If I wouldn’t feel that you’re the other side of me.
You’re my secret identity.
My mask—
I am hiding behind your grandeur.
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The opening scene in Malignant may be offputting. We’re shown a gothic looking hospital sitting on top of a high cliff with the ocean below, while a doctor known for dramatics orders her underlings to “Cut out the tumor,” as a young patient writhes and kills people either through force or telepathy.
Then the story shifts to Madison Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis) where a hardworking but very pregnant nurse returns home because she feels ill. Of course Madison has an abusive husband who dares to hit her while she’s overwhelmingly pregnant (and those scenes will never get easy to watch for any woman or decent human being). It doesn’t take long for her husband Derek to meet the most gruesome and deserved death ever. The only caveat is, the audience is lulled in this strange idea that maybe the dark entity that visits them was only after Derek, but we’re soon shown that Madison too is victim of the entity’s ire.
Director James Wan is famous for his use of string instrumentals during pivotal scenes. Now, Wan trades the strings for trippy 70’s giallo music ala Goblin mixed in with 80’s synth. And for the first half of the film you can’t help but think that this is exactly a modern day Giallo, with a killer that dons a black leather coat and leather gloves before he goes on a killing spree throughout Seattle.
Then the TWIST arrives and a major shift happens. I’m not going to tell you what the twist is because it’ll spoil the film and I actually suggest that you do not read any reviews prior to seeing this film so that you can dive in blind. But I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the twist only because it’s one of my fave subgenres in horror and am happy to finally see it being explored again.
I will admit that I wasn’t sure what to think when I first started watching the film but once the credits rolled, I was a fan of the craziness that unfolded during the three act of the film. So, if you’re an old school horror fan, I would totally recommend this film as it’s one wild, fun romp. I haven’t had this much fun watching a horror than Evil Dead and that’s saying a lot.
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What It Does: Supports collagen production and accelerates the skin renewal process.
Active Ingredients: 5% Glycolic Acid
Verdict: Although this product is an exfoliating tonic, it actually has more of a toner consistency. The best method of application for this tonic is by soaking a cotton ball with the liquid and patting it all over your face. Both my mum and I have been using it, and once it’s applied we can quickly feel the glycolic acid taking effect as our skin tingles. After only a single application my mum mentioned how it banished the blackheads from her nose. I hadn’t applied any on my nose so I was unable to see those results, but the following night I decided to give it a shot, and did notice the following morning that they were less noticeable. I think I’ll be able to see more benefits as the days progress but in just a week I’ve been able to notice that my skin is brighter and the texture is definitely better, a lot smoother and soft too. If you’re looking for a product with glycolic acid that actually works, then this is the one. Try it out, you won’t regret it, actually your skin will thank you for it.
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This is one of those products that TikTok made me buy, and unlike most things that are sponsored on there, I just happened to have the company’s TikTok appear on my FYP and instantly fell in love with the opulence of it all.
Earl Grey Rose Tea
I’m a tea lover and the beautiful Earl Grey Rose Tea simply oozes with Versailles vibes. You know that Marie Antoinette would be heads over heels for this rich afternoon delight. Apart from it looking exquisitely gorgeous, it tastes exactly how you’d imagine elegance and decadence to taste if you could easily bottle it up and sell it. If you ever wondered how it’d feel to have afternoon tea like a queen, then look no further than the Black Tea Milk Bomb.
I also got a Rose Lavender Glazed Shortbread and it was incredibly scrumptious. The shortbread instantly melts in your mouth the second you take a bite. I can’t describe the deliciousness of it, it’s like eating a little slice of glamorous heaven.
Black Tea Milk Bomb
I’m so enamored with these products that I went ahead and ordered their hot chocolate bombs and Pumpkin Latte ones too. If you’re looking for a luxuriant experience, then buying any of these sweet bombs is the best form of self-care there’s ever been.
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I read the novella that this movie is based on, Max Booth III’s “We Need to Do Something.” And I’ll admit that in this case, you may want to see the movie prior to reading the novella, only because the film follows the novella very closely, so the surprise factor will be gone. However, this didn’t completely spoil my viewing of the film because I was very curious to see how the filmmaker would direct certain scenes.
As we’re in full hurricane season, watching a film about a family who decides to hole themselves up in a bathroom to brace a storm is very fitting. For 90 minutes we watch the horror unfold as a very dysfunctional family have to try to stay in the same room for what seems to be days. Pat Healy plays the alcoholic father who loses his mind once he runs out of booze, Vinessa Shaw plays the mother, a Pollyanna-type figure who clearly doesn’t want to admit that bad shit is happening even when she’s soaked in blood, Sierra McCormick is the resident goth Mel who is plagued by guilt over a supposed-spell gone wrong, and finally John James Cronin is younger brother Bobby who seems to have been plucked out of a 50’s sitcom and feels a bit out of place for such a movie.
The whole premise of the movie is that we, the audience, don’t know what the fuck is going on beyond the bathroom door, but some gnarly crazy shit is happening there that we’re never made privy of. The element of the unknown is what keeps the film going, and as we’re bombarded by flashbacks of Mel and girlfriend Amy casting several incantations (and in horror movies, this is code for, shit is going to get bad real fast) we have to try to stitch the pieces together and try to understand what the hell is happening.
