Fade To Black

This week, Amon speaks to Adura Onashile about her feature debut GIRL (11:02). Then we fall under the seductions of William Oldroyd’s EILEEN (27:06), tune up for documentary AMERICAN SYMPHONY (40:22), and take a trip down CANDY CANE LANE (52:52), and Amon has a chat with Savanah Leaf about capturing a single mother’s journey in EARTH MAMA (01:10:40).  

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:24:59), we discuss Bob Iger’s recent comments and the wider state of art in a corporate world. 

This week, Clarisse speaks to Jennifer Lee (08:33), the chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, and a writer and executive producer on WISH, while we review the film (22:57). Meanwhile, destiny has brought us reviews of Ridley Scott’s NAPOLEON (33:03) and Joanna Hogg’s Gothic ghost story, THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER (59:41), while Amon speaks to George C. Wolfe and Colman Domingo about bringing the 1963 March on Washington to screen in RUSTIN (01:19:42). 

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:40:31), we discuss Hollywood’s latest wave of McCarthyism, after news Melissa Barrera has been dropped from Scream 7 for her posts about the ongoing genocide in Palestine. 

This week, Amon speaks with the director of STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING Roger Ross Williams (7:10) about his new Netflix documentary. Then we go back to Panem for THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES (19:25), visit a ridiculously extravagant crib in Emerald Fennell’s SALTBURN (36:27) and check out new Todd Haynes Drama MAY DECEMBER (48:03) starring acting heavyweights Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman.  Plus, in our HOT TAKE (59:55), with the recent news that Pedro Pascal is in talks to play Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, we fancast the upcoming Fantastic 4 movie. Our choices may surprise you!

Hi listeners! Loki's second season recently concluded in glorious fashion, aided by a God-tier score by Natalie Holt. In this exclusive interview, our Amon Warmann spent one hour with the composer chatting about the show's biggest moments, character themes, her episode 3 cameo (did you spot her?), and much more.

This week, we have reviews of ANATOMY OF A FALL (02:45), and David Fincher’s THE KILLER (17:13). Then we go big on THE MARVELS; Hanna chats with director and co-writer Nia DaCosta (36:49), the team review the film (52:11), Amon gets the low-down on the score with composer Laura Karpman (01:07:27), and in our HOT TAKE (01:25:30) we get into spoiler territory for the Captain Marvel sequel.

This week, Hanna talks all things love with FINGERNAILS writer-director Christos Nikou (09:24). Then we get down with the girlies with reviews of Molly Manning Walker's HOW TO HAVE SEX (27:03), Kitty Green's THE ROYAL HOTEL (47:24) and Emma Seligman's BOTTOMS (1:07:57).

And, in our HOT TAKE, we pick apart the latest drama from Marvel Studios (01:28:18).

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Clarisse chats to director Kitty Green about the real-world horrorscape of THE ROYAL HOTEL (14:25). Meanwhile, we spend FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S (27:42), as the viral video game sensation finally makes it to screens; while we meet some PAIN HUSTLERS (48:49) in Netflix’s Emily Blunt and Chris Evans-starring pharmaceutical drama, and take CAT PERSON (01:09:15) out on a date, as Emilia Jones and Nicholas Braun star in the big-screen adaptation of Kristen Roupenian’s New Yorker short story. 

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:34:30), we ask: are there too many damn superhero origin stories?  

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Hanna speaks to actor-filmmaker Adam Deacon about bringing Rico & Kane (click, clack) to screen (14:11), while we review the film (22:41). 

Plus, in a special, expanded edition of HOT TAKE (33:40), we round-up our London Film Festival experiences and share our hot picks for the coming months. 

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Clarisse chats THE CREATOR with its creator, Gareth Edwards (10:44), while we review the sci-fi epic (28:46); plus, we try to escape Jigsaw’s traps in the nefarious SAW X (51:49), and we discuss what may be the last film from one of Britain’s most celebrated directors, Ken Loach’s THE OLD OAK (01:04:24). 

