows my mind is that Anderson .Paak is not only extremely multi-talented,  but that he’s also extremely hilarious. Who else can sport an Ike Turner wig while cutting it up on Jennifer Hudson’s Tunnel Walk? I think that’s part of the charm of Anderson. He's a musical genius who is also humble and naturally funny. A triple threat, if you will. So much of this natural talent and charm comes alive in his new  film K-Pops!, in which he directed, wrote, and starred in.

The Jennifer Hudson Show

How Was the Movie?

K-Pops! is a very cute movie. There is a good blend of comedy and music and just overall “feel goodness.” The serious parts are never too serious, and this is one of those movies that can be kinda cheesy but in a good way.I am highly impressed that .Paak directed and wrote this. His acting was good as well, but I’ll be honest- I’m not sure if this man was acting or just being himself. Either way, I’m not mad at it.

The film embodies a sweet story that seems to carry much inspiration from his personal life. A karaoke drummer (played by .Paak) has dreams of making it big in the music industry. Years later, he finds out has a son who has the same dreams; specifically in the popular K-Pop scene.

There is something to be said here for how music evolves and it connects people through different backgrounds and cultures. It doesn’t go too deep and pretty much allows for a chill good time.

Best Parts About the Movie?

South Korean Culture:

I’m personally an admirer of Asian culture in general, and South Korea has been on my bucket list to visit for years now. Most of the film is set in South Korea and it was cool to explore the country and culture via the film. 

Family-Friendly Comedy:

This is a family movie, for the most part. There are some adult jokes squeezed in there a bit, but overall this feels like a nice movie to sit down and watch as a family. If I’m being honest, it was giving me a 90's family movie vibe a bit. It’s like one of those movies us millennials watched as a kid and our parents enjoyed it too. Yeah, it has that feel to it. 

Anderson .Paak:

I’ve found myself becoming more and more of a .Paak fan over the past couple of years, and this movie is just making my obsession worse. I mean, I wanted to go to the Bruno Mars tour this year specifically to see Anderson .Paak; I’m sure Bruno will be great as well.

Anywho, I’m probably a bit bias here but if you are already a fan of him then you will enjoy him in this film. So many of his talents are on display in the movie, and he does an overall good job at everything 

Live Nation Productions

Is This Movie for You?

If you enjoy feel-good family friendly comedies, then this will be a good watch for you. The movie isn’t spectacular, but it’s a solid good watch. The music is nice, but I will be honest and say that I was expecting a bit more of the actual K-Pop music. Overall, this is a fun, sweet good time and Anderson .Paak just doesn’t seem to miss. I would love to see him in more films, and of course, I’m locked in for more of his music always. 

Thanks for reading.

Live Nation Productions

Warner Bros. Pictures

Allow me to put this at the forefront; as a lover of different forms of storytelling with an English degree (I’m more into the comprehension side than grammar side, so excuse my typos), it didn’t bother me much that this movie wasn’t intended to be true to the original book. I actually quite enjoy a good reimagining, and I am not always a “book purist” when it comes to film adaptations. With that being said, if you are a book purist  you need to stay far away from this Wuthering Heights remake. 

How Was the Movie?

‘Wuthering Heights’ is actually a decent watch if you don’t know anything about the original story. On the surface, it’s a familiar love story of a rich girl and poor boy set during a period where women and poor people have little to no rights. Are you thinking about The Notebook? Kinda, but not quite. This is much steamier and more toxic. If you’re thinking of Bridgerton, then you’re getting closer. 

And you know what? I love that about this adaptation. I like the toxicity and the sultry story. Unfortunately for me, this film felt more sultry than toxic. What can I say, I love dark stuff and that's part of what intrigued me about the original Gothic romance. 

For some people it may be a good thing that this is essentially more of a tragic romance. If you are looking for something more on the lines of Romeo and Juliet, then you have it.

I think the ball was dropped overall with Heathcliff's character arc and portrayal. Jacob Elordi is great; I enjoy his work and yes he is a heartthrob. However, I will touch a bit on the controversy of him being cast for this role. 

The vision for this adaption of Wuthering Heights appears to be almost purely romantic and sexual. The possessiveness and obsession between Cat and Heathcliff does come into play, but it doesn’t get as dark as the original story. I know, I said that I don’t mind adaptations that aren’t “by the book,” but I can’t help but notice the lack of potential here. 

The opening of the movie, and other particular scenes, play with the idea of “this is going to get really dark,” but it doesn’t pay off; and because of that, I went from potentially loving this movie to just liking it.

Also, going back to the controversy of Healthcliff’s casting, if a man of color closer to the “Gipsy” description of the original story  would’ve been cast instead, then this romance would’ve carried more depth. I find it very interesting that Shazad Latif was cast to play Edgar’s character when he was actually more fitting to play Heathcliff. In fact, there honestly could’ve been a direct switch between Heathcliff’s and Edgar’s casting, instead of Jacob’s being given a gold tooth and hoop earring to pass off his “Gipsy” background. 

Courtesy of IMDB

Best Parts About the Movie?

The Style:

I knew from the moment that I watched the trailer that I was going to fall in love with the style of this film. This is the third movie that I have liked by director Emerald Fennell so it’s safe to say that I may be a fan, since she has only directed three films.

Cinematographer Linus Sandgren completely blew me away with the eye popping deep rich colors and camerawork. I was fortunate enough to get the full beautiful experience in an AMC Dolby Cinema theater, and I was completely blown away. The set designs, the costumes, the scenery….it was a feast for the eyes. 

Warner Bros. Pictures

The Eroticism : 

In this version, Catherine and Heathcliff want each other BAD. So bad to the point that I truly question if it was actual love or just obsession. The sensual scenes aren’t just between Cat and Heathcliff however, and some of it does get a bit weird…in particular the opening scene. Still, it’s refreshing to see these period stories not be so coy and show that people have been seductive beings for centuries. 

Warner Bros. Pictures

Is This Movie for You?

I already mentioned earlier that if you are a book purist, and/or don’t like reimaginings, then you need to just stay away from this version of Wuthering Heights. This is a tragic romance at best, that lacks the Gothic essence of the original story. 

The bright colors and gorgeous takes are beautiful to look at, but the film doesn’t feature the necessary darkness in Heathcliff (pun intended) and the overall story to make it a comparable Classic like the original text.

-A. Monique

Entergalatic. Netflix

With 2026 being the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, it just feels right to dedicate another film list for the culture. My last list on Black Watches Good Enough for a Banned List was indeed very dark. 

Below is a list of movies that highlight more light, and love, within Black culture. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, check out some of these movies highlighting Black love and romance.

Deliver Us from Eva (2003)

A classic rom-com that doesn’t get enough love in my opinion. Starring Gabrielle Union and LL Cool J; this is a feel good and hilarious film that is both light hearted and fun. Union plays a very stern and tough woman named Eva who scares the living hell out of all of her brother-in-laws with her presence alone.

This leads them to hunt for a man who can “crack her.” But unlike the rest of us ladies, Eva doesn’t initially love Cool James’s character of Ray ( who is just as magnetic in the film as he is in real life). It becomes a real challenge for Ray to win Eva over while he tries to keep a hold of his own emotions in the process.

 This is a great watch for anyone who is looking for a Black romance that doesn’t include dark drama or struggle love. It’s all “feel good” vibes from beginning to end.

Warner Bros.

