Rebecca Rossi's Blog

Hi all!

Today I sharing my five most anticipated horror movie releases of 2026. 2025 gave us some outstanding spooky films, but I think the new year will outdo itself. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

I am a huge fan of the Evil Dead franchise. Check out my dedicated ranking here. There isn’t a single movie in the series I haven’t enjoyed. Coming to theatres July 24th, Evil Dead Burn will serve as a continuation to Evil Dead Rise. At this stage, no plot summary has been revealed. However, we can expect gore, Deadites and lots of blood. Lee Cronin is stepping away from this one; replaced by Sébastien Vaniček as director. He brought us Infested, which I loved, so I cannot wait! 

In 2025, we had Del Toro’s Frankenstein. In 2026, we have The Bride, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. In 1930s Chicago, groundbreaking scientist, Dr. Euphronious, brings a murdered young woman back to life as a companion for Frankenstein’s monster. What happens next is beyond what either of them could imagine. Expected to hit theatres March 6th, this film boasts a stacked cast featuring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Penelope Cruz, Christian Bale, Annette Benning and more. I love all things Frankenstein and his Bride, so I’m excited to see if this version measures up. 

Obsession is without a doubt, my most anticipated horror film of 2026. I also expect it to be my favourite. It was featured at this year’s Fantastic Fest, blowing audiences away. Multiple influencers I follow said it was one of the best movies they have ever seen. Directed by the brilliant Curry Barker (who brought us Milk & Serial), this simple story follows a boy wishing to win the heart of his true love. One day, he casts a love spell, causing deadly and disturbing results. At this stage, it is set to hit theatres May 15th. I just know it’s going to exceed all expectations. 

I don’t expect Whistle to be excellent. I just expect it to be fun. Coming to theatres February 12th, this movie follows a group of high school students who discover an ancient Aztec death whistle. One simple blow summons their future deaths to hunt them down. It is directed by Corin Hardy, who also brought us The Nun. I’m likening this one to Tarot. It’s going to be cheesy, corny and full of tropes but I don’t care. I know I’m going to have a good time and that’s all that matters. Popcorn horrors are just as important as the more artistic features. 

Last, but not least, we have Dolly. Similar to Obsession, this film also premiered at this year’s Fantastic Fest, with rave reviews. It is directed by Rod Blackhurst, who co-wrote Night Swim. At this stage, it does not have a release date, however, it will come out in 2026. It follows Macy, a young woman fighting for survival after being abducted by a monstrous figure, intending to raise her as its child. Audiences can expect stomach-churning gore, a gritty 70’s horror landscape (think Texas Chainsaw Massacre) and a formidable entity akin to the Mother from Barbarian. 

Thank you so much for reading! Which horror movies are you most excited to see in 2026?

Peace & Love xoxo  

Hi all!

Welcome back to a fun segment on my blog, where I pit an original film against its remake and discuss which one I personally believe is better. If you wish to check out the dedicated category, please click here. There will be a few factors to take into consideration: a.) Does the remake improve the original story, b.) Is the original already so superior, the remake is quite irrelevant and c.) Do both films exist side-by-side, complementing one another in cinematic history? Today’s post is tackling a non-horror. I am covering Paul Michael Glaser’s, The Running Man from 1987 and Edgar Wright’s reboot from 2025. These movies are set in a futuristic world, where ‘runners’ must survive against lethal assassins, in order to obtain freedom/monetary prizes. Remember, this is just my opinion. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Did the remake improve upon the original? 100%! My issue with the original, is it’s too limited in scope. The game takes place in a singular underground area, with no creative design. It’s just a basic warehouse, surrounded by awful red lighting. In the remake, everything is grander. It is open world. The ‘runner’ travels across the United States, taking on many different disguises and resources to survive. The competition is also expanded upon. The competitior has to film themselves for 10 minutes a day; finding time to mail their video before the timer runs out. This amps up the tension significantly. The audience participation is also wild. They can call in tips if they spot the ‘runner.’ It’s an entire event. For this and many more reasons (which I’ll discuss below), the reboot is far superior.

Winner – The Running Man 2025

Was the original already so superior, the remake was irrelevant? No. The remake was needed. This is a film that benefits greatly from modern movie-making. Not only that, it is very telling of our current political climate, which felt like an act of rebellion in and of itself. I also preferred the motivation. In the original, Ben Richards is thrown into the game as a prisoner, with the ‘opportunity’ of fighting for his freedom. In the remake, he enters voluntarily, in order to gain a significant monetary prize to assist his wife and sick daughter. When a loved one’s life is on the line, the stakes feel higher. As mentioned above, everything was expanded upon – even the deepfakes. In this day and age, where technology can intentionally misrepresent a person’s face and voice, the concept hits harder. I also want to add that Glen Powell’s character visits Derry. IT is my favourite horror movie and book of all time – need I say more?

Winner – The Running Man 2025

Can both films exist side-by-side in cinematic history? I wish I could say yes but after watching the remake, I cannot agree. Don’t get me wrong, there are things about the original I appreciate. Nothing will ever beat Arnie’s classic one-liners. However, the 2025 version really went for it, providing one hell of an action-thriller akin to Squid Game, The Hunger Games and The Long Walk. For its time, the 1987 feature would have been effective, especially the hyperbolic themed assassins. However, a competition titled ‘The Running Man’ deserves to be bigger and grander. We want to see open-world running. Edgar Wright gave us exactly that.

