Jsv94

If ever a film made you want to scream in frustration, this would be it. From the constant betrayals of trust, to people getting away with horrendous crimes, to the overly-forgiving mom... it will drive you INSANE! That said, the acting was excellent across the board. Julianne Moore is convincing as the mother who will do anything for her child, even if her role is identical to what she's done in her last 50 films. Sydney Sweeney, while perhaps slightly exaggerated at times, delivers a strong performance as an addict, with very realistic addict behaviours. The standout for me was Domhnall Gleeson, who truly shone as the conniving, self-centred drug dealer. I'm so used to seeing him in more passive, underdog roles, so this was a great chance for him to show a different side.

That being said, the story and plot were absolutely maddening. I cannot accept the way Moore's character Kate treats Claire (Sweeney), and vice versa. It felt far too unrealistic. A mother's love is unconditional, yes, but there is a difference between unconditional and overindulgent. At some point, long before the events in the film, Kate should have realised that her constant "help" was doing far more harm than good. I hate when films normalise this dynamic between parents and children and villainise the voice of reason. I fully understand the parental instinct to protect your children at all costs, but when your actions only drag them deeper into their self-destruction, who are you really protecting?

I am a sucker for a dramatic show about cooking that isn't reality TV, so I was hooked from the trailer. Still, many shows can disappoint and distract from the food, which, in honesty, this did on numerous occasions. However... it is still a great series. There is a lot of romance, deception, politics, drama, etc., but at the centre of it all is still food. Carême is the father of French cuisine, and his contributions to the culinary arts have made their way into every professional kitchen worldwide, regardless of the cuisine. I absolutely loved seeing his life displayed on screen, regardless of the accuracy. I know a lot of the drama is amped up and likely not entirely factual, but I do know the history of the culinary advancements and achievements shown in the series are verifiably true. That is enough for me to want to see encore encore encore!!!

As much as it pains me to do so, i have to give this a solid 9. For the one and only reason: I was scared.

I have seen every form of scary movie out there; classic slashers, demon possessions, aliens, serial killers, hauntings, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, you name it. It doesn't matter how gory, gruesome, twisted, or all around f-ed up it is, I can watch it all and sleep well at night.

This movie however.... it took me 2 times to sit through... with 8 years between attempts... first time watching it, i just could not get through the film without wanting to peel out of my skin. I avoided it for years... Decided to give it another try, thinking i was over reacting at the time, but NOPE!! Still just as terrifying. The level of suspense and build-up of fear is just insane. It made me squirm and wince and curl my toes the entire time. Granted, i am genuinely terrified of the open ocean, so every scene where theyre just swimming in the water without being able to see anything around them, was scary enough on its own. Throw in some homicidal sharks, and babeeeee.. I'm out.

Yeah yeah i know its not accurate to how sharks really are, but its also a movie so i don't really care. It scared me, which puts it in a very narrow category of scary movies. Still hate it, but respect where respect is due.