20s Movie Review - The Housemaid

Director: Paul Feig
Genre: Thriller/ Drama
Runtime: 131 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, Indiana Elle

Description: Millie (Sydney Sweeney) is a struggling young woman who is relieved by the chance for a fresh start, when she gets a job as a housemaid for a wealthy couple (Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar). Soon, she discovers that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own.

Review: “The Housemaid” is based on the beloved book with the same title, by author Freida McFadden. One of today’s most popular thriller writers. The film is an over-the-top psychological thriller, with many plot twists and strong performances.

Millie has hit rock bottom. She is on parole, living in her car and has no job, money or prospects. She applies for the job as a housemaid for the rich Winchester family, but doesn’t expect much from it. But she gets the job. Finally, she feels like she will get her life back in order. Millie will be moving in with the Winchesters, wife Nina, husband Andrew and young daughter Cece. While Millie has some secrets from her past, the secrets in this family are far darker.

I read the book about two years ago. I really loved it, the plot twist half-way though took me by surprise. I have made several people in my family and friend circle read it, they were all just as surprised. I was curious to see how they would do it in the movie.

The book is no masterpiece, but it kept my attention at all times and was a great thriller. The same goes for the film. “The Housemaid” is entertaining and full of twists. It’s a wild ride, mindless entertainment and a very strong psychological thriller.

When it comes to the performances, Amanda Seyfried really stands out as Nina Winchester. She has the most difficult role to play and really does a fantastic job.

The film explores themes such as class differences and offers a feminist message. It also offers a mix of sexual and psychological manipulation.

But this film is far from perfect. Sometimes it’s a bit too over-the-top, on the edge of becoming silly. The dark humor does not always work. And even though Sydney Sweeney is solid in her performance as Millie, there are some moments where I feel she wasn’t the right choice. Finally, the role of Enzo feels a bit pointless. His role is much bigger in the book. If they had left him out of the movie, it wouldn’t have had any effect on the plot whatsoever.

Do I think it’s a successful adaptation of the book? Yes. Director Paul Feig managed to transform the original story into a compelling film. Not flawless, but an entertaining psychological thriller.

Rating: 3,5/ 5 

TV Review - Stranger Things (Season 5, Series Finale)

Season: 5 – Series Finale
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 1
Year: 2025
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Bret Gelman, Maya Hawke, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher, Jamie Campbell Bower

Description: As Vecna prepares to destroy the worlds as we know it, the party must put everything on the line to defeat him once and for all.
 
Review: Oh how long we’ve waited for this moment. The final episode of not only season 5 of “Stranger Things”, but ever. “The Rightside Up” is one of the most impressive finales I have ever seen. For all the haters out there, you can skip, because I’m just going to rave about this episode.

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

With the very last episode, the Duffer Brothers have achieved the seemingly impossible: ending a global phenomenon that is emotionally satisfying, terrifying and hopeful all at once. While the title, “The Rightside Up” is a direct nod to the first season, here it marks the definitive shift from darkness to restoration.

The heart of the episode lies not with the monsters, but with the characters we have all grown to love over the past ten years. The evolution of “The Party” comes to a beautiful climax. The chemistry between Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas is more palpable than ever. In this episode we see how the traumas of the past (especially those of Will and Eleven) are finally transformed into strength. The scene in which the group reunites for the last time in the Wheeler family basement feels like a warm blanket for fans from the very beginning.

Technically speaking, this episode is a highlight. The integration of practical effects with CGI is seamless. The transformation of Hawkins – from a besieged town teetering on the brin of destruction to a place of reconstruction – is beautifully captured. The cinematography uses color to symbolize the victory of Vecna: the suffocating red and gray tones of the Upside Down slowly give way to the warm, golden light of a new morning.

Millie Bobby Brown really shines in this episode. Eleven’s confrontation with the ultimate evils is not only a display of brute force, but one of emotional maturity. The way she protects her found family perfectly completes her arc as a character. I loved the more intimate moments she had with Mike and Especially Hopper. Another actor I really want to spotlight is Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna/ Henry Creel/ Mr. Whatsit. His performance really blew me away and he was cast perfectly. Is it crazy to say he should win an Emmy for this?

