Movie Review - Send Help

Director: Sam Raimi
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien
 
Description: Linda (Rachel McAdams) and her insufferable boss Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. Here, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, will they make it our alive?
 
Review: In the survival horror/ thriller “Send Help”, we are confronted not only with the brutal force of nature, but also with the psychological warfare between two survivors on a desert island. What begins as a classic survival story transforms, under the direction of Sam Raimi, into a claustrophobic study of power dynamics and the liberating power of feminine rage.

Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien form an unexpected electric couple. When their plane crashes, the situation forces them to work together. O’Brien plays the insufferable CEO of a large company and he does this with a nervous energy that slowly turns into a toxic need to prove himself. But it’s Rachel McAdams who takes the film to the next level. Her characters Linda, a grey mouse at the office who’s talent is underestimated and taken advantage of, starts out controlled and pragmatic. But as the isolation sets in and the threat of her companion becomes greater than that of the wilderness, we see a transition that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film excels in its portrayal of feminine rage. This is not blind anger, but a calculated, deep-seated outburst against years of underestimation and manipulation. Because all the men in this movie are dicks. The scene in which McAdams’ character finally takes control feels not only like a victory in the jungle, but like a universal catharsis.

Director Sam Raimi does not abandon his horror roots, this is still an R-rated movie. The film contains some blood-curdling moments and has gore that will make the viewer physically recoil. The tension is masterfully built up. Although the pace slows down slightly in the second act, this more than compensated for by the satisfying finale.

“Send Help” is a brutal, emotional rollercoaster that gives Rachel McAdams her most powerful role in years. It is a film about the will to survive, but even more so about the power that is unleashed when a women refuses to be a victim any longer. An absolute must-see for anyone who loves psychological depth with a sharp edge.

Rating: 4/ 5

20s Movie Review - Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 197 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis,  CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, Jermaine Clement, David Thewlis

Description: Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri’s (Zoe Saldaña) family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash people, who are led by the fiery Varang (Oona Chaplin), as the conflict of Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.

Review: “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is the third installment in the “Avatar” franchise. Director James Camerom proves that Pandora is far from revealing all its secret. Whereas its predecessor immersed us in  the serene beauty of the oceans, this third film confronts us with the raw, destructive, and paradoxically beautiful power of fire.

It almost goes without saying, but the CGI is once again groundbreaking. The introduction of the Ash People – a Na’vi clan that lives in volcanic areas – provides a completely new color palette. The contrast between the glowing lava and the ash-gray skin of this new tribe is visually stunning. The action scenes, especially the confrontations in the ash clouds, are so fluid and detailed that you forget you are watching an animation.

We see that not all Na’vi are “good”. The Ash People, led by Varang, bring a much-needed nuance to the story. Their anger and thirst for revenge mirror humanity, blurring the line between hero and villain. This gives the film an emotional depth and a sense of menace that we haven’t felt to this extent before.

The core of the film remains the family. The dynamic between Jake, Neytiri and their children has matured. The consequences of their earlier losses weigh heavily, and the film takes time for mourning and internal conflicts. Zoe Saldaña’s acting is heartbreaking; her anger is almost palpable.

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is more than a technological masterpiece; it’s an epic drama that dares to play with darkness and moral ambiguity. With a running time of over three hours, not a minute feels wasted. The middle section is a bit predictable, but the explosive finale more than makes up for it. I believe there is still two more movies in the making, and I’m in up for it.

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Director: Michel Gondry
Genre: Drama/ Romance/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Jane Adams, David Cross

Description: When their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories forever.

Review: What I would call this genre? Science Fiction/ Romance maybe? “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” explores the value of painful memories. Joel and Clementine are in a relationship, but when things turn bad they decide to erase each other from their memory. Director Michel Gondry and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman created a visually striking, dreamlike film.

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet should not be matching, but they do. Perfectly so. Carrey shows a surprising subdued side of himself, while Winslet brings color and energy to the film. It’s a unique, sometimes chaotic film about the complexity of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It prompts reflection on whether erasing painful memories is desirable.

I think we can say the “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” can be considered a modern classic. I believe everyone who loves cinema should see this film at least once.

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker

Title: Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng
Author: Kylie Lee Baker
Genre: Horror
Published: 2025
 
Description: Cora Zeng is a crime scene cleaner, washing away the remains of brutal murders and suicides in Chinatown. The bloody messes don’t bother her, not when she’s already witnessed the most horrific thing possible: her sister being pushed in front of a train.
 
Before fleeing the scene, the murderer whispered two words: bat eater.
 
Months pass, the killer is never caught, and Cora can barely keep herself together. She pushes away all her feelings, disregards the bite marks that appear on her coffee table, and won’t take her aunt’s advice to prepare for the Hungry Ghost Festival, when the gates of hell open.  
 
