Book Review - Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

Title: Hamnet
Author: Maggie O’Farrell
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Fiction
Published: 2020
 
Description: Warwickshire in the 1580s. Agnes, a woman as feared as she is sought after for her unusual gifts. She settles with her husband in henley street, Stratford, and has three children: a daughter Susanna, and then twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet dies in 1596, aged elven. Four years  or so late, the husband writes a play called Hamlet.
 
Review: With “Hamnet”, Maggie O’Farrell delivers an absolute beauty of a book that approaches history not as a dusty archive, but as a living, breathing, and painfully relatable human drama. Although the name Shakespeare is never mentioned, his shadow hands over every page, even though he not the protagonist here. The honor belongs to Agnes.
 
What immediately stands out is O’Farrell’s unparalleled writing style. She employs an almost compelling present tense that places the reader right in the heart of late 16^th-century Stratford-upon-Avon. Her prose is lyrical and vivid.
 
At the heart of the novel is the death of eleven-year-old Hamnet and the devastating impact it has on his family. O’Farrell describes the grieving process with a precision that is almost physically painful. The way Agnes tries to make sense of the world as her child slips away from her is heartbreaking. The author ingeniously connects this personal loss to the eventual creation of the world-famous play “Hamlet’, several years later. The book transforms the tragedy from a footnote in history into the beating heart of a literary genius.
 
The characterization of Agnes is the book’s greatest strength. She is portrayed as a mysterious, strong woman with a deep connection to nature, in contrast to her husband, who flees to London to live in words. Their marriage, marked by distance and deep affection, feel surprisingly modern and believable.
 
“Hamnet” is an ode to the forgotten women in history and a universal story of love and loss. It is a rare kind of book that both intellectually stimulated and emotionally unravels you completely. Even for me, who is not a mother and never will be one, the book was very emotional. For fans of historical fiction with a deep psychological layer.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Twee Prinsen by Splinter Chabot

Title: Twee Prinsen
Author: Splinter Chabot
Genre: Fiction/ LGBTQ+/ Romance
Published: 2026
 
Description: When Richard flees to colorful, sunny Rome, he meets the angelic Matteo. As the twenty-somethings explore the city and get to know each other, Richard tries to come to terms with his past.
 
Freed from his strict conservative parents and the drab countryside, Richard seems afraid of nothing and no one, but his toughness soon turns out to be a pose, a shield with which he tries to hide his insecurities. It is the love of the playful, sensual Matteo that helps him overcome his fears.
 
For a short time, Rome is heaven on earth, until Richard and Matteo must hide there too from the stares, opinions, and fists of others. This time, Richard won’t let it go.
 
Review: “Twee Prinsen” (Two Princes) is the new novel by Dutch author Splinter Chabot (not translated into English). It’s a must-read for anyone who loves stories that go straight to the heart.
 
We meet Richard, who grows up in a conservative, religious family. At a young age, he realizes he is gay. We follow the story of him as a young boy in a strict family, and of him as a twenty-something in a romance with Matteo in Rome.
 
Splinter Chabot has a unique gift for creating, through his enchanting writing style, a world that feels both relatable and magical. Every sentence reads like a painting; it is so colorful, vulnerable, and written with passion.
 
What makes this book so powerful is its beautiful portrayal of LGTBTQ+ themes. Chabot captures the uncertainty, the euphoria, and the pure essence of the search for oneself and love for another with integrity. The story of the two princes is not just a fairy tale, but an important ode to the freedom to be who you are and to love whom you choose.
 
A beautiful, hopeful book that will linger in your mind for a long time. And that will definitely make you cry.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Tropic Thunder

Director: Ben Stiller
Genre: Action/ Comedy
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2008
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Bacl, Jay Baruchel, Nick Nolte, Danny McBride, Steve Coogan, Tom Cruise, Matthew mcConaughey, Bill Hader

Description: Through a series of freak occurrences, a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying.

Review: We all know the prototype war movie: the brave leader, the cursing black guy with a big heart, the scary newbie and the villainous opponent. We also know the prototype actors: the tough action hero on detour, the lame comedian who only knows to tell one joke in many different ways, the serious Oscar winner and the rapper that wants to explore his acting career. “Tropic Thunder” mocks both of those groups, but also Hollywood, agents, producers and entertainment shows.

