**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**
“The world takes what it wants…”
Don’t Move premiered on Netflix on October 25th 2024. The thriller suspense film (produced by Sam Raimi) stars Kelsey Asbille and Finn Wittrock. It is approximately one hour and thirty minutes long.
After meeting a dangerous stranger in the woods, a woman is injected with a paralytic agent and only has a limited amount of time to escape before her body shuts down.
Here is the trailer:
Don’t Move channels films like Alone (2020) and Unseen with its simple, but intense premise. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Images courtesy of Netflix
My kind of thriller!
It’s no secret that I love fast-paced thrillers with a straightforward cat-and-mouse premise and a strong female lead. Well, I am happy to report that this film checked off all those boxes effortlessly. In a lot of ways this movie reminded me of Alone (2020). The setting and plot were very similar, but we were added in a gimmick to complicate things slightly like in Unseen.
At first I was worried that this film would fall flat in comparison, but it quickly grabbed my attention and never released its grip on me, delivering with exceptional pacing, a chilling setting, and a worthy villain.
Images courtesy of Netflix
Two worthy performances.
Finn Wittrock is no stranger to playing a darker role. The American Horror Story alum stepped into this role flawlessly. He was creepy and charming, making this chase that much more horrifying.
I am not as familiar with Kelsey Asbille, but I thought she was truly fantastic in this. I love a bad-ass female lead who is inventive and she managed to dominate the screen with minimal dialogue at times (which is no easy task).
This film had a very small cast, but it worked well here.
The Cons:
Images courtesy of Netflix
I don’t have any…
This thriller may not be for everyone, but it’s exactly the kind of movie I love to watch. I seriously don’t have any cons. It didn’t waste time with unnecessary fluff. It gave us enough background about Iris so we would care about what happened to her and then it threw us into an edge-of-your-seat rush of brilliant suspense. I always say that less is more with these types of films and this one understood that.
So am I in or out?
Images courtesy of Netflix
I’m in 100 percent!!!
Don’t Move has everything I want from a cat-and-mouse thriller and more!
This film understood the assignment with its straightforward, but effective approach.
I loved every second of it and it just became one of my new favorite thrillers!
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Don’t Move in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
DON’T TAKE THE JOB…
It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.
*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*
“So maybe I keep some secrets from him…”
Luckiest Girl Alive premiered on Netflix on October 7th 2022. Based on the novel of the same name, the drama film stars Mila Kunis, Chiara Aurelia, Finn Wittrock, Connie Britton, and Jennifer Beals. The film runs for an hour and fifty-five minutes.
A successful writer is about to be married, but her life begins to unravel when a true crime documentary maker approaches her, bringing up her traumatic past.
Here is the trailer:
Luckiest Girl Alive tells a gripping and compelling story using both the past and present in an effective way. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Images courtesy of Netflix
Exceptional performances.
This was probably my favorite performance by Mila Kunis and I really thought that Chiara Aurelia (Cruel Summer) did an amazing job. This character was really layered in the past and the present and while I often prefer one timeline to another, I thought both of the timelines were equally interesting and compelling.
I also loved every outfit on Mila Kunis. She really looked and played the part to perfection.
Images courtesy of Netflix
Gripping from start to finish.
This story had a lot of elements, but the core plot really held my attention until the very end. Some parts were very difficult to watch, but overall this story was an important and necessary watch. It really moved me and hooked me completely.
The Cons:
Images courtesy of Netflix
Needed some more trigger warnings…
There is content dealing with sexual and gun violence and I personally feel that Netflix should have had a few more warnings displayed at the beginning of the film. This should be known prior to starting your watch.
Also, while the main plot was really interesting, the film did branch out into several subplots that were unnecessary and took away from the real story, which was interesting enough on its own.
So am I in or out?
Images courtesy of Netflix
I’m in!!!
A compelling and important watch featuring two very electric performances.
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Luckiest Girl Alivein the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
DON’T TAKE THE JOB…
It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.
My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!
*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*
“Do you know I love you?”
