#Formula of a Haunting - The Evidence

[milaeth]

୨୧┊ 𝐈𝐈. 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇. ( lando norris )

ꖛ ─ you’re reading part two ∿ part one

✧.* pairings ─ lando norris x model! piastri! reader

✧.* genre ─ one-shot ⨾ slight angst & fluff

✧.* summary ─ in which Lando has to deal with the consequences of his indirect confession from a few weeks ago, and then finds out that you seem to have a boyfriend. after a crash with your brother and an annoying interaction with your boyfriend, frustration gets ahold of him and he ends up angrily confessing to you…

✧.* warnings ─ mention of crash, jealousy

✧.* mily’s thoughts ─ i got really lazy towards the end lmao but i still hope you guys enjoy <3

it's been weeks since the lie detector challenge where Lando confessed his crush on a mysterious girl, you, and he can't deny that he feels a tinge of regret. the aftermath has been overwhelming. his inbox has been flooded with messages from curious fans asking who his crush is. his friends haven't let him live it down either, teasing him relentlessly. it reached a point where he was even trending on twitter for hours, and the entire formula one community went wild. he’s been avoiding twitter and the comments section of his instagram posts ever since.

he has come across various wild fan theories, some of which are uncomfortably close to the truth. at one point, he stumbled across tweets that suggested you might be his secret crush. they even provided "evidence" in the form of photos capturing moments where he couldn't hide his interest, gazing at you as if you were the stars, no, the center of his entire universe. the sight of those tweets made him feel sick to his stomach. he didn't even realize there were photos of him talking to you, let alone ones that exposed his feelings so blatantly.

he’s incredibly grateful for these two weeks without any races, not having to face you and constantly worrying that you might have seen those tweets. the fear of your potential reaction has been haunting him throughout this entire period. would you feel flattered? no, that’s highly unlikely. you would most likely feel embarrassed. Lando has come across several pictures on Instagram where fans had taken photos of you and some random guy, and it appears that you two are quite close. he has found himself staring at those pictures for minutes on end, his eyes always drawn to the guy's arm, which seems to be permanently wrapped around your waist in those snapshots.

is he jealous? absolutely.

does he have a right to be? absolutely not.

but that doesn't stop him from constantly overthinking. is that blond man in the photos your boyfriend? you've never mentioned him, nor has Lando ever seen him by your side at the paddock before.

Lando lets out a heavy sigh, feeling a mix of anxiety and embarrassment. the last thing he wants to think about is Oscar, his teammate and your brother. the mere thought of Oscar accidentally stumbling upon those fan theories about you being Lando's crush makes him cringe inwardly. it would be beyond embarrassing for Oscar to find out through twitter that his own sister is Lando's crush, especially considering that Oscar had been encouraging him to confess his feelings.

the world of racing can be a whirlwind of emotions and drama, and Lando never expected his personal life to become such a public spectacle. the pressure to live up to fan expectations and media attention can be overwhelming. Lando wishes he could turn back time and undo the confession to save himself and Oscar from this potentially awkward situation.

but for now, all he can do is hope that Oscar hasn't stumbled upon those fan theories or the photos. the embarrassment and tension that would follow such a discovery is the last thing Lando wants to experience. he prays that this situation can somehow be resolved without straining his relationship with Oscar or, more importantly, with you.

but it seems impossible to avoid the strain on their relationship when Lando loses control during the race in austria and accidentally crashes into Oscar's car, causing a double dnf for both of them. fortunately, neither of them is physically injured, but the emotional toll weighs heavily on Lando. as he steps out of his wrecked car, he sees Oscar walking right past him with a tight smile his way. it feels like a punch in the gut, as guilt and anger wash over him like an unstoppable wave.

he can't help but feel ashamed of his stupid mistake, and the weight of it all is magnified when he sees you burst into the room after the interviews and immediately lock Oscar in a worried embrace. the sight of your worried and anxious expression hits Lando hard. it’s a painful reminder that he’s the one who caused this turmoil. he can only watch as you anxiously inquire about Oscar's well-being, and each time Oscar reassures you, telling you that he’s fine.

Lando feels a pang of stupidity as he longs for the day when you will seek comfort in his arms.

a faint smile creeps onto Lando's face as your gaze briefly meets his, and he stands there, seemingly pathetic and alone beside you both. Lando watches you break away from Oscar's embrace, concern painting itself on your features. it's as if you can sense his inner turmoil, even from a distance. he wishes he could find comfort in your arms, but the reality of the situation keeps him trapped in his own self-blame. how could he expect anything else when he is the one who caused this unfortunate turn of events? with a heavy heart, Lando takes a deep breath and tries to regain his composure.

"are you okay?" you ask hesitantly as you try to gauge Lando's well-being. you don't want to seem rude, but you sense that something is wrong. Lando, however, only manages a weak nod and is unable to return your gaze. awkwardly, he scratches the back of his neck and replies, "yeah, i'm fine."

but deep down, you both know that's not the truth. the tension in the air is palpable, and Lando's hollow assurances only underscore his underlying turmoil. the weight of guilt, regret, and unspoken emotion weighs heavily on him, and it's obvious he's struggling with it.

as the seconds pass, the unspoken words hang in the air, their presence undeniable. at this vulnerable moment, a part of you longs to reach out to Lando, to be there for him, and to create a space where he can share his problems. the genuine concern in your eyes reflects the care you have for him, and is a silent invitation for him to overcome his defenses and confide in you.

the truth is, however, that the two of you don't know each other well, exchanging only fleeting glances and making small talk from time to time. yet despite the limited interactions, there has always been an inexplicable attraction between you, an invisible thread that seems to bind your hearts.

the moment is abruptly interrupted as the door to the room swings open with a loud bang. Lando's eyes snap to the source of the noise, widening in surprise when he sees the blond guy from the photos entering the room. the guy has a smug grin on his face as he casually walks over to you, trying to lean towards you but you take a step to the side. Lando's stomach churns, and a feeling of nausea washes over him.

his gaze shifts from the already annoying guest to your expression, noticing your discomfort. Before he can even process the situation, the blond guy speaks up again, his tone dripping with arrogance. "that move you pulled back there was really risky, buddy. i thought you were a professional. be careful, or i'll end up taking your seat." the guy's laughter grates on Lando's nerves, and he clenches his teeth, unable to comprehend why you would be with such a jerk. the use of the word "buddy" only intensifies his disdain.

Lando has had enough. all he wants is to escape this unpleasant encounter, forget about this terrible day, and put the image of you with your obnoxious boyfriend out of his mind.

"well, since you seem so confident about replacing me, you should know that taking risks is an inherent part of racing, right?" Lando raises an eyebrow, waiting for a response that doesn’t come. "exactly. there are multiple reasons why i'm the one sitting in the car, not you, buddy."

his voice carries a sharp edge, perfectly matching the forced smile plastered on his face as he brushes past the guy, giving his shoulder a patronizing pat. without saying another word, Lando storms out of the room and, seconds later, out of the McLaren facility. as he steps outside, he curses under his breath. it’s raining and he doesn’t have an umbrella with him. this day can't possibly get any worse, can it?

suddenly, a voice interrupts his frustrated thoughts. "do you need a helping hand?" you're standing there, slightly out of breath, holding an umbrella. it's evident that you must have run after him, but why? Lando stammers, caught off guard by your unexpected appearance and bewildered by the fact that you followed him. "i... no, it's fine." the truth is, it's far from fine, but he's too upset and overwhelmed by everything happening around him to be in your presence right now.

you smile softly, seeing through Lando's attempt to brush off his emotions. "stop lying, i know it's not fine," you assert gently. you find yourself unsure of how to handle an upset Lando since you've never seen him like this before. it feels like he's on the verge of exploding at any moment. "come on, don't be so stubborn. you don't want to get sick, do you? i can walk you to your car with my umbrella protecting the both of us."

Lando scoffs, lightly shaking his head. "i'll pass. your boyfriend is probably waiting for you." he cringes inwardly at the bitterness and extreme jealousy that seeps into his words. there's a brief moment of silence, only the sound of rain filling the air. "why are you jealous?" you ask, genuinely curious. Lando immediately turns red, feeling caught off guard. "tch, i'm not jealous. and now, leave me be. i want to be alone after what happened."

"absolutely not. I'm helping you to your car, and now shut up," you insist firmly, your voice displaying determination. Lando groans, eventually giving in after a few seconds spent in the cold rain. you two walk closely together, somehow managing to fit under your small umbrella. there's silence for a few seconds before you break it again. "why are you jealous?"

Lando rolls his eyes, feeling overwhelmed and increasingly frustrated with the situation, thanks to your lovely boyfriend. "i'm not jealous! i'm just so confused—like, why him!?" he can feel his control slipping away, the frustration and jealousy pouring out along with the rain.

"what do you mean, 'why him'?"

"are you fucking kidding me?!" Lando laughs dryly, shaking his head. "he's an asshole. why would you be with someone like him when you could literally have anyone in the entire world?! i mean, look at you! you deserve so much better than him!"

