By Nadia Ranaputri

Image credit: We Rave You

I may talk a lot about film, but books will always be my first love. It was my gateway to literature, and the reason why I wanted to study it. Books were also vital in helping me learn English, and they were the piece of escapism I needed, even to this day. And honestly, I have a lot more favorite books than just the ones on this list. I'll keep it brief though, so I chose ten. I'm sure this list will change from time to time, but for now, here are my top ten favorite books. Let's get started.

 10.  This is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

“Books are letters in bottles, cast into the waves of time, from one person trying to save the world to another.” 

I must admit, I'm not the biggest fan of romances, even when there's a bigger plot surrounding it, but this novel.... I'll make an exception for it. This novel is a romance that takes place in the middle of a time war, where two time-traveling agents from opposing sides communicate through letters and start to develop deeper feelings for one another over the course of their interactions. That plot was enough to get me hooked, but the book itself was a revelation. First of all, the writing style is immaculate, and reading the lyrical style is just as much of an experience as the story itself. Sometimes it feels like a fever dream, then a memoir, and the next, it wraps itself around you like a warm blanket and a cozy fireplace, which is not the description you'd expect from a science-fiction novel, but that's exactly how I feel about it. That being said, it definitely won't cater to everyone. This doesn't read like a typical novel, but more in a form of letters, with poetic and dense writing style, so it's something to keep in mind if you're looking to delve into it. I love it though, it's one of the few romances that doesn't feel cheesy or forced, just very genuine. There is a larger story at the forefront, which is the time war itself, but the romance here also takes center stage, and I find myself truly and utterly invested.

9. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

“If this isn’t hell, the devil is surely taking notes.”

Oh boy, where to begin? The concept of reliving the same day over and over again is not new, especially when recent films like Edge of Tomorrow and Palm Springs incorporated the same plot, but there's always a lot of creativity in the execution of this concept. This is yet another Groundhog Day type of story done right, and in Stuart Turton's novel, it's all about solving a murder mystery. This novel is a lot of fun and keeps you guessing throughout. For me personally, this book felt like it was taking you along with the characters. You're not just sitting on the sidelines waiting for the reveals, you're also involved in solving it. There's also a tad bit of supernatural/science-fiction element to it, which makes the story even more alluring. However, it is a very slow book, it takes a while for things to really unravel, so this won't be for everyone. I, on the other hand, was very immersed in the mystery as well as the slow nature of it, and I even read it for a second time to really soak in every little detail that I missed. If you're looking for a more fast-paced mystery read, this may not be the book for you. But if you like mysteries that take their time, and don't mind overstaying your welcome at the Hardcastle estate, it's an absolute must-read.

8. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

“I would have come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together- knives drawn, pistols blazing.”

There are some cases where the sequel is better than its predecessor. While those cases can certainly pop up in films, it's also present in books. Crooked Kingdom, the sequel to Bardugo's Six of Crows, is one fine example of a sequel that has proven to be far better than its first entry, which is saying a lot because I adored the first book to bits. Six of Crows already worked as a standalone, but Crooked Kingdom takes it to a whole other level. Both books are heavily character driven than plot driven, yet it's in the sequel where the characterization is at its best. There's wild twists and turns, as well as impeccable character development. The Crows are incredibly fleshed out here than they ever were in the first book, and there's so many standout scenes that still linger in my head to this day. I don't know how Leigh Bardugo was able to create such intricate and complex characters, then turns them into some of the best characters I've ever read in a YA fantasy, but she pulled it off beautifully. Even after you've finished the book, you feel as if you've just taken an all-expenses-paid trip to the Ketterdam, and you're left eager to give this world another visit.
 

7.  Vicious by V.E Schwab

“Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.”

6.  Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“I had absolutely no interest in being somebody else's muse. I am not a muse. I am the somebody. End of fucking story.”

Let me start by saying this: I love Fleetwood Mac, their songs are my jam and I could stay all day listening to them. So when I discovered that Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel was partly inspired by them and the rock bands of that era, I put my ear to the door and listened intently. In other words, it grabbed my full attention. What it ended up being was a roller-coaster ride filled with scandals, romance, and a heavy dose of rock and roll. Similar to This is How You Lose the Time War, Daisy Jones and The Six doesn't follow the usual novel format. Instead, it plays out in transcripts from interviews of the characters. Each member, including the enigma that is Daisy Jones, gets their own perspective, but the interesting thing is that it can play coy and turn the unreliable narrator card against you, so everyone has a different take for each of the events that happen in the book. Furthermore, Reid's writing gives the characters a unique and genuine voice. Daisy Jones feels like a real person, as do the Six, and it's as if you're reading a memoir of an actual band, that's how immersive her writing is. I highly recommend reading it with a Fleetwood Mac playlist.

