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By: Myriam Akbar Hush is an intense yet contained 2016 slasher film that is by far one of my favorites of the past decade. It’s directed by Mike Flanagan, who co-wrote the script with Kate Siegel (who also plays the main character Maddie). The plot follows a deaf writer secluded in the woods, who becomes the target of a sadistic masked stranger. What stands out about this film is that it uses classic slasher tropes, yet still manages to be innovative and refreshing. With limited characters and consistent house setting, Hush packs a punch! This well acted game of cat-and-mouse type of film has gore, chase scenes, and (oops, spoiler!) a badass final girl.  My two favorite things are the sensory imagery and intentional dialogue, providing insight into the characters’ worlds and desires. From the very beginning, heightened sounds like the chopping of vegetables, the fire alarm going off, and the killer screeching against the glass door creates an intimate experience between the audien...

By: Myriam Akbar I was raised on Black Cinema. I’m grateful that my father immersed me in culture through film, because it showed me at an early age that storytelling could be done through various mediums. He was a “film buff,” with a passion for horror which was critical to the development of who I am today. I’m not exaggerating when I say, “I’ve loved horror since diapers.” Every year in celebration of Black History Month, I rewatch my favorite horror films showcasing black actors and storytelling. Although I’m always on the hunt for new ones, there’s nothing better than a comfort movie. From 1995’s Vampire in Brooklyn, to 2019’s Us . However in this article, I highlight five recent Black Horror films that I believe are underrated and need to be added to your watchlist.  1.) His House is a unique 2020 horror drama film that I often recommend to lovers of the genre, due to its refreshing concept, exceptional acting performances, and stunning aesthetic. The plot follows Bol and R...

By: Myriam Akbar First things first – keep in mind that above all else, I’m discussing literature and film. Although I will mostly examine the 2022 sci-fi/crime series Moonhaven, I will also make comparisons to modern society and early 1900's novels that discuss similar thematic concerns. Completely separate from my review of the show, my conclusions here are solely based on critical thinking and observation – plus some innocent, fun creativity. With conversations of a TikTok banning, users have expressed frustration and urgency to understand the true meaning behind it. An imperfect yet underrated series, suggests a possible reason for the removal of the app.  AMC+ produced, Moonhaven follows a pilot and detective investigating a conspiracy within a community of humans living on the moon. While it tackles a seemingly far-fetched concept, with today’s technological and scientific advancements — it’s as far-fetched as the robots discussed in Karel Capek's RUR (where the term ro...