Black Mirror S7 Ep 2: Bête Noire

Black Mirror S7 Ep 2: Bête Noire

“Bête Noire” stands out as one of the more striking installments of Black Mirror’s seventh season, partly because of how confidently it balances unease, spectacle, and catharsis. Directed with precision by Toby Haynes, the episode builds its tension through psychological disorientation rather than obvious horror. Subtle shifts in memory, perception, and circumstance keep both the protagonist and the viewer on edge, creating an atmosphere where nothing feels entirely trustworthy.

The performances deserve a lot of credit. Siena Kelly anchors the episode with a portrayal that’s equal parts vulnerable and defiant, while Rosy McEwen delivers a performance that is as chilling as it is nuanced. Together, they embody the clash of guilt, memory, and vengeance that drives the story. Their dynamic keeps the narrative from becoming pure sci-fi spectacle; even as reality bends, the human element remains central.

What sets “Bête Noire” apart is its ending. Without giving too much away, it’s more uplifting—or at least more empowering—than the bleak conclusions Black Mirror is known for. There’s a genuine sense of catharsis in the resolution, even if it comes wrapped in layers of ambiguity and exaggeration. For a series that often ends with despair, this tilt toward triumph feels refreshing.

That said, the final act may feel over-the-top for some, as the story moves from subtle psychological tension into high-concept, almost fantastical territory. But whether you find that shift jarring or exhilarating, it makes “Bête Noire” memorable. It’s bold, weird, and deeply Black Mirror—and it may well stand as one of the season’s highlights.

Bad Guys 2 (2025)

The Bad Guys 2 swings back onto the scene with full comedic flair and heartfelt mischief, proving itself not just a worthy sequel but in many ways an upgrade.

From the start, the animation dazzles with its vibrant, kinetic style that keeps the energy high and the laughs coming. The voice cast, led by Sam Rockwell’s effortlessly cool Mr. Wolf, once again delivers, and the introduction of a rival crew raises the stakes in all the right ways.

The story leans into bigger, crazier territory, but never loses its heart. At its core, it’s still about friendship, redemption, and the joy of choosing good over bad, even when chaos is so much fun. The humor is sharp, self-aware, and full of moments that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

If you enjoyed the first film, this sequel doesn’t just repeat the formula—it expands on it, proving that this crew still has plenty of charm and tricks left up their sleeves. The Bad Guys 2 is a wildly entertaining ride that cements the series as one of the most fun animated franchises out there.

Paddington In Peru (2025)

Paddington in Peru is everything I hoped it would be and more—a warm, funny, and irresistibly charming adventure that reminds us why this little bear has captured so many hearts. From the moment it begins, the film radiates kindness and optimism, never losing the gentle wit and visual inventiveness that made the first two entries so beloved.

What really struck me is how it builds on the magic of Paddington 2. That film became something of a legend, often called “the greatest film ever made” after its viral shoutout in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent with Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal. It’s a huge bar to clear—but somehow, Paddington in Peru doesn’t buckle under the pressure. Instead, it embraces the legacy and continues the tradition of wholesome perfection, adding new settings and emotional beats that feel just right.

This isn’t just a children’s movie; it’s a story for anyone who believes in kindness, family, and the small joys that make life beautiful. I walked out grinning, and honestly, I can’t wait to see it again. If Paddington 2 was a surprise masterpiece, Paddington in Peru proves it wasn’t a fluke—it’s the continuation of one of the most consistently wonderful film series of our time.

Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Fantastic Four: First Steps delivers exactly what the title promises—a bold reintroduction of Marvel’s First Family that feels both classic and forward-looking. I really enjoyed it. The story balances heart, humor, and cosmic wonder in a way that reminds you why the Fantastic Four are so essential to Marvel’s universe. Each character feels true to their core while still leaving room for fresh dynamics, and the visuals absolutely pop. More than just a great standalone read, it sets the tone for what feels like the beginning of an exciting new Marvel era. I’m genuinely thrilled to see where this direction goes next.

