Many people know they didn’t deserve what happened to them — but still struggle to feel worthy of better. Using the film Mickey 17, this post explores how trauma and repeated dehumanization can shape self-worth long after the trauma has ended.

Why do we sometimes laugh off painful experiences, even when they genuinely hurt us? A reflection on Jordan Peele’s Nope (2022), trauma, family stories, and the pressure to adopt the “acceptable” version of events.

Sometimes we tell painful stories repeatedly because part of us is still trying to convince ourselves they really happened. A reflection on Nope (2022), trauma, and the need to be believed.

What The Lovebirds gets right about long-term relationships is that conflict, bickering, and changing needs don’t mean something is wrong — they mean you’re human and in relationship. A reflection on what it really takes to keep choosing each other over time.

Elliott’s journey in My Old Ass offers a realistic look at what it means to be confident in who we are while still being open to change. Through self-discovery and heartfelt awkwardness, the film shows how growth can feel brave, messy, and completely attainable.

November is Native American Heritage Month, and I’m reflecting on Prey (2022)—a fresh take on the Predator franchise featuring a Comanche heroine and her brother, Taabe. Beyond the alien hunt, Prey offers a powerful look at sibling love, rivalry, and the tension between being seen and being outshined