5.  The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller 

“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”

  

This was a novel that I picked up due to the immense hype and praise, and I have to say, it definitely lived up to my expectations. Essentially, it's a retelling of Homer's Iliad, but with a twist to it. While Miller is paying homage to the iconic story of the Greek hero, The Song of Achilles is strong enough to stand on its own. Miller's writing is truly something else, it's poetic and charming, it draws you to the story and the characters. The novel is told from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles' close friend and comrade. Having the story told from the viewpoint of someone who was originally a supporting character provides a whole new insight and perspective on how he sees Achilles. Everything about this book is beautiful, from the story to the writing, and the characters themselves. If you're already familiar with the story of Iliad itself, be prepared for devastation and heartbreak. Even saying that it's emotional and ruinous is an understatement. Imagine someone stabbing you in the back, and while you endure all that pain, that person whispers sweet nothings to distract you from the agony they caused just seconds ago. That is how I would describe reading this book, it's a deadly mix of sweetened tragedy. The fact that this was Madeline Miller's debut novel is even more impressive, I've yet to find a single flaw in it, but I haven't, and I'm sure I'll find very little.

4. Circe by Madeline Miller  

“It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment’s carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.”

 

Yes, you heard that right. Madeline Miller makes another appearance on this list. There's something about Miller's writing that is unlike anything I've read, and I'm fairly certain that there hasn't been any other modern author whose writing has come close to what she can do. Just when I thought that Miller couldn't outdo herself after The Song of Achilles, Circe proved me wrong. Like her debut novel before it, Circe is another Greek retelling, this time with a minor goddess who is well versed in potions and herbs. Though Circe is known for transforming her guests as well as those that reject her or pose as an obstacle in her life into animals, Miller's book delves more into her story and takes more of a sympathetic route towards her character whilst retaining the original characteristics and mythology that made her into who she is. Reading Circe is an experience synonymous with floating on a cloud, or taking the warmest bath you've had in a while. This is a gorgeously written novel that plays like a lyrical prose. It's as if it's written and read by a Greek goddess, perhaps even Circe herself, given the first person point of view. That sounds exaggerated, but how else would I put it? It's just wonderful, I finished this novel in the span of two days, because I was so immersed in the world and the story, that it was near impossible to put down.

3. Lovely War by Julie Berry

“I envy the mortals. It's because they're weak and damaged that they can love.”

 

I'm a sucker for historical fiction, and Julie Berry's novel is one hell of an emotional ride. For someone who tends to stray away from romances, this is the kind of story that I'll admit, brought tears to my eyes. I don't know what it is about romance stories that take place during a historical era, but they tend to pack a lot more punch than the ones from other genres, and this book specifically takes place in World War I. If I were to describe Lovely War in a nutshell: it's the equivalent of falling in love and getting your heart broken at the same time. There's a twist to it though, because the story is narrated by Greek gods and goddesses, watching over fellow mortals as they wage into war. Each of their narrations makes for a very interesting read, especially with their distinct voices, but in the end, it's the mortal characters that struck a chord with me. They're flawed and complex, and they have so much depth, it's as if you really got the chance to not only be acquainted with them, but also to be a part of their journey. And the romance isn't the sole element of the story, there are other aspects that I thought were very well conveyed, particularly with topics such as the treatment of African-American soldiers during the War. It's lovely (pun intended), layered, profound, poignant, and basically every single word in the dictionary in relation to the word amazing.

2. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

“You know the greatest lesson of history? It’s that history is whatever the victors say it is. That’s the lesson. Whoever wins, that’s who decides the history.”

I picked this book up on whim because of the gorgeous cover, but I did not expect the emotional toll it would put on me. This is yet another historical fiction book told in two main perspectives: A blind girl who's forced to flee with her uncle in Paris, and a radio expert who joins the army in Germany. This was one of those books that I deliberately read slowly to really take the time to explore and immerse myself in the story and the characters. I think it would have been obvious by now that I love character-driven books, I tend to gravitate towards stories that focus a lot on character, and this book is one of them. The two main characters especially, are so interesting to read, and just delightful, that I wanted more than anything in the world to spend more time with them as soon as I reached the last page. Having two perspectives also helps to see the war on different sides of the spectrum: from the civilian side to the military side. And just like Lovely War, this book is gut-wrenching yet poignant, it takes your heart in the palm of its hand and crushes it while reassuring you that everything is going to be fine. Doerr really took his time building the characters and the world, it feels almost cinematic, as if you could make an entire Oscar-winning film out of it. His descriptions on how Marie sees the world as a blind person are detailed and sweet, such as how he describes Marie's ability to navigate her way around town by the number of steps and the various turns, all with the assistance of her father. Not going to say anything more, because it's truly a book that you have to experience for yourself. It is a slow book once again, but the buildup is splendid, the payoff is absolutely remarkable, and I cried at least twice reading this book.

1. The Shadow of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

“A story is a letter that the author writes to himself, to tell himself things that he would be unable to discover otherwise.” 

 
And here it is, my favorite book of all-time. Just like The Song of Achilles before it, this was another book that I picked up due to the overwhelming praise and hype. It's clear from there that it lived up to the hype for me. This has all the elements I love in a story: historical setting, noir atmosphere, and intriguing mystery. Most of all, it's a story about a book, something I'm always drawn to. But the book surprised me with just how much it was able to make me care for the characters. And as for the characters themselves....don't even get me started on them, they're just so....memorable. They linger on the back of your mind like a long-lost memory waiting to be discovered again and again. I have a certain weakness for books that are written like a prose, they're simply lyrical and beautiful, this book is no exception. Zafón's writing is rich, it's descriptive. There's a heavy atmospheric tone to it that makes you feel as if you've transported into another world. Even his descriptions of Barcelona, the city that the book takes place in, is so vivid, I could have sworn that I was in Barcelona myself, despite never having been there. It's enchanting, it lures you in, and you may never find the will to leave the world, the narrative, and the characters that Zafón had so meticulously crafted. But again, it is a very slow book, so those who are looking for a quick or fast-paced read, it's best not to pick this one up. For me personally, it was perfect. I flew through this book with a flourish, and once I finished it, I was eager to read it again, perhaps more than any other book I've read. 

