Rebecca Rossi's Blog, page 5

Every Season Of Lost Ranked!

Hi all! 

Today I am ranking every single season of Lost. As a HUGE fan, this is long overdue. In the past, I have ranked all of the characters (read here) and listed my five favourite episodes (read here). If you didn’t know, the show follows a group of survivors that land on a deserted island…or so it seems. It isn’t long before they encounter strange happenings and mysterious occurrences. I have watched the entire thing from start to finish (more times than I can count) and each time, I discover a new layer. I want to say a big thank you to Kevin Tiernan for allowing me to use their awesome artwork. Without further ado, from most to least favourite, let’s get into it!

Spoiler Warning! 

1.) Season 3

My absolute favourite season of Lost is the third one. This is where the show really begins to cook. Viewers are granted more answers to their never-ending list of questions. The reason being: the island expands significantly from the beach/cave setting that dominated the first couple of seasons. We are now in Others territory and if you read my character ranking post, you would know that Benjamin Linus is literally everything to me. Getting to witness his reign as leader, always makes me giddy. We are also introduced to my favourite female antagonist: Juliet Burke. Not only that, we learn how Locke and Sawyer are connected, where the damn polar bears came from and what The Dharma Initiative actually is. Furthermore, I would be remiss in not mentioning the brilliant opening scene, where the Others witness Oceanic 815 break apart in front of them. I cannot listen to Downtown by Petula Clark without thinking of that moment. And let’s never forget Charlie Pace’s ultimate sacrifice in the finale – it still breaks me every single time…

2.) Season 2

In second place, we have season 2. This is a favourite for many, given that we finally learn what/who is inside the Hatch. I’ll never forget watching the premiere episode for the first time, meeting Desmond Hume and learning about the button that needs to be pushed every 180 minutes, or the world will end. This part of the show really begins to take on the faith vs. science argument – which is a running theme for the rest of the series. On one hand, we have practical surgeon Jack, who doesn’t believe in anything, least of all the button. On the other hand, we have spiritual hunter Locke, who feels that pressing the button is his destiny. It gives him a purpose. As they grapple with their beliefs, we are introduced to the Tailies – the tail-end survivors of Oceanic 815. As quickly as we meet them, we lose them too, including Ana Lucia and Libby. Their deaths are shocking, unforgettable and heartbreaking. If I’m being honest however, the best part of season 2 is encountering one Mr. Benjamin Linus, pretending to be the innocent Henry Gale. He is always worth the wait!

3.) Season 1

In third place, we have the very first season. I have such a fondness for the beginning of Lost. The pilot episode alone cost between $10-14 million to produce. Go watch it and you’ll see why. I don’t think any television show in history has a better start. You can’t help but love where it all began. Meeting our core main characters, learning about them via flashbacks, watching their interactions with one another etc. Newcomers will be drawn in by the mysteries of the island yet frustrated by the lack of answers. Hang in there, because you’ll get them. Season 1 is all about setting up pivotal storylines, chance encounters and sinister threats. It’s fate weaving its magic, proving to everyone that everything really does happen for a reason. 

4.) Season 4

In fourth place, we have season 4. How fitting! Spoiler alert – this pattern continues for the rest of my ranking. I like to say season 4 is for the nerds. At this point, we are in the thick of electromagnetic energy, time-travel and constants. The show also starts to pivot from flashbacks to flash-forwards. We are now seeing into the future – what happened after leaving the island. It’s here we learn more about the power-hungry Charles Widmore and his determination to take over the island, no matter the cost. This is where the freighter comes into it. Furthermore, we are introduced to the very lovable research team of Faraday, Charlotte, Miles and Lapidus. The survivors of Oceanic 815 officially divide, choosing either Jack and Locke as their leaders (science vs. faith) and by the end, only 6 escape in a helicopter, believing they will never see the island again. Oh, how wrong they were…

5.) Season 5

In second-last place, we have the fifth season. As a die-hard lover of time-travel, this season scratches an itch like nothing that came before it. After the island was moved by John Locke, it began skipping like a record, transporting its inhabitants backwards and forwards through time. The only way to stop it? By bringing those that escaped right back to where they started. We get to relive some amazing moments from the earlier seasons, not to mention scenes we had heard about, but had never witnessed until now (e.g. Rousseau killing off her sick team). My issue with this season are the flash-forwards. The whole Jeremy Bentham mission bores me. I’m not as interested in Ajira Flight 316, nor the new characters that come with it. I would rather it had focused entirely on the island, its different eras and La Fleur’s crew living in 1970’s Dharma Initiative. 