There are so many moments in this episode that really got me, emotionally. As previously stated, the scenes between Hopper and Eleven really moved me. That moment were Steve fell, I literally stopped breathing. And how perfect was it that it was Jonathan, of all people, who caught him. The final battle was epic. Nancy really taking the lead in this, she was so good. And I felt like the Duffer Brothers choose the perfect character to finish Vecna off: Joyce. She got her moment and took it with both hands. And Eleven sacrificing herself to save everyone, was the way it was meant to be. Aside from her (and Mike), everyone got a happy ending.
The part that got me the most, was that final epilogue, which was about 50 minutes of this finale. This part will only really hit you if you’ve been part of this fandom since the beginning and you feel emotionally connected with these characters. From the heart to heart between Hopper and Mike, Dustin’s graduation speech (with an ode to Eddie, Dustin did exactly what Eddie wanted to do. And they played “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden), finding out Steve is a teacher and little league baseball coach, Hopper and Joyce finally having that Enzo date and the final toast that Jonathan, Nancy, Robin and Steve made agreeing on meeting each other once a month. Non-stop cries. But that very last scene is what hit me the hardest. Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Max playing one final game of Dungeons & Dragons. The show ends where it all started in 2016. And I know these kids can cry on cue, but I believe that everyone was actually showing their genuine feelings right at that moment (same for the rooftop scene by the way). And I couldn’t stop crying either.

The music was also on point. Off course the iconic synthesizers of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. But they chose some epic songs; “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain” by Prince, “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and using “Heroes” by David Bowie for the end credits (which are also worth watching until the end).

People who complained about this show’s final season, surely watched a different show and never really cared for these characters. “The Rightside Up” is more than just the end of a series; it’s a tribute to friendship, growing up and the power of hope against darkness. The episode takes the time for an extensive epilogue, allowing us to truly say goodbye to Hawkins”. Stranger Things” end here, but it will leave a lasting impression on my life.

2025 Reading Wrap-Up

With the start of 2026, I’m looking back on my reading year. I exceeded my reading goal again, read from some amazing new-to-me authors and revisited some favorite authors. Here are my 2025 reading stats (thanks to StoryGraph).

I read 64 books, where my goal was 60. I read 23.906 pages. The first book of the year was “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” by TJ Klune. A book my dad picked as my first read of the year. It’s the sequel to one of my favorite books ever, “The House in the Cerulean Sea” and I didn’t expect it to be just as good. My first book was also an instant 5-star read. My last book of the year was a surprise, a book I got by accident. “Nyxia” by Scott Reintgen. Didn't know anything about this, had never heard of it before. A sci-fi book, the first in a series, which I will be continuing.  

I read most books and pages in June. I do remember I read some bigger books that month, like “Desperation” by Stephen King and “November” by Thomas Olde Heuvelt. But also the most books, so it makes sense that I read the most pages in June. December is always a slower month for me when it comes to reading. I want to wrap things up and during my Christmas holiday, I spend more time with family and on other hobbies. 

To no surprise, thriller was my most read genre this year. I did set a goal to read less thrillers and I actually wanted another genre to become my number one this year. I didn’t succeed with that last one, but that’s okay. I didn't read as many thrillers as I usually do. I feel like thrillers haven’t really been doing it for me lately, so I’m setting a goal for next year to make horror my most read genre. I feel more drawn to that genre lately, and I did read several horror in 2025 as well. Overall, these five genres are the ones I read the most often every year. The order just varies. 

My longest and shortest book of the year happen to be both audiobooks. “Prety Girls” by Karen Slaugter was my longest book this year, with 20 hours. It was good, but I don’t really remember many of the details. I have that with most Karen Slaughter books by the way. My shortest book was only3,5 hours long, being “Future Boy” by Michael J. Fox. A very nostalgic read, if you’re a fan of “Back to the Future”.  

I spend an average of 8 days on each book, which was the same as last year and the year before. The average amount of pages was 354 pages, which is also almost the exact same as last year. I read “Heartstopper Volume 3” in one sitting (as for volume 4 + 5, which I also read this year). These are graphic novels and I probably read all of them within an hour. They are quick, fun reads.  “Annie Bot” took me 22 days to finish. I listened to it on audio and while listening to it, I sometimes didn’t feel in the mood for an audiobook. I also didn’t like this book and this was my least favorite book of the year. 