There you have it, that's my list. What are some of your favorite books? I would love to know!

By Nadia Ranaputri

Image credit: IMDB

Director: John Krasinski
Cast: Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Djimon Hounsou.

To be frank, I first went in to A Quiet Place knowing very little about what the film was actually about. The only thing I was aware of was that it was a thriller where silence meant survival. What I didn't expect was that the wave of complete silence from the film lead to my theater in the very same ambience. No one in my theater said a single word, and a person sitting right in front of me barely touched the tub of popcorn. It was probably the quietest theater experience I have ever had. Another thing that I didn't expect at all was the touching family dynamic that left me in ruins by the time the credits start to roll. It honestly could have ended there, it worked spectacularly well as a standalone film. But alas, that was not the case. Hence, we have Part II. 

A Quiet Place Part II begins right where the first film left off, with the remaining Abbott family in the aftermath of the daunting events that previously took place. By the time we meet them, they're about to leave the only home they've ever known, and into the terrorizing clutches of the outside world, shrouded in unpredictability and uncertainty. Along the way, they encounter a fellow survivor and former family friend Emmett (Cillian Murphy), who's been living in a bunker under an abandoned foundry. Though initially reluctant due to his failure to save his own family, Emmett takes Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and her family in, and in the process, is forced to overcome his own inner demons in order to prevent the Abbott family from the same fate.

Emily Blunt as Evelyn Abbott is as always, spectacular, though her character takes more of a backseat here, paving the way for the younger to grace the screen. Evelyn does have some standout moments, drawing the line between a vulnerable and caring mother, to a relentless fighter determined to protect her family at all costs. The latest member of the cast, Cillian Murphy, is also impeccable. I've loved Cillian Murphy ever since he played Scarecrow in Batman Begins, and eventually his ever iconic role as Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, so my interest definitely peaked when he was cast in this film. As a result, Murphy just blends in effortlessly with the rest of cast, and his performance as someone who has lost all hope allows him to display his impressive range. Noah Jupe was also incredible in this, he was able to display genuine fear and at times, acts of determination. There was a particular scene where his character goes through a great deal of pain, and Jupe's performance here was splendid, but near unbearable to watch, because you can almost feel his agony through his performance. That being said, the star of the film is no doubt Millicent Simmonds, whose character carries the film so beautifully, and Simmonds plays the role with grace. True to form as the first film, Regan's disability isn't treated as weakness, but a powerful tool for survival. In the first film, Regan sees her deafness as an obstacle, but over time, she learns to overcome her disability and doesn't let it get in the way of her efforts to protect her family. In this one especially, she's responsible for much of the film's heartfelt moments, and Simmonds's performance in these moments is fantastic. Her dynamic with Cillian Murphy is another outstanding aspect, and you can't help but look forward to the scenes they share together.

Image credit: IMDB

I've mentioned in my review of the first film that the opening sequence of a film plays an important role in drawing the audience in, which was something that A Quiet Place has nailed, wrapping the theater in a blanket of silence, and the lingering promise of something sinister that awaits the Abbott family. Then there's the opening sequence for Part II that starts off with a "Day 1" flashback sequence, also known as the day the world changed for the worst. Unlike the first film, Part II opens with a bang, a hair-raising sequence that sinks its claws into you and leaves you hanging for dear life. The rest of the film is just as suspenseful, throwing you in with the Abbott family once again and taking you along with them as they fight for survival. Those thrilling and at times claustrophobic sequences of the first film that makes you grip your knuckles are carried over to this one, providing the audience with plenty of exciting sequences ahead. For a director who has only dabbled behind the camera twice, this being his second, John Krasinski has once again proved himself as a director worth watching for. Constructing such a condensed thriller is no easy feat, but Krasinski absolutely nails it. He's certainly come a long way from simply being known as Jim Halpert in The Office. The addition of Cillian Murphy as Emmett was a great way to introduce the outside world, given that he seems to know more about the current situation than the Abbotts do. Even so, I appreciate that there isn't too much exposition, despite the fact that there tends to be more dialogue in this one.

For a story that is meant to expand on the world beyond the one that the Abbotts once knew, it feels rather thin and fairly simple. Perhaps that was the intention, to keep everything condensed and to a minimum, just like the first film. It didn't exactly achieve the same desired effect as its predecessor, but it still manages to tell a cohesive story overall, even with a 90 minute runtime. Unlike the first film, John Krasinski is the sole screenwriter this time around. While some would argue that it doesn't have as much of a firm grip as the tightly knit but effective screenplay of the first film, there are plenty of strong suits in Krasinski's script for sure, such as a heartwarming scene between Regan and Emmett where she reassures him and tells him how to enunciate as he struggles to communicate with her. Callbacks and references to the first film don't feel forced, as they provide a much needed emotional beat for the characters. Moreover, placing Regan front and center of the film was a noteworthy move. As Regan was the beating heart of its predecessor, she is the one that charges forth and drives the story forward this time. There's a particular arc here that is very reminiscent of The Last of Us, and that was the most interesting arc out of the rest, because there was a real sense of adventure. Along the way though, it does feel as if it has lost some of its Midas touch that made its predecessor so memorable, and resorted to more of your typical apocalyptic survival film, which isn't an entirely bad thing in and of itself, it just lost some of the aspects that made A Quiet Place such a hit. Though I have to say, the change of scenery and pace of Part II was mostly for the better, it doesn't really feel like a complete repeat of the first film.

