Synopsis: In the world of Fae and man, a terrible war is taking place. The Pact has conquered the majority and Fairies are desperately trying to find a safe place to call home. Spurned by man no matter where they go, they deal with awful living conditions and harsh restrictions reminiscent of immigration in America in the 1800’s.
A young Fae woman who fought in the war and her former lover, now a detective, are reunited as one struggles to solve a string of grisly murders and the other tries to find her place in the world.
Ok, seriously, who in the hell is the Pact? What is their deal? Why did they decide to start slaughtering fairies and their allies and take control of their lands? I feel like I missed something, maybe a season one? I need more context. They are supposed to be this awful group just murdering people with wanton abandon (think Nazis) and we have NO information about them! How am I supposed to get on board with this “the pact is evil” train when I don’t know who or what they are? Is that the main story line? There are so many sub stories going on in each episode that if you aren’t careful, you will miss something important. I think.
I feel like I spent most of the first 4 episodes saying to myself “who in the hell is this guy??” and “what is happening now!!?”
While I really like Orlando Bloom, something was off about him as Philo. It just wasn’t believable. It’s almost like they wanted him because of his amazing performance in Lord of the Rings and hoped he would bring the same energy and life to this show. It didn’t work for me. It came off as weird and forced and I struggled to remain focused when he was talking. (my mind kept wandering).
Cara Delevingne was ok as Vignette, but not great in my opinion. She was supposed to be a strong, fierce fairy woman fighting off the evils of the world but, she just comes across like a petulant teenager shouting at her parents.
It feels like this show is trying to give us another Game of Thrones experience complete with brutal imagery, betrayals and (almost) rape/incest scenes however, it just plods along with no strong, stable central storyline.
The whole show has a very “Sherlock Holmes” (Guy Richie not BBC) quality to it, I really enjoy how they use darkness and shadow to convey deeper, more sinister feelings. Its gloomy and foggy with a genuine 19th century feel to it.
The artistry behind the characters is stunning. If you are in to fantasy, you will like how much detail and thought was put in to the different fairy creatures. These aren’t the same old trolls and dwarves etc. that are prominent in the majority of fantasy shows/movies produced in the last 20 years. The creativity and originality should be recognized and applauded.
Hats off to Tamzin Merchant for her masterful performance as Imogen Spurnrose. She gives us a character that is truly unpleasant and yet, we can’t help but like her as she becomes stronger and more confident in herself. She begins to realize that she may have been wrong about her opinion of Fae and gracefully navigates her own inner turmoil transforming into a character that gives the episodes the boost they need.
This is a show filled with huge talent so it could have been so much more than it is.
Conclusion:
A word of caution, if you have a weak stomach or don’t like graphic, brutal imagery then a few scenes will be a bit too much for you. There are murders and there are some sexually explicit scenes that aren’t suitable for younger viewers.
I really wanted to enjoy Carnival Row. I think that the concept was great but, the flat main characters and completely predictable story line tanked it for me. Its full of obvious political statements and potentially controversial subplots which will be ok for some viewers but perhaps not others who are looking for an escape from our current reality.

Streaming
Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles

Directed by: Rajesh Kumar | Written by: Rajesh Kumar | Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi
Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Available on: Netflix | Studio: Red Studios
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Thandel is a gripping drama-thriller that examines the deep-rooted social and political issues prevalent in rural India. Directed and written by Rajesh Kumar, the film brings to light the stark realities of human suffering, class divides, and systemic oppression while weaving a powerful narrative of hope and resistance. With stellar performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi, this film offers more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful commentary on society.
The story centers around Karthik (Vijay Sethupathi), an idealistic young man who returns to his village after years of studying in the city. He quickly realizes that his community is being threatened by a corrupt political system that is destroying the very fabric of rural life. His attempts to restore justice and bring about change lead him into a whirlwind of tension, deceit, and violence. As Karthik allies with Anjali (Nayanthara), a strong-willed social activist, the two face constant opposition from powerful forces.
The narrative is slow-burning at first but quickly accelerates, with each twist revealing more about the characters’ motivations, fears, and hopes. The layered storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end.
Vijay Sethupathi delivers yet another powerful performance, effortlessly transitioning between the earnestness of his character and the complex moral dilemmas he faces. Nayanthara, as always, excels in portraying the fiery yet vulnerable activist, and her chemistry with Sethupathi elevates the emotional depth of the story.
Pasupathi, in a key supporting role, steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of a villain who is more human than one might expect, further adding complexity to the story.
Rajesh Kumar’s direction is both poignant and precise. His attention to detail in capturing the rural landscape of India creates a sense of place that is both beautiful and haunting. The cinematography is immersive, with sweeping shots of the village contrasted by intimate close-ups that highlight the emotional turmoil of the characters. The direction adds weight to the social commentary while never sacrificing the entertainment value of the plot.
The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is another standout element of Thandel. The haunting score perfectly complements the film’s dark themes, while songs like “Thamizh Puthu” bring an uplifting energy to the narrative at the right moments. The sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension in key scenes, immersing the viewer further into the tense atmosphere.
At its core, Thandel is a powerful examination of social inequality, the exploitation of rural communities, and the complex relationship between political power and the people. The film touches on corruption, justice, and the role of activism in driving societal change. Through its nuanced portrayal of its characters and their personal struggles, it urges viewers to think about the impact of systemic oppression and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Thandel is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged film that blends drama with thriller elements. Its intelligent screenplay, solid performances, and striking visuals make it an essential watch for anyone interested in socially relevant cinema. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the emotional payoff and the film’s profound message make it well worth the wait.
Rating: 9/10
Movie
Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat

Runtime: 2h 17min
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
Director: Manoj Rathi
Writer: Veerendra Pal Singh
Studio: Rathi Films India
Cast:
Gavie Chahal as Veeru
Aarushi Sharma as Meera
Karamveer Choudhary as Chaudhary Saab
Manjit Singh as Inspector Malik
Rajendra Bhatia as MLA Dhillon
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Jaat comes galloping in with the firepower of a rural action epic and the emotional core of a revenge drama. Directed by Manoj Rathi, this gritty North Indian action film pulls no punches, delivering a hard-hitting tale about honor, family, and retribution.
Gavie Chahal commands the screen as Veeru, a former army man turned vigilante who returns to his village only to find it ravaged by corruption and political thuggery. Chahal brings stoic intensity to the role, capturing both the silent rage and explosive force required of a righteous hero. Aarushi Sharma as Meera provides warmth and emotional grounding, while Karamveer Choudhary adds gravitas in his portrayal of an old patriarch trying to hold on to fading traditions.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its raw action sequences, beautifully choreographed and grounded in realism. Hand-to-hand combat, shootouts in mustard fields, and gripping chase scenes through narrow village lanes are highlights that keep you on the edge of your seat.
What Worked:
Authentic setting: The dusty lanes, village politics, and vibrant Haryanvi culture feel lived-in and immersive.
Powerful soundtrack: Folk-infused music enhances key moments, especially during confrontations.
Action choreography: Brutal, believable, and satisfying for fans of grounded action.
Strong lead performance: Gavie Chahal delivers a breakout role with screen presence and emotional depth.
Pacing issues: The second act lingers due to subplots that could have been trimmed. Predictable plot points: The revenge arc follows a familiar path and would benefit from more unexpected twists. Underdeveloped antagonist: Although the villain is effective, they lack depth and backstory, which would make the rivalry more engaging..
Rating: 7.5/10
Verdict: Jaat is a must-watch for fans of desi action with heart. It wears its rustic flair with pride and delivers a satisfying punch of drama, action, and cultural resonance. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it revs up the rural revenge saga with style and sincerity.
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Simhadri

Language: Telugu
Genre: Action | Drama | Masala
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Producer: V. Doraswamy Raju
Studio: VMC Productions
Runtime: 171 minutes
Release Year: 2003
Lead Cast:
Jr. NTR as Simhadri
Bhumika Chawla as Indu
Ankitha as Kasturi
Mukesh Rishi as Bhai Saab
Nassar as Ram Bhupal Varma
Simhadri is a landmark Telugu masala action film directed by the now-legendary S. S. Rajamouli in his sophomore effort. It was a turning point for Jr. NTR, catapulting him from rising star to full-fledged mass action hero.
The film follows Simhadri, an orphan adopted by a wealthy family who leads a dual life—loyal servant by day, ruthless protector of justice by night. The story blends traditional Telugu family sentiment with high-octane action and melodrama, perfectly aligned with the masala genre.
S. S. Rajamouli’s direction is explosive and ambitious. Even in his early career, Rajamouli had a knack for balancing mass appeal with emotional resonance. He crafts action set pieces with remarkable intensity and paces the film to maintain constant engagement, especially for fans of dramatic twists and adrenaline-pumping sequences.
Jr. NTR’s performance is nothing short of a powerhouse. He balances the fiery, vengeance-fueled action hero with tender vulnerability, particularly in scenes with Bhumika Chawla’s Indu. His screen presence is magnetic, commanding during action scenes and soulful in emotionally heavy moments. Simhadri became a benchmark role that showcased his physical agility, command of dialogue, and capacity for deep emotional expression.
The supporting cast adds weight, especially Mukesh Rishi, who delivers a memorable performance as the antagonist. Bhumika Chawla brings sensitivity to her role, though her character remains more reactive than proactive in the plot. The music by M. M. Keeravani bolsters the emotional arcs and gives Jr. NTR some memorable songs to dance and emote to.
Visually, the film carries the early 2000s aesthetic—slightly exaggerated but vibrantly stylized. The fight choreography is brutal and kinetic, and even two decades later, it retains a raw energy that many modern films lack.
Simhadri is a quintessential Telugu action-drama that delivers on spectacle, sentiment, and star power. It cemented Jr. NTR’s place in the pantheon of Telugu cinema and hinted at the grandeur Rajamouli would later bring to Indian cinema globally.
Rating: 8.5/10 A must-watch for fans of Jr. NTR, Rajamouli, or Indian mass entertainers.