Queer Cinema Catchup

In the season one finale of Queer Cinema Catchup, hosts Joe and Allison delve into the new romantic comedy 'A Nice Indian Boy,' directed by Roshan Sethi and based on Madhuri Shekar's acclaimed play of the same name, and interview the film's screenwriter, Eric Randall (48:10). Starring Karan Soni as Naveen and Jonathan Groff as Jay, A Nice Indian Boy explores the relationship between love, identity, family, and cultural expectations. The film premiered at South by Southwest in March 2024 and has garnered critical acclaim. Joe and Allison share their thoughts on the film's heartfelt portrayal of queer love, while Eric shares insights into the adaptation and writing process, the challenges of translating a play to the screen, and his journey as a screenwriter. Tune in for an in-depth discussion and an exclusive interview with the talented writer behind this excellent film.00:00 Introduction to 'A Nice Indian Boy'01:04 Meet the Hosts: Joe and Allison01:27 Special Episode: Interview with Screenwriter Eric Randall (48:10)02:28 Diving into the Movie: Initial Impressions03:49 Exploring Themes: Family and Queer Identity05:14 Cultural Context and Bollywood Influence06:43 Character Analysis: Naveen and Jay08:07 Romantic Comedy Tropes and Realism11:15 The Impact of Family Dynamics38:05 The Proposal Scene: A Turning Point44:59 Rising Tensions and Jay's Realization45:30 Jay's Emotional Struggles and Family Dynamics47:01 Introduction to Eric Randall56:33 Adapting 'A Nice Indian Boy'59:02 Character Development and Personal Experiences01:06:34 The Collaboration Process 01:13:32 Comedy and Improvisation in Filmmaking01:24:17 Future Projects and Advice for Writers01:29:39 Joe's Wedding Videographer Nightmare01:39:09 Final Thoughts and Farewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison delve into the 2016 Oscar-winning film 'Moonlight.' Joe experiences the film for the first time while Allison provides her take after a fourth viewing. They discuss the film's structure; key themes of masking and vulnerability; pivotal scenes; and some background information about the filmmaking process. 00:02 Intro to Moonlight00:30 Oscar Fiasco and Initial Thoughts01:08 Plot Overview and Key Themes02:33 Character Analysis and Emotional Impact03:37 Structure and Storytelling Techniques05:23 Personal Reflections and Cultural Significance08:47 Comparisons and Final Thoughts33:10 Behind the Scenes and Filming Challenges35:02 Exploring Barry Jenkins' Filmography36:46 The Editing Process of 'Moonlight'44:04 Personal Reflections re: Queerness, Masculinity, and Identity 59:12 Memory Lane 01:04:51 Final Thoughts on 'Moonlight' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss the 2006 film 'Stick It,' exploring its themes, character dynamics, and queer undercurrents. They react to the rebellious protagonist, Haley Graham; her unique journey through the rigid world of elite gymnastics; and her interactions with her coach (Jeff Bridges) and teammates. 00:00 Introduction to 'Stick It'00:43 Initial Impressions01:29 Plot Overview and Character Analysis03:16 Queer Themes and Gender Norms04:50 Comparisons to Other Teen Movies07:38 Gymnastics and Realism in 'Stick It'09:49 Memorable Moments and Cultural Impact22:34 Voiceover and Cinematic Techniques31:17 Team Dynamics32:01 Comparing 'Stick It' to Other Films33:47 Character Analysis: Haley35:46 Gender and Character Perception40:01 Queer Representation51:55 Sports and Personal Experiences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe dive deep into Peter Jackson's 1994 film, 'Heavenly Creatures.' They discuss the intense, imaginative, and destructive relationship between two teenage girls in 1950s New Zealand, focusing on themes of adolescent intensity; burgeoning queer identity; and the potentially dangerous allure of fantasy. Their conversation also highlights the remarkable performances of Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet in their film debuts, with analysis of significant scenes; the impact of social and familial pressure; and the depiction of queerness amidst a true crime narrative. 