The film, that starts after a few fake trailers, is about the filming of war movie Tropic Thunder. It’s the fictive memoire of Vietnam veteran ‘Four Leaf’ Tayback. Director Daniel Cockburn can’t control the actors in his crew. He’s dealing with action hero Tuff Speedman, whose try on more serious acting failed. But also the Australian method actor Kirk Lazarus and the addicted-to-many-things comedian Jeff Portnoy. To control them, they are send to the real jungle, where they unfortunately also have to deal with real drug dealers.

The most interesting and elaborate storyline is the one of Lazarus. An actor who always stays in character and even had a procedure to make his skin darker so he can play the role in Tropic Thunder. It sounds harsh and an easy way to provoke, but it’s deeper than that. The other characters aren’t thought through as much. Jack Black does nothing new, hysterical and over the top. But that doesn’t make it less funny. And Ben Stiller’s character is mocking Tom Cruise, a bit too much sometimes. Tom Cruise himself also shows up, as the fat, bald and cursing producer. Funny? From time to time.

The movie is overall very funny and Robert Downey Jr. is just fantastic in his part. And the many supporting actors, Jay Baruchel, Steve Coogan, Danny McBride, Matthew McConaughey and Nick Nolte, are all good. “Tropic Thunder” is always praised and I like it too. But not as much as most people.

Rating: 3,5/ 5 

Book Review - How to Killa Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson

Title: How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates
Author: Shailee Thompson
Genre: Romance/ Horror
Published: 2026

Description: When Jamie Prescott and her best friend Laurie attend a speed-dating event, Jamie expects to meet a roster of mediocre men and indulge in some street food afterwards. She doesn’t expect one of her dates to have his throat slit at their table during a blackout. After the lights come back on and there are more bodies on the floor, it becomes clear that dating can be a very dangerous pastime.
 
Armed with a makeshift weapon and Jamie’s extensive knowledge of what NOT to do in a slasher, the remaining speed dates try to find an exit while the killer adds to their body count. As the night progresses Jamie comes face-to-mask with the murderer, she beings to suspect they are committing they slayings to woo one of the daters and turn them into a real-life Final Girl. But Jamie has other plans, and as she fights for her life, she can’t help but find herself ensconced in a love triangle with two of the other survivors. Will she make it through the bloodshed to find her happily ever after? Or does this machete-wielding psychopath have another ending in mind?

Review: As a massive cinephile and lifelong movie lover, I found “How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates” to be an absolute blast. It is a rare kind of romantic comedy that doesn’t just follow the rules of the genre – it dissects them while winking at the audience the entire time.
 
Jamie and her best friend Laurie are going out for a night of speed-dates: ten dates in one night. What they didn’t expect is for one of Jamie’s dates to get slashed during a power-out. When the body count starts to rise, Jamie has to use her extensive knowledge of slasher films to survive the night, when she also gets tangled in a love triangle with two other survivors.
 
Two genres that shouldn’t work well together: horror and romance. But in this book, it’s a match made in heaven. The book is incredibly self-aware, playing with the tropes we’ve seen on screen for decades. Many names in the book refer to horror movie characters. To name a few, the leading lady Jamie Prescott; Jamie referring to Jamie Lee Curtis (known for “Halloween”) and Prescott being Sydney’s last name in the “Scream” franchise. Love interest Wes Carpenter refers to horror directors Wes Craven and John Carpenter. And Laurie is obviously hinting at Laurie Strode, the final girl in “Halloween”. And there are many many more of these hints spread around the book. Also fun is that each chapter of the book starts with a quote from a famous romcom (Jamie’s other favorite movie genre), but twisting it to become more sinister. The enjoyment factor of this book really depends on your film IQ. If you don’t get the movie references, you probably won’t like this book as much. The humor and the character motivations are so deeply rooted in cinematic history that the Easter eggs act as the heartbeat of the story.
 
The love triangle in the movie, didn’t really feel like a triangle. Since Jamie is very obviously leaning towards on of the guys. And there a moments in the book that felt a bit too silly, even for this story. Because the last thing I would be thinking about whilst being in the middle of real-life slasher movie is hooking up with one of the dates.
 