Plus, in this week’s HOT TAKE (01:25:30), we break down the WGA’s tentative deal with the AMPTP & celebrate the end of their strike. 

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Amon chats to Craig Gillespie (6:40) about stonks, tendies, & the GameStop short squeeze drama of DUMB MONEY. We’ll also review the film (24:29), alongside action sequel EXPEND4BLES (41:53) & Pedro Almodóvar’s sensuous, western short STRANGE WAY OF LIFE (01:00:50). 

Plus, in this week’s HOT TAKE (1:18:10) we discuss Lily Gladstone's Oscar campaign and why she's gone from supporting to (rightfully) best actress.

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, we check out Kenneth Brannagh's latest Poirot mystery A HAUNTING IN VENICE (19:18), jump in the ring with CASSANDRO (37:24), and follow the ups and downs of two siblings in BROTHER (52:44).

Plus, we bring back BE KIND REWIND, as Hanna chats to LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN director PAUL MCGUIGAN (01:06:55) before we reassess the 2006 neo-noir (01:36:23).

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Hanna chats with writer-director Celine Song about her feature debut PAST LIVES (07:56), and we review the film (29:21). Then we take a trip to Greece for a chat about MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 (50:07), and learn about Charles Carson in A LIFE ON THE FARM (01:08:43). Hanna also interviews exec producer and director Mimi Leder about season three of THE MORNING SHOW (01:30:47).

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:45:01), we discuss the ethics of reviews aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Clarisse chats to Ira Sachs about power, sex, identity, and really nice coats in PASSAGES (11:38), and then the pod team review the film (29:00). We also have a gander at sticky horror COBWEB (44:27), while Amon talks to Antoine Fuqua about taking down the mafia in THE EQUALIZER 3 (59:39), before a review of Denzel Washington’s latest (01:16:13).

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:32:10), festival season kicks off in full at Venice and we ask the question, “what makes for good festival tweet etiquette?”

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Amon chats with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto about bringing the Latino superhero to the big screen (12:31). Then the pod team review the latest DC film (23:08), French romantic drama Lie With Me (41:13), and doggy comedy Strays (51:48). Also, Clarisse chats to Charlotte Regan about her British feature debut Scrapper (01:08:00), which we’ll be reviewing next week.  

Plus in our HOT TAKE (01:25:00), we discuss the latest data on the limiting and lacking progress towards inclusion in Hollywood.

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Clarisse shares a spirited conversation with HAUNTED MANSION director Justin Simien (11:19), then we review the new ride-to-screen adaptation (28:13), GRAN TURISMO (49:56) and L’IMMENSITÀ (1:07:07). 

PLUS in our HOT TAKE (1:23:29) we discuss the best way to handle bad behaviour at the cinema.

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Hanna speaks to Adele Lim about her directorial debut JOY RIDE (08:56) and pack our bags to review the film (18:54), hang out with some colourful trans personalities in KOKOMO CITY (33:58), and go deeper than deep to visit the trench in MEG 2 (49:12).

Plus in our HOT TAKE (01:10:40), we ask – could the gimmick of BARBENHEIMER bring back the double feature?

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Pop! goes THE BEANIE BUBBLE as Clarisse talks to star Geraldine Viswanathan (15.30) and we review the film (30.58). Plus, we chat TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (48.15) and Australian horror TALK TO ME (01.09.09). 

Plus in our hot take (01.28.21), we ask… did the multiverse ruin the MCU?

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

The time of BARBENHEIMER is finally upon us. Amon chats to Ludwig Göransson about scoring the end of the world in OPPENHEIMER (8:03), while we review the film (33:50) before a visit to Greta Gerwig’s dream house as we chat BARBIE (1:12:23). Plus, things get freaky with THEY CLONED TYRONE (1:41:17). 

Plus in our hot take, we lay out what you need to know about the SAG-AFTRA strike (1:56:28). 

