Raghav Tandon

Caddo Lake. Caddo Lake is one of those rare films that quietly slipped under the radar, lacking the usual fanfare associated with an M. Night Shyamalan project. While Trap received overwhelming media coverage despite being one of his weaker films, Caddo Lake went largely unnoticed—a real shame, considering how well-crafted and engaging it is. At its core, Caddo Lake is a mind-bending thriller that rewards patience. It started off slow for me but it carefully built up its mystery, never to the point of dullness. I was never bored or disengaged. As the story unfolds, seemingly disconnected pieces begin to click into place, culminating in a deeply satisfying moment of realisation. This structured reveal—almost like a simulated epiphany—demonstrates smart writing and a narrative that respects its viewers' intelligence. Dylan’s performance is particularly strong, anchoring the film with emotional weight, and the entire cast delivers solid work. While not a horror film in the traditional sense, Caddo Lake thrives on eerie tension and a sense of unease, leaning more into psychological thrills than outright scares. The cinematography is another standout, with breathtaking visuals that deserved a big-screen debut rather than a quiet streaming release. Fans of the German series Dark will likely find familiar elements here—complex storytelling, layered mysteries, and a nonlinear approach to time and memory. While Caddo Lake doesn’t feel derivative, it does share that intricate, thought-provoking style, requiring viewers to actively engage rather than passively watch. Some aspects may seem cryptic or even implausible at first glance, but that’s part of its charm—this is a film that invites discussion, analysis, and repeat viewings. One of its most intriguing aspects is its refusal to tie everything up neatly. Instead of providing easy answers, Caddo Lake embraces ambiguity, leaving certain threads open-ended and inviting the audience to interpret its meaning. It’s a bold move that may frustrate some but ultimately sets it apart from more conventional thrillers. This is a film that rewards careful watching, listening, and connecting with its characters. Every detail contributes to its final impact, making for a deeply immersive experience. While it’s disappointing that Caddo Lake hasn’t received the recognition it deserves, it’s definitely one I’ll be recommending to others. Watching everything come together was a shock in the best way possible, and I hope more people give it a chance. 8/10

Watching the trailer for The Gorge I gathered that it would be a unique movie as it tries to blend monster horror, romance, and action-adventure—a combination created to offer a light, escapist experience after a long day. The film's original premise sets it apart as a potential background watch during a casual meal or a relaxed evening, daring to defy traditional genre boundaries. At first glance, the film’s bold ambition is evident. It shifts gears abruptly—from quirky, rom-com moments to bursts of action—mirroring the unpredictability of its narrative. There are fleeting hints of innovative storytelling, it feels a bit like Annihilation and When Harry Met Sally. However, these transitions often feel more like disjointed experiments than a cohesive blend of genres. As the narrative unfolds, several shortcomings emerge. The film leans on outdated clichés—such as contrived military salutes and other hackneyed moments—that sap its credibility. Early scenes border on cheesiness, undermining the film’s intended tone and leaving the horror elements underdeveloped. The chemistry between the leads occasionally shines through, it is often overshadowed by a predictable storyline and mechanical performances. Notably, Anya Taylor-Joy, whose involvement initially raised high expectations, seems to be navigating familiar territory rather than delivering the nuanced depth that I had hoped for Moreover, the dialogue frequently falls flat, and the film’s heavy reliance on CGI and exaggerated sound effects creates a dissonance, particularly during extended nighttime visuals that leave the audience disoriented. Despite high production values and a few standout moments, the film’s rushed ending and uneven script ultimately prevent it from reaching its full potential. The Gorge for me is neither a complete triumph nor an outright failure. It offers enough entertainment to serve as a fun, if imperfect, diversion—ideal for when you’re ready to switch off your analytical brain on a rainy afternoon. However, for something that started off strong and combined the unique genres, a more cohesive narrative, better script, as well as the right balance of CGI, this could have been a great film. A good exercise in showcasing restraint rather than over doing it all. A fun, nothing too serious flick to chuck on on a rainy day 6/10

Conclave isn’t the kind of film I’d typically seek out, but anything with Ralph Fiennes is worth a watch. His presence, combined with my curiosity about the papal election process—something I knew little about—drew me in. The film offers a fascinating glimpse into the secretive world of the Vatican, following the gathering of cardinals as they elect a new Pope. It unfolds as a political thriller, weaving together intrigue, ambition, and hidden agendas. While it doesn’t rely on action or fast-paced drama, its steady tension kept me engaged as power struggles and moral dilemmas played out behind closed doors. The story is straightforward but well executed. The screenplay is strong, though it could have been trimmed by 10-15 minutes to tighten the pacing. The direction is solid, and the performances elevate the film—especially Ralph Fiennes, who delivers an award-worthy performance. The cinematography is also striking, capturing the grandeur and solemnity of the Vatican with a level of detail that could be appreciated. The supporting cast is equally impressive. Jon Lithgow and Lucian Msamati add depth to their roles, while Stanley Tucci delivers a compelling performance as a progressive and outspoken cardinal. His dialogue-heavy role contrasts well with Fiennes’ more reserved, nuanced portrayal, where subtle facial expressions and quiet moments speak volumes. Isabella Rossellini is also perfectly cast, adding to the film’s authenticity. Beyond the political maneuvering, Conclave explores universal themes—power, human frailty, greed, and the ongoing conflict between liberal and conservative ideologies. The film approaches these topics with nuance, making it both timely and thought-provoking. While the pacing slows at times, it ultimately enhances the film’s tension, keeping me invested and even leading me to form my own biased view on who should be elected Pope. The themes invite hours of post-viewing discussion, making Conclave a compelling watch for those who enjoy intelligent, dialogue-driven dramas. 8/10

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu was one that i had to get my hands on early, not just because it’s a remake of a classic horror tale, but because Eggers has a distinct talent for crafting unsettling, atmospheric horror. His past films such as Witch, have ability to create tension through cinematography and deliberate pacing, which made me eager to see his take on this iconic story. I expected a visually striking and eerie reimagining, and for the most part, it delivered. The performances were strong across the board. Lily-Rose Depp impressed as Ellen, balancing subtle vulnerability with moments of unsettling intensity. Nicholas Hoult was convincing as Thomas, capturing a sense of quiet dread that added to the film’s tension. Willem Dafoe, a frequent Eggers collaborator, was reliably engaging, while Bill Skarsgård brought a chilling presence to Count Orlok. Though his portrayal wasn’t as outright terrifying as I had hoped, the makeup and physicality of his performance stayed true to the spirit of the 1922 original. Visually, Nosferatu is beautifully crafted. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, with striking contrasts between dimly lit interiors and stark, snowy exteriors. The gothic production design and period-accurate details add to the film’s immersive quality. The practical effects and makeup work feel authentic, enhancing the eerie tone without relying on excessive CGI. However, the film’s slow-burn approach, while effective in building tension, might not work for everyone. It leans more into mood and atmosphere than outright horror, which could leave some viewers wanting more intensity (think "longlegs") While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it’s a well-crafted and visually impressive adaptation that stays true to Eggers’ signature style. Overall, for me, Nosferatu is a solid gothic horror film with strong performances and striking visuals. While it doesn’t quite reach masterpiece status, it’s a worthy reimagining of a classic whilst still being true to the original and is an engaging watch for fans of atmospheric horror. 8/10.

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