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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated My Cousin Rachel (2017) in Movies
Nov 12, 2017 (Updated Nov 12, 2017)
Gothic Victorian suspense surrounding the mysterious Rachel
This film is no doubt atmospheric and evocative, rather than old fashioned Victorian horror, all about the widow of recently deceased cousin who died under mysterious circumstances.
Sam Claflin plays the vengeful nephew, who plots to find out the truth about Rachel, believing that she murdered his guardian. But his feelings become complicated as he finds himself falling under the beguiling spell of her charms.
Daphne Du Maurier was an excellent writer of course and many of her novels have been transferred to both the big and small screen to much acclaim. As it is, this is a film of intrigue and intent that is not quite what it at first seems. The outcome is not mind-blowing and you don't have to be Hercule Poirot to follow the plot or work things out. However, the 'did she didn't she murder' question is left rather open-ended and down to the interpretation/thoughts of the viewer. While it is not in the same league as Rebecca, the director makes a decent effort in creating an uneasy ambience.
It is a fascinating film which delves (in a shallow way) into the workings of the human mind and its psychological ways and how suspicion can play havoc in relationships.
Sam Claflin plays the vengeful nephew, who plots to find out the truth about Rachel, believing that she murdered his guardian. But his feelings become complicated as he finds himself falling under the beguiling spell of her charms.
Daphne Du Maurier was an excellent writer of course and many of her novels have been transferred to both the big and small screen to much acclaim. As it is, this is a film of intrigue and intent that is not quite what it at first seems. The outcome is not mind-blowing and you don't have to be Hercule Poirot to follow the plot or work things out. However, the 'did she didn't she murder' question is left rather open-ended and down to the interpretation/thoughts of the viewer. While it is not in the same league as Rebecca, the director makes a decent effort in creating an uneasy ambience.
It is a fascinating film which delves (in a shallow way) into the workings of the human mind and its psychological ways and how suspicion can play havoc in relationships.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Creepy (Kuripi: Itsuwari no rinjin) (2016) in Movies
Nov 29, 2017 (Updated Nov 29, 2017)
The title spells it out to a tee
This absolutely stomach-wrenching film from the masters of Japanese cinema, literally blows your socks off. It is understatedly creepy, no dramatic background music and a deeply horrifying body count. For fans of psychological thrillers such as @Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2014) and @Oldboy (2013) (Korean version) this is another expertly crafted movie that leaves you in knots.
It begins with a detective interviewing a psychopathic suspect, who then manages to escape the police interview room and hold a woman hostage. In the process, the detective is badly injured and as a result leaves the force to pursue an academic career in criminal psychology. Shaken by his time as a detective, he and his wife move to a leafy suburb of Japan with incredibly unsocial neighbours. Soon after moving, he is approached by a former colleague asking for help in a particular case, in which three members of a family mysteriously disappeared six years ago, leaving only a daughter behind. The case was never solved as the daughter's constantly changing statements were seen as inadmissible evidence. And soon after he realises that the case is much closer to home than expected.
Sharp storytelling despite a few plot holes which is left to your imagination. Totally recommended for followers of Eastern cinema.
It begins with a detective interviewing a psychopathic suspect, who then manages to escape the police interview room and hold a woman hostage. In the process, the detective is badly injured and as a result leaves the force to pursue an academic career in criminal psychology. Shaken by his time as a detective, he and his wife move to a leafy suburb of Japan with incredibly unsocial neighbours. Soon after moving, he is approached by a former colleague asking for help in a particular case, in which three members of a family mysteriously disappeared six years ago, leaving only a daughter behind. The case was never solved as the daughter's constantly changing statements were seen as inadmissible evidence. And soon after he realises that the case is much closer to home than expected.
Sharp storytelling despite a few plot holes which is left to your imagination. Totally recommended for followers of Eastern cinema.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated The Eyes of My Mother (2016) in Movies
May 12, 2018
Though The Eyes of My Mother is listed as a slasher movie, the term “psychological thriller” feels far more appropriate. If a film bears the “slasher” label, I expect lots of gore. This film fails to meet that expectation. It may be the fact that this movie is in black and white that lessens the impact of its more gruesome moments. Nonetheless, The Eyes of My Mother is a haunting and terrifying journey that explores the depths of human depravity.
Starring Kika Magalhaes, The Eyes of My Mother follows Francisca as she matures. Her fear of loneliness reminds us that she is still human while her “hobbies” simultaneously tell us differently. Francisca is an extremely complicated character, but Magalhaes’s performance is genuine and lends credence to the role. It also helps that Magalhaes shares the same cultural background.