This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn't exist.

This week, Clarisse sits down with ELEMENTAL director Peter Sohn to talk about that personal Pixar touch & the joys of crying (08:30), while we review the film (22:25). We also chat about new documentary SHABU (41:14), while Hanna speaks to Hayley Atwell about – if she chooses to accept – kicking ass alongside Tom Cruise in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE (56:04) and we share our own thoughts on the seventh film in the franchise (01:15:21). 

Plus in our HOT TAKE (01:33:36), we ride a motorcycle off a cliff and into some major MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE spoilers. Avoid this section of the pod until you’ve watched the film!

This week, we’re whispering not so carelessly about WHAM!, the new Netflix documentary about the ‘80s band (06:48). Then Amon puts on the fedora and whip to chat INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY with star Mads Mikkelsen (20:56), we decide whether the film belongs in a museum in our review (35:47), and Hanna interviews director James Mangold (52:49). 

Plus in our HOT TAKE (01:16:36), we get into a few DIAL OF DESTINY spoilers & talk about how & when Hollywood should be bringing back fan favourites. 

Hi listeners!

We're back once again with a special bonus episode, this time talking season 3 of Netflix's The Witcher with Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan. Their respective characters - Yennefer of Vengerberg and Princess Cirilla - have enjoyed substantial growth over the first two seasons. That continues with these new episodes, which deepens the connection between Yen and Ciri in surprising new ways.

Our Amon Warmann asked them about the evolution of their relationship and much more when they came into London recently to promote the new season, and we've kept it pretty much spoiler-free just in case fans haven't had a chance to watch it yet. But we highly recommend that you do!

This week, we review Wes Anderson at his most Wes Andersony with ASTEROID CITY (09:27), as Jennifer Lawrence gets her comedy on in NO HARD FEELINGS (30:05) and we enter our villain era with Netflix animation NIMONA (45.27).

Plus in our hot take, we get into SECRET INVASION (57:10).

This week, Clarisse speaks to writer-director Dionne Edwards (12:17) about PRETTY RED DRESS, and then the team review the film (33:21). We’re going INLAND (47:58) for Fridtjof Ryder’s atmospheric British drama, and we give our verdict on Andy Muschietti’s controversial DC debut The FLASH (01:01:03). 

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:26:27), we talk about the ethics of CGI likenesses.

Hi listeners! Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has only been in cinemas for a couple weeks but it's made quite the impression, exceeding expectations at the box office along with earning many critical plaudits. The Fade To Black crew loved the sequel (listen to Episode #113 for our review!), and one of the reasons why was the innovative score by returning composer Daniel Pemberton.

As a nerd for all things film music, our Amon Warmann jumped at the chance to chat with him about some of the incredible details that went into his musical storytelling. The chat included a spoilery detour about 25 minutes in to discuss the final few moments of the film, so if you haven't yet watched Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (and you totally should! It's awesome!), you might want to pause it there.

This week, we Autobots roll out as we review TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS (26:07), while Hanna speaks to its stars Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback (10:49); meanwhile, we solve a murder amongst hairstylists in MEDUSA DELUXE (49:04), and visit 18th-century France to hear the musical stylings of CHEVALIER (1:21:47). Amon also spoke to its star, the chevalier himself, Kelvin Harrison Jr (1:02:25). 

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (1:33:59), we ask - is it possible to have a franchise without a fandom? 

This week, Amon speaks to the stars of SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE – Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, and Daniel Kaluuya (10:34) – while the pod team reviews the animated sequel (22:29). We also confront THE BOOGEYMAN (44:22) in Rob Savage’s new horror, and face up to REALITY (01:02:05) in Tina Satter’s true-to-life take on the NSA employee who leaked crucial information to the US public about Russian interference in the 2016 elections. 

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:17:40), we take a swan dive right into those SPIDER-VERSE spoilers, and try to guess what might lie ahead for one Miles Morales. 