 

My most read authors were Suzanne Collins, Alice Oseman and Abby Jimez. My number one makes sense, since I read the entire “Hunger Games” series in April. The original trilogy were rereads for me and the two prequels were first-timers. I read the final three “Heartstopper” books, making Alice Oseman my number two. And also three Abby Jimenez books, with her becoming THE romance author for me, for a non-romance fan.

I had such a good reading year. Of all the books I read, the average rating was a 4, which is a really good average. I didn’t read any 1 or 1,5 star books and 5-star was my most given rating. I read so many 5-star books this year!

In March I read 6 book, with 3 being 5-stars, making it an average of 4,5 stars that month.
In February I also read 6 book, but 3 of those book were only 2,5 stars. Making it my lowest average rated month of the year.

Based on popularity on StoryGraph, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, is the book that is shelved the most. It was a reread for me and I loved it just as much as the first time around.. “Het Laatste Verhaal van Jamie Gunn”, by Thomas Olde Heuvelt was the least shelved by readers. Understandebly so, since he’s a Dutch author and this book was only recently released in my country, and has yet to be translated to English. It ended up being my favorite book of the year. “Heartstopper Volume 5” by Alice Oseman is the highest rated book on StoryGraph. I also gave it a five-star rating, totally understand why everyone loves it.

I explored a bunch of new authors as well (I have read from Karen Slaughter before though, before I started using StoryGraph). Gillian Flynn is definitely a new favorite author for me. As are Charlotte McConaghy, Gabrielle Zevin, Chandler Baker, Coco Mellors, Octavia E. Butler and Marcus Kliewer, whom I want to read more books from.

Like last year, I didn’t realize I read so many books that were part of a series. Apparently I read 19 books that were in a series. But then again, I do get it a bit. Like I said, before, I read the entire “Hunger Games” series, which are 5 books. I read 3 of the “Heartstopper” books and I read the last two books in the “Wayward Pines” series. I also finished the “Part of Your World” series by Abby Jimenez. There are only a few books on my list that are part of series that I haven’t finished yet. And I’m interested in continuing them all.

I DNF’ed 8 books this year, which is a lot for me. I always feel sorry to DNF books. The most shocking one was “With a Vengeance” by Riley Sager. One of my most anticipated reads of the year and I just couldn’t get into it. The only book that I DNF’ed this year, that I will probably give another try is “I Was a Teenage Slasher” by Stephen Graham Jones. I love this author and I think I only stopped reading it, because I wasn’t in the mood for it at the moment. So I will probably pick it up again at some point. 

 

Movie Review - Voor de Meisjes

Director: Mike van Diem
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Thekla Reuten, Fedje van Huet, Noortje Herlaar, Valentijn Dhaenens
 
Description: A serene getaway in the Austrian Alps descends into chaos when the once-solid between two longtime couples starts to fracture.
 
Review: The Dutch film “Voor de Meisjes” is a dark drama that takes a moral dilemma to the extreme.
The story follows two couples who have been friends for years and share a vacation home in the Austrian Alps. When their teenage daughters are involved in a serious accident, the atmosphere changes immediately. The friendship quickly crumbles, giving way to a ruthless battle in which the parents ask themselves: how far would you go to save your own child at the expense of another?

The actors deliver impressive work, especially Thekla Reuten and Noortje Herlaar. Director Mike van Diem creates a vicious atmosphere that force the viewers to think about their own moral boundaries.

The characters are highly unlikeable and this movie is definitely not an ad for being in a relationship or having kids. The plot was a bit predictable here and there, but overall it was a very strong, solid film.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Top 10: Favorite Books of 2025

 My goal for 2025 was to read 60 books, I managed to read 64 books. Of those books, 45 were physical, 19 were audio books. My most read genre was thriller and I read most books by Suzanne Collins, since I reread the original “The Hunger Games” trilogy and I read the prequels for the first time. Of all the books, my average rating was 4 which is really good. I’ve read some really good book this year, I had 19 five star books. Of those 19, there were 3 rereads. I will not add any rereads to my top 10. Here is my top 10 favorite books, that I read in 2025.
 

