Originally published on November 9, 2025 | Last updated on November 9, 2025
In today’s Quick Takes post, I’m sharing five quick reviews of films I’ve watched recently — from rom-coms to sci-fi. In this edition, all films are available on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Check out my thoughts:
Frankenstein
Based on Mary Shelley’s classic novel, Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein is a great film that features brilliant acting and cinematography. It follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates life from death, only to be haunted by the consequences. The movie is split into two perspectives: that of Victor and of the creature. I thought this worked really well, and especially enjoyed the creature’s part, played by Jacob Elordi. He brings you on an emotional journey and strongly conveys the creature’s pain and allows us to see its humanity. The film is 2.5 hours long and is definitely a slow burn at the beginning, but Elordi’s portrayal of the creature greatly improves the film and makes it a very enjoyable watch.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 💫
The Woman in Cabin 10
Based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, this psychological thriller follows Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist sent on a luxury cruise who believes she’s witnessed a woman being thrown overboard. However, she is told by staff that all guests are accounted for. Keira Knightley delivers a good performance as Lo. The Woman in Cabin 10 keeps viewers engaged with its tense, claustrophobic atmosphere and makes you question what’s real and what’s imagined until the final moments. It lacked character depth, and some parts felt unrealistic, but overall it kept me engaged.
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 💫
My Oxford Year
My Oxford Year is a romantic drama that follows Anna, an American girl who wins a scholarship to study at Oxford. I really liked the film’s setting, which features Oxford’s cobblestone streets, candle-lit halls, and cosy, dark academia vibes. It deals with some thoughtful themes and there are some believable emotional moments between the two main characters, Anna, played by Sofia Carson, and Jamie, played by Corey Mylchreest. The plot, however, felt a bit predictable, and I don’t think it quite reaches the emotional depth it aims for. It is still a good watch, but not too memorable.
Rating: 3/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Lobster
The Lobster is a dystopian film based on a world where single people must find a mate within 45 days or be transformed into an animal of their choice. This film is very, very odd, but that is part of its charm. It features laugh out loud moments through dark comedy and its absurd plot. Although it’s a comedy, it also has a strong, thought-provoking message. It’s essentially a critique of the societal pressures around relationships and the lengths people will go to in order to conform. Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz both deliver great performances in this film. Overall, it’s a one-of-a-kind film that you won’t forget anytime soon, but it’s definitely not for everyone!
Rating: 4/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Anyone But You
Anyone But You is a romantic comedy that follows Bea, played by Sydney Sweeney, and Ben, played by Glen Powell, who, despite having an amazing first date, see their relationship go downhill fast. When they unexpectedly bump into each other at a wedding in Australia, the pair pretend to be the perfect couple in order to keep up appearances. The film is very light-hearted and easy to watch. Sweeney and Powell have good on-screen chemistry and are able to portray believable moments between the couple. However, the film is very predictable and lacks character and plot depth. All in all, it’s a decent watch and does have a few funny moments, but it doesn’t offer anything fresh and follows the usual rom-com formula.
Rating: 3/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