00:00 Introduction to Heavenly Creatures03:39 Melanie Lynskey's Queer Filmography05:26 Kate Winslet's Queer Filmography 10:54 Emotional Impact of Heavenly Creatures16:37 Background and Analysis of the True Story30:11 Juliet's Nightmare and the Murder31:54 Exploring Queerness in the Film33:50 Parental Concerns and Societal Pressures40:23 Fantasy vs. Reality50:26 Christianity and the Fourth Realm01:04:14 Final Thoughts on the Film Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Queer Cinema Catchup is a double feature! Joe and Allison discuss the films 'Mysterious Skin' and 'Thirteen.' . Their discussion includes a comparative analysis of the two films; reflections on their own teenage experiences; and the cultural impact of adolescent-focused narratives in cinema. Please be aware this episode covers topics like abuse and drug use, which may be triggering. 00:14 Double Feature: Mysterious Skin and Thirteen 00:33 Trigger Warning01:53 Quick Recap: Thirteen04:34 Quick Recap: Mysterious Skin05:28 Personal Reactions and Reflections07:08 Themes of Influence and Vulnerability in Thirteen09:33 Exploring Parental Dynamics10:43 Psychological Impact of Abuse in Mysterious Skin20:39 Queer Representation and Personal Connections24:47 Middle School Memories and Snowball at Skate King 27:43 Snowball Memory and Conflicted Feelings33:09 Representation of Youth in Film, TV, and Culture 42:36 Queerness in Coming-of-Age Stories46:19 Chicken Soup for the Soul and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe are again joined by guest Andrew from the Queer Frame Archive to discuss Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 silent film masterpiece, 'The Passion of Joan of Arc.' The trio delves into the film's historical context, production details, and its interpretation through a queer lens. They explore Joan of Arc's life, her trial, the significance of the film's unique cinematography, and the controversies it faced upon release. Andrew also shares insights from his work documenting queer representations in early cinema. Available on Max and now in the public domain, this iconic film is dissected for its enduring impact and artistic achievements.00:07 Introducing Andrew and Queer Film Archive01:04 First Impressions of The Passion of Joan of Arc01:40 Synopsis and Cinematic Techniques03:09 Restoration and Comparison with Michael04:32 Carl Theodor Dreyer: The Visionary Director06:29 Andrew's Viewing Experience and Insights07:56 The Power of Editing 15:31 Historical Context of Joan's Trial33:47 Joan of Arc: A Queer Icon?38:00 Joan of Arc's Evolving Identity39:52 The Crucible and Self-Perception42:59 Joan's Clothing and Gender Identity46:14 Behind the Scenes 48:32 Production Controversies and Challenges51:15 Set Design and Filming Techniques53:55 Acting Challenges and Realism01:00:52 Streaming Experience and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss the 2025 remake of the 1993 film 'The Wedding Banquet'. Directed by Andrew Ahn, this modern reimagining brings a fresh perspective to the beloved 1993 film by Ang Lee, exploring themes of love, family expectations, cultural identity, and LGBTQ+ relationships. The hosts delve into the film's cast, including Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung, and analyze their performances and character arcs. They also reflect on the film's ability to portray complex family dynamics and generational shifts in acceptance, while balancing humor and emotional depth. Joe shares insights from a talkback session with the director, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and its personal significance. Tune in for a lively discussion on how this contemporary take honors the spirit of the original film while showcasing evolved cultural and societal attitudes towards queer experiences and family.00:00 Welcome to Queer Cinema Catchup00:11 Introducing 'The Wedding Banquet' (2025)00:47 Meet the Cast03:41 Film's Themes and Sundance Premiere04:06 Personal Reactions and Missed Scenes06:04 Plot Breakdown and Key Moments08:28 Character Arcs and Performances18:45 Director's Insights and Behind the Scenes32:56 Analyzing Min's Character34:11 Chris' Indecision 37:17 Lee's Desire for a Child44:16 Angela's Role and Relationships51:49 Comparing the Original and Remake55:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison reunite with Sydney, Chelsea, and Monica of Spooky Tuesday to delve into the perplexing universe of multiple Thelma films, primarily focusing on the 2017 supernatural thriller directed by Joachim Trier. The hosts analyze pivotal scenes of the film, exploring the movie's religious themes and reflecting on the broader implications of Thelma's journey from suppression to