6.) Season 6

In last place, we have season 6 – the beginning of the end. If you think it’s due to the finale, you would be wrong. I actually love the way Lost comes to a close, despite that being an unpopular opinion. What I truly dislike are the flash-sideways. They are meant to depict the characters in purgatory, waiting to find one another again. It’s confusing though, because their lives resemble alternate realities. I guess that’s the point. Similar to season 5, I prefer when we are on the island, in the thick of the action. And speaking of the island, here is where we finally learn about Jacob, The Man in Black, the Candidates and why Richard Alpert possesses eternal life. All of our questions are finally answered, including why the characters were brought together in the first place. There is an epic battle of good vs. evil, a significant number of deaths and a thousand rebirths. It is both beautiful and poetic, but also a struggle to comprehend, even to those of us who have watched it many times over. At the very least, I love that it all ends where it began. 

Thank you so much for reading. Please let me know if you agree/disagree with my list. How would you rank the seasons? 

Peace & Love xoxo

I Read & Ranked All Of Emily Henry’s Books!

Hi all! 

Today I am going to rank all of Emily Henry’s adult romance novels. She has penned a couple of young-adult books, but they aren’t particularly well-known or talked about. If you didn’t know, Emily has been likened to a Taylor Jenkins Reid or a Beth O’Leary. In other words, she is an extremely popular rom-com author, with the brightest and bubbliest book covers. I am a HUGE fan of her work. She is so good at building flirtatious tension and writing witty banter. Her concepts are great, and, in my opinion, she only grows stronger with each release. Emily has a pretty expansive cinematic universe – meaning, a lot of her characters from previous books, show up in others. As a person, she adores Taylor Swift (excellent taste), so you can almost guarantee a Swiftie reference in every novel. With all of that out of the way, from most favourite to least, let’s get into it!

1.) Happy Place

Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college – they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now – for reasons they’re still not discussing – they don’t. They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends. Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage, that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week…in front of those who know you best?

My absolute favourite Emily Henry book is Happy Place. I picked it up in 2024 and it was by far, one of my best reads that year. I don’t think any number of words can truly express how this book made me feel. I had such a raw, vulnerable and emotional reading experience. It took me completely by surprise. Straight afterwards, I bought her entire set of works. Without spoiling anything, this isn’t your typical rom-com. It tackles the power of female friendships, disconnected family relationships and anxious-avoidant patterns when it comes to love. I saw so much of myself in the lead character of Harriet. It forced me to confront some difficult truths about my own behaviour and who I want to be moving forward in life. I cried an embarrassing amount, my face glued to the tear-stained pages. I cannot imagine any of her new novels topping this one. 

2.) Book Lovers

Nora Stephens’ life is books – she’s read them all – and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laid-back dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls for the month, when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away – with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute, if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

In second place, we have Book Lovers. In my opinion, this is the best relationship out of the six. It has the most sexual tension, chemistry and excitement. I was so invested in Nora and Charlie’s connection. Throw in a charming small-town, complicated family dynamics and a bookstore that needs saving – I was hooked from start to finish. The only reason it did not top Happy Place, was I had less of an emotional reaction to it. It didn’t make me sob, nor change my life, but it was so enjoyable. The banter is off-the-charts! A beautiful, meta love story about tropes within tropes.

3.) Great Big Beautiful Life

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist, still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years – the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century. 

In third place, we have her latest release: Great Big Beautiful Life. This one took me by complete surprise. At first I thought it was going to flop, but by the end, I was sold. It is very different to anything Emily has written previously. The romance is not at the forefront, which isn’t going to work for everyone. It is also getting negatively compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I understand the comparison, but it is a completely original story. Margaret’s love life does not matter nearly as much as her overall family does. There are some beautiful twists and an extremely wholesome ending that made me shed a tear. It stands very much on its own. I also want to add that Little Crescent Island reminded me so much of my own coastal home. I really connected with the setting. Don’t sleep on Great Big Beautiful Life.

4.) Beach Read

Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance novels. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast. They’re polar opposites. In fact, the only thing they have in common, is that for the next three months, they’re living in neighbouring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer’s block. Until one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts.

In fourth place, we have Beach Read. Originally, this was higher on my list, but it dropped after some fathoming. If I’m being honest, the title doesn’t really deliver on the final product. I expected something way more upbeat and summery, but it’s actually quite dark and moody. The side-story involving the cult really threw me. I was not invested in that part at all. I just wanted light and fluffy. If I had adjusted my expectations, I would’ve enjoyed it more. Having said that, I love how often Gus and January pop up in Emily’s other books. They were a super cute pairing. 

5.) You and Me on Vacation

Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. And yet somehow, ever since a fateful car-share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart, but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together. Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven’t spoken since.
One day, Poppy decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together – lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees. What could possibly go wrong?