Winner – The Running Man 2025

The clear and obvious winner is the modern remake. It is exactly what The Running Man should be. The irony that this and The Long Walk were both released in the same year.

Thank you so much for reading! What are your thoughts? 

Peace & Love xoxo

Hi all! 

Today is a more personal post. I am going to discuss my unique battle with endometriosis and how I was able to overcome it. I’m hoping those that can relate, will see there are highly effective treatment methods. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

As a teenager, I had uncomfortable periods, but they weren’t anything I couldn’t live with. My cycle was regular and compared to some of my friends, I was quite lucky. After I gave birth to my first and only child, it took a while for my period to return. I breastfed for 13 months, which is quite a long time. It came back lightly at first, but as the months wore on, I noticed my cycles were a lot heavier and more painful than they were pre-conception. Within the first year of our daughter’s life, my husband and I decided we didn’t want anymore children. There are many reasons for this, which I won’t detail here. I put myself on the waiting list at the hospital to have my tubes removed. Not only would it make me sterile, I had heard the procedure aided painful periods. 

By the time the hospital was ready for me, my husband and I were in the process of uprooting our entire lives to move from Melbourne to Queensland (read here). In our small coastal town up north, I had to plead my case to an elderly male doctor, as to why I wanted/needed this surgery. He tried to convince me not to go through with it. After all, I was young and healthy – why wouldn’t I want more children? I argued the many reasons why a woman may not want to procreate further (mental health, finances, our political climate etc.) and he relented. Within a few months, my bilateral salpingectomy (the removal of both fallopian tubes) was scheduled. I could’ve had my tubes tied, but I didn’t want to risk any accidental pregnancies. I wanted a foolproof method. The procedure was a success (or so I thought) and I felt at peace. I no longer had to worry about falling pregnant and my cycles were on track to improve. How wrong I was! 

At first, it looked like things had worked. My periods felt similar to how they were pre-conception. However, it wasn’t long before they returned with a vengeance and with it, a diagnosis of Secondary Dysmennorrhea. This condition falls under the umbrella of Endometriosis. It can develop later in life, caused by all sorts of things. For me, it was the bilateral salpingectomy – the very thing that was supposed to help me. My monthly cycles became unbearable (for lack of a better term). I could not walk. I could not work. I bled so much I almost fainted. I developed an iron deficiency. I lost weight. I was constantly dizzy and tired. I screamed and cried in bed during the beginning stages. The painkillers did absolutely nothing. It was AWFUL. My worst symptom however, was fear. I was terrified what each month would bring; unaware of how bad it would be. My place of employment was so understanding. I was lucky to be surrounded by predominately females, who got it. 

And so began my journey of trying to get a medical professional to take me seriously. I sought out several medical opinions; undergoing multiple ultrasounds. All I heard in return was that I had a particularly thick lining and to just take pain medication. I told them the pills did nothing. The pain literally overrode the medication. It didn’t matter what I said, I was met with constant pushback. I felt like I was going mad. Like maybe I just had a low-pain tolerance and this was something I had to suck up for the rest of my life. In a last ditch attempt, my husband recommended I see a female gynaecologist. I didn’t dare get my hopes up. Thankfully, this woman was sent by an angel. The minute I walked into her office for the first time – I hadn’t even sat down yet – she said to me: “whoever told you a bilateral salpingectomy helps period pain was wrong. I am so sorry you were fed that misinformation. It actually makes it worse.” I could’ve wept right there. For the first time, I was being vindicated. She explained that when the tubes are cut, the blood can pool in the protrusions, making periods ten times heavier and more painful. I could not believe what I was hearing. She then went on to offer me a solution – an endometrial ablation. She had been performing them as a surgeon for years -at an excellent success rate. Basically, you are put under anaesthesia, whilst the lining of your uterus is burnt off. It is a permanent procedure, typically resulting in never having a period again. At the very least, some individuals retain minor spotting. It’s also 100% non-hormonal. Perfect! She told me to think about it but I didn’t need to. On the drive home, I sobbed and sobbed, so grateful I wouldn’t have to live like this for much longer. 

On October 17th, 2025 I was admitted to a private hospital for the ablation. The surgery was successful, however, I had a bit of a rough recovery. On the drive home, it felt like my insides had been burnt (because they had). I screamed and cried in pain, unable to get relief. After that, the pain began to lessen, but I developed an unrelated virus due to my low immune system. Once that cleared, I was left with some persistent watery discharge. There was no pain, no excessive bleeding and no more fear. At this stage, I haven’t had a proper period. It will take a few cycles to see the full results but something feels different. I know it’s over. The battle has been fought and won. I really want more people to know about the ablation. Click here to read more about my particular procedure. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, believe me. 

If I can leave you with anything, it’s this. Do not stop advocating for your physical and mental health. Always get multiple medical opinions if something does not feel right. Periods are not meant to be this painful. If they are, something is wrong. You are not complaining or too soft. This is not something you just have to endure until menopause. 

Thank you so much for reading. I hope you got something out of it. 