empowerment. Whether you're a queer cinema enthusiast or a horror movie aficionado, this episode offers a compelling exploration of desire, control, and self-discovery through a queer lens.00:16 The Confusion of Thelma Movies06:09 Introduction to Thelma (2017)07:33 Comparing Thelma to Other Horror Films10:02 Thelma's Powers and Their Implications17:59 Religious Upbringing and Repression24:46 Thelma's Queer Identity 28:04 Anja's Role and Thelma's Desires32:40 The Party Scene and Its Consequences36:38 Unraveling Anja's Disappearance38:13 The Baby Brother Incident40:02 Thelma's Struggle 42:40 The Parents' Dilemma45:43 The Final Confrontation48:03 Thelma's Transformation and Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss their experience at Slamdance 2025 in Los Angeles and then specifically dive into the documentary, "The Hole Story," which details the events, mythology, and search for truth surrounding a mysterious hole that appeared on Mount Shasta in California. You can find the podcast's first ever interview with The Hole Story's director Elijah Sullivan, and listen as he shares insights on documentary-making, as well as the complexities of capturing Mount Shasta's unique cultural landscape.00:00 Introduction and Slamdance 2025 Experience00:53 The Big Johnson Documentary06:07 Confessions of Chin-Chin07:23 The Hole Story: Part One12:01 The Hole Story: Part Two20:53 The Hole Story: Part Three30:21 Conspiracy Theories and Skepticism31:27 Interview with Elijah Sullivan 31:52 Elijah's Filmmaking Journey01:03:59 Future Projects and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison review the new Max movie 'The Parenting'. They discuss the film's horror-comedy genre; the queer representation around which the plot is centered (but not focused on!); and its mixed reception. They also examine the performances of the cast, including Brandon Flynn, Parker Posey, and Brian Cox. Throughout the episode, they share personal anecdotes, discuss favorite B movies, and debate the nuances of comedy and horror in modern cinema.00:00 Introduction and Movie Title Confusion00:46 Initial Impressions and Cast Overview01:54 Favorite Scenes and Character Dynamics03:08 Plot Twists and Character Missteps05:30 Horror Elements and Critiques17:34 Proposal and Relationship Dynamics22:04 Casting Choices 24:52 Family Movie Nights and Moulin Rouge Obsession26:02 Lisa Kudrow's Role in Feel Good27:06 Queer Representation and Homophobia in Media28:35 Character Dynamics and Stereotypes37:25 Emotional Beats and Character Arcs40:29 Dean Norris and Breaking Bad Anecdote44:32 Analyzing Movie Watching Habits45:51 Favorite B Movies and Podcast Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe got live for the first time and react to the season finale of the third season of The White Lotus ("Amor Fati"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison reacts to Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 9 ('How the Story Ends'). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe dive into the beloved musical 'Wicked,' discussing its recent film adaptation and cultural impact. They explore their personal connections to 'Wicked,' impressions of the cast, and the powerful themes of otherness and queerness present in the story. They also touch on the political allegory within 'The Wizard of Oz,' drawing parallels with current events. The episode is filled with thoughtful analysis, personal anecdotes, and a fun, theatrical breakdown of the songs from the musical. The hosts reflect on the journey of podcasting for a year, emphasizing how it has transformed them 'for good.'00:39 Discussing the Wicked Musical01:02 Trailer Reactions and Casting Choices01:37 Musical Elements and Performances02:44 Plot and Character Analysis12:18 Queer Subtext in Wicked16:16 Background and Adaptation of Wicked17:52 Theater Experience and Personal Stories31:09 Political Context and Character Evolution33:13 Madame Morrible and the Wizard's Manipulation35:45 Villain Perspectives and Real-Life Parallels36:33 Nessarose and Character Motivations37:08 Musical Expectations and Plot Development39:24 Political Allegory in The Wizard of Oz40:10 The Populist Movement and Economic Parallels43:55 The Wizard of Oz: A Cultural Phenomenon51:18 Wicked: From Book to Broadway57:04 Musical Analysis + Fun: Songs of Wicked01:10:18 One Year of Podcasting Reflections and Future