All Forms of Art

  Some movies are easy to criticize because something clearly doesn't work. 28 Years Later is more difficult. It isn't a bad movie. In fact, it starts incredibly well, has some fascinating ideas, and creates a world that immediately makes you curious. And yet, when the credits rolled, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. A Great Start The movie wastes no time. Its opening is shocking and immediately creates the feeling that you are watching something dangerous.  The movie understands something important about horror: sometimes the best way to create fear is to make safety feel temporary. For Spike ( Alfie Williams ), safety exists on the island. It is protected, isolated, and predictable. But eventually, he has to leave it. That's more than a survival decision - it's growing up. You Can't Protect a Child Forever One of the most interesting conflicts in the movie is between Spike's parents and their different ideas of what it means to...

  Ex Machina is one of those films that seems, at first, to be asking a relatively simple question: can we create artificial intelligence that is genuinely conscious? But the more interesting question is what comes after that one. If a machine behaves like a human, understands us, manipulates us and even makes us feel empathy for it, does it matter whether there is actually a conscious mind behind it? The Test Caleb ( Domhnall Gleeson ) arrives at Nathan's isolated home without knowing what he was going to find, but he becomes fascinated almost immediately.   Nathan (Oscar Isaac) is a technological genius, and Ava appears to be the ultimate achievement of his work. But something about Nathan feels uncomfortable almost immediately. He is arrogant, unpredictable, and clearly enjoying having control over both Caleb and Ava. And while Caleb is fascinated by Ava, we are encouraged to question her from the beginning. Intelligence Isn't the Same as Consciousness This is pr...

  Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe dominated popular culture and before superhero shows became a staple of streaming platforms, there was Heroes . Premiering in 2006, the series arrived at a time when television was still hesitant to embrace large-scale superhero stories. Instead of focusing on costumed vigilantes fighting evil, Heroes asked a much more intriguing question: What if ordinary people suddenly discovered extraordinary abilities? It wasn't a perfect series. In fact, its quality declined considerably after its phenomenal first season. Yet, despite its flaws, Heroes remains one of the most influential superhero shows ever made. Its legacy can still be seen in many modern series that followed. A Puzzle That Slowly Comes Together One of Heroes' greatest strengths is its ambitious narrative structure. Rather than following a single protagonist, the show introduces multiple characters scattered across different cities and countries. At first, their stories see...

  After a slower third season , The Handmaid's Tale Season 4 completely renewed my interest in the series. This is a season about liberation, justice, and the long-lasting impact of trauma. The story finally moves forward in meaningful ways, giving viewers some of the most intense and emotionally charged moments the show has delivered so far. June Osborne: Hero, Victim, and Something More One of the greatest strengths of The Handmaid's Tale has always been June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), and Season 4 pushes her character to new extremes. June is undoubtedly a victim of unimaginable cruelty, but she is far from perfect. She is determined, brave, and willing to sacrifice everything for freedom. At the same time, her choices often have devastating consequences for the people around her. There were moments when I found her frustrating and even unlikable. She can be reckless, consumed by anger, and willing to go too far. Yet in the very next scene, she can be absolutely inspiri...

  If there’s one thing that makes people click on a show, it’s a strong premise. And on paper, Utopia had everything going for it: a mysterious comic book that might predict real-world disasters, conspiracy theories, a deadly pandemic, and a group of misfits trying to uncover the truth. Sounds incredible, right? That’s exactly why the disappointment hits so hard. I went into this series without watching the original UK version, so this review comes purely from the perspective of someone judging the 2020 adaptation on its own. And honestly? I couldn’t even make it past episode three. A Premise That Hooks You Immediately At first, Utopia feels strange in a good way. The opening episodes create this unsettling atmosphere where you’re not entirely sure what’s happening, but you want answers. The mystery surrounding the comic book is genuinely intriguing, and the idea that fiction could secretly reflect reality is a concept that instantly grabs attention. For a moment, the show fe...

  Spoilers ahead! Season 3 of The Man in the High Castle had all the ingredients for something powerful—expanding worlds, deepening character arcs, and raising the stakes. Yet, despite its ambition, it often feels like a missed opportunity.  While the show leans heavily into the concept of alternate realities, that very direction may not resonate with everyone. For viewers who struggle with multiverse narratives, like me, this season can feel particularly frustrating. The possibility of shifting between realities creates a sense that actions lose their weight—mistakes can be undone, consequences softened. While that’s part of the genre’s appeal, it risks draining the story of urgency and emotional accountability. The Multiverse Problem: When Stakes Feel Meaningless The introduction of parallel worlds should heighten tension, but here it often has the opposite effect. The idea that characters can fail in one world and succeed in another makes it harder to invest in their j...

