Film 2472 - Obsession

Intro: I've seen this movie three times already since it came out a little more than a month ago. Some might say I am... obsessed.

Film 2472: "Obsession" (2025), Curry Barker
Watched: At the movies
Language: English
Watched with: Niamh
Thoughts: I don't think I realized how much I liked this movie the first time I watched it. I mean, it was clear that I liked it, but to be willing to go back an additional two times—and, on top of that, always finding new details and things to appreciate and enjoy—that is definitely a testament to how good this movie is. And I think it's even more remarkable when you factor in that "Obsession" is a horror movie and, usually, once you know the plot and the horrific secret/monster/mystery is revealed, part of the novelty and thrill of the story is gone forever.
It's clear that I'm not the only one who liked Curry Barker's film: $370 million made so far (over a budget of $750,000), many records broken (from Wikipedia: In its third weekend, the film made $27.4 million, becoming the first wide release outside of the Christmas season since E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) to increase its earnings for three consecutive weekends), the One Wish Willow merchandise and, as it happens when movies perform better than expected and connect with audiences, an extremely early potential Oscar campaign (that Focus Features seems to have confirmed). But is the movie really worth all the buzz that it has generated so far?
My personal opinion aside, I think "Obsession" is an incredibly clever movie. Unlike many other horror outings, this one actually presents a solid screenplay with an ending that not only makes perfect sense and surprises with a twist, but also wraps the story in a full-circle moment that is both satisfying and terrifying to watch. Considering there is nothing worse than a horror movie with a bad ending, "Obsession" feels even more refreshing because of this.
Additionally, both lead performances are great. Michael Johnston has the difficult task of portraying Bear, a shy and nerdy guy who has been secretly in love with his friend and co-worker Nikki. At the beginning he seems so nice and you really root for him; you feel sad for what happens to him and what he's going through. I guess everyone can identify with his experience in some capacity: we've all felt lonely, lost someone, or fallen in love with a person who didn't reciprocate our feelings. That said, it doesn't take much time before we realize how shitty of a person Bear is: his bruised ego makes him selfish and deaf to Nikki's cries for help (or mercy). There's really no other way to put it: he's a gigantic piece of shit.
Opposite him, Nikki (played by Inde Navarrette in a breakthrough performance) is, at the beginning of the story, ready to move on with her life, quit her job, and focus on her passion for writing, looking to fall in love with life again. This is obviously cut short by Bear's actions: imprisoned by the One Wish Willow curse, she'll turn into Bear's perfect girlfriend for a while, until things gradually take a crazy turn. Nikki's overall story arc and extremely sad and disturbing fate are perfectly portrayed by Navarrette's hypnotic performance. She's mesmerizing and clearly the star of the movie, and rightfully so. Her character's journey is terrifying, to say the least: trapped in a body that isn't hers anymore, forced to please her jailor in every possible way—mentally and physically—and unable to escape her fate. She's basically turned into an object, stripped of everything that made Nikki herself: her future and her will. I know this is just fiction, but it's scary when you think about it and reflect a bit deeper on this movie's plot and themes. And I do think it's relevant that the character who goes through this journey is the female one: dehumanized, objectified, and sexualized. In this political climate, I cannot help but wonder if Nikki's fate is just an extremified take on the female experience. But I digress.
Navarrette's portrayal is powerful and extremely physical, sometimes so hard to watch that you have to look away. But at the same time, so many iconic moments belong to her Nikki, and I think partly this is where the power of this movie lies: its story is simple and scary, the performances are good, and there are so many memeable moments. Go on TikTok and look for "Obsession" content and see it for yourself.
All in all, Curry Barker's film was such an amazing surprise. It's no secret I love horror films and I feel blessed with the amount of good content we've gotten lately: we've been spoiled with "The Substance", "Weapons", "Sinners", "28 Years Later", "Final Destination: Bloodlines" and "Send Help". With newcomers like this one and "Backrooms", the horror genre seems to find itself in a moment of cultural resurgence and relevance thanks to new, good stories and possibly the current need for escapism and entertainment. And "Obsession" rightfully takes its place in the zeitgeist of it all: it's a crazy, terrifying ride thanks to a smart script and a simple idea behind it all. That once again proves that you don't need a stellar budget and the biggest names in Hollywood to bring people to the theaters: the right ingredients will do that for you.
Film 2472 - Obsession
Film 2478 - Obsession
Film 2483 - Obsession
Cast: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter.
Box Office: $370 million (as of now)
Worth a watch?: Horror movies are not for everyone, for sure, but if you do enjoy them, this is one for the ages. So far, my favourite movie that I've watched this year.
Awards: /
Key word: One wish.
Trailer
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Bengi

Film 2433 - Hamnet

Intro: I'm in my movie era once again and lately I've been trying to catch up with all the films that I missed during last year or saved "for later" and never went back to. So here we are, giving this franchise another chance after its disappointing latest entries. But I was looking for somthing fun and easy and I thought this one could be a good candidate.