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

You have to be careful with this one. The cinematography and love story in If Beale Street Could Talk is absolutely gorgeous (masterfully directed by Barry Jenkins of course), but the overall story is heartbreaking. 

Set in the 70’s New York, this story surrounds the lives of two friends who grew up together and fell in love. While their love is still young, tragedy hits, and y forces their love to mature and face a reality of what it means to be young, poor, and black in 1970s America. 

The lighting and camerawork in this film are so beautiful that you’ll fall in love with the cinematography itself, while watching the tragic love unfold between Tisha and Fonny (portrayed gracefully by KiKi Layne and Stephan James). There are many, many other great stars featured in this film including Colman Domingo, Teyonah Parris, Brian Tyree Henry, and of course Regina King (who won an Oscar for her role in the film as Tish’s mother).

Annapurna Pictures

Moonlight (2016)

Another Barry Jenkins masterpiece and technically not a romance, but more of a coming of age story. Moonlight is about the different stages of life between boyhood and adult for the main character Chiron. 

I will not lie, this is a heavy watch. There is also much to explore here. There is parental relationships, bullying, racial identity, and homosexuality. 

I place Moonlight on this list because Chiron finds complex love in unlikely places. He finds parental love with a local drug dealer and romantic love with a childhood friend; both of which are centered on other Black males. 

We could have a Ted Talk session on how deeply layered those two relationships alone are. In addition, Moonlight includes one of my favorite romantic love scenes of all time. If you have seen this film already, you already know what I’m talking about…the diner scene.

The intensity and energy between both men pours through the screen. The scene honestly feels like a masterclass in perspective and visual storytelling through film. In addition, Jenkins's signature slow pans and eye-popping colors are profound throughout the entire scene and the overall film. This is an intimate watch that explores relationships that are often overlooked.

A24

Entergalactic (2022)

Leave it to Kid Cudi to bring pure uniqueness to art in various forms. Like Cudi, Entergalactic is just different in the best way. This adult animated rom-com musical is a hidden gem on Netflix that completely caught me by surprise.

Cudi voices Jabari who is an artist  searching for his next path in life. In the midst of figuring it all out, he falls in love with his new photographer neighbor Meadow (voiced by Jessica Williams). There are a slew of other star voices including Ty Dollar Sign, Keith David, Jaden Smith, and Teryana Taylor among others. Timothee Chalamet is also in here as a drug dealer…don’t ask, just watch.

Full warning, when I say this is an adult animation I mean it; do not watch this with your kids please. There is cursing, raunchy jokes, X-rated activities, but in the midst of all of it is such a sweet and cute love story. 

The film evolved from Cudi’s album of the same name, which he created before they even started making the movie. The album is equally romantic and amazing, and I constantly have the songs on rotation. At the very least, you have to listen to Willing To Trust; this song hooked me from the moment I heard it. I even added the album to my vinyl collection; it truly is that good.

Netflix

Southside with You (2016)

The Obamas as a couple are just a vibe. No relationship is perfect, but their public presence together has always been full of genuine affection, admiration, and love for one another. I still remember their first dance together during the 2009 inauguration. Watching them smile and dance together, as Beyonce sang in the background, felt like a fairytale moment. 

Southside with You is a movie that takes us back to the couple’s very first date. Well, the movie really shows us how Barrack smoothed his way into spending the entire day with Michelle and ultimately turning it into a date. I can’t knock the hustle; good for you Barry.

IM Global

Claudine (1974)

Claudine is about a single mother on welfare with six children who falls in love with a garbage man named Rupert. I promise this is not a Tubi or Tyler Perry movie.

This is indeed, a “struggle love” movie. Let’s be honest, it's pretty tough to avoid struggle love films in Black culture; especially with movies that were made during the blaxploitation era. With that being said, Claudine is such a good watch and a good story about finding love amongst economic hardships.

This film is also rich with classic Black stars. It stars Diahann Carroll as Claudine and James Earl Jones as Rupert. Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (from Cooley High) also plays one of Claudine’s sons, and it includes music by Curtis Mayfield. 

The film has received critical praise and recognition, including nominations from the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. It can be difficult to find the film, but I am happy to say that it is part of the Criterion Collection ( I will need to pick up a copy for myself).

he story has some tense moments, but there are also fun moments to create a good balance. It’s about making the best out of what you have and finding love, even through struggle.

The Criterion Collection

Have you seen any of these movies? Do you know any that I should add to my bucket list? Let me know; we clearly need more of these. 

-A.Monique

Fox 2000 Pictures

(CLICK THE MOVIE TITLES FOR LINKS ON WHERE TO WATCH)

There is currently a push to censor and revise history, especially Black History, within the United States. Just last month a shocking decision was made to remove a slavery exhibit from a Philadelphia historic site. Attempting to remove history  from the birthplace of America, my hometown, was a bold move to say the least. However, there have been many other egregious acts that have occurred in recent years, including book bans.

If history and books are not safe from censorship, then films are not far behind. Below is a list of Black culture watches that could easily find themselves to be the target of a banned list. 

Now, I’m not saying to watch all of these films in a day, or even a week; but it’s more important than ever to recognize the significance of all of these films and tv shows.

Amistad (1997)

One of the most difficult movies I’ve ever watched with one of the most graphic displays of the horrors of the Middle Passage. Very necessary scenes for those who try to downplay what Africans endured as they spent countless days in crowded ships full of illness and inhumane torture. One of the most troubling scenes in this movie is the realistic display of people being thrown overboard for “economic purposes.”

This is surely a part of history that some would love to hide or ignore, but more so, they may also want to hide the fact that Amistad is about a slave revolt that led to a U.S. Supreme court case in 1841. 

DreamWorks Pictures

The Birth of a Nation (2016)

So much drama came with this film…For one, the title. Taking the title from the original film, which is about the KKK,  was interesting to say the least. The movie seemed very promising but quickly struggled as Nate Parker’s controversial past of SA came to light around release time. 

Before The Birth of a Nation (2016) , Parker seemed to have been taking off with big roles in movies such as The Great Debaters, Red Tails, and Beyond the Lights (all great watches for Black History month btw as well). After a failed box office, Parker seemed to disappear. He has been in very few projects since and people seem to easily forget about the 2016 film as well.

Some people considered Parker’s response to his past as non-apologetic, which surely didn’t help to support the film. In addition, the fact that the movie is about a slave rebellion didn’t sit well with some folks as well. 

BRON Studios

I don’t blame anyone for refusing to support this movie on the basis of Parker’s past. It’s a personal decision, and it was difficult for me to decide to watch it as well. Full warning that Armie Hammer is also in the movie (also has a controversial past including SA)  and the writer Jean McGianni Celestin was part of the same crime with Nate Parker’s case. Parker was found innocent, and Celestin was not. I recommend reading up on the case to come to your own conclusions, as there’s much surrounding the case itself. 

I will say, there are a lot of other stars in the movie that did an excellent job in this film  including Aja Naomi King, Gabrielle Union, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Colman Domingo. I appreciate Nat Turner’s story being made into a film, as it is a part of history that is not always told; especially the portion of what was done to him. 

It is a dark and troubling story, but one that doesn’t often get shared for various reasons. 

12 Years a Slave (2013)

The story of Solomon Northup shook the world when 12 Years a Slave  was released in 2013. This true story of a free man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841 was unbelievable. His journey is brutal and traumatic as we witnessed his  different experiences between slave masters.

Solomon’s story also highlights the abuse of a woman named Patsey, who is a slave on Epp’s plantation. She endures abuse from both Epps and his wife, who is jealous of the “attention” that Patsey receives from Epps. 