In second-last place we have You and Me on Vacation, which is a much better title than the alternative one: People we Meet on Vacation. The majority tend to agree that this is Emily’s worst book, but I didn’t hate it. I think the big issue was the setting. The pair find themselves stuck in an awful, self-contained apartment in the middle of the desert. It’s not an overly sexy or inviting location, but I think that was the point. Furthermore, Poppy does come across as quite shallow and one-dimensional in the beginning. Her problems are enviable. But as the story progressed, she showed more depth. I really like how the story reflected on the pair’s past trips, working its way up to the fateful disaster that changed everything. I also LOVED Poppy’s adoration for Alex. The way she really respected and valued him was the most wholesome thing ever. I was a bit let-down by the lacklustre ending though. It was a good read, just not a great one. 

6.) Funny Story

Daphne loved the way her fiance, Peter, told their story. How they met, fell in love and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it… right up until the moment he realised he was actually in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Which is how Daphne begins her new story: stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak. One day, while drowning their sorrows, the roommates form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them? But it’s all just for show, because there’s no way Daphne would actually fall in love with her ex-fiance’s, new fiance’s ex… right?

In last place, we have Funny Story. This is quite a controversial placement, because it is a lot of people’s favourites. Unfortunately, for me, there were just one too many things wrong with it. Firstly, a good romance novel has a build-up to that first kiss. Daphne and Peter literally made-out within the first 50 pages. It was such a missed opportunity. I also found it to be a bit unrealistic. Why would you move into the same apartment as your ex-fiance’s, new fiance’s ex? I struggled to connect with the choices and the fast-pacing. Daphne is also a much stronger character than stoner Miles. They didn’t really make sense to me. Sorry! 

Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank Emily Henry’s works? Did you agree/disagree with my list?

Peace & Love xoxo

Final Destination: Bloodlines – New Release Horror Movie Review!

Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: Final Destination – Bloodlines. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. Plagued by a violent and recurring nightmare, a college student heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle of death, saving her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!

WHAT WORKED:

WOW! This movie had the best opening and ending scene in the franchise. I was completely and utterly gagged. It also had the most violent and gory deaths. You have to give the creators props for creativity. You think it’s going one way, but it ends up going the other. Bloodlines takes quite a unique turn from the other films in the series. It spans many decades, navigating multitudes of families that managed to cheat fate. When you mess with death, things get messy. Furthermore, getting a final appearance from Tony Todd, whilst deepening his lore, meant a lot to horror lovers everywhere. Can this instalment ever truly live up to the originals? No, but it stands on its own, paying just the right amount of fan service. If you’re a fan of Final Destination, you’ll be happy to be back in that treacherous world. 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

If I had any negative critiques, it would be that the middle act had a bit of a lull. It’s hard to maintain the energy of the opening and the ending scene. I also thought the look of Iris’s home was ridiculous. There were so many things that could have killed her! I found that part hard to buy. Other than that, I was extremely happy with Bloodlines. 

OVERALL STAR RATING:

I gave it 4.5/5 stars. What a wild ride. Don’t miss this one in cinemas! 

Have you seen Final Destination – Bloodlines? What did you think of it?  

Peace & Love xoxo

My Makeup Journey Part 4: Bronzer & Blush

Hi all! 

Today I am back to talk about Bronzer & Blush. If you didn’t know, this is a new series on my blog titled: My Makeup Journey. Click here to follow along. At 35 years of age, I can confidently say that I have never truly understood how to apply my makeup. In the recent months, I decided it was time to learn. I went down the rabbit-hole of TikTok beauty tutorials and to my utter amazement, I realised I had been doing SO many things wrong, for so many years. I’m not even close to being an expert now, but I am certainly wiser than I was before. I want to share everything I have learned, so without further ado, let’s get into it! 

PART 4: BRONZER & BLUSH BRONZER

I use these bronzing drops from Bys Cosmetics. This is usually my next step after foundation and concealer. 

I put a couple of drops on top of my forehead, a dot just below my cheekbones and on the angles of my jaw. I then use a makeup brush to buff them out. The bronzing drops give my face a nice tint but don’t make me look orange. 

BLUSH 

I use this liquid blush by OXX Cosmetics. This is my favourite makeup product I own. It really ties everything together for me. You only need to apply a small amount on the apples of your cheeks to give a nice, rosy complexion. 

A hack I discovered on TikTok was to dab some liquid blush on the apples of your cheeks. Then use your thumb and forefinger as a barrier (see image below) to help you blend the product with a makeup brush upwards, rather than straight across. It’s the perfect tip to keep both sides even. 

I’ll be back soon for Part 5: Contouring. I realise I’m not a makeup artist, nor a professional. Everyone does things differently. This is just what is working for me and my skin type. Thanks for reading! 