10. Once There Were Wolves – Charlotte McConaghy
This was the first book I read by McConaghy, but I will definitely be picking up more of her work. “Once There Were Wolves” is a hauntingly beautiful and suspenseful novel that blends and environmental mission with a murder mystery, exploring themes of trauma, empathy, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

9. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
A dystopian book, published in 1985, but still chillingly topical. It depicts a society were women have been stripped of all autonomy, including the rights to read, work, or own property. It’s terrifyingly relevant in 2025 and I think more people should read it. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

8. Wayward – Blake Crouch
“Wayward” is the second book in the “Wayward Pines” trilogy. I finished the series this year, given both of them 5 stars (first one also, read that one last year). It’s a fast-paced, gripping sci-fi thriller that deepens the mystery of the enigmatic town and keeps readers on the edge of their seats with constant twists and a major cliffhanger ending. This entire series is fantastic and became a favorite series of mine. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

7. Somewhere Beyond the Sea – T.J. Klune
The sequel I didn’t think I needed. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” was my favorite book of 2022, to anyone’s surprise, since it’s not a genre I often read. I didn’t know that this book was going to be in a series until “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” was released. I thought it could never live up to the first, but it did. I loved it just as much and I really felt emotionally connected to each characters again. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

6. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin
It is a highly acclaimed, best-selling novel, which lived up to the hyped. Never expected to love it as much as I did, since this book masterfully uses the world of video game design as a backdrop for a complex, decade-spanning story about friendship. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

5. Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn
“Gone Girl” is a pivotal psychological thriller and a landmark of the “domestic noir” subgenre. Known for its razor-sharp prose and masterfully deceptive structure. The novel explores the dark undercurrents of a modern marriage through the lens of a missing-person mystery. One of the biggest twists in a thriller novel ever. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

4. Razorblade Tears – S.A. Cosby
I’ve only read two of his books, by S.A. Cosby is slowly becoming a new favorite author. “Razorblade Tears” is a visceral and emotionally charged novel, that follows two ex-convicts who form an alliance to avenge the murders of their sons. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

3. Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins
My most anticipated book of 2025 and I’m so glad it lived up to my expectations. It even exceded it actually, it’s now my second favorite in the series. “Sunrise on the Reaping” is a prequel to “The Hunger Games”, telling the story of Haymitch Abernathy. Reading this brutal and devastating book makes the original trilogy hit even harder. I cried multiple times. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

2. Atmosphere – Taylor Jenkins Reid
I for sure thought this was going to be my number one, but it ended up being a close second. It’s a movig story, well-researched, set against the backdrop of the 1980s NASA space shuttle program. It focuses on the hidden love story between two female austronauts and exploring themes of ambition, sacrifice, and identity. It had emotional depth and compelling characters. READMY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

1. Het Laatste Verhaal van Jamie Gunn - Thomas Olde Heuvelt
The only Dutch author I read from this year is Thomas Olde Heuvelt and I never expected that this book would be eventually my favorite of the year. It’s a 2025 release and I read it as soon as it came out. Met the author while being in the middle of it. It’s an intense and compelling page-turned, it grabbed me from the first page and I simply couldn’t put it down. This book was personal and I connected with Jamie Gunn on an emotional level too. READ MY FULL REVIEWHERE.
 
Honorable Mentions: 
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Heartstopper Vol. 4 by Alice Oseman
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
The Last Town by Blake Crouch

 

TV Review - Stranger Things (Season 5, Volume 2)

Season: 5 – Volume 2
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 3
Year: 2025
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Bret Gelman, Maya Hawke, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher, Jamie Campbell Bower

Description: The gang hatches an electrifying plan to reconnect Will to the hive mind. Tensions flare during a search of the Upside Down's Hawkins Lab.
 
Review: “Stranger Things” season 5, volume 2 is an odyssey through trauma, nostalgia and cosmic horror. I am shocked about the amount of negative reviews, we obviously watched a different show, because I loved episodes 5-7 very much.

