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 does complex trauma actually look like? The Kid Detective (2020) offers a subtle but powerful portrayal of how early responsibility, loss, and unresolved pain can shape a life.