Lando gets carried away, his voice growing louder and louder as he vents his pent-up frustration and jealousy. as you continue walking towards his car, you remain silent, listening attentively. you realize that he's finally opening up, and it's clear that this is what he needs to do to feel better. so you let him get it all out.

"why do you care so much?" you finally ask, genuinely surprised by the intensity of his emotions, your cheeks reddening. Lando stops in his tracks, searching for the right words as he gazes down at you. "are you serious? why? because... because i like you, i really like you. i've wanted to tell you in a better way, well, that was until i found out that you have this idiot as your boyfriend!"

your mouth hangs open, and you can only stare at him, speechless. "he," you finally manage to say, "he isn't my boyfriend, not anymore." you confess, and now it's Lando's turn to have his mouth hang open.

"but... but i saw so many pictures of you two being together," his voice trails off as realization dawns on him. that blond guy must be the annoying ex that Oscar always complains about, the one who wouldn't leave you alone. "those are most likely old pictures," you give him a small smile. "he's my ex."

"but why was he here, then?" Lando asks, perplexed. you shrug. "i don't know. he probably knew i would come and watch the race. he's still not over me and often tries to win me back, which tends to get really awkward." Lando's mouth forms a small 'o'.

there's a brief pause, and then you break the silence. "so, you like me, huh?" you ask, a playful smirk forming on your face. Lando's cheeks flush, and he scratches the back of his head while looking away, a bashful smile on his lips. "well, yeah, i like you."

a mischievous glint sparkles in your eyes as you continue teasing him. "so, i'm the secret crush you talked about in the recent McLaren video?" you ask, accompanied by a playful wink. you already know the answer, but you can't help but revel in the moment. Lando feels himself relaxing, and he lets out a laugh. "yes, you are," he admits with a genuine smile.

as you resume walking, Lando's car now just a few meters away, you can't resist playfully prodding him further. "so, are you gonna ask me out or something?" you inquire, grinning from ear to ear. Lando chuckles in response. "if you want me to." a chuckle escapes you as you confess, "oh, i've wanted that for months now." Lando's eyebrows raise in surprise. "really?" he asks, seeking confirmation, and you nod, your smile growing wider. there's a brief moment of contemplation before he speaks again, "your brother is gonna kill me." both of you exchange grins, knowing the potential repercussions. you laugh heartily and respond, "he's gonna survive."

∿ people who asked for part two ─ @alilstressyandlotdepressy @drunkinthemiddleoftheday @dakotali @ophcelia @be-your-coffee-pot @81astri @readinsilenceplease

don’t forget to like, comment & reblog (it’s very much appreciated <3).

© milaeth | 2023

#·˚ ༘ ☕️ — mily’s writings ! #lando norris #lando norris imagines #lando norris x reader #lando norris fanfiction #lando norris fanfic #lando norris blurb #lando norris one shot #lando norris imagine #lando norris oneshot #lando norris drabble #f1 fanfic #formula one #f1 imagine #f1 x reader #formula one fanfiction #formula one x reader #f1 driver imagines #f1 driver x reader #f1 driver x you #formula one x y/n #x reader

[stardustandtwilight]

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Christmas 2005

Emmett was forbidden from blasting Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” at midnight like he did every year but it was in vain; Sydney woke up hungry at that time anyway. Esme scooped her up from her crib with a wry smile. "Should've known you'd be up, baby girl." She'd been waking up like clockwork at this time. "Shhhh, don't cry, it's Christmas."

Sydney's cries quieted but she still made little disgruntled noises.

Emmett stuck his head out of his and Rosalie's room as Esme carried her down to the kitchen. "That’s not my fault. I was being quiet!”

Esme waved him off. "I know."

"Just saying for the record!"

In the kitchen, Carlisle was already getting a bottle ready. Formula this time. They were still experimenting with switching between blood and formula. Sydney seemed comfortable with both. Carlisle hoped that meant she could drink mostly formula instead of having to drink so much donated blood. He smiled at Esme and Sydney while checking that the formula wasn't too hot. If there was one strong preference Sydney displayed, it was that she preferred warm blood and formula over cold.

"You know, Santa won't come if you don't sleep, baby girl," he said in mock sternness to Sydney.

"Tell Daddy you can't help that you're hungry," Esme said. Then to Carlisle she added, "Are we doing the Santa thing?"

Carlisle shrugged, sheepish. "I don't know, it just seemed like one of those things modern parents say."

Upstairs, Emmett laughed loudly. Rosalie shushed him, but she was laughing too. Edward huffed in the way he did when he was holding back laughter. Thankfully, Alice and Jasper were out on a date for the night, but they were sure to hear about it when they got back.

“They’re never going to let me live that down, are they?” Carlisle asked.

“Not a chance,” Esme said with a grin.

Sydney decided to cry again, evidently impatient with not being fed. Esme bounced her and said, “Okay, sweetheart, we hear you.”

They settled on the couch and Esme gave Sydney her bottle. The newborn drank with a single-minded focus, a tiny pucker between her blue eyes. It brought back shadowy, bittersweet memories of her son and how he made the same face when he nursed. What a gift to be able to care for a baby again.

If only that gift didn’t come with its own new grief.

Among the numerous gifts for Sydney under the tree (Alice couldn’t stop herself from going overboard with the baby clothes, especially shoes because “they’re too cute!”) were gifts for Sarah. Esme hadn’t been able to stand looking at them gathering dust in her office so she wrapped them all in a grief-stricken focus while she did the presents for the rest of the family. Nobody said anything about her putting them under the tree but now that it was Christmas she wondered why she bothered. Sarah would never take pictures on the new camera Esme had gotten her or play Super Mario Brothers 3 again on the NES that Emmett found on eBay or –

“Hey.” Carlisle touched Esme’s face, bringing her out of that train of thought. “What’s wrong?”

Esme sighed. “Sarah.”

It was all she had to say. Carlisle’s eyes were filled with understanding and with his own grief and guilt. Esme knew he did all he could to save her, but he was haunted by the reassurances he gave her that she would live, that she would be there to see Sydney grow. He had been sorely tempted to go back on the promise to not change Sarah, but he couldn’t live with himself if he broke that promise too.

Sydney distracted them for a moment by spitting out the bottle’s nipple with a grunt and Esme handed her over to Carlisle to burp.

“I don’t know what to do with her gifts. I’m kind of embarrassed that I wrapped them,” Esme admitted. 

Carlisle shook his head. “I don’t think you should be embarrassed.” 

“Sarah isn’t here to open them,” Esme said bitterly. She felt her throat close up and her eyes prick with phantom tears and she closed them. Her earlier words to Sydney came back to her - don’t cry, it’s Christmas.

“I know.” Carlisle’s voice was low and tired. For a moment, there was only the sound of him lightly patting Sydney’s back. “You got her a camera, right?” 

“Yes. Why?” 

“Well, you could always open it yourself. Use that camera to take pictures of Sydney growing up like she would have.” 

Esme considered it. The camera certainly wouldn’t go to waste that way and while the thought still brought on the ache over Sarah not being here to do it herself, it was better than letting the gift sit and collect dust again. “That’s a good idea.” 

Carlisle smiled crookedly. “I’ve been known to have them.” Esme only just refrained from rolling her eyes. 

Being done burping Sydney, Carlisle brought her back to the crook of his arm and kissed her forehead. Esme leaned in to kiss her head and inhaled her sweet scent. It didn’t make her throat burn like a normal human’s would and she savored it. Sydney’s tiny hand closed around Carlisle’s finger and her eyes fluttered closed, instantly asleep. Carlisle sighed, a rueful smile on his face.

“What is it?” Esme asked.

“I wish I could sleep like that.”

“Aww, does the old man need a nap?” Esme teased.

“It’s been three hundred sixty-five years since I last slept. Of course I do.” He nudged her with his foot. “Don’t you?”

“No.” Esme nudged him back. “It’s only been a hundred and ten years for me. I’m not tired.”

“I guess I’m the only one that needs a nap. Besides this little one. I wonder how long before we’ll hear her protesting that she’s not tired.” 

“Sooner than we think.” The changes in Sydney since her birth a month ago would be small to human eyes, but to vampire eyes they were significant. They were all so used to looking in each other’s unchanging faces. Esme already anticipated Sydney growing up too fast, a common parental complaint. 

“I suppose we should put her back to bed,” Carlisle said, sounding a bit regretful. 

Esme smiled and snuggled into his side. “No, I think we’re all comfortable right here.” 

In the morning, as the Cullens gathered to open their gifts, Esme opened her present for Sarah and the very first picture she took was of Emmett piling all the discarded bows onto a sleeping Sydney. 

#twilight #my fanfic #esme cullen #carlisle cullen #oc: sydney cullen #sorry alice no matter how cute those baby shoes are syd's always going to kick them off

[tiredgamergirl]

In the wake of the Russian invasion, the Ukraine-based Frogwares decided to go for a project that could be quickly archived despite all the hardships and landed in remaking one of their earlier adventures. Few things are as universal as the feeling of fear; it transcends anything known to mankind, from culture to time. A timeless sensation that once it latches on it might never let go, always creeping into the corners of one’s mind even when far removed. So, what would happen when the world’s greatest detective is faced with horrors beyond human comprehension? Everything starts with Holmes’ restless mind craving for excitement, seeing conspiracies even in something trivial as a missing newspaper, so when Watson offers a case from one of his patients everything unfolds in something far greater and more macabre than Sherlock could ever have hoped for.