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

The first four episodes of season 5 were amazing, I rewatched them already and I couldn’t really fault them. The second volume does have some flaws, but every season has.

Hopper and Eleven broke into the military base in the Upside Down, discovering it wasn’t Vecna they were holding captive, but Kali, whom we met in season 2. Max and Holly are in Henry’s subconscious, trying to find a way out. Dustin, Steve, Nancy and Jonathan are in the Upside Down. And episode 4 ended with the most epic moment, with Will having powers and defeating three Demogorgons, saving his friends. Episode five picks up where we left off.

Episode 5-7 are a journey to get to that final battle. And they take their time for all the characters. Many things get resolved and explained, with some surprises here and there. The people who are calling this volume anti-climactic are missing the point. These episodes weren’t filled with action, but had a lot more build-up and character driven moments. We need certain things to be resolved before the end. And because the stakes are going to be high in the final episode, there will be no time in that final episode, which most likely will be action packed. People who didn’t like this volume probably have the attention span of a toddler.

The actors are doing a great job. Gaten Matarazzo, as Dustin Henderon, definitely stole the show in these three episodes. Especially the scenes between Dustin and Steve, which were very important and necessary, were a highlight of volume 2. Noah Schnapp, who already shines in volume 1 as Will, also deserves praise. His speech touched me to the core and his performance overall is strong. Also Nell Fisher and Sadie Sink, as Holly and Max, deserve attention. That one scene in the Mindflayer’s Lair was so good and both had a convincing performance. Rooting for both of them constantly. The moment Max and Lucas reunite was a favorite moment as well. Emotional and long-awaited. Episode 7, The Bridge, was overall a very emotional episode. One of the most memorable moments of this volume was where Karen Wheeler saved Robin, Vicky, Lucas and Max. Momma Wheeler kicked some ass again and I absolutely did not see that coming, until I saw the gas tank in the dryer. What a moment! And the return of Mr. Clarke, and a bigger role as well, also made me very happy.

I only had two problems with this volume. One being the scene between Jonathan and Nancy. Although a beautiful moment between the two, which was clearly a break-up (lots of people seemed to have missed this part, but I thought it was pretty clear), it would have been more logical if at least one of these characters didn’t make it out alive. Not that I wished for them to die, but they previously saw several people who died in the melting matter, but Jonathan and Nancy don’t. The second problem is Kali. I do like the fact that they are given that one episode from season more purpose. But I don’t think they are using her character like they should. I think we are now meant to believe Eleven will sacrifice herself to save everyone, but it will not play out like that. Unnecessarily trying to lead us to a certain path.

The people hating on these episode are, again, clearly missing the point. The fact that a main characters has yet to die is one thing that people are mad about. Because over all the seasons, they only killed off secondary characters, that were introduced to us in that season. But the Duffer Brothers have been very clear about the fact that “Stranger Things” is not like “Game of Thrones”, where they are going to kill off several main characters. It’s not that kind of show. Haters gonna hate. They are going to be mad if they won’t kill off anyone, they will be mad if they only kill off one character, and when it is their favorite character that dies they are going to be mad about that. You’re never going to do it right for everyone. But the hate “Stranger Things” season 5 volume 2 is getting, is unjustified.

So, to all the negative people. You are entitled to your opinion, but you’re clearly missing the point of it all. What the Duffer Brothers did for episode 5-7 fits the tone and atmosphere of the show. It has some flaws, but it’s definitely still very good. And I can’t wait for that final episode. Luckily not that long of a wait this time.

Top 20: Favorite Movies of 2025

Like every year, I created a list of my favorite films. It’s based on Dutch release dates, so you might see some movies on this list that are originally from 2024, but came out in 2025 in The Netherlands. And you will miss movies, because they will be released in 2026 or I just simply haven’t seen it yet. Since I don’t get to see EVERY film. I thought it was a pretty solid movie year. Here is my list, my 20 favorite films of 2025.
 

