All Forms of Art

  Netflix’s Untamed (2025) is one of the streamer’s most striking original thrillers this year. Combining the intensity of a murder mystery with the breathtaking scenery of Yosemite National Park , the series delivers suspense, atmosphere, and a surprising sense of justice. What Is Untamed About? The story begins with a mysterious death on El Capitan, pulling National Park investigator Kyle Turner,  played by Eric Bana ( Dirty John ), into a complex web of secrets. Alongside fellow investigator Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), Turner must untangle lies, crimes, and personal demons while navigating the dangers of both nature and human corruption. Performances That Stand Out Eric Bana anchors Untamed with a raw, haunted performance, while Lily Santiago adds empathy and sharpness as Vasquez.  Veteran actor  Sam Neill (you may remember him from Jurassic Park ) brings warmth as Turner’s mentor.  Together, this cast gives the series both gravitas and emotiona...

Wednesday Season 2 lands with all the gothic flair that made the original binge-worthy —this time spotlighting even richer family dynamics and chilling new mysteries at Nevermore Academy. The first four episodes dropped on Netflix August 6, 2025 , with fans grudgingly waiting until September 3 for Part 2. Why It’s Still a Blast Jenna Ortega continues to shine as a morose sleuth grappling with her supernatural talents and unwanted hero status. Her sharp delivery and deadpan wit are as compelling as ever. Family ties get deeper attention —Pugsley’s arrival at school, Morticia’s campus involvement (with Catherine Zeta-Jones in flamboyant form), and intriguing new faces like Steve Buscemi as the oddball new principal elevate the ensemble. Atmosphere and aesthetic remain rich and inventive. Tim Burton’s return as director (including a delightfully eerie animated sequence) and the inclusion of ominous crows and haunting visuals continue to delight. Mystery hooks abound:...

  Punto Nemo , available on Amazon Prime, tries to be a suspenseful, thought-provoking series about environmental urgency. It wants to be deep. But instead of pulling viewers in, it leaves them stranded in shallow waters. The First Question: Is It Really That Bad? At first, I wasn’t sure. The opening episode was messy, yes — confusing timelines, a poorly explained plot, and a tone that couldn’t quite decide if it was thriller, sci-fi, or something else entirely. Still, something about it made me keep watching. It wasn’t good , but it wasn’t unwatchable . So what exactly was wrong? From Confused to Completely Absurd As the episodes progressed, the cracks widened. Once they arrive at a supposedly deserted island, you might recall Lost , but get ready to be disappointed. Storylines started to collapse under their own weight. Characters made strange decisions with no explanation. The plot, already unstable, spiraled into the realm of the ridiculous. By the final episodes, it becam...

  There are TV shows, and then there are TV events . Lost , which premiered in 2004, was both — a bold leap into serialized storytelling that changed how we watch, discuss, and even expect television to be. Before Lost , most network shows played it safe. You could tune into an episode of CSI or ER mid-season and still follow the story. Lost didn’t play that game. It demanded attention, loyalty, rewatches, and — perhaps most of all — obsession. The Before and After In many ways, there’s a “before Lost ” and an “after Lost ” when it comes to TV storytelling. Before: mostly procedural, episodic, with mythologies relegated to sci-fi outliers like The X-Files . After: Heroes , Fringe , FlashForward , The Leftovers , Westworld — all shows that owe something to Lost 's serialized DNA. It wasn’t just the story — a plane crash, a mysterious island, and a group of strangers bound by fate — it was how Lost told it. Flashbacks (and later flash-forwards and flash-sideways), philosophical ...

  How Can a 13-Year-Old Commit Murder? What was once an absurd, unthinkable question is the central premise of Adolescence , Netflix ’s latest British drama.  From the first episode, the show grips you with its raw portrayal of youth violence. It pushes us to confront an unsettling reality—children, barely teenagers, are capable of unimaginable acts. But Adolescence does not sensationalize crime; rather, it dissects it , laying bare the complex web of factors that lead to such a moment. It’s Not About the Victim Unlike many crime dramas, Adolescence does not dwell on the victim. Instead, it forces us to ask: Who is the perpetrator? Who is his family? Who are his friends? What kind of environment produces a child capable of killing?  The show wrestles with these haunting questions, exposing the uncomfortable truth that the killer does not come from an easily identifiable “dangerous” background. His family is normal—too normal. This leads us to the most disturbing though...