Listen to this book on audio when you can, because this is one of the best audiobooks I have I ever listened. We follow the narrative through Jamie, but whenever one of the main men talk, you get a male narrator as well. And there a several sound effects that make this a great listening experience.
 
The ending wasn’t very surprising, but I still enjoyed it. If you’re a fellow movie geek and looking for a romcom and horror combo, this is definitely a good choice. Super fun book to read.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere

Director: Adrian Choa
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 91 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Louis Theroux, Harrison Sullivan, Ed Matthews, Myron Gaines, Justin Waller
 
Description: The acclaimed documentarian gains rare, unrestricted access to explore a rising ultra-masculine network and its polarizing influencers.
 
Review: Louis Theroux is back with his signature style of modest curiosity in the Netflix documentary “Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere”. In this 90-minute film, he delves into the online world of “manfluencers” – an ecosystem of influencers who spread radical ideas about masculinity, wealth, and gender relations.

Theroux gains impressive access to key figures such as Harrison Sullivan (HSTikkyTokky), Sneaky and Myron Gaines. It’s fascinating to see how he sometimes abandons his uninformed demeanor to confront their controversial statement more directly than usual.

The documentary painfully exposes how this movement often functions as a revenue model, monetizing the insecurities of young men. The film serves as a necessity that shows how deeply anti-Semitism and misogyny are rooted in these subcultures.

If you have been following the news in recent years, the documentary offers few new insights. Many critics note that Theroux is a bit “late to the part’, since this topic has been covered extensively. The analysis sometimes remains superficial. Even though the documentary is very critical if this online culture of toxic masculinity, Theroux holds back.

“Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere” is a solid, unsettling documentary that every parent of a teenage son should really see. It’s a masterclass from Theroux, but it doesn’t dig deep enough and stays too much on the surface.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - The Life of Chuck

Director: Mike Flanagan
Genre: Drama/ Fantasy
Runtime: 111 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Mark Hamill, Jacob Tremblay, Matthew Lillard, Annalise Basso, Kate Siegel, Samanta Sloyan

Description: A life-affirming, genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man names Charles Krantz.

Review: With “The Life of Chuck”, director Mike Flanagan proves that he can do more than horror. He is an absolute master of portraying the human soul. Based on the short story by Stephen King, that I just finished reading, this is a deeply moving celebration of life, told in reverse chronological order.

The film begins at the end of the world and works backward to the childhood of Chuck. It’s a darling structure that works perfectly; as the world around the characters literally falls apart, we discover the small, seemingly insignificant moments that give a life meaning. The iconic dance scene on the street is already a classic. It was my favorite scene in the book and is the best part of the movie as well. It’s pure, infectious, and a symbol of indestructible joie de vivre.

Flanagan embraces the sentiment without ever becoming sentimental. He is very faithful to Stephen King’s story, which I can only applaud. He reminds us that every human being carries a whole universe withing them. “The Life of Chuck” is a visually stunning and emotionally overwhelming tribute to the fact that we exist. Tom Hiddleston is absolutely brilliant in it. The film is an absolute triumph and a new favorite film.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Crime 101

Director: Bart Layton
Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 140 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, Nick Nolte, Tate Donovan, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Monica Barbaro
 
Description: An elusive thief (Chris Hemsworth), eyeing his final score, encounters a disillusioned insurance broker (Halle Berry) at her own crossroads. As their paths intertwine, a relentless detective (Mark Ruffalo) trails them hoping to thwart the multi-million dollar heist they are planning.
 
Review: “Crime 101” is a breath of fresh air for fans of the classic noir genre. Based on the novella by Don Winslow, the film offers an intelligent and atmospheric cat-and-mouse game reminiscent of classics like Michael Mann’s “Heat”, yet retains its own distinct identity.

Chris Hemsworth plays a thief. Moving away from his typical high-action superhero persona, Hemsworth portrays a character defined by meticulousness and social complexity. He is a very disciplined jewel thief, who swears by a strict code of honor. Opposite him is detective Lou Lubesnick, played by Mark Ruffalo, whose obsession with the case is palpable. Halle Berry, as Sharon, somehow comes on the path of both. Barry Keoghan, as the unpredictable and violent rival, brings a much-needed dose of danger and tension to the story. The chemistry between the cast is one of the film’s greatest assets.

