Raghav Tandon

Oddity. When I decided to watch Oddity, I went in with minimal knowledge. The movie poster, with its grotesque wooden effigy, initially put me off, making me think it was a typical jump-scare horror. However, after reading the synopsis and a few reviews, I decided to give it a chance. The premise intrigued me: a woman is murdered in her rural home, and her blind twin sister sets out to uncover the mysterious circumstances of her death. The setup felt more like a murder mystery than the traditional horror the poster initially suggested. To my surprise, the film steered clear of the usual over-the-top jump scares and effects. Instead, it created a deeply eerie and unsettling atmosphere that kept me captivated right until the very end. Oddity is a modern horror film with a classic haunted-house vibe, skillfully executed within a tight and focused runtime. The technical elements, from its atmospheric cinematography to finely crafted editing, work seamlessly alongside the strong performances of the small cast. The pacing is perfect, steadily building tension without any unnecessary filler. Interestingly, the film leans more towards a murder mystery or thriller than traditional horror. In many ways, it feels closer to Se7en with its dark, methodical tone, albeit with supernatural themes woven in, rather than pure horror. This blend of genres adds a unique and refreshing twist. My main critisim of the film is that the script occasionally veered into cheesy territory, with some dialogue feeling a bit overdone. However, the acting and the film's atmospheric horror more than made up for it, contributing to the overall tension and buildup. The performances by the small cast of 4 to 5 actors were compelling enough to keep me engaged, delivering their lines to the best of their ability and elevating the material where it mattered most. What sets Oddity apart is its originality and the quality of its storytelling. Like many British films, it boasts exceptional acting, an eerie atmosphere, and a twist ending that completely caught me off guard. Horror films often struggle to deliver satisfying conclusions, but Oddity ties up its loose ends in spectacular fashion, which is something I find most horror films miss the plot on. Gripping from start to finish, the film is done exceptionally well and has great elements of film making. Its absorbing storyline and thematic focus keeps the tension razor-sharp. The minimalist yet deeply unsettling performances from the cast, combined with the creaking, shadowy farmhouse setting and its haunting sound design, make Oddity a must-see for fans of atmospheric horror, and one that sticks with you a while after you have watched it 8/10

After hearing so much about this film being a cult horror classic, I finally decided to watch it, going in completely blind. I didn’t know the premise, nor had I seen any trailers, so I had no idea what to expect. Without giving away too much, I’ll do my best to share my thoughts on the film. Cuckoo takes a stab at doing something different, and for the most part, it works as a genre film. It leans hard on style, mood, and atmosphere, delivering a weird, mysterious, and creepy horror vibe. Unlike other standout horror movies this year, like Longlegs from Neon, it doesn’t pack a lot of solid scares, or any in fact. Instead, it keeps you guessing with an enigmatic tone, trying to get you to piece together what’s going on. The movie starts with a slow, eerie pace in an isolated setting, building the expectation of a big, satisfying payoff. Unfortunately, that moment of clarity or greatness never comes. The story feels aimless and indecisive, which detracts from the overall experience. It’s especially disappointing because the cinematography and production quality are impressive, but the plot ends up feeling like a disjointed mess. Where the film does succeed is in its sheer strangeness. The plot is unique and occasionally disturbing, clearly designed to shock and unsettle the viewer. This discomfort seems to be the film’s main focus, but for me, it falls short of creating a truly effective horror experience. Perhaps being somewhat desensitized to such tactics, I found it missed the mark as a compelling or terrifying horror film. As an atmospheric thriller, Cuckoo does well in building tension with its eerie visuals and immersive sound design. The striking cinematography and the Bavarian setting, paired with moody color tones and sound effects, effectively create a tense, unsettling ambiance. The acting is another high point, delivering performances that stand out even when the narrative does not. That said, Cuckoo is a strange and often perplexing film. While the concept feels fresh and ambitious, it lacks horror thrills and becomes monotonous as the slow-moving story unfolds. The repetition of scenes further diminishes interest, making it difficult to stay engaged. The scares are non existent and nothing about the movie truly stands out or leaves a lasting impression. Toward the final act, when the penny finally drops, the simplicity of the storytelling becomes apparent. However, this simplicity leaves a lot of unanswered questions, it made me feel a bit silly since I was expecting a much more elaborate theme. The film wraps up with an open ending that feels unsatisfying, especially after its many attempts to build suspense throughout. Overall, the start of the film had the ingredients for something special but fails to bring them together cohesively. It’s an intriguing watch for those who appreciate atmospheric, experimental films, but it may leave others feeling underwhelmed and let down by its unfulfilled potential. Although a unique story with great acting, the execution, pacing and the climax leave much to be desired. 7/10