  After being thoroughly impressed by Antony Starr's performance as the villain Homelander in The Boys , I decided to dive into his earlier work in Banshee . To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. This show is nothing short of a hidden gem that grips you from the very first episode and refuses to let go. The “Good” Villain At the heart of Banshee is Antony Starr, whose portrayal of the mysterious ex-con posing as the town's sheriff is nothing short of mesmerizing. Starr brings an incredible depth to his character, Lucas Hood, who is as complex as he is captivating.  On the surface, Hood is a rough, violent man with a past steeped in crime, but as the series unfolds, we see the many layers that make up his character. He's haunted by his past and driven by a sense of justice that often puts him at odds with the law. Yet, despite his flaws, he has a surprising capacity for loyalty and love. Mesmerizing Performances Starr's performance is the linchp...

  Big Sky takes viewers on a thrilling journey that is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. The show weaves an intricate plot with surprises that make you guess at every turn. From the very first episode, it hooks you with its compelling narrative and doesn't let go. The element of surprise is one of the show's strongest assets, ensuring that you're always in for a wild ride. The characters add depth to the storyline, and their development keeps you invested in their fates. The cast delivers strong performances, bringing the characters to life with authenticity.  However, Big Sky doesn't shy away from exploring darker themes, sometimes disturbing. This willingness to tackle challenging subjects adds a gritty realism to the show, making it more than a typical crime drama. The overall pacing and suspenseful atmosphere make Big Sky a must-watch for those who enjoy a good mystery.  Big Sky is a captivating show that skillfully blends suspense, drama, and unexpect...

  The Watcher was an up-and-coming show on Netflix . It promised horror and suspense… and I was excited to watch it. It starts in a very typical way: a family moves to a new house, a great deal, and in a few days, they realize that it was too good to be true. Catchy The new house that isn’t as great as they thought can make you feel that it is a bit of a cliche, yet you are hooked in no time. The story starts very well, leaves you curious, and has the potential for binge-watching. The first episodes are terrific, and you get high expectations about the show. Too high… The problem is that the story is disturbing, as it should, but it doesn’t develop. Great Cast One of the best things about this show is the cast. They are excellent, credible, and engaging.  The one I didn’t think was a good character was the private detective, yet Noma Dumezweni’s performance was flawless.  Disappointment The Watcher starts well, with a good story, able to grab your attention, but then… i...

  Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities is indeed a very curious and good show, totally worth watching. Horror The show has eight episodes. They are like miniature horror movies, all with different takes on horror. Some are more intense than others, and it is difficult for me to pick a favorite. They are all very different and focus on specific nightmares, one could say. What's your worst nightmare? There are different types of horror, and they impact you differently as well. In this show, you have a good collection in terms of diversity. Sometimes, there are monsters; sometimes, the monster is yourself… I considered reviewing each episode, but it wouldn't be fair. The show is great the way it is, with every single story in it. Guillermo del Toro The show is good, and if you are a fan of horror stories and Del Toro's work, this Cabinet of Curiosities is definitely the right one for you.

  What would you think if someone got into your house and told you that you need to sacrifice one member of your family or humanity will end? Wait, what? Yes, that’s the premise of Knock at the Cabin . A little girl and her dads are on vacation in a cabin in the middle of nowhere when four people armed with strange weapons appear and say one of them should be sacrificed.  Is this horror? I’ve seen people rebuking the movie, and I get why, but let’s take a minute to think about it. Why do you feel so… well, nothing. When the story starts, it is promising. It is not something you’ve seen a thousand times in other movies, and you can feel the tension. It is an impossible choice to make. Here, the problem starts: it creates expectations. These expectations are not fulfilled. The movie is supposed to be a psychological thriller, but you never feel your heart race. Instead, it is slow and calm; all you see are four lunatics and one guy screaming at them. I believe the other guy is s...