Cora tries to ignore the rising dread in her stomach, even when she and her weird co-workers begin finding bat carcasses at their crime scene clean-ups. But Cora can’t ignore the fact that all their recent clean-ups have been the bodies of East Asian women.
 
Soon Cora will learn: you can’t just ignore hungry ghosts.
 
Review: Cora is a crime scene cleaner. She lost her sister, who was pushed in front of a moving train. Right before it happened, the killer whispered “bat eater”. They never caught the murderer. While working her crime scene clean-up job, Cora starts finding dead bats at these jobs. And all the victims are East Asian Women.
 
“Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng” is an intense horror novel. It’s set during the COVID pandemic in Chinatown, New York City. The book combines elements of serial killer thriller, supernatural horror and Chinese folklore, but also social commentary on anti-Asian hate. Protagonist Cora is in mourning of her sister and seeks revenge. It’s a unique genre blend, has a poetic writing style and in-depth character development of Cora. Dark humor is mixed with heartbreaking moments, but the plot can occasionally feel a bit messy.
 
This book is not for the faint of heart, because it has some gruesome, gory scenes. But it also contains explicit themes such as racism, child abuse, self-harm and animal cruelty.
 
“Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng” is a highly original horror book, which is poetic, compelling and makes for a very unique reading experience. Not for everyone, but a must for the experiences horror reader.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

80s Movie Review - Rain Man

Director: Barry Levinson
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 1988
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman, Valeria Golino

Description: After a selfish L.A. yuppie (Tom Cruise) learns his estranged father left a fortune to an autistic-savant brother (Dustin Hoffman) in Ohio that he didn’t know existed, he absconds with his brother and sets out across the country, hoping to gain a larger inheritance.

Review: “Rain Man” is a heartwarming, moving and powerful road movie with exceptional performances. I used to watch it all the time when I was younger, time for a rewatch.

Charlie Babbitt learns that his estranged father has passed and he left him none of his fortune. Charlie finds out he has an autistic brother Raymond, who inherited all their dad’s money.

Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of Raymond is a world-class performance. Tom Cruise’s development of his selfish character into a mature human being is also a highlight. The two have excellent chemistry.

The film is moving and effective in showing a growing bond between two brothers, making it a feel-good experience despite the heavy subject matter.

Emotional Impact: The film is moving and effective in showing the growing bond between the brothers, making it a feel-good experience despite the heavy subject matter.

“Rain Man” is classic that resonates with its heartwarming story and brilliant performances. It remains an essential film about human connection and character transformation. I forgot how much I loved this movie.

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Title: Crying in H Mart
Author: Michelle Zauner
Genre: Non-Fiction/ Memoir
Published: 2021
 
Description: In this story of family, food, grief, and endurance, Michelle Zauner proves herself far more than a dazzling singer, songwriter, and guitarist. With humor and heart, she tells of growing up the only Asian-American kid at her school in Eugene, Oregon; of struggling with her mother’s particular high expectations of her; of a painful adolescence; of treasured months spent in her grandmother’s tiny apartment in Seoul, where she and her mother would bond, late at night, over heaping plates of food. As she grew up, moving to the east coast for college, finding work in the restaurant industry, performing gigs with her fledging band – and meeting the man who would become her husband – her Koreanness began to feel even more distant, even as she found the life she wanted to live.
 
It was her mother’s diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer, when Michelle was twenty-five, that forced a reckoning with her identity and brought her to reclaim the gifts of taste, language, and history her mother had given her.
 
Review: In her memoir “Crying in H Mart”, Michelle Zauner, the singer-songwriter behind Japanese Breakfast, takes the reader through a painful process of loss and self-discovery. The result is an honest, sometimes heartbreaking book that celebrates the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship through the lens of Korean cuisine.
 
The supermarket chain H Mart serves as a sanctuary where memories of her mother are linked to the smell of fermented soybeans and the texture of rice cakes. For anyone who shares a culture though cuisine, this book will feel like a warm embrace. Michelle’s search for her Korean identity after her mother’s death is sincere and moving, raw and unfiltered.
 
Zauner does not spare herself or her mother. She describes their difficult relationship, full of misunderstanding and high expectations. Her mother’s physical decline due to her cancer is also described without embellishments. This makes the book heavy. It’s not a polished story about saying goodbye, but a reflection of the messy reality of death.
 
After the strong opening and impressive description of the period of illness, the story sometimes loses momentum in the middle section. The detailed lists of ingredients and cooking processes are a delight for lovers of Korean cuisine, but to me it felt repetitive and took the momentum out of the emotional story. In addition, her relationship with her father remains relatively underexposed.
 
“Crying in H Mart” is a beautiful book about grief, mourning, family, food and culture.
 
