Stories in Motion

In our fourth Venice dispatch, we dive into  Orphan , László Nemes' return to postwar Hungary with a slow-burning tale of childhood, memory, and inherited trauma. After  Mother ,  La Grazia , and Herzog’s  Ghost Elephants , we unpack how  Orphan  balances beauty with emotional distance — and whether it fully earns its sorrow.

We’re reporting from the Venice Film Festival, where Paolo Sorrentino’s  La Grazia  opened the fest with a quiet but powerful meditation on justice, mercy, and mortality. After the chaotic misfire of  Mother , we dive into Sorrentino’s more composed, emotionally resonant take on political power and personal grief — and why Toni Servillo might just break your heart again.

We’re heading straight into Venice, TIFF, and NYFF — and the 2025 Oscar race is about to ignite. In this episode, we break down the biggest questions ahead of the fall fests: Will  Sinners  hold its ground? Can  Sentimental Value  keep NEON’s streak alive? And is  Rental Family  the TIFF sleeper hit that changes everything? Let’s get into it.

We peel back the layers of  Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery  to unpack Rian Johnson’s hilarious takedown of tech bros, influencers, and pandemic-era privilege — all wrapped in a whodunit that’s as smart as it is silly.

Who really deserves the gold? In this episode, we break down all 21 scripted shows nominated for a 2025 Emmy across Comedy, Drama, and Limited Series categories. From standout performances to storytelling stumbles, we rank each one and explain what makes them shine—or fall short. If you're looking for your next binge or just want to argue about TV, this one's for you.

Rian Johnson’s  Knives Out  isn’t just a stylish whodunnit — it’s a sharp, hilarious takedown of wealth, entitlement, and the myth of the self-made elite. In this episode, we break down how this modern murder mystery flips the genre on its head while serving social commentary with every twist. Spoiler alert: the butler didn’t do it.

In this episode, we dive into  Caught Stealing , Darren Aronofsky’s raw and gritty New York crime drama starring Austin Butler as a relatable underdog caught in a dangerous hustle. We break down Butler’s standout performance, the film’s authentic NYC vibe, and why this feels like Aronofsky’s most grounded movie yet.

We’re updating our 2026 Best Picture predictions! In this episode, we break down the top contenders— Sinners ,  Sentimental Value ,  Marty Supreme , and  Jay Kelly —and re-rank them based on critical buzz, festival potential, box office strength, and industry momentum. We also talk about the Oscar Expert app and how it’s building a new kind of Oscar prediction community. With festival season just...

From indie hits to viral web series, a new generation of female and nonbinary filmmakers are rewriting the rules of Hollywood. We dive into how creators like Celine Song, Rachel Sennott, and Cazzie David are telling real, raw stories—and why original voices matter more than ever.

In this episode, we dive into  Saltburn  — Emerald Fennell’s twisted, hyper-aesthetic tale of obsession, privilege, and seriously unhinged behavior. We’re talking Barry Keoghan’s wild performance, Jacob Elordi’s rich-boy allure, and  that  final scene. Is it deep? Is it dumb? Let’s unpack the mess together.

We revisit the film adaptation of  RENT  — the iconic rock musical that once defined a generation. Does the raw emotion and rebellious spirit still resonate, or has its edge dulled over time? Let’s talk legacy, love, and whether "No day but today" still hits the same.

This week, we dive into  The Edge of Seventeen  — a brutally honest, unexpectedly hilarious coming-of-age film that still hits just as hard. From awkward crushes to deep grief, we unpack why Nadine’s chaotic teen spiral feels so real, and what this movie gets right about growing up when you feel like you don’t belong anywhere.

We’re diving into  The Map That Leads to You , a romantic travel story that blends wanderlust with real emotional stakes. From golden-hour hookups to gut-punch revelations, we unpack why this adaptation hits harder than expected—and why it might just inspire your next big detour.

Before Nike was king and Air Jordans ruled the world, it was just a scrappy company betting it all on a rookie named Michael Jordan. We break down  Air  — Ben Affleck’s sharp, fast-talking sports drama about business, branding, and the power of belief (plus Viola Davis being iconic, as always).

In this episode, we dive into  The Greatest Hits  — a dreamy, emotional spin on love, loss, and time travel through music. What happens when songs don’t just bring back memories, but  literally  take you there? Let’s unpack Harriet’s journey, vinyl by vinyl.

Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore go head-to-head in Todd Haynes'  May December  — a twisted, campy, and unexpectedly emotional look at performance, power, and scandal. We dive into the layers of identity, morality, and why this film has everyone feeling a little uncomfortable (in the best way).

We’re revisiting Kathryn Bigelow’s war thriller  The Hurt Locker  — explosive set pieces, raw realism, and one reckless bomb tech at the center of it all. But does the intensity hold up when the dust settles? Let’s break it down.

Today, we dive into Paul Schrader’s haunting masterpiece  First Reformed . From Ethan Hawke’s powerhouse performance to the film’s quiet descent into eco-anxiety and spiritual crisis, we’re unpacking why this slow-burn thriller still lingers long after the credits roll.

We’re diving into  Booksmart  — Olivia Wilde’s hilarious, heartfelt teen comedy that’s still one of the best in the game. From awkward drug trips to iconic bestie energy, here’s why Amy and Molly’s one wild night hits different. Grab your retainer and let’s go. 🚗🎓🔥

Today, we dive into the ultimate fall movie preview—54 buzzworthy films hitting theaters and streamers soon. From blockbuster sequels like  The Conjuring: Last Rites  and  Avatar: Fire and Ash  to indie standouts like  Twinless  and  Preparation for the Next Life , we break down the season’s biggest premieres. Plus, the return of directing legends, award-season contenders, and everything in betwee...

Aaron Sorkin takes on Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in  Being the Ricardos  — but does a joyless, overstuffed script kill the comedy legend’s vibe? We break down why this biopic feels more like a drama school exercise than a love letter to TV’s funniest couple.

We’re checking back into Wes Anderson’s pastel fever dream, The Grand Budapest Hotel . From murder plots and pastry boxes to one of Ralph Fiennes’ most iconic roles, we unpack the chaos, the charm, and the deeper themes hiding beneath the frosting.

We’re going back to North Shore High to revisit  Mean Girls  — the teen comedy that still defines high school chaos. From Cady’s wild transformation to Regina George’s reign of terror, we’re breaking down the savage humor, iconic moments, and why it still hits like a Burn Book entry in 2025. You  can  sit with us.

We’re diving into the weird, catchy, and chaotic world of  Little Shop of Horrors . From killer musical numbers to that giant, bloodthirsty plant (yes, really), this cult classic somehow balances horror, comedy, and heart. We unpack its charm, its legacy, and why we’re still singing “Suddenly Seymour” all these years later.

For our 300th (!!) episode, we’re celebrating with  Cha Cha Real Smooth  — Cooper Raiff’s tender, awkward, and refreshingly honest take on post-grad limbo, party-starting, and the emotional chaos of connection. We get into the magic of Dakota Johnson, neurodivergent representation, and why sometimes the softest stories hit the hardest. Let’s cha cha into this one.