Deadpool & Wolverine After leaving the Marvel universe on a high with Logan, I had big expectations for this crossover, and the long-running hype only added to my curiosity. With several disappointing Marvel experiences behind me and a personal dislike of their multiverse interpretations, it’s safe to say I approached this movie with a fair amount of hesitation. But after a long week—and encouragement from friends who said it was a fun watch—I decided to give it a shot. I was really hoping the multiverse wouldn’t come up, but who was I kidding? Marvel has become almost obsessed with it in recent films. To be honest, though, the first act of the film was great. It was funny, it was meta, and there was actually some meaningful character development that tied the Logan and Deadpool films together. The soundtrack was on point, and this continued throughout the movie, alongside the unapologetically over-the-top violence and meta-references that shattered the fourth wall without holding back. The acting from both stars—true rockstars of our generation—paired with sharp dialogue, was also commendable, meeting my expectations for the two leads. However, this is where my interest started to fade. Like many Marvel films before it, this one veered into the overdone and random multiverse. I did enjoy the tie-in with Loki and the TVA, and the introduction of Matthew Macfadyen, one of my favourites from Succession. But beyond that, the parade of cameos felt rushed and a bit off. My main gripe with the multiverse concept is how it’s often used to create random realities, with little coherence or purpose. While some may say it’s imaginative and creative, I find it a bit like the stories my three-year-old tells me—entertaining for a few minutes but ultimately forgettable. And unfortunately, that's how I felt about the rest of this film. Now, I’m not here to review my dislike of the multiverse, but it’s certainly the part I enjoyed least about the film. Aside from that, the humor is classic Deadpool—vulgar but entertaining. The cameos did surprise and have me smiling when they came up, pointing at the screem yelling. The bromance and meta-references hit just right, and while the whole thing does get chaotic, that’s expected when there are no boundaries for the film to consider. The middle section slows down, making the pacing feel uneven. While some jokes land well, others come off as forced or repetitive. The plot also gets tangled at times, with an overload of subplots and cameos that might leave non-Marvel fans a bit lost. Although the action scenes are skillfully executed, they occasionally overwhelm the story, making it harder to stay connected to the characters' journeys Ultimately, the movie is a chaotic blend of gore, humor, and a plot that barely holds together. It’s entertaining, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a bit like riding a rollercoaster cobbled together from mismatched parts. I laughed, winced, and even cheered a few times, but by the end, I was left wondering if it was the story that thrilled me or just the novelty of seeing these two iconic characters back together, and honestly it did not. An entertaining film but nothing memorable, I guess the hype got to me as well as my bias on the Multiverse - Hey its Deadpool, its fun, but it all feels done before. 6/10

I was excited to see The Platform sequel after being captivated by the first film’s unique storyline and deep, symbolic references. I had hoped the sequel would dive further into the questions left open by the original, offering more exploration or at least some answers. However, the sequel felt more like a rehash of the first film, with different characters and minimal character development. Much like its predecessor, The Platform 2 is tough, raw, and packed with symbolism that requires some serious thought, but it didn’t quite push the narrative forward as I’d hoped. The movie started off with an intriguing new context but quickly lost its way. While the first Platform was an eerily thrilling experience that stuck with me, the sequel just left me confused and bored. Honestly, I couldn’t make sense of the plot or the significance of the ending. There was so much potential to build on the story and concepts from the original, but it fell flat. I kept waiting for explanations or for the puzzle pieces to fit together, but the film just piled on more questions without offering any real answers. The storyline felt like it veered off on a random tangent, and the symbolism was far too deep for me to fully grasp. About 30 minutes in, I was already feeling disengaged, lost, and, honestly, a bit dumb. I stuck with it, hoping for some resolution, but ended up googling for answers as soon as the credits rolled. While the acting was solid, there’s not much else to celebrate. The bleak visuals were impressive and definitely made me reflect on privilege. At times, the deeper themes of communism and consumerism sparked my interest, but they were quickly overshadowed by random and disjointed events on screen. After the movie, I even spent an hour on Reddit trying to piece things together, only to realise that most viewers were just as confused as I was—which, oddly enough, made me feel better. The heavy reliance on CGI in Platform 2 is overwhelming, but unfortunately, the quality falls short. Many scenes come off as visually unappealing, sometimes even laughably unrealistic. The pacing is another major issue. It’s all over the place—some scenes drag on unnecessarily, while others rush through important plot points. The film is filled with filler moments that don’t add anything to the story, making it feel much longer than it needs to be. It’s hard to stay engaged when the film struggles to maintain a consistent rhythm. Platform 2 ultimately fell short of its predecessor. The original film was a gripping, thought-provoking exploration of social inequality, but this sequel left me with more questions than answers. The filmmakers missed the chance to build on the themes and characters from the first movie, making the narrative feel disjointed. Though fans of the original may still find it worth a watch, The Platform 2 fails to recapture the impact and originality that made the first film so compelling. 4/10