Image credit: IMDB

There's also the use of sound, a key part of the storytelling, particularly in its predecessor. The first film utilized sound and lack thereof in a clever way, the silences and sudden noises turning gears as if it's flipping switches back and forth, was an effective and creative way of putting the audiences at the edge of their seat. The first half of the film was heavily doused in silence, but an anxiety ridden kind of silence. That reliance and resort to silence really builds up the tension without any reliance on some loud violin screech that you've heard a hundred times before in other horror films. As you're anticipating the monster, you're also anticipating a sudden sound to flood in like it's a timed bomb. Part II, however, did not imbue the very part that made the first one a unique watch. It did utilize the change in sound that flips whenever it gets to Regan's perspective, where there is nothing but muffled sound. If it didn't focus on Regan, most of its tension was reliant on that same one-note music, and this time, the violin screech is here to stay. Doesn't mean that it lacks any real thrills, it's there, it just doesn't always land right. Aside from the music, there's a lot more sound than silence in Part II. Though the sign language remains a vital aspect for communication, the characters do talk more often here than they did before.

Let's wrap this in a neat little bow. Though it has its flaws, A Quiet Place Part II is entertaining and profound enough to solidify its existence. Was it necessary? Not exactly, but at least it wasn't made with little thought or care. There's still a good amount of effort and attention placed in the story and the production. It's a good enough companion to the first film, and it might even be fun to watch both films back to back. Once you put aside some of the bumps along the road of the script, it's clear that Krasinski cares about this world and the Abbott family. It rarely ever feels soulless or rigid, despite having that condensed atmosphere. Because by the time the film ends, it's really the characters themselves that made it soar. As we're confined with these characters, we get to experience that feeling of terror and anxiety alongside them, and that's the one of the standout aspects that made me adore A Quiet Place, and though Part II felt a bit emotionally distant than the first, the characters were still able to shine through. We may fear the monsters that lurk in the film, but we also fear for the characters who are fighting against them. While Krasinski could use some fine-tuning as a screenwriter, he's clearly much more formidable in the director's chair than he is as a writer, at least for now. Sometimes a sequel calls for bigger stakes and higher danger, but A Quiet Place Part II proves that it doesn't always need to rely on those elements to enhance the story. It may not be as strong as its predecessor, but it's still a very solid sequel that packs a lot more heart than most other films of its genre. 

Image credit: IMDB

Overall verdict: A Quiet Place Part II is a solid and justified sequel to the hit 2018 thriller. It reshuffles the deck this time around by having the family venture out of the world they were once accustomed to, and into the unknown, with little guarantee for their survival, so it expands on the world more this time. As we spent the majority of the first film confined in the Abbott family home, the second feels more vast and open, but it's just as suspenseful as the first. The thing about both films is that it boasts strong performances that add so much to them. Emily Blunt's performance as Evelyn is no short of magnificent, while Cillian Murphy forms a genuine dynamic the rest of the cast, and Noah Jupe's fearful performance just elevates the suspense. But the real standout is certainly Millicent Simmonds, whose incredible performance carries the entire film. Like its predecessor, it's very much an in-the-moment type of film, which I actually like. There's a catch to this though. Part II doesn't feel as cleverly weaved as the first one, which makes it slightly lackluster, especially since the first film displayed a good amount of intelligent aspects in both the storytelling and the scares. As the first film utilized silence and sudden noise as a weapon, the second doesn't seem intent in doing the same. There are still some thrilling sequences that makes it worthwhile, but compared to its more superior predecessor, it does lag behind. Other than that, it remains to be a riveting and exciting thriller that places family dynamic at the core of its story. By the time the film closes, it's the Abbott family that flourishes, not the scares, and that's what stops it from truly falling apart. 

Stars: 3.7/5

You can also read my review of A Quiet Place here

By Nadia Ranaputri

Image credit: TIME

Series directors: Lee Toland Krieger, Dan Liu, Mairzee Almas, and Jeremy Webb.
Cast: Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, Danielle Galligan, Calahan Skogman, Sujaya Dasgupta, Zoë Wanamaker, Daisy Head, Julian Kostov.

Every now and again, there's YA adaptations spanning different genres. We had the Dystopian era that housed beloved series like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Divergent. Admittedly, I got sucked into the hype and read all three of those trilogies, and I haven't even mentioned The Fifth Wave and Chaos Walking series. Between all of that, I stumbled upon the Shadow and Bone trilogy, which was the perfect antidote for the Dystopian fatigue that I started to have. While the trilogy garners various opinions from those who were lukewarm about it, those who find that the series didn't age as well as it did back then, and those who enjoy it as it is. For me personally, I enjoyed it for what it is, but then I read its spin-off series, the Six of Crows duology, and fell completely in love with it. Funnily enough, I actually analyzed Six of Crows for my undergraduate dissertation, so it holds quite a special place in my heart. When it was announced that Netflix was adapting the Shadow and Bone trilogy into a show, it was a mix of joy, curiosity, and a hint of worry. There was that small chance that the adaptation won't do the books justice, yet I was still anticipating it nonetheless. 