Plan B Entertainment

Patsey’s whipping is one of the worst I’ve ever seen on screen, and makes me physically sick to my stomach each time. 

This movie will seriously make anyone question how humans could treat others this way and look at them as property.

Malcolm X (1992)

One of my favorite films of all time, and a solidified pick for my Letterboxd’s Top 4. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had so many conversations with others about Malcolm X and the amount of people who automatically deemed  him as a racist, violent, or crazy man who hated anyone who wasn’t Black. I’m sure this is how some would like him to be remembered, but knowing his full story will show people the true man that Malcolm was.

Malcolm spent his life trying to find the right path for himself and African Americans. There was so much pain and learning during his journey, and by the end of the film I can guarantee you will look at Malcom X differently if you believed that he was simply a hateful man. May he R.I.P.

40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks

Rosewood (1997)

How many times have Black towns and communities been destroyed? We’ll likely never know, and that fact alone is daunting. Imagine being told to go “pull yourself up by your bootstraps”, and when you do it, all that you’ve built is destroyed in an instant. 

Rosewood is an overlooked gem by one of my favorite directors, John Singleton and surrounds the story of the Rosewood Massacre of 1923. A predominantly African American town is destroyed after a Black man is accused of assaulting a White woman. We’ve heard this story before, but Singleton does a great job of showing how incidents like this have a terrifying chain reaction for violence and murder. 

Warner Bros.

THEM (Season 1/ 2021)

When THEM season 1 released in 2021 it was undoubtedly shocking. I actually had to take breaks in-between watching episodes as I did not expect the story to be as intense as it was. Still, I believe that it was a great story.

There was a lot of backlash dismissing the series as “trauma porn” and attacks on Lena Waithe for displaying racial violence in the horror series. I was a bit baffled because although it was really troubling, was it not realistic? 

The story is about a black family that moves from North Carolina to an all white neighborhood in East Compton ( I can’t believe Compton used to be a suburban all white neighborhood!)  in 1953.  Each family member faces personal battles with racism in home, school, school, work and everyday life. In addition, there are also supernatural elements that haunt the family. It's a very dark watch, but a great watch in regards to thinking about African Americans’ experiences of trying to just build a safe comfortable home in this country. 

Amazon Studios

13th (2016)

I’ve mentioned the 13th documentary multiple times now, and I stand by it being one of the best documentaries I’ve ever watched. The connection of slavery to prison labor is deeply disturbing, but an honest look on what has made this country the powerful rich nation that it is today.

Netflix

When They See Us (2019)

Many viewers have watched this Ava Duvernay series on The Central Park Five and refused to ever watch it again. I don’t blame them. Years before this amazing series was created, I learned about the story from the documentary and it haunted me for years.

All of the actors and DuVernay worked so hard to humanize all the boys and their families; and they did excellent. Watching the documentary was one thing, but seeing the personal experiences of each boy adds so much depth to the story. It's a hard look at how a system treats young boys of color, even when they are innocent of a crime. Similar stories include Nickel Boys and Time: The Kalief Browder Story. 

I watched this again about a year ago and felt even more pain than the first watch. It may be a while before I do another watch, but I pray that his series never goes away.

Netflix

Pose (Series Started in 2018)

Pose is a show that changed my perspective on everything related to LGBTQ+  Ballroom Culture. The show has so many happy and fun moments, but there’s also so much pain. It essentially highlights a group of people who were ignored by the world in 80’s NYC, and they still found a way to scream “I’m Here!”

Pose highlights the resilience and love that LGBTQ+ Ballroom families and friends found amongst each other (even when they were fighting), despite systemic racism, homophobia, transphobia, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and homelessness . 

There is a very special appreciation for the representation of Trans people in the show, as they are often very overlooked both inside and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. Pose is a beautiful show that brings more light to Trans people of color’s experiences in the 80s. 

Ryan Murphy Television

The Hate U Give (2018)

One of the most modern films that still depicts racial struggles in current times. What makes this film stand out to me is that it’s specifically aimed at a younger audience. It is also based on a book that frequently finds itself on banned book lists. 

Let me be frank, this can be a sad watch but it’s still appropriate for young readers in their teens. Stating that this story creates divisiveness is just another ploy to hide the reality of experiences that make people “uncomfortable.” Hiding stories like this doesn’t help children and teens against prejudice; it just makes them ignorant to it. Young readers should know stories like this from all backgrounds so that they can understand how to create a better future.

Fox 2000 Pictures

Can you think of any black culture watches that would make a banned list? Let me know.

Thanks for reading.

A. Monique

I waited about a month to see The Testament of Ann Lee simply because it was so difficult to find a theater that was playing it. Even after such a long wait, I can honestly say that it was well worth it. I loved this film; everything about the movie was simply breathtaking. 

Searchlight Pictures

How Was the Movie?

This movie is quite a blend of uniqueness.

A religious musical (that I thought would be a horror film in error from the first trailer) that holds more of a historical foundation rather than being preachy. The audience is able to see Ann Lee’s and The Shaker’s story through the perspective of why they may have chosen the paths that they did through music, dance, and emotionally driven performances.

There is so much to process from the film, and even two days later I am still thinking about the various depths and layers of this beautiful work of art.

As a person who does not consider herself very religious, I still enjoyed this movie very, very much. I enjoy historical films, biographies, musicals, and I also have a fascination for true stories inspired by faith and religious devotion. If you have not checked out the film Cabrini- about the Italian Saint that helped save orphaned children left for dead in 1800s NYC- I highly recommend it. 

I can confidently say that this is already one of my favorite films of 2026.

Best Parts About the Movie?

The Music and Choregraphy:

The music and dances are probably the standout from the trailer alone. The Shakers religious group was known for dancing and singing during their worship. Some others considered this disruptive and ecstatic, but as a Black woman who grew up around Baptists this was quite normal for me to see. Some black churches may consider this another form of “shouting” or “catching the Holy Spirit”. 

The choreography in the film displays this in a very powerful, yet simple manner. The dances didn’t seem very difficult, but they were absolutely full of spirit. And the cinematography on these scenes alone are gorgeous. There is a beautiful blend of short cuts and long takes that kept my eyes glued to the screen in awe. If you feel like spoiling yourself a bit with a musical scene, “All is Summer” was beautifully shot and performed.  I might’ve caught myself ready to do a little dance with them for a moment or two; what can I say…I was feeling it.

Searchlight Pictures

The Story of Ann and The Shakers : 

The Shakers’s dancing and singing is part of what made them controversial, and targets of continued assaults and violence. 

In addition to their form of worship, their unorthodox beliefs of celibacy and gender equality (among many others) led to them being considered a radical cult essentially. The biggest issue for opposers was likely the Shaker’s belief in God representing both a male and female form, and Ann Lee being considered the second coming of Christ. 

Ann and The Shakers were imprisoned and beaten mercilessly throughout their peaceful pilgrimage to share their beliefs with others. It is a devastating and haunting story that I find myself continuing to learn more about after watching the film. The rabbit hole for both Ann and The Shakers truly goes deep. 

Amanda Seyfried’s Performance:

I’m a bit baffled that Amanda has not received more recognition for her portrayal of Ann Lee. Beyond this probably being Amanda’s best performance to date, her portrayal of Lee involved her singing, dancing, and fully immersing herself into a controversial religious leader from the 18th century. Saying that she did amazing is an understatement. 

