Fatima Clarke 
In the film “Spy” directed by Paul Feig, the storyline and characters might seem like they’ve been conjured up in an intensely vivid and bizarre dream. Surprisingly, the film not only works but does so with remarkable flair. Melissa McCarthy stars as Susan Cooper, a reserved CIA analyst who unexpectedly finds herself in the field … Read more
Kerry and Kenny Watson’s love for each other is unequivocal. Kerry often admires Kenny, complimenting even the smallest details like the beauty of his ears and wrists. However, their relationship faced a significant challenge when Kenny returned to Scotland from his stint as a sniper in Afghanistan. Struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Kenny would … Read more
A Surreal Glimpse into Romanian Political Satire Lucian Pintilie’s 1968 Romanian film presents an intriguing and eccentric political satire that begins with a simple scenario involving just a few individuals and culminates in a large, surreal gathering of hundreds of non-professional actors. These individuals fill the screen with looks of confusion and disbelief, all contributing … Read more
Hind Meddeb, a film-maker of Franco-Tunisian-Moroccan descent who resides in Paris, was deeply moved by her firsthand experiences during the 2019 Sudanese revolution against Omar al-Bashir’s oppressive 30-year regime. This profound encounter inspired her to create a deeply involved and empathetic documentary that delves into the lives of the revolutionaries, focusing particularly on the youth … Read more
A Dramatic Tribute to Anna Politkovskaya As a joint British-American endeavor, this film presents a dramatized depiction of the life and career of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, portrayed by Maxine Peake, who was tragically murdered in 2006. Known for her fearless and fervent journalism during the second Chechen war, Politkovskaya openly criticized the Kremlin, the … Read more
A Lesson in Judgement from the Past In the biblical story where Jesus is challenged to judge a woman accused of adultery, he responds with profound wisdom: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” This statement disarms the accusers, teaching a valuable lesson on mercy and judgment. It suggests that one should … Read more
The Melody of the Spider The Melody of the Spider Webs, both diminutive and expansive, embody simplicity, Transparent as a clear summer sky, quaint as A piece of delicate butter-muslin from a young girl’s wardrobe, or A simple cotton handkerchief. As inadequate hunters, we delight in capturing the light As it descends through the atmosphere, … Read more
Maria Reva’s masterfully crafted and original debut novel presents a challenge for any reviewer trying to avoid spoilers. Reluctantly, I must reveal a turning point which is central to the experience of the novel. It features a stunning twist midway that significantly alters the trajectory of the narrative. Initially, the novel seems to follow the … Read more
A Deep Bond Tested Amos and Emerson epitomize the ideal of male friendship, complete with deep trust, open communication, and genuine, heartfelt embraces. Their relationship stands as a perfect example of emotional connection and support among men. However, the stability of their friendship is challenged during a significant event: Emerson’s 52nd birthday. This celebration becomes … Read more
Readers generally fall into two camps: those who treasure their books in mint condition, shunning even the slightest crease, and those who embrace the physical evidence of a book well-loved, such as dog-eared pages and notes scribbled in margins. It’s rare to find someone who embodies both traits, and they certainly don’t share their books … Read more