Blink Twice is the first film I’ve seen that includes a trigger warning before it starts—and rightfully so. Some of the themes are quite dark and potentially triggering, especially for those affected by trauma or violence. The film tackles some deeply disturbing topics, which may be hard to watch for certain audiences. While Blink Twice may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it delivers exactly what it promises. This suspense-filled psychological and dark thriller which packed with drama and tense storytelling. The film positions itself as a smart, stylish, Jordan Peele-esque thriller mixed with a blood-drenched, Tarantino-style feminist revenge fantasy. And honestly, that’s a pretty spot-on way to describe Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut. if you enjoy films like Get Out or appreciate Kubrick’s style of symbolism and hidden meanings, you’ll definitely want to watch this film. The premise of this film revolves around a tech billionaire who invites a few newly met friends to his island. It’s topical and impactful, considering recent societal events—such as the post-Me Too era, the Jeffrey Epstein case, the social media frenzy, influencer culture, the rise of tech bros and their media influence, and the controversy surrounding questionable parties. The film explores these themes through a caustic yet shocking lens of horror, revealing real implications that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. Kravitz delivered an impressive film, both writing and directing, demonstrating a great deal of thoughtfulness in every aspect—from the underlying messages to the symbolism and meticulously crafted shots. The film was highly suspenseful and kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. The cinematography and color palette used throughout the film is aesthetic, and managed to pull me into storyline through some crafty camera work and backdrops. There are hints and symbols scattered throughout that are easily overlooked, and it is one of the reasons I enjoyed this film, is that it invites you to dive into a rabbit hole on Reddit afterward to uncover all the missing symbolisms I found the acting and dialogue to be exceptionally well-crafted, with the villain role standing out as the most important—often even more influential than the protagonist. This was certainly the case in this film. While the lead did a fantastic job, it was Channing Tatum who truly stole the show. He displayed his impressive acting range and portrayed a genuinely terrifying and intimidating character, often causing palpitations with his piercing gaze into the camera, delivering an intensely captivating performance. Blink twice for me hits hard. It dives into some dark themes that might not be for everyone, but I loved how Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut feels both topical and impactful, especially with everything happening in society today. The visuals are striking and pull you in, making it a must-watch for thriller and horror fans. Channing Tatum is unique in this movie breaking away from his usual roles, and honestly steals the show, bringing a level of intensity that kept me on the edge of my seat. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, if you enjoy dark concept mixed with some suspense and depth like Saltburn or Get out, you might want to give this one a try. 8/10

It can be disappointing when an origin story doesn't delve into the questions you hoped it would answer, especially in a series known for its intriguing premise like A Quiet Place. Sometimes, creators choose to expand the narrative rather than resolve existing mysteries, which can leave fans wanting more closure, this film does exactly that for me. Like other viewers I expected this film to offer a Prometheus-style prequel, exploring why the aliens came, what caused the invasion, or even whether it was an invasion at all. However, the movie doesn't address any of these questions. instead it created a other branch in the franchises tree. The movie sticks to the same narrative as the previous two, focusing on survival as the alien species invades homes and towns, with familiar elements like their fear of water and attraction to sound, but without adding anything new to the storyline. The CGI, jump scares, sound design, and atmospheric horror in this film were outstanding, meeting the high expectations viewers have come to associate with the series. It’s an entertaining watch, and the acting, in particular, deserves praise. The protagonist does a great job portraying a young woman grappling with the weight of a death sentence, bringing a palpable sense of fear and determination to the role, which makes her journey feel authentic and emotionally engaging, but thats as far as it goes. The storyline lacks depth and often veers into corny and predictable territory, as if the film is playing it safe by sticking too closely to the formula that made the previous instalments successful. Unfortunately, this familiarity makes the movie unmemorable—it feels like a cover song of a classic, missing the originality and impact of the original films. The movie feels too similar to its predecessors, and for me, it came across as making false promises. It feels like another case of a successful film being milked for all it’s worth. Aside from another location being devastated by aliens, there’s little that ties it to the original films in any meaningful way. While it’s entertaining, it’s not something I can recommend as a standout sci-fi or horror watch. 5/10