Peace & Love xoxo 

Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: Keeper. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. A wife becomes isolated in a secluded cabin; having to fend off an unspeakable evil. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Prepare for a harsh review! The only redeeming quality of Keeper was Tatiana Maslany’s acting. She carried her role beautifully. I would love to add how incredible the cinematography and setting were, however, Osgood Perkins used repetitive shots over and over. I saw the same running stream a hundred times; the same side view of the cabin etc. Unfortunately, I have nothing else positive to contribute.

I don’t know how Osgood managed to make a 100 minute film feel like it was three hours long. There’s slow and then there’s Keeper. For the majority of the runtime, not a single thing happened. By the third act, viewers are given a wacky info dump, followed by an abrupt ending. There’s a good movie in there somewhere but the whole thing was just far too strange. The entities themselves were not frightening. They looked like people wearing theatre makeup. Furthermore, the explanations were not satisfying, nor the slog to reach them. I didn’t feel like the payoff was worth the journey. I’m extremely disappointed by this one. 

I gave it 2/5 stars. I do not recommend this film. 

Have you seen Keeper? What did you think of it?

Peace & Love xoxo

Hi all! 

To continue my Seasonal Splendour segment, I’m sharing 5 horror movies to watch in spring, summer, autumn and winter. These spooky films will give you all the seasonal vibes. As it’s still November (in the Southern Hemisphere), I’m starting with spring. I’ve decided on some more unconventional choices, so without further ado, let’s get into it! 

What is spring without bees and honey? Candyman is a no-brainer this season! I am referring to the original from 1992 but the 2021 remake works too. 

Skeptical graduate student, Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen), befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams), while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago’s Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend, some believe responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman’s description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear the legend may be all too real. 

Even though it takes place during autumn, I still classify Candyman as a spring feature. A villain known for spouting bees from his mouth? Say no more! This horror classic manages to deliver scares and seduction combined. It almost feels like a love story. It’s also much more than a slasher. This movie provides commentary on race, class and urban decay. If you haven’t checked it out yet, do so this season. 

The Ruins may feel like a summer film but dangerous and deadly plants scream spring to me! If you’re looking for a gore-fest, this is the movie for you. 

Amy (Jena Malone), Stacy, Jeff and Eric, look for fun during a sunny holiday in Mexico. However, they get much more after visiting an archaeological dig in the jungle. Carnivorous vines try to ensnare the friends in their tendrils, forcing the group to fight for survival.

I felt physically ill watching this movie. I know that isn’t particularly enticing but it pushes the boundaries and then some when it comes to the gore/violence. Make sure you go into this one with a strong stomach. In terms of storyline, I wouldn’t expect much. The characters (especially the lead) are quite obnoxious. There is a real sense of entitlement from them, especially in regard to trespassing and cultural sensitivity. Having said all that, if you’re looking for a fun, bloody evening of carnage, I recommend checking it out. The plants are formidable!

What season does one normally get swooped? Spring! Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds could not be more seasonal if it tried. 

Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), meets Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor) in a San Francisco pet store; deciding to follow him home. She brings with her the gift of two love birds and they strike up a romance. One day, birds start attacking children at Mitch’s sister’s party. This leads to a huge assault on the town from the vicious feathery foes.

I watched this classic for the first time in November and absolutely loved it. The special effects may be outdated but as somebody terrified of birds, I still found it quite impactful. Tippi Hedren is an icon. You would not know this was her debut feature film. Despite it being two hours long, I didn’t feel the runtime. I loved the slow build-up to the horror. Hitchcock left the motivations for the bird attacks wide open, in the hopes audiences would come up with their own intepretations. I have my own theories. What are yours? 

I have written an entire post about why I love The Wicker Man so much (click here). It’s bright, floral and paganistic. 

Sergeant Howie arrives on the small Scottish island of Summerisle, to investigate the report of a missing child. A conservative Christian, the policeman observes the residents’ frivolous sexual displays and strange pagan rituals. The more Sergeant Howie learns about the islanders’ strange practices, the closer he gets to tracking down the missing child. 

The Wicker Man has a runtime of only 102 minutes and yet, the pacing is pure perfection. From the moment the opening credits begin, we are thrust straight into the story. There is no messing about, with enough happening on screen to keep your attention. As the horror builds, so does your interest. I really have to commend the way the movie was edited and put together. For a 1970’s film, there is an impressive amount of impactful horror. 

Last, but not least, we have Pan’s Labyrinth. A visually stunning, cinematic masterpiece, set amongst lush gardens and blooming flowers. 

It’s 1944 and the Allies have invaded Nazi-held Europe. In Spain, a troop of soldiers are sent to a remote forest to flush out the rebels. They are led by Capitan Vidal, a murdering sadist. With him are his new wife, Carmen and her daughter from a previous marriage, Ofelia. Ofelia witnesses her stepfather’s sadistic brutality; drawing her into Pan’s Labyrinth, a magical world of mythical beings.

I know foreign movies can be off-putting to certain people but I strongly recommend Pan’s Labyrinth to anyone that hasn’t seen it. It’s not focused on dialogue, as much as aesthetics. The creature design is phenomenal, as is to be expected with Del Toro. I remember how I felt watching it years ago. I was so entranced by the visuals. If you want a darker, moodier film set in spring, I suggest checking it out.

Thank you so much for reading. Please share your favourite horror movies to watch in spring. 

Peace & Love xoxo 

Hi all! 