The Awakened is a full reimagination of the original title: it was a very important point in Holmes’ and Watson’s relationship, strengthening the bond between the two flatmates and proving their friendship with each other, so it was a logical pick to continue the groundwork set by Sherlock Holmes Chapter One: a vulnerable Sherlock, still recovering from the traumatic events from Cordona and the horrors he learned there, someone who struggled in finding a companion to the point of creating an imaginary friend in the past and the hauntings of a history of mental problems still hovering in his mind. This remake makes a point of putting this young version of the world’s famous detective to test, pushing him to his breaking point. Will his unrelenting thirst for the truth be his demise?

Despite the Eldritch horrors, this game leans more to the unnerving and disturbing, with hints of horrors both man-made and from beyond than any jump scares or anything truly “horror” like in Paranormasight or any other horror title. It is all about building the tension, witnessing Holmes fearing for his sanity and Watson trying his absolute best to prevent his friend from falling into the abyss. However, the game can be especially gory and presents subjects that are aimed at a more mature audience. A step above the previous game, but nothing on the gratuitous side of things.

Building on the engine from Chapter One, it is a wonderful mesh of the systems from Crimes and Punishments and the previous open-world formula. Like in Crimes, the game is divided into chapters for easier replay, and each one of them has a slice of an open world that is free-roaming. Each area has at least one smaller side-quest sprinkled in, roughly the same nature as the smaller cases from Chapter One, and can be missed, not necessary to continue with the main plot. For example, when in London after solving the mystery of the missing newspaper and being introduced to the client, Holmes can track down a series of dolls and learn more about the children they represent. Or at the London Pier, the area from the second chapter that has the most cases, you can learn about another missing person or about a doctor making untested medicine.  They are all quick and simpler tasks that can be solved quickly and make the world more immersive, a sensation of “lived in” and more ramifications for Holmes’ actions.

The old observation mechanics are all accounted for and reimagining the scene has a very welcomed update: now the wrong scene will turn red after validating, making it much simpler to figure out what happened and more evidence collected during the investigation will also add more options.

The pinning of the evidence is still there, but it is far more forgiving and smarter than in Chapter One and far less frustrating. And again the Mind Palace makes a comeback and it is one of the most pleasing, graphically speaking. Whenever the player is stuck it can be worth checking if there is evidence to be pinned or if there is a reasoning that should be reached in the Mind Palace, that still can be somewhat brute-forced but it is a staple of the series by this point.

The system of researching for information has been streamlined for the best: once you acquire a book about what you want to research it is easily accessible from the casebook instead of having to travel to a location like in the previous titles. Moreover, once again, the lock-picking minigame changed. There is no chemical analysis and the previous gimmick of having to wear disguises to get information isn’t present, nor is the fighting system (thankfully). All the excessive mechanics were removed for leaner gameplay, providing much better pacing.

The puzzles are mostly logical, just requiring some observation and re-reading of the information provided at points. It is clear that The Awakened removed a few of the old moon logic puzzles from the original era and replaced them with more modern ones or reserved the more abstract ones for the “another realm” segments. The only moment that can hold the player was the swamp in chapter six, a rather disorienting area that depending on someone’s sense of direction and paying attention to the hard-to-see visual cues can take longer than it should.

Watson is also playable during certain points of the game, in fact, there is one entire chapter in that the player won’t control Sherlock. It is always refreshing to see John having his own agency and personality, with some very emotional moments with him. Gameplay-wise he uses what he learned with Sherlock although he lacks the concentration ability. Perhaps in a future title, we might see more unique abilities, but his wit and steadfast loyalty towards his friend is a nice balance.

This game is stunning, with the attention to detail always leaving an impression. With the passage of the story we can see how it affects Sherlock, his beard starts to grow and there are marks under his eyes. By the end of the adventure both protagonists are clearly tired and depleted, moved by sheer willpower despite the fear. The fact the game was built in contained environments meant that every detail could have the attention to be better crafted and the gore can be very gruesome at points. The one thing that can be a little distracting is how bad the lip-sync is. Frogwares titles often suffer with the facial animations, sometimes leaning to the uncanny specially if you pay too much attention to the eyes of some secondary characters.

In the end, The Awakened still invites the player to draw their own conclusions: there was something really supernatural at play? What was real and what could have been a delusion? It might have the influences of the Cthulhu mythos and some references but there is no need to be a specialist and can be fully appreciated even without knowing a single thing about H.P. Lovecraft. In fact, the writing made a good job merging both worlds that one could argue coming in blind can be even scarier. It is an amazing title that will keep the player on their toes every moment, a must-play for any mystery fan.

Tʀɪɢɢᴇʀ Wᴀʀɴɪɴɢs

Gore (death bodies)

Prejudice (class, racial, religion, gender discrimination, sexual discrimination)

Slavery (historical)

Suicide

Violence against minors

#game reviews #adventure games #steam games #switch games #sherlock holmes the awakened #frogwares holmes #frogwares sherlock #adventure game reviews

[denimbex1986]

'Space and time are rendered deliberately unstable in Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers. The film is anchored in a new, near-empty London high-rise where Adam (Andrew Scott), a middle-aged screenwriter, lives an apparently solitary existence. But its second crucial location is his childhood home in South London, which he takes periodic train rides to over the course of the film. In the former, he meets a gay man named Harry (Paul Mescal), one of the building’s only other inhabitants, whom he starts a relationship with. In the latter, he sees his parents. This latter encounter is as might be expected, of course — except that the pair are played by Jamie Bell and Claire Foy, who in their thirties are much younger than Scott’s Adam is. Later, we learn that Adam’s parents died in a car crash when he was 11.

Loosely adapted from Japanese writer Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel Strangers, previously put to screen by Nobuhiko Obayashi under the title The Discarnates (1988), All of Us Strangers is a ghost story of sorts. Haunted by his past, Adam repeatedly returns to his childhood home to interact with his parents and hold imaginary, would-be conversations about where he is now, what he is doing with his life, and so forth. Haigh’s twist on this basic formula is that while Adam’s parents are the same age they were when they died in the ’80s, he is interacting with them as an adult gay man. This temporal and cultural gap allows for Haigh’s script to address all manner of issues about the changes in gay life, such as pivots in cultural acceptance of gay men and shifting attitudes toward AIDS. It also allows for the film to press the issue of how Adam’s loneliness is related to the wider social world. For if people like him are no longer outcasts, then who is to blame for his sadness and solitude? As he tells his mother, without quite seeming to believe it himself: “If I am [lonely], it’s not because I’m gay. Not really.”

The ambivalence of this “not really” also hangs over Adam’s relationship with Harry, whose own loneliness is plainly evident from the jump. Just as his scenes with his parents unfold like a chamber drama, Adam’s burgeoning relationship with Harry is depicted as a theatrical two-hander. No sense of the wider world ever intrudes on their interactions, and even when they go out for a night on the town and into a club, the environment is drained of any sort of social specificity. It later turns out that this sense of enclosure is deliberate. But what it means, dramatically, is that the central tension mainly comes from how Adam hovers between the film’s two central locations: a past home that is no longer and a present home that does not feel quite there.

The trouble is that the very conception of All of Us Strangers, with its supernatural hook, is somewhat at odds with Haigh’s general approach to psychological and behavioral credibility, as one finds in Weekend (2011) and 45 Years (2015). When Adam brings Harry to see his parents, Haigh can only see the incongruities resolving in psychological terms: the viewer must eventually be able to sharply separate the real from the imaginary. And by the end, this is precisely what the film, with its turgid twist ending, accomplishes. While such a commitment to a sharp real–imaginary split is not in itself a failing — indeed it is quite common — in this particular context, it creates an odd sort of circularity. The film’s story concept requires that there be no stable social world. The absence of a social world means that there is no behavioral interest to enliven the story concept. By suspending the viewer between liminal locales, All of Us Strangers clearly aims at a kind of otherworldly frisson, a sense of the unknowable. Mostly, though, it is just sad, somber, and a touch strained.'

#All of Us Strangers #Weekend #45 Years #Andrew Haigh #Andrew Scott #Jamie Bell #Claire Foy #Paul Mescal #Strangers #Taichi Yamada #The Discarnates

[ogradyfilm]

Recently Viewed - Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

[The following review contains SPOILERS; YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!]

Objective. Obstacle. Solution. Complication. Rinse and repeat until the goal is achieved. Over the course of almost three decades, the Mission: Impossible series has refined its formula to near perfection. The latest installment—the cumbersomely titled Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One—does it again, but bigger: the stakes are higher, the stunts more awesome, the locations more numerous, and the pace more relentless.