20. Paddington in Peru
Kicking of the list with the world’s most polite bear. If any film on this list resembles a warm hug, it’s this one. Although not as impactful as the previous two, “Paddington in Peru” proves that everyone’s favorite bear is still the gold standard for family cinema. Moving the action from London to the landscapes of the Amazon. Whimsical and witty, while adding a thrilling adventure in Peru. A perfect film for a family movie night. Or for anyone who just loves Paddington, like me. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

19. Saturday Night
Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” is an engaging underdog story that captures the chaos of the 90 minutes leading up to the debut episode of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. It’s an energetic somewhat nerve-wrecking film, in real-time,  showing us the messy magic of television. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

18. The Thursday Murder Club
This might not be seen as one of the best movies of 2025, but this is personal. As a big fan of Richard Osman’s book series, I absolutely needed this film. And it’s a delightful and witty adaptation of the bestselling novel. It captures the heart, humor and suspense of its source material. An old-fashioned, cozy murder mystery. And when I was skeptic about Pierce Brosnan as Ron, I was pleasantly surprised. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

17. Ocean with David Attenborough
The first of two documentaries on this list. And when it comes to nature documentaries, David Attenborough is the master. “Ocean with David Attenborough” is a profoundly important film that serves as a powerful call to action for the planet’s future. Released to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 99^th birthday, the film pairs his rich, timeless voice with spectacular cinematography of vibrant coral reefs and deep-sea wonders. While it delivers a sucker punch by exposing the horror of industrial overfishing and habitat destruction, it masterfully balances this despair with a ray of optimism. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

16. Warfare
“Warfare” is an uncompromising and unforgettable masterclass in tension. With a traditional narrative, the film uses a real-time structure to recreate a harrowing 2006 Navy SEAL mission with so much realism. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

15. Fantastic Four: First Steps
I had high hopes for this movie and really looked forward to seeing it. And it didn’t disappoint. The retro-futuristic 1960s world feels both nostalgic and entirely fresh. The film is visually stunning and the ensemble cast have the best chemistry, with Vanessa Kirby as the heart of it all, delivering an emotionally powerful standout performance. I was a bit tired of Marvel, but this movie proofs they are not dead yet. READ MYFULL REVIEW HERE.
 

14. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
The final film in the series, or so they say, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. The perfect blockbuster, high-stakes emotional callbacks, jaw-dropping stunts. Tom Cruise in peak form, whether he is dangling from a plane or navigating an underwater submarine sequence. While the film is nearly three hours long, it pays off with an amazing final act and a heart-pounding conclusion. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

13. Nosferatu
Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is a magnificent horror film, that reclaims the vampire as a source of pure sinister nightmare fuel. Shifting the focus to Ellen Hutter, a wonderful performance by Lily-Rose Depp, capturing the visceral terror of a woman in thrall to an ancient evil. Bill Skarsgård embodies Count Orlok, with a super creepy performance. It’s an immersive fever dream, as almost all of Robert Eggers’ films are. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

12. Companion
“Companion” is a clever, original sci-fi horror comedy, that successfully subverts expectations at every turn. Sophie Thatcher is magnetic as Iris and Jack Quaid is equally impressive, delivering a performance that seems like the nice guy, but is eventually far from that. I think this was my biggest surprise this year and a film that will probably be overlooked by a lot of people. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

11. How to Train Your Dragon
As a fan of the animation, I was so excited to see it being turned into a live-action movie. Was it necessary? Probably not, but I’m glad it exists. It is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging live-action reimagining that breathes new life into the beloved animation. The film captures the heart and soul of the first story while offering a more grounded mature tone. Mason Thames is well cast as the earnest, awkward hiccup and his chemistry with Nico Parker’s Astrid is present. Gerard Butler plays father Stoick, who he also provided the voice for in the animated version. And John Powell’s  iconic score is also in it, which is one of my favorite scores of all-time. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

10. A Real Pain
As two mismatched cousins tour Polan to honor their late grandmother, their old tension resurface against the backdrop of their family history. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who alongside Kieran Culkins also stars in it. Culkin won an Academy Award for his role, well-deserved. A smaller film with a ton of emotion. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

9. Frankenstein
The story of “Frankenstein”, based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley, has been told so many times. But somehow Guillermo del Toro is the director that was made to do it too. He managed to create a faithful and emotionally resonant adaptation of the book. Jacob Elordi was a surprising choice for the monster, but his performance was amazing. A deeply human portrayal of the Creature. And Oscar Isaac is riveting as a tormented arrogant Victor Frankenstein. The gothic atmosphere is right up del Toro’s alley. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