Rating: 3,5/ 5

TV Show Review - His & Hers (Mini Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 6
Year: 2026
Starring: Jon Berntal, Tessa Thompson, Sunita Mani, Marin Ireland

Description: A journalist (Tessa Thompson) investigating a mirder in her hometown clashes with a suspicious detective (Jon Bernthal). There are two sides to every story, and someone is lying.

Review: “His & Hers” is a psychological limited thriller series on Netflix, based on the best-selling novel by Alice Feeney. The book is one of my favorites in the genre and the series is overall very faithful to the source material, with some minor changes here and there.

We meet Anna Andrews, a journalist who comes back to her job after a hiatus. Her anchor job has been taken in the meantime, so she is going to try it as a field reporter. Her main story: a dead body found in her home town. There detective Jack Harper is in over his head, never having to deal with such a case before in the quiet town.

First of all I have to say that Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal have great chemistry. Thompson plays a fragile but determined Anna, while Bernthal as Detective Jack Harper strikes just the right balance between authority and a dark past. Their performance elevate the story to a higher level.

The unique concepts, the story told from both sides, his and hers, works surprisingly well for television. In a book is easily done by switching perspectives each chapter. But translating it to the screen is something else. It’s not as prominent, but it’s there. You don’t know who’s telling the truth or who’s hiding what. The series is only six episodes, but it could have been shorter too. But they chose a slow-burn pace and it works better for the tension.

I remember my jaw dropping to the floor when I read the twist in the book and I was really curious how they were going to do it in the show. And it’s definitely a twist you will not see coming. It’s very well done in the show. I can see people hating the twist, because it’s a pretty bold choice. But I think it’s cleverly done

I don’t mind that changes are made, when it comes to book adaptations. Some things work perfectly on the page, but don’t translate well to the screen. There is only one change I didn’t like for “His & Hers”. Anna’s characters in the book was written much better. She was even more complex and more unreliable. I feel like we can trust her side of the story more than the one of Jack, while in the book both sides are flawed and questionable.

If you are in for a quick binge-worthy series, with a mystery that has you hooked from episode one, I would recommend “His & Hers”. But I do think you should read the book first. The books is (almost) always better.

Book Review - When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy

Title: When the Wolf Comes Home
Author: Nat Cassidy
Genre: Horror
Published: 2025

Description: One night, Jess, a struggling actress, finds a five-year-old runaway hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. After a violent, bloody encounter with the boy’s father, she and the boy find themselves running for their lives.
 
As they attempt to evade the boy’s increasingly desperate father, horrifying incidents of butchery follow them. At first, Jess thinks she understands what they’re up against, but she’s about to learn there’s more to these surreal and grisly events than she could’ve ever imagined. And that when the wolf finally comes home, none will be spared.
 
Review: “When the Wolf Comes Home” is a genre-bending nightmare that is far more than a standard creature feature.
 
The story starts with Jess, a struggling L.A. actress, discovering a terrified five-year-old boy hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. What starts as a tense rescue mission quickly spirals into a gory, surreal road trip when the boy’s father arrives, leaving a trail of butchery in his wake.
 
The book has a lot of gore and violence, but beneath all that is a heartbreaking exploration of generational trauma and fear. Author Nat Cassidy uses a bizarro fiction approach where the boy’s fears can literally manifest in reality.
 
Jess is a wonderfully flawed character. Her complicated feelings about her own estranged father and a layer of depth that makes her bond with the mysterious boy feel earned rather than forced.
 
The story is action-packed and adrenaline-fueled. Cassidy balances gruesome body horror with unexpected moments of dark humor.
 
While the concept is brilliant, the pacing is slightly uneven in the middle. The transition from a grounded thriller to full-blown surrealist horror involves several WTF moments – including references to “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” – that felt a bit jarring and weird.
 
“When the Wolf Comes Home” is a bloody, deeply moving entry in contemporary horror. Very reminiscent of Stephen King’s “Firestarter”. If you’re expecting a regular werewolf story, think again. You’re in for one hell of a ride.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

TV Show Review - The Wire (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 13
Year: 2002
Starring: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Idris Elba, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, John Domann, Clarke Peters, Andre Royo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Deirdre Lovejoy

Description: The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.

Review: “The Wire” is considered on of the most groundbreaking and realistic drama series every made, and it has been on my watch list for way too long.

“The Wire” is not a standard police series, where each episode a case is investigated and solved. Season 1 focuses on a single, complex drug and murder case in Baltimore over 13 episodes. It shows how both the police and the criminals are stuck in bureaucratic and hierarchical systems.

It’s not simply good vs. bad: the series stands out for its moral nuance. It’s not just black and white, no simple heroes or villains; both the cops and the gang members of the Barksdale organization are portrayed as complex, human characters with their own codes and shortcomings.

The start of the first season can feel a bit slow, but pushing through is definitely worth it. I heard someone describe the show as a visual novel. You have to take the time to know the web of characters; the reward only comes in the second half of the season when all the storylines come together.