This week, Hanna speaks to filmmaker Erige Sehiri about her intimate Tunisia drama UNDER THE FIG TREES (09:31), while we go back to school with ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET (33:35), embark on an existential odyssey with Ari Aster’s BEAU IS AFRAID (54:41), and rev our submarines for FAST X (01:18:11). 

And, in our HOT TAKE (01:31:19), we talk FAST X spoilers and get into just who we hope shows their face in part two of this climactic franchise finale.

This week, Clarisse speaks to filmmaker Nina Menkes about deconstructing the gendered gaze in film in her new documentary BRAINWASHED: SEX-CAMERA-POWER (13:28), while we raise our prosecco glasses to the gals of BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER (37:25), see if Jennifer Lopez really is THE MOTHER of all mothers in her latest action vehicle (52:18), and visit London during the Troubles in Sky Cinema’s DEAD SHOT (01:07:24). 

And, in our HOT TAKE (01:19:53), we talk about the WGA’s current strike and what cinema lovers everywhere should do to show their support. 

This week, Hanna speaks to Lotfy Nathan about his Tunisian revolution drama HARKA (06:46), before we review the film (26:21). Plus we RETURN TO SEOUL (36:53) in Davy Chou’s tale of an adoptee’s search for identity and say goodbye to Marvel’s most loveable a-holes with GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3 (49:19).

And, in our HOT TAKE, we get into some Guardians spoilers (1:07:02)!

This week, Amon chats to AV Rockwell about the rapidly changing face of New York City and working with Teyana Taylor on her debut feature A THOUSAND AND ONE (6:33); while we rev up our chainsaws for EVIL DEAD RISE (26:38), boot up our laptops for MISSING (40:24), and the lay down the charge for HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE (56:05). Plus, Hanna talks to the star and creator of Prime Video’s DEAD RINGERS (1:10:38), Rachel Weisz and Alice Birch, all about how they drew fresh blood from David Cronenberg’s 1988 psychosexual thriller. 

And, in our HOT TAKE, we chat the finale of season 3 of THE MANDALORIAN (1:31:36).  

This week, we power-up with THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE (09:57), get our kicks on with AIR (30:29), and accept the mission in OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE (47:51). 

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:01:59), with Moana receiving the live-action treatment only six years after its original release & Warner Bros exploring a Harry Potter TV series, we ask: how much IP is too much IP? 

This week, Hanna sits down with DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONG THIEVES star Sophia Lillis (07:43), and we review the new fantasy film (26:58). We also give our verdict on TETRIS (44:17) and take a look at GOD’S CREATURES (01:02:02).

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:13:13) we have a conversation about the redeeming of problematic men in the film industry.

This week, Clarisse chats to writer-director Zach Braff about what makes A GOOD PERSON (11:03), while we review the Florence Pugh-starring addiction drama (28:36). We also talk bullet balletics in JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 (39:45) and Freudian orgies in INFINITY POOL (01:04:35), while Clarisse also sits down with BREAKING director Abi Damaris Corbin to chat about working with the phenomenal John Boyega (01:19:24). 

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:37:08), with the middling reception to Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, we ask if people are finally getting the superhero fatigue?

This week, Hanna’s invited into the Freudian nightmare that is INFINITY POOL as she speaks to its director, Brandon Cronenberg (18:10). Meanwhile, will we marvel at SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS (37:45), fall in love with RYE LANE (01:04:50), And turn PEARL into a star (01:21:55)? Find out in this week’s reviews. 

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:39:46), we ruminate on THE MOVIE CRITIC, Quentin Tarantino’s recently announced tenth (and final!) film.

This week, Hanna speaks to Vivian Oparah about RYE LANE (7:07), while we talk bloody murder in SCREAM VI (21:36), scoring baskets in sports comedy CHAMPIONS (41:48), and indie bands in doc MEET ME IN THE BATHROOM (53:23).

And, in our HOT TAKE (1:05:37), we drop our Oscar predictions ahead of the ceremony!