Plans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Allison unpack The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 7 ("Killer Instincts") and make a big announcement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Allison as she recaps and unpacks the queer representation of Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 8 ("A Normal, Boring Life") Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe are joined by Kaitlynn and Theora of the Big Gay Energy Podcast to dive into the versatile career of an actress they all love: Tatiana Maslany. Anchored around her performances in 'Orphan Black', 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law', and the new Oz Perkins' film 'The Monkey,' their discussion covers the impact of her roles on queer representation; the challenges of assuming multiple characters at once; and the backlash faced by her Marvel project. The episode also highlights Maslany's dedication to her craft and anticipation for her future projects.03:22 Tatiana Maslany's Biography and Career Highlights05:52 Exploring the Orphan Black Clones and Their Unique Traits07:01 Queer Representation in Orphan Black33:03 The Impact of Orphan Black's Fandom on the Show and its Queer Representation33:43 Behind the Scenes and Production Challenges of Orphan Black 35:53 Favorite Clones and Final Thoughts38:42 Tatiana Maslany's Stage Performances: Network and Mary Page Marlow 39:16 Tatiana Maslany's Encounter with Fans - Namely, Allison! 44:13 She-Hulk58:48 The Monkey01:03:14 Tatiana Maslany's Future Projects Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe talk The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 6 ("Denials"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison - with a surprise guest from the wilderness, er, podcast - recaps and reacts to a much stronger Yellowjackets episode (Season 3, Episode 7, "Croak"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Innie Allison and Innie Joe get excited for the Severance Season 2 Finale ("Cold Harbor"), while Outie Allison and Outie Joe delve into their frustrations with what ultimately transpires. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison welcome back Nick and Joseph of Fish Jelly Film Reviews to discuss the 2013 French erotic thriller 'Stranger by the Lake' directed by Alain Guiraudie.00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:19 'Stranger by the Lake'01:21 Director Alain Guiraudie02:11 Plot Summary and Initial Reactions03:44 Personal Experiences and Connections05:24 Themes and Symbolism22:27 Exploring the Cruising Setting 25:57 Character Analysis and Relationships30:04 Ambiguity of Time and Final Thoughts31:08 Exploring Themes of Sexuality and Emotional Disconnection33:02 Cinematography and Ambiguity in Key Scenes34:22 Character Analysis: Franck and Michel40:30 The Haunting Ending and Alternate Versions44:41 Comparative Analysis with Other Films of the early Twenty-Tens47:33 Cultural Context and Societal Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe delve into The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5 ("Full-Moon Party") Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison dives into Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 6 ("Thanksgiving (Canada)"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Allison talk Severance Season 2 Episode 9 ("The After Hours"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison are once again joined by Dr. Khaliden Nas of the Referential podcast to review Lady Gaga's latest album, 'Mayhem.' Together, they discuss Gaga's evolution as an artist; reflect on their personal relationships to her music; and complete a track-by-track analysis. 00:00 Welcome to the Queer Cinema Catchup and Referential collab01:10 Personal Histories with Lady Gaga03:42 Gaga's Evolution and Public Persona08:31 Reactions to Born This Way17:40 Theater Kid Roots and Artistry20:04 Expectations for the New Album35:12 Madonna's Influence and Pop Culture Shifts36:10 Album Review: Mayhem's Chaotic Intentionality36:57 Fan Feedback and Emotional Themes37:35 Comparing Albums: Fame Monster vs. Mayhem39:32 The Pressure of Reinvention in Pop Music42:10 Success Anxiety and Artistic Authenticity50:15 Track-by-Track Breakdown: Disease & Abracadabra53:39 Garden of Eden and Perfect Celebrity57:50 Vanish into You & Killhah01:01:20 Zombie Boy & Gwen Stefani01:03:1 Love Drug01:06:40 Taylor Swift and 80s Influence in How Bad Do U Want Me 01:08:12 Diverse Songwriting Styles01:10:13 Emotional Ballads (Blade of Grass) and Personal Stories01:21:11 Final Thoughts and Final Review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Allison recap and react to season 3 episode 4 of The White Lotus ("Hide or Seek") Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison recaps and delves into the queer representation of Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 5 ("Did Tai Do That"?). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe talk Severance season 2 episode 8 ("Sweet Vitriol") and celebrate the return of Ms. Cobel (Patricia Arquette)! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe dive into their virtual experience of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. They review three standout films: James Sweeney's Twinless (starring Sweeney and Dylan O'Brien); Carmen Emmi's Plainclothes (starring Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey); and Cristina Costantini's Sally (detailing the life of Sally Ride). 00:09 Sundance Experience and Stories03:04 Review of 'Sally' 16:56 Review of 'Plainclothes'40:02 Review of 'Twinless' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe dissect season 3 episode 3 of The White Lotus ("The Meaning of Dreams"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison takes a critical look at Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 4 ("12 Angry Girls and 1 Drunk Travis"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe break down the heart-breaking, show-defining episode "Chikhai Bardo" of Severance Season 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casey of Sassy Grilled Cheese joins Allison and Joe for another pink movie. This time it's the 2004 classic 13 Going on 30 starring Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Judy Greer! Together they reminisce about the first time they watched the movie; discuss 'pink movies' and what made the early 2000s chick flicks so appealing; and even toy with the idea of remaking the film for a modern audience. 00:14 Defining Pink Films00:46 First Impressions of 13 Going on 3001:47 Revisiting Childhood Favorites03:40 Analyzing Key Scenes and Themes05:48 The Role of Nostalgia06:13 Judy Greer and the Best Friend Role 15:46 Razzles18:51 Romantic Plot Complications29:42 The Thriller Scene and Jenna's Iconic Dress32:35 Exploring the Fish Out of Water/Born Sexy Yesterday Trope36:41 The Magazine Rivalry and the Betrayal40:00 Mark Ruffalo's Reluctance to Dance41:48 Reflecting on Life Choices and Time Travel44:38 Writing Letters to Your Future Self48:46 Casting a Modern '13 Going on 30' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe recap the latest episode of The White Lotus ("Special Treatments") Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison recaps and theorizes about Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 3 ("Them's the Brakes"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Allison talk Severance Season 2 Episode 6 ("Attila"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison delve into the 2024 film 'Queer,' directed by Luca Guadagnino. They discuss the plot nuances, surreal elements, character dynamics, and thematic takeaways on queerness and identity. The conversation also touches upon the film's inspiration (the William S. Burroughs' novella) and compares 'Queer' to Guadagnino's other works.00:06 Discussing the Movie 'Queer' and Its Background01:42 Intro to William S. Burroughs06:55 Themes and Characters11:02 Analyzing the Ayahuasca Experience29:31 Reflections on the Film's Ending34:44 Drugs and the Narrative Surreal36:59 Exploring the Novella40:55 The Beat Generation and its Influence49:20 Luca Guadagnino's Filmography57:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check in at The White Lotus with Allison and Joe as they break down season three, episode one of the returning series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison has a love-hate relationship with Yellowjackets. She's going to break that complicated dynamic down for you week-to-week for season three, starting with a very quick look at episodes 1 ("It Girl") and 2 ("Dislocation"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Queer Cinema Catchup's episode on Severance S2E5 Joe and Allison ponder just who the "Trojan Horse" of the series might be and give Ben Stiller and Adam Scott a call to lament the absence of their favorite character Ms. Cobel (Patricia Arquette). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison dive into the 2025 movie 'Companion.' They discuss the plot's twists and turns, focusing on themes of AI, consciousness, and queer representation. They also debate the merits of the the film's feminist undertones and share their reactions to key scenes.01:15 Companion Into 05:56 Synopsis 07:36 Analyzing the Movie's Themes and Twists10:07 Character Dynamics and Plot Development14:12 The Big, Robotic Reveal and Its Impact28:53 Film Comparison 30:49 Personal Reflections and Tangents34:49 Nightmares and Dusty Memories35:24 Teeth Dreams 37:20 Queer Love and Robotic Emotions38:53 Queer Representation in Media41:26 AI Ethical Dilemmas48:37 Companion's Final Showdown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Allison reconvene for Queer Cinema Catchup's miniseries on Severance. This week they're covering the surreal and shocking season 2 episode "Woe's Hollow." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this crossover episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe are thrilled to be joined again by Dan and Jennifer of Banned Camp to discuss the 1972 film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's semi-autobiographical science fiction novel Slaughterhouse-Five (1969). Together they delve into changes from the book to screen, as well as the story's anti-war message; its narrative structure; and its historical and modern relevance to the dangers of censorship.00:00 A Queer Cinema Catchup Banned Camp Mash-Up! 01:07 Personal Experiences with Slaughterhouse-Five03:44 Relevance of Slaughterhouse Five to Today08:41 Summary and Themes of Slaughterhouse Five13:48 Differences Between the Book and the Movie16:20 Character Analysis and Key Scenes24:48 Kilgore Trout and Kurt Vonnegut26:03 Anti-War Message 29:53 Billy Pilgrim Character Deep Dive34:41 Montana Wildhack and Time Travel37:25 Censorship & Kurt Vonnegut's Letter to North Dakota HS Head of School Board Chris McCarthy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe discuss season two episode three of Apple TV's Severance ("Who is Alive?"). This episode includes a quick recap of outie Mark's plan to pass messages to the severed floor; innie Mark and Helly's journey to Mammalians Nurturable; innie Irv's reconnection with O&D; innie Dylan's first encounter with his unsevered wife; Ms. Cobel's half-hearted journey to Salt Harbour; and Milchick's reaction to a problematic Lumon gift. There's also a bit of theorizing on Helly/Helena and who else might be integrated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison break down the 2024 political thriller film 'Conclave,' directed by Edward Berger. Together they explore the film's intriguing portrayal of a papal conclave, detailing the procedural and dramatic elements as cardinals gather to elect a new pope amidst secrets, scandals, and surprising revelations. Themes of power, faith, and institutional corruption; some personal anecdotes related to the papacy; and their take on the film's queer twist are all up for discussion in this week's episode. 00:22 Plot Overview and Initial Impressions01:36 Realism and Dramatic Elements04:44 Cardinal Vincent's Journey05:43 The Big, Queer Twist and Its Implications09:01 Character Dynamics and Political Intrigue11:28 Theological Themes and Gender Issues26:07 Historical Context and Female Representation31:33 A Female Pope?33:37 Pope Francis and LGBTQ+ Issues37:20 Replicating the Sistine Chapel37:50 Childhood Memories and Letting Go39:57 Religious Artifacts and Family Stories44:03 Reflections on Catholic Upbringing45:02 Religious Reactions to 'Conclave'51:42 Personal Pope Stories 57:44 Trivia and Theological Musings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second episode of Queer Cinema Catchup's first miniseries. Join Allison and Joe as they recap and react to Severance S2E2 (Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe are joined by Tim Murdock and Matt Emert of the Happy Horror Time podcast to discuss the 2018 Canadian psychological horror film 'What Keeps You Alive.' The discussion covers the movie's plot and shocking, cliff-pushing twists, as well as its last-minute but effective queer representation and its relationship to other horror films. 