Journey Through Sci-Fi: A Science Fiction Film Podcast

This week, we're once again joined by Mike Muncer to tackle two of the most brutal dystopias ever brought to the screen: A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Battle Royale (2000). These films don't shy away from the darkest aspects of dystopian society—whether it's the ultraviolence and psychological manipulation in A Clockwork Orange , or the savage, fight-to-the-death scenario of Battle Royale . We'll...

This week, we're diving into the world of iconic sci-fi novels turned into dystopian films, focusing on Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) and Brave New World (1980). We'll explore how these legendary books by George Orwell and Aldous Huxley made the leap from the page to the screen, bringing their unsettling visions of the future to life. Nineteen Eighty-Four introduces us to the oppressive world of Big...

This week, we're diving into the dystopian worlds of Fahrenheit 451 (1966) and Equilibrium (2002). We'll be talking about the chilling practice of book burning, the stylised martial art of Gun-Fu, and the memorable baddies that populate these oppressive futures. In  Fahrenheit 451 , we explore a world where knowledge is feared and books are destroyed to suppress free thought. Then, we'll jump into...

In this episode of our dystopia series, we're taking a unique look at how comedy can reveal dystopian realities. We'll be discussing Charlie Chaplin's  Modern Times (1936) and Jacques Tati's Playtime (1967), two films that use humor and satire to critique the increasingly mechanized and alienating modern world. Modern Times showcases the struggles of the common man against the dehumanizing effects...

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new series on dystopian sci-fi. We're kicking things off with an introduction to the concept of dystopia in cinema and exploring how these dark visions of the future have evolved over time.   Our journey begins with Things to Come (1936), a groundbreaking film that laid the foundation for dystopian narratives in sci-fi. We'll discuss the themes of the movi...

Denis Villeneuve's Dune is finally here! The long awaited sci-fi blockbuster has arrived at cinemas. We give a spoiler-free review of the film and talk previous adaptations, themes and Sandworms. To hear the second 'spoiler filled' half of our discussion on the film join us on Patreon 

In a special bonus episode of the podcast we talk to Australian Director Luke Sparke about his latest film Occupation Rainfall (2021). We chat to Luke about the challenges he faced making his latest feature, what life was like on set, and what sci-fi films inspired him.  Occupation Rainfall is out at select cinemas and VOD from 09/07/21. Visit our website  https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Emai...

In the conclusion episode of our journey through virtual reality in sci-fi cinema, we're looking back at all we've learned and experienced. But that's not all—we're also hosting the (now traditional) Journey Through Sci-Fi awards show! We'll be handing out honors in categories like the 'Not Just A Headset' Award, Best VR Superhero, Most Reality Shattering Moment, and, of course, Best Virtual Reali...

This week, we're boldly going where no podcast has gone before with a special look at the Star Trek Holodeck. From creating immersive adventures to blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, the Holodeck shows us the incredible potential—and the dangerous pitfalls—of advanced VR technology. We'll discuss iconic Star Trek episodes that feature the Holodeck, explore the ethical and existential...

This week, we're taking a deep dive into the unsettling world of Black Mirror . In this special episode, we explore how Black Mirror has brilliantly portrayed the dangers of virtual realities and the potential dystopian futures they could lead to.   From VR love stories to digital nightmares, we dive into three of Black Mirror 's most memorable episodes — USS Callister , San Junipero , and Strikin...

This week, James takes Matt on a whistle-stop tour of the fascinating world of Japanese anime, diving into the subgenre of Isekai—where characters are transported to and must survive in alternate realities. We're focusing on two standout examples of virtual worlds in anime:  Sword Art Online (2012) and Summer Wars (2009). In Sword Art Online , players are trapped in a VR game where the stakes are...

This week, we're diving into the immersive and mind-bending virtual worlds of Ready Player One (2018) and eXistenZ (1999). Both films explore the thrilling and sometimes terrifying possibilities when virtual reality becomes so real, it's hard to tell where the game ends and life begins.  Ready Player One presents a future where people escape to the OASIS, a VR world where anything is possible, whi...