Searchlight Pictures

Is This Movie for You?

I already know that this is not a film for everyone. You have to be open to quite a bit to tap into this movie. For one, if you don’t like musicals or controversial religious topics then this is likely not for you. But if you are open minded and enjoy stories revolving around religious history, then that should be more than enough for you to give this movie a shot. 

Bonus points for people who like period pieces. 

Searchlight Pictures

If you have watched The Testament of Ann Lee, I would love to know what you thought. I need more people to geek out about this movie; I can’t stop thinking about it.

A.Monique

First and foremost, a huge shoutout to Nia DaCosta for picking up the ball on this movie and bringing in another win for the team. 28 Years Later:The Bone Temple feels like part of the family, but still a standout amongst the franchise. In all honesty, this is my second favorite out of the series thus far.

This sequel picks up exactly where the last film left off with Spike alone out to experience all of the true horrors that the world has to offer. 

Columbia Pictures

How Was the Movie?

The Bone Temple is a slower paced movie that adds more depth and darkness to the overall franchise. There are some gory and brutal moments, but the fast paced cuts that the franchise is known for are not really highlighted here; and it works out very well. There is time to fully take in the story as we process what society has truly become from this horrific virus, almost three decades later.

Through the perspectives of Spike and Dr. Ian predominantly we get a sense of deep fear and hopelessness. Each character appears to be in a situation where they are questioning, “What should be my next move?” and “Should I give up?”

We also get to see more of the villain Jimmy Crystal portrayed by Jack O’Connell (I see you Remmick) who gives us a first hand view of how dark humanity has evolved to. Who knew that a satanic teletubbies cult could be so terrifying?

@Peanuts2Popcorn on Letteboxd

Best Parts About the Movie?

Humans are Always the True Monsters: What I like about the 28 Days Later franchise is that it is one of those zombie stories that tends to show that the true horrors always end up being because of humanity. Just like Dr. Ian says at one point in the film, “It’s Just Us…”

The quote alone carries so many layers on who we are as a species and the roles that we play when the world is in chaos. In other words, true human nature is shown in our darkest times and sadly there are always people who add more to the darkness instead of trying to bring light.

The Villain: Jack O’Connell sure knows how to play a villain doesn’t he? I will say that as Remmick in Sinners he was more likeable, but his character of Jimmy Crystal here did what needed to be done for this film.

We see the origins of his Jimmy, which becomes a huge foundation for the horrific person that he has become. He runs his satanic cult with the charisma and charm of a Christian leader. Part of me even had a bit of sympathy for him because his childhood trauma is a clear indication of why he has become the monster that he is. But this is just an explanation and not a justification for his actions, because Jimmy is downright cruel.

He is a great addition to the series, and he is the first single“big bad” character that we have thus far outside of the Alpha zombie. His character alone brings on many conversations revolving around religion and trauma and how that influences the paths that we take in life.

Columbia Pictures

The Bromance: One of the most unlikely and beautiful bromances in the film occurs and I loved every moment of it. Like a lot of great relationships, it started off rocky in the beginning but ultimately the “I can fix him” move paid off and gave us all a glimmer of hope for the road ahead. More than anything, this made me excited for the third installment of the film. 

Columbia Pictures

Is This Movie for You?

If you already enjoy the 28 Days Later franchise then you will likely enjoy this installment. In my opinion, it’s one of the strongest movies since the very first film, and it gives us something that we didn’t really have in the other movies…hope.

Have you checked out The Bone Temple already? If so I would love to know your thoughts. 

A. Monique

Jimmy Woo /woomantsing

MLK Day is more than just a day off from work; it’s a time to think about a man who dedicated his life to fighting inequalities within society. Martin Luther King Jr. found himself in the middle of many battles throughout his life. He protested and spoke out against segregation, voting rights opposition, economic inequality, and many, many other injustices that plagued the world. 

Most of us have learned about King from school and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. We learn how peaceful he was, and lead others to be, even as the opposition violently targeted him and his followers. Below is a list of films to help reflect on what King peacefully, yet fearlessly fought for; and ultimately died for, to make the world a better place for all people.

Ruby Bridges (1998)

Imagine going to school with an angry mob of people cursing you each day. Once you get into the school, there are teachers and staff that also treat you as if you don’t belong. Now imagine that you are only six years old…

No child should ever have to experience this, and Ruby Bridges did just that each morning as one of the first African American children to integrate a New Orleans school in 1960. 

This is a family friend movie, but it still packs a huge punch because no one wants to see a child suffering in this way. It will make you question if segregation in schools is truly a thing of the past.

Disney

Dead Presidents (1995)

MLK spoke out against the Vietnam War openly, as he believed it to be immoral and connected it to racial inequalities here in the United States. It’s interesting to think about MLK’s connection to the Vietnam War as it was a war that drafted many poor men and men of color to fight other poor people in another country. 

Dead Presidents doesn’t mention Martin much (if at all), but it is instead a personal look at how the war and the aftermath of the war affects the lives of a friend  group black and hispanic men..

The main character, Anthony, is very interesting since he signs up for the war voluntarily and comes home to a country that does not consider him a hero. The lack of support from his country and community takes a toll on him while he also battles personal struggles with PTSD. 

This is one of my all time favorite movies and it has a haunting ending that always leaves me in tears.

Hollywood Pictures

The 13th (2016)

The 13th is a documentary that will stick with me for the rest of my life.  Ava DuVernay does an excellent job at connecting historical context to modern times in relation to the slavery and the prison system.

It’s no secret that people of color and poor people are incarcerated at unequal numbers; this documentary shows clear evidence of the reasons behind that. 

MLK would’ve appreciated this documentary as it dives into systemic racism’s connection to labor in this country, and how it continues to be a problem in modern times. Sadly, King himself was arrested and jailed numerous times; once even for driving 30 mph in a 25mph area. His famous Letter from a Birmingham Jail from 1963 calls out unjust laws, and was written while he was in Birmingham city jail.

Netflix

Loving (2016)

Marriage equality has surely had its battles in America. It’s no surprise that interracial marriage was out of question in the United States once upon a time.  Loving revolves around the couple Richard and Mildred Loving and their case that made it to the Supreme court (Loving v. Virginia) for the right to be married. Richard, a white man, and Mildred, a woman of mixed Native American and African American ancestry, were charged with interracial marriage in Virginia in 1959. 

The Lovings did leave Virginia to live in Washington D.C. for some time, but greatly missed their home and life in Virginia, so they made the brave decision to sue the state for their right to be legally married in the place that they called home.

Their story and courage made interracial marriage legal throughout the nation, and laid a path towards same-sex marriage equality decades later. 

Martin’s civil right’s activism is believed to have been a strong catalyst towards interracial marriage equality. It is also worth mentioning that before his marriage to his beautiful wife Coretta, Martin did have an interracial relationship with a white woman named Betty Moitz when he was younger. Racial equality in various realms was absolutely a huge part of Martin’s life. 

Focus Features

Selma (2014)

An obvious choice, but a great one no doubt- Selma by Ava DuVernay is one of the greatest movies reflecting Martin Luther King Jr.’s work. This film revolves around King’s campaign to equal voting rights in Montgomery Alabama in 1965, and also includes the 54 mile Selma to Montgomery marches.

The take for “Bloody Sunday” (the attack on peaceful protestors during the March 7, 1965 march on Edmund Pettus Bridge) is masterfully shot and acted. The viewers should feel the same horrors that people felt during that time as they watched the events unfold on the news.