Beneath its surface-level spectacle, however, the film is also surprisingly intimate. The plot, after all, is rather basic and busy—with our intrepid heroes pursuing a vaguely defined McGuffin from set piece to explosive set piece—and shootouts, car chases, and train top brawls, no matter how immaculately framed and impeccably choreographed, can only carry a story so far; it is the characters that keep the audience invested in the action.

For perhaps the first time since the original movie, Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt feels like an actual human being (M:i:III’s awkward, unconvincing attempt to portray him as an average Joe between assignments notwithstanding). Make no mistake: he’s still a cape away from being an outright superhero; he jumps a motorcycle off a mountain, survives injuries that would reduce a mere mortal to pulp, and is explicitly stated in dialogue to be the one person on Earth capable of thwarting the villains’ schemes. But director Chris McQuarrie manages to find the chinks in our protagonist’s durable armor; Hunt doesn’t stick every landing, is frequently outmaneuvered by his foes, and occasionally fails to save his friends. Here more than ever, it is evident that his success relies more on luck than skill or cunning; indeed, the relative inexperience of rookie operative Grace (Hayley Atwell) serves to highlight the utter absurdity of his propensity for improvisation.

Hunt’s vulnerabilities aren’t just skin deep: he is fiercely protective of his allies—even at the expense of the mission. To him, casualties and collateral damage are totally unacceptable; while the Secretary is heartless enough to simply disavow knowledge of their existence, the loss of an agent would (and does) haunt Ethan for the rest of his days. This unwavering loyalty manifests as intense fear—and Cruise’s steely conviction absolutely sells it.

The supporting players are equally compelling. Of particular note is Henry Czerny’s Eugene Kittridge, returning to the franchise following a twenty-seven-year absence; the incomparably charismatic actor, who could recite a grocery list with gravitas, makes bloated, unwieldy exposition sound as musical as Shakespeare’s sonnets. His adversarial relationship with his subordinate likewise enriches the central conflict; Hunt is too well acquainted with his boss’ jingoism to trust him completely, and Kittridge resents Hunt’s tendency to “go rogue” at the slightest provocation—but each man nevertheless grudgingly respects the other, and they will immediately put aside their differences should the situation require cooperation.

Pom Klementieff delivers the real standout performance, though, lending depth and complexity to what could easily have been a generic minion. As the maniacal Paris, the actress—best known for her comparatively subdued role in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy—projects a wonderfully chaotic energy; this is a baddie that thoroughly enjoys her violent work, relishing the wanton destruction left behind in her wake. But something resembling a conscience lurks within her cruelty and savagery, and its gradual emergence is the film’s most delightful twist.

These memorable minor antagonists compensate for the otherwise uninspiring heavies. As the enigmatic mastermind pulling the strings from the shadows, The Entity is adequate enough, propelling the narrative from Point A to Point B… but as a purely digital construct, it inherently lacks screen presence and personality. That’s where Esai Morales’ Gabriel is supposed to come in. As the AI’s handpicked flesh-and-blood avatar, he succeeds in providing Ethan with a physical foe with whom to trade blows… but there simply isn’t a whole lot of substance to him beyond this superficial function; essentially, he’s as anonymous and forgettable as the literally faceless computer program to which he’s pledged his fealty. And considering Hunt is implied to have a personal vendetta against him (owing to an encounter in their mutually mysterious past,  briefly glimpsed via poorly integrated flashbacks), this is a glaring flaw.

I assume that Gabriel, at least, will be further developed in the upcoming sequel, currently scheduled for a 2024 release. Fortunately, this is the sole thread that remains unresolved; unlike Across the Spider-Verse, which abruptly ends mid-scene, Dead Reckoning Part One arrives at an organic conclusion—the only “cliffhanger” here is the mangled wreckage of the Orient Express. And that sense of closure makes the wait for the next chapter significantly more tolerable.

#Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One #Mission: Impossible #Mission: Impossible 7 #Mission Impossible #Dead Reckoning #Dead Reckoning part one #Mission Impossible 7 #Tom Cruise #Chris McQuarrie #Hayley Atwell #Henry Czerny #Pom Klementieff #Esai Morales #action movie #film #writing #movie review

[isfjmel-phleg]

In Impulse #56, Bart brings a jar of leftover technoplasm from his earlier fight with CRAYDL and Thad to Young Justice's headquarters for safekeeping, but CRAYDL manages to escape, get into the computers, and transform itself into a composite of Robin and Superboy. When attempts to fight this creature fail, Tim urges Secret, the only one present with whom CRAYDL is unfamiliar, to try to take it down from the inside. With some trepidation, she agrees...

"The blackness envelops her immediately, swallowing her completely as Secret swirls deeper and deeper down into the eerie, skeevy composite. She whispers to herself a quiet litany, reminding herself that she can't let the guys down, trying as hard as she can to push back the rising fear that threatens to overwhelm her...but the memories can't be abated...memories of an horrific childhood...a captive of the DEO, imprisoned in the name of science, confined to a tiny, windowless cell under constant observation--studied--smothered--trapped-- --Her reaction, then-- [Secret: --OOOOOOO! nnnnnNNNNOOOOOOO--Ahhhh!] --is quite understandable!"

Nevertheless, a suggestion of hers gives Bart an ingenious idea, and the problem is resolved.

I find it fascinating that entering the composite so vividly triggers Secret's memories of captivity, and I don't think it's merely due to her being claustrophobic or afraid of the dark. The being she is currently inside of is CRAYDL. CRAYDL, who raised Thad under conditions very comparable to those described in Secret's flashback. No wonder she panics; she's inside an AI whose sole purpose was raising a lab experiment.

The original readership didn't have quite enough information yet to make that connection, and apparently Secret's reaction was met with some criticism. A reader of this issue, who evidently wasn't familiar with the YJ characters, wrote,

The biggest problem I had with the group was the "predictability" of the female character Secret. It seems a pretty standard formula in comics to make female characters timid, unsure and haunted by their pasts. I've always wondered why, if an individual were that afraid, she would become a superhero and how could she survive a conflict with a super-villain? Could your writers toughen her up a bit? At least try not to have her play out the "damsel-in-distress-I-think-I'm-going-to-faint" stereotype. It's really patronizing. I was annoyed when Secret turned into smoke, went up Composite's nose, and flipped out. Don't make her so dependent on the male heroes. It's OK if she thinks for herself and can kick butt. Your target audience of preteen boys (that is your target audience, right?) will appreciate her metamorphosis.

Editor L. A. Williams replied,

This was an issue of IMPULSE, not YOUNG JUSTICE; room didn't allow for the entire team here but rest assured, they have several strong female members.

Yes, Secret has been timid, but a) Tim Drake (Robin) was also timid when he first appeared and b) She is "metamorphosing" (See recent YJ's). And remember, Impulse (and Secret) saved everyone, not just the "damsel."

This is an interesting commentary on expectations placed upon female characters. This reader's distaste for the helpless female stereotype is indeed understandable, but he or she seems to replace it with an opposite extreme. No trauma or perceived weakness for female characters! It's okay for the boys (like Tim, as Williams observes), but heaven forbid the girls be anything less than strong at all times. Which, if that's the case, leaves no room for the humanizing qualities and struggles that make any character, male or female, compelling. Secret's past and her struggles with it make her a more interesting character, not a weaker one, and in this issue, her panic attack contributes to her characterization and foreshadows information about other characters (Thad and CRAYDL), which will be important later.

As Williams points out, YJ has "several strong female members." They're all strong, in fact. Cassie, who originally joined because of a crush but proves herself so capable that she is eventually voted team leader. Cissie, who overcomes an exploitative upbringing to build a life for herself based on her own values and goals. Anita, who uses the powers taught to her by her mother and grandmother for good and is given an unconventional second chance at having a family. And Greta, who goes through so much and makes so many desperate choices but regains her humanity after she chooses to trust and forgive. They're all strong--not because they are above weakness, but because they all grow as individuals.

(Just as the boys do!)

#comicsposting again #a lot going on in this post - hopefully it's halfway coherent

[weeblyteblog]

Sip and Socialize: A Guide to Blackbird Ordinary's Cocktail Culture

Twilight Tango: Dancing Under the Starscape

Born over a decade ago, Blackbird Ordinary has matured into an institution within Miami's dynamic entertainment landscape. Approaching its eleventh anniversary, this legendary dive bar takes a daring leap into a new era of enchantment. Conceived by owner Dan Binkiewicz and brought to life by the imaginative team at Deft Union, the revitalized venue harmoniously merges the bohemian disco vibes of the 1970s with the intrinsic charm of Blackbird Ordinary.

At the epicenter of this evolution lies a sprawling 3,000-square-foot sanctuary, nestled beneath a soaring glass canopy that eclipses 30 feet, creating an otherworldly setting for stargazing. Guests are invited to lose themselves in this celestial expanse, a departure from the commonplace.

The ambiance is set by abundant foliage and rustic wooden elements, complemented by the presence of disco balls suspended above, their glittering descent casting a spell reminiscent of a bygone era. This latest rendition of Blackbird Ordinary pays homage to the celebratory spirit, seamlessly fusing the nocturnal soundscape with the distinctive charm of its surroundings. Miami's nightlife enthusiasts are promised an odyssey into a disco-infused wonderland that transcends the ordinary.