Based on the fantasy trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone takes place in the fictional country of Ravka, where First Army cartographer Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) is headed to the seething and dangerous Shadow Fold, a dark place filled with creatures of unimaginable horrors and tragedy, that has consequently torn Ravka in two and waged the country into war. It is during her journey across the Fold that she discovers her true nature as a Grisha, users of "small science" who are able to manipulate different kinds of elements, from the Heartrenders that control the flow of the heart, to the Squallers that bring the wind into their submission, or the Fabrikators that bend materials to their will. But Alina is no ordinary Grisha, she's what they call the Sun Summoner, a Grisha with the ability to summon light. Prior to this discovery, a Sun Summoner is the type of Grisha that is considered extremely rare, to the point where it's only seen as a myth. This reveal leads people from all kinds of sides to set their sights on Alina, with several intentions that range from good to plain evil, one of them being Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter), along with his fellow companions Inej Ghafa (Amita Suman) and Jesper Fahey (Kit Young). Before she knows it, Alina is swept into the Little Palace by General Kirigan (Ben Barnes), in the hopes of being the one who can finally destroy the Fold once and for all.

Though Shadow and Bone boasts new and mostly unfamiliar faces (save for Ben Barnes), their performances truly knock it out of the park. Jessie Mei Li as our very own Alina Starkov. Her performance as Alina is outstanding, able to bring elements of fear, pain, and even an endearing quality to the character. On paper, Alina may not have been the most interesting character compared to the others, and had it not been for Mei Li's performance, would have probably been drowned out by the rest of the show's more intriguing characters. The good news is that Mei Li was able to hold her own and she becomes a character that most people can get behind. Furthermore, her chemistry with Archie Renaux as Malyen Oretsev adds those much needed human and heartfelt moments. Speaking of Malyen, he's much more improved here in the show than he is in the books. While Mal as a character in the books elicits different reactions from readers, it's safe to say that Mal in the show has changed for the better, and it's all thanks to Renaux's vulnerably admirable portrayal. Let's not forget Ben Barnes' mysteriously enticing performance as General Kirigan, a character whose motivations lie in ambiguity, and Barnes brings that out in terrific style. 

Image credit: IMDB

The standout for me though, had to be Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker, who is not only my favorite Grishaverse character, but perhaps a very close contender as one of my all-time favorite book characters. At first glance, Carter looks eerily close, if not exactly like the Kaz that I imagined reading the books, which is already an impressive feat, especially since I didn't have a specific actor in mind, just a particular image of how he looks like in my head. Upon seeing Carter as Kaz, it almost felt like meeting a person you've come across before, but couldn't fully recall. Does that make sense? Physical appearance aside, Carter no doubt nails the role, he really embodies Kaz in a way that makes it impossible for any other actor to tackle. Kaz is more than just the brooding gang leader, there's a lot of trauma hidden underneath that facade, one that he rarely ever shows to people, even towards the ones closest to him; and Carter captured that incredibly well. Amita Suman is a fierce and nuanced player as Inej Ghafa, and her dynamic with Carter is one of the best aspects of the show. Another standout with a lot more charisma is Kit Young as sharpshooter Jesper Fahey. What more can I say about him that hasn't already been said? Jesper could have fallen into the trap of an unnecessary character whose only purpose is to be the comedic relief, but there's something about Young's performance that walks the line between genuine and utterly charming, you can't help but want more of him.

Having been anticipating this show since it was first announced, I'm happy to say that all the wait for Shadow and Bone is fairly worth it. It's an incredibly solid adaptation that managed to capture the essence of the books as well as the characters. The world that Leigh Bardugo has conjured up in her writing is carried over to the screen with great delight. You don't have to wonder much to know how Shadow and Bone proved to be a goldmine, not when you have a writer like Eric Heisserer on board. Prior to this, Heisserer was the mind behind one of my favorite sci-fi films, Arrival, yet another adaptation from Ted Chiang's Story of Your Life (though I'll point out that Heisserer's screenplay of Josh Malerman's novel Bird Box wasn't exactly a favorable adaptation). With this though, it seems like yet another hit for Heisserer, and with an eight episode slot, it ends up being a boisterous and entertaining ride. From the brooding dangers of the Shadow Fold, to the gritty slums of Ketterdam, the show has opened its doors to Ravka, a fantasy world inspired by Tsarist Russia, with cities of different characteristics and a lore of its own. The world-building here is quite stellar, every development, character, and plot is like discovering one box of treasure at a time; and each episode leaves you eager to go to the next. It just draws you into its clutches and before you know it, it's near impossible to escape from.