There are also intimate moments with Martin that help dive into his personal life. A great film and great portrayal of King overall.  

Paramount Pictures

What films make you reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, and the work that he did to make this country a better place for all?

Paramount Pictures

I ended up seeing Primate by accident. What do I mean by that? I went in on a Mystery Movie Monday  by Regal hoping that it was going to be the new Night Patrol horror movie coming out this month. I even joked that if the film was indeed Primate that I would be walking out immediately. 

I’m here to say that I am glad that I remained sat throughout the entire film. The movie wasn’t mind blowing but it did end up being a decent watch. From the trailer it just appeared to be another silly horror movie about a family who probably had no business having a chimpanzee in their home, but it ended up being full of some laughs, scares, and thematic depths that I came to appreciate. 

How Was the Movie?

Primate is about a college student named Lucy who returns to her home in Hawaii with some friends during a break. Apparently her little sister Erin and her deaf father Troy are surprised to see her because it’s been years since she has been home. Another member of the family, the primate Ben, is surprised but very happy to see her.

It becomes clear that Lucy and her family have quite a financially comfortable life. They live in a huge mansion in Hawaii and have a chimpanzee running around it. Lucy’s late mother was a linguistics scientist that helped teach Ben how to communicate via sign language and a device that can say some words for him. Her deaf father seems to also play a role in his teaching. It’s quite fascinating if I’m being honest.

All is well until Ben contracts rabies and the move turns into Cujo meets Planet of the Apes. Ben becomes sick and viciously attacks Lucy, as well as her family and friends, as they all try to figure out how to get out of this situation alive.  At this point, we see some of the best and worst parts of the film.

Best Parts About the Movie?

Ben is not just a wild animal on the loose; he’s a cold calculated killer:

So, we’ve heard stories about animals going crazy before. Primate takes it a step above by not only having Ben go wild, but also using his intelligence and communication skills to target the victims. It was very much giving Ghostface meets Cesar.

Theme of Communication : 

I loved the overall theme of communication in the film. This held so much significance in the story from Lucy’s family being upset with her not coming around for years to scenes that showed the unique perspectives of those who couldn’t speak (Troy and Ben). Some of Ben’s killing style appeared to be rooted in a  frustration of him not being able to speak like humans. As graphic and horrific as it was, I thought it was a great way to help us think about Ben’s internal demons as the rabies took over him.

Paramount Pictures

Is This Movie for You?

If you’re into animal horror films then Primate is worth checking out. I personally was not a huge fan of it, but I was impressed that it was an overall good watch. 

There’s some really silly moments that were just pointless to me and didn’t make much sense. And if I’m being honest, I do feel that the way in which Ben contracted rabies was a bit off…I would think that such a rich and educated family would have a better way to protect their family chimpanzee from being exposed to t rabies. But what do I know, I don’t have a chimp running around my house speaking sign language.

If you saw Primate please let me know what you thought. Thanks for reading!

Paramount Pictures

Vertical

Rosemead was not a film that I planned on seeing until I realized that Lucy Liu was in it. That's kind of terrible right? Or is that the norm? Either way, I’m glad that I was able to see this phenomenal work of art. 

I caught a screening of Rosemead back in Fall of 2025 at a film festival in which Lucy Liu was in attendance. She spoke about how deeply passionate she was about the movie, and how she didn’t want to take away from the importance of the story. I believe her work on this film, both on and off the screen, has helped to bring more people (such as myself) to learn about the mother and son that this story is inspired by. 

A.Monique

The story of Rosemead is inspired by a true story that was previously covered in an LA Times article. I’ve included the link, but I encourage you to read AND watch the film; the order in which you want to do it is your choice. 

The article helps paint the picture, and the film brings it to life.. I knew nothing of this painful story of the mother and son, and now thanks to Lucy Liu and the team behind the film, I will never forget them.

How Was the Movie?

Rosemead is a very intense drama that builds up as a slow burn. It starts as a story about a loving Taiwanese American mother and son duo and slowly reveals the darkness and pain that is haunting their family. 

There is so much to explore from this story, but mental health and culture are some of the biggest elements. 

If this movie is anything, it’s real. It’s a real look at society and how we treat immigrants, mental wellness, and cultural differences. It’s a real look at hope and faith, and just how quickly that can be lost when you feel that there is nothing else to lose. 

I honestly wasn’t sure what I was walking into before watching this film, and I ended up feeling so broken after leaving it. It’s very  difficult to talk about the film without spoiling too much, but ultimately the movie left me thinking about what could’ve been done differently to make this story happier (both in real life and in the film)?

Overall, the film honors the family, and does an excellent display of what emotional and psychological trauma can do to a person.

Best Parts About the Movie?

The Visual Perspectives of Schizophrenia:

2025 gave us two very good pieces that displayed what it can be like for a person suffering from Schizophrenia; Monster: The Ed Gein Story and Rosemead. One clearly received much more attention, but both are inspired by real people and their experiences.

It’s difficult to watch Joe (the son) being confused by what he is enduring, while going through spells of anger, fear, and sadness. It’s even harder to watch Lucy Liu as his mother, Irene, trying to figure out the best way to help her son while dealing with her own personal battles. 

The True Story : 

I believe that one of the main purposes of this film was to get the Hang family’s story out, and Rosemead does so very gracefully. This is very much a story driven film, where you feel like a fly on the wall seeing every intimate moment of the characters’ lives. 

Lucy Liu:

Lucy Liu did amazing in this role, and this is honestly one of the best roles I’ve seen her in. You feel the love that she has for her son and the desperation for her to make him happy. You also feel the intense pain when despair hits. 

Vertical

Is This Movie for You?

This is a rare moment where I will say this movie is for everyone. This is a story that everyone should witness at least once. Too often we get caught in our own lives, that we forget that there are others out there suffering and struggling with their own battles.

I wish someone would’ve been there more for Irene and Joe; or rather the real people that their story is inspired by. Watching this film helps to learn more about who they were beyond a new article headline, and hopefully brings more light to their spirits.

Vertical

5. Frankenstein- Frankenstein and Elizabeth’s Secret “Date”

Guillermo del Toro’s reimaging of Frankenstein was breathtakingly gorgeous. The costumes and set design absolutely blew me away. The story telling felt both nostalgic and refreshing.

All of the actors did a great job but I was obsessed with Oscar’s portrayal of the mad scientist, as well as Mia Goth’s portrayal of Lady Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s character tends to be different roles in various versions of Frankenstein, but I really enjoyed the decision to make her a forbidden love interest of Victor here.

Mia Goth also plays Victor’s mother Claire, which adds more depth to the obsession that he has with both women. 

The scene that really stuck with me from this film was when we see Victor following Elizabeth, very creepy like, as she is casually browsing and then goes into church. He’s clearly fascinated by her in various ways from their first encounter. She is very intelligent, she’s not afraid to verbally go toe to toe with him, and she’s gorgeous. There is that weird undertone that she literally looks just like his mother, but to be honest, that would make both Victor and his brother strange because the brother is engaged to her.

Netflix

He goes as far as to go into the confession booth at the church, in hopes that he can hear her secrets. This scene is hilarious to me because he immediately thinks he has gotten “one up on her”, but she counters him very quickly by showing that she knew he was following her the entire time. It’s interesting because she’s not upset, and they actually go to have a drink or light meal shortly afterwards; which then leads to a pretty intimate dance. There is a clear mutual attraction here but neither really knows how to approach it. It’s a small scene compared to so many other astounding big moments in the story, but I absolutely loved it.