Serenade of the Night: Chill Vibes and Revelry

Blackbird Ordinary, nestled in the beating heart of Miami, unveils itself as the epitome of nocturnal charm and excitement. Beyond the typical bar experience, Blackbird has carved its niche as the ultimate destination for those seeking a dynamic blend of laid-back allure and vibrant nightlife energy. This establishment seamlessly amalgamates the comforting ambiance of a beloved local haunt with the pulsating rhythm of a thriving nightlife hub, providing patrons with an unmatched and unforgettable experience.

As the day gracefully transitions into night, Blackbird transforms into a sanctuary where patrons can unwind amidst the intimate interiors or embrace the starlit charm of the outdoor terrace. The ambiance is a careful dance of chill sophistication, a homage to the diverse and electric spirit of Miami. Whether ensconced in the sultry interior, sipping on finely crafted cocktails, or dancing beneath the mesmerizing LED dancefloor on the terrace, Blackbird Ordinary guarantees an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Beyond being a bar, Blackbird is a testament to the perfect equilibrium of tranquility and excitement that defines the essence of Miami's vibrant nights.

Symphony of Taste: Blackbird Ordinary's Culinary Masterpiece

Blackbird Ordinary emerges as a beacon for those who seek a culinary adventure that transcends the mundane. Here, dining is not just a meal; it's an exploration of flavors, a celebration of craftsmanship, and an immersion into a world where every bite is a thrill. Far removed from the typical sports bar, Blackbird is a haven for epicureans yearning for something beyond the norm.

Indulge in a meticulously curated menu featuring a diverse array of appetizers and filling dishes, each a testament to the culinary expertise that defines Blackbird. The live action of tennis, football, and Formula 1 races serves as a dynamic backdrop, infusing the air with a contagious energy that transforms every dining moment into a festive celebration.

Blackbird's commitment to culinary excellence is evident in the artistry of their open-flame barbecue, imparting a smoky richness to every dish. This dedication to quality extends beyond the kitchen to the bar, where a carefully chosen selection of regional beers and wines awaits to complement your gastronomic journey. Relax in the inviting atmosphere, whether with a refreshing beer or your preferred beverage, and witness the fusion of fine cuisine and live sports unfold into an unparalleled dining experience.

Raise a Glass, Craft a Memory: Sipping Stories Unfold

Blackbird Ordinary stands as a paragon of libation elegance, a refined oasis in the heart of Miami that seamlessly marries sophistication with the warmth of a neighborhood gathering spot. As patrons cross the threshold, they enter a realm where mixology transcends mere skill, transforming into a genuine art form. The carefully curated menu reflects a commitment to excellence, emphasizing the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients that mirror the lively energy of Miami. Inside, the atmosphere is a captivating play of shadows and highlights, creating a dark, moody allure that sets the stage for an extraordinary experience. For those who prefer the outdoors, the patio under the stars offers a laid-back yet upscale setting to savor the unique blend of flavors that make each cocktail at Blackbird Ordinary a work of art.

Contact Information

Address: 729 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130, United States

Phone number: [phone]

Website: https://blackbird-ordinary.club/

[zololacan]

The Magic Struggle or the Final Flute

A specter haunts the spheres of power: communism. But a specter haunts the communists themselves: power. Everything is faked in the current political scene, regulated by a simulacrum of revolutionary tension and the seizure of power by the communists (and the Left in general). In fact, behind every stage where the communists continue to devote themselves to forming a front against the Right and preserving the whole edifice, a negative obsession with power is at work, giving them an ever-renewed force of inertia. The shame of revolution stimulates them. They are not alone in this case because politics eludes everyone, and the Right itself has no vitality. But it discovered that the communists have always appeared historically, from the Leninist perspective to which everyone adheres (and to which they believe themselves to be faithful), as politicos, as professionals in the seizure of power. Political failure and decay are more flagrant for them. Fear of the power that weakens even the perspective opened by Sanguinetti in The Real Report on the Last Chance to Save Capitalism in Italy, of seeing the communists take over for the dominant class in the exercise of power and the political management of capital (the last Italian elections unmasked the utopia still nourished by the old cynical idealism of the class struggle).

"Where does this impotence, this castration come from? "Who knotted their needle? "What magic always causes their failure so close to their goal and not through defiance, like a long-distance runner who in his solitude chooses to lose and thereby deny the rules of the game? No, why irresistibly fail to take power, why do they desperately put the brakes on, like in a cartoon, at the sight of the abyss of power? ENRICO BERLINGUER declares: "There is nothing to fear in seeing the communists take power in Italy." An ideally ambiguous formula, since it signifies:

that there is nothing to fear since the communists, if they come to power, will change nothing in its fundamentally capitalist mechanism,

that there is no risk that they will ever come to power (because they don't want to),

but also, that in fact power, real power, no longer exists; there is no power—and therefore no risk that someone will take it or retake it,

and again, I (me, Berlinguer) have no fear of seeing the communists take power in Italy—which can appear logical, even evident, but at bottom not really, since,

it can mean to say the opposite (we don't need psychoanalysis for that): ''I'm afraid" of seeing the communists take power in Italy (and there are good reasons for that, for a communist).

All of this is simultaneously true. This is the secret of a discourse whose ambiguity translates the drift of power. The impossibility of a determinate position of power. A degree zero of political will. All the parties bear the cost of this liquidation, but the communists testify most cruelly to this abolition of political will to power.

THE AFFAIR OF THE "false" document, the circular from Moscow to the Portuguese Communist Party about the most effective means of taking power. The incredible naivete of all these vaudeville actors. It had to be the opposing Left that launched this hoax to resuscitate the political energy that the communists had long since lost. In the shadow of the flowering communist parties, for a long time, there has only been a virgin Left waiting to be raped by the Right. Was the document real or fake? It doesn't matter, since evidently, the inverse is true: knowing that the communists have long since been programmed not to take power. Besides, it was the most beautiful example of false inversion as offensive simulation: "Directives from Moscow to worldwide communist parties on the most effective methods of never taking power."

Against all the faking of the political sphere, which turns around the idea of the subversion of the current order by the communist party, against the lure of seeing the whole world as complicit, this destructive simulation had to be introduced, a falsehood that seizes the entire model of current political simulation in reverse.

They themselves (because everything happens as if they knew it) advance all kinds of good realistic reasons, in terms of relations of force, of "objective" situation, etc.: one doesn't take power in a period of crisis (which would equal managing the crisis of capital; one knows that capital is only waiting for that administrative relief, see Sanguinetti). But of course, this is absurd since the resolved crisis leaves no chance for a revolutionary "relief."

Another explanation, tactical once again, but more complex: if the party takes power, it finds itself in the dilemma of falling into total reformism so as to preserve its electorate. And from this perspective, it loses before the socialists (more generally, from the reformist perspective, the Left loses before the Right, which does

#The Magic Struggle or the Final Flute

[themovieblogonline]

The Good Mother Review: A Dark Descent into Motherly Vengeance

In the shadowy underbelly of crime and deceit, The Good Mother, directed by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, endeavors to captivate its audience with a tale of maternal anguish, unexpected alliances, and a quest for justice that takes a haunting twist. Set in the gritty city of Albany, the film navigates the seedy world of narcotics and treachery, all while exploring the complex dynamics of motherhood and the lengths one would go to avenge a loved one's murder. The film promises an intricate blend of suspense and emotion, but as the credits roll, it becomes evident that while The Good Mother aspires to deliver a gripping narrative, it struggles to rise above genre conventions, leaving audiences with a mixed aftertaste of missed opportunities and notable performances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue0AKyGJnIg The film's premise revolves around the brutal murder of Marissa Bennings' estranged son, catapulting her into a whirlpool of despair and rage. Hillary Swank's portrayal of Marissa is commendable, as she oscillates between a grieving mother consumed by sorrow and a determined journalist with a fierce appetite for the truth. Swank masterfully conveys Marissa's transformation, her eyes ablaze with conviction as she unearths the darkest corners of her son's life. Unfortunately, the character's emotional journey is occasionally hindered by a screenplay that falters in developing her motivations cohesively. While Marissa's thirst for vengeance is palpable, the film struggles to strike the right balance between her grieving process and her sudden transformation into a relentless investigator. The Good: Olivia Cooke, in the role of Paige, the pregnant girlfriend of Marissa's late son, delivers a standout performance that adds depth and vulnerability to the narrative. Cooke's ability to convey Paige's vulnerability and her gradual evolution into a key ally of Marissa is a highlight of the film. The chemistry between Swank and Cooke is palpable, giving life to their unlikely alliance in the midst of a high-stakes investigation. Their dynamic becomes the emotional core of the movie, and their interactions serve as a welcome respite from the film's otherwise gloomy atmosphere. The cinematography by Charlotte Hornsby effectively captures the gritty essence of Albany's urban landscape, creating a sense of unease that permeates the entire film. The use of dim lighting and desaturated color tones serves as a visual representation of the moral ambiguity and moral decay that Marissa and Paige find themselves entangled in. The city becomes a character in itself, embodying the darkness that mirrors the characters' journeys. The Bad: However, where The Good Mother falters is in its narrative execution. While the premise holds promise, the plot often feels formulaic and predictable, adhering to well-worn tropes of the revenge thriller genre. The story takes a detour into a world of narcotics and dishonesty, but the exploration of this criminal underbelly lacks the depth and originality needed to distinguish it from similar narratives. As Marissa and Paige delve deeper into the underbelly of Albany, the revelations they uncover feel convenient rather than genuinely shocking, diluting the impact of the story's climax. Furthermore, the film struggles with pacing issues, particularly in its second act. Scenes that are meant to build tension sometimes drag on, leading to moments of disengagement. The urgency that should accompany a desperate search for justice is often lost in the meandering pace of certain sequences, which ultimately diminishes the overall impact of the narrative. Jack Reynor's performance adds an element of unpredictability to the story, yet the character remains underdeveloped, leaving his motivations and loyalties shrouded in mystery without sufficient resolution. This lack of clarity hampers the emotional investment in his character and contributes to the narrative's overall unevenness. In its attempt to blend maternal anguish with a gritty revenge narrative, The Good Mother struggles to find a cohesive identity. The film does deliver moments of intensity and emotion, propelled by strong performances from its lead actresses. Yet, these moments are often overshadowed by the film's inability to transcend genre clichés and carve a distinct narrative path. Overall: The Good Mother presents a compelling premise and benefits from the powerful performances of Hilary Swank and Olivia Cooke. The exploration of maternal grief and the bond formed between Marissa and Paige is a poignant highlight. However, the film falls short in its execution of the revenge thriller elements, leaning too heavily on genre conventions and failing to deliver a narrative that truly captivates. While it succeeds in showcasing the raw emotions of its characters, it struggles to provide a satisfyingly original or deeply resonant cinematic experience. Despite its potential, The Good Mother ultimately leaves audiences wanting more – not out of intrigue, but out of a desire for a more inventive and finely-tuned narrative. Read the full article