Director Bart Layon transforms Los Angeles into a characters in its own right. The cinematography captures the city as a place of dark magic and sprawling highways, which amplifies the sultry atmosphere.

The film excels in atmosphere, rather than over-the-top CGI spectacle. It focuses on the characters, their development, over unrealistic action. It’s not even an action movie, the main character doesn’t use any violence. It’s a crime drama, with thriller elements.

“Crime 101” is tightly directed, beautifully acted and with a focus on character development over cheap action. Despite the pacing be rather slow (which I actually liked), the film might be one of the most satisfying films of the year.

Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - The Life of Chuck by Stephen King

Title: The Life of Chuck
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Fiction/ Fantasy
Published: 2020
 
Description: In a crumbling world plagued by natural disasters, collapsing infrastructure, and mass panic, bizarre billboards and advertisements appear through town: “Charles Krantz. Thirty-nine great years. Thanks, Chuck!” Marty Anderson, a schoolteacher, becomes obsessed with these messages as the world, inexplicably linked to Chuck’s life, seems to be approaching its end.
 
Told in three acts, presented in reverse order, “The Life of Chuck” explores one man’s past. We see him in middle age on a business trip in Boston as he is seduced by a busker into spinning a gorgeous sidewalk dance. And we see him as a child, in a house haunted by a terrible secret, learning to dance with his grandmother.
 
Review: “The Life of Chuck” is not just a story; it is an emotional tour de force that proves Stephen King is much more than just the “King of Horror”. In three acts, told in reverse chronological order, King paints a universal portrait of what it means to be human.
 
The story begins at the end: an apocalyptic world slowly falling apart. What initially feels like a classic King scenario quickly transforms into a profound metaphor for the death of an individual. The mysterious billboards thank Chuck Krant for 39 wonderful years form the heart of a puzzle that compels the reader to reflect on the impact of a single life on the universe.
 
King shows that every human harbors a world on their own. In the middle section, in which an adult Chuk spontaneously begins dancing in the street, is one of the most exuberant scenes King has ever written and my favorite part of the story. It reminds us that happiness often lies in brief, unplanned moments. The final section takes us back to Chuck’s childhood and the mysterious locked room in his grandparents’ house. Here, King masterfully blends supernatural and magical elements with the tenderness of growing up.
 
This book made me think and eventually brought me to tears, with its pure humanity. The choice of the reverse storytelling is brilliantly executed. It ensures that you already know the tragedy of the ending, giving the small victories in Chuck’s early life extra meaning.
 
Although it contains elements of cosmic horror and the unknown, at its core is a hopeful message about the value of life, even without the promise of an afterlife.
 
“The Life of Chuck” is a beautiful, melancholic, and ultimately comforting story. It is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves deep characters and stories that continue to resonate in your mind long after you’ve closed the book.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang

Title: Natural Beauty
Author: Ling Ling Huang
Genre: Horror/ Fiction
Published: 2023
 
Description: Our narrator produces a sound from the piano no one else at the Conservatory can. She employs a technique she learned from her parents – who fled China in the wake of the Cultural Revolution. But when an accident leaves her parents debilitated, she abandons her future for a job at a high-end beauty and wellness store in New York City.
 
Holistik is known for its remarkable products and procedures – from remoras that suck out cheap Botox to eyelash extensions made of spider silk – and her new job affords her entry into a world of privilege and a long-awaited sense of belonging. She becomes transfixed by Helen, the niece of Holistik’s charismatic owner, and the two strike up a friendship that hazily veers into more. All the while our narrator is plied with products that slim her thighs smooth her skin, and lighten her hair. But beneath these creams and tinctures lies something sinister.
 
Review: In “Natural Beauty”, debut author Ling Ling Huang delivers a razor-sharp, surreal critique of the modern wellness industry that lingers long after the past page has been turned. This books is much more than your average horror; it is an uncomfortable mix of body horror, social commentary, and a deep meditation on art and identity.
 