In particular, I love the part where Elizabeth is confessing that she can’t stop thinking about her fiance’s brother in the confession booth, and Victor says “ah, lust?” and she immediately corrects him and says “hate.” It’s hilarious, it’s flirty, and it’s just a great scene to me. 

4. One Battle After Another- Teyana Taylor’s Opening Scenes

Absolutely one of the best movies of the year. I know, we are all blown away by Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti’s roles; and I agree that they both did excellent. Honestly, all of the actors killed it in this movie.

I have a slight bias because I have been a fan of Teyana Taylor for years now and I was so proud to see her do so well in this role. I was actually surprised that the opening scenes are focused on her.

Warner Bros. Pictures

From the moment she enters the screen she demands our attention. Her walk and demeanor shows she did not come to play. This is why I also find the scene with her and Lockjaw’s first encounter hilarious because as he refuses to take her seriously she replies “since we playing…get it up!” It’s a weird, funny, and cringe scene that shows that these two characters are clearly at a battle of power dynamics.

I know this scene, and Teyana’s role in general, made many people uncomfortable. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t feel some discomfort from what her character had to go through in the film; I absolutely did once we saw her changes come with the pregnancy and post-partum. It’s actually quite sad, but this added to my love for the depth of Teyana’s character and the excellent job that she did portraying Pefidia. 

3. Good Boy - “You Can’t Save Me” Final Scenes

Oh my goodness. I had no intention of this movie being as good as it was, or it making me as emotional as it did. Internally, I’m still crying (maybe a bit externally too *wipes tears*). Last year, the movie Flow broke me down about cats and now this year Good Boy broke me down about dogs. Lucky for me, I have one of each at home. 

I respect all that the creators went through to create, what I consider to be, a cinematic masterpiece like no other. Good Boy is marketed as a horror movie from a dog’s perspective, but honestly it is so much more than that.

IFC/Shudder

I couldn’t leave this movie without thinking about what dogs must experience while witnessing their human companions being sick and ultimately dying. It’s something that many of us probably don’t think about much, because humans typically outlive their pets. So, if anything, we’re usually scared for ourselves. Good Boy flips this, and shows us what a helpless dog might experience while trying to save his human from death.

And let’s face, death can be scary. To both humans and dogs, it may seem like a lingering dark spirit that we don’t know how to battle. Watching Indy fight to the very end, and then being told by his human’s spirit that he’s a good boy but that he couldn’t save him, absolutely broke me. This scene will forever stick with me.

2. Eternity- The Final Choice Journey

Another film that I did not anticipate loving as much as I do. Eternity came off as a cute little rom-com that I would probably enjoy on a Sunday afternoon while snuggled up in the house. Nothing too serious, just a good little chick flick. This movie is that, but it’s also so much more.

Eternity made me think about life, and death. And honestly, I don’t think any other story has ever made me more accepting of death. I know, the afterlife probably isn’t like the retirement plan scenario that is portrayed in the movie; but the complexity of there not just being two places in the afterlife was quite refreshing.There’s also the concept of relationships, and how we live, and what that all means when life is over.

I loved this movie from beginning to end, but the final scene where Joan realizes that she chose the wrong man, and has to fight through the unknown to get back to the man she loves more, was cinematic beauty. She had everything against her, and still took the final slim chance that she had to get back to Larry. The scene shows Joan running through moments of her life; meaning she had to see dark moments that she probably didn’t ever want to experience again, as well as the good times. This was so beautifully shot, and has solidified this movie as one of my favorite romantic films of all time. 

A24

Honorable Mention- Avatar: Fire and Ash-Varang and Colonel Miles See The Fire in Each Other

Avatar: Fire and Ash was the first Avatar film that I was able to experience in theaters and it was quite the experience. I did it the way Cameron said it was intended to be seen, in Dolby Cinema 3D and it did not disappoint. 

Although Avatar: Fire and Ash is not in my top 5 for the year, one scene really stuck out to me. The scene where Varang (leader of volcano/fire Mangkwan clan) speaks face to face with Colonel Miles was the best scene in the whole film for me.

She gives him some type of witchcraft or drug to put him in a vulnerable state to “see” who he really is. She is quite impressed with how he handles himself and her aggressive flirting. It’s a fiery scene both verbally and visually as we see them accept one another as equals and they form an alliance.

The callback of Varang saying “I See You” to Miles, just as Neytiri said to Jake in the past, was chef’s kiss.

Disney

1. Sinners: Come On In MFs

So, you probably guessed by now that my top movie was going to be none other than the phenomenal Sinners. If so, you’ve guessed correctly. However, if you’re thinking my favorite scene is the “I Lied to You” music scene, you would be incorrect. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love that scene. It’s one of the most unique scenes in film history. I know that we will be talking about it for years to come.

However, that is not the scene that made Sinners my top movie. It’s actually the scene that so many people hate; yes, “ the come on in motherf….” scene by Grace is my favorite scene, andI’ll tell you why.

Warner Bros. Pictures

I was in the theater scared as hell when I first saw this scene, and genuinely shocked. The fear that I felt was reflected on each and every one of the characters’ faces who had to prepare for the fight in the juke joint. I thought this scene was beautifully executed. Grace’s desperation; Annie’s, Smoke’s, and Mile’s fear; and Remmick’s moment of shock and satisfaction made this scene so perfect for me. 

Remmick even walks in calmly, as if he’s willing to say “we can do this the easy way.” But once Grace screams and throws the molotov at him, all hell breaks loose. The scene physically moves to fill up the entire screen. The music in the background becomes terrifying; people are getting shot, stabbed, and bitten left and right; Poor Delta Slim took a crazy for the team. It’s an insane scene and I get the same chills each time I watch it. And yes, I’m still mad at Grace.

All of these movies clearly had other memorable moments, but these are what personally stood out to me the most. What scenes helped to make your top movies of the year?

Universal Pictures

Thoughts on why Wicked: For Good was not part of the original film

Wicked: For Good has finally arrived. As a musical lover, I was skeptical of the first Wicked film, yet I ended up really enjoying it after some spoilers popped up on social media. You know which one I’m talking about; the famous “Defying Gravity” scene that made its rounds on Tiktok for weeks, if not months.

I fell in love instantly with that moment, just like everyone else. And then I knew that I HAD to see it. Once I was able to watch the full movie, I was pleasantly surprised. It was good! I wasn’t going to miss the next one in theaters, that was for sure. 

Then, it hit me right before I left for the theaters to see Wicked: For Good… “can this really top the first movie?”  I thought to myself. I had my doubts, but was optimistic to be impressed once again. My optimism did not pay off, as I suspected, the second part of the film was not as good as the first for me. 

This isn’t to say that Wicked: For Good is a bad movie. The first film just came in so strong from beginning to end that it ultimately ended up being a very tough act to follow. 

Universal Pictures

Wicked Follows The Musical Formula 

Like many musicals, Wicked follows a formula where one the strongest songs comes right before the intermission of the show; and the musical ends with an emotionally traumatizing beautiful song. The “Epic Act I Finales,” as the theater folks like to put it, quite often ends up being the most popular moment of the musical. 

I had to sit back and think about how many of the musicals that I love follow this same formula. Dream Girls has the amazing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” before ending the musical with the tearjerking version of “Dream Girls Finale.” Rent’s wild “La Vie Bohème" brings the first act to a close before ending the musical with the very emotional “Finale B.”