[raesnovelsblog]

Synopsis from IMDB:

It's been eight years since the opening night tragedy of Hell House, LLC and still many unanswered questions remain. Thanks to an anonymous tip, investigative journalist Jessica Fox is convinced that key evidence is hidden inside the abandoned Abaddon Hotel-evidence that will shed light on the hotel's mysteries. She assembles a team equally hungry for answers with one goal: break into the hotel and discover the truth.

My review

Solid sequel. Follows the formula of the first one, but deviates slightly. Love the additional information about the crew from the first Hell House movie. The acting was weaker in this one for me. Not horrible, but a noticeable difference. Still a solid found footage movie with creepy clowns.  Clowns will never not be terrifying.

Rating : 7/10

How does it treat…

Women? Pretty well. They have agency and aren’t there just to be tortured or saved.

Does it pass the Bechdel test? Yes. No relationships are discussed. 

How long till a women speaks? 33 seconds

Relationships? Treated fairly.

Sex? N/A

LGBTQia+? N/A

Minorities? N/A

Older People? Seen, but not demonized because they’re old.

Mental Health? Mentioned, but not a plot point.

Kids? N/A

Animals? N/A

Tone

Was it fun? Kind of.  

Was it worth it? Yes, but only so much as to complete a trilogy.

Rewatchability? Not as much as the first one.

Gore level? Minor. The blood budget is less than the first one.

Cliches

Tired? 

Appropriate? Yes

Subverted?

Spoilerly thought beyond this. You have been warned.

Notes

That dude is way too old to be playing the character the mom is describing.

The ghosts are better at new technologies than I am.

They mastered text messages faster than my parents.

That piano tune is still creepy.

I’ve watched too many true crime shows because that reporters' intro shots are spot on.

Brock Davies!? Perfect douchie name for a medium.

Woman in the blue is not great at first. She kept looking at the camera. Her character knows she’s being filmed, but it still.

That’s a lot of police resources to keep a police car out front everyday. 

“Not a trained professional paranormal investigator.”  How does one go about becoming a professional paranormal investigator? Do you have to take classes?  Is there a test?  A certificate at the end?

Putting a rock against the door to keep it open is one of the smartest things in all of these movies.

Seeing a random person standing on the stairs and then not immediately leaving, is not smart. Although I think it was supposed to be a ghost thing.

Random latin on the wall trope, check.

Heard a noise and went to investigate, check.  The door was open. It could be an animal or a homeless person.

Do not stop to pick up a hitchhiker.  Just don’t.

What are the ghost rules?  They were just in the house. Now they’re on the side of the road luring people in? Well, I guess Sarah did lure them back to the hotel in the first movie. At least they’re consistent. 

Don’t go after her.  The place is creepy and that woman isn’t right.  If you’re that worried, call for help. You don’t follow her into the abandoned haunted place.

The teen in the booth next to the weird dancing couple is staring directly at the camera.

Don’t give Molly shit about not wanting to go inside. 

They’re searching for a way in, but every other person has just sauntered in through a wide open door.

Don’t trust that wood piece in the door. Looks like it would slip out.

Why did Brock need to go to Abaddon with the film crew? He could have gone whenever?

Old timey portraits of children are inherently unnerving.

Random nooses equal get the fuck out.

The evil clown mannequins are back.

“Grab a box and start digging.” - Nope.  You take those boxes outside and read them out in the daylight like smart people.

The pan to the woman staring at them is a great example of simple scares being highly efficient.

You’ve put a time limit on your excursion into the basement. Why waste time reading the menu?

Creepy clown walking around - world of nope.

Sending the guy by himself? These people don’t watch horror movies and it shows.

Ghosts can impersonate people now?  These technological ghosts are impressive.

She’s fighting him on leaving. He warned you multiple times that they might all have to leave at a moment’s notice. Why are they acting surprised when he insists you leave?

Fuck Brock. He’s a grown man that you didn’t even want to come along.

Fuck that clown. He’s creepy AF. Just that slow movement was all I needed to send chills down my spine.

Mitchell, you've been smart up till now. Don’t stop now.

All that ghost women did was blink.  I would have run away too.

Theorizing the ghosts were compelling Alex to stay in the hotel fits. 

Are they in a room with no windows? Why not go out the window? If there isn’t a window, that’s a major safety violation.

Ghosts fucking with them on the walkie talkie, chef kiss.

So who supposedly is filming the meeting with Alex? Maybe the ghosts are trying to start their own reality show.

Why is he writing on those tapes with a dry erase marker?

That thing at the door looks like an off brand Leather Face.

Now the ghosts are leaving notes? But you were doing so well with the tech.

Molly’s with the clowns now.  Her sacrifice was worthy.  You move the fuck along.

The wall breaking open to show the lake of fire was okay. CGI is not their friend.

But that clown slowly moving towards them is.

Mentioned Russell Wynn. Set up the 3rd movie in the 2nd one. Good for them.

So did the ghosts cause the accident involving the real Arnold?

Arnold being Andrew Tulley was great.

“Pick up the camera.” They really want their own show.

Anytime you bring religion into it, the fright factor goes up.

Should have let the clown have Molly.  Now she dies slowly from a stab to the abdomen. 

So was Tulley trolling the internet looking for gullible people to send Hell House information too? How many other people have they contacted?

Killing her off camera is more effective than showing the murder.

Were the ghosts true to their word? Did they let Mitchell leave after he made his choice?

Anytime someone in a horror movie says “Do you trust me?” the automatic answer should be no.

#hellhousellc2 #hellhousellctheabaddonhotel #horrormovie #horrormoviereview #hauntedhouse #ghosts #foundfootage #foundfootagemovie #foundfootagefilm #lowbudget #creepyclowns #sequel #hiddengem #tubi #timelines #religious

[paranewsies-your-spooky-friends]

Ghost Files: How This YouTube Show Has Breathed New Life into the Paranormal Genre

For years, paranormal TV shows have been a popular staple in the entertainment industry. From "Ghost Adventures" to "Most Haunted," audiences have been captivated by the prospect of watching real-life investigations into the paranormal. But while these shows may have once been thrilling and exciting, they eventually became formulaic and repetitive. That is, until "Ghost Files" came along.

"Ghost Files" is a YouTube show that has breathed new life into the paranormal genre. Hosted by paranormal investigators and filmmakers Shane Medej and Ryan Bergara, the show takes a fresh, unique approach to investigating the paranormal. Rather than relying on jump scares and cheap thrills, the show focuses on the science of paranormal investigation, and the process of uncovering evidence of the paranormal while joyfully cursing and faking nothing.

What sets "Ghost Files" apart from other paranormal shows is its focus on the process of investigation. Instead of just showing investigators reacting to unexplained occurrences, the show takes a more methodical approach. It highlights the importance of collecting evidence, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions based on that evidence from the viewpoint of a skeptic and a believer. This approach gives viewers a more complete understanding of the paranormal investigation process and allows them to see how real paranormal investigators work.

In addition to its unique approach, "Ghost Files" is also just plain fun to watch. Bergara and Medej are an engaging and personable duo, and their team of camera people are a diverse and entertaining group. From exploring haunted asylums to investigating cryptids, the show covers a wide range of paranormal topics, and always manages to keep things fresh and interesting.