  Sins of Our Mother is a true crime documentary, and you should prepare yourself to be shocked.  Crimes involving children are always shocking. But, when the crime comes from their own mother… it's unbearable. How can a mother do something like that? Why? How crazy must she be? Religion Fanaticism and a belief in the Apocalypse seem to be the reason why Lori Vallow allegedly murdered her two children and conspired to murder her ex-husband. Doom day, zombies, dark spirits… a macabre tale of a mother no one deserves to have. Blind faith (no matter the religion) kills and destroys. This case is one more example of how that assessment is true.  Testimonials This kind of documentary always involves testimonials from friends, family, and other people close to the happenings. In this case, some of them are pretty shocking. I truly felt for Lori's mother. She wanted so desperately to believe her daughter wasn't a monster. I can't even imagine how that woman was feeling. Also, ...

  Based on the book of Daria Polatin, with the same title, Devil in Ohio , is the story of a traumatized girl that escapes from a cult and finds shelter with a psychiatrist and her family. Cults are part of the social curiosity, which is enough reason for many to check out this show. Yet, this wasn’t what had the most significant impact on me. The therapist Dr. Suzanne Mathis is a therapist that runs the extra mile for her clients. After meeting Mae, she immediately feels like a mission to take care of and help her. But, being a traumatized child herself, she quickly forgets the needed boundaries between patient and doctor. And sometimes, she forgets about her own family and their needs. I found her an annoying woman. She always has the right thing to say but as a psychiatrist. Even for her daughters, she says the right sentences, but not as a mother would. Instead, she seems cold and distant and so focused on Mae’s needs that no one else’s seems to matter. She is so eager to do th...

  When you start watching The Girl on the Train , you’ll probably feel the same as you did if you read the book: a bit confused. The first scenes can be difficult to follow, but it all gets better as the story develops. I thought that not being perfect, captured the right feeling for this story.  A good actress can save a mediocre movie Emily Blunt is Rachel, the main character, and I must say: she is great. The main trace of this character is the almost permanent confusion, mentally speaking. Emily was able to portray it perfectly.  In fact, if it weren’t for her performance, the film wouldn’t be very interesting. It has a pace that is too slow, and we have the perspective of a person who is confused and almost permanently drunk. It would be boring. So congratulations, she did a great job. You can’t ignore the differences It is an almost universal truth that movies are never as good as books. They always miss something, and The Girl on the Train wasn’t different. The f...

  One more season of The Sinner , and it is absolutely creepy, as usual. Detective Ambrose can’t seem to retire in peace. He is trying to get away from his old life by spending some days on a small island. Yet, as soon as he gets there, he sees a girl jumping out of a cliff to her death. He can’t ignore it. Could you? No surprises: there is a big and messed up story behind that jump.  Everybody knows everybody’s… masks The case happens on a small island where everybody knows everybody. But if you think that can help Detective Ambrose find out what happened, you’re wrong. They all just seem to be in his way. Either because they are all friends and try to protect each other or try to take justice into their own hands, they all harm the case. This includes the victim’s grandmother - the best character in the season. Every time it seems you can trust her, you have a setback.  As usual, no one is who they claim to be, who they seem to be. They all have something to hide, secre...

  Last Night in Soho is the most recent movie by Edgar Wright. So that alone is a reason to check it out, right?  This is probably one of the weirdest movies I’ve seen in months. Yet, as soon as I started watching, I couldn’t look away anymore. It is different, which makes it interesting, but there is no better word to describe it than weird . The 60s While living in the present time, the main character, Eloise, is a young lady in love with the 60s. She loves music, fashion, and everything related to that decade. Eloise is not an ordinary girl, though. She seems to have some "spiritual powers", I would say. We know she sees her dead mother, but we are never sure what she can do more. Things get weird when, after renting a room from an old lady, she is transported to the 60s London. There, she follows a mysterious woman named Sandie. She is so in love with the decade that everything seems fascinating. At first… It quickly turns out to be a bit creepy, and it will probably mak...