Deep Water premiered on March 18th 2022 on Hulu. Based on the novel of the same name, the erotic thriller stars Ben Affleck, Ana de Armas, Finn Wittrock and Lil Rel Howery. It runs for approximately an hour and fifty-five minutes.
A husband allows his wife to have affairs, but winds up being the prime suspect when her lovers suddenly go missing…
Here is the trailer:
Deep Water is brought to us from the same director of Fatal Attraction and Unfaithful, attempting to find another Gone Girl gem, but does this film do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Images courtesy of Hulu
Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck are magnetic on screen.
I really like Ana de Armas as an actress and she can play crazy really well. I thought both actors did a good job with their portrayals. Both characters were far from normal and yet they still had a lot of chemistry between them, which made the film more entertaining.
Picks up steam as things progress.
The movie was a little on the long side for me. Normally I expect these soapy erotic thrillers to run around 90 minutes, but once the plot started to advance, things got really intense and the scenes leading up to the ending had me on the edge of my seat.
The Cons:
Images courtesy of Hulu
Tries too hard to be the next Gone Girl…
Even though Ben Affleck did a good job in this, I couldn’t get this comparison out of my head and even though the films are very different, it felt like it was trying to live up to this hype. I also was looking for a crazy twist or reveal to really make my head spin and things played out in a predictable way for the most part.
So am I in or out?
Images courtesy of Hulu
I’m in about 75 percent…
If you like soapy-Lifetime-esque thrillers, you’ll enjoy this one on a rainy Saturday evening. There are some intense moments embedded into this film that were actually done really well, but I wanted a little bit more overall. Either way, it was an enjoyable watch for the most part.
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Deep Waterin the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…
When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.
Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…
My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!
*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**
“You don’t understand how hard it is to be great…”
American Horror Story season 10 has finally arrived after almost two years! The new season premiered on August 25th 2021 with its first two episodes. The season will feature 10 episodes in total. The first six episodes will be devoted to the “Red Tide” part and the remaining 4 will focus on a different plot, but it will most likely be connected in some way. After all, this is the AHS universe.
Each episode runs for approximately 52-54 minutes. Season 10 part 1 stars Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Finn Wittrock, Frances Conroy, Billie Lourd, Adina Porter and Macaulay Culkin.
A screenwriter and his family rent a house in Provincetown, Cape Cod in the off season so that he can find inspiration for a potential pilot episode, but he is greeted with threatening residents and pale blood-thirsty beings. After crossing paths with an interesting duo, he contemplates an interesting offer that could help advance his career.
Here is the trailer:
American Horror Story: Double Feature Part 1 presents us with a chilling setting that mirrors the eerie things going on in the shadows. It explores something sinister while reminding us that every choice has a consequence. Is it worth a watch? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Images courtesy of FX
A chilling start.
The opening two episodes were really well done. The premise of the struggling writer worked and channeled The Shining in a lot of ways and introduced us to a Stephen King-like setting that matched the vibe perfectly. Even though there are “monsters” within this small town, there is something even more terrifying that lurks within everyone and that’s the drive to be spectacular and more than ordinary.
While drive and talent can be a blessing, it can also be a curse and I think part 1 is exploring the darker parts of this curse extremely well.
Images courtesy of FX
Exceptional cast.
When the opening credits began, I was thrilled to see so many familiar names with Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters leading the way. Sarah Paulson is already stealing every single scene she is in and I am in love with the duo of Evan Peters and Frances Conroy. I can’t wait to see what they do next!
The Cons:
Images courtesy of FX
Initial pacing.
The first episode dragged slightly for me. There were some scenes that drew me in completely and others that just seemed ordinary and filler. That being said, I thought the pacing improved drastically once we got to the second episode. AHS can sometimes go off the rails with its plot and I think having only six episodes for part 1 will work in its favor.
Already a lot has happened and I’m curious to find out more, but I also hope the reveals and outcomes are rewarding in the end.
So am I in or out?
Images courtesy of FX
I’m in!
AHS is back and better than ever!
