Scene This

In this episode, the hosts review various films, focusing on the emotional depth and performances in 'Hamnet,' directed by Chloe Zhao. They discuss the impact of Shakespeare's work on the film, the symbolism present in the narrative, and the performances of the cast, particularly Jessie Buckley and Jacobi Jupe. The conversation also touches on the themes of grief and how different char...

In this episode of Scene This!, hosts Mike Ornelas, Erica McMullen, and Adrian Cedeno discuss their recent movie viewings, including 'Five Nights at Freddy's' and 'K-pop Demon Hunters'. The main focus is on the film 'The Plague', a psychological drama about bullying and adolescence set in a water polo camp. The conversation delves into the film's themes, character p...

In this episode of Scene This, hosts Mike Ornelas, Erica McMullen, and Adrian Cedeno dive into a lively discussion about the film 'Left-Handed Girl.' They explore various themes such as family dynamics, cultural nuances, and the emotional weight carried by the characters. The conversation also touches on holiday movie traditions, recent films they've watched, and the significance of st...

In this episode of Scene This, hosts Mike Ornelas, Erica McMullen, and Adrian Cedeno dive into a lively discussion about their recent movie viewings, including a detailed review of 'Die My Love' starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. The conversation explores themes of postpartum depression, the chaotic nature of motherhood, and the film's surreal elements. The hosts analyze...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the film '1001 Frames,' exploring its heavy themes surrounding the audition process and the real-life implications for women in the industry. They analyze character dynamics, cinematic techniques, and the director's vision, while also reflecting on personal experiences and recommending related films. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Gues...

In this episode of Scene This, host Mike Ornelas interviews director Mehrnoush Alia about her debut feature film, 1001 Frames. The film, which premiered at AFI Fest, explores power dynamics in the audition process from a woman's perspective. Mehrnoush shares her inspiration, challenges faced during production in Iran, and the genre-blending nature of her film. The conversation delves into the...

In this conversation, writer-director Afia Nathaniel discusses her short film 'Don't Be Late Myra,' which explores the heavy themes of harassment through the eyes of a young girl. Afia shares her experiences in the festival circuit, the casting process for the lead role, and the personal connection she has to the story. She emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling, sound design...

In this episode, the hosts celebrate their podcast's anniversary while diving into a discussion about Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Frankenstein. They explore various films they've watched recently, share their thoughts on the performances, themes, and visual effects of Frankenstein, and engage in a spoiler-filled analysis of character dynamics and narrative structure. The convers...

In this episode, Mike Ornelas, Erica McMullen, and Adrian Cedeno engage in a lively draft of movies from the year 2000. They discuss various categories including comedy, drama, horror, and best performance, while sharing insights and personal anecdotes about the films. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of the movies from this era, the impact of 9/11 on cinema, and the importanc...

In this episode, Mike Ornelas and Adrian Cedeno dive into a variety of topics, starting with a recap of the World Series and their experiences as fans. They transition into film discussions, reviewing recent movies including 'The Secret Agent' and 'After the Hunt', while also reflecting on Adrian's experience at the AFI Film Fest. The duo shares their top 10 films from the fest...

In this conversation, director Gabe Polsky discusses his documentary 'The Man Who Saves the World?', which explores the life of Patrick McCollum and his mission to unite indigenous tribes of the Americas. Gabe shares his personal spiritual journey, the challenges of filmmaking, and the complex themes of mental health, cultural narratives, and the white savior complex. The discussion emphas...

In this special edition of Scene This , Mike sits down with acclaimed Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk for a deep dive into his new feature film Wrong Husband (Inuktitut title Uiksaringitara ) which premiered at TIFF. Set in Igloolik circa 2000 BCE, the story follows two young lovers, Kaujak and Sapa, whose lives are torn apart by fate, tradition and the eerie presence of a shaman and troll-like cre...

In this episode of Scene This , Mike Ornelas and Erica McMullen revisit the beloved 1995 classic Casper — the friendly ghost who defined a generation. They dive into their nostalgic memories, unpack the film’s character dynamics, and even imagine what a modern sequel or recast might look like. The duo also explore how the film holds up today, touching on cultural sensitivity, language, and directi...

Join me for an in-depth conversation with filmmaker Ulises Porra, director of Bajo El Mismo Sol (Under the Same Sun), a powerful period drama set in the early 19th-century Caribbean. The film explores themes of colonialism, cultural hybridity, survival, and belonging, following the uneasy alliance of a Spanish heir, a Chinese weaver, and a Haitian deserter.

In this episode, the hosts celebrate the 25th anniversary of 'Scary Movie,' discussing its impact on the comedy genre, the legacy of its sequels, and the performances that launched the careers of Anna Faris and Regina Hall. They explore what has and hasn't aged well in the film, the clever twist ending, and share hot takes on its humor. The conversation also touches on recasting ideas,...

In this episode, the hosts discuss their top 10 underrated and underappreciated horror films for the Halloween season. They explore a variety of genres, including psychological thrillers, comedic horror, and classic films, while sharing personal anecdotes and insights about each movie. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community in film appreciation and culminates in a collaborative ef...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the 50th anniversary of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, sharing personal experiences and opinions about the film. They debate its cultural impact, representation, and whether it still holds up today. The conversation includes thoughts on potential sequels, what hasn't aged well, and the performances of the cast, particularly Tim Curry. The episode wraps up wit...

In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent movie experiences, focusing on the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the film 'One Battle After Another' directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. They share their thoughts on various films, character performances, and the cinematic techniques used in the movies. The conversation delves into themes of revolution and resistance, highlight...

In this episode, the hosts dive into a detailed review of The Sound of Music, exploring its nostalgic value, critical reception, and the impact of its music. They discuss personal connections to the film, themes of war and family, and even imagine a sequel. The conversation also touches on what aspects of the film have not aged well, potential recasting ideas, and the legacy of the film in pop cul...

In this episode, Mike Ornelas shares his experiences from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where he watched 22 films in just 7 days. Joined by co-hosts Erica McMullen and Adrian Cedeno, they discuss the unique atmosphere of TIFF, notable films, and their emotional impacts. The conversation dives deep into specific films like 'Under the Same Sun', 'OCA', 'Eagles o...

In this episode, the hosts celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws, discussing its cultural impact, character depth, and the film's pacing. They explore the realism of shark behavior, potential sequel ideas, and the nostalgia surrounding this iconic film. The conversation delves into the storytelling techniques used by Spielberg and how Jaws continues to influence modern horror films. In this e...

In this episode, the hosts reflect on the 20th anniversary of 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin,' discussing its impact on comedy, the evolution of its humor, and what aspects have aged well or poorly. They explore the film's legacy, potential sequels, and personal hot takes, while also highlighting standout performances and memorable moments. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the futur...

In this conversation, filmmakers Alex Lamb and Max Well discuss their documentary 'The Donn of Tiki,' which chronicles the life of Donn the Beachcomber, a pivotal figure in the Tiki culture. They share insights into their creative process, the challenges of documentary filmmaking, and the unique storytelling techniques they employed, including animation. The filmmakers reflect on the lessons learn...

In this episode, the hosts celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) film, exploring personal connections to the franchise, its evolution from comic book to cinema, and the cultural impact it has had over the years. They discuss the film's cast and crew, whether it still resonates with audiences today, and the gender dynamics present in the story. The conversati...

In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent movie experiences, focusing on the new release 'Weapons.' They delve into the Alien franchise, share their thoughts on various films, and provide a detailed review of 'Weapons,' including character analysis and story structure. The conversation also touches on the film's pacing, character development, and the effectiveness of its...