The Meaning Of The Movie

We're about to break the first rule of Fight Club. In this episode, we dive headfirst into David Fincher's dark, stylish, and endlessly debated 1999 film based on Chuck Palahniuk's debut novel. We talk about the brilliance of the voiceover, one of the greatest character intros of all time, and how Brad Pitt and Edward Norton pulled off one of cinema's wildest twists. But beyond the punches and soap-making, we ask the deeper questions: Is Fight Club to blame for toxic masculinity? Or is it a razor-sharp satire that's been misunderstood for over two decades? Let's talk about it in today's episode.

In this episode of Meaning Of The Movie, we dive into one of the most debated films of the last decade — The Last Jedi. It divided the Star Wars fanbase... and it divides us too. Some of us love it. Some of us aren't. But either way, there's a lot to talk about: bold choices, broken expectations, and big themes about failure, legacy, and hope. Whether you're Team Rian or not, this conversation goes deep into what makes The Last Jedi so fascinating.

In this episode of Meaning of the Movie, Rob Stennett and Andrew Harmon dig into Sinners, this spring's breakout film that blends Southern grit, gospel, and gore. We talk about what makes the characters so compelling, why the setting feels lived-in, and how the movie uses vampires not just for scares—but to explore sin, judgment, and redemption. We also get into why “survive the night” movies are so satisfying, how Sinners fits (and breaks) vampire movie tropes, and the magic of a great actor/director combo. It's a wild ride of blood, blues, and big questions—and we're here for all of it.

In this episode, we delve into the Season 2 finale of Severance, "Cold Harbor." Did we finally get the answers we were seeking? We explore the intense conflict between innies and outies, the complexities of falling in love within the confines of severance, and the show's unsettling allusions to corporate control and hints at actual slavery. We also reflect on the emotional weight of the finale, our interpretations of its deeper meanings, and our predictions for what Season 3 might hold. Join us as we dissect this thought-provoking conclusion and share our perspectives on an incredible season of TV. 

In this episode, we're diving into Severance Season 2, Episode 9, "The After Hours." As the season races toward its conclusion, we unpack our reactions, debate our favorite scenes, break down our favorite storylines, and ask the big question—was this a bounce-back episode?  Join us as we analyze the twists, turns, and deeper meaning behind this episode of Severance.

Harmony gets a standalone episode, and we're not sure it works. In fact, we think Sweet Virtol has some serious problems that are worth unpacking. Does this detour add depth to the story, or does it stall the momentum? We break down the episode's themes, execution, and what it means for the series as a whole. Join us as we debate: Is this the weakest episode of Severance so far? Let's talk about it.

In this episode of Attila, we dive into Chikhai Bardo and ask the big question—could this be the greatest episode of Severance? We break down what makes this episode so different, from its haunting revelations to the emotional depth of Mark and Gemma's backstory. As the lines between past and present, love and loss blur, we explore how this chapter reshapes everything we thought we knew. Let's get into it.

"In this episode of Attila, we break down the romantic entanglements of Irv, Helly, Mark, and Dylan. From Irv and Burt's tender connection to Helly's struggle for autonomy, Mark's lingering grief, and Dylan's surprising moment of intimacy, we explore how love manifests in the fractured world of Lumon. What do these relationships reveal about identity, choice, and resistance? Let's dive in."

Episode 5: Severance – Trojan Horse In this episode of The Meaning of the Movie, we break down Severance Episode 5, Trojan Horse. We explore the complicated love triangle between Mark, Helly, and a certain someone from the outside world, as well as Irving's fate and what his interaction with Burt might mean. We also analyze Milchick's unexpected performance review—what does it reveal about the culture at Lumon? And of course, we can't ignore the paper clips. Finally, we discuss the thrill (and potential pitfalls) of diving too deep into the show's many mysteries.