Today I am back with ‘Horror Movies You May Have Missed In 2025: Part 2‘. Check out Part 1 here. I will be sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of the year – thus far. I hope these mini reviews inform whomever reading, whether to add said film to their watchlist OR avoid it entirely. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

A collection of Halloween-themed videotapes unleashes a series of twisted, blood-soaked tales, turning trick-or-treat into a struggle for survival.

I have ranked every single V/H/S film (click here). I’m thrilled to report this one is top-tier. It had some deliciously gory and spooky segments. The best were Fun Size, Coochie Coochie Coo and Home Haunt. I didn’t love the wrap-around story but overall, it’s a solid instalment in the franchise. It delivers on the Halloween theme and then some. You should absolutely add it to your watch-list. 

Where To Watch: Shudder 

Rating: 4/5 

Haunted by visions and recurring nightmares years after a near-death experience, Vanessa Shepherd finds herself living in the town of Abaddon, unable to break free from its unexplainable hold on her. When people around her suddenly begin to die, she soon uncovers her terrifying connection to the Abaddon Hotel, the Carmichael Manor, and the mysterious murders that have been occurring for decades.

If you would like to read my review of Hell House LLC Carmichael Manor, click here. Lineage took quite a different approach to the rest of the franchise. It is the first in the series NOT presented as a found footage movie. It’s also the final instalment…or so they say. The ending actually left things open. I wish it hadn’t been almost two hours long. Hardly anything happened! It also wasn’t scary. It was just a lot of dialogue and creaky floorboards. What a disappointment. 

Where To Watch: Shudder 

Rating: 2.5/5 

Sentenced to community service at a retirement home, Max is told the residents on the fourth floor are strictly off-limits, as they require special care. Suspicious and curious, he soon uncovers a chilling secret that puts everyone’s lives in danger.

This is one of my least favourite horror movies of the year. However, I wanted to include it because the final scene is worth watching. It’s a shocking gore-fest, that must be seen to be believed. Aside from that, I was bored beyond belief. It didn’t help that Pete Davidson was as emotionless as a lobotomised rock. It was almost laughable how nonchalant he was in the face of true horror. You could tell he didn’t care about the role. He was just going through the motions. If you stream it, skip to the last scene and enjoy the carnage! 

Where To Watch: Amazon Prime

Rating: 2.5/5 

Polly receives a mysterious box that comes with instructions to place three things inside: something you need, something you hate, and something you love. What begins as a strange ritual, quickly unravels into a waking nightmare, as she becomes trapped in a terrifying world, where reality bends and memory betrays. 

Dakota Fanning gave this role everything she had. Unfortunately, she was given a terrible script to work with. I really liked the concept (read above) but the film went for way too long. It could’ve been much shorter and punchier. I did enjoy the gore (there’s some serious body mutilation in this movie), scares and snowy atmosphere. It had all the makings of a decent horror, it just needed more refinement. Check it out and make up your own mind. 

Where To Watch: Paramount +

Rating: 3/5 

Thank you so much for reading. Let me know if you have seen any of the movies mentioned. 

Peace & Love xoxo  

Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: Black Phone 2. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. Bad dreams haunt 15-year-old Gwen, as she receives calls from the black phone; seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp. Accompanied by her brother, Finn, they head to the camp to solve the mystery, only to confront the Grabber – a killer who’s grown even more powerful in death. If you would like to read my review of the first film, click here. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!

Summer camps are common in horror movies, but snow camps aren’t. The Black Phone 2 provided a fantastic setting that should be utilised more often. I’m so glad the same kids from the original, featured in the sequel. They both gave excellent performances, especially Gwen. Furthermore, I was quite attached to the limited cast of characters present at the camp. I also enjoyed the droning, grainy footage when Gwen was dreaming. It was very signature Scott Derrickson/Sinister. As was the case in my Black Phone review, the best part was The Grabber. Ethan Hawke is so captivating in this role. There was a Nightmare on Elm Street vibe to this instalment, that worked really well. The Grabber could easily rival Freddy as a modern iconic horror icon. 

I was hoping to learn more about The Grabber – especially what makes him supernatural. However, just like the original movie, we weren’t given nearly enough screentime with him. I don’t understand why the writers want to gatekeep him so much. We sit down to watch these films for him. I also felt the run-time was too long. The nightmare sequences became so repetitive, some of them could have been edited out. Additionally, not a single person was killed by the end (aside from those already murdered in the past). The body count was severely lacking. There was also something off about the dialogue and tone. It got quite cringy in parts, taking me out of the terror. I’m not sure if the Black Phone needed a sequel. It certainly doesn’t need a third.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars. I was hoping I would prefer it to the original but I did not. 

Have you seen Black Phone 2? What did you think of it?

Peace & Love xoxo

Hi all! 

Every single year, I set a theme for Halloween. In 2022, it was clowns. In 2023, it was haunted dolls/toys. In 2024, it was the Halloween franchise and in 2025, it’s sharks. The fearsome creatures of the deep! Every single day, from October 1st – 31st, I have been posting a different shark movie (including some trivia) on my stories. This horror sub-genre is not lacking for options. However, that can be a problem in and of itself. Out of the hundreds of shark movies, which ones are worth watching? Today I am sharing 5 recommendations to get you started. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

How could my list not contain Jaws? It’s the most iconic shark movie in history! I’m also recommending it because this year, it celebrated its 50th anniversary. I was lucky enough to catch a special screening at the cinema. 