This week, we're diving into the visually stunning and mentally complex dream worlds of Inception (2010) and Paprika (2006). Both films explore the boundaries between dreams and reality, challenging us to question what is real and what is merely a projection of the mind.  Inception takes us through layered dreams with Christopher Nolan's signature style, while Paprika , a Japanese animated masterp...

This week, we're diving into the mind-bending, surreal worlds of Charlie Kaufman with Being John Malkovich (1999) and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). Both films explore the nature of identity, memory, and reality, but with Kaufman's signature twist—nothing is ever as it seems.  Being John Malkovich takes us through a portal into someone else's consciousness, while Eternal Sunshine de...

This week, we're delving into the unsettling theme of controlled realities with two iconic films: The Truman Show (1998) and The Stepford Wives (1975). The Truman Show presents a world where every aspect of one man's life is manipulated for entertainment, while The Stepford Wives explores a seemingly perfect town where the women are eerily compliant and disturbingly controlled. Join us as we discu...

This week, we're diving deep into the mind-bending worlds of Dark City (1998) and The Zero Theorem (2013), two films that make you seriously question your reality. Dark City takes us through a noir world where nothing is as it seems, and The Zero Theorem challenges the very purpose of existence. Both films force us to ask: What if everything we know is carefully constructed? Are we truly in contro...

This week, we're diving back into the iconic world of The Matrix with The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions . The question is: can you ever truly leave the Matrix behind? These sequels take us deeper into the fight for humanity's freedom, exploring the struggles, revelations, and ultimate decisions that come with returning to the Matrix. Join us as we discuss the philosophical and thrilli...

This week, we've got a special guest—Mike Muncer from Evolution of Horror! We're diving into the terrifying side of virtual reality with The Lawnmower Man and The Cell . In these films, VR isn't just an escape—it's a doorway into madness. The Lawnmower Man shows us what happens when technology and human psyche mix in the most horrifying ways, while The Cell takes us on a disturbing journey into th...

This week, we're diving deep into the gritty, high-tech world of cyberpunk with two landmark films from 1995. First up is Johnny Mnemonic , where Keanu Reeves takes us on a data-smuggling adventure through a dystopian future filled with corporate espionage and cybernetic enhancements. Then, we'll explore Strange Days , a film that delves into the dark underbelly of a near-future Los Angeles, where...

This week, we're diving into the thrilling and sometimes terrifying theme of being trapped in virtual reality. We'll explore Tron Legacy , the visually stunning sequel where characters find themselves stuck inside a digital world, and Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle , a fun yet dangerous adventure where players are literally pulled into a video game.  Join us as we discuss what it takes to survive—...

This week, we're exploring the fascinating theme of virtually constructed people in the realm of VR. We'll start with Virtuosity , the 1995 action-packed film where a virtual serial killer becomes all too real, and then move on to Simone (S1m0ne), the 2002 movie that delves into the creation of a digital actress who fools the world. Both films explore the boundary between virtual creations and rea...

This week, we're diving into the thrilling world of virtual reality as a means to escape your identity. We'll be exploring Total Recall , the 1990 sci-fi classic where memories can be bought and identities rewritten, and Open Your Eyes , the 1997 Spanish film that takes a surreal approach to reality and self-perception. Both films tackle the fascinating idea of escaping who you are—or who you thin...

This week, we're pulling back the curtain on the shady business dealings lurking within the world of virtual reality. We'll be diving into  Brainstorm , a 1983 sci-fi thriller that explores the dark side of VR technology, and Empathy, Inc. , a 2018 indie gem that reveals the sinister intentions behind a groundbreaking VR startup. Both films shine a light on the ethical dilemmas and corporate greed...

This week, we're diving deep into the theme of 'worlds within worlds' in virtual reality. We'll be discussing World On A Wire , directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and The Thirteenth Floor . Both of these films are based on the novel  Simulacron-3 by Daniel F. Galouye, and they explore the concept of simulated realities in fascinating ways. Join us as we unravel the layers of these mind-bending...

In this series of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore how science-fiction cinema has imagined the future of virtual reality . From early films like TRON to cultural landmarks like The Matrix and modern blockbusters like Ready Player One , we examine how filmmakers have explored simulated worlds, digital identities and the blurred boundary between reality and illusion. Each episode pairs two films...