Disturbing, compelling, and consuming.
I really like the direction of the new season and it was so much fun to see so many familiar faces. I’m curious to find out more and completely drawn in.
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on American Horror Story: Double Featurein the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…
When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.
Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…
My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!
**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**
“I believe there are worse things to feel than simply feeling nothing…”
Ratched is a new television series from Ryan Murphy based on the character of Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The series acts as a sort of prequel, peeling back the layers behind one of the most notorious female villains in cinema history. Ratched stars Sarah Paulson, Finn Wittrock, Cynthia Nixon, Judy Davis, and Sharon Stone. The Netflix series premiered on September 18th 2020 with eight episodes (approximately 50 minutes in length).
Set in 1947, Nurse Mildred Ratched arrives at Lucia State Hospital seeking employment, but it’s clear from the start that a lot is about to unravel beneath the surface of her image of perfection.
Here is the trailer:
Ratched has everything it needs to be a disturbingly compelling watch, but does every villain truly need a backstory? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Images courtesy of Netflix
Sarah Paulson is perfection.
It should come as no surprise that AHS alum Sarah Paulson would be brilliant as Nurse Ratched. She embraces this role without holding back, revealing a darker, methodical side, which really lit up the screen.
The entire cast is phenomenal and the acting was truly outstanding.
Images courtesy of Netflix
Incredible fashion and visually stunning.
I have not been this blown away by a character’s wardrobe since Villanelle’s in Killing Eve and Sarah Paulson pulls off every single look effortlessly. The colors used are vivid and bright, transporting us seamlessly back into the 1940’s.
Every setting used was truly magnificent as well.
Images courtesy of Netflix
Disturbing and chilling gore.
Fans of American Horror Story will appreciate the familiar tone of violence and gore sprinkled in. In a lot of ways, this almost felt like another season of the show or perhaps an alternate version of AHS: Aslyum.
The opening minutes of the pilot episode are extremely violent and gory and some of the medical procedures shown are even more disturbing to witness. This isn’t for everyone, but if you are a fan of Ryan Murphy shows, you will feel right at home.
The Cons:
Images courtesy of Netflix
Very slow moving at times and…boring.
The first episode ran for 56 minutes, but it felt like I was watching it for almost three hours. The pacing in this series is extremely slow, which didn’t work to its advantage in my opinion.
I was also really bored a lot of the time. I wanted so much more from this show and I feel like Sarah Paulson’s incredible performance was wasted in a lot of ways.
That being said, there are glimmers throughout the show of brilliance and there is enough happening at the end of each episode to draw you in for more. However, I just wish that we didn’t have to wait so long during an episode for something to actually happen…
So am I in or out?
Images courtesy of Netflix
I’m about 50/50 on this one.
I am a huge fan of Ryan Murphy shows and it was fun to see a few familiar faces from AHS on this show. Sarah Paulson was perfection and I really thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself into the scenery and fashion.
However, there was just something missing for me. The show really had everything it needed to be something beyond brilliant and it fell flat because of the slower pace.
That being said, fans of Sarah Paulson and AHS will find a lot to appreciate and I think it’s worth a watch. However, if you are looking for something fast paced and binge-watch worthy, I’m not sure that this is the pick you are hoping for.
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Ratchedin the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
If you have time, I would love it if you would check out my book, Dash and Seek in the link below. Thank you and I hope you enjoy!
PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…
A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now! I hope you enjoy!
Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 9 season finale, I learned that the 80’s will never truly die, but our killers certainly didn’t make it easy for our potential Final Girls.Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.
In last night’s episode, “Final Girl,” we flash forward to 2019, as a familiar AHS face seeks out Camp Redwood, looking for answers. Meanwhile, the Final Girl is revealed, but not before we get some unexpected twists and turns along the way. My top 5 moments from the American Horror Story: 1984season 9 episode 9 Season Finale are:
5
“You’re in danger…”
We certainly got a lot of time jumps during this season and it’s now 2019, as AHS alum, Finn Wittrock, shows up at Camp Redwood to find out the truth. He comes into contact with Montana and Trevor and they learn that he is Mr. Jingles’s son, Bobby.
