Crow Talk: Film Squawk

Season 3: 2020Episode 1 Emma. (de Wilde; PVOD)Episode 2 Selah and the Spades (Poe; Prime)Episode 3 The Half of It (Wu; Netflix)Episode 4 Hamilton (Kail; Netflix)Episode 5 Twilight RiffTrax (Hardwicke; commentary by Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett; tubi)Episode 6 That 90s Show: Now and Then (Linka Glatter; PVOD)Episode 7 The Forty-Year-Old Version (Blank; Netflix)Episode 8 Happiest Season (DuVall; Hulu)Episode 9 Never Rarely Sometimes Always (Hittman; HBO)Episode 10 Promising Young Woman (Fennell; PVOD)Episode 11 Nomadland (Zhao; Hulu)Episode 12 Saint Maud (Glass; PVOD)Thank you for tuning in! Until 2022…Trailer: The 25 Best Films of 2020: A Video Countdown by David Ehrilch

S3 E12: Saint Maud (dir. Glass, 2019)A fanatical Christian convert makes it her holy mission to save the soul of her dying patient.Written and directed by Rose GlassTalent:Morfydd Clark as Maud/KatieJennifer Ehle as AmandaLily Frazer as CarolLily Knight as JoyRosie Sansom as EstherArticles/References:VogueThe Female GazeList of Horror Films Directed by Women 1966-2014Olympus Spa aka “Naked Lady Spa”“May god bless you and never waste your pain.”Next Episode: A Year in Review

NOMADLAND: After the loss of her home and husband, a woman finds refuge in her camper van as she journeys back and forth across the Western United States.Directed and written for the screen by Chloé ZhaoTalent:Frances McDormand as FernLinda MayDavid Stratharin as Dave Bob WellsSwankieMerylDerekMelissa Smith as DollyArticles/References:ICONS: A Conversation with ChloéWhat to Know About Nomadland and the Real-Life Community Behind the Movie by Annabel Gutterman for TimeThe End of Retirement by Jessica Bruder for Harper’s MagazineTalking to One of the Real Life Nomads from Nomadland by Gabrielle Paiella for GQReal-Life Nomad Linda May on Finally Settling Down After Nomadland by Vulture

Talent:Carey Mulligan as CassieBo Burnham as RyanLaverne Cox as GailJennifer Coolidge as Susan (Mom)Clancy Brown as Stanley (Dad)Adam Brody as Loser # 1Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Loser #2Alison Brie as MadisonConnie Britton as Dean WalkerMolly Shannon as Mrs. Fisher (Nina’s Mom)Chris Lowell as Al MonroeMax Greenfield as JoeArticles/References:https://variety.com/2020/film/news/promising-young-woman-carey-mulligan-emerald-fennell-1234848775/https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/promising-young-woman-review-1203480660/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jan/28/variety-apology-carey-mulligan-film-critics

When 17-year-old Autumn becomes pregnant she must travel from small-town Pennsylvania to New York City to access comprehensive medical care.Written and directed by Eliza Hittman, 2020Talent:Sidney Flanigan as AutumnTalia Ryder as SkylarTheodore Pallerin as JasperKelly Chapman as Planned Parenthood CounselorArticles/References:Watch Our Bodies, Our Doctors (dir. Haaken, 2019)Crow Talk Season 2 Episode 10: Our Bodies, Our Doctors (dir. Haaken, 2019)Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Argument for Reproductive Justice by Rebecca Todd Peters“Trust Women: An Unknown History” response article by Rochelle Robinson“Never Rarely Sometimes Always review - profoundly moving abortion drama” by Mark Kermode for The Guardian“Don’t you just wish you were a dude?”Next Episode: Promising Young Woman

In the summer of 1970, four 12-year-old best friends grow up and apart, but a promise brings them together again as 90s adults to reflect on the past.Directed by Lesli Linka GlatterTalent:Christina Ricci/Rosie O’Donnell as RobertaThora Birch/Melanie Griffith as TeenyGaby Hoffman/Demi Moore as SamanthaAshleigh Aston Moore/Rita Wilson as ChrissyDevon Sawa as Scott WormerWalter Sparrow as Crazy PeteJaneane Garofalo as WiladeneArticles/References:The Guardian: “From Clueless to Tarantino: why the 90s was Hollywood’s fairytale decade” by Rebecca NicholsonBring Back PB Crisps!HomelandSpice World“‘Breast’ is not a dirty word.” --Roberta to ChrissyNext Episode: The Forty-Year-Old Version