So this was Wicked’s plan too- wow us with “Defying Gravity” and then break us emotionally at the end with “For Good.” It’s a solid plan, no doubt, but for some reason I feel that it would’ve pulled me in more if it was all completed in one film. 

Universal Pictures

Wicked: For Good is a Continuation, Not a Sequel

It was an interesting choice for Wicked to break the film into two parts. This isn’t common with musicals that are converted into films, without the second film actually being a sequel. So no, this isn’t the same as The Lion King 2 or Grease 2 (Alexa, play “Cool Rider”). 

Why was this decision made? Based on the run times, this likely gave more room for backstory developments than the Broadway musical. Apparently, there are even two additional songs featured in Wicked: For Good that are not in the stage adaptation. 

Let’s also not pretend that this wasn’t a good money-making decision. Although not particularly common with musicals, we’ve seen movies do this before. I’m staring at you Harry Potter, Twilight, and Hunger Games. I’m also going to call out one of my super faves, Dune. I’m sure the decision makers knew that making these legendary films stretch out into two part movies would bring in both the audience and the big bucks.  

Wicked has to be raking it in. I’ve seen Wicked collabs from clothes and makeup down to the green and pink popcorn at AMC theaters. 

Courtesy of Lego

Wicked Dared to Be Both Nostalgic and New

Wicked has some die hard fans, that’s for sure. It did something special for moviegoers that we haven’t seen in quite some time. There’s the nostalgic side of going to the theaters to see fantasy epics such as  Harry Potter, but there’s also the other side of it being a fantasy musical. The only other fantasy musicals that I can think of that aren’t Disney animations are Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the 1939 Wizard of Oz.

Wicked brought us back to the world of Oz with a new perspective full of gorgeous eye-popping cinematography, songs that loop through our minds and spirits, and a story that will make us rethink everything that we knew about Oz. It is truly  one of a kind.

Universal Pictures

So, did Wicked really need to be separated into two films? Probably not, but in the end it was worth it. The Wicked films have been a cultural moment that will be remembered throughout time. 

Cynthia owns the role of Elphaba now, and Ariana made me love Glinda (and pink)  even more than I did from The Wizard of Oz.  Although the second part of the film didn’t move me as much as the first film, I loved the experience of this entire two-part saga. It has been quite a journey and I’m hopeful that we can get more of this perspective of Oz in the future. Wicked has surely left its mark For Good ;).

Below are some films and shows that may not be the first to come to mind when you think about Veterans Day. However, these are all amazing stories that deserve recognition and praise. Add these to your watch list for Veterans Day and beyond.

Midway (2019)

Midway tells the story of a key naval battle during WW2 that was crucial to both the Americans and the Japanese. As the Japanese sought to gain more dominance in the Pacific, American codebreakers were able to give the military information to help stop these plans. Determined Americans refused to allow another attack on Pearl Harbor, and fought a deadly 4 day battle that solidified their bravery and patriotism. 

The film blows me away with the view points of dive bombers. Dive bombers fearlessly flew almost straight down to their targets to drop bombs  before escaping. This was an insanely vulnerable and dangerous position that changed the course of the battle. The way the film shows these attacks are completely mind blowing, and veterans who survived the battle have praised the film. 

Lionsgate

Dead Presidents (1995)

One of my all time favorite movies, Dead Presidents hits home in so many ways for me. On the surface, one may assume the movie is just a crime thriller about bank robbers but the story is so much deeper than that. A good portion of the film takes place during the Vietnam War, where we see our protagonist Marine Anthony Curtis try to survive in a war that he volunteered for fresh out of high school.

After the war, we see how the war has left a wound in his life as he struggles to survive back home in America. This film depicts the unique experiences of veterans of color after the Vietnam War, and how they were treated by society and the government upon returning home. No parades and barely any acknowledgements of their service to the country.

Hollywood Pictures, Caravan Pictures, and Underworld Entertainment

Free State of Jones (2016)

A Civil War film from the perspective of a Confederate soldier. Matthew McConaughey portrays Newton Knight, a Confederate soldier who deserts the army after learning of the unfair drafting laws. Essentially, owning more than 20 slaves excused white men from having to serve in the war.

Knight became part of a band of Confederate army deserts that fought against the Confederacy, while also establishing a small mixed race community in Mississippi. He also married a black woman and had mixed children. Needless to say, he was quite a controversial figure during his time. 

STX Entertainment

The Outpost (2020)

A severely underrated film. The Outpost is the true story of The Battle of Kamdesh during the War in Afghanistan. In 2006, 53 American soldiers and 2 Lativan Military Advisors were surrounded and attacked by 300 Taliban soldiers. 

American soldiers were stationed on a base called Combat Outpost Keating in Northern Afghanistan, which many regarded as a death trap. It was surrounded by mountains and the Taliban regularly attacked the position. 

The battle in the film is horrific and terrifying, as the soldiers fight for their life in the surprise attack. Its difficult to understand why the soldiers were placed in this predicament to begin with. 

Millennium Media

Lioness (TV Show)

Starring Zoe Salanda, this action packed show is fictional but is inspired by real female marines. 

The show is a refreshing take with the protagonist being a woman who has to balance her professional life and family life. On one side we see her battles with her husband and daughters, and on the other side we see her being an absolute force to reckon with as leader of a CIA team. 

There is a strong focus on other women in the show as well, to create a diverse feminine approach as to what this line of work is like for women in the field.

Paramount Pictures

That’s all from me for now, but please, if you know any other underrated military stories that I should be checking out I would love to know.

During the month of November we recognize Native American culture and heritage. Below are some great tv shows and movies that you can check out that highlight the lives and stories from different Native Americans.

Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)

A modern comedy drama show from filmmakers Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi that surrounds the lives of Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma. The show is a mixed bag of emotions. You’ll laugh at moments, and then you’ll fight to hold back tears during other moments. The central tribe in this story is the Muscogee Nation and is the first mainstream show to have a majority Indigenous creative team behind it. 

FX/HULU

Yellowstone (Original Show, 1883, & 1923)

Native Americans play prominent roles in all of the current Yellowstone television shows and have a deep connection with the Dutton family.

In the main series set in modern times, there is much political and family drama surrounding the local tribes and the Duttons over the land of Yellowstone. The most prominent character is Monica Dutton, who is a Native American woman married to Kayce Dutton (the youngest son of the Dutton patriarch John). 

Paramount Pictures

1883, the earliest prequel to Yellowstone, shows the pioneer era of the Duttons and their earliest connections with local tribes.

Paramount Pictures

1923, another prequel, includes the main character Teonna Rainwater. Teonna was kidnapped and placed into an abusive religious school where she experienced horrible torments. Her story can be extremely difficult to watch, but it is eye opening to experiences that many American Indigenous children indured.  

Paramount Pictures

Pocahontas (1995)

This is controversial; I know. Disney’s Pocahontas fictionalizes and romanticizes colonization and completely dismantles the true story of what happened to Pocahontas. I still recommend this movie for a couple reasons. 

For those of us who grew up with this film, I think it's worth going back just to point out all of the BS that was pushed on us as kids. Also, as bad as the story is, is it okay to appreciate some of the great music that came out of it? I mean, I’d be lying if I said Colors of the Wind is still not a banger. I also love how infatuated Pocohontas is with nature. At the same time, the Savages song literally makes me sick to my stomach. Why were we watching this as children again?