Small world! Bobby has returned to find his father, but they tell him that he is dead and that he is in great danger now.
Bobby is quickly introduced to the supernatural threats on the campgrounds, but will he be able to make it out alive? Let’s find out!
4
“You can’t sing Rebel Yell and not be a rebel.”
Fair point, Montana! During the episode, we discover that Margaret brutally stabbed Trevor after finding out that he was trying to keep people from coming to her musical massacre fest. Trevor tries to get over the campground lines so that he can be with Montana, but he can’t make it. Luckily, Brooke shows up to help him, as Montana now realizes that she also has the chance for redemption.
Dylan McDermott’s character is killed pretty easily, but Montana is ready to take down the Night Stalker herself.
Naturally, she tells him that Billy Idol is waiting for him to lure him away, which is a great tactic! The Night Stalker is surrounded by all the ghosts and they take out their revenge on him, trapping his spirit there for eternity.
Only they need to keep constant watch over him or he could summon Satan to be reborn, so this is certainly a lot of work.
While I was slightly disappointed with how easy it was to take down the Night Stalker, I was happy with Montana’s quest toward redemption here.
3
“Take her…”
The Night Stalker was really just the appetizer for the main course; however, as the ghosts now turn their attention on Margaret.
Margaret is not really intimidated, but they certainly pull out all the stops to brutally murder her. They cut off her limbs one by one and ensure that the remains are spilled out past the campgrounds, but one should never truly discount Margaret…
Either way, this scene had my stomach turning, but it’s not like she didn’t have this coming.
2
“You were the last one. The only one.”
Right before Margaret is taken, Brooke and Donna attack her, but Brooke is stabbed in the process. When Bobby goes to the asylum to get some answers about his father, he meets Donna years later and realizes that she is the Final Girl.
Only nothing is that simple on AHS, as we find out that Ray saved Brooke and she has been secretly sending Bobby money all these years to try and give him a chance at a normal life.
It looks like Brooke and Donna are both the Final Girls after all!
Both of them killed it and were the highlight of the season for me, so I was really happy that they both were able to make it out of there OK. Looks like they’re bonded for life now!
1
“The 80’s will never die.”
Even after hearing everything, Bobby still returns to Camp Redwood and of course the Night Stalker breaks free and tries to kill him. The ghosts all band together to save him and Mr. Jingles shows up with perfect timing to stop Margaret, who has been hiding out all this time to get her revenge, revealing that she died right before her head was thrown across the line.
Bobby is stabbed and it doesn’t look too good for him, but his grandmother shows up to stop Margaret, giving Bobby his chance at a real happy ending.
Montana reminds him to keep their ghost stories alive so that the 80’s never die and we get somewhat of a happily ever after here.
So overall, I absolutely LOVED the first half of season 9. The throwback to the 80’s and the music was out of this world. The show did an excellent job of channeling that slasher vibe while also throwing in some campy horror humor to really lighten the mood and I thought that this was so entertaining.
However, once we got to the second half of the season, it felt like random plots were thrown our way and everything got a little bit chaotic. It almost seemed like they didn’t really know where to go at a certain point and I almost wish they would have had fewer episodes with more 80’s slasher fun because the season was at its highest point during those moments.
Either way, I appreciated the music and had a lot of fun watching. Although I really wanted to see Billy Idol! There were some fantastic guest stars and some really great performances, but we’ll have to see what premise we get in season 10. Stay tuned AHS fans!
American Horror Story: 1984 episode 9 MusicSoundtrack Highlights:
A Flock Of Seagulls – I Ran (So Far Away) (Video)
Autograph – Turn up the Radio (Official Video)
Mike + The Mechanics – The Living Years (Official Video)
I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on American Horror Story: 1984 below in the comments section. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?Do you enjoydark fantasy,fairy-tale retellings,paranormal romance, horror, and mystery? Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon! Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well. I really hope you enjoy!
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