In the summer of 1970, four 12-year-old best friends grow up and apart, but a promise brings them together again as 90s adults to reflect on the past.Directed by Lesli Linka GlatterTalent:Christina Ricci/Rosie O’Donnell as RobertaThora Birch/Melanie Griffith as TeenyGaby Hoffman/Demi Moore as SamanthaAshleigh Aston Moore/Rita Wilson as ChrissyDevon Sawa as Scott WormerWalter Sparrow as Crazy PeteJaneane Garofalo as WiladeneArticles/References:The Guardian: “From Clueless to Tarantino: why the 90s was Hollywood’s fairytale decade” by Rebecca NicholsonBring Back PB Crisps!HomelandSpice World“‘Breast’ is not a dirty word.” --Roberta to ChrissyNext Episode: The Forty-Year-Old Version

In the summer of 1970, four 12-year-old best friends grow up and apart, but a promise brings them together again as 90s adults to reflect on the past.Directed by Lesli Linka GlatterTalent:Christina Ricci/Rosie O’Donnell as RobertaThora Birch/Melanie Griffith as TeenyGaby Hoffman/Demi Moore as SamanthaAshleigh Aston Moore/Rita Wilson as ChrissyDevon Sawa as Scott WormerWalter Sparrow as Crazy PeteJaneane Garofalo as WiladeneArticles/References:The Guardian: “From Clueless to Tarantino: why the 90s was Hollywood’s fairytale decade” by Rebecca NicholsonBring Back PB Crisps!HomelandSpice World“‘Breast’ is not a dirty word.” --Roberta to ChrissyNext Episode: The Forty-Year-Old Version

Three white men suckle away at the patriarchal teet as they riff on 2008’s vampiry phenomenon.Twilight (dir. by Catherine Hardwicke)Twilight Saga Booknado:Twilight (2005)New Moon (2006)Eclipse (2007)Breaking Dawn (2008)Midnight Sun (2020)Order your copy today!Twilight Filmic Talent:Kristen Stewart as Bella SwanRobert Pattinson as Edward CullenTaylor Lautner as Jacob BlackPeter Facinelli as Carlisle CullenElizabeth Reaser as Esme CullenAshley Greene as Alice CullenKellan Lutz as Emmett CullenNikki Reed as Rosalie HaleJackson Rathbone as Jasper HaleBilly Burke as Charlie SwanAnna Kendrick as Jessica StanleyChristian Serratos as Angela WeberSarah Clarke as ReneeMichael Welch as Mike NewtonRachelle Lafavre as VictoriaCam Gigandet as JamesEdi Gathegi as LaurentArticles/References:Talking to Crows Monthly Newsletter: Sign Up HERECheck Out Intern Rob’s Twilight experience on the TTC BlogDid we say Stacy wrote a Fanfic? You bet your butt we did, and her name is “Victoria”Other Classic FanFics to Wet Your Glittering LipsThe Submissive on AmazonThe Secretary (dir. Shainberg, 2002)

In a live capture adaptation, this Broadway phenomenon reenvisions the epoch of America’s Founding Fathers with hip-hop, diversity, and optimism.Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Thomas KailTalent:Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander HamiltonLeslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron BurrRenee Elise Goldsberry as Angelica SchulyerPhillipa Soo as Eliza HamiltonDaveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas JeffersonChristopher Jackson as George WashingtonJasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schulyer/Maria ReynoldsOkieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James MadisonAnthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip HamiltonJonathan Groff as King George IIIArticles/References:Alexander Hamilton by Ron ChernowHamilton SoundtrackCinderella (1997)Blindspotting (2018)Waves (2019)In the Heights (2021)“Love doesn’t discriminatebetween the sinnersand the saints,it takes and it takes and it takesand we keep loving anyway.”