I will say that the first three episodes can feel slightly overwhelming, especially for those that haven't read the books, since it establishes a lot of its enigmatic characters and lays out its vast lore straight on the table. Everything in those three episodes go fairly swift and quick, it's possible that it will take some time to get used to. At one point, you're in East Ravka with Alina and Mal, then you're faced with a hint of Ravkan politics in Novokribirsk, then on the next, you're hopping on the nearest train to Ketterdam, along with an arc armed with a much different tone and pace than what's happening in East Ravka. But the more it goes on, the show seems to get a firmer grip on what it wants to do with a world as rich as the Grishaverse, with all the intentions of intertwining these stories to one cohesive narrative. It's quite similar to Game of Thrones in terms of how it spends the first few episodes of its premiere season establishing the expansive world of Westeros, from the likes of Winterfell, King's Landing, as well as its abundance of characters. The same goes for Shadow and Bone, as there are several point of views, but the main story no doubt revolves around Alina. Though some parts would feel out of place, they eventually thread together in a satisfying way. It helps that show has a plate full of likeable, lively, and nuanced characters to accompany audiences along the way, not to mention a camaraderie that you can easily root for, so you're never left with a dull moment. 

Image credit: IMDB

A very notable change to point out is the decision to intertwine the Six of Crows characters into the main Shadow and Bone storyline. When I first heard this, there was some skepticism, but mostly excitement. See, Six of Crows to me felt like a completely different universe, it had its own tone, its own atmosphere, its own feel that, as Freddy Carter once described it as, pretty cinematic. Whilst Shadow and Bone was your typical fantasy story with the concept of "the chosen one" in the case of Alina being the Sun Summoner as well as the occasional good and evil premise, Six of Crows relied more on grand heists and morally gray characters as the leads. So how on earth were they going to blend these two together? Fortunately, the outcome was more pleasant than I expected. I personally felt that for the most part, they were able to really work the Crows in without compromising the tone and feel that made the original duology and its characters so well-loved, although at some points, it does seem as if you're watching two completely different shows. Other than that, the entirely new take on Crows feels refreshing, it's like reading a brand new story with our beloved characters that we haven't heard before, not to mention that this is supposedly taken as a prequel to their main story in the novels. The Crows were the aspect that I was most looking forward to, and their arc here ended up being the most interesting out of the rest, especially since they're much wittier and more complex as characters.

But of course, the show isn't without its flaws. Since the show is filled to the brim with a variety of story elements, eight episodes simply doesn't feel enough to really flesh everything out. Given that they've taken plenty of liberties with the story, particularly with the addition of Crows, there's still a lot to unpack. For instance, Alina's training at the Little Palace isn't given as much attention, so the result of the arc feels underwhelming, even though it was one of the show's central arcs, and the pivotal moment that it eventually ends in doesn't feel as earned as if should have. It's similar to how Doctor Strange rushed Strange's training, when it could have given at least ten more minutes of training montage to showcase how our hero got to where he is. Reducing such roles as Alina's trainer Botkin, who had a much more lingering presence in the books, as well as Baghra, an incredibly vital figure in the story; felt like a cheap way to drive the plot faster. Once the show turns to high gear, those specific arcs don't exactly soar the way it hoped it would. Instead of having a seamless development, it does feel very abrupt. That is just one of the few arcs that were introduced, but weren't brought into full fruition. Then there is the addition of Matthias Helvar and Nina Zenik, which despite my absolute love for their dynamic both here and in the books, their arc didn't have much of an impact to the overall story, and I felt that it was best if they saved it for future seasons.

That aside, Shadow and Bone essentially the perfect escapism, it's fun, wondrous, and comes with plenty of heart and humanizing moments. Did it succeed? Absolutely. It's a treat to see how these characters come to life and treated with such care, and Bardugo's vision is realized in such impressive fashion. Coming into this, I knew that there will be some sort of bias, since I'm coming into this with a viewpoint of someone who has read the books and enjoyed it immensely, but as an adaptation of a much-loved series, it pretty much nailed it. It took a lot of the series' best elements, while also enhancing on some of the weaker elements present in the books. It does have the usual YA tropes and cliches at  times, but it certainly doesn't drag the show as a whole. And though plenty of those who have read the books will certainly be pleased with the adaptation, I do feel like it won't alienate those who aren't familiar with the Grishaverse, so there are still plenty of story and material that both readers and those who haven't read the series can still appreciate. After years of soulless YA sci-fi/fantasy adaptations, including the more recent disaster that is Chaos Walking, it's refreshing to see an adaptation that finally thrives in bringing the story forth with a great amount of passion and heart into it. It was able to translate the complexities and wonders of the book series and turn it into something sublime and enchanting. I'm in awe of how they managed to bring a world like this to life. In all, Shadow and Bone is a delight. Once you enter this world, you might not ever want to leave.  

Image credit: IMDB

Overall verdict: Shadow and Bone is certainly another hit for Netflix, it was able to capture the rich world that Leigh Bardugo has created and brought that to the screen with a great amount of heart and passion behind it. It's a fun and entertaining fantasy adaptation that's very much perfect for a weekend binge watch. The cast is absolutely wonderful, from Jesse Mei Li's endearing performance as Alina Starkov, Archie Renaux's vulnerable but admirable portrayal as Malyen Oretsev, to Ben Barnes' alluring charm as General Kirigan. But the standouts had to be the Crows themselves: Freddy Carter, Kit Young, and Amita Suman, playing Kaz Brekker, Jesper Fahey, and Inej Ghafa, respectively. They stole the show and made it a whole lot more fresh, especially with a brand new take of their story that takes a great leap away from the one most people would know in the books. The decision to weave the Shadow and Bone story along with the addition of the main players from Six of Crows proved to be a delightful outcome that brought squeals of joy from me. Its quick pace makes for a riveting and boisterous watch. However, it also has its downsides, particularly when it comes to certain arcs that are introduced but don't get enough attention, so the payoff doesn't always stick the landing. There's so much to unpack, and even with eight episodes, there's a good chance that certain plots and characters won't get the opportunity to be fully developed. Other than that, it's a solid adaptation, and one that both readers and non-readers can enjoy all the same. Though the show takes plenty of liberties with its storytelling, it also takes great care of its source material and brought it to life in delightful fashion. There's definitely more to explore within the Grishaverse, and I'm excited to see where it goes to next.