Perhaps the biggest reason why "Ghost Files" has become so popular is that it is a YouTube show. Unlike traditional TV shows, which are often bound by the limitations of the network or cable channels they air on, "Ghost Files" has the freedom to be as creative and unorthodox as it wants to be. This allows the show to take risks and try new things, which is why it has been able to breathe new life into the paranormal genre.

Overall, "Ghost Files" is a refreshing and exciting addition to the world of paranormal entertainment. It has managed to take a tired genre and turn it into something awesome and exciting. With its focus on skepticism and investigation, its engaging hosts, and its willingness to take risks, "Ghost Files" is a show that deserves to be watched by anyone interested in the paranormal, or really anyone who wants to laugh so hard they spew a beverage from their nasal cavity.

NOTE: I do not own the copyright to the image I used. Please do not sue my broke self.

#paranormal #ghosts #youtube

[kingdomoftyto]

OKAY, done. Finally. I beat AAI.

I have too many thoughts so I'm putting it behind a cut

First, the negative stuff, because from a design standpoint this game bums me out.

Gotta say, I still had fun with it, but I also understand why Investigations hasn't gained as much traction as the main series. It's, uh, a bit of a slog, if I'm honest. I had high hopes for the "seamless transition" I'd seen touted between the Investigation phase and the Argument phase (this game's replacement for Trials), but in practice I think it actually hurts the pacing pretty badly. Instead of a long buildup of gathering evidence followed by a satisfying sequence of breaking down testimonies, and a single climactic moment where you finally land the baddie.... instead, it's a series of bite-sized sleuthing segments interspersed with smaller one-on-one arguments. The arguments are never as satisfying as the main series' cross examinations, and even the eventual breakdowns don't feel as dramatic or gratifying.

(And the Logic system had SO much potential but was mostly wasted on far-too-obvious deductions instead of the stuff that might have actually made you feel clever to piece together.)

This next point is super subjective but the cases themselves also feel kind of... boring in comparison? That might seem crazy because one of them involves kidnappers in mascot suits bashing Miles over the head in a haunted funhouse, but I honestly found untangling the crimes a lot less interesting than in the main series. Maybe it's because there's more focus on forensics than on testimony...? But I loved Rise from the Ashes in AA1 and that case was PACKED with forensics minutiae...

I think it honestly might be due to the lack of a trial as the driving force behind the narrative, because you're not doing things to save a defendant and you don't have a courtroom opponent to worry about, which changes the entire... idk, vibe of the story. You're just kind of solving murders because they happened in your proximity--which works perfectly well for other detective media but feels wrong for the AA formula, somehow? The writers for this game try to emulate the urgent feeling of protecting a defendant by having a character you know get accused of murder in every single chapter, but it feels lower stakes than, say, Maya getting arrested, because you're getting involved before any real case has been built against them. The only ones arguing against you tend to be detectives in this game, not lawyers (even Franziska is just assisting Interpol in this one), and Lang tells you right out that he doesn't care about actually proving anything as long as he gets a suspect--he wants the actual guilt of the accused to be dealt with later, at the eventual trial. It feels nothing like fighting for your defendant's life while the judge's verdict hangs over your head, to be decided at any moment.

... Also the text scrolls way too slowly and the music's not as good :(

ON THE POSITIVE SIDE, however:

Kay's awesome, Yatagarasu's a fantastic concept, and more Franziska and more Gumshoe are always welcome.

Speaking of, in a total reversal of the pattern established by the rest of the series, the last case was not the best and the penultimate case was easily my favorite. This is in no small part because it featured tween Franziska, the looming presence of Manfred, and the single most dramatic moment of the game--when the villain whips out a gun and nearly shoots Miles in the courtroom. (There's also more emotional payoff in this one with how he initially comforts little Kay than in anything that happens at the end of the game, imo.)

Btw, it's nowhere near as much as I expected from the memes, but Miles' occasional mentions of Phoenix are also really awesome every time (and, yes, really funny too). I was especially hype when he brought him up during the very last interrogation segment:

(It was undercut a bit by the solution he was struggling to find being blindingly obvious, but that's a me problem)

Of course the biggest appeal of the game is simply getting to see more of Miles in general, and I think it does a fair job of delivering on that. It's got lots of fun headcanon fuel (he's a flower snob!!), some great interactions with other characters (Franziska, Gummy, even Larry!!), and at least a tiiiiiny bit of character development for him, as he continues to work out what his goals/purpose are going to be and what he's willing to do to achieve them. It's cool to see where his headspace is at post-Trilogy, though the timeframe of the game being restricted to the span of less than an in-universe week kind of limits how much of a glimpse we actually get into how he's holding up.

This Youtube comment on the soundtrack really hits the nail on the head for the exquisite dramatic irony plaguing me throughout the game due to its placement in the timeline:

(AAI takes place about a month before Phoenix's disbarment, if I understand the timeline correctly... lmao feelings)

I expect the story to be more interesting in AAI2 and to hopefully expand on what this game started. Trying not to get my hopes up too high, but cautiously optimistic...!

Anyway, IN SUMMARY:

Weakest game in the series so far imo, mostly because the mechanics change the core formula in a way that doesn't do the pacing any favors. No regrets playing it because the characters are more than worth it, but bit of a letdown when it could have been a super cool idea for a spinoff.

At least we got some adorable sprites of this nerd out of it

#Tyto plays AA #this turned into like a full game review ghjsdahfs I'm sorry I just had a lot of Thoughts on the structure

[magictruffles0]

Superb Health Care Benefits Of Psilocybe Atlantis That Make It Medically Safe

Mushrooms containing the chemical psilocybin are taken into consideration to be 'magic' mushrooms. Ingesting these fungis generates intense hallucinations in the user. Chroniclers assume that psychedelic mushrooms were utilized in religious ceremonies and rituals worldwide as far back as 6,000 years earlier. Evidence of use has been located on cavern rock art, as well as in sculptures in virtually every continent. Several customers, also today, describe making use of mushrooms as a spiritual experience. In fact, in some nations, its usage is still lawful if it is used for spiritual routine or for spirituality. There is a potential for favorable use in psilocybin, it is still not our suggestion to ever take in 'magic' mushrooms. Apart from the danger of mild side effects, or the possible to poisonous substance yourself, there is merely not enough research yet to prove that they are healthy for human usage. Similar to any type of substance, the best usage is no usage at all. Healthy as well as clean living will keep the mind and body running solid.

Psilocybin is a natural psychoactive, hallucinogenic material that is located in hundreds of types of mushrooms. Though this enchanting formula has been utilized for centuries, the compound was first separated in 1958. Consumption is the primary method of intake. Normally, the mushrooms are dried and put on food to conquer the bitter preference, though they can also be brewed in tea or made right into an oil. This chemical is exchanged psilocin by the body, which has hallucinogenic results that resemble DMT or LSD, check below a lot more info about truffles psilocybe atlantis. The intensity of the high hinges on the species of mushroom as well as how much is consumed. As with any kind of compound, the individual's physiology plays a role. It has a low poisoning and also usually does not create damage to the body.

Stumbling is the term for the hallucination period of getting high on mushrooms. The results are taken into consideration to be a less intense, shorter version of LSD. The psilocybin distorts the customer's understanding of colors, appears and real objects. Feelings and also feelings end up being extremely extreme. Some even state that they really feel as though they are communicating a higher power. As soon as you have started, it is crucial to bear in mind that you can not quit. As soon as a hallucinogen has been consumed, the trip has started as well as you can't get off the bus. This could be several hrs. That is why it is so vital that you have the most relaxed attitude you can. Having a "bad trip", can prove to be haunting. Though psilocybin is thought about not fit for clinical usage, doctors and also scientists are trying out it for psychological wellness. Over half of customers in recent researches claimed that their experience in use was directly purposeful, and boosted their sense of well-being. Researchers are presently evaluating long-lasting studies to see if psilocybin can ease depression and also other mental diseases. As the researches progression, there are currently huge advances in finishing anxiety and also stress and anxiety in their guinea pig. You can learn more on these tests by go here.