  I'm sure you already heard about Squid Game , also known as Round 6 in some countries. If you didn't… Well, it's not possible. It is a true phenomenon in the streaming platform Netflix , and it has been a target for polemics. Why? Squid game is a Korean show about a group of people playing children's games in a deadly version to earn money. With the right amount of mystery, drama, and action, the show is about to make the title of most-watched ever on the platform. The Chosen Ones When I first started watching the show, I found it a bit creepy. My reaction to the first episode was, "Wow, what the hell?" One of the first questions that may pop into your mind can be, "Who are these people?" The whole organization is creepy and weird. It will probably make you uncomfortable. The players, on the other hand, have an exact pattern. They are people full of debts, living in misery, and desperately in need of money. How far would they go to get it? How f...

  Clickbait is an intense thriller intending to show us that we never really know those near us. The most unexpected person can be the greatest danger. It has a well-built mystery story. Each episode focuses on the perspective of a different character. It enriches the story and gives it great emotional material. The family Nick disappears, and an online video announces he will die as soon as the video reaches 5 million views. This is how everything starts, but it is only the beginning of a complicated and intricate story. From my point of view, Nick’s family is the main character of the show. A devastated family, full of tragedy and doubts. Was Nick who they thought he was? Nick’s sister, Pia, is the one that believes him throughout all the show, yet, for some reason, she gets on my nerves.  Secrets and surprises As police and family investigate Nick’s disappearance, secrets seem to pop up from everywhere. The show doesn’t stop surprising us. Even when you think you already f...

Are the animals going mad? Is nature trying to get rid of us? While not a big fan of conspiracy theories, how could I not fall in love with this plot? Season 1 - Impossible to stop watching The show’s premise is somewhat interesting, and the first season fascinated me. I binge-watched all of its episodes in a row.  Although, as I said before, the big conspiracy theory is a bit too much for me, Zoo was a good show and I had a good time watching it. Season 1 - Going Off Tracks The second season, though, was very different… it actually bored me at some point. It had a lot of twists and turns, which is usually good, but in this case, it was, again, a little too far out there. Balance is everything, and writers need to know when to stop. Take the case of Lost , as seasons went by, it felt out of control. The way that Dr. Oz solved the problem annoyed me; it was as rational as it was cold, and I definitely didn’t like it. And Now What? The end of this 2nd season some...

The OA is one of those rare Netflix series that grips you from the very first episode and refuses to let go. It blends mystery, suspense, science fiction, and spiritual philosophy into a narrative so strange that it’s almost impossible to stop watching.  Each episode pulls you deeper into its world, compelling you to unravel the truth behind its cryptic storyline. The Topics The plot follows Prairie Johnson, a young woman who reappears after being missing for seven years — with her sight mysteriously restored.  As she recounts her incredible and unsettling story to a small group of strangers, the show explores themes of life after death, alternate dimensions, and the nature of human consciousness . The Good and The Bad While The OA offers fascinating characters and plenty of thought-provoking ideas, it’s not afraid to leave its audience in the dark. By the time the first season ends, you’ll likely have more questions than answers.  This ambiguity is both...

I just finished watching 13 Reasons Why last night, and I still feel something I’m not quite able to put into words. Suicide is a Heavy Topic I had previously read some criticism about the show regarding how negative it could be, how impactful it could be on teenagers, and how inappropriate it was to romanticize the notion of suicide in this manner. Romanticize?! Well, I had only watched one episode when I read all of this, and I was somewhat in agreement. Yes, romanticizing such a thing could never be a good thing; it would tell the victims that these actions were a suitable response to their feelings. However, after watching the entire show, I must admit that I now understand all the concerns, but I saw it from a different perspective. Are Teens Evil? It’s disturbing, I indeed can’t deny it. In my country, we have this saying that I can’t precisely recall right now, but it’s about how children can be cruel sometimes, but when you’re a teenager, the cruelty you ca...