This week, Gavia and Morgan debate the merits of Ari Aster's follow-up to Hereditary, folk-horror feature Midsommar. They discuss its effectiveness as a horror film, the importance of a good script versus good production values, and the film's allusions to white supremacist iconography.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan revisit Todd Haynes' instant classic 2015 film Carol. They discuss the film's references to photography and classic film, contextualize it within Todd Haynes' wider filmography and recent queer cinema, and debate the lead performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia discuss the 1994 classic of Australian indie cinema Muriel's Wedding. They compare it to other coming of age films, analyze its combination of comedy and drama, and praise its refreshing depiction of awkward young womanhood.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan commiserate over the X-Men franchise's last gasp, X-Men: Dark Phoenix. They bemoan filmmaker Simon Kinberg's incompetent direction, marvel at the film's incomprehensible plot, reminisce about happier times, and wonder where it all went wrong.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia dive into Olivia Wilde's debut film, Booksmart. They discuss the film's stellar jokes, queer themes, and its muddled take on the American college admissions process, and compare it to other teen movies of recent and not-so-recent times.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia discuss the original 1954 Godzilla. Topics include its references to nuclear war, its low-fi special effects, and its lasting legacy of additional Godzilla and non-Godzilla kaiju movies.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan convene their first book club of the year to discuss Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, first published in 1818. Topics include Shelley's storied personal history, the novel's themes of parenthood and colonialism, and its long legacy of dramatic and cinematic adaptations.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia discuss Claire Denis' unnerving new science fiction film, High Life, starring Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche. They discuss Denis and Pattinson's collaboration, the film's unusual relationship with the space movie canon, and the existential terror of existence.
Read MoreThis week, to celebrate its arrival on UK Netflix, Gavia and Morgan revisit one of 2014's best films, Bong Joon-ho's dystopian thriller Snowpiercer. They dissect its allegorical approach to capitalism, its effective use of Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton, its stupendous production design, and its troubled history as one of the Weinstein Company's last significant releases.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan discuss the children's classic "The Black Stallion." They admire its striking visuals, reflect upon its unique approach to children's cinema, and compare it to other beloved horse tales of yore. A Patreon-sponsored episode.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia revisit a classic of early-aughts animation: early DreamWorks animation feature The Road to El Dorado. They compare the film to newer animated fare, consider its depiction of colonization, and reminisce about its status as a slashfic ur-text for many millennials of a certain age. A Patreon-sponsored episode.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan celebrate the 20th anniversary of classic teen movie (and Shakespeare adaptation) 10 Things I Hate About You. They compare it to its source text, The Taming of the Shrew, as well as to other teen movies of the era, consider its feisty heroine in the context of third-wave feminism, and reflect on Heath Ledger's astonishing performance and sadly abbreviated career.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan celebrate the fifth anniversary of one of Marvel's best films and their own personal favorite, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. They dissect its political commentary, its sensitive treatment of its central characters, assess its place in the larger MCU, and reminisce about the glory days of Captain America fandom c. spring 2014.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan discuss Us, Jordan Peele's follow-up to 2017's instant-classic Get Out. They compare the film to its predecessor, puzzle over its muddled political allegory, try to break down that crazy ending, and more.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan debate the merits of Bryan Fuller's cult show Hannibal. They discuss the show's elaborate visual imagery, its mesmerizing central performances, and the complicated ethical ramifications of its depictions of violence. A Patreon-sponsored episode.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia weigh the merits (or lack thereof?) of Marvel Studios' first woman-led film, Captain Marvel. They evaluate it against other Marvel origin stories, critique its use of amnesia as a plot device, appreciate performances from Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn, and more.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia revisit Hollywood classic The Sting. They consider its influence on modern-day heist movies, contextualize it in the history of con men and heists in America, and sing the praises of the ever-dreamy Robert Redford and Paul Newman.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia recap the 2019 Oscar ceremony, first reviewing the telecast itself, then breaking down frustrating wins for Green Book and Bohemian Rhapsody, and finally celebrating some ceremony highlights including Spike Lee and Olivia Colman.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan dive into Netflix's new hit show Russian Doll, starring co-creator Natasha Lyonne and Charlie Barnett. They discuss the show's many allegorical interpretations, its superlative depiction of New York, the different ways we watch television today, and the novelty of Lyonne's exceptional performance.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan discuss Marielle Heller's Oscar-nominated film Can You Ever Forgive Me? Topics include the rare book world, Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant's marvelous performances, the film's depiction of nineties New York, and its depiction of queer friendship.
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