The story follows an unnamed narrator, a piano prodigy and daughter of Chinese immigrants. When a tragic accident leaves her parents disabled, she must give up her musical dream to pay for their care. She finds work at Holistik, an elite wellness store in New York City where the world’s richest spend fortunes on bizarre treatments. As she is drawn deeper into the world of owner Saje and her mysterious niece Helen, she begins to use the products herself, transforming her appearance to a Western ideal of beauty. But beneath the glossy surface of optimal health lies a gruesome truth that threatens to cost her everything.  
 
The focus on the experience of a first-generation Chinese-American woman adds a crucial layer. The book explores how cultural identiy is brushed away in the pursuit of a universal (read: Western) standard of beauty.
 
For fans of body horror, this is a treat. The transformations and medical procedures are described with a clinical coldness that makes the reader shudder. But despite the sometimes grotesque content, the prose is beautiful and poetic, creating a fascinating contrast to the dark plot twists.
 
This book is a bit of a slow burn and you really need to have some patience, because it takes some time for things to get really interesting. But once you’re there, it’s worth every minute.
 
It’s a disturbing story that makes you think twice before putting that new miracle cream on your face.
 
Rating: 4/ 5
 

00s Movie Review - Mean Girls

Director: Mark Waters
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Rachle McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert, Tiny Fey, Tim Meadows, Amy Poehler, Lizzy Caplan, Johnatan Bennett

Description: Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron (Jonathan Bennett), the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George (Rachel McAdams).

Review: “Mean Girls” is the ultimate high school survival guide that remains razor sharo more than twenty years later.

Casy Heron has lived in Africa with her parents and has always been home schooled. She has never experiences life at an actual high school, until they move back to America. Here she learns that there are several different cliques in high-school. The most important one: The Plastics, led by Regina George.
Tina Fey’s script transforms the teen genre into a clever satire full of iconic one-liners that have become part of our collective memory.

Lindsay Lohan is at her best as the naïve Cady, but Rachel McAdams steals the show as the terrifying Regina George. The film brilliantly (and painfully) exposes the social hierarchy and the ‘girls’ world without even losing its humor. It is colorful, witty and surprisingly relatable for anyone who has survived high school.

One of the better teen comedies of the 00s.

Rating: 4/ 5

TV Show Review - Heated Rivalry (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Number of episodes: 6
Year: 2026
Starring: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Robbie G.K.

Description: Two rival hockey stars at the top of their game face an unexpected challenge when they develop feelings for each other, complicating their careers and the sport’s expectations.

Review: This ice hockey series about hot and dignified love is the only logical response to a world ruled by fascist pedophiles.

“Heated Rivalry” doesn’t beat around the bush: it’s a very steamy series about two ice hockey rivals developing feelings for each other. It’s not accidentally exciting; on the contrary, it revels in it. There is no long, chaste courtship that last for seasons: they are getting hot and heavy within the first twenty minutes. The rest is love, fun, a little hockey, and above all, exciting, uncertain, painful desire. The series became unexpectedly and suddenly very popular, and rightly so.

Shane (Hudson Williams) and Ilya (Connor Storrie) are the captains and star players of rival hockey teams. The extreme competition forces them close together, on the hockey rink. This forced proximity allows the opposites to see themselves reflected in each other: how much work it takes to be the best, and the pressure and loneliness that comes with it. The homophobic macho culture of top-level sport reinforces these feelings, making it difficult, even unsafe, for them to be open about their sexuality, let along their love.

Off the ice, Ilya and Shane are also hard on each other, especially in the beginning. Closeness leads to friction. They are aggressive, controlling. They pus boundaries. At the same time, it feels safe and respectful; there is no loss of control or authority.

There is also a subplot about another, slightly older, player, Scott Hunter, who is also struggling with his sexuality, when he meets a young man named Kip and falling in love with him. Not wanting to come out yet. One episode is dedicated to his story and I am low-key obsessed with Scott and Kip. One specific moment, later in the season, made me cry so hard.

“Heated Rivalry” is moving and innovative simply by being honest about today’s world. The extraordinary chemistry between Williams and Storrie is the most enchanting aspect. Both actors are so believable in their desire.