Avengers (2023) #12-16

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Avengers (2023) #12:

With the fall of Krakoa and the decimation of the X-Men at the hands of Orchis, the Avengers are caught flat-footed, burdened by the knowledge that Iron Man’s Sentinel tech contributed to the destruction. As global anti-mutant violence escalates, the Avengers scramble to atone for their complicity. Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and the rest of the team mobilize to halt Sentinel attacks on scattered mutant refugees. Meanwhile, 3D Man, under Black Panther’s hypnotic suggestion, embeds himself within Orchis to sabotage them from within. The issue sets a grim tone of guilt, urgency, and rekindled alliance between the Avengers and the remnants of mutantkind.

Avengers (2023) #13:
Continuing their effort to dismantle Orchis, the Avengers execute a series of strike missions to protect surviving mutants and uncover the terrorist organization’s deeper infrastructure—now led by a particularly unhinged MODOK. 3D Man’s covert infiltration begins to bear fruit as he feeds intelligence back to Black Panther, enabling a coordinated assault. The Avengers launch an all-out assault on an Orchis compound, halting a major Sentinel deployment. MODOK’s madness and the betrayal from within help the heroes tip the balance, turning the tide in favor of Earth’s mightiest—at least for now.

Avengers (2023) #14 – Blood Hunt Part 1:
The narrative pivots dramatically as the supernatural Blood Hunt event begins. With the core Avengers scattered or recovering from recent battles, a makeshift squad forms: Captain America, Hercules, Quicksilver, Kate Bishop, and a few others. They find themselves up against a horrifying new threat—vampires, and worse, Nazi vampires led by the sinister Baron Blood. The dwindling team must regroup and fight through swarms of undead, their strength and stamina tested against overwhelming odds in a world suddenly gone dark.

Avengers (2023) #15:
The conflict escalates as Baron Blood seizes control of a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, turning it into a mobile vampire fortress stocked with prisoners meant for feeding. Captain America leads the infiltration mission while Quicksilver and Kate Bishop navigate tight corridors teeming with bloodthirsty enemies. Hercules unleashes brute force to clear paths, but the mission isn’t just about fighting—it’s about saving lives. With time running out, Cap devises a desperate plan: evacuate as many innocents as possible and prepare the Helicarrier for a fiery end.

Avengers (2023) #16:
As the Helicarrier hurtles toward the sun under Cap’s command, the final confrontation between Captain America and Baron Blood erupts on the bridge. Their battle is brutal and symbolic, a clash between fascist darkness and unyielding hope. Meanwhile, Kate Bishop and Quicksilver secure the reactor core to ensure the ship completes its fiery suicide run. Baron Blood attempts to escape at the last moment—but Kate, ever-precise, plants an arrow in his chest mid-leap. The Helicarrier incinerates in solar fire, taking the vampire threat with it, while the battered heroes return home—victorious, but changed.

Thematic Exploration:
This arc blends redemption and resilience, as the Avengers are forced to confront past mistakes and stand tall in a world unraveling from both human and supernatural threats. Themes of guilt, accountability, and the burden of leadership are central—especially for Iron Man and Captain America. The pivot to the Blood Hunt storyline introduces a visceral, pulpy horror tone, but it never loses sight of the Avengers' defining ethos: protect the innocent at all costs. Whether fighting technological oppression or literal monsters, the team endures—not through overwhelming strength, but through sacrifice, teamwork, and the moral clarity that defines heroism in the Marvel Universe.

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Andor Season 2

Review: Andor Season 2 – The Rebellion Has Never Felt So Real

If you told me a few years ago that Andor would become the crown jewel of modern Star Wars, I probably would've raised an eyebrow. But after finishing Season 2, I can confidently say this series isn't just good for Star Wars—it's one of the most compelling pieces of television in recent memory.

Andor Season 2 doesn’t just expand the galaxy; it deepens it. It's mature without being self-serious, urgent without relying on spectacle, and emotionally devastating in all the right ways. Every character decision matters. Every moment builds toward something. And somehow, even though we already know Cassian’s fate (thanks to Rogue One), the tension still simmers throughout.

The writing? Sharp. The acting? Stellar. Diego Luna turns in a quiet, powerful performance that never tries to outshine the ensemble, but often does anyway. And then there’s Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough—each bringing layers of grit, fear, and moral ambiguity to a story that refuses to paint rebellion in broad strokes.