Talent:Leah Lewis as Ellie ChuDaniel Diemer as Paul MunskyAlexxis Lemire as Aster FloresCollin Chou as Edwin ChuWolfgang Novogratz as Tri CarsonBecky Ann Baker as Mrs. GeselschapArticles/References:Variety Film ReviewBlue Is the Warmest ColorLove, SimonFortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty

Lovie Simone as Selah SummersCeleste O’Connor as PalomaJharrel Jerome as MaxxieAna Mulvoy-Ten as BobbyJesse Williams as Headmaster BantonEvan Roe as Two TomArticles/References:Indie Wire InterviewHoney & Trombones, 2012

Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma WoodhouseBill Nighy as Mr. WoodhouseGemma Whelan as Miss Taylor/Mrs. WestonMia Goth as Harriot SmithRupert Graves as Mr. WestonJohnny Flynn as Mr. KnightlyJosh O’Connor as Mr. EltonTanya Reynolds as Mrs. EltonConnor Swindells as Robert MartinMiranda Hart as Miss BatesAmber Anderson as Jane FairfaxCallum Turner as Frank ChruchillArticles/References:New York Times - ‘Back on the Manor, but Still Clueless’

Check out this 30ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of film from 2019, wherein we reflect on our favorite films, our favorite podcasts, the problems of 2019, blindspots, films shutout by the oscars, PARASITE!!!, and our hopes and dreams for the future. 2020 is look GOOD with this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Little Women (written and directed by Greta Gerwig, 2019), wherein we talk about spaces for women, our Little Women archetypes, GRETA, sweet Chalamet, our formative Little Women, the original book, and L.M. Alcott as Josephine March. Our nostalgia meets 2019 with this in this spoiler-FULL review/interview! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (written by Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue, directed by Marielle Heller, 2019), wherein we talk about the incomparable Mrs. R, being a kid, women depicting men's stories, the dying art of journalism, Tom Hanks (A.K.A. America's Dad), and a too-long stinger of the girls help Stacy accept her privilege through her plethora childhood toys. It's a heck of a day in the neighborhood with this in this spoiler-FULL review/interview! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Unintended (written and directed by Anja Murmann, 2019), wherein we chat with the filmmakers about indie filmmaking, being a kid, trauma, nature as a storytelling device, and the stories we grow up telling ourselves. Get up-close-and-personal these ladies in this spoiler-FULL review/interview! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 20ish--err 30ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Hustlers (written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, 2019), wherein we discuss Reproductive justice, the role of the Catholic church on hospitals, Roe v Wade, feminist health care, outrageous waiting periods, marginalization of abortion providers, and dismantling patriarchal notions. Let's experience outrage fatigue together in this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Hustlers (written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, 2019), wherein we discuss the early aughts, fierce female friendship, Women as victims, villains, and anti-hereos, J-EFFING-LO, Suncoast video, and the man who doesn't age, USHER. You'll be feelin' nostalgic after this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 40ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of The Farewell (written and directed by Lulu Wang, 2019), wherein we discuss a "good lie", Collectivism vs Individualism, cultural handling of life, everyone's new grandmother Nai Nai, cultural handling of death, grandmothers and granddaughters visual storytelling, the autobiographical lens, and can we go eat all the Chinese food please? You'll want to call your Grammie after this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 40ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Midsommar (dir. by Ari Aster, 2019), wherein we discuss cult resurgence in media, unresolved trauma on screen, sexuality and Swedish folklore, visual storytelling, why maybe-sometimes we want to be in a cult (?!), nuance of individual vs. collective characterization, and excitement for what Ari’s next project. You'll want to board the cult bus (except for Cassidy) after this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 40ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Booksmart (dir. by Olivia Wilde, 2019), wherein we discuss female film as emerging genre, R-ratings, the nostalgia-effect on comedy, female friendship vs. frenemies, sexuality without men, porn as education, the panda bear, and ending fear in equal representation. You'll want to violently affirm your bestie after this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 40ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of High Life (dir. by Claire Denis, 2018), wherein we discuss incarceration, societal influence, sexuality versus sex, reproduction and fertility, perspectives on maintaining humanity, parallels with Adam and Eve, the perfection that is Robert Pattinson, and the ultimate pointlessness of life itself. You'll go outside and kiss the plants after this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 30ish--err 40ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Captain Marvel (dir. by Boden & Fleck, 2019), wherein we discuss myth origin stories, the male critic response, the lady lens, Mendelssohn's hot Skrull vibes, "Free the Penis", women as weapons, ‘Merica, and the need for future installments of women superhero films. It's our frist look at the MCU in this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 20ish--err 30ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of The Breaker Upperers (dir. by Sami & Van Beek, 2019), wherein we discuss Womance, Kiwi comedy, the value of community surrounding art, Nihilism, Celine Dion, more Celine Dion, best interludes EVA, and Stacy and Cassidy try (failed) to abstain from incessant New Zealand accents. That's right, we're heading to the Shire in this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 20ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Bird Box (dir. Beir, 2018), wherein we discuss Sandra Bullock (A.K.A. the most beautiful amazing woman EVER), the first 15 minutes, plot holes, why?, Sandra being amazing at crying, and the Mama Bear at the heart of doomsday scenarios. Put your blind folds on because you don't need sight for this spoiler-FULL review! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the Crows!