  Katla  is unlike any other natural-disaster show you've watched before. It's weird and mysterious, leaving you with more questions than answers. Set in the raw and mesmerizing landscapes of Iceland , the series blends mystery, psychological drama, and a touch of the supernatural. If you’re looking for a show that prioritizes atmosphere and meaning over clear explanations, Katla might be exactly what you need. Iceland as the Perfect Character One of the strongest elements of Katla is its setting. Iceland isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the story. The dark skies, endless ash, and haunting silence create a world that feels both mysterious and oppressive. The volcanic landscape is breathtaking yet unsettling, making it the perfect stage for a story filled with folklore-like events and existential questions. This raw and almost otherworldly environment heightens the sense that something ancient and inexplicable is at play. The show is visually and emotionally dark. Ash f...

  If you’re looking for a TV show that will make you cry, laugh, and genuinely feel something in almost every episode, then 9-1-1 (the original Los Angeles version) is absolutely worth your time. I’ve watched most episodes more than once—and honestly, whenever it’s on TV, no matter where in the story it drops me, I have to stop and watch. It’s irresistible.  A Show That Will Make You Cry (Almost Every Time) It’s rare to find an episode of 9-1-1 that doesn’t hit you emotionally. Whether it’s a rescue, a personal struggle, or a quiet moment between characters, the show knows exactly how to pull at your heartstrings. But it’s not just sadness—it’s a beautiful kind of emotional. The kind that reminds you why human connection matters. More Than Emergencies: A Story About Humanity At its core, 9-1-1 isn’t just about firefighters, paramedics, and police officers—it’s about people. It’s about love, friendship, loyalty, and found family. The bond between the team is so genuin...

  The Days is not your typical disaster drama. If you’re expecting fast-paced action in the vein of Chernobyl or blockbuster chaos like The Day After Tomorrow , this Japanese series takes a very different—and arguably more intimate—approach. A Tense Experience You Can’t Binge Easily One of the most striking aspects of The Days is how difficult it is to binge-watch. Not because it lacks quality, but because it creates a constant state of tension. The slow pacing doesn’t make it less nerve-racking. Each failed attempt to control the crisis builds anxiety. You begin to feel like part of the team, sharing their frustration and helplessness. Unlike high-adrenaline disaster stories, this series drains you emotionally, leaving you both nervous and exhausted. Professionalism Over Panic What truly surprised me was the people at the center of the crisis. The workers and officials display an extraordinary level of professionalism, courage, and composure. There are very few moments wher...

  Breaking Bad is often praised as one of the greatest television series ever made—and I definitely agree. Beneath its gripping plot and intense character arcs lies a deeply unsettling exploration of morality, identity, and the human capacity for self-justification. At its core, the show asks a haunting question: what happens when an ordinary person is pushed past their limits—and keeps going? Walter White: From Victim to Architect of Chaos Walter White (Bryan Cranston) begins as a man we instinctively sympathize with—a struggling high school chemistry teacher facing a terminal illness. His initial decision to cook methamphetamine is framed as an act of desperation, even sacrifice. He wants to provide for his family after his death. But that justification doesn’t hold for long. As the series progresses, Walter’s transformation becomes less about survival and more about control, pride, and power. The tragedy is not just that he becomes a criminal, but that he chooses to contin...

  One of the reasons The Walking Dead became such a powerful show isn’t just the zombies—it’s the moral questions it forces us to face. At first glance, Rick Grimes ( Andrew Lincoln ) is the clear “good guy.” He’s a sheriff, a family man, someone we instinctively trust. But if you really look at those first episodes, something more complicated starts to emerge. From Confusion to Control Rick wakes up from a coma into a world that no longer makes sense. In a matter of days, he goes from a confused and terrified man to a decisive leader. That speed is… unsettling. Before the apocalypse, we don’t see much of Rick as a leader. He seems grounded, moral—but not necessarily dominant. Yet the moment he finds a group, he naturally steps into control—as if that version of him was always there, just waiting for the right conditions. “We can’t just stay here, not knowing.” — Rick Grimes That line captures something essential: Rick doesn’t freeze. He moves. He decides. Is that...