Aditi Dhanvijay

Definitely a feel good movie! Although, the end feels too rushed but other than that, it’s definitely worth watching.

The Residence by Shonda is nothing less than a disaster. What an absolute waste of time, energy and resources for making such a series.

Netflix’s The Life List is a classic feel-good movie that, while predictable, still manages to leave you smiling. The story follows Alex as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, family, and love, ticking off experiences from her so-called “life list.” To be honest, the movie doesn’t bring anything new to the genre. The plot is straightforward, and at times, it feels like the writers didn’t put in much effort to add depth or originality. The character arcs follow an expected trajectory, making it easy to guess what will happen next. However, what The Life List lacks in creativity, it makes up for in heartwarming moments. One thing I absolutely thought was unnecessary was glorifying cheating. If the makers wanted to show Alex as “happy go lucky” kind of girl they should’ve clearly stopped her character from messing with Brad while knowing he was dating somebody else. While the film is far from groundbreaking, it delivers exactly what it promises: a light, uplifting watch that doesn’t demand too much from the audience. If you’re looking for something comforting and easy to enjoy, The Life List is worth a watch. But if you’re hoping for a fresh take on the genre, you might be left wanting more.

Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines is not just any K-drama—it’s an emotionally profound masterpiece that beautifully captures the depth of human relationships. It is a story that doesn’t just focus on romance but delves into the sacrifices our parents make for us, the resilience of marriage, and the bittersweet passage of time. The series takes us through decades of life’s trials and triumphs, anchored by the deeply moving performances of IU as Ae-Sun and Park Bo-gum as Gwan-Sik. At its heart, *When Life Gives You Tangerines* is a story about endurance. Ae-Sun loses her mother at a young age, and from then on, life is anything but kind to her. She dreams of becoming a poet, of escaping the life she was born into, but reality slowly chips away at her aspirations. Yet, through all of it, Gwan-Sik remains steadfastly by her side. He is her pillar of strength, the one constant in a life filled with hardships. Their love story isn’t one of grand gestures or dramatic confessions—it’s built on quiet moments, unwavering support, and the ability to face life’s cruelest blows together. As the years pass, Ae-Sun gives up on her dream, accepting the role of a wife and mother, burying her own desires for the sake of her family. The drama beautifully portrays the sacrifices parents make—how they let go of their dreams so their children can pursue theirs, how they endure loss so that their loved ones can continue forward. Ae-Sun and Gwan-Sik face financial ruin, the unbearable pain of losing a child, and the inevitable wear and tear of life, yet they continue on, because that’s what people do. They keep going, even when the weight of sorrow seems unbearable. What makes this series truly special is how authentically it portrays human emotions. The moments of joy are fleeting but precious, the pain is raw and unfiltered, and the love—though not always spoken aloud—is ever-present. The beauty of *When Life Gives You Tangerines* lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on exaggerated conflicts or melodrama; instead, it focuses on the quiet suffering, the small triumphs, and the deep, unbreakable bond between two people who choose to weather life together. And then, there’s the ending. The ending that left me in tears, unable to shake the lingering emotions long after the credits rolled. Throughout her life, Ae-Sun wished for her mother to have an easier life in her next one. And in the final moments of the drama, a young girl who finds Ae-Sun’s gold ring innocently mentions that she has always wanted a desk job—just as Ae-Sun had hoped for her mother. It’s a quiet, stunning moment of reincarnation and fulfillment, one that ties together the love between a mother and daughter across lifetimes. And then there’s Gwan-Sik. His love for Ae-Sun was never loud or dramatic, but it was always there. In his final moments, he leaves behind countless hair clips for her, a tender echo of all the times he would tap her on the head when she wore one. It is a gesture so simple yet so heartbreakingly beautiful—proof that love, even in death, leaves behind traces that remain forever. When Life Gives You Tangerines is a masterpiece that will stay with you long after it ends, a story that makes you appreciate the people who stand by your side through every storm.

Adolescence is a gripping psychological thriller that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the complexities of guilt, denial, and the intricacies of human behavior. The series revolves around Jamie (played by Owen), a 13-year-old boy who is accused of stabbing his classmate Katie. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Jamie steadfastly denies his crime throughout the series, making for a truly intense and thought-provoking watch. What stands out most about the series is the depth of the characters. The emotional turmoil Jamie experiences, along with the tension between his parents, the police, and the psychologist, is expertly portrayed. Episode 3, in particular, is a standout. The conversation between Jamie and the professional is so intense and well-acted that it feels like you're right there in the room, feeling every ounce of discomfort and suspense. This isn't a show for fans of mainstream drama, as it focuses more on psychological tension and character-driven storytelling rather than typical action or thrill. The acting is phenomenal across the board, with Owen delivering an outstanding performance as Jamie. His portrayal of a troubled and conflicted teenager is both raw and captivating. Adolescence is a brilliantly executed mini-series, with a strong plot that keeps you hooked and forces you to question the very nature of guilt and truth. It's a must-watch for fans of darker, more cerebral thrillers.