Disney

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Speaking of “sick to the stomach,” I have yet to recover from Killers of the Flower Moon. This film is a depiction of the true events surrounding the mysterious murders of Osage tribe members that took place in Oklahoma between the 1910’s-1930’s.

Members of the tribe became very wealthy after discovering oil on their land. This led to the systematic control and murders of many Native Americans from the tribe out of pure jealousy, hate, and greed. 

The most disturbing part is that all of these attacks didn’t come from people who were obvious enemies. This movie features an excellent cast with big names such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert DiNero. This is also directed by one of my favorite directors Martin Scorsese. I’m still waiting on a physical BluRay release to add this film to my collection. 

Apple Studios

Apocalypto (2006)

I love Apocalypto because it evokes so many feelings at once. Directed and written by Mel Gibson, Apocalypto takes place in Mesoamerica during the decline of the Mayan empire. The film has been criticized for historical inaccuracies, including the Mayans sacrificial practices apparently being more tied to Aztecs. 

With that being said, don’t take this movie as fact. What I do appreciate is the story of a man fighting for his life to save his family, and that is what is at the core of the movie. It is an action thriller that is quite gory at times, but a great watch nonetheless. It’s also interesting to see the differences between the indigenous folks that lived in villages vs those who were part of the Mayan city life. I think I would’ve hid off in the villages personally. Check this out if you love a good action film. 

Icon Productions/ Touchstone Pictures

Those are the end of my suggestions, and if you have any others that I should be checking out please let me know. The more historically accurate, the better.

Black Bear

I caught an early screening of Christy at the 34th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival and I was so grateful that the actual Christy Martin also attended to  do a Q&A after the film. Wow…I am so baffled that I was unaware of who Christy Martin actually was before watching this film. 

I went into this movie because I simply love boxing films. I’m a Philly girl so Rocky is the MVP to me, always. Beyond this, I have family members who have been boxers and Fight Night used to be one of my favorite video games before the UFC took over. I’m actually not too much of a fan of UFC, which is probably why I connected with Christy more than I did The Smashing Machine (still a good movie.) Needless to say, I have a  deep respect and fascination for the sport.

Christy Martin’s story is quite unique amongst the boxing tales that I have already known. A woman from a small town in West Virginia made her way to the big leagues. She was considered the female Mike Tyson by many for her powerful knockouts. She worked with Don King, and her husband was her coach. It is truly a life tale like no other. 

Courtesy of A. Monique

How Was the Movie?

Although I wouldn’t consider Christy my favorite boxing movie, I do appreciate it as a solid watch. This is a good film, and a lot of hard work and dedication went into it. 

The pacing of the film did feel a bit fast in the beginning, but it evened out pretty quickly. I was confused as to how old Christy was at the start, but then I understood that she began boxing in college and that this is where the story begins. 

There is a good balance between Christy's boxing and her personal life, and the film doesn’t shy away from her personal battles beyond the ring.

As a warning, there is domestic violence in this film, which gets very brutal at moments. I audibly gasped at one point, and was in disbelief at the horrors that she had gone through at the hands of someone who was supposed to be her life partner. If you already know some background to Christy’s story, then you probably are already aware of what I’m talking about. Either way, please tread carefully

Black Bear

Best Parts About the Movie?

The Personal Touches:

This film feels very personal and genuine. Sydney Sweeney embodies Christy’s bold strength and resilience gracefully. Like Michael B.Jordan did for Creed, Sweeney underwent vigorous physical training and gained 35 lbs of muscle. Much respect to her.

The story also does not shy away from topics that Martin could’ve chosen to leave out. Her sexuality, her relationships with her family members, and the various ways that her husband manipulated and abused her are laid out in the forefront shamelessly.  

Black Bear

Sweeney and Foster : 

Sydney Sweeney and Ben Foster did great in their roles. There were times when the actors completely disappeared, and all that I could see was Christy Martin and her husband Jim. Sweeney and Foster each went out of their typical acting realms, and really became dedicated to the people that they were portraying. 

During the Q&A that I attended, the real Christy Martin even stated that she was uncomfortable around Ben Foster at times because of how much he resembled the real Jim.

Black BearYoutube; COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Is This Movie for You?

If you like sports dramas full of passion and personal journeys, then you will appreciate Christy. This one is really special, as there aren’t many films surrounding women boxers. In addition, Christy is a pioneer for bringing women’s boxing mainstream and is the first woman boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Let’s give Christy her flowers and honor this living legend. 

Element Pictures

I was fortunate enough to catch an early screening of Bugonia at the Philadelphia Film Festival this year, and I had an absolute blast watching this movie. We were packed in the theater like sardines, and based on the countless laughs and applause, I’m sure that most of us weren’t disappointed.

What is this movie about? A pair of cousins kidnap a CEO woman and lock her in their basement because they are convinced that she is an alien. As the viewer, you have to decide who to believe. Are these men some crazy conspiracy theorists that have taken things way too far, or is this CEO really an alien set on controlling the people of planet Earth? I’ll let you know right now, it’s not easy to figure out.

Element Pictures

How Was the Movie?

Bugonia is so weird in the best way possible. It starts off from the perspective of two men Teddy and Don (Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis) who are discussing their conspiracy beliefs and plans to save planet Earth. As we hear their plans, you get glimpses of Michelle Fuller’s (Emma Stone) life as a CEO of a pharmaceutical company. 

Teddy is convinced that Fuller is part of an alien species that has infiltrated planet Earth, and he believes that it is up to him and his cousin to demand that they leave the planet. It feels so random, yet intriguing. As the film progresses you learn more about Teddy’s personal life and what has led him to these beliefs. It’s still unclear if he is completely gone, or if he is actually on to something.

Michelle makes figuring this out extremely difficult. We see her as a woman who is clearly confused about how she ended up in this situation. The back and forth between all three main characters is hilarious at moments, and terrifying at others. The movie does such a good job at keeping your attention out of pure curiosity of who is telling the truth.

Element Pictures

Best Parts About the Movie?

The Psychological Mystery:

The mystery of who is telling the truth in the film is the core of the story. You don’t know who to trust, and you’ll start questioning yourself at times. You may even ask, “how would I react if I was in this situation?” 

If someone kidnapped you and was convinced that you are an alien, would you play along, deny, try to reason with them, all of the above?

Or, if you were convinced that there were aliens on the planet, how would you go about approaching them? How would you make sure that they don’t outsmart you? How would you protect yourself and the planet?

The Actors : 

All of the actors did a phenomenal job in Bugonia. Jesse Plemons’s character is so dead set in his beliefs that it is actually pretty scary at times. 

Aidan Delbis is all of us watching the movie. He wants to believe that his cousin is the hero, but can’t help but to question everything and have empathy for Emma Stone’s character at times.

Emma Stone is Emma Stone. This woman can do no wrong in my book. She is a pure joy and genuinely comedic; and she still knows how to be dramatic when necessary. There’s one scene when she and Teddy are fighting and you see the fear in her eyes when she thinks he’s going to actually kill her. Damn that girl can act. Also, she really shaved her hair for this movie- pure dedication to the craft.

Element Pictures

Is This Movie for You?

If a strange movie full of psychological mystery and black comedy sounds intriguing to you, then Bugonia is right up your alley. If you are into conspiracy theories, especially those surrounding aliens, this is also for you. If you like Emma Stone, lock on in.

After watching the movie initially, I liked it. But after reflecting on it, I find myself loving more about it, and I’m sure this is one of the films that will continue to get better after rewatching.