In this episode of "The Meaning of the Movie," we delve into the intricacies of television storytelling as we continue to cover SEVERANCE. First, we explore the concept of the "bottle episode," examining its role in character development and narrative focus. We then analyze the enduring "will-they-won't-they" romantic dynamics that have captivated audiences throughout TV history. And we turn our attention to "Woe's Hollow," discussing why this installment stands out as the series' most ambitious yet. Join us as we unpack these themes and their impact on modern television. 

In this episode, we dive deep into Severance Season 2, Episode 3—unpacking the high stakes, the surprising character who resonated with us most, and the profound shift in structure from Season 1 to Season 2. Join Rob Stennett and Andrew Harmon as we break it all down.

In this episode of Meaning Of The Movie, we dive deep into Severance Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig (S2 E2) unpacking the latest mysteries and hidden meanings. We explore Dylan's surprising emotional arc, the ever-enigmatic Cobel, and Mark's tense return to Lumon. Plus, we analyze the symbolism behind the pineapples (yes, really) and tackle the question everyone's asking—why is it so dark in the outie world? Tune in as we dissect every eerie detail and theory from this mind-bending episode!

The Meaning of the Movie is kicking off a special mini-series. We're heading into the office and to the thought-provoking world of Severance! We're starting with Season 2, Episode 1: "Hello, Ms. Cobel", unpacking the intriguing developments and questions posed as the new season begins. Don't miss our deep dive into the dissection of workplace identity, personal autonomy, and the mysteries of Lumon Industries. Stay tuned as we analyze every twist and turn of this incredible series!

In this episode of The Meaning of the Movie, we dive into the classic chess drama Searching for Bobby Fischer. What drives the characters' motivations? Who's truly the hero? And what is this movie actually about at its core? Join us as we debate the film's deeper themes, analyze the tension between competition and humanity, and uncover why it continues to resonate decades later. Whether you're a chess aficionado or a film lover, there's something here for you. 

Is The Muppet Christmas Carol the best version of A Christmas Carol ever made? In this episode, we dive into why this 1992 classic captures the heart and spirit of Charles Dickens's timeless tale like no other. We explore: What makes The Muppet Christmas Carol so enduring and beloved. Why Michael Caine's Scrooge is an all-time great. The magic of blending heartfelt storytelling with Muppet awesomeness. Plus, Rob delivers his official ranking of the best Muppet characters of all time—you won't want to miss it! Pull up a chair (and maybe a cup of mulled cider), because we're about to celebrate one of the most joyful and surprisingly profound Christmas movies ever made.

We're back and and in this episode, we're defying gravity. We take a closer look at WICKED and the magic that makes it such a cultural phenomenon. We love the design, the music, and the spellbinding performances—but what happens when a story plays fast and loose with its source material? Our discussion dives into the bold choices WICKED makes in reimagining The Wizard of Oz. Does it enhance the original story, or does it raise too many questions about loyalty to the source? Can a prequel rewrite beloved characters and still feel authentic? Join us on this episode of The Meaning Of The Movie. 

It's time to go to Derry, Maine. We're doing a deep dive about the meaning of the movie, the novel, and the mini-series IT. It's one of Stephen King's greatest stories and his most iconic villain. But is IT just a scary movie or is there something deeper here? We're joining the LOSERS club. We all podcast down here.    

It's time to talk about Alex Garland's new film CIVIL WAR. Does it have a political point of view? What does it mean? Is it fair? Is it bold or is it cowardly? We debate it all on this week's episode. 

It's a film with a title that makes a statement and asks a question, "Who is the parasite?" It's time for a deep dive into one of the best films of the 2010s; a film loaded with meaning in every frame. Click the episode and join the discussion. 

It's February and we're doing another romantic film. La La Land is in the running for best movie about LA ever made, and the most devastating romance. Is this a musical for people who don't like musicals? Is there a deeper meaning beneath the surface?  We discuss it all in this week's episode.

Maybe you've never heard of this film. But sometimes those are the most rewarding. It's almost February and we're watching THE ONE I LOVE... a charming, funny, weird, scary, and shocking film about relationships. 

For our final episode of the year, we want to give you a BONUS EPISODE. Seven meaningful movies of 2023. Rob Stennett goes solo to share what about watching and thinking more deeply about these films.

