What I saw in January - My thoughts on films and series

Written by Bruna Ugá.

Murder mysteries, problematic teenagers and time traveling. What do these topics have in common? They are main themes of films and series I watched last month. Keep reading and see my opinion on them. :) 

28 Years Later (2025)⭐⭐⭐⭐

"28 Years Later", 2025. Source: IMDb.

    I can’t even count how many times “28 Days Later” played on my DVD-player during my childhood and teenage years. So of course I was curious to see what this new entry in the franchise had to offer and I wasn’t disappointed.

    After more than twenty years many movies have portrayed a world dominated by zombies (infected in this case). Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland must have taken this into account since we see an literal evolution of the creatures which came for the better. It was intriguing to see how both them and humans and adapted to the devastated land after so long.   

Wake up Dead Man (2025)⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Wake up Dead Man", 2025. Source: IMDb.

    I’m a “Knives Out” fan and a “Glass Onion” hater*, so I was excited to see the third installment of Rian Johnson’s trilogy. I’m happy to say my excitement paid off.

    It’s as thrilling as the first one with a mystery that engages us to look out for clues and make up theories. Although I prefer a simpler explanation as the one in “Knives Out”, this one still seemed in line with characters’ personalities and motivations.

    Talking about characters: I was relieved that I got to enjoy all of them, even the ones I loved-to-hate. Unlike the second movie with its annoying figures, “Wake up Dead Man” has compelling ones that makes us want to learn more about them. 

*Okaay, I'm not really a hater. The film was below my expectations after enjoying so much the first one.

Adolescence (2025)⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Adolescence", 2025. Source: IMDb.

    Even though the themes of bullying, incels and sexism are central to this story, they aren’t dealt here in a profound way. Its strongest points rely on the spectacular performances and camera work. And that was enough for the feelings of confusion, anxiety and fear hit me –almost – as strongly as they do on the characters.

    “Adolescence” may not dive into these subjects in a way that teaches the audience about them. But it may open a door for conversation between parents and their kids before it’s too late.

One Battle After Another (2025)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"One Battle After Another", 2025. Source: IMDb.

    At the beginning of the film I was certain it would be a serious story about a rebellious group fighting the government. So I was surprised when the main focus turned out to be a traumatized and high-as-a-kite ex-militant (Leo DiCaprio) trying to navigate through parenthood.

    Not that a somber narrative would be uninteresting and there are moments that touch important subjects. The Sensei (Benicio del Toro) at first seems someone regular but turns out to bring a crucial topic for today’s political and social climate in the U.S.

    I felt engaged with the character’s dramas and motivations and each of them is complex without the need of over explanations. I’ve heard complaints about the wasted potential in Teyana Taylor’s Perfidia whose explosive presence – or lack of presence – motivates the whole plot. I agree the character could be a lot more explored but her conflicting nature would need an entire film of its own to be unpacked.

    It would be impossible to talk about “One Battle…” without mentioning Sean Penn’s bizarre Col. Lockjaw. What could be a cliché military villain is actually a nuanced individual whose threatening presence cannot be overlooked by his goofy manerisms.

    This film hooked me with its thrilling action, unexpected comedic scenes and touching family theme. So I guess it’s about time I dig into the rest of Paul Thomas Anderson’s celebrated creations.

About Time (2013)⭐⭐⭐⭐

"About Time", 2013. Source: IMDb.

    That was actually a re-watch after many years and I’m glad this movie still gave me a warm and cozy feeling like the first time. It was a special moment for me because I watched it during my mom’s and mother-in-law’s visit this winter. It’s got strong family elements so watching it with them made me appreciate this moment together. 

Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil (2017)⭐⭐⭐

"Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil", 2017. Source: IMDb.

    This Basque folklore horror is not scary at all. However what it lacks in scares it compensates in a well-constructed atmosphere and good performances. I had fun with the interactions between the little girl and the demon and felt sympathy for her relationship with the blacksmith. Also shout out to the makeup and effects department for bringing imaginative designs for the characters at the end.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Pride and Prejudice", 2005. Source: IMDb.

    I have a whole post about my impressions on Jane Austen’s book and the 2005’s film, so click here to check it out.

Totem (2017)⭐⭐

"Totem", 2017. Source: IMDb.

    This is by far the weakest watch on the list. A plot-twist at the end doesn’t compensate a below mediocre movie that has, not one, but two jump scares caused by a cat (!).