00:10 Introducing 'What Keeps You Alive'00:38 First Impressions and Viewing Experiences02:14 A Shocking Moment03:47 Wifey Red Flags04:33 Queer Representation in Horror06:01 Behind the Scenes 07:34 Horror Film Comps15:28 Themes and Symbols28:32 Psychological Insights and Sociopaths31:51 Horror Movie Tropes 54:18 Film Recommendations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Queer Cinema Catchup's weekly review of the Apple TV series Severance. Tune in each week to hear our unfiltered thoughts on the newest episode from season two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss the 2024 Spanish-language musical comedy crime film Emilia Pérez. They explore their initial reactions and delve into the plot, highlighting the film's multiple genres. They discuss the performances of Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón and dissect the film's perhaps problematic representation of Mexican culture and the LGBTQ+ community. 00:45 Plot Overview and Initial Reactions02:59 Mixed Feelings and Musical Elements06:04 Critiques and Controversies11:42 Character Arcs and Performances22:26 Awards and Accolades32:10 Director's Intentions 33:17 Tropes of Trans Representation34:25 Diverse Perspectives on the Film35:14 Actor Bios38:13 Hollywood and Awards Season Strategies41:23 Cultural Representation and Stereotypes45:06 Final Thoughts and Broader Implications Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe discuss Robert Eggers' 2024 remake of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu. They delve into the film's gothic horror elements; its faithfulness to and history of the 1922 silent classic; the performances of Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård, and the rest of the cast; and its thematic depth, including its relation to queer desire. 00:31 Reconnecting and Roommate Life02:10 First Impressions and Viewing Experiences 02:55 Analyzing Nosferatu as a Remake06:09 Themes and Visuals in Nosferatu14:35 Historical Context and Production Insights18:13 Cultural Impact and Modern References35:22 Debating Nosferatu's Intentions36:48 Lily-Rose Depp's Performance37:40 Comparing Eggers' films: Nosferatu and The Witch44:17 Gothic Vibes and Modern Expectations56:05 Willem Dafoe's Role and Character Analysis01:02:02 Final Thoughts and Reflections01:03:28 Upcoming Episodes and Sign Off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe is joined by his friend Chris Pritchard to talk the 1995 teen comedy classic Clueless. Together they discuss the film's cultural significance, share their favorite quotes, dissect its iconic fashion, and reveal some behind-the-scenes facts and casting trivia.They also touch on other works by Amy Heckerling and the careers of Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and Brittany Murphy. Episode edited by Guram Gogichaishvili.01:58 Clueless: Plot and Cultural Impact02:52 Amy Heckerling: The Director's Journey04:34 Alicia Silverstone and the Cast of Clueless08:17 Memorable Moments and Quotes19:24 Cher and Josh: A Complicated Relationship26:07 More Quotes!26:37 Surprising Facts About 'Clueless'28:22 Casting Choices and Behind-the-Scenes Stories33:00 Fashion and Wardrobe Insights38:45 Memorable Scenes and Character Moments47:44 Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe are joined by their returning guest and new producer Will Schlaack to discuss the 2024 psychological horror film 'Heretic' (directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods; starring Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Hugh Grant). The conversation kicks off with some holiday cheer before diving deep into the movie's plot, themes, and character dynamics. Over the course of this episode, they analyze the film's portrayal of the relationship between religion, faith, and control; discuss whether or not the story is well suited to the screen; and delve into their contrasting opinions on the movie's ambiguous ending. 00:00 Festive Beginnings and Introductions00:53 Diving into 'Heretic': Plot and Cast01:09 Special Screening Experience and Q&A Insights02:31 Directors' Background and Inspiration04:07 Hugh Grant's Villain Monologue06:37 Analyzing the Film's Themes and Execution13:54 Comparing Religious Upbringings27:16 Unraveling the Basement Mystery29:00 The Prophet Plot Holes33:50 Unexpected Twists and Ambiguous Endings39:37 Interpretations and Themes of Faith49:41 Mormon Reactions to the Film Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.