As a big fan of horror, Longlegs was at the top of my must-watch list this year. The promotional build-up for this film has been fantastic. From the cryptic teasers to the full trailers that keep you guessing, and the unsettling movie posters—they've all come together to create some serious buzz. The way they've slowly dripped out plot details has only added to the suspense. Plus, the chatter on movie forums and in horror communities has kept the excitement going both before and after the release. Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins, is a horror movie that really digs into both psychological and supernatural vibes. It mixes a classic serial killer story with some creepy occult and surreal elements. The opening scene instantly reminded me of Silence of the Lambs, Seven, and even a bit of Zodiac, which hit me with a wave of nostalgia. That eerie vibe sticks with you throughout the whole film. As the story unfolds, Longlegs shifts into more of a slow-burn thriller, creating the kind of atmospheric horror that The Babadook and Hereditary pulled off so well. The tension is constant, and the occult themes keep you guessing. What really makes this movie shine, though, is the framing, color tones, sets, and cinematography—they’re all top-notch. The horror elements are smooth yet terrifying, giving me goosebumps, especially in the first half. The narrative is solid and engaging, with a deliberate approach that reminded me a lot of David Fincher’s style, where every scene is crafted down to the finest detail. The music score perfectly complements the horror scenes, enhancing the tension, and the lead actress does a fantastic job portraying someone hardened by the terrible things she’s witnessed. It’s also great to see Nicolas Cage back in top form. Over the past few years, he’s taken on more serious roles that really show off his incredible talent. One more thing I have to mention is the lore. The ending of Longlegs leaves a few loose threads that I couldn't resist tugging on to uncover more. This led me down a rabbit hole on Reddit, which only made the film even more intriguing. Fans have been tossing around theories and ideas, not just about what happens next, but even about fundamental concepts—like why the movie is called Longlegs (I won’t spoil anything here). Exploring these theories after watching the film is something I’d definitely recommend, as it really enhanced the viewing experience for me. The tone at the beginning of Longlegs was nearly perfect, capturing a disturbing mystery vibe that pulled me right in. While it might not be "the scariest movie of the decade" as the posters boldly claim, there's no denying that it's one of the better slow-burn films to come out in recent years. The atmospheric horror builds tension and unease, but don't go in expecting jump scares or nightmares. Instead, you'll be left with a lingering feeling of discomfort and, if you're like me, a desire to dig deeper and form your own theories. 8/10.

I can say this alongside Longlegs (which i am still to watch) is one of my most anticipated films for the year. Having loved the retro style classical horror takes the previous two films that TI West has created in the series took, I was very much looking forward to the third instalment in the series. Like "X" and "Pearl," this film is loaded with style and nostalgia, celebrating its 80s Hollywood vibe. It has a vibe that feels like something out of old Tarantino movies, with its cool visuals and retro flair. Mia Goth is awesome again as the lead, really bringing her character to life. The soundtrack is spot-on, adding to the whole retro feel and making the movie even more enjoyable. All the elements combine to create a rich, immersive experience that pays homage to classic cinema while keeping things fresh and engaging. I tried very hard to love this film as much as I did "X" and "Pearl," but I have to admit it could've been better. The film falls short on originality and lacks a clear direction or message. It leans more into a mystery/crime thriller with a black-gloved killer but misses the mark on what made the previous films so engaging—the slasher horror elements like intrigue, suspense, and a satisfying reveal that ties up all the loose ends. While the practical effects are decent, the film's shift in focus ultimately detracts from its main goal: being a solid slasher that wraps up the trilogy's storyline like the other movies did. I felt a bit let down by "Maxxxine." Given how amazing "X" and "Pearl" were, I had high hopes for this one, and I think the ending didn't quite hit the mark. The optimist in me has to acknowledge that, despite the story not going where I expected, there were still things to enjoy. Mia Goth and Kevin Bacon gave strong performances, it was even super refreshing to see Giancarlo Esposito in a very different role. The cinematography and soundtrack were great. The 80s vibe was spot-on, with some really great costumes and sets and the film did a nice job with the night stalker theme. Plus, I loved the nod to the alligator from "Pearl," with Maxxxine putting out her cigarette on the Hollywood star. Even though I had some issues with it, the trilogy as a whole is still fantastic and worth watching. Despite this film feeling a little off from the series, it was still a fun and decent standalone film to watch. 7/10