Is this the most meaningful Christmas movie ever made? We encourage you to watch this classic and then join us as we debate the characters, the themes, and what it all means.  Connect with us:  FACEBOOK GROUP INSTAGRAM 

We begin with a SPOILER-FREE discussion on Martin Scorcese's 3.5 hour epic. And then we breakdown our most meaningful scenes, characters, and the meaning of The Killers Of A Flower Moon. 

It's our FIRST Pixar film and we have questions: What emotions should they have added? Where does INSIDE OUT rank in the PIXAR cannon? What is the most meaningful emotion? We debate all of this and more in this week's episode.  CONNECT WITH US: Instagram Facebook Group Website

What if we told you the meaning of The Sixth Sense is much more than it's twist? What if we told you this is one of the best ghost stories ever made? We discuss M. Night Shyamalan's masterpiece, Bruce Willis, and so much more in this week's episode. 

Do you like scary podcasts? So do we! So let's talk about Wes Craven's self-aware meta slasher SCREAM. Is there depth? What is it trying to say? Let's find out in this week's episode.

This is the definitive story of Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook. But is it accurate? Does that matter? What does a movie that came long over a decade ago say about social media today? We get into it all in this week's episode. 

It's time to discuss Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster / biopic / epic film...Oppenheimer. What did we make of all of the cameos? How do you talk about meaning in such a dense film? What Oscars will it win next year? We get into it all in this week's episode. 

It's time to talk about THE MOVIE of the summer. It's made lots of money. It's the talk of social media. Does this movie work? Does it unfairly attack men? Does it have the most outfit changes in cinema history? We have thoughts and it's time to debate what it all means in this week's episode…

We finally discuss our first Coen Brothers film, the 1996 masterpiece FARGO. We debate the script, the setting, the characters, and of course what it all means.  Follow us on INSTAGRAM  Join the conversation on FACEBOOK 

What if we told you The Founder holds a place right alongside films like Citizen Kane and The Social Network? We think it does and we're going to back up our claim (or at least Rob will try) in this week's episode. Join us for Michael Keaton's film 2016 film...THE FOUNDER. Join the discussion on Facebook Visit our website 

Damien Chazelle (LA LA LAND) tells the story of a mentor relationship unlike any other.  This is no Yoda or Mr. Miagi… BUT it is a show-stopping Oscar-winning performance by JK Simmons. It's time to dive into what it all means.

It's time to talk about one of our most anticipated films of last year. But did it live up to they hype? We have a lot of questions and thoughts about Jordan Peele's NOPE. 

It's time to talk about the best-written show on television! In the first part of the episode, we have a SPOILER-FREE discussion about why you should be watching the show (if you're not already) and why we love it.  In the second part, we get SPOILER-Y as we talk about our most meaningful characters, moments, and what we hope to see leading up to the finale. Join the disgusting brothers Rob Stennett and Patton Dodd for today's episode of The Meaning Of The Movie (or show). 

Luke, I am your podcast. It's time to cover one of the greatest sequels ever made. We'll talk about twists, the characters, and the surprising meanings we find in this film.  Guest hosts Ryan Fraizer and Darren Shaw join Rob Stennett for this week's episode of The Meaning Of The Movie. 

Are you hungry for a good podcast? It's time to dine on 2022's horror/thriller/satire The Menu. Host Rob Stennett invites two friends of the show Jon Michael Simpson and Jeff McQuitty to discuss... what does it all mean?

The 2023 Oscars are coming on March 12th! What movies matter? What movies do we think are going to win? What movies do we want to win?  Rob does his first-ever solo podcast to give you some thoughts and help you prepare for Oscar Night in this BONUS episode. 