This movie is an art house film. If you aren’t a fan of this style, you may not enjoy it. If you are, you can find it on Netflix. I don’t have any large gripes about the film, nor do I have any complaints about its plot. It’s fairly simple and direct. If I must find an issue, it is the fact that no one takes notice of the fact that people disappear.
Overall, I can say that this is a film that I will watch again in the future.
Starring Kika Magalhaes, The Eyes of My Mother follows Francisca as she matures. Her fear of loneliness reminds us that she is still human while her “hobbies” simultaneously tell us differently. Francisca is an extremely complicated character, but Magalhaes’s performance is genuine and lends credence to the role. It also helps that Magalhaes shares the same cultural background.
This movie is an art house film. If you aren’t a fan of this style, you may not enjoy it. If you are, you can find it on Netflix. I don’t have any large gripes about the film, nor do I have any complaints about its plot. It’s fairly simple and direct. If I must find an issue, it is the fact that no one takes notice of the fact that people disappear.
Overall, I can say that this is a film that I will watch again in the future.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Wedding Guest (Alex Delaware #34) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Jonathan Kellerman's 34th Alex Delaware novel
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
If you have never read any of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series you need to do so immediately. The Wedding Guest is Kellerman's 34th Alex Delaware novel. It would definitely help with the backstory but you do not need to start at book 1, "When the Bough Breaks", to appreciate the story. Each novel is part of the series but can stand alone.
Kellerman's Alex Delaware is a psychologist who helps Detective Milo Sturgis with difficult cases. As you can guess, having a psychologist as the main character gives the reader a hint that Kellerman's book are more than the ordinary cop vs bad guy type of book. You are almost guaranteed the story will be a psychological thriller.
The Wedding Guest is no exception. Someone is murdered at a wedding reception. Were they invited? Did they crash? Do the bride and groom know them? Do any of the family members or guests know them? Why kill someone during the reception?
The characters surrounding Alex and MIlo help round out the story and make them seem more human and approachable. They are not perfect. They make mistakes. They are a perfect team for working together to catch the bad guys.
If you have never read any of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series you need to do so immediately. The Wedding Guest is Kellerman's 34th Alex Delaware novel. It would definitely help with the backstory but you do not need to start at book 1, "When the Bough Breaks", to appreciate the story. Each novel is part of the series but can stand alone.
Kellerman's Alex Delaware is a psychologist who helps Detective Milo Sturgis with difficult cases. As you can guess, having a psychologist as the main character gives the reader a hint that Kellerman's book are more than the ordinary cop vs bad guy type of book. You are almost guaranteed the story will be a psychological thriller.
The Wedding Guest is no exception. Someone is murdered at a wedding reception. Were they invited? Did they crash? Do the bride and groom know them? Do any of the family members or guests know them? Why kill someone during the reception?
The characters surrounding Alex and MIlo help round out the story and make them seem more human and approachable. They are not perfect. They make mistakes. They are a perfect team for working together to catch the bad guys.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated The Silent Patient in Books
Mar 13, 2019
Pros:
▪ Psychological
▪ Unexpected twist
▪ Cliff-hanger
Cons:
▪ The cliff hanger and plot twist is so intense I can't cope ?
I'm not sure where to start with this. This is the first book that has literally left me speechless. There was many moments where I gasped out loud and had to close the book to take in what I had just read. It's so psychologically twisting you get dragged into this plot and then everything you have just read gets scrumpled up and blown up into the biggest plot twist I have ever read.
One minute you feel like you know the characters well enough to suspect the ending but then all of that changes and you're left feeling sorry for some characters you once doubted and hate towards characters you once loved.
The author has written this so well and concluded it with an intense cliff hanger.
I would love to go into detail about the story but I can't physically do that without ruining the experience of actually reading it, so all I can say is, if you haven't read this then what the heck are you waiting for?
.
I also just found out that this is being made into a film, this doesn't surprise me! I really hope they do it justice. This author is sensational.
▪ Psychological
▪ Unexpected twist
▪ Cliff-hanger
Cons:
▪ The cliff hanger and plot twist is so intense I can't cope ?
I'm not sure where to start with this. This is the first book that has literally left me speechless. There was many moments where I gasped out loud and had to close the book to take in what I had just read. It's so psychologically twisting you get dragged into this plot and then everything you have just read gets scrumpled up and blown up into the biggest plot twist I have ever read.
One minute you feel like you know the characters well enough to suspect the ending but then all of that changes and you're left feeling sorry for some characters you once doubted and hate towards characters you once loved.
