Tag: Thriller
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The Art of Withholding: A Closer Look at Bugonia’s Subtle Emotional Resolution
Some films beckon critics by virtue of their positioning within awards season. Their acclaim alone becomes an invitation—an analyst’s cue to assess not only the individual work but also the broader temperature of the industry: what resonates, what falters, and what signals evolving tastes. That impulse informed my decision to engage with the 2025 feature…
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Unapologetically Dark: Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty Pushes Boundaries of Horror
FX’s horror drama The Beauty bears all the hallmarks of Ryan Murphy’s evolving artistic identity—one that continues to push beyond conventional boundaries and lean unapologetically into narratives that flirt with excess, discomfort, and psychological extremity. Whether The Beauty represents a departure or a distillation of Murphy’s sensibilities is open to debate. What is clear is…
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“In Defense of the Unfinished: The Artistic Merit of It Ends”
Not all films adhere to conventional storytelling or move at a familiar pace. Some deliberately reject formulas, choosing instead to linger in ambiguity. These films resonate not because of a tightly constructed plot, but because they provoke emotion and thought that hold our attention long after the screen goes dark. “It Ends” (2025), a horror,…
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The Black Phone 2 and Narrative Dots
A franchise is a story told in multiple installments, and the stronger the interconnectedness between those parts, the more cohesive the franchise becomes. Ideally, viewers should be able to connect the narrative dots without excessive effort. Some franchises achieve this balance exceptionally well. “The Black Phone” series offers a recent and effective example of a…
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From Verses to Victims: His and Hers
Some productions feel more like poetry than prose, sweeping viewers into their rhythm even when the verses don’t always align. Netflix’s upcoming 2026 limited series, “His and Hers,” fits squarely in that category—a small-town murder mystery that keeps its audience in a chokehold from the opening frame to the final reveal. Applause still echoes long…
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‘The Housemaid’ Review: A Shocking, Satisfying Thriller That Redefines Redemption
Thrillers rank high on my watch list, second only to horror. Through casual browsing and keeping an ear to the ground, I came across a 2025 thriller titled “The Housemaid”—a film with an unassuming name that delivers a surprisingly forceful punch when it comes to entertainment. A Girl and A Goal “The Housemaid” follows a…
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She Never Came Back: The Narrative Void of Bring Her Back
This film was introduced to me as one of the standout horror releases of 2025. Claims of that magnitude are typically met with measured skepticism rather than immediate excitement. Still, there is value in examining what broader audiences are embracing as exemplary at any given cultural moment. With that in mind, “Bring Her Back” earned…
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H.I.M.: Football, Faith, and the Dark Rituals of American Greatness
Films are made for many reasons, and not all of those reasons will resonate with every viewer. One such film that has been heavily critiqued—and in some circles outright dismissed—is Monkeypaw Productions’ 2025 release “H.I.M.,” starring Marlon Wayans. “H.I.M.” arrived with significant anticipation, largely because it carried Jordan Peele’s imprint. While the film was produced…
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The Running Man (2025) and the Case for Critical Reassessment
Not every feature deemed a creative misfire by a cluster of critics is inherently irredeemable. Some works must be assessed on an individual basis and weighed in balance between audience response and critical perspective. “The Running Man” is one such film. I approached “The Running Man” with a healthy degree of skepticism, and for several…
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Middling Thriller: ‘The Hand That Rocks the Cradle’ Fumbles Its Potential
Every revival raises the same question: what’s the real motive behind it? Some projects feel inherently justified, their return making perfect sense. Others have to work much harder to prove they weren’t a misguided idea from the start. Occasionally, a continuation feels gratifying, reinforcing the notion that there was something worthwhile about seeing a story…
Uncut Diamonds 