-an OD of Love-

  As former colleagues who make it a point to reconnect over good food every couple of months, our recent Sunday lunch at The Legend in St. Thomas Bay, Maraskala, was nothing short of delightful. Nestled by the tranquil shores of St. Thomas Bay, The Legend provided the perfect backdrop for our reunion, offering a cozy ambiance and stunning views of the sea. Our culinary journey began with a hearty antipasto spread featuring an assortment of Maltese delicacies. Alongside the flavorful olives and homemade bread with tomato paste, we delighted in a variety of dips, local cheeses, and thin slices of smoked Maltese sausages. As main courses, six of us opted for one of the restaurant's specialties, Majjalata (Pork Fest),, while the other six opted for the à la carte menu. I had the pleasure of experiencing the mature and tender taste of Buffalo meat for the first time, cooked rare to perfection. It was truly a dish to savor and remember. My other half indulged in a large portion of chick

French filmmaker Julia Ducournau's 2016 horror film Raw is a visceral and disturbing masterpiece that explores the themes of identity, transformation, and the dark side of human nature. The film follows Justine, a young vegetarian who attends a prestigious veterinary school where she is subjected to a series of brutal hazing rituals. During one of these rituals, Justine accidentally ingests raw meat, and a primal instinct awakens within her, leading her to embark on a descent into a world of cannibalism. Raw is not for the faint of heart. It is a film that is graphic, disturbing, and unapologetically grotesque. But it is also a film that is deeply intelligent and thoughtful. Ducournau uses the film's shocking imagery to explore human identity's complex and often contradictory nature. Justine's transformation from a vegetarian to a cannibal is a metaphor for the way that we all grapple with our own inner demons and the dark sides of our nature. The film's performance

 Silent Night is a brilliant and daring film that mixes dark comedy and dystopian horror to deliver a powerful message about the state of the world and the choices we make. The film follows a group of old friends who reunite for a Christmas dinner at a country house, but they are hiding a terrible secret that will change their lives forever. The film stars Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Roman Griffin Davis, and Lily-Rose Depp, among others. The film is a masterful satire of the British upper-middle class, who are oblivious to the suffering of others and only care about their own comfort and pleasure. The film exposes their hypocrisy, selfishness, and ignorance, as well as their lack of empathy and responsibility. The film also mocks the cliches and conventions of the holiday genre, such as the festive music, the decorations, the gifts, and the family drama. But the film is not just a comedy, it is also a shocking and disturbing thriller that reveals the true nature of the situation an

Based on the novel by Harlan Coben, “Fool Me Once” is an eight-part thriller series that follows the story of Maya, played by Michelle Keegan, who is struggling to hold the pieces of her life together after her husband Joe is shot dead. The show also stars Richard Armitage as Joe, and Joanna Lumley as Joe’s mother Judith. The plot of the show revolves around Maya’s impulse to find out the truth about her husband’s death and protect herself. The supposedly dead Joe mysteriously appears on nanny-cam footage, hugging his daughter, which leads Maya to investigate the truth behind his death. The show has a lot of potential for intriguing plot twists, but it is not without its flaws. The plot is convoluted and implausible, and the dialogue can be melodramatic at times. However, the show’s strong performances and the chemistry between the actors make it worth watching. Michelle Keegan delivers a solid performance as Maya, and Richard Armitage’s portrayal of Joe is hauntingly good. The show’s

Emerald Fennell's sophomore feature film, "Saltburn," has sparked a fascinating divide among audiences and critics alike, prompting an exploration of the intricate relationship between vibes and substance in contemporary cinema. As a professional editor with an eye for clarity and concision, I delve into the multifaceted layers of "Saltburn" to dissect its visual provocations, narrative intentions, and the overarching debate surrounding its reception. Set against the backdrop of the 00s, "Saltburn" navigates the tumultuous world of a middle-class interloper embedded within a vacuously affluent family. The film's reception can be encapsulated within two distinct camps: those who dismiss it as a flashy, self-indulgent medley of empty provocations and those who embrace its remix of familiar narratives, seeing it as an absorbing erotic thriller with titillating shocks. Visually, "Saltburn" undeniably excels, boasting lush and attractive cinem

 "In the Shadow of the Moon" (2019) is a gripping and thought-provoking science fiction thriller that seamlessly blends elements of crime drama and time-travel mystery. Directed by Jim Mickle, the film presents a unique and intricate narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around a dedicated Philadelphia police officer, played by Boyd Holbrook, who becomes obsessed with a series of inexplicable deaths that seem to be connected across different decades. As the plot unfolds, the film skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, science fiction, and character-driven drama. One of the standout features of the movie is its strong and convincing performances. Boyd Holbrook delivers a compelling portrayal of a detective driven by an insatiable curiosity, while Michael C. Hall and Cleopatra Coleman also deliver commendable performances that add depth to the storyline. The cinematography in "In the Shadow of the Moon" is visually strik