Stars: 4.3/5

All episodes of Shadow and Bone are available to watch on Netflix

By Nadia Ranaputri

Image credit: IMDB

It's that time of the year again. The Oscar nominations have just been announced yesterday, and the biggest category out of the bunch had an impressive selection of films. 2020 was an unexpected ride, and many big films like Black Widow and Dune have been pushed back. But that doesn't mean that the year lacked good films. In fact, there's plenty of incredible entries, ranging from stunning independent films and directors that truly got their time to shine, to impressive entries from well-known directors. It was as much of a feast for good films as it is in the prior year. From Lee Isaac Chung's heartfelt film about the struggles of an immigrant family, to David Fincher's glamorous portrayal of 1930s Hollywood, I've re-capped my thoughts on each of the Best Picture nominees (with the exception of Florian Zeller's The Father) Full reviews for these films are also available to read. Let's get into them, shall we?

1. Nomadland

Image credit: Deadline

Director: Chloé Zhao
Cast: Frances McDormand, David Straithairn, Linda May, Swankie, Peter Spears, Bob Wells, Derek Endres.

Nomadland is a simplistic but dreamlike feature from Chloé Zhao. It shows an everyday life in the world that many may not even know, and it's a refreshing take on the portrayal of the American life. McDormand is a powerhouse in the lead role as Fern, as she carries the role with a gravitas. Her performance is filled with repressed emotions that slowly unravel throughout the film, and McDormand conveys this beautifully. There are scenes where Fern remains silent, but her eyes convey something else entirely. Much of the film consists of McDormand's Fern going on the road, but it's the things she finds along the way that fill in the gaps between and give the film its substance. It's these moments that give the film a breath of fresh air, adding a sense of levity and warmth. The people she meets, the lands she discovers, they all bring a slice of life into the film that prevent it from being too somber. The cinematography by Joshua James Richards is stellar, creating a minimal yet immersive atmosphere that almost makes us feel as if we're tagging along on the journey, whilst Ludovico Einaudi's score accompanies it perfectly in the background. Beneath all that, it's a film about self-discovery, and in a way, it's like a cathartic experience. Throughout her journey, Fern begins to adapt and open up to the life on the road, and eventually to the nomads she encounters. It's a quiet film, and there's something almost poetic about it, too. Nomadland is certainly not going to be for everyone, but for me personally, it's a stunner, and it makes me all the more excited to see what Zhao has in store for her next big feature, particularly that of Marvel Studios' The Eternals. 

Stars: 4.6/5

You can read my full review of Nomadland here

2. Minari

Image credit: IMDB

Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Cast: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Yuh-Jung Youn, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Will Patton.

Stars: 5/5

You can read my full review of Minari here

3. Sound of Metal

Image credit: The Pit

Director: Darius Marder
Cast: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci, Lauren Ridloff, Matthieu Amalric.

Sound of Metal is no doubt one of the standout films of 2020. It's a film that's driven by the strong performances and visual execution. Riz Ahmed is a revelation in this role, able to convey Ruben's conflicting emotions and slow process to acceptance without making it feel like an over exaggeration. Olivia Cooke is just as impressive, and despite her limited screen-time, she becomes the very heart that grounds Ruben at his most vulnerable. The sound design is also worth mentioning, as it becomes a significant part of the storytelling. Once Ruben loses his hearing, we get to experience it along with him. It makes the film much more visceral and entertaining. Sound of Metal may not sound like the most appealing film at the surface, but its execution is what makes it worth watching. It never treats deafness as a negative, rather as a means for moving forward. And even then, the film isn't solely about deafness itself, there's so much more to that. It's a film about recovery, about learning to accept everything that has happened, regardless of how one reacts to it. Yet the presentation is also fairly simple without being underwhelming. It doesn't make the subject matter complex, nor does it underestimate the situation. In the end, Sound of Metal is able to execute such a simple story and turn it into something impactful and poignant.

Stars: 4.4/5

You can read my full review of Sound of Metal here 

4. Judas and the Black Messiah

Image credit: IMDB

Director: Shaka King
Cast: Lakeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Martin Sheen. 

