Vixal Plane

Not graphic s*xual ass*ult scenes (because that, too, was handled better than the majority of the genre) followed by gory murders, but women reclaiming themselves completely and walking away changed for the better, not scarred for the worst. There's enough of that in real life, especially right now.

We've seen it lately with AI robots and girlfriend apps, and women have seen it our entire lives.

This is exactly the type of good for her revenge movie we should be making.

He exposes himself nearly all at once when things don't go his way, as so many "nice guys" do, and the film perfectly handles something women know all too well: So many men will ab*se anything they can just for the sake of it.

Drifting into spoiler territory, (so quit reading here if you haven't seen it yet), I didn't expect the overt nice guy incel theming of Josh, but its reveal throughout Companion was nothing less than perfect.

But there was so much more buried beneath that initial reveal. There's so much more to Companion than you think there is, I promise.

SPOILERS START AFTER THIS POST!

And the film's underlying message wasn't one I expected, but it was definitely one I appreciated.

I was concerned, at first, that seeing the trailer had ruined the film's basic premise, since trailers these days sometimes feel like watching the entire movie flat out.

It's just dark enough, just funny enough. I had a brief moment of disappointment at one point because I thought the film was pulling punches on the gore, only to be ecstatically surprised when the big reveal came later, at an even more perfect time.

When I walked out of the theatre, though, I was a full-blown Companion fan, ready to preach about the film to anyone who'd listen (even though that's a different Sophie Thatcher movie that I haven't seen yet.)

Companion was absolutely incredible. I didn't have particularly high hopes for the film; I had hoped it would be good, but primarily I went because I love Sophie Thatcher, and I'm not afraid to admit that.

Companion

5/5 Stars

Everyone go see Companion. Stop what you're doing now; stop reading this review, stop scrolling, and go buy your tickets or find a place to stream it. (Make sure you come back here when you're done, though.)

#filmsky

Games (I got a Steam Deck!):
Cyberpunk 2077
Balatro

Let me know if you check out my recs! Reviews for these films coming soon 💜

Songs on Repeat:
Spiral by Agent Envy
Hypnotic by Zella Day

Movies (All First Watches):
Companion
Heart Eyes
Tragedy Girls

#filmsky

Since February is wrapping up, it's time for my monthly review of my favorite things! What did you enjoy last month?

Manifesting Moodboard for the Pisces New Moon 🌑

This New Moon is all about REST for me. I'm letting things go, saying no when I need to, and taking time to recuperate so I don't overexert myself!

How are you resting this New Moon?

#witchsky

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

Nesta they could never make me hate you.

Arrows and Apologies by Sav R. Miller

An EXTREMELY spicy entry in Sav R. Miller's Monsters and Muses series that unexpectedly, legitimately made me sob. A retelling of Apollo and Daphne (without the negative connotations of the original mythos).

Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield

Miri and Leah must navigate their relationship after Leah returns from a deep sea dive and Comes Back Wrong™.

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

A Mermaid and a Plague Doctor travel together and fall in love in spite of The Horrors™.

Here are my favorite love stories in honor of Valentine's Day!

#booksky

So, I'm reconnecting with myself, constantly asking myself Who I Am and always finding a new answer. I'm ready for this next moon phase!

Full Moon Check-In: How are you changing?

This Full Moon has been all about rediscovering myself. I've had a lot of losses and a lot of major changes over the past two weeks (and I'm sure a lot of people can relate!)

#witchsky #occultsky

#booksky

And, below it all, the horror; the strained desperation to know both what's happening to Leah and what already happened to her. I cannot express to you how masterfully this story is written and constructed.

I encourage you to pick up the book and find out for yourself.

The relationship Armfield constructs through flashbacks contrasted with the present tense atmosphere is palpable. Though you didn't see Miri and Leah before, you are inserted so thoroughly into their love story that you reflect on their memories like you were part of them.

Despite coming back wrong, despite their relationship being thrown out of whack, despite everything the two main characters have been through, they have more love and longing between them than even the characters your average romance book.

I should mention that I am absolutely terrified by the deep sea; I knew going into this book that I'd be horrified, that the deep-seated dread between the pages would stick with me.

I couldn't have predicted how true that was.

I found myself gasping, notating, and reading aloud on more than one occasion. The turns of phrase Julia Armfield uses should truly be studied.

I don't even know where to start with how incredible this book was. It was gorgeously atmospheric, filled with dread and sadness and longing in the most beautiful way; the writing was incredible, some of the best I've read in a novel in ages.

If You Love These Tropes, Then You Should Read:

Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield

5/5 Stars

A 🧵