Dear Public Diary ,

There’s something I’ve always loved about Scene and Sense — how stories feel different depending on who’s telling them. The same film, the same scene… and yet, a completely new meaning when seen through someone else’s eyes.

I’ve always loved the idea of meeting people who share the same passion as me — the love of creating, writing, filming, or even simply watching stories and feeling deeply connected to them. Sadly, I don’t really have many people like that around me in real life, and somehow, they feel strangely hard to find.

Lately, I kept thinking about how Scene and Sense had always been only my voice, my thoughts, my perspective. But stories were never meant to belong to just one person. Cinema always leaves space for another interpretation, another feeling, another pair of eyes.

So I thought… why not let other voices exist here too?

And somehow, through coincidence, that’s how I found Sammi.

I discovered her on YouTube, and I stayed — not just for what she creates, but for how she makes you feel while watching. There’s a quiet sincerity in the way she talks about films and life, something very gentle and real. It didn’t feel like content; it felt like sitting with someone who genuinely loves what they’re sharing.

And honestly, I don’t think I’ve met someone online who felt this lovely so quickly — smart, kind, funny, creative, beautiful in the way she expresses herself, someone who loves shows the same way I do and knows exactly how to turn emotions into words. She also has the courage to film videos and share herself openly online, something I still don’t have yet… but maybe that’s something I’d love to learn from her someday.

So when I read her piece, it felt like an extension of that same voice I had already connected with.

And it feels even more fitting that she’s taking us into science fiction — one of those genres that looks outward, into the unknown, only to bring us back to ourselves. The kind of stories that ask quiet, unsettling questions about time, identity, and what it means to be human.

I’m really happy to share this space with her today. Her love for cinema is thoughtful, emotional, and deeply human — the kind that doesn’t just recommend films, but invites you to feel them, to sit with their questions a little longer.

I think you’ll feel it too.

Hi I’m Sammi, an aspiring content creator and movie enthusiast! Thank you Sara for giving me this opportunity to share my passion and gush about my favorite director and movies! I post movie/show reviews on my Instagram story, make youtube videos about Asian dramas, and vlogs of my life. Thank you for reading!

Sci-Fi Through The Lens of Denis Villeneuve

One decade ago, as my love for movies was starting to bloom, I watched Arrival in theatres with my Dad. That was the first time I’d heard of director Denis Villeneuve. Today, he’s on his way to becoming a household name with an impressive portfolio of directed films. Every time I watch a Villeneuve film, it leaves a strong impact. Be it the gut wrenching tragedy of Incendies or witnessing the brutality in Sicario — but personally, none hit quite like his science fiction.

Sci-fi has long been my favorite genre but Denis’ sci-fi stands out among the rest. Here’s 3 I deem a “must watch” for any movie lover!

Arrival (2016)

Starting off with what I would credit his “most accessible” of the three, is the one that started his trajectory into the genre. Arrival follows Amy Adams as a linguist tasked with deciphering an alien language after twelve spaceships land and linger on earth.

This is the easiest starting point because despite the otherworldly beings, it takes place on earth, with people, telling a deeply human and personal story. The film’s core themes & ideas are ones everyone is familiar with and can relate to: communication, language, cooperation, family, choice.

The film takes its time, with slow and reflective pacing, as Amy Adams’ character learns more about the aliens and herself. Instead of action setpieces or panicked crowds, there’s a woman holding up a whiteboard, but you feel the rising stakes as the global balance rests on her shoulders. On paper, the plot may not sound exciting but I promise you will find your attention affixed by its breathtaking cinematography (common to all his movies), unraveling of the aliens’ purpose, and emotional investment.

Even many die-hard Villeneuve fans pick Arrival as their favorite of his — that alone should confirm its quality!

Dune (2021) & Dune 2 (2024)

Villeneuve’s most recent films based off one of the most highly regarded sci-fi series: Dune by Frank Herbert. The novels were long regarded as impossible to adapt until Villeneuve accomplished the inconceivable! (Sorry to the late David Lynch, he’s amazing but Dune (1984) is far from his best work…) Dune 1 & 2 has become some of the biggest blockbuster hits in recent years reaching popularity among the masses, box office success and critical acclaim.

The intricate worldbuilding and profound themes are largely thanks to Frank Herbert’s genius but Villeneuve’s skill at adapting the dense content is commendable. Denis is able to retain the books’ most important ideas including blind faith, manipulation and power, colonialism, and many more while keeping the movie an easy, fun watch for most audiences. He also brings the world magnificently to life creating imagery that will become etched in your memory (my fav being the harsh monochromatic world of Giedi Prime).

I appreciate Dune’s versatility as audiences can enjoy it as a thrilling, action-packed sci-fi or delve deep into all its themes and lessons. Personally, I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve watched both in theatres! I think I’ve gone to see it on the big screen with every family and friend I know. With Dune 3’s release date quickly approaching this December, I’d highly recommend supporting by watching them in theatres as I’m certain both will get re-released. I have the utmost confidence in Denis that he will pull off the challenging Dune Messiah story. I already have my ticket for opening weekend and cannot wait to see if it becomes my third favorite movie of all time!

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Blade Runner 2049 is the highly regarded sequel to the classic sci-fi film Blade Runner by Ridley Scott. Sequels, more often than not, disappoint in comparison to their predecessors. Blade Runner 2049 stands out as one of the best sequels ever made by staying true to the original while expanding on the lore and themes in a logical, purposeful way.

If you’ve never seen the original Blade Runner, it follows our protagonist Deckard, a “blade runner” entrusted with the mission to eliminate four replicants: androids who look, act, and feel as people do but are forced to do hard labour for humanity. Decades later in Blade Runner 2049, a new hunter named K stumbles upon a secret with the power to topple the established dynamics between humans and replicants potentially causing societal chaos.

Mismarketed by the trailers as being more action heavy and ending up as a “box office flop”, this is more of a contemplative detective thriller. As K finds clues edging closer to the truth, he also begins to question his identity, purpose, and role in the world. At the root of this franchise is the prevailing question that defines so many science fiction stories: “what makes humans human?”. Blade Runner 2049 is packed so full of different ideas, you can go down an endless rabbit hole of analysis videos and articles. If you love watching movie video essays as much as me, it is a gem.

If you can appreciate its big ideas, you will definitely enjoy it more, which is why it is the least accessible of the three. However even if you don’t, it is still a worthwhile film to experience with absolutely stunning cinematography. Roger Deakins, who has also partnered with Villeneuve on Prisoners and Sicario won the Oscar for best cinematography! It is so beautiful that I feel it would be wasted to watch on a smaller screen and actually have only seen it once because I’m waiting for it to hopefully get re-released next year for its 10 year anniversary. (Please don’t watch this for the first time on a plane…)

Blade Runner 2049 changed movies from being just a hobby to a passion. I was, and still am entranced by its gripping original story, tight script, complex characters, and magnetizing visuals. If you are just beginning to dip your toes into sci-fi, maybe don’t start with this but down the line, this is a must-watch.

Science Fiction has always fascinated me as a psychology major because I’m captivated by questioning the essence of humanity, power and control, technology, the world’s potential future and more. The genre explores ideas set in different galaxies or far into the future but ultimately makes us reflect and question ourselves and the world we live in today. I hope I’ve convinced you to take some time to watch some of these Denis Villeneuve masterpieces!

Thank you Sammi—for your words, your honesty, and for bringing your voice into Scene and Sense. I think one of the most beautiful things about the internet is finding people who remind you that passion still exists so gently in this world.

I’m leaving one of her videos below for anyone who wants to step a little more into her world the way I first did.