The script, characters, and social criticism have depth and you really become invested in it once you’ve gotten through the first few episodes. “The Wire” shows a realistic view of justice. It’s a more layered crime drama and I will most definitely continue to the next season.

20s Movie Review - Train Dreams

Director: Clint Bentley
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Joel Edgerton, William H. Macy, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, Clifton Collins Jr.

Description: Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) is a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly changing America of the early 20^th Century.

Review: “Train Dreams” is one of those movies that came out in 2025 that hardly anyone saw, but is heartbreaking, poetic and visually stunning. A film about loneliness, loss and the transience of life.

We meet Robert Grainier, who works as a logger and railroad builder, helping to carve infrastructure through the rugged Pacific Northwest in the early 20^th Century. His life finds central meaning when he marries Gladys and they have a daughter, building a modest cabin in Idaho.

The film has emotional depth and is a film that will stay with you. It’s heartbreaking and forces you to think about what is truly important in life. Grief and loss are a big theme in this film. The pacing is a bit slow, but it fits the film and the story its telling.

The visuals are stunning, the images of nature and the landscape. It’s an essential part of the story.
Joel Edgerton, who plays Robert Grainier, I can only praise for this powerful performance. It’s one of his best.

The film is a Netflix original and you can stream it at home. And you should, more people should be talking about this movie, because it’s so beautiful.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - The Birdcage

Director: Mike Nichols
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Dan Futterman, Calista Flockhart, Hank Azaria, Christine Baranski

Description: A gay cabaret owner (Robin Williams) and his drag queen companion (Nathan Lane) agree to put up a false straight front so that their son (Dan Futterman) can introduce them to his fiancée’s right-wing, conservative parents (Genen Hackman, Dianne Wiest).

Review: Armand Goldman runs a night club in Florida, his partner Albert is a drag queen there and his main act. When Armand’s son tells him he is getting married, he has to put on a different show, since the in-laws are very conservative.

“The Birdcage” is a successful remake of the French “La Cage aux Folles”. I have never seen the original, so I cannot compare, but it feels like it shines as a standalone film.

Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, as Armand and Albert, are the absolute stars of the show. Their roles as a gay couple who run their night club are absolutely the highlight of the film.

The film remains relevant thanks to the sharp dialogue, and a timely message about acceptance, love and family. The movie came out in the late 90s and made the :GBTQ+ community more accessible. Pure entertainment and deeper satire on prejudice and political correctness. It’s a very funny film with unforgettable absurd situations.

“The Birdcage” is a feel-good comedy that still works.

Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

Title: Monstrilio
Author: Gerardo Sámano Córdova
Genre: Horror
Published: 2023
 
Description: Grieving mother Magos cuts out a piece of her deceased eleven-year-old son Santiago’s lung. Acting on fierce maternal instinct and the dubious logic of an old folktale, she nurtures the lung until it gains sentience, growing into the carnivorous Monstrilio she kept hidden within the walls of her family’s decaying Mexico City estate. Eventually, Monstrilio begins to resemble the Santiago he once was, but his innate impulses – though curbed by his biological and chosen family’s communal care – threaten to destroy this fragile second chance at life.
 
Review: “Monstrilio” is a deeply moving and unique exploration of grief, in which the concept of sadness takes on a physical, tangible form. It is a powerful and groundbreaking literary debut by Gerardo Sámano Córdova that takes the reader on an emotional journey though the complexity of loss and unconditional love.
 
The core of the novel revolves around the unconventional way in which the main characters deal with the loss of Santiago. We follow the perspectives of Magos (the mother), Lena (family friend) and Joseph (the father) and lastly M, which will be clear when reading it. Magos cuts out a piece of Santiago’s lung after he passes and nurtures is. It eventually grows into a creature, Monstrilio. This symbolizes the deep grief that takes on a life of its own if it’s not processed.
 
“Monstrilio” shows that grief is not linear or neat, but messy, bizarre and often defies logic. It’s personal and different for every single person.
 
What makes this book so exceptional is its emphasis on love and acceptance in the aftermath of grief. The family and their chosen family learn to love the creature in whatever form it takes, despite its unconventional and sometimes dangerous nature. This raises a profound question about the essence of human connection: is it about blood ties, or the unconditional care and affection we give each other?
 
The book illustrates the critical role of a support network in personal healing and shows how love and patience are necessary to overcome life’s toughest challenges. The multiple perspectives in the novel offer unique insight into each character’s emotional struggles.
 
With “Monstrilio”, Gerardo Sámano Córdova has written an unforgettable debut, a literary horror story that exposes fundamental human emotions. Its raw honesty and poetic, compelling style make this an absolute winner. This book will stay with me for a while, a new personal all-time favorite for me.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

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.