8. Sinners
This movie is best viewed with having no prior knowledge of the plot. This movie will definitely blow your mind. Twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan, open their own club in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era. Leaving their troubled lives behind, they are trying to start over, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Director Ryan Coogler reinvents a horror subgenre through a rich Southern Gothic lens. Michael B. Jordan delivers a career-defining dual performance, anchoring the story that masterfully blends horror with a look on Black American history and the power of community. One of the two films on this list that Inhave rewatched already. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

7. Sing Sing
A group of prisoners form a theater group. Not your traditional prison drama, but a hopeful testament to the redemptive power of art. Coleman Domingo delivers a riveting and unforgettable performance as Divine G, a wrongfully convicted man who finds his humanity through a prison theater program. The film is authentic, mostly because of the unique ensemble cast, featuring real-life alumni of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program playing fictionalized versions of themselves. “Sing Sing” is a authentic and powerful film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

6. Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
I was surprised to see that it didn’t get the best reviews. People were disappointed, because it didn’t follow the standard formula of a biopic. But I believe that’s the power of this film, because we have seen that type of biopic way too many times. In “Deliver Me from Nowhere”, we focus on a more unknown part of Bruce Springsteen’s life, during the making of his album “Nebraska”. When everyone around him want to make an album with hits, Springsteen just wanted to write these personal songs, no hits, no tour. It’s a raw, emotional and hauntingly beautiful film, with a great performance from Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen. Went to see it with my dad, a Springsteen fan, and we both really loved every minute of it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

5. Materialists
I expected a standard romcom, merely went to see it for the cast. And I’m not a lover of romantic comedies, with a few exceptions here and there. But director Celine Song made a mature deconstruction of the modern romcom. Dakota Johnson’s character is layered and as a professional matchmaker she is caught in a fascinating ideological tug-of-war between two vastly different men: a wealthy, polished suitor played by Pedro Pascal and a scruffy, soulful ex played by Chris Evans. The story touches on some tough themes, creating depth for both the characters and the stories. Loved it more then I expected. For the fans of typical, predictable romcoms, this is not the one for you. That’s why I loved it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

4. John Candy: I Like Me
I don’t think a documentary has ever ended up this high on my end-of-the-year list. If you didn’t grow up on John Candy movies, you will probably not feel the same while watching this film. “John Candy: I Like Me” is a heartfelt and heartbreaking documentary that serves as the definitive tribute to a one-of-a-kind comedy legend. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film masterfully weaves together never-before-seen home videos with interviews from stars like Steve Martin, Dan Ayrkoryd, Catherine O’Hara and Tom Hanks. This documentary had me in tears within the first five minutes. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

3. Weapons
This is the year’s “what the fuck did I just what”-movie. Directed by Zach Cregger, who also made “Barbarian”. He gives us an original, surprising and shocking horror film. The story is told in a non-linear structure, where an entire elementary class disappears, aside from one kid, with no explanation whatsoever. Weirdly wonderful and unforgettable. READMY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

2. One Battle After Another
“One Battle After Another” is a bold and exhilarating crime thriller, from director Paul Thomas Anderson. He manages to combine nerve-shredding thriller with satire. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an inspired performance that is very reminiscent of The Dude from “The Big Lebowski”. Newcomer Chase Infinity really steals the show and Sean Penn is one of the most disgusting, awful characters I’ve seen this year. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.  
 

1. Wake Up Dead Man
The last 2025 movie I watched this year ended up being my favorite. I saw most of the films in my top 5 at the very end of the year. “Wake Up Dead Man” is a brilliant third entry in Rian Johnson’s whodunit “Knives Out” franchise. It’s masterfully blending the series’ signature wit with a darker, more contemplative tone. While Daniel Craig remains as charismatic as ever, Josh O’Connor delivers a standout performance as the earnest Father Jud, who serves as the film’s emotional anchor. The atmospheric gothic church is the backdrop of this well-crafted murder mystery. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

Honorable mentions: Better Man, Baby Girl, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Steve, Thunderbolts, F1, 28 Years Later