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Reviews
Neoui Sigan Sogeuro (2023)
Soul Retrieval
"A Time Called you" started off as seemingly another stereotypical time travelling show with a typical scenario. Girl returns to the past in order to change the future. However, by episode 2, I was already totally immersed into the storytelling surrounding the main protagonists and their personal tragedies, from death to suicide and social exclusion.
It was spectacular to witness how each episodes ends answering one question only to create another dilemma in the process. Don't expect the solution to be delivered on a silver plate.
In fact, be prepared for an intense rollercoaster of diverse emotions which will culminate in rooting for a happy end.
Scream VI (2023)
A tale of murder in New York City
Scream VI possesses unique traits that make this film stand out from the rest of the franchise. Of course, from the start, the setting makes for a different atmosphere. New York City is characterized by large crowds, infernal traffic and never-ending nights. A perfect combination for slasher material. Admittedly, watching this movie in the 4dX format cemented an enjoyable experience marked by sudden twists and moves, high-stake chasing scenes and visual gore scenes.
Initially, I wholeheartedly consider that this movie's strength is derived from an unusual brutality that Ghostface shows throughout the scenario. We have been accustomed to repetitive stabs but this version of the criminal bursts into bars, uses guns and enjoy mutilating bodies.
Afterwards, the plot stands out as intricate, immersive and mind-blowing. It is a tribute to a former film of the franchise, but it also adapts to the evolution of technology. It's uncertain whether viewers can anticipate the shocking twists surrounding the killer's identity, but this time it has surpassed expectations. However, I agree with other critics who voiced their opinion in regard to the last part of Scream VI. Indeed, it can be interpreted that the story got softer. My primary problem is represented by the usage of plot armor, a mechanism which has been employed at least one particular time from my point of view.
Another strong aspect rests on the characters and their unity. These young adults make a formidable teamwork, while the ambiance tests their trust in each other. One character I adore is Mindy. She's witty, clever, sassy and courageous, but also loyal to her friends. In spite of their differences, Tara and Sam share a sweet bond. While Chad has a shoulder for everyone to cry on.
An ominous experience that kept me on the edge of my seat all the time. Definitely recommended!
American Horror Story: Bitchcraft (2013)
A contemporary witch
American Horror Story "Coven", the third season of the popular anthology series, debuts with the episode called "Bitchcraft". The title sums up pretty quickly the vibe that surrounds this story. An academy of witches, officially known as "Ms. Robinchaux Academy for Exceptional young ladies", recruits girls who are in possession of supernatural abilities. From my perspective, Coven features among the best seasons of the Franchise, with its eerie dialogue, elegant setting in the heart of New Orleans and macabre elements linked with traditional witchcraft and voodoo. Focusing on teenagers, it's natural that viewers should expect certain elements of drama in areas such as romance, dating and competition. But combined with the thrilling aspects of belonging to a sabbath, the show goes beyond a typical and dull story of cat fighting.
The plot mixes pretty well "the chosen one trope" with social problems, particularly racism. In this regard, Madame Delphine Lalaurie deserves her spot as one of the most gruesome antagonist of the series. A wealthy woman living in the 19th century, she takes great joy in enslaving, torturing and finally murdering numerous black slaves. Without possessing any supernatural abilities, this character showcases how viciously a psychotic mind can operate. Back in the 21st century, Zoe, who appears to be at least for this episode the narrative voice, shockingly discovers her lineage tracing all the way back to the Salem Witch Trials. Due to her unusual "Black Widow" ability, her mother decides to send Zoe somewhere special where she would be protected and mentored. There the novice student encounters a group of three witches with distinct personalities and physical appearances that provide comic relief and a reversal of high school drama plots. Zoe soon joins Madison, a spoiled movie star and the embodiment of a mean girl, Queenie, a human voodoo doll with a tendency to outbursts and Nan, a clairvoyant with a heart of gold. Their instructor, named Cordelia, ensures that those four girls understand the dangers they are facing as humans in grasp of magical traits. Similar to previous centuries, different organizations, religious extremists especially, target witches and burn them at stake in order to eradicate the world from that they perceive to be evil. In contrast to Cordelia's protective approach, the episode introduces her mother, the famous socialite Fiona Goode, who returns at the academy. Behind her alleged goal of training the girls to survive, Fiona is looking desperately after a cure that would prevent aging. Without giving away spoilers, the episode crafts cleverly more conflicts that emerge between mother and daughter, as well as among the witches. It's also a testament to the dangers and trauma inflicted by rape, discrimination, abuse, torture, racism and religious fanaticism.
The setting centers on New Orleans. A magical city gripped by storytelling involving the occult, macabre, ghosts and witchcraft. On the one hand, we have an elegant white mansion that stands as a training facility for magical users. On the other hand, the city is filled with historical sites including the infamous house of Madame Delphine Lalaurie. A perfect balance between quietness, elegance and abject horror.
The acting does not disappoint with the inclusion of the brilliant Jessica Lange playing an insecure and power-hungry Fiona Goode. Furthermore, Kathy Bates also delivers a stellar role by getting into the mind of a sadistic murdered that belonged to the heart of the high society.