#Magic Truffles #Youtube

[f1]

Why the big problem caused by F1s new rules isn't going away in 2023

Brought to you by Aramco: https://bit.ly/3bbdK9y Formula 1 has conquered porpoising. Or so you might think, given the big talking point of the first half of 2022 became less and less of a big deal as the season progressed. But the problems created by the biggest changes to F1’s chassis regulations in world championship history will never truly go away. All the evidence indicates the spectre of porpoising will haunt teams, ready to catch out those who are too aggressive or too easily seduced by appealing downforce figures with these ground effect machines. In fact, one of the key factors of F1 car design is going to be avoiding creating the conditions that lead to porpoising. In this video, we’re going to explain why that’s the case, what impact the rule changes for 2023 will have and why it’s taken so long for teams to understand and simulate a problem that first appeared in F1 more than four decades ago #F1 #F1tech #F12023 Subscribe: http://the-race.com/youtube_subscribe Website: http://the-race.com/ Twitter: @wearetherace Instagram: @wearetherace Facebook: http://facebook.com/wearetherace Podcasts: http://the-race.com/podcasts Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, please also hit subscribe to show your support so we'll keep doing what we're doing. https://www.the-race.com http://www.twitter.com/wearetherace via THE RACE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTxfj0BzL-MaCy-YUqPRoQ

#F1 #Why the big problem caused by F1’s new rules isn't going away in 2023 #Formula 1

[scifi4wifi]

Formula of a Haunting: Investigating the Paranormal with Ghost Hunters' Brandon Alvis and Mustafa Gatollari

Formula of a Haunting: Investigating the Paranormal with Ghost Hunters’ Brandon Alvis and Mustafa Gatollari

Paranormal events have captured imaginations for centuries. After all, who doesn’t love a good ghost story!? With the rise of reality TV in the ’90s, it wasn’t long before TV shows featuring paranormal investigations emerged. L-R: Mustafa Gatollari and Brandon Alvis As fun, adventurous dives into the unknown typically depict dramatic moments of cast reactions to what might be going bump in the…

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#American Paranormal Research Association #Andres Pico Abode #Brandon Alvis #Formula of a Haunting - The Evidence #Ghost Hunters #J.B. Moore Home #Mustafa Gatollari #Paranormal Investigation #Villisca Axe Murder

[imaginethebeautifulworld]

Hello there! Which country/ countries do you think would love a s/o who is into cottage core? What about dark academia? Ooh! What about some aesthetics that you like??

Hello, Lovely~!

I regret to say that when I first started working on this ask, I was only going to delve a little bit into each of your questions, but my heart insisted on expanding each answer for you, and... Well...

I'll be dividing this into two different posts, as everything together is far too long to put into a single answer. ^_^;

In general, I don't think the Nations would be particularly attracted to someone for their aesthetic per say. In order to approach this, I instead tried to picture which of the Nations would likely mesh best with said aesthetics, and a few scenarios were born.

First up is Dark Academia, which kind of veers a bit more into the gothic/horror vibes than I was anticipating, but came to absolutely love as I went along.

Hope you enjoy!

Dark Academia:

Austria

Roderich has always been a perfectionist, often spends hours practising each day.

He's often finding inspiration for his compositions in seemingly the most mundane moments, has ruined many a journal and napkin with his frantic, sporadic writing, scribbling away in shorthand with almost a manic zeal.

You never fault him for it; he breathes music, each inhale and exhale just another crescendo and decrescendo in an ever-changing, uncharted symphony.

Recently however, he's lost his footing, loses his sense of direction even in his favourite concert halls.

You often catch him falling asleep at the piano, rehearsing long into the night, the calluses on his fingertips broken and crusted with dried blood.

The room is always a mess now; spilled ink coats crumpled, scattered music sheets, wax from the candelabra has melted down and solidified on the runner, one of the chairs has been broken in what you pray was an accident.

In the passing, fleeting, yearning moments when he steps away from it all, those rare moments when you coax him to eat and drink, to bathe, to sleep-

He rambles almost incoherently about the perfect symphony- frenetically, feverishly- pleads with you to help him, to ground him, to rid him of the thrice-damned refrain.

He is haunted- nay, plagued- by the song, obsessively begins to rewrite over-and-over again, cursing himself, cursing his limitations.

It kills you to see him in such a state, a witness to the near discordant harmony of anguish and ambition.

You ache to stop him, to ensure this spectre never haunts another living soul.

But you've heard it yourself, just enough to know you can't stop him.

It took only a few, hypnotic measures for you to succumb to its spell, to this dangerous, intoxicating melody that will do anything to be heard.

Belarus

Natalya is hiding something from you, something that has her constantly looking over her shoulder, has her more guarded than ever before.

You knew from the very start that she keeps secrets, knows things that you can never know- and frankly never want to know.

She drew you in with her layers, a softness buried deep, hidden behind a sharp tongue, guarded by a sharper blade.

At first glance, there is no gentleness to be found, no weaknesses to perceive.

She is quick.

And sharp.

And lethal.

Yet you knew, as you know now, there is far more to her than meets the eye, a quiet kindness and vulnerability that can only be earned with time and patience.

She used to reveal that to you, so often in fact that you had forgotten what that brusqueness even looked like.

To see her resorting to her old habits alarms you, terrifies you, has you glancing over your own shoulders even while running your usual errands.

She sneaks out a lot more these days, slipping away into darkened alleyways, disappearing into the fog and the night.

You follow her, aching for answers only she can provide, only finding more questions with every step.

A sense of urgency and desperation creeps across your skin as you walk faster, and faster, and even faster still.

You have to know.

You have to know what secrets she's hiding, why she's hiding.

In this one instance, you can't let her go on her own, can't risk her shouldering this burden of knowledge alone.

You have to help her; you have to know the truth.

She leaves behind codes written on wrappers of her favourite biscuits, messages and warnings alluding to something she's anxious that you keep out of.

Her fears only fuel your curiosity, and it isn't long until you're breaking into her safe, pouring through half-burned file folders and unmarked floppy discs.

You'll find the truth here somewhere, just as you're sure you'll figure out where she's disappeared to for the past nine days.

You continue your search for answers- both hers and your own- and know they're following you now, just as they followed her.

This is a dangerous game, and the more you learn, the deadlier it becomes.

But she's counting on you, wherever she is.

You will not rest until you find her and- together- finally expose the truth.

England

Arthur teaches you the power of words, a lesson you learn too late.

He lures you in with a bashful smile- always such soft smiles- and the perfect words.

He weaves them with practised ease and expert care, wields them as weapons only whenever truly necessary.

He always knows exactly the right words to say to you, never once stutters or second guesses, always speaks with a soft confidence that is just as beguiling and bewitching as his smile.

He introduces you to older and older texts, pages yellowed from age, the little sunlight entering the room scarcely offering enough visibility to make out each letter, to identify the source of the musty, metallic scent mingling with the dust and ancient leather.

When realisation finally strikes its fatal blow, you nearly drop the book in your alarm, its tawny sienna script striking you violently with nausea.

You frantically rush for the door, only half-aware of the creeping ivy, of the growing mist, focused only on your flight.

You're so close to escape before he's stopping you, crafting the perfect cage with a soft voice, gently luring you back in again-

Again and again as he has always done before.

Always such pretty words, always that soft, knowing smile.

You never think to question his isolation, never think to ask why he only meets you in empty corridors or forgotten rooms, never think to learn why no one else seems aware of him.

Every doubt that does come to mind, any question that arises beyond your obsessive, frantic studying-

Everything fades from thought with just the right words, whispered oh-so-gently.

It's only when you happen across an old, nearly forgotten legend that you begin to pull apart the deception, expose the hidden layers, read between the lines, and finally comprehend the gravity of your circumstance.

Words have power, he has told you- warned you- countless times.

He has always used such pretty words, such perfect words-

Words meant to charm and bind you.

Madagascar

Sakina talks in her sleep, during those few nights when your schedules sync up.

You're used to her long, odd work hours, and have long grown accustomed to her dedication to the Lab.

But she's been... off, lately.

There's a restlessness in her tapping fingers, a sense of apprehension and tension hanging around her as she pours over old reports, haunted eyes constantly drawn back to the shore.

So little of it makes sense; you've learnt enough through your time together to vaguely understand the abstracts from the dozens of articles littering her study, but you don't understand the chaotic mess of half-finished formulas and unfamiliar symbols covering her whiteboard, nor do you see the correlation to the dozens of newspaper clippings she has taped sporadically about the room.

She's taken to reciting equations in her sleep now, constantly has nightmares about... It.

She's sleeping less-and-less, has exhausted your coffee stockpiles, repeatedly begs and warns you to stay out of the water.

You're desperate to understand what is stealing her away from you, desperate for answers, desperate to save her from whatever precipice her research has led her to.

She's so lost to her research that she scarcely notices your presence over her shoulder, never seems to notice when her desk is rearranged from your own reading.

Slowly, you are starting to understand her frantic scribbles, are starting to understand the connection between all the journals that, once, seemed to have no correlation whatsoever.

You have your suspicions, you have your doubts.

Yet you can't argue with the years of evidence, can't argue the facts right in front of you.

You desperately try to convince yourself that you're wrong, that she's wrong.

But the more you learn, the more certain you are of the truth, the more you begin to dread the very thing she's been studying all along.

Thanks for the request, Lovely! I hope you enjoyed, and keep an eye out for some cottagecore soon~

#austria x reader #belarus x reader #england x reader #madagascar x reader #dark academia #aph austria #aph belarus #aph england #aph madagascar #hetalia austria #hetalia belarus #hetalia england #hetalia madagascar #hws austria #hws belarus #hws england #hws madagascar #roderich edelstein #Natalya Arlovskaya #arthur kirkland #sakina epine #hetalia x reader #aph x reader #hws x reader #this was so much fun to write tbh #like hot damn these may be some of my fave pieces this year ^_^ #^_^; #hello lovelies! #aesthetic #moodboards