Creating yet another Mad Max movie comes with the promise of continuing the legacy of George Miller, who has consistently delivered with the series. While there's always a risk of falling into the trap that many modern sequels to classic films do—producing a subpar continuation, Geroge faces this challenge. As much as i would love to say it George lives up to the challenge I cant although its a decent and entertaining film, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga doesn't quite live up to the high bar set by "Fury Road" It is evident that the production team go through a lot of effort making the film look spectacular, trying hard to keep true to the aesthetics of the prequels, and continue the world building however, it just doesn’t have the same impact or energy as its predecessor. I blame the heavy reliance on CGI, and even though visually striking, it takes away from the realism and physicality that made the earlier Mad Max films so compelling. The action scenes for example often feel more like something out of a video game than the gritty sequences i am used to in this franchise. Another big downside for me was the story. While the earlier films focused on the struggles of the everyday people, this installment shifts its attention to the tribe leaders, steering away from the raw, tough experiences of the societal "worker bees." This change made the story feel a bit more detached and less connected to the harsh realities that gave the previous films their edge. Paired with this the pacing missed the mark, with some dragging bits and others flying past as a blur. One of the film's strengths is its cast, but even that comes with its challenges. Anya Taylor-Joy shines as the young Furiosa, bringing a fierce energy to the role. Chris Hemsworth does a solid job as the antagonist, but his screen time with Taylor-Joy is surprisingly limited. Their interactions have potential, especially in their final confrontation, but the story doesn’t give them enough room to develop a more dynamic and engaging relationship. What I really missed from "Fury Road" was the over-the-top madness of Immortan Joe and the bizarre, depraved world of the tribe leaders. That eccentric, stylized weirdness was a big part of what made the last filmand others so memorable. In "Furiosa," that element feels a bit skimmed over, and the film doesn’t quite capture the same level of insanity and flair. For me the film goes for the modern Marvel-style approach with big, flashy explosions and heavy CGI, aiming to bring Mad Max into the new age. In my view, this shift wasn't really necessary. The film tries to cater to a new generation of viewers but ends up losing some of its core appeal in the process. It’s somewhat fun to watch, but it leans more towards style over substance. I was hoping for the intense experience of "Fury Road," and despite strong performances, I ended up feeling a bit let down 6/10

A self-proclaimed devotee of all things Guy Ritchie (with the exception of certain forays into Sherwood Forest and Arabian Nights), I was very keen on his latest offering – the aptly titled Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare after a book by Giles Milton with the same name. This film delves into the largely unknown Operation Postmaster, a World War II mission declassified only recently in 2016. A mission to disable the Nazi U-Boats by blowing up the supply lines. Whilst the film is rooted in historical fact, the narrative takes a creatively liberated and humorous approach, transforming the history into a Hollywood experience. Think, a more out there, humorous and less serious version of Inglorious Bastards. Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare embraces a stylised version and adopts a classic style war, with trench coats, big cigars, and machine-gun massacres, almost James Bondesque feels throughout. I enjoyed the this approach and the aesthetics. Aside from the stylised nature it also presented a dry humour. Both these elements of stylised asthetics and scattered dry humour are trademarks of Guy Ritchie films. Leading the charge is a stellar cast, spearheaded by Henry Cavill, i also seemed to have developed a celebrity crush on Eiza González, alongside my wife who was gawking at Henry we both admired the beautiful people on the screen. The film embodies the hallmarks of a classic Guy Ritchie picture: sharp, witty dialogue laced with quintessentially dry British humor, with realistic and impeccably choreographed action sequences. The action lives up to Guy Ritchie's reputation. Smooth camerawork and well-done fight scenes put you right in the fight, without all the jump cuts you see in other action movies these days. The dialogue is just as sharp, full of clever lines just that you would expect from Guy Ritchie. While the film has some pretty impressive elements, a few areas could be done better. This includes the score which occasionally clashes with the scenes and while its meant to elevate, it creates an odd effect in some parts. Additionally, some characters lack depth, feeling more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out individuals. Finally, the pacing drags at times, with stretches that don't significantly contribute to the narrative flow. Despite the negatives pointed out, i thought this film was entertaining, very well cast, with strong performances, all of which contributed to the movie fulfilling my expectations and had me leaving with a smile on my face. The movie is filled with thrills, laughs, and moments in which which you find yourself googling facts, comparing them to the depictions. Overall, it's a fun, mindless watch, perfect for a Saturday night with mates. It does prioritises style over substance, which is typical to Guy flicks. Another GR banger in my books. 8/10