When a young woman is killed by a shark while skinny-dipping near the New England tourist town of Amity Island, police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches, but mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town. Ichthyologist, Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled ship captain, Quint (Robert Shaw), offer to help Brody capture the killer beast. Together, the trio engage in an epic battle of man vs. nature.

Jaws is the ultimate creature feature. It impacted audiences worldwide. The majority of viewers refused to go near the ocean, after watching this 1975 horror classic. It gave birth to a widespread phobia of sharks. It is absolutely worthy of being on this list. We’re going to need a bigger boat! 

You may say this is more of a serial killer slasher, than a shark movie, but as sharks are the modus operandi, it counts! Dangerous Animals is one of my favourite horrors of 2025.

A shark-obsessed serial killer holds Zephyr, a rebellious surfer, captive on his boat. Racing against time, she must figure out a way to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below. 

The real stand-out is the Dangerous Animal himself – Jai Courtney, as Tucker. His performance was absolutely outstanding. I believed every word, every gesture. I also enjoyed Hassie Harrison’s role as Zephyr – the cool surfer girl, with a hard shell. She gave me Katniss Everdeen vibes. A real fighter. The gore was top notch and the scares, palpable. I found myself looking away in certain parts; holding my breath. It got to me and that doesn’t happen often. If you weren’t afraid of sharks before, you will be after watching this one. Enjoy the ride! 

The Shallows is a perfect film to watch with a group of girlfriends. It features a bad-ass female protagonist, surfing at a unfrequented beach in Mexico. 

Nancy (Blake Lively), travels to a secluded beach, following the death of her mother. While surfing, she gets attacked by a great white shark, leaving her stranded on a rock 200 yards from the shore.

Did you know Blake was pregnant during filming, yet still opted to do most of her own stunts? What I love about this movie, is the pacing. It has enough peaks and valleys to keep you interested. The lead was very resourcesful in her pursuit for survival. I certainly wouldn’t know what to do in her situtation. Furthermore, the aggressive shark was very intimidating. It was out for blood, no matter the time of day. Highly recommend checking this one out. 

If you’re looking for a blast from the past, check out Deep Blue Sea from 1999. I can confirm, it still holds up to this day! 

On an island research facility, Dr. Susan McAlester (Saffron Burrows) is harvesting the brain tissue of DNA-altered sharks, as a possible cure for Alzheimer’s disease. When the facility’s backers send an executive (Samuel L. Jackson) to investigate the experiments, a routine procedure goes awry, causing a shark to start attacking the researchers. Now, with sharks outnumbering their human captors, McAlester and her team must figure out a way to stop them from escaping to the ocean and breeding.

This movie is unique in that it’s a shark slasher. The genetically engineered beasts pick off the characters one-by-one, in a ruthless game of cat-and-mouse. It’s super enjoyable to watch, giving me all the 90’s nostalgia. LL Cool J steals the show as the comic relief. I love the music and vibes of Deep Blue Sea. It spawned a couple of sequels, however, they were set many years later, missing the magic of the era. If you’re a fan of Jaws, you may spot a certain a Easter Egg! 

Last, but not least, I wanted to provide a foreign horror recommendation. Under Paris was released last year – still available to stream on Netflix. 

To save Paris from a bloodbath, a grieving scientist is forced to face her tragic past when a giant shark appears in the Seine. 

This movie is incredibly ridiculous and unrealistic. However, it’s still a good time. I loved the setting and circumstances, leading to the final epic bloodbath (I won’t spoil it). It is hard to come up with new shark film ideas, so I appreciate the unique angle Under Paris took. Fun fact, it was actually filmed in Spain, as the Seine is too polluted to swim in! 

Thank you so much for reading. What are your favourite shark movies? Happy Halloween! 

Peace & Love xoxo 

Hi all! 

Today I want to share a project I’ve been undertaking the last few months. Full transparency, thanks to ad revenue, I have begun making money from my blog. For this reason, I wanted to tidy it up. I decided to spring clean my entire website, which I’m still in the process of. I’m going to outline all the changes made, plus how to do this yourself, if you feel so inclined. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

I have been posting consistently since 2015, so as you can imagine, this project has taken a lot of my time and energy. At this point in my life, I have published over 900 posts! Having said that, I have loved every second of it. I view my website as an online diary; reflecting the different versions of myself over the years. It not only brings me so much joy and creative expression; it’s something I want to leave for my daughter someday. The best place to start, is from the very beginning. From my very first post (read here), I began fixing grammatical errors, checking active/inactive links, active/inactive videos and assessing whether I still resonated with the content. I even binned several posts along the way. 

a.) GRAMMAR 

Past me loved an ellipsis. Every single sentence ended with…I could not believe how often I used them. It was constant! I removed them from my paragraphs, post headings, article titles etc. I also realised I repeat myself – a lot. For example, I would write something like: “the movie was quite confusing. I was so confused by the end.” I only had to express my confusion once. I reworked my words, making the posts sounds punchier and more streamlined. It may surprise you but my older content gets viewed quite regularly. For that reason, I encourage other bloggers to go back and do the same (depending on how long you’ve been posting). 