Check out this 20ish--err 40ish--minute look back wherein we talk favorite group podcast experiences, needle the Oscars, discuss blindness to inherent racism, admit blindspots, and cast hopes for the role of women in the coming year of film.

Check out this 20ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of The Favourite (dir. Lanthimos, 2018), wherein we discuss period farces, female power, gender role reversals, Soul Train lines, Lanthimos's love of the absurd, and the beauty of taking creative liberties--hopefully this episode will be YOUR favourite. To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Suspiria (dir. Guadagnino, 2018), wherein we discuss remakes, Tilda Swinton, witches, the location of power, rebirths, and the inevitable evil of ultimate power--we feasted hard on this one. To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of A Star is Born (dir. Cooper, 2018), wherein we discuss remakes, vulnerability, Mother Monster, Will Tippin, ugly crying, and the inextricable link between abuse and humanity--we're far from the shallows now, folks. To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Eighth Grade (dir. Burnham, 2018), wherein we discuss being 13, pool parties, Selfitis, the truth of fiction, rat tails, our sweet Bo, and movies about kids with R ratings. Unpacking perceptions of Self and pervasive social media are on the menu. To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Hereditary (dir. Aster, 2018), wherein we discuss favorite scary movies, the nuclear family, unconscious affect, matriarchy, and the burdens forced upon us by a previous generation. Lots of confusion gets hashed out as we attempt to dissect the palpability of intoxicating strangeness in this soon-to-be-classic addition to modern body genre. To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first four minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish--err 50ish--minute SPOILER FILLED review of Ocean’s 8 (dir. Ross, 2018), wherein we discuss reboots versus spin offs, stereotypical characterization, the gender reversal of (originally) male roles, cool girl on cool girl deliciousness, the glorious undoing of Hathahate, and how much we ALL love these 8 Ocean women. Surprisingly meaty discussion here, folks! To avoid actual film spoilers--oh well you know the drill by now: catch the first two spoiler-free minutes for 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish—err 40ish—minute SPOILER FILLED review of Tully wherein we discuss mental illness, tropes of motherhood, how cool Mackenzie is, how cool Charlize is, and how Cody blew (some of our) minds. Could it be our favorite episode yet? You'll just have to listen like all the rest of 'em to find out! To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first few minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish—err 40ish—minute SPOILER FILLED review of Isle of Dogs, wherein we discuss boys club writing rooms, token females, sushi, Japanese culture as a vehicle for American entertainment, and howling (we actually howl). It was irritating, but dang that art production team was GOOD. To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first few minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish—err 40ish—minute SPOILER FILLED review of Wrinkle In Time, wherein we discuss love, flying kale, the impeccable Storm Reid, glitter, and where all the money went. We loved it, it bugged us--it was a Disney film. To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first few minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish—err 30ish—minute SPOILER FILLED review of Winchester, wherein we discuss Sarah Winchester's legacy, the paranormal, agency, freemasons, Spierig & Spierig's take on a woman’s life story, and try not to repeat ourselves a million times (SPOILER: we aren't successful). When the source material is waaaay more interesting, we get redundant. To avoid actual film spoilers check out the first few minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!

Check out this 20ish—err 40ish—minute SPOILER FILLED review of Molly’s Game, where we discuss female strength, family dynamics, unnamed celebrities, #metoo, Sorkin’s take on a woman’s life story, and use the word interesting 1000 times. To avoid spoilers check out the first 2 minutes: 3 Reasons to See and 3 Reasons NOT to See. Follow the music!