Peace & Love xoxo  

Clown In A Cornfield – New Release Horror Movie Review!

Hi all!

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: Clown in a Cornfield. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. Looking for a fresh start, Quinn and her father move to the quiet town of Kettle Springs. They soon learn the fractured community has fallen on hard times after losing a treasured factory to a fire. As the locals bicker amongst themselves and tensions boil over, a sinister clown emerges from the cornfields to cleanse the town of its burdens, one bloody victim at a time. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!

WHAT WORKED:

If you read my review of this book, back when it was released in 2020, you would know how strongly I believed it would make the perfect slasher film adaptation. It turned out, I was right! I had an absolute blast with this one. The kills were fun, the gore was excellent and the visualisation of Frendo the Clown was downright terrifying. If you enjoyed Thanksgiving, you’ll like this one. It has a similar vibe with the small-town traditions, a bunch of teens rebelling against authority and splatter-style deaths by a masked mystery figure. It also has a couple of twists that may shock and surprise you, but as someone who had already read the novel, I knew what was coming. I will say, my absolute favourite part of the movie was the lead. She was cocky, confident and full of sass. I liked her instantly. There was a real coolness to her, devoid of pretension. I highly recommend seeing this one on the big screen with a bunch of friends. You won’t regret it. 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

Pardon the pun but the dialogue was super CORN-y. It made me cringe multiple times. I was also shattered that they didn’t include my favourite part in the book – the silo scene. I understand why they cut it out, but I went into the film waiting for it to happen and it never did. Additionally, I felt the second act was stronger than the first. It took some time building up to the true horror, but once it started, it didn’t slow down. 

OVERALL STAR RATING:

I gave it 4/5 stars. This film translated perfectly from book to screen. A whole lotta fun! 

Have you seen Clown in a Cornfield? What did you think of it?  

Peace & Love xoxo

Why ‘Swept Away’ Is Beth O’Leary’s Worst Book!

Hi all! 

Today I am going to discuss why Swept Away is Beth O’ Leary’s worst book to date. Last year, I read & ranked all of her works, which you can check out here. In that post, I stressed that even her lowest rated novel was still a really solid one. Therefore, it pains me to declare that Beth’s newest release was not only objectively unpopular, it was also highly problematic. I want to share all of my thoughts and opinions, but please understand, I genuinely love Beth. One miss does not define her entire catalogue. With all that being said, let’s get into it! 

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD! 

What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand? Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating. Going home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realise all they can see for miles is ocean. With just a few provisions on board, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back on dry land. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone – and to fall in love with them.

1.) The Reverse Age-Gap Ick! 

This story falls under the reverse age-gap trope. Lexi is 31 and Zeke is 23. Normally, I am of the belief that as long as a relationship is between two consenting adults, what does it matter? However, the way Beth wrote this particular ‘romance’ gave me the ick and then some! Lexi continuously refers to her lover as a child, a teenager, a young boy, etc. It was all kinds of wrong. I still don’t understand why she kept drawing so much attention to it. There is nothing sexy about feeling as though you’re dating a kid. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m turning 36 this month, but the thought of hooking up with a guy in his early 20’s, feels predatory to me. Not only that, Lexi repeatedly tells the readers and Zeke that she is old. As a middle-aged woman myself, I take offence! 31 is far from geriatric. When it comes to a romance novel, if I can’t buy into the fantasy, the whole thing falls apart. The minute he told her he was 23, it was all over for me. I was not interested and quite frankly…I was grossed out. 

2.) The Missed Opportunity.

Whilst the pair are lost at sea, Zeke opens up to Lexi about how he lost his virginity at 16 to an older woman. This was the perfect opportunity for Beth to dive deeper into Zeke’s psyche. She could’ve revealed a dark past, giving the reverse age-gap trope a little more substance. Instead, Lexi responds rather casually, saying he clearly has a type. She does not address that he was groomed. She does not show any sort of care toward his well-being. There is no acknowledgement that he was a child and this woman took advantage of him. Nothing! I was so surprised and disappointed that this was how Beth chose to handle the situation. Imagine if it had been the other way around. We would’ve felt so bad for the teenage girl coaxed into sexual activity by the predatory male. The same sort of compassion should be extended to a young boy. There is a reason Zeke slept around so much before meeting Lexi. I wish Beth had explored that more. 

3.) It’s Trauma, Not Love.