Film 2433: "Hamnet" (2025), Chloé Zhao
Watched: At the movies
Language: English
Watched with: Niamh
Thoughts: If "Shakespeare in Love" were a bit more similar to this one, maybe it would have received less backlash when winning all those Oscars...
Controversy aside, "Hamnet" really surprised me. I wasn’t sure I’d have enjoyed it — it’s a period drama about Shakespeare and the making of Hamlet, so not necessarily my go-to story. And yet, I really liked it.
It’s definitely not an easy watch. It’s a sad story about the struggle of a family; it revolves around grief and loss. But it’s so beautifully made — its connection to nature, death, and those powers that go beyond the human experience is ever-present — and the performances are so powerful that it all stays with you even after the movie has ended. It is, indeed, an experience, and I think Chloé Zhao’s sensibility and vision for this story really make it a unique piece of art.
On top of all of this, Jessie Buckley gives the performance of a lifetime. She’s magnetic and charismatic and almost carries the whole movie herself. It’s honestly a revelation. She’s so connected to her emotions, and she’s able to portray them in such a way that is exhilarating to watch and heartbreaking at the same time. If this performance doesn’t win her the Oscar, I don’t know what will. Paul Mescal is also great here, and it’s a bit disappointing to see him left out of the Supporting Actor category, even though he didn’t really have a shot at winning.
Possibly the biggest surprise of "Hamnet" is Jacobi Jupe, a kid actor who can hold his own in a room full of talented grown-ups. His performance is amazing and, although difficult for a younger actor, he should have been more recognized for his portrayal of Hamnet Shakespeare.
Overall, this is one of the best movies nominated at the Oscars that I’ve seen so far. I do think that the first part is a bit slow and can drag at times, yet once the story gets you to the city — once you’re in that theater — you’re hooked. That last scene, when Agnes (Buckley) reaches forward to hold the actor’s hand (Noah Jupe), is so powerful and meaningful that it was impossible for me to hold back my tears. If only for that scene, "Hamnet" is a great movie.
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Jacobi Jupe, Noah Jupe, Joe Alwyn.
Box Office: $22 million
Worth a watch?: Not an easy watch and probably not everyone’s cup of tea. If you like beautifully shot dramas and/or if you’re a fan of the Oscars, this is a must-watch. And Jessie Buckley’s performance is one for the ages.
Awards: Nominated for 8 Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Actress (Jessie Buckley), Adapted Screenplay, Casting, Costume Design, Production Design, and Original Score. Nominated for 11 BAFTAs for Best Film, Director, Actress in a Leading Role (Buckley), Actor in a Supporting Role (Paul Mescal), Actress in a Supporting Role (Emily Watson), Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Production Design, Makeup and Hair, Original Score, and Outstanding British Film. Nominated for 6 Golden Globes (Best Director, Supporting Actor for Mescal, Screenplay, and Original Score), it won for Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama (Buckley). 3 nominations at the Actor Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Buckley), and Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Mescal).
Key word: London.
Trailer
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Bengi

Film 2408 - My Oxford Year

Intro: We all heard how bad it was, so for our second movie in Corfu, we decided to see it for ourselves.

Film 2408: "My Oxford Year" (2025), Iain Morris
Watched: From my laptop
Language: English
Watched with: Niamh
Thoughts: One of the worst movies I watched last year—cheesy and clichéd—it focuses solely on capitalizing on the dramatic events of the story. Although I’ve never seen it, it reminded me a lot of "Emily in Paris" in terms of aesthetics and overall blandness.
The chemistry between Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest is simply not there, and I’m sorry to say she doesn’t deliver a strong performance here. Considering she’s the lead, that’s not a good look.
Cast: Sofia Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, Catherine McCormack.
Box Office: /
Worth a watch?: The story is mainly shock value and romance (forced to the viewer). Bad.
Awards: /
Key word: Passport.
Trailer
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Bengi

Film 2360 - Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

Intro: Niamh and I have a list of film we want to watch. She doesn't necessarily remembers them all, but I do. This is one of the movies on the list that we didn't manage to watch at the movies whe it came out.

Film 2360: "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" (2025), Michael Morris
Watched on: The projector
Language: English
Watched with: Niamh, Debbi
Thoughts: I wasn't sure about a fourth movie, the "Bridget Jones"' franchise seemed to be done with the third chapter (that I particularly enjoyed after the so-so second one) and rehasing the whole gang made me a bit nervous.
Reality is, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" is a great movie, a great sequel (and fourth installment), and potentially a very well done goddbye to these characters. It's charming and endearing as a Bridget Jones' movie should be, but surprisingly deep and heartfelt at times (especially at the beginning), to the point that I shared some tears here and there. The passing of a loved one is handled in a very mature and meaningful way, never rushed and always respectful: I was really impressed.
Renée Zellweger is always a pleasure to watch, more so when she's playing Bridget. Hugh Grant - in his resurgent era - is charming and funny and although the story never says goodbye to his character's old habits, this new version of Daniel is very successfull in depicting a upgrated side of him. Additionally, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall are perfect new addition to the story.
Although this movie doesn't reinvent the wheel, it feels damn good to be back in the company of Bridget, cozy and charming, funny and wholehearted. "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" is the sequel I didn't know I needed.
Film 850 - Il diario di Bridget Jones
Film 2260 - Bridget Jones's Diary
Film 857 - Che pasticcio, Bridget Jones!
Film 1231 - Bridget Jones's Baby
Film 1591 - Bridget Jones's Baby
Film 2360 - Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Cast: Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, James Callis, Shirley Henderson, Sally Phillips, Nico Parker, Celia Imrie, Isla Fisher, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant.
Box Office: $134.9 million
Worth a watch?: Absolutely worth it, especially if you're a fun of this franchise. Renée Zellweger is a damn good Bridget and basically the whole gang is back together: it feels right (and it is!).
Awards: /
Key word: Magic.
Trailer
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Bengi