Rob and Andrew are IN PERSON for Takia Watiti's 2019 (comedy? drama?) Jojo Rabbit. We debate the themes, the meanings, and how he somehow pulls an impossible premise together. Send us an email Join us on Facebook  Visit our website

What if we told you Ryan from The Office created a film noir that delves deeply into the cultural divide in America? What if we told you it's one of our most interesting films of 2022? We give you Vengenace from writer/director BJ Novak. It's a murder mystery rooted in the divide between red and blue states. It's a tale that shocks you like spicy ketchup from Whataburger. Join our Facebook group here Email our host here Now streaming on Peacock (but this changes all the time to so keep current with the Just Watch app)

What did 2022 mean in movies? What movies surprised us most? What movies disappointed us? And what were our top five movies of the year?  We get into some major disagreements about some of our favorites and look for the deeper meaning across all 2022 films. Join us for this week's episode.  We'd love to hear your top five films: Post them on our FB group  Or email rob@storyize.co  

Where does Speilberg rank on the list of all-time directors? How do we feel about him making a biopic about himself? Is this navel-gazing or artistic and one of the year's best films?  We have lots of questions and even more answers and takes on this week's episode. You can listen to a spoiler-free opening 10 minutes as we discuss Speilberg. Listen to the episode. See the film. And decide for yourself..."What does it all mean?"  Visit our website  Join our Facebook group

Let's talk about Die Hard. This is a re-release of our pilot episode of MOTM. We debate what makes a Christmas movie, the most meaningful scenes and characters, and what the movie means.  Come out to the podcast, we'll get together, have a few laughs...for this classic episode with Die Hard.  Visit our website Join our Facebook group  

This is not a Thanksgiving movie. It is THE Thanksgiving movie. What makes it last? Is the ending actually dark and disturbing? We discuss the incredible performances of Steve Martin and John Candy, the career of John Hughes, and a whole lot more in this week's episode.   Join our group on Facebook Visit our website 

The Shining is an all-time classic Halloween film. But is it scary? In this week's episode, we debate the film, the many interpretations, and the battle between Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick.  Join the discussion in our Facebook group Visit our website here

In part one we talked about the first two episodes. Now you can hear what we think of the whole season. Did we like it more or less than we thought we would? What makes something Tolkein-y? What does it all mean?  Hear our analysis and thoughts on the meaning of the full season of The Lord Of The Rings: Rings Of Power in this week's episode.

Is the Zodiac Killer ground zero for America's fascination with serial killers? Is this film a horror or a thriller? What's the difference? And whose story is this (Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, or Robert Downey Jr)? We're doing a deep dive into Fincher, the Zodiac, the history, the meaning and the hidden messages. Join us as we debate it all in our kickoff to October films.

It's time to cover our first true comedy on the podcast! We talk Apatow, rank comedy eras, and ask why are comedies so easily written off. This week we're joined by special guest Naomi Beatty. She brings great insight as a screenwriting consultant and instructor. You can get her book here (we love this book) and you can learn more about her work here. Run to download this episode like you're searching for a bathroom after a bad batch of Brazillian BBQ. Join our Facebook Group Visit our website 

We know it's a TV Show and not a movie…BUT we also talk about the original LOTR films, The Hobbit films, and the new series on Amazon Prime. What does it mean? How did we feel watching this show? It's a Tolkein fest on our latest episode. Editor's note: Rob's audio is rough and we're working on fixing it. But we still think this episode is worth a listen.

The summer movie season is almost over. We wanted to stop and reflect. We normally talk about the movies we love. What about the movies that didn't work? We're going to get into that this episode. We'll also talk about the podcast itself. What we got right. What we got wrong. The state of Disney. The state of our souls. We cover a lot in this episode. It's our last episode of the summer and then we'll kick it off again in the fall.  MOVIES COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Jurassic World: Dominion  Lightyear  Dr. Strange And The Multiverse Of Madness

In a summer of lackluster blockbusters, STRANGER THINGS still has our attention. So much so that we recorded with ROB IN FRANCE. His AUDIO is not as sharp as normal but we couldn't wait any longer to do a deep dive into part 2. What did at all mean? Why did it work for us? What characters were strongest? And where were we right and wrong with our predictions? We discuss it all in this episode of The Meaning of The Movie.