The Internship is a fun and lighthearted movie with a fresh, unique storyline that stands out from the usual comedies. The concept of two older guys interning at Google brings some great laughs and heartfelt moments. While the movie does get a bit slow and boring in the middle, it picks up pace towards the end. Overall, it's a feel-good film that leaves you smiling and entertained. Perfect for a casual movie night!

Carry On. released on Netflix this holiday season, is an airport thriller that brings plenty of suspense, action, and a bit of holiday chaos. The story centers around Ethan Kopek, a TSA officer working at LAX on Christmas Day, who receives a strange and mysterious call from a man known as "The Traveler." This stranger threatens Ethan, forcing him to help him smuggle a dangerous weapon, novichok, past airport security. As the tension builds, Ethan must figure out how to stop the Traveler before things spiral out of control. What follows is a tense cat-and-mouse game set in the hustle and bustle of one of the world's busiest airports. Fans of action thrillers, especially Die Hard, will feel right at home. The film keeps you on edge with its fast pacing and the constant pressure on Ethan to make life-or-death decisions under the watchful eyes of security cameras, while also dealing with the pressure of holiday crowds and the ticking clock. The film does a good job of creating a real sense of urgency with the clock ticking down and Ethan facing a moral dilemma. The Christmas setting adds an interesting twist, giving the whole movie a unique holiday feel, but with all the action and danger of a thriller. The pacing is solid, and while the plot isn’t the most complex, it keeps you engaged with its mystery and action. It might not be the best movie of the season, but it’s definitely worth a watch, especially if you're looking for something exciting to watch after all the holiday cheer. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or just need a break from the typical Christmas fare, Carry On is a solid choice for a quick, thrilling escape this Christmas.

Meet Me Next Christmas, a new rom-com released on Netflix this year, is the kind of feel-good holiday film that sweeps you up in its warmth and festive cheer. Directed with a lighthearted touch, the film revolves around Layla, a woman who has a fleeting encounter with a man at the airport on Christmas Eve. The catch? They share no personal details other than their first names but agree to meet again at a Pentatonix concert on the eve of Christmas. The premise alone has that perfect “holiday magic” vibe, and the film delivers just that. Layla (played with delightful sincerity) becomes determined to meet the man again, despite not knowing where he’ll be. With little more than the memory of their brief interaction, she enlists the help of a well-meaning guy named Teddy. The chemistry between Layla and Teddy is one of the film's strongest assets. From their first conversation, there's a natural, effortless connection that only grows. It’s refreshing to watch two people who clearly get along, and their growing connection is genuinely heartwarming to watch unfold. The film doesn’t just shine in its lead performances; the supporting characters also add a lot of charm and humor to the story. From quirky friends to helpful strangers, each side character plays a role in building the festive spirit and the warm, interconnected world around Layla and Teddy. While the romance between the leads is the central plot, the film also highlights the importance of friendship, community, and those unexpected connections that make the holiday season special. The pacing of Meet Me Next Christmas is just right—it doesn’t drag, and there’s a perfect balance of romantic tension, light humor, and heartfelt moments. The film also captures the magic of the holiday season beautifully, with the concert, Christmas decorations, and winter settings providing the perfect backdrop for the unfolding romance. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or simply looking to embrace the holiday season with a feel-good film, this one delivers on every front.

Under Paris (directed by Xavier Gens) is a captivating and thought-provoking film that not only thrills with its gripping storyline but also serves as a powerful reflection on the looming ecological challenges facing our planet. Gens masterfully blends suspense with environmental commentary, exploring how humanity’s disregard for the natural world may eventually come back to haunt us in ways that are impossible to ignore. The film’s underwater setting, both awe-inspiring and terrifying, acts as a perfect metaphor for the fragile balance of life on Earth, and the consequences of disturbing that balance. The actors were exceptional, with each actor bringing depth and humanity to their role. The way each actor embodies their role and builds a believable relationship with their environment and fellow characters is what makes this film particularly compelling. In short, Under Paris is a stunning blend of environmental critique, human drama, and thrilling adventure. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, not just because of its exciting premise, but because it forces us to reckon with the future we are shaping. With a perfect blend of tension and heart, and a cast that does justice to the complexity of their characters, Under Paris is amazing.