b.) ACTIVE/INACTIVE LINKS 

Inactive/active links have taken up the majority of my ‘spring cleaning.’ As a partial book blogger, I have been linking to Book Depository for years. However, as it closed in 2023, those links are no longer active. I’ve had to go through each post, replacing many a link with the Amazon alternative instead. Not only that, I’ve linked to different online stores that no longer exist, tagged other blogs that have since been wiped and more. I like to make things easily accessible for my viewers, so having inactive links posted everywhere didn’t sit right with me. This included my own links to different social media platforms, my books etc. It may be something you haven’t considered before but if you’re able, go back and check your links.

c.) ACTIVE/INACTIVE VIDEOS

Similar to inactive/active links, a lot of YouTube content I’ve shared over the years is no longer available. I’ve come across several posts now, featuring an ugly blank YouTube insert. In this case, I’ve either removed the video entirely or found another clip to substitute it. You never know when a channel may get deleted or a video struck due to copyright. I would recommend checking them from time to time. 

d.) DELETING POSTS I NO LONGER ALIGN WITH 

I went from over 900 published posts, down to around 870. I can confidently say, each one I trashed, was for the right reason. I wanted to keep the posts that reflected my different eras, because it’s important to see how I’ve changed and grown over the years. However, some of my work felt so far removed from who I am now, I had to bin them. For example, I had a post outlining why I was a vegan. I haven’t been fully vegan for several years now. It felt wrong to preach something I wasn’t committed to anymore. I still eat 90% plant based, so my recipes, vegan travel posts and recommendations, remain. I’ve also trashed discussion topics I don’t stand by anymore, parenting views I no longer share, filler content I published just to remain relevant, certain individuals I no longer want featured and more. The rest, I’ve kept. Take a stroll down memory lane and see what your intuition tells you. Do you think certain posts are worth keeping or trashing?

When it came to my many ranking posts, I had a dilemma. What do you do when a beloved author has published many more books since your last ranking? I’m looking at you Darcy Coates! My first instinct was to bin them, but I had such a strong physical reaction to the idea, I knew I couldn’t go through with it. I’m the queen of ranking. I’ve ranked franchises, shows, games, songs etc. To delete all those posts I put so much work into, would devastate me. Then it hit me. What if I revisited those old posts, but added my updates? For example (see image below), I returned to my Taylor Jenkins Reid ranking from 2021, inserting where I would place her newer works, in and amongst my original list. Any standalone reviews for that particular book, would be linked as well. Now, whenever I read a new novel, watch a new film in a series, finish another season of a television show etc., I just return to that particular post and update it. I don’t have to lose the work AND it remains relevant to today. Win win! 

Another way to ‘spring clean’ your blog is to update its aesthetics. I noticed earlier this year my blog’s theme was no longer available. I upgraded to a new one, changing the fonts, layouts, widgets and more. Maybe it’s time for a revamp? This includes categorising your posts under the correct menus. If you’re attached to how everything looks, don’t feel pressured to change it. I just wanted to give my website a fresh look. I really like the format now. In case you’re wondering, I use the Carnation theme. Also, for the first time since launching my blog in 2015, I finally changed the domain name from peaceandloveandveggies.com to mybookishuniverse.com. Everything makes sense now! 

On the more technical side, I would deleted any unused plug-ins to reduce security risks. Running outdated plug-ins could expose your site to hackers and AI bots. It’s a scary world we live in! Not only that, make sure your website is fully updated. You can do this through your dashboard. Updating everything will ensure your page is running at maximum speed, not to mention, avoid security breaches. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.

Last, but not least, focus on your engagement. Assess your stats, reply to comments, manage your professional inbox and ensure you have payment plans set up (if you are receiving revenue). See what posts your audience really responds to and give them more of that. My rankings and new-release horror movie reviews do the best. You’ll notice they have become a mainstay for my website. I always reply back to followers within the day and address any ‘deals’ presented to me over email. Once you get into the habit, you’ll be able to stay on top of things more readily. 

Thank you so much for reading. Let me know how you ‘spring clean’ your website. 

Peace & Love

Hi all! 

Yes, I am posting this on the 13th! Today I am breaking down/ranking Taylor Swift’s newest album: The Life of A Showgirl. If you wish to check out my other Swiftie related posts, please click here. This record has received so much hate and online criticism since its release and I simply do not understand it. As someone who has been a fan since Debut, I can confirm this has happened every single album cycle. Critics did not like The Tortured Poets Department, Midnights, Reputation, 1989 and even Folklore at first. They have always had different things to say but the underlying message remains the same: ‘this album is a flop.’ Then some time passes, a new era comes into play and suddenly, she’s the greatest artist of all time again. They reflect longingly on her previous works, wishing she had continued down the same path. I’m here to tell you, I fathomed on first listen and it’s a hit. This is Taylor’s fun, pop era. She’s happy, in love and less concerned than ever about how she’s perceived. The 12 tracks themselves are infectious, created by dream team: Taylor, Max Martin and Johan Shellback. The Life of a Showgirl promised incredible visuals and unbelievably good melodies – and it delivered. I have a lot to say, so without further ado, let’s get into it! 

