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His & Hers

This was a fantastic thriller that kept me in suspense. It follows the former news anchor Anna Andrews (Teesa Thompson) as she returns to her small hometown Dahlonega, Georgia to investigate a murder. She also reunites with her estranged husband and detective on the case Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal). As we slowly uncover the suspicious motives and clues through “his & hers” perspectives, we are constantly second guessing who the murderer is. But the plot twist in the end? Absolute cinema.

Behind her Eyes

If I watched this phycological thriller when it first released on Netflix, maybe I would have felt differently. But having watched this after His & Hers, the plot twist felt a bit anti-climatic for me. It does well with the slow buildup, taking the story to places you wouldn’t think it would go with the added supernatural element. And the ending was reminiscent to Jordan Peele’s horror movie US (2009), which made it even more haunting. It’s still worth the watch, just not one of my favourites.

The Art of Sarah

Another fantastic watch — and think this was written by a rookie scriptwriter. The drama follows Sarah Kim (Shin Hye-Sun), a woman who’s determined to make a name for herself in the world of luxury with her brand Boudoir. However, when a homicide case led by Park Mu-gyeong (Lee Joon-hyuk) threatens to unravel her lies, she stops at nothing in order to protect her brand. This is a show you really need to pay attention to in order to piece together the timeline of the events that take place. It’s a multilayered story that exposes the obsession with luxury goods and the counterfeit market.

Bottoms

I really had a great time with this heavily satirical film. It touches on themes such as feminism, toxic masculinity, and misogyny, while centring the LGBTQ+ community and people of colour. It was an easy watch that felt both nostalgic to the early-2000s teen movies and fresh for our progressive Gen Z of today. Also i’d watch anything that has Ayo Edebiri in it.

Berserk [vol. 1-3]

I’ve been warned that this is a very dark, gory and explicit manga, especially the first couple of chapters. The first page didn’t even phase me but after volume one, I had to pause. I needed more time to mentally prepare myself so that I can continue on with the story. In hindsight, reading this right before bed wasn’t the smartest thing to do either, lol. I’m just intrigued to see where it’s going and to get a better understanding on why Guts is the way he is. But what I will say is the art is impeccable. I understand why it’s one of the greats in that regard. I found myself in awe at level of detailing in some of the most horrifying panels.

The Serenade of Spring Thunder [up to date]

I’m having a great time with this one. The romantic tale between the beautiful shinobi Kagaribi, who’s given the mission — one that no one has been able to come back alive from — to seduce the priestess Rindo from a rival nation. I enjoy seeing how the confident shinobi ends up folding every time when it comes to the priestess as well as uncovering the political conspiracies between the warring states of that era.

My Noisy Roommate: The Roof Over My Head Comes with Monsters and a Hottie [up to date]

Another great BL read. The supernatural slow burn romance follows Osuke, who after finally getting to live on his own ends up on the street. So when he’s offered a chance to move to a new place he takes it. But with an offer this good comes with certain conditions, such as having to live with the gorgeous blonde Nijio whose job is to relocate ghosts from properties. It’s a well fleshed out plot that includes a good mix of urban myths, comedy, and heart. But as much as a like the art panels in this, my only gripe is the art covers themselves.

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku [currently airing]

It’s no wonder it took three years after season 1 for season 2 to be released — the improvement in the animation is evident in comparison. The story continues to follow the surviving criminals and executioners as they try to acquire the elixir of life and escape the island Shinsenkyo. What makes this anime one of my favourites is not only the world-building, character designs and power systems, but the character backstories and development. Episode 8, Chrysanthemum and Peach, is a particular standout. The side-by-side comparisons I’ve seen of the manga panels, to what they delivered animation-wise are sensational.

The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife [currently airing]

At a glance, you would question what kind of show this is, especially given the title, but it really is such a sweet, wholesome romantic comedy. Set in a supernatural world, we see the relationship between Shizuka, who is blind, and Tounome, who is invisible, slowly blossom while they work together at a detective agency. But what really charmed me is how it opens the dialogue around disability, race, and identity. It’s a healing show that you can not only relate to but also empathise with.

Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table [currently airing]

I feel like this one is for those who are fans of the light novel/manga. The story premise is interesting as it focuses on the journey of Yuki, a death game player who aims to break the record of surviving 99 games. It’s a layered story that explores themes surrounding the meaning of life and death, as well as the psychological trauma and emotions associated. But it doesn’t help that the story is told non-linearly, as it ruins the flow of the narrative and leaves me confused as an anime-only watcher, and I find myself on the Reddit forums after each episode.

Leigh-Anne – My Ego Told Me To

Leigh-Anne wanted this album to reflect who she is, in the truest and authentic way she could, and this body of work did just that. Infused with genres such as reggae and dancehall — that represents her Caribbean roots — Afrobeats, garage, R&B, and pop, it’s a cohesive listen, especially from Been a Minute for me. She has always cited Rihanna as one of her musical influences, which is evident in some of the songs on this album but still reaffirming her own identity. It’s definitely an album for the summer, and deserves all the praise. My top tracks are: Goodbye Goodmorning, Most Wanted, Best Version of Me, Tight Up Skirt, and Talk to Me Nice.