Our two protagonists are lost at sea for less than two weeks. Remember, this event occurred immediately after their one-night stand. They did not know each other beforehand in the slightest. As they fight to survive, they face illness, injury and a whole lot of trauma. It is undeniable that two people would bond through such extenuating and distressing circumstances, but Zeke declares pretty early on he has fallen in love with Lexi. Now, wait a damn minute. Love? Surely not. It was already hard to buy the relationship due to the age-gap (see above), let alone believing they were in love after being stuck on a boat together for what was admittedly, quite a short amount of time. Not only that, after they are saved, Zeke states that he has nothing good in his life except for Lexi. His happiness is entirely dependent on a virtual stranger! He even says that he would prefer to be back there, than on safe, dry land. I smell a form of Stockholm Syndrome – where captivity is much sweeter than freedom and trauma-bonding feels like genuine love. You can’t make this stuff up. 

4.) The Twist That Should Not Exist.

If all of that wasn’t bad enough, the twist ending was absolutely AWFUL. We learn early on that Lexi is virtually a second mother to her best friend’s child. She adores and values her ‘daughter’ more than anyone else on the planet. However, she was told by her best-friend that the father was a deadbeat who wanted nothing to do with his kid. We learn at the end that Zeke is actually the father! He had no idea she had gotten pregnant and miraculously, has always wanted to be a dad, even at 23! They decide to co-parent the best friend’s daughter and at that point, I was ready to throw my book clear across the room. No matter the situation, being with your best friend’s baby-daddy is weird. It is strange for every single person involved. I don’t understand how Beth managed to make me so uncomfortable with just one story. 

5.) The Final Verdict. 

This is not a good book. It’s highly problematic and not worth your time. The one compliment I can give it, is it’s actually a decent thriller. I think Beth should lean into that genre a little more, because she does it well. Swept Away is full of tension, survival and despair. It could’ve ended a whole 100 pages earlier, but I appreciated her building on the gravity of the situation. I also liked how much Lexi valued her best-friend’s daughter. However, that’s where my praise ends. It’s such a shame because I genuinely adore Beth as an author. Her catalogue is very impressive. This was just a big miss – one I hope she never repeats. 

I gave Swept Away 2/5 stars. If it weren’t for the thriller elements, it would’ve been a 1.

Thank you so much for reading! Have you read this book? What did you think of it? 

Peace & Love xoxo

Ranking Every Shocking Saw Twist!

Hi all! 

Today I am ranking every shocking twist from the Saw franchise. I’ve been meaning to do this for quite some time – and that time is now! If you wish to check out my ranking of the franchise, click here. If you wish to see my five favourite traps, click here. Clearly, I’m a huge fan and with a series like this, there is always more to mine. If you weren’t aware, Saw is known for its epic, blindsiding twists. The minute Zepp’s Theme starts to play, you know you’re about to be gagged. Some films contain multiple twists, so I’m going to stick to one from each. However, I will list the additional ones below. I shouldn’t have to say this, but just in case: a HUGE spoiler warning is in order. Without further ado, from most shocking to least, let’s get into it! 

1.) Saw (2004) – “Dead” Man On The Floor 

The twist from the very first Saw film is by far the most shocking. Before I wrote this post, I looked up the best twists in movie history. This one appeared in at least seven different articles. I still remember the first time I saw John Kramer stand up from the floor of the bathroom. I gasped. Nobody could ever have predicted it. Essentially, we were meant to believe that the anonymous person lying on the bathroom tiles was dead from the beginning, but not only is he revealed to be very much alive, he is also the serial killer that put Adam and Lawrence in the trap to begin with. Pair that scene with the heart-racing theme music and Adam’s shocked face, you cannot deny its impact. It will never be topped, no matter how many Saw movies are made. Game Over! 

Additional Twists: 

– Adam knew who Lawrence was before their game began.

– Jigsaw was Lawrence’s cancer patient.

2.) Saw III (2006) – Amanda’s Game 

In second place, I had to put the twist from Saw III. It is the most deeply layered instalment, with so many power plays, you need multiple viewings to truly appreciate it. This one is a bit more complicated to explain to first-time viewers. Basically, Amanda (Jigsaw’s apprentice) was put into her own game without realising it. It appears to viewers as though John Kramer is testing a man named Jeff Denlon, plus his surgeon Lynn, and whilst that is also true, the real test belongs to Amanda. He wanted to see if she had what it took to carry on his legacy after he passed. We learn in future Saw films that she was being blackmailed by Kramer’s other apprentice (Mark Hoffman) at the time. This explains her poor behaviour, but nevertheless, she fails. It’s a huge shock to realise that during the entire film, a game within a game was being played. It’s the reason why Saw III is my second favourite movie in the franchise. 

Additional Twists: 

– Jeff and Lynn Denlon were married. They didn’t realise they were in the same game until the very end.

– John Kramer abducted Jeff’s daughter. When he said Jeff will meet the man responsible for taking his child, he meant himself. 

– John was Jeff’s final test at letting go. 

– Amanda is revealed as the one putting her victims into unwinnable traps (the Classroom Trap and the Angel Trap). 

