Claire and Gavia reveal their top 10 films of 2023, running the gamut from blockbusters (Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning) to A-list awards contenders (Oppenheimer; Killers of the Flower Moon) to indie hits and hidden gems, showcasing a ton of recommendations as awards season heats up.
Read MoreClaire and Gav review the beloved 1992 figure skating romcom The Cutting Edge, directed by Paul Michael Glaser (The Running Man) and written by Tony Gilroy (Andor, The Bourne Identity). Harking back to the spiky banter of the 1930s screwball era, sparks fly when a spoiled figure skater and a macho hockey player form an unlikely creative partnership.
Read MoreClaire and Gavia review Ira Sachs’ acclaimed new romantic drama Passages, starring Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw and Adele Exarchopoulos. Among other topics, this episode covers the film's refreshing attitude to queer identity, its best-of-the-year costume design, and its thoughtfully choreographed sex scenes.
Read MoreGavia and Steffan delve into the iconic 1973 horror movie The Exorcist, discussing its chaotic creative process with director William Friedkin, its lasting impact on the horror genre, and its fantastic craftsmanship as an example of gritty New Hollywood cinema.
Read MoreGavia is joined by guest-host Steffan Alun to discuss the critically acclaimed new sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, whose innovative animation puts most live-action superhero films to shame.
Among other topics, we covered the film's visual artistry, its self-aware take on the concept of canon, its flawed political storytelling, and its relationship to other Marvel adaptations.
Read MoreGavia is joined by guest-host Claire Biddles to discuss Luca Guadagnino’s beautiful romantic horror movie Bones and All (2022), about a pair of young cannibal drifters played by Taylor Russell and Timothee Chalamet.
Among other topics, we covered the film's brilliant casting choices, its well-observed depiction of rural 1980s America, and Guadagnino's use of quasi-vampiric cannibalism as an allegory for outsider identity.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia is joined by guest-host Steffan Alun to discuss Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park, an icon of blockbuster cinema.
Among other topics, we covered the film's immaculate casting choices, its masterful special effects, Spielberg's skill for combining horror with heartwarming family drama, and Jurassic Park's place in the history of dinosaur cinema (including its own dubious sequels).
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia discuss Rian Johnson's new murder mystery Knives Out, starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, and many more. They compare the film to the Agatha Christie stories that inspired it, praise its many delicious performances, and break down its progressive political message.
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 go deep on one of their favorite films of all time: Todd Haynes' glam rock cult classic Velvet Goldmine. They reflect on their personal history with the film, contextualize its many historical and artistic references, discuss the role that fandom plays in the film, and sing the praises of all four central performances, including Christian Bale and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gav effuse over the best superhero movie in recent memory, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. They consider its position in the superhero canon, its relationship to comicbook structure and aesthetics, its remarkable visual style, and exciting voice performances by Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson.
Read MoreHere is the first installment of a two-part conversation about this year’s New York and London Film Festivals. Morgan and Gavia highlight some of the best (and worst) films they saw at this year’s festival, including Yorgos Lanthimos’ Oscar-bound The Favourite, Cannes sensation Burning, the Coen Brothers’ new film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, and more. Part two (featuring an in-depth look at Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma) to follow.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia go deep on the internet meme-turned-critical sensation-turned box office hit A Star Is Born. Topics discussed include the film's use of music, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's sterling performances, and how nice it is to just watch a movie about feelings for a change.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia discuss the terrifying new horror film Hereditary from first-time director Ari Aster. They compare the film to other staples of the genre, admire its depiction of family trauma, and analyze its scare factor. Spoilers abound.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia discuss Taika Waititi's masterful addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnarok. Topics include Chris Hemsworth's comedic chops, the film's eye-popping design and postcolonial politics, and more.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan discuss the latest reboot of Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Homecoming. Topics discussed include, but are not limited to, the film's refreshing teen spirit, Peter's similarities to Miles Morales, Tom Holland's boundless charm, and how it fits into the greater MCU and the superhero landscape as a whole.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia diverge on Edgar Wright's pop-heist film Baby Driver. Topics discussed include, but are not limited to, Ansel Elgort's surprising charm, the film's women, Jon Hamm's haircut, and cinematic joy.
Read MoreMorgan and Gavia return from a hiatus to discuss the blockbuster of the summer, Patty Jenkins' extended universe-saving Wonder Woman. Topics discussed include: how the film compares to other superhero origin stories, its refreshing earnestness, the pluses and minuses of the WWI setting, Gal Gadot and Chris Pine's winning charm, and the glorious sight of Robin Wright murdering a bunch of dudes.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan discuss Alien: Covenant, the latest installment in Ridley Scott's ever-growing Alien franchise. Topics discussed include how blockbusters have changed in the last forty years, practical vs. digital effects, and the indelible pairing of Fassbender and Fassbender.
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