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.