On this special episode of Fade to Black, Amon follows Cynthia Erivo into London’s criminal underbelly to chat about LUTHER: THE FALLEN SUN (08:11), and we review the film (29:34). Then we enter the ring with Michael B Jordan’s CREED III (45:46) and turn the camera on the documentary form itself with Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera’s SUBJECT (01:06:59). But that’s not it! THE MANDALORIAN is BACK on our screens and, to mark the occasion, Clarisse spoke to series creator Jon Favreau about what lies ahead for Din and Grogu (01:27:16).

And, in our HOT TAKE (01:42:47), we give our full, spoilerific thoughts on the first episode of season three.

This week, Clarisse talks COCAINE BEAR with screenwriter Jimmy Warden (05:10), while - in our review (24:44) - we decide once and for all whether that bear really did cocaine. Plus, we talk found families in Hirokazu Kore-eda’s BROKER (37:21) and arranged marriage in rom-com WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? (48:00) Also, Amon speaks to Ashley Madekwe about Netflix’s thriller THE STRAYS (1:03:33).

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (1:18:05), with #BaftasSoWhite trending once more, we ask whether the organization’s supposed commitment to change has actually made any material difference to the awards.

This week, Amon sits down with Justice Smith to discuss the many twists and turns of Apple TV+’s SHARPER (14:02), while we review the glistening torsos of MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE (30:52),  the tough conversations of WOMEN TALKING (49:43), and the closeted sexualities of BLUE JEAN (01:12:27).

Plus, in our HOT TAKE (01:25:03), we discuss whether it’s hypocritical for outspoken actors to work with problematic directors?

This week, Hanna talks to Darren Aronofsky about his Oscar contender THE WHALE (08:36) and we review his latest drama (21:18). We also pay a visit to M. Night Shyamalan’s apocalyptic thriller KNOCK AT THE CABIN (38:32), follow a dramatic court case in SAINT OMER (53:33), and Clarisse talks to Harvey Guillén about his new role in PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (01:12:42), which we review too (01:27:39).

Meanwhile, in our HOT TAKE (01:42:35), we discuss the latest DC announcements!

This week, we board PLANE (29:53), while Amon speaks to its stars, Gerard Butler and Mike Colter (09:36). Plus, we’re invited back into Steven Spielberg’s childhood for THE FABELMANS (43:14), join Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel for a SHOTGUN WEDDING (1:03:18), and witness ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED (1:14:55) of Nan Goldin’s life in Laura Poitras’s new documentary.

Meanwhile, in our HOT TAKE (1:25:28), we pick apart those Oscar nominations.

This week, Hanna chats to director Emily Atef about her film MORE THAN EVER (07:25), a drama about love and death set against the Norwegian mountains, while we review the film (29:24). Plus, we dive into BABYLON (37:07), Damien Chazelle’s grand ode to Hollywood’s silent era; domestic violence drama ALICE, DARLING (01:08:24), with Anna Kendrick; and HOLY SPIDER (01:22:06), while tells the story of one of Iran’s most infamous serial killers.

Meanwhile, in our HOT TAKE (01:36:21), we start Fade to Black’s official awards season coverage by picking apart this week’s Bafta nominations.

We’re back! Our first episode of 2023 has Amon speaking to Mamie Till-Mobley herself, Danielle Deadwyler (10:03), while the pod team discusses Chinonye Chukwu’s portrait of a mother’s love and resilience in historical drama TILL (27:44). Tom Hanks gets grumpy in A MAN CALLED OTTO (44:22), Sam Mendes pens his love letter to cinema in EMPIRE OF LIGHT (58:39), and a teenage girl finds the unlikeliest of allies in Spanish horror PIGGY (01:14:10). Clarisse also speaks to THE PALE BLUE EYE star Harry Melling about playing literature’s ultimate goth, Edgar Allan Poe (01:30:47).

Meanwhile, in our HOT TAKE (01:49:47), we share our most anticipated films of 2023.