The author has written this so well and concluded it with an intense cliff hanger.
I would love to go into detail about the story but I can't physically do that without ruining the experience of actually reading it, so all I can say is, if you haven't read this then what the heck are you waiting for?
.
I also just found out that this is being made into a film, this doesn't surprise me! I really hope they do it justice. This author is sensational.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Secretary in Books
Mar 15, 2019
Day after day, year after year, Christine has been there, invisiblewatching, listening, absorbing all the secrets floating around her. Keeping them safe.
Christine is trusted. But those years of loyalty and discretion come with a high price. And eventually Christina will pay.
Yet, it would be a mistake to underestimate such a steadfast woman. Because as everyone is about to discover, theres a dangerous line between obedience and obsession...
"The Secretary" is Renee Knight's second novel. This story has an explosive plot and a very surprising twist at the end.
This story revolves and explores the relationship between the employer and the employee. The author has done a fabulous job of exploring the loyalty of an employee to her employer. The story is completely gripping and I was glued to it.
The characters are completely and utterly convincing and I developed a love/hate relationship with them.
The underlying tension is apparent from the start and it just adds to the suspense going forward.
Some may call this a slow burn but I felt the pace of the story is just perfect. This is an intelligent, twisted, psychological thriller.
Very believable characters and brilliant plot! Perfect story in my opinion.
Highly Recommend!
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
Christine is trusted. But those years of loyalty and discretion come with a high price. And eventually Christina will pay.
Yet, it would be a mistake to underestimate such a steadfast woman. Because as everyone is about to discover, theres a dangerous line between obedience and obsession...
"The Secretary" is Renee Knight's second novel. This story has an explosive plot and a very surprising twist at the end.
This story revolves and explores the relationship between the employer and the employee. The author has done a fabulous job of exploring the loyalty of an employee to her employer. The story is completely gripping and I was glued to it.
The characters are completely and utterly convincing and I developed a love/hate relationship with them.
The underlying tension is apparent from the start and it just adds to the suspense going forward.
Some may call this a slow burn but I felt the pace of the story is just perfect. This is an intelligent, twisted, psychological thriller.
Very believable characters and brilliant plot! Perfect story in my opinion.
Highly Recommend!
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Playmates in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Tania and Trevor Wilde are twins. They live in a small lake town with their parents. Every night their parents have "wine time" where they hurl bottles and insults at each other. Tania and Trevor spend "wine time" in their room wishing they could be anywhere else and making a plan to get away. The Wilde family is the definition of a dysfunctional family. Mom is abusive towards Tania and Trevor feels helpless to stop it. Then she invites strange men into the home while dad is away working. The next day, though, she will have bible study with some of her friends. Dad, is not exempt from the dysfunction. He is a professor at the local community college and brings home co-eds to the basement.
Tania frequently thinks about death and often coaxes Trevor to the dark side. She doesn't have many friends so she counts on her brother to fill that void. Then an unfortunate incident takes place and makes them both a lot darker.
Playmates, is a psychological thriller about killer kids. While this book did not have me on the edge of my seat, it held and captured my attention. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I look forward to the next titles in the Wilde series. Bedmates and Soulmates.
Tania frequently thinks about death and often coaxes Trevor to the dark side. She doesn't have many friends so she counts on her brother to fill that void. Then an unfortunate incident takes place and makes them both a lot darker.
Playmates, is a psychological thriller about killer kids. While this book did not have me on the edge of my seat, it held and captured my attention. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I look forward to the next titles in the Wilde series. Bedmates and Soulmates.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Bones of You in Books
Feb 13, 2018
When local village teenager Rosie disappears -- and later is discovered murdered, fellow villager Kate is understandably upset. Kate has a daughter Rosie's age and also spent a little bit of time with the quiet teen and knew her mother, Jo, somewhat.
Rosie's murder causes quite a stir, especially because her father, Neal, is a well-known journalist. Kate becomes closer to Jo after Rosie's death and starts to learn more about Jo, Neal, and Rosie's younger sister, Delphine. As she gets pulled into the family's secrets, Kate finds herself more and more intrigued and confused about what happened to Rosie.
I tore through this book in a couple of days. The reviews comparing it to "Lovely Bones" or a Gillian Flynn novel are certainly not wrong. It's compelling and chilling. The book switches narrators and we "hear" from Rosie, as well, but the format isn't hokey or silly, as it often can be if done incorrectly.
I figured out some of the plot fairly early on, but it didn't make the book any less complex or exciting. The characters are well-drawn and interesting, and there's just *something* about the book that draws you in. Definitely recommend for those in the market for a good psychological thriller.
(Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Rosie's murder causes quite a stir, especially because her father, Neal, is a well-known journalist. Kate becomes closer to Jo after Rosie's death and starts to learn more about Jo, Neal, and Rosie's younger sister, Delphine. As she gets pulled into the family's secrets, Kate finds herself more and more intrigued and confused about what happened to Rosie.
I tore through this book in a couple of days. The reviews comparing it to "Lovely Bones" or a Gillian Flynn novel are certainly not wrong. It's compelling and chilling. The book switches narrators and we "hear" from Rosie, as well, but the format isn't hokey or silly, as it often can be if done incorrectly.
I figured out some of the plot fairly early on, but it didn't make the book any less complex or exciting. The characters are well-drawn and interesting, and there's just *something* about the book that draws you in. Definitely recommend for those in the market for a good psychological thriller.
(Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Hands of the Ripper (1971) in Movies
May 27, 2018 (Updated May 27, 2018)
Bring the Daughter; Have some Slaughter
Pretty decent Hammer horror melodrama set in a sort of grab-bag version of late Victorian London. Anna (Rees) grows up an orphan, little suspecting the identity of her father, or the fact that she seems to have inherited his compulsion to kill. An ambitious psychiatrist (Porter) takes her under his wing, believing he can help her with her little problem. (As ever, hubris comes before a gory comeuppance.) Meanwhile, Hammer whips up gallons of fake blood.
Not-bad production values and decent performances go a long way to make up for some fairly preposterous plotting; you get the classic Hammer sense of a traditional costume drama coupling energetically with a disreputable exploitation movie, with a good time had by all. On the one hand this is another tale of an improbably arrogant man whose specific area of brilliance doesn't stop him making a whole series of insanely bad decisions; on the other it is about the power of men to seriously screw up the lives of women in patriarchal societies (so perhaps still somewhat relevant). Film does an interesting little dance, too: are Anna's problems purely psychological or is she genuinely possessed by the spirit of the Ripper? Well put together, some interesting ideas, doesn't outstay its welcome - definitely worth a look if old British horror movies are your thing.
Not-bad production values and decent performances go a long way to make up for some fairly preposterous plotting; you get the classic Hammer sense of a traditional costume drama coupling energetically with a disreputable exploitation movie, with a good time had by all. On the one hand this is another tale of an improbably arrogant man whose specific area of brilliance doesn't stop him making a whole series of insanely bad decisions; on the other it is about the power of men to seriously screw up the lives of women in patriarchal societies (so perhaps still somewhat relevant). Film does an interesting little dance, too: are Anna's problems purely psychological or is she genuinely possessed by the spirit of the Ripper? Well put together, some interesting ideas, doesn't outstay its welcome - definitely worth a look if old British horror movies are your thing.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Out Of My Mind in Books
Aug 21, 2018
This review can also be found on my blog: https://diaryofdifference.com/2018/03/01/out-of-my-mind-cathy-penman-book-review/
Cathy Penman messaged me through my blog, and asked me if I would like to read her book. I said yes – of course, and now I know – I made a very good decision that day!
Out Of My Mind is a book unlike any other that I have read. It is a fantasy book, with a huge sum of reality and psychological thoughts.
We follow the adventures of Laura, who is a woman with a special ability – to get out of her own body, and let her mind flow around in the air. She decides to keep her ability secret, because of all the risks she is under.
While her body is motionless, her mind can go places, see things and hear everything, but she can’t interfere with anything. She is just an invisible watcher.
The book is written with a lovely pace, and it made me unable to put the book down. It involves a lot of Points of View, from many different people, and even though for a moment I would lose track with all their adventures, they always connect to Laura’s story.
This book is amazing for so many amazing reasons, and I am so glad I got the chance to read it!
Cathy Penman messaged me through my blog, and asked me if I would like to read her book. I said yes – of course, and now I know – I made a very good decision that day!
Out Of My Mind is a book unlike any other that I have read. It is a fantasy book, with a huge sum of reality and psychological thoughts.
We follow the adventures of Laura, who is a woman with a special ability – to get out of her own body, and let her mind flow around in the air. She decides to keep her ability secret, because of all the risks she is under.
While her body is motionless, her mind can go places, see things and hear everything, but she can’t interfere with anything. She is just an invisible watcher.
The book is written with a lovely pace, and it made me unable to put the book down. It involves a lot of Points of View, from many different people, and even though for a moment I would lose track with all their adventures, they always connect to Laura’s story.
This book is amazing for so many amazing reasons, and I am so glad I got the chance to read it!