3.) Saw II (2005) – The Pre-Recorded Game

In third place, we have Saw II. For this instalment, I’m going with the pre-recorded game twist. Detective Eric Matthews learns his son has been put into a Jigsaw game. Despite their rocky relationship, he is determined to rescue him. He manages to discover where Jigsaw is hiding and is told by the serial killer that all he has to do to get his son back, is to sit down and talk with him. If he manages to do this, he will find Daniel in a “safe” place. It seems simple but Eric soon discovers a bunch of computers playing out the game in the Nerve Gas House (in what we believe is real time). Witnessing Daniel almost die, he begins to care less about talking and more about finding his location. He manages to beat the serial killer into submission and together, they drive to the scene of the trap. However, when he arrives, he realises the game had already happened. The computers were playing a recording. He lands in his own trap and back at Jigsaw’s hideout, Daniel emerges from a literal safe – hence the wordplay from earlier. It is absolute genius. I love this one. 

Additional Twists: 

– Amanda is revealed to be Jigsaw’s apprentice; not as an actual participant of the Nerve Gas House game.

– The players in the game had all been framed by Detective Eric Matthews, uniting them against a common enemy and therefore, making Daniel a huge target. 

– The combination to the safe was on the back of their necks the entire time. If they had just worked together, they could’ve retrieved an antidote to the nerve gas. 

4.) Saw IV (2007) – The Parallel Timeline 

I feel like Saw IV doesn’t get enough credit for its brilliant twist. Nobody ever talks about it! Basically, at the end, we learn that the game being played out in Saw IV, is happening at the same exact time as Saw III. They also take place at the same giant warehouse, just in different rooms. Detective Agent Strahm stumbles upon Jeff Denlon, fresh off killing Jigsaw. Clearly distraught and unstable, Strahm shoots him. Yes, it’s very unbelievable and clearly took a lot of organisation (understatement) but this film is also where we learn about Detective Mark Hoffman’s involvement, proving that Jigsaw had a lot of extra help. It’s not as impactful as the top three, but I still think it was very clever. 

Additional Twists: 

– Detective Mark Hoffman is revealed to be Jigsaw’s other apprentice, alongside Amanda. 

– All Detective Rigg had to do was not save anyone and he would’ve saved everyone. Confusing, but it makes sense in context. 

– Cecil caused Jigsaw’s wife to miscarriage, sparking his serial-killing ways. 

5.) Saw V (2008) – 10 Pints Of Sacrifice 

In fifth place, we conveniently have Saw V’s twist – 10 Pints of Sacrifice. This film really highlights how much Jigsaw understands human nature. He is long-dead by this instalment, but Hoffman continues to carry out his work. Five participants are put in the same game, united by their callous actions that resulted in the deaths of eight people. They sabotage one another, killing each other off until only two people are left to face the final trap. This trap is titled as above because all five people were meant to work together so they could give two pints each and ensure their freedom. Unfortunately, with only two people, they need to give five pints of blood each, almost killing the pair. Jigsaw knew they would work against, rather than with one another. It just shows that people are inherently selfish but also, do not think compassionately (or logically) in the face of their impending deaths. 

Additional Twists: 

– The Glass Coffin was actually the safe haven. The room around it was the trap, resulting in Strahm meeting a rather sticky end! 

– Hoffman framed Jigsaw by putting his sister’s killer in a trap that resembled one of his own. He is tested and made an apprentice after that. 

6.) Saw VI (2009) – Not William’s Family

The last twist that I truly love before they start to get a bit questionable, is from Saw VI. William Easton, the executive of an insurance company, wakes up in his own game. We find out through flashbacks that he had previously denied John Kramer the chance to trial an experimental treatment for his cancer. This scenario takes place in an abandoned zoo. There is a mother and son locked in a cage, waiting for William to complete his challenges. As viewers, we assume they are his family. William Easton makes it to the last room, only to discover the mother and son have been given the choice to end his life or let him live. The reveal is that they are of no relation to him. It turns out, he rejected an insurance claim for their late sick father/husband, resulting in his death. It’s so intense.

Additional Twists: 

– We learn that Amanda was also involved in Jigsaw’s wife’s miscarriage, alongside Cecil. That information is what Hoffman used to blackmail her with in Saw III. 

– Jill Tuck reveals to Hoffman that Jigsaw never trusted him. His dying will was for her to put him in the infamous Bear Trap, from which he manages to escape. 

– Detective Perez is revealed to have survived the events from Saw IV in this film. 

