reginaldlamoni

Welp. That's probably the most excited I've been for a second season of something in a hot minute. This is the TV adaptation of the hugely popular podcast starring Markiplier of the same name about what happens when an epidemic hits the world that makes it so that when everyone goes to sleep, they don't wake up and die, and how four people try and figure out what, how, and why it is all happening. This was a show I was VERY excited for ever since it's announcement back in 2021, and let's just say it did not disappoint. The acting is on point, the story is incredibly interesting, the lore is utterly fascinating, the mystery endlessly engaging, the directing superb, and the entire vibe is just so, so eerie. It's a very quick two hour watch, with great pacing all throughout, and honestly my biggest issue is that it wasn't longer. I felt like we needed more time to really delve into the lore of this world and understand all the symbolism, to truly let all the horrors sink in instead of just rushing onto the next moment. I feel like there's enough content here to warrant just one more episode, but I digress. I loved this show, and it ends on such a superb cliffhanger I just cannot wait for season 2.

This. Was. Incredible. I was locked in from beginning to end, utterly captivated by the amazing performances, the beautiful camera work, and the mesmerizing score. I went into this film with incredibly high expectations but also very deep worries that it would come off as pretentious, confusing, and unable to justify its own existence. Suffice it to say, those worries were quelled, and those expectations were met. I had a blast watching this film from beginning to end. From the absolutely beautiful performances from Phoenix and Gaga, to the incredibly engaging and truly bold writing, there wasn't a single dull moment to be found. While it isn't a stand alone story that speaks for itself like the first film, this feels like a fantastic epilogue tying up the loose ends of the first film while bringing a few new ingredients of its own that do warrant this being a full fledged two and a half hour film rather than a special or short film on HBO Max. While yes the first film had a perfect ending and didn't need a sequel, I'm very glad we got one because there was clearly much more of a story to tell. The ending to this film I feel like is what will be the most controversial and divisive among fans, but for me I felt like it was the only way for the film to end. If you can't tell I absolutely adored this film and really hope it gets the same love from audiences and the academy the first film did. Is it better than the first film? Probably not, but it's close. I think the first is a better film on its own merrits and tells a more self contained story with more to say about mental health and society, but it's also much more difficult to watch because of how heavy and intense the film is, but when it comes to which film I would rather rewatch, I'd pick this one any day of the week. It's simply more entertaining and easier to watch. That does mean it loses some of that shock value the first film had and I can see that being a big issue for many audiences, but for me I thought it worked really well. This film isn't trying to be as shocking as the first, and it's not trying to be better either. It's simply complimenting the first film and giving this legendary character (both in universe and in real life) the send off he truly deserves. I adored this film and will absolutely be seeing it again as soon as humanly possible.