Judas and the Black Messiah is a strong second debut from director Shaka King, bringing the ever compelling story of  Fred Hampton and the person responsible for his downfall to the screen in an engrossing way. Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya deliver perhaps the best performances of their careers as William O'Neal and Fred Hampton, respectively. Kaluuya especially, is spectacular. While he lacks physical similarities with the real Fred Hampton, he certainly makes up for it in his performance, which is nothing short of electrifying and demands every bit of your attention. Stanfield, on the other hand, brings a more stoic and quiet performance, but it's one that's eventually unraveled with depth and nuance. The sharp and thought-provoking execution is what makes the film the maestro that it is, though it also isn't short of heartfelt and grounded moments, particularly through Dominique Fishback's Deborah Johnson. Its deliberately slow place makes for a brutal third act that took the film to its very peak. However, it isn't without its flaws. Though O'Neal's perspective is interesting enough, I couldn't help but feel like Hampton should have been the main focal point as opposed to O'Neal, but I consider this as more of a minor flaw. Overall, Judas and the Black Messiah is an engrossing outlook on a story that is more significant than ever. It is really one hell of an captivating film, and how it plays its cards is simply masterful.

Stars: 4.6/5

You can read my full review of Judas and the Black Messiah here

5. Promising Young Woman 

Image credit: IMDB

Director: Emerald Fennel
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alfred Molina, Alison Brie, Jennifer Coolidge, Clancy Brown, Laverne Cox, Chris Lowell.

Promising Young Woman is a stellar directorial debut from Emerald Fennel. Carey Mulligan brings another outstanding performance as the film's lead Cassandra, showcasing the many layers of Cassandra's character in impressive fashion, from menacing, lively, and even a little comedic. Bo Burnham was also a surprise favorite, giving a charming performance that grounds the film a little. The first thing you'd probably notice going into Promising Young Woman is the visuals. The film has its fun with striking cinematography and vibrant candy colors. But the themes that it discusses contrasts those visuals. It is a film that touches on serious subject matters regarding sexual assault, and it conveys its message in a very compelling way. It's direct in saying what it wants to say without ever feeling like it's being shoved down your throat. Fennel's script imbues these themes and messages in a thought-provoking and engrossing way, whilst also able to juggle various genres in its run-time. It first starts off as a revenge thriller, then it switches into a dark comedy, and even a drama at times; yet it's so swift in balancing these genres that you don't feel like you're watching several different movies at once. Moreover, Fennel is able to create a story that borders the line between stylistically entertaining and compelling, whilst giving it a reasonable amount of depth, making Promising Young Woman as more than just a typical revenge story. 

Stars: 4.4/5

You can read my full review of Promising Young Woman here 

6. MANK

Image credit: IMDB

Director: David Fincher
Cast: Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, Tom Burke, Sam Troughton, Tom Pelphrey, Charles Dance, Tuppence Middleton

Mank might feel like a bit of a gamble, because there's a chance that a general audience who is unfamiliar with Citizen Kane won't connect to it.  Moreover, even if you have seen Citizen Kane and want to know how the creation of the film came to be, Mank doesn't delve too deep into it. It instead focuses on mere glimpses of stories and figures that became the inspiration for the characters and arcs of Citizen Kane. It isn't a bad thing in it of itself, as Fincher manages to address these plot lines in a cohesive way, but doesn't fully emphasize on how Citizen Kane was actually made, or came to be. Depending on how you see it, this might be either a good thing or a bad thing. For me, it didn't bother me too much, but I did wish that the film would delve in more to the creative process of a film that is considered one of the greats. Despite that, Mank is still able to present its ideas in intriguing fashion, particularly about the politics and mechanics of 1930s Hollywood, whilst also paying homage to the time period. From its stunning cinematography by Erik Messerschmidt, who previously collaborated with Fincher in the brilliant Netflix show Mindhunter (if you haven't seen that show, please do, it is fantastic), to the lively score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Fincher is able to transport us into this whimsical world of the 1930s. Mank is a welcome addition to David Fincher's already impressive filmography. Though it isn't my personal favorite film of his (The Social Network and Gone Girl still hold those titles), it is still a remarkable entry from Fincher.

Stars: 4/5 

You can read my full review of Mank here

7. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Image credit: HITC

Director: Aaron Sorkin
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Rylance, Jeremy Strong, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Frank Langella, Alex Sharp, John Carroll Lynch, Noah Robbins, Daniel Flaherty, Michael Keaton.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is yet another impressive entry from Aaron Sorkin, especially on his second directorial piece. The film boasts an incredible cast, and there are many standout performances that it's hard to pick just one. It's Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron-Cohen whose characters take center stage, and both with incredible performances that demand your attention. The rest of the cast in the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Rylance, Jeremy Strong, and Frank Langella; all bring their A-game and complete the cast in stunning fashion. When it comes to the humor, it is definitely more noticeable in Chicago 7 compared to Sorkin's prior projects, a slightly unusual departure from a standard Sorkin script, but a very welcome one, since it rarely ever takes you out of the film. Still, it's able to raise the stakes very well. The timing of Chicago 7 is ever the more relevant, especially in a time of divisiveness. Once it opens, we're immediately tossed into the chaos that ensued and its harrowing aftermath. From there, it tells its story effectively and tells enough to engage us in these characters and the stakes that are held in place. In its two hour runtime, it is able to tell an engaging and powerful story, with tension-filled scenes that will linger with you long after the film ends. Overall, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a brilliant film with an equally brilliant execution, made all the better by the performances, as well as Sorkin's gripping screenplay and ace direction. 

Stars: 4.4/5

You can read my full review of The Trial of the Chicago 7  here

There you have it, the big contenders of the main prize. Which of these films do you think will win Best Picture?

You can also read my re-cap of last year's nominees for Best Picture here