7.) Jigsaw (2017) – The Victim Becomes The Master

It all starts to go a bit downhill for me now. In fourth-last place, we have Jigsaw. 10 years after John Kramer’s death, a series of murders all bearing the same markings as Jigsaw’s, leads law enforcement to investigate. As they work to find the killer, five people wake up in a game filled with deadly traps. They try to survive until the very end but inevitably, drop off one by one. In the final scene, it’s revealed that the killer is Logan Nelson, who was placed in his own game a decade ago. Jigsaw saved him out of mercy and he became John’s very first disciple. Logan served him long before the original bathroom trap in Saw took place. I really struggle with this film in general. It feels very disconnected from the others that came before it. Nothing about it is super believable but I liked that the same game was repeated. That was definitely a fresh take on the franchise. 

Additional Twists: 

– Jigsaw’s corpse is revealed to be missing from his grave. Where did it end up? 

– Anna is revealed to be John’s former neighbour. She is the reason her own child died, despite blaming the death originally on her partner. 

– The Shotgun Trap was the key to saving the two final victims. Anna did not pay heed to John’s warning, ending her own life and destroying the key in the process. 

8.) Saw VII (2010) – Jigsaw’s Secret Apprentice 

Coming in third-last, we have Saw VII. This twist I saw coming a mile away! Whilst Bobby Dagen is working his way through his own game, Mark Hoffman (Jigsaw’s most ruthless apprentice) does his best to kill John’s wife: Jill Tuck and become the sole prodigy to carry on Jigsaw’s legacy. Little does he know, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (from Saw) survived the bathroom trap and rose to be John’s most trusted disciple. He eliminates Hoffman and the movie ends there, indicating that the work could continue in future films. I always say that this twist would have been more impactful, had Lawrence not appeared until the very end. He pops up in the beginning, letting us know that something is suss. It didn’t shock me when he pulled off the pig mask at the end. I was expecting it. 

Additional Twists: 

– Jill Tuck ends up being the first proper victim of the Bear Trap. 

– The survivors from the trap at the beginning were made apprentices alongside Dr Gordon according to the film’s BTS commentary. 

– Bobby Dagen’s final test is to put himself into the same trap he fabricated for money. 

9.) Spiral (2021) – The Copycat Killer

In second-last place, we have Spiral. Similar to Saw VII, this twist was super predictable. Laughably so! When a Jigsaw copycat begins targeting the precinct, Zeke Banks (Chris Rock) and his partner Detective Schenk, try to track down the twisted killer. Little does Zeke know, these murders aren’t random, they are personal. The copycat murderer turns out to be Schenk, who is determined to take down all corrupt cops, due to witnessing his father die at the hands of one as a child. I clocked this one immediately. We never actually see Schenk die, just a flayed corpse that is supposed to be his own. I knew at that moment he had orchestrated his own death. I wish it had been more exciting and impactful but it wasn’t. 

Additional Twists:

– Zeke’s father – the former Chief of Police – was actually corrupt and had committed a lot of illegal acts. 

10.) Saw X (2023) – Scamming Lovers

Last but certainly not least, we have Saw X’s terrible twist. I don’t even consider it to be a twist. The ending reveals that John had tricked Cecilia into luring Parker, who was part of a scam (not surprising at all), to the facility, and that he had removed gunpowder from Parker’s bullets, ensuring Cecilia would have to kill her lover to survive. I just don’t understand how this was meant to be shocking. Jigsaw is known for thinking ten steps ahead. He clearly had a plan all along, I was never worried about that. I kept waiting for something jaw-dropping to happen and it never did. Unfortunately, it disappointed me. 

Additional Twists: 

– John was scammed by a fake cancer trial treatment (not shocking, this was clear from the trailer). 

– Carlos ended up in the blood-boarding trap over Amanda. This one was more impressive. 

– There is a mid-credit scene with Hoffman and Jigsaw in the bathroom trap, putting another victim to the test – one that had a hand in scamming John. 

Thanks so much for reading! How would you order the Saw twists? 

Peace & Love xoxo

Until Dawn – New Release Horror Movie Review!

Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: Until Dawn. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. One year after her sister’s disappearance, Clover and her friends head to the remote valley where she vanished to search for answers. Exploring an abandoned visitor centre, they soon encounter a masked killer who murders them one by one. However, when they mysteriously wake at the beginning of the same night, they’re forced to relive the terror over and over again. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!

