A Woman In Orhan

She could hardly remember a time when she could be reasonably described as happy. Occupying a luxurious apartment in a quaint river town, the material circumstances of her life couldn’t be better. The raw, nearly unimaginable suffering occurring just outside her doors hardly touched someone like her, or so you might be tempted to believe.…Read more A Woman In Orhan

Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter VI

----- Chapter VI ----- The summer was winding down, but Helena hardly noticed its passing. The leaves were changing, the temperature dropping, but she remained warm and consistent, buried in a dreamy state of unbridled joy. Sebastian was gone, and he had been so for nearly the entirety of the season. But unlike in the…Read more Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter VI

“Colossal We Come These Renegades in the Ring”: On the Triumph of Male Fragility in The Greatest Showman and Eurovision Song Contest

We can all agree that the last few years in Donald Trump's America have felt like an eternity - filled with a dizzying array of national outrages and humiliations. But if there has been one theme that has consistently defined this period it is raw male fragility, particularly white male fragility. Being a part of…Read more “Colossal We Come These Renegades in the Ring”: On the Triumph of Male Fragility in The Greatest Showman and Eurovision Song Contest

Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter V

----- Chapter V ----- Bent low in his saddle, the inquisitor felt old - as if the full weight of his 50-some years were collectively bearing down upon his shoulders. Having passed Jenbach a couple of hours ago, he knew they were getting close to Innsbruck. They were winding their way through the final stages…Read more Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter V

Two Wildly Different WWII Films

For years now, I have been moving in a different direction on my blog, having resolved to draw down on the amount of film criticism I am pumping out in favor of essays and original prose. I thought that my literal legions of fans would prefer to experience my own unfiltered genius rather than mere…Read more Two Wildly Different WWII Films

Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter IV

--- Chapter IV --- Helena first saw the knight at a league's distance. Jörg Spiess was a nobleman from one of the surrounding counties. With his significant holdings, he was well known by many within Innsbruck proper, although Helena had never met him. Astride his smoky mare, Spiess seemed to tower into the mist-filled sky.…Read more Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter IV

Film Review: Survive the Night (2020)

I continue to struggle with my retirement from film reviewing. Each time I attempt to hang up my keyboard and ride off into the sunset, I find a new movie that I just can't wait to sink my analytical teeth into. Thus, today I am presenting a review that I penned for FilmMonthly.com somewhat recently;…Read more Film Review: Survive the Night (2020)

Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter III

--- Chapter III --- Born in 1430 in the Schlettstadt area, Heinrich had long existed in the orbit of the church, even if he had not originally envisioned it becoming his life's work. As a child he had been introverted and bookish, choosing to study and read while his peers were running wild in the…Read more Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter III

Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter II

 ---- Chapter II ---- Helena Scheuberin was a woman both of and ahead of her time. Born and raised in Innsbruck, she had grown up the daughter of affluent woodworker, benefiting from the progressive outlook of both her mother and father. Her parents had always believed in the importance of education, providing her and her…Read more Et Lamiis Malleus: Chapter II