Netflix, Eat, and chill...Alone

I have been going a little crazy bingeing on Netflix, and I must say, I am proud of the collection they have. I've become SUPER excited (where's my cape?) to sit back and binge on adrenaline-rushed fear or... whatever tickles my fancy. The atmosphere is dark, and I slowly try not to crunch too loud on my snacks in fear of waking up the dead. 😂

There is one thing I have noticed in my tiny world of a cushioned sofa and blankets... sometimes Netflix tricks me. There is an algorithm of what they deem "my" type of movie, forcing me to dig further so that I may find what I DO enjoy viewing. That is fine with me. I don't mind it most of the time, but when I scroll, maaaan, I scroll... and it can be fun to read all the titles. I then find myself scrolling for good content for an hour and a half because all of the options seem so good. 😭 To fix this dilemma, I have found myself just clicking more often and switching movies if the first half-hour doesn't suck me in.

I recommend this type of critical scrolling. You never know what you may find. The plus side to random clicking is it also confuses the hell out of the algorithm, so our choices only become better.

These next few movies are the Netflix gems I have put together for your viewing pleasure.

*Do remember these films are subject to change or be switched out.

'The Witch'

So many people have debated the worth of this movie. I just watched this movie for the first time, and I am definitely adding it to my collection of WTF movies. I have literally sat through the opinions and debates on how invaluable this movie is. Still, I am going to say, honestly, that this movie has me at a 50/50 agree to disagree opinion. I love it but I hate it.

I must say this movie was an excellent film for those who appreciate cinematic thrillers and drama. It had everything a creepy AF movie should have. It had a great score. Those who know that music makes a movie understand what I mean by this. This is cinemas at its most creative. Every time there was high suspense in this movie, the crescendo of the score made me feel it in my soul.

The story of a family that has been outed in a land they are not familiar with is a terrific story to write about! Especially in the time of puritanical terror. Those who know the history of colonization and genocidal tendencies of the "New World" can also attest that this story was going to be one freaky ass story.

I will ruin it if I say anymore. Just go watch it and make your opinion! No, I mean it... go watch it... like now.

'The Unborn'

Every horror movie I have ever watched prepared me for this movie; let me count the ways:

Scary child scenes ✔

Evil spirits ✔

Cultural anomalies ✔

Creepy mirror scenes ✔

Exorcism ✔

I think I mentioned the creepy kid... ✔✔

But anyway... there were some great jump scares (creepy kid) and a good lesson in cultural comparisons. I know in my culture we have evil spirits and shit that go bump in the night. (Who grew up with El Cuco here?) I appreciate watching movies like this because I tend to Google check where these ideas came from. It makes me understand the myths and urban legends of what we thought were hiding under our beds or in the closet... or maybe... under the bed covers with you...

DAMÉ CHICLET!!👻😈 (Who remembers that one?) 😂😂

'The Invasion'

I like Nicole Kidman. There is just something about her. Kidman keeps me interested in her movies, so of course, as a slight fan of hers... I clicked!

Now I have to say since I'm not a HUGE fan of hers... I didn't get to watch this earlier in my years for lack of pining, but holy shit, I regret waiting so long to watch this.

Let's be real here, have I spoiled anything for you yet? NOPE. I'm not going to start now. Go watch this and be prepared for the most significant "oh" and "WTF" in your life.

'The Ravenous' (or 'Les Affamés')

I have a thing about international movies: They're great. Period. I have never enjoyed remaining within the confines of "normal," so of course, subtitled movies stay in my heart. It is a part of my life. In fact, I use the closed captions on my screens for me and my kiddo, but that's a different story. I'm also an avid reader, so subtitles really don't bother me at all.

This is an absolutely fantastic movie, in my opinion. The attention that the zombie sub-genre has gained the past few years has somewhat died for me. I was 12 years old when I first started watching dusty George Romero movies I found in my dad's VHS collection rotting in our basement. So, of course, that began the love I have for rotted corpses creating an apocalypse, and all that screams apocalypse. It's kind of like ramen, there are so many different flavors... so choose one. In my case, I love ramen, and I want to eat it. All of it. So without boring you with my ramen analogy any further, let me explain why I "spieled" on you.

So, of course, we have all sorts of zombies in this trending fanatical society of 2018. We can all argue who has the best zombies, scariest zombies, dumbest zombies, and old confusing zombies (sci-fi). But THESE ZOMBIES are not Le Zombé. 🙃 I was so perturbed watching and reading this film, but I must say they (the cast, producers, director, and the whole effing crew) deserve an award.

The timing and the beginning of the plot and... just... 😥 Demers. 😂 It picks up fast and doesn't monkey around. These people need to survive, and to survive in this world is not an easy task.

Just go watch it with an open mind. Watch it until the end! This movie must be viewed in silence, in darkness, and with NO distractions. Grab your blanket, cuddle up on your "tuffet" and take this quiet ride. Trust me, it'll make your tastes in ramen* more daring. 😉

*Yes... I am a psycho for ramen... more chili oil for me means I bigly win. And a bigly win I shall have.

Yes. I said that lol

'Train to Busan'

I believed I mentioned ramen, right? Zombie ramen, right? Or did that go over your head? If not, that's awesome for you, because as you get to know me, you will see I am eclectic AF (including my taste in ramen).

SOOO... a couple of years ago, my BFF tagged me to see the trailer on Facebook. Her message was somewhat like this "duuude. This is all you 😲😨😱," so, of course, I agreed, and we spoke about watching it shortly.

I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT IT.

Thanks to the algorithm I mentioned above, I was doing my random stroll in "Horror" and saw this yummy piece of zombie ramen I could not help but drool over. So, of course... I planned a date for that night and OMG... Asians DO do it better. FIGHT ME! 😋 I'm just saying. This movie rocked me like "chop suey" (if this too went over your head, I suggest you do some homework).

This movie was well put together. The rise of the pathogenic zombie is here, and I LOVE it. The rush of adrenaline that is created is spicy and flavorful (haha). I could not believe my little heart as it pitter-pattered throughout this NON-cheesy movie. Kudos to the creators and visual graphic designer. This is a MUST watch! Night or day, your reaction to this awesome-sauced flick will keep you entertained from the minute you press play!

Don't forget your drank and snackage! You will not want to press pause!

'As Above So Below'

I get so tired of these "found film" flicks. I was truly ready to stop this movie and scroll for another until the protagonist declared her search for the unfounded "philosopher's stone." That caught my interest. I've yet found any other onscreen story, except for the legendary Elrich brothers, searching for the "Damned" stone in the anime "Full Metal Alchemist."

As an "otherworldy" enthusiast myself, I ended up having a need to add this onto my list. I couldn't help finishing the movie, and I must say, I am glad. It's not an actual found film because... well, I can't tell you or I will spoil it. I understand this is the shortest explanation of all the movies that I've shared above, but I cannot write anymore without spoiling it for you below ( I love puns 😎).

Go watch it. It may make you want to find your inner Indiana Jones or not.

I hope you enjoy theses flicks as much as I have. I can't promise that you and I have the same tastes, but maybe we can share a little chili oil in our souls. 😘

- Diana