WHAT WORKED:

This film has a great concept. If you’re a fan of Happy Death Day, Groundhog Day etc, you’ll enjoy it. I liked that each night was different. You never knew what to expect or how the characters would be killed. My favourite scene involved a Found Footage aspect. If the entire movie had been structured under that particular sub-genre, it would’ve received a much higher rating. The horror itself was stellar. There was plenty of blood, guts, special effects makeup, creepy monsters and demons. It’s perfect for a sleepover or a night out with friends at the cinema. 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

I don’t normally mind jump-scares, but in this film, I can honestly say they were overkill (pardon the pun). It was one-jump scare after another. They all just started to blend into one. I wish it had explored the subject of fear in a deeper way. You may say that’s not the point of a simple horror like this, but the game the movie is based on is much more nuanced. In fact, if you’re a fan of the source material, you may be disappointed by the lack of continuity. There is a nod to it at the end that I appreciated but only those truly familiar will understand it. In terms of the characters, I didn’t really warm up to any of them and the dialogue was quite cheesy at times. Obviously it is meant to be unrealistic but their reactions toward continuously dying and seeing one another die was not convincing. 

OVERALL STAR RATING:

I gave it 3.5/5 stars. It was perfectly fine but not a favourite of the year. 

Have you seen Until Dawn? What did you think of it?  

Peace & Love xoxo

Drop – New Release Horror Movie Review!

Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror/thriller movie: Drop. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. Violet is a widowed mother, who goes to an upscale restaurant to meet Henry, her charming and handsome date. However, her pleasant evening soon turns into a living nightmare when she receives phone messages from a mysterious, hooded figure who threatens to kill her young son and sister, unless she kills Henry. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!

WHAT WORKED:

Drop is the ideal first-date movie, which is ironic seeing as it takes place during a first-date. It’s a film that will cater to any audience because despite its dark tones, it never goes too far in the gore/violence department. There was something so alluring about the restaurant it took place at. It reminded me of The Menu – how something sinister can lie behind good ambience, food and wine. There was a real natural chemistry between the two leads that I bought hook, line and sinker. They were very convincing. I also really enjoyed the mystery aspect and am happy to report that I didn’t see the reveal coming. I became fixated on one particular person, who turned out to be the red herring. In terms of visuals, sometimes text flashing across the screen can be irritating, but in this case, it worked. There was no other way to show the audience what Violet was reading on her phone. I was really impressed with this one. Blumhouse has been delivering with their horrors lately, which is a pleasant surprise. 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

This film is slightly cheesy in tone and in dialogue. It shifts between super serious and silly, which can be a little bit jarring. Furthermore, as much as I like the concept of an Airdrop thriller, it is easy to pick apart and find unrealistic. Movies that feature modern technology with seemingly limitless uses, will always come across as over-dramatic. As long as you suspend your disbelief, it won’t matter. 

OVERALL STAR RATING:

I gave it 4/5 stars. A perfect popcorn horror/thriller. 

Have you seen Drop? What did you think of it?  

Peace & Love xoxo

My Drag King Transformation!

Hi all! 

As mentioned in last week’s post, I wanted to do something extra special to celebrate the release of Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. As somebody that dedicates multiple social media platforms to the art of drag, I thought it was high-time I attempted a drag king transformation. I ended up choosing to impersonate Haymitch Abernathy from The Hunger Games film series. Did I do an amazing job? Absolutely not. Did I enjoy myself in the process? Hell yes! Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

THE WIG

For a first attempt, I didn’t want to spend too much on materials, so I sourced the wig from Temu. You can find the exact one I bought . It’s a synthetic straight hair wig, so I wet it in parts to give that greasy Haymitch vibe. It looks crazy but trust me, it was worse before it was dampened. 

THE MAKEUP 

If you read my Dyspraxia Diagnosis post, you would know I was born with a coordination disability. This means I find simple things like applying makeup and doing hair quite difficult. Nothing ever looks even or polished. Therefore, I ask that you go easy on me. I followed a tutorial I found online, using a brown eye-shadow palette and Brillo pad to smudge the beard. Unfortunately, it came out a lot lighter and less pronounced than I hoped. Having said that, given my physical limitations, I was happy with the end result. 

THE ESSENCE OF HAYMITCH 

I completed the look with a vest and shirt similar to the one he wears in The Hunger Games. I also poured myself a glass of actual gin to give realness. We all know that Haymitch is a tortured alcoholic, so I hope I was able to achieve that in the images provided. 

WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE EXPERIENCE 

I definitely need to familiarise myself with my face shape more and bring out the angles/cheekbones using darker shades. It’s really all about practice and finding what works. I received some valuable advice from my drag king friend, Faux Moe. He told me suck in my cheeks in order to find the grooves, go darker if necessary and to not paint too high or low. I had originally wanted to try this look with a chest plate but my cheap foam one from Temu didn’t quite cut it.

WOULD I TRY IT AGAIN? 

Definitely! I would never be a drag artist myself due to my disability and real-life commitments, but I would love to dabble here and there. I have even more respect for drag kings than I already had before. It’s not easy and it takes a lot of work. Kings are so criminally underrated and under-represented. Please support them however you can. 

Thank you so much for reading. Have you ever done drag? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments. 

Peace & Love xoxo