Season 2 leans even harder into the show's core theme: resistance is messy. It explores the cost of revolution in a way no other Star Wars property has dared to. There are no lightsabers. No Jedi. Just people—flawed, frightened, brave—standing up to a machine that seems impossible to stop.

Tony Gilroy and his team have crafted something rare: a story where the politics feel real, the stakes feel earned, and the galaxy doesn’t feel so far, far away. In a franchise built on hope, Andor shows us how painful and human the path to hope really is.

In my opinion, this is the best thing Star Wars has done in years. Maybe decades.

Wolverine (2020) #46-50

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Wolverine (2020) #46

Wolverine is thrust into chaos as Sabretooth leads a savage army of clones—each one a variant of himself—known as the “Sabreteeth.” The clones are bred for brutality, and their coordinated attack destabilizes not just Wolverine but the Krakoan infrastructure. Meanwhile, X-Force scrambles to organize a defense, but tensions rise among its members, particularly over the ethics of Krakoan resurrection and clone warfare. Quentin Quire reappears in bizarre fashion—his head, severed yet still animated and psychically potent, becomes an unlikely asset. The issue sets the stage for a clash of identities and loyalties in a world rapidly spinning out of control.

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Wolverine (2020) #47

The Sabreteeth begin their full-on assault, targeting mutant strongholds across Krakoa and drawing attention from mutant outposts worldwide. Wolverine, fighting alongside a newly assembled “Exiles” team composed of battle-hardened X-Men, starts to see the toll this war is taking on their ideals. Quentin’s floating head adds sharp-edged comic relief while offering strategic insights, demonstrating how even the absurd can be powerful in war. Wolverine’s brutal tactics highlight how little remains of the moral high ground once held by Krakoa’s founders. As the island’s defense systems buckle, it becomes clear that this is not just a battle for survival—but for identity.

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Wolverine (2020) #48

The tide begins to turn as Wolverine and the Exiles launch a daring counteroffensive deep within the clone facility producing the Sabreteeth. Each Sabretooth clone seems to reflect a distorted fragment of the original’s psyche—rage, cruelty, cunning—forcing Logan to confront different facets of his own nature. Forge and Sage struggle to shut down the facility’s biotech infrastructure while Wolverine wrestles with whether to spare a clone showing signs of sentience. The issue walks a moral tightrope, asking whether a clone deserves the same rights as the original. Orchis looms in the background, subtly manipulating the board as mutants exhaust their resources.

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Wolverine (2020) #49

With Krakoa under siege and the clone factory in ruins, Sabretooth initiates a last stand. Wolverine and Sabretooth face off in one final, vicious duel—more personal than strategic, more primal than political. The Exiles are fractured by internal conflict, with some questioning the cost of Krakoa’s dream, while others refuse to abandon it. Quentin, even as a disembodied head, takes charge in a pivotal psychic moment, tipping the scale by rallying remaining forces through a shared mental projection. As the dust settles, it becomes clear that Krakoa has been mortally wounded—not just physically, but spiritually.

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Wolverine (2020) #50

The final issue closes the curtain not just on Wolverine’s solo series, but on the Krakoan era as a whole. Orchis delivers the killing blow to the mutant nation, dismantling its gates and scattering survivors. Wolverine, bloodied and weathered, stands amid the ruins as old allies and enemies vanish into the wind. The Exiles disband, their mission fulfilled but their legacy uncertain. In a somber final scene, Logan buries one of the Sabreteeth who showed mercy—marking not just the end of a war, but the death of an ideal.

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Thematic Exploration

Issues #46–50 serve as a brutal elegy for Krakoa, dissecting themes of identity, legacy, and the ethical boundaries of power. Wolverine’s battle against the Sabreteeth mirrors his own lifelong struggle with rage, redemption, and what it means to be more than the weapon others see him as. The absurdity of Quentin’s sentient head underscores the strange, flexible nature of mutant storytelling, where even dismemberment doesn’t halt meaning or growth. Above all, the arc questions the price of utopia—suggesting that when ideals become institutions, they are as vulnerable to rot as any body. In the end, Wolverine doesn't just survive the fall of Krakoa—he carries its memory in every scar.

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