The movie’s strength is in the characters and the setting. The only time you’re taken a bit out of the story is when the director rely on special effects that probably due to budgeting issues, aren’t as effective as they should be. The film’s climax (as well as the novella’s climax) is the chilliest scene you’ve seen in awhile. Not to mention, if you’re a rockfan, you’ll readily recognize Ozzy’s voice (and it’s used for the best purpose ever). But overall it’s an enjoyable, dark ride, and I would recommend for you to check it out if you’re a fan of confinement horror, and highly suggest you read the novella the film is based on because it seriously delivers on the chills.
You can now stream on demand on most major streaming services.
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The excerpt below is from the short story, “Comets Tear the Skies.”
PROLOGUE
When I open my eyes, I have legs.
“The operation was successful,” the doctor beams.
I lift the white sheet with tentative fingers, and peek at my new set of legs. I had seen them in photos and in movies, prior, but on me they look foreign, almost hideous. I try to raise one but am unable to.
“Don’t,” the doctor says. “You’ll have time to learn how to use them before your mission begins.”
“I leave in two months. Is that enough time?”
“Yes, we’ve had some patients running within a month!”
I’m impressed. Maybe it won’t be so difficult after all. If I can manage the pain. I take another look beneath the sheet. They’re there, two perfectly toned pair of legs with a little drawing of a daisy chain circling around my right ankle.
“You couldn’t get rid of that?”
“Unfortunately, no, we were unable to remove that. But it won’t interfere with anything. It’s just a feeble embellishment.”
And also a constant reminder of the former owner of these legs.
But I don’t say that to the doctor. He seems so pleased with himself and the result of my operation. I don’t want to burst his bubble.
“Don’t worry about it, besides you can cover it up with clothes afterwards,” he says to me as though he’s read my mind. “Have you decided what name you’ll use during your mission?”
I manage a tiny smile and nod.
“Brenda,” I say. “My name is Brenda.” The name sounds foreign to me, much like my legs, but it reminds me of a character from the TV series I’ve been watching with the other missionaries to learn the new language. A name that will help me fit in.
“Your new life starts now, Brenda,” the doctor says. “We’re all aware of the great sacrifice you had to make in order to be chosen for this mission. Don’t think that our community isn’t humbled by your courage. You’re strong. You should be honored that you passed the selection process. Not many do.”
I sigh, thinking about the abomination below the sheet. What may seem like an honor to some, feels more like a curse to me.
But I can’t think like that.
No.
I’m a new person now.
And in a couple of months I’ll be bound for Earth.
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What It Does: De-puffs and Brightens the eye area.
Active Ingredients: Avocado, Shea Butter, and Beta-Carotene
Verdict: It’s no surprise that avocado is a superfood when it comes to nourishing the skin with its hefty dose of Vitamin C and Oleic Acid (a healthy fat) it helps prevent wrinkles and sun damage. Also, it’s fucking delicious to eat, so it’s basically a miracle fruit. So when I had the chance to try out Kiehl’s avocado eye cream I couldn’t be more stoked. This eye cream is hella hydrating and rich. It’s the sort of eye cream that you put on at night cause it’s far too fatty and thick to sit well beneath makeup. Waking up after eight hours of this cream soaking into my skin feels like bliss. The skin is rejuvinated, nourished, and hydrated. Plus, it tackles fine lines like a pro. Like I said, avocado is a miracle fruit and Kiehl’s just managed to package it in a form of a very effective eye cream.
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What It Does: Cleanse, Purify, Nourishing, and Brightening.
Active Ingredients: Sulfate-free, Sweet Almond Oil, Chamomile, Black Winter Truffle Extract, and Mallow Leaf
Verdict: I can’t recall if I was sent this in an Allure Beauty Box or if this was part of a Fab Fit Fun Box, but whatever the case is, the first thing you will notice about this cleanser is the AMAZING SCENT. It simply smells so luscious and expensive, and I guess it’s no surprise that it’s made in Italy. This cleanser is silky smooth, not a gel, so it’s perfect for those that have dry skin. I was a bit hesitant at first since my skin is oily but despite the cleanser feeling oily/nourishing it actually didn’t leave my skin feeling oily at all. It actually felt rather moisturized so that’s why I think this cleanser would especially benefit those who tend to have drier skins. I really look forward to using this at the start and end of my day. Like I said, the scent is simply so luxurious that you can’t help but think that you’re being pampered when you’re using this product. I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a cleanser or wanting to try a new one out.
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I’m well aware that I don’t talk too much about my personal life on my blog, mostly because I tend to be a private person unless we’re close friends and then you’re stuck with a ton of TMI you didn’t even ask for. And I’m well aware that the only times I offered some look into my personal life it was through my series, “My Bad Romance.” But I can now say that my bad romance days are over (well, they’ve been over for the past six years and hopefully stay that way).
So last Wednesday I got married!
It was an intimate ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse (cause ya know, Covid restrictions) but it was still very lovely nonetheless. I mean, I couldn’t have asked for a better location to be honest (and we’re still going to have a ceremony/reception with all of our family and friends in November).
After the courthouse we headed off to my husband’s family beach house and had a beach day (when I told a friend that she said, “That’s so very California,” and I guess it is). We took a swim in the Pacific Ocean (the water was freezing but we still managed to get a little swimming in!) then we warmed up under the sun and then decided to check out the final installment of the Fear Street Trilogy, Fear Street 3: 1666. We almost went to In & Out for dinner (if you’re from Cali you know it’s THE BOMB) but didn’t only because of the ridiculous long line so we opted to have sushi instead from Sushi House which is totally BOMB too.
All in all it was a very lovely day and I’m very excited about the future. I know this isn’t my usual blog entry, but since some of you have been following my blog and writing career for a few years, I feel like I wanted to share the incredible news with my readers.
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The Inkblotters 