  This year, departing from my usual Christmas Day tradition of watching the beloved classic "Love Actually," I embarked on a cinematic journey with "About Time." Directed by Richard Curtis, the same creative mind behind "Love Actually,"  I watched About Time a couple of other times, but it is worth revisiting. I always forget that my decision, similar to Love Actually, this movie would also lead me to a heartfelt exploration of love, family, and the profound beauty of life. Coming from Curtis, it is a different yet equally enchanting experience. "About Time" opens with the affable Tim Lake, played with endearing charm by Domhnall Gleeson, discovering an extraordinary family secret: the ability to time travel. As Tim navigates the ups and downs of his own existence, he learns that time travel won't solve all life's problems but can enhance the moments that truly matter. Gleeson's performance is a highlight, capturing the genuine essen

 "A Murder at the End of the World" is a riveting crime series that catapults viewers into a realm of mystery and suspense, far removed from the familiar landscapes of mainstream crime dramas. This show transcends the boundaries of typical whodunits, immersing its audience in a chilling narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of the remote and desolate corners of the world. From the very outset, the series establishes an atmospheric tension that permeates each episode, creating an environment where every character and every scene feels steeped in secrecy. The storytelling is masterfully executed, weaving a complex web of intrigue that keeps you guessing and second-guessing the motives of each character. The remote setting, often a character in itself, adds an eerie layer to the unfolding drama, creating an unsettling ambiance that lingers throughout the series. The characters in "A Murder at the End of the World" are as enigmatic as the landscapes they inhabit.

 "The End of the F***ing World" delivers a darkly comedic punch to the gut, culminating in a finale that's as unpredictable as it is emotionally charged. The series, with its offbeat narrative and morbid humor, takes viewers on a wild ride through the lives of James and Alyssa, two misfit teenagers on a road trip to self-discovery. As the story hurtles towards its conclusion, the characters undergo profound transformations, transcending their initial rebellious personas. The finale, like a twisted dance, intertwines moments of black comedy with poignant revelations, leaving the audience oscillating between laughter and introspection. The cinematography deserves praise for its stark and stylized visuals, creating a fittingly unsettling backdrop for the characters' tumultuous journey. The series successfully balances its grim subject matter with moments of unexpected tenderness, giving depth to its exploration of adolescence, identity, and the turbulent nature of relati

 Oh, "All the Light We Cannot See" on Netflix, it's like the culinary equivalent of a three-star Michelin meal for your brain. I mean, I haven't been this satisfied with a viewing experience since I discovered the joys of a perfectly cooked steak. This series is a gastronomic feast for the senses, a visual and emotional banquet that leaves you savoring each moment. Let's talk about the ingredients—the cast. They've assembled a lineup that's the equivalent of a culinary dream team. The performances are like a well-balanced dish, with each actor bringing their unique flavor to the table. It's like having a perfectly seasoned ensemble cast that knows exactly how to hit the right notes. You've got your delicate subtleties and bold flavors, all working together in perfect harmony. The storytelling is the equivalent of a perfectly executed recipe. The narrative unfolds with the precision of a master chef crafting a multi-course meal. It's not rushed;

 "The Artful Dodger" is an enthralling series that effortlessly melds the elements of mystery, wit, and intrigue, creating a narrative tapestry that captivates from the first episode to the last. Set against a backdrop of clandestine operations and high-stakes gambits, the show masterfully draws viewers into a world where every character is a potential player in the intricate game of deception. At the heart of the series is the titular Artful Dodger, a character who embodies the essence of suave trickery and quick thinking. Portrayed with finesse by a talented lead, the Dodger's charm and intelligence become the driving force behind the unfolding drama. Unlike conventional protagonists, the Dodger is a breath of fresh air, an enigmatic figure who navigates the complex web of schemes with an air of nonchalant confidence. The writing of "The Artful Dodger" deserves accolades for its cleverness and unpredictability. Each episode feels like a meticulously craf

Oh, good grief! It seems I've been forced to endure yet another spine-chilling expedition into the realms of the supernatural, this time in the mystical city of Venice. "A Haunting in Venice" promised a hauntingly good time, but I couldn't help but wonder if I'd been bamboozled into a gondola ride of utter nonsense. Now, let's not beat about the bush. Venice is a city known for its charm, canals, and perhaps a touch of romanticism. But haunted? That's like suggesting the Queen has a secret passion for bungee jumping. Nevertheless, I donned my metaphorical ghost-hunting cap and set out to explore the eerie canals and dimly lit alleyways of Venice, all in the name of journalistic integrity, mind you. The production quality of "A Haunting in Venice" deserves a commendable nod. The cinematography captured the city's ethereal beauty, and the haunting soundtrack played its part in setting an appropriately eerie atmosphere. I half-expected to see Ca