In first place, we have Elizabeth Taylor. I was hooked on very first listen and the love has only deepened. This song is so catchy, I have a physical reaction every time it comes on. That drop in the bass? The hook? The melodies, plus her lower register? Insane! In this track, Taylor is not only comparing herself to the late and great icon, she is hoping her new relationship will work out. Who better to ask than Elizabeth Taylor? She was known for her many husbands; marrying the love of her life, Richard Burton, twice. It has a dreamy quality to the sound, but it also reminds me of My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys from The Tortured Poet’s Department and a song from the Reputation era. Furthermore, there are many references to Elizabeth Taylor’s life, such as her favourite spot to frequent at Musso and Frank, Portofino, where her and Richard Burton got engaged and her perfume, White Diamonds. Taylor really sees herself in the Hollywood starlet. They faced so much adversity from the media and yet, continued to thrive in spite of it. 

Favourite lyric: “I’d cry my eyes violet, Elizabeth Taylor.”

In second place, we have opening track: The Fate of Ophelia. This is not only one of Taylor’s best lead singles, it has an incredible music video too. I’m so lucky I got to see it on the big screen, at her release party. In this song, Taylor is comparing herself to the fictional character, Ophelia, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. However, instead of drowning due to the actions of frightful men, her fiancé, Travis Kelce, has saved her with his love. Taylor has mentioned in interviews she likes to reverse the fate of her favourite Shakespearean heroes, such as Romeo and Juliet in Love Story. This number blends a mixture of old and new language, including phrases from the source material. It bridges the gap between The Tortured Poet’s Department and The Life of a Showgirl perfectly. She is no longer ‘down bad’ crying at the gym. She’s alive, full of joy. I know it’s going to get overplayed on the radio, but for now, I can’t stop listening to it. 

Favourite lyric: “You wrap around me like a chain, a crown, a vine. Pulling me into the fire.”

In third place, we have Wood. Innuendo be damned, this is one of the catchiest songs on the record. I can’t help but feel happy when I hear this song. Pre-release, everyone was speculating what it would be about. Superstitions? Naughty metaphors? Why not both? Taylor interpolates a Jackson 5 track on this song, crooning about how she used to wish on falling stars, but with Travis in her life, she doesn’t need to anymore. Together, they make their own luck. The knocking on wood sound effect sends me to another planet every single time. Do we need to address the HUGE elephant in the room? I mean, that’s half the fun. Taylor is being silly and flirty, implying her man’s package broke her streak of bad luck. All I can say to that is: ‘good for you girl!’ 

Favourite lyric: “It’s you and me forever dancing in the dark. All over me, it’s understood, I ain’t got to knock on wood.”

In fourth place, we have Opalite. This is the track I claimed pre-release and it did not disappoint! It’s such a joyful number, reflecting on the lightning strikes one has to dance through in life, in order to find their person. The song asks you to forgive your past decisions, because they were all leading to a brighter future. Taylor liked the metaphor of man-made happiness, much like how the gem, Opalite, is crafted, not naturally formed. Opal is also Travis’s birthstone. It is an instant mood booster, lifting the listener up to the highest heavens. I like to think of it as Bejeweled’s older sister. There’s a lot of wisdom, but also sparkly pop beats. It’s a definitely a favourite on the album, from what I’m seeing online. 

Favourite lyric: “And all of the foes and all of the friends. Have messed up before, they’ll mess up again. Life is a song, it ends when it ends.”

In fifth place, we have Honey. Pre-release, I put this song dead last in my ranking. I just had a feeling it wouldn’t be for me. How wrong I was! This sweet, simple track makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Taylor explained at the release party, that in the past, words like ‘honey’ and ‘sweetheart’ have been used disparagingly toward her. She hasn’t had the best experiences with those particular terms of endearment. However, when Travis says it, he really means it. She feels the love and intent in his words. It’s just so nice knowing how adored and safe she feels with her life partner. It’s the smallest things that make a big difference. 

Favourite lyric: “You could be my forever-night stand, honey.”

Father Figure has been such a grower for me. I think it will continue to climb the ranks, the more I listen to it. This track interpolates George Michael’s song of the same name. Taylor describes it as a conversation between a mentor and protege, to which she has been both. If I had to speculate who it’s about, I would say her former manager, Scott Borchetta. In the beginning, he saw her as pure profit. She could rise, but never reign. By the end, the empire belongs to her – now she’s one with the bigger ****! The whole song builds to the final, powerful chorus. It’s the part I’m most excited to reach. I love her take on power plays and mafioso references. 

Favourite lyric: “Your thoughtless ambition sparked the ignition. On foolish decisions, which led to misguided visions.”

Like Father Figure, this song has climbed ever higher on my list. It has the most beautiful melody, making one think of a summertime road trip. In my opinion, it has the best storytelling on the album. Be warned, there is a sad twist you won’t see coming. Taylor transports us back to highschool, regretting a chance she never took, with one of her friends. She keeps repeating the line “should’ve kissed you anyway.” In the third verse, everything becomes clear. She is referring to Jeff, the subject in her song, Forever Winter, who took his own life. It’s an important life-lesson about the risks we should take in love, because at the end of the day, it’s better to try, than wonder your whole life. At first I couldn’t understand why Taylor was writing about this. If this was supposed to be a ‘look behind the curtain’ during the Era’s Tour, why was she reflecting on her adolescence? However, in the context of Travis, it makes sense. It’s why she took the chance with him. What she learnt from Jeff, gave her the courage to try again. It’s absolutely beautiful. 

