Ronit J

If you’re a Wes Anderson fan, you’re in for a real treat with this one.

The Phoenician Scheme highlights all of Wes Anderson’s strengths, and then some. It’s thrilling, it’s dark, but it’s also his most emotionally charged film. Of course, if you’re not a fan, this one might not change your mind. But, there’s no denying the visual splendour and the thematic treasure chest that Wes Anderson has created with the Phoenician Scheme. A much appreciated return to form after Asteroid City & The French Dispatch.

Honestly, this one reminded me of The Grand Budapest Hotel in some ways. Read my full review.

My Rating: ★★★1/2

I can honestly see a lot of great stuff in this horror comedy. I can tell that this is a really good film. However, it didn’t click with me as much as I thought it would. And there’s a very clear reason why: I am not the film’s target audience.

What I’m trying to say is that this is a pretty esoteric film. Unless you’re as immersed into black culture and history, you’re bound to miss out on a lot with this one. I know because the things I could identify really made me applaud the film’s genius. But, there was just as much that I missed.

Have you seen it yet?

Check out my full review.

My Rating: ★★★

I had really high hopes for this one, especially since Guillermo del Toro was helming the project. In fact, the film came very close to being what I expected it to be. Oscar Isaac & Jacob Elordi were great, but the writing did leave me wanting more. The end—changed from the book—felt rushed and a little unearned.

A very faithful adaptation that almost does justice to Mary Shelley’s opus, but lacks some depth and nuance that ultimately result in a very lukewarm film.

Check out my full review.

My Rating: ★★★1/2

I absolutely love Park Chan Wook. From Oldboy to The Handmaiden (2016), I have a special admiration for this South Korean auteur. So much so that I didn’t read any reviews or watch any trailers before diving into his latest cinematic piece.

And honestly, I loved it. Yes, it did hit a little too close to home. But the darkly absurd premise coupled with the humours treatment that gets uncomfortably real at times worked in the best possible way cinematically.

Check out my full review.

Have you seen it yet?

My Rating: ★★★★

I was honestly very excited for this one. The premise and trailers promised a darkly satirical take on the vitriolic politics of the United States, set in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, you have Ari Aster helming this project, the same mind that gave us Hereditary and Midsommar!

Unfortunately, a lot in this film didn’t work for me, especially in the second half. There was a lot of good, but almost just as much bad. Check out my hoenst review.

Have you seen it yet?

My Rating: ★★★1/2

I’ll be honest, I’m biased. Jafar Panahi is my favourite contemporary filmmaker, and I genuinely felt happy when he won the Palme d’Or this year. Meaning, of all of this year’s releases, It Was Just An Accident was my most anticipated watch of this year.

And it did not disappoint. From its critique of authoritarian regimes, to its deeply empathetic drama involving complex human characters, this film is a moving dissection of trauma and vengeance in the most unsettlingly grounded, raw manner. Arguably not Panahi’s best, but certainly one of this year’s best.

Have you watched it yet? Read my full review on my blog.

My Rating: ★★★★★

What in the actual f*ck did I watch? And that is a statement of endearment that’s common when talking about Yorgos Lanthimos’ films.

I’ll admit, there were some dull moments in the first half, but the second half and the ending were absolutely brilliant. Plus, so many Tarkovsky references! Emma Stone and Jesse Plemmons’ performances were as unsettlingly real as you’d expect. And the eerie atmosphere that Lanthimos creates with all his movies makes itself apparent throughout this one as well.

Read the full review on my blog.

My Rating: ★★★★

James Gunn has delivered a second season that’s somehow significantly better than season 1, whilst being supremely relevant. But, I was disappointed with the finale, which left me with mixed feelings. And. yet, I can’t help but admit that this was certainly one of the best shows I’ve watched this year. The DCU is shaping up to be quite an entertaining new franchise. Check out my full review.

Have you seen it yet?

My Rating: ★★★★1/2

I discovered this show because of Amy Poehler’s podcast, where Adam Scott talked highly of it. Seeing how good the reviews are, as well as the very notable cast members and cameos, I just had to watch this one.

And, I think this is one of the most realistic workplace comedies ever made (not counting The Office UK). Unfortunately, the lead cast’s other commitments led to this pretty successful show never taking off.

Check out my full review.

My Rating: ★★★★

One of this year’s biggest disappointments, and I can’t believe it’s The Family Man. I love this show. But seeing how they butchered season 3 to make a ‘filler season’ that ends on a bloody cliffhanger was by far the worst TV moment of my November.

It’s not a bad show, but it’s pathetically mediocre. Check out my full review.

Have you seen it yet?

My Rating: ★★★

I had no idea this was in development. So, imagine my pleasant surprise when this popped up on my feed. Season 1 was one of my favourite shows I watched in 2024, so I was hyped for this one.

And, it did not disappoint. After Family Man, I was skeptical. But, Michael Schur delivered a pleasantly comforting second season that retains its charm and its quirky investigative shenanigans with an intriguing mystery. Check out my full review.

Have you seen it yet?

My Rating: ★★★★1/2

After Season 4, I managed my expectations to avoid disappointment. However, I’m happy to say that Vol 1 was actually quite fun! It started off a little slow, but overall, it managed to keep me engaged.

While I do have some mixed feelings, I’m leaning towards this being a good start to the end. Check out my full review.

Have you seen it yet?

My Rating: ★★★★