Favourite lyric: “My advice is always ruin the friendship. Better that than regret it for all time.”

In eighth place, we have the closing track, featuring Sabrina Carpenter. This is the most ‘showgirl’ of all the songs on the album. Like Ruin The Friendship, it also has great storytelling. Taylor discusses meeting her fictional idol, Kitty, after a show. She tells her she’s living her dream but Kitty warns showbiz is not all its cracked up to be. It’s ruthless and demanding. In Sabrina’s verse, she sings about a fictional showgirl’s upbringing and how she did everything to have a taste of that ‘magnificent life.’ By the bridge, the tables have turned. Now, Taylor and Sabrina are the seasoned showgirls and they couldn’t have it any other way. They are passing down their pearls of wisdom to aspiring starlets. It’s such a powerful song. Sabrina was the perfect feature for a track like this. What really makes me emotional though, is the outro. Taylor used actual audio from her final Era’s Tour show in Vancouver, thanking her team. I couldn’t think of a better way to end the album. I hope they perform it live together someday.

Favourite lyric: “I’m married to the hustle. And now I know the life of a showgirl, babe. And I’ll never know another.“

This is another potential climber! Wi$h Li$t is Taylor’s favourite song on the album. The message she’s delivering is quite simple, but also very revealing. In the verses, she outlines all the different things people need to make them happy. In the chorus, she shares just what she wants. All her heart desires is Travis and their future family. In her fantasy, the world would leave them alone. Taylor doesn’t normally share her thoughts on having children. However, her fiancé has expressed wanting kids before. With him, it’s possible to have it all. I love the dreamy melodies and breathy vocals. It reminds me of Glitch, but better. My favourite part is the bridge. In fact, it’s my favourite bridge on the album. Taylor said it was the last song they wrote for The Life of a Showgirl. Once it was done, she knew the record was complete. I don’t have to wonder if she will get what she wants. She’s already getting it.

Favourite lyric: “I thought I had it right, once, twice, but I did not. You caught me off my guard. I hope I get what I want. Cause I know what I want.”

In third last place, we have Eldest Daughter, the infamous ‘Track 5’ of the album. If you didn’t know, this is where Taylor places her most vulnerable song. The melodies are absolutely beautiful in this one. I love a piano moment. This is about the ‘cautious discretion’ an eldest child learns over the years. They protect themselves from being hurt, by pretending they don’t want things they really do. Taylor actually is the eldest daughter in her family. She’s also told us in songs like Lavender Haze, that she wasn’t interested in marriage and children, which she confesses here, was a lie. The stunning bridge reveals she was dishonest about those things, purely because she thought she would never obtain them. My issue with this track, lies in some of the writing. I actually prefer the clean version. I really don’t like the “so we all dressed up as wolves and we looked fire” line. I just think there were other, more effective words she could’ve used, instead of ‘fire.’ Also ‘bad b*#ch’, ‘savage’, ‘punk’, ‘trolling’ and ‘memes’ take me out a little bit. It’s still wonderful, but compared to some of her other ‘Track 5’s’, it’s on the lower end.

Favourite lyric: “We lie back. A beautiful, beautiful time-lapse. Ferris wheels, kisses, and lilacs.“

In second last place, we have CANCELLED! I was really excited for this song pre-release, because it was one of Travis’s favourites. I expected a banger and I got one. However, it hasn’t fully grabbed me yet. It’s very Reputation coded but not in the same way as Elizabeth Taylor (see above). Taylor has covered this topic extensively before, but this time, she’s focusing on friends that have suffered similar scrutiny. She understands them, because she’s been a victim before. In essence, she relates more to those associated with controversy, and now, she’s the mentor for when things get bad. Taylor eludes to remaining close with Blake Lively, because she stood by her when the tables were turned. Some have said the track is ‘tone deaf’, others that it’s a ‘MAGA‘ anthem. Some have even called it ‘The Life of a Capitalist.’ I don’t buy into any of that. It’s clearly about the celebrity mentioned above. The beats itself are infectious. I find myself humming it randomly. It’s definitely an earworm, I’m just not connecting to it right now. I’m sure I will in time.

Favourite lyric: “Did you make a joke only a man could? Were you just too smug for your own good?”

In last place, we have Actually Romantic. At this point in time, it’s my only skip. It has absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter. I couldn’t care less about a particular ‘brat.’ In fact, I’m proud of Taylor for clapping back in a much classier way, after everything that was said behind her back. I love sassy, petty Taylor. For me, it’s the way it sounds. I’m not vibing with it sonically. My favourite part is the bridge, but we have to get through two verses and two choruses to get there. It’s definitely not a bad song. I will probably love it in a month’s time. For now, I just don’t have any desire to listen to it. What I will say is, I like the concept. When someone can’t keep your name out of their mouth, it’s pretty romantic. You could apply that message to anyone who spews hate your way. Take it as a compliment. They can’t stop talking about you. I hope it helps those being bullied, shift their perspective.

Favourite lyric: “You think I’m tacky, baby. Stop talking dirty to me.”

Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank this album? Constructive criticism is fine but nasty comments will be blocked. 

Peace & Love xoxo