Cover to Credits
186 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 118 ratingsCover to Credits is a bi-weekly podcast that analyzes books and their movie adaptations. Hosts Ian George and Adina Hilton cover a variety of genres, critiquing both the film and novel it's based on, while trying to understand what makes a good adaptation. Stories are also frequently viewed from a feminist lens, where representation, gender roles, and other elements are often times explored.
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Episodes
Jack Reacher (2012)
April 24, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 123 MBThis episode we look at the first adaptation of a Jack Reacher story with the film... Jack Reacher! Starring Tom Cruise and adapted from the Lee Child novel, One Shot. We get to discuss so many things this episode, like Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise's height, and what an asshole Tom Cruise is in this film! We also talk about our beloved hometown Pittsburgh, Russian conspiracies a lot about boat shoes!
Jackie Brown
April 10, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBThis episode we get to discuss the only adaptation in Quentin Tarantino's filmography, Jackie Brown, based on the novel Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard! This story of crime and likable anti-heroes feels typical for Tarantino, so it's surprising how faithful it is to the source material, but we still have plenty to discuss, including genre influences, fantastic performances and THE MALL!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
March 27, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 150 MBThis episode we look at the new adaptation of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan on Disney Plus, created by Rick Riordan himself and Jonathan E. Steinberg. This beloved series explores Greek mythology in a string of wacky hi jinks with the goal of uncovering a massive conspiracy among the Gods. We discuss the humor of the novel, the impeccable casting of the show and some pretty fantastic choreography and visual effects.
Killers of the Flower Moon
March 13, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 156 MBThis episode we discuss the long awaited adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon, written by David Grann and directed by Martin Scorsese! This story depicts the real life horrors faced by the Osage tribe in the 1920's when they were murdered for their oil money. The book reads like a detective mystery (at points) and yet the movie took a different approach, putting the relationship between Ernest and Mollie at the center. But how do these two versions compare? And which did we prefer? Hit '...
The Color Purple (1985)
February 28, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 150 MBThis episode we look at the classic Alice Walker novel and Steven Spielberg film The Color Purple. The story of Celie and her struggles as a black women in the early 1900's is full of hardships, but there's also plenty of humor and triumph as well, leading us into discussions on everything from intersectional feminism and queer representation, to Kitchen Nightmares and celebrity feuds.
Red, White & Royal Blue
February 14, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBThis episode we look at a popular, contemporary romance novel, Red, White & Royal Blue, and the recent Amazon film adaptation directed by Matthew Lopez. We're discussing classic rom-com tropes, a bi-sexual crisis, and asking the big questions, like "Do the members of the Royal Family know how to ride a bike?"
Let the Right One In (2008)
January 31, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 149 MBThis episode we discuss a coming of age story that is as tender as it is bloody, Let the Right One In, written by John Ajvide Lindqvist with the film adaptation directed by Tomas Alfredson. We discuss this story's themes of violence, some amazing special effects (with one notable exception) and "the blood at home."
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
January 17, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 113 MBThis episode we discuss the classic Judy Blume novel, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. and the 2023 film adaptation directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. This story perfectly highlights the trials and tribulations of puberty, family, and the mysterious pursuit of God, all while delivering amazing comedy and beautiful moments between friends and family.
The Namesake
January 03, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBThis episode we look at a popular book from the early 2000's, The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri, and the film adaptation directed by Mira Nair. This story examines what it means to be caught between two homes and two cultures, and how the experiences of second generation immigrants can differ from their parents. But don't worry, we also keep it light and discuss awkward sexual tensions, crazy ex girlfriends, and unconvincing age differences between parents and children.
The Circle
December 20, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 123 MBIn this episode we enter the world of The Circle, a semi-dystopian tale of social media, technology and privacy, written by Dave Eggers with the film directed by James Ponsoldt. We discuss the overwhelming sense of anxiety brought on by office culture, the changing landscape of satire, and putting microchips in the bones of children!
Babe (1995)
December 06, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBThis episode, we celebrate our new dog, Arwen, by discussing a pig (that behaves like a dog) in the classic film Babe, directed by Chris Noonan, and based on the book by Dick King-Smith. We discuss how this film innovated new special effects techniques, the darker aspects of the story, and exactly why Christmas means carnage!
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
November 22, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 142 MBWe return to the world of The Hunger Games this episode for the prequel novel and film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, written by Suzanne Collins and directed by Francis Lawrence. This story answers so many questions we had about the world of Panem, like "Who invented the Hunger Games?" "Do birds have remotes?" and "What if President Snow but with abs?"
Fried Green Tomatoes
November 08, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 122 MBThis episode we discuss the hilarious, tragic, and occasionally grim adventures (if you know you know) of a small Alabama town in Fried Green Tomatoes, directed by Jon Avnet and based on the novel by Fannie Flagg. This episode has us talking about queer and black representation, suggestive food fights and the several(?) twists and the end of the film.
The Thing (1982)
October 25, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 123 MBWe close out this October with a horror classic, The Thing, directed by John Carpenter in 1982, and based on the novella, Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell. We're talking big hats, dog Oscars, confusing blood tests, monsters that are committed performers, and of course, our thoughts on that ending!
The Ring
October 11, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 120 MBWe're kicking off October with a horror classic of the early 2000's, The Ring, directed by Gore Verbinski and based on the novel by Koji Suzuki. This film adaptation (although not the first) brings chills and scares aplenty, while the novel managed to horrify us in ways we weren't expecting. This episode we delve into antiquated technology, questionable friendships and Smallpox?
Jane Eyre (2011)
September 27, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 156 MBThis episode we look at the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, and its 2011 film adaptation by Cary Joji Fukunaga. This story of gothic romance is one of Adina's favorites and gave us so much to discuss, including the "hideously ugly" leads, the ridiculous pranks of Mr. Rochester and the interesting dom/sub undertones of the Jane's relationships!
Heartstopper Season 2
September 13, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBThe story of Charlie and Nick continues this episode as we discuss Season 2 of the Netflix series Heartstopper, based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman! This season was broken up by a beautiful trip to Paris and featured plenty of romantic tension, acts of kindness, and extreme emotional growth, especially by a certain wacky-haired individual! Let the Pride Tide wash us all away!
The Giver
August 30, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 134 MBThis episode we discuss the acclaimed novel The Giver, written by Lois Lowry, and the 2014 film adaptation directed by Phillip Noyce. This unique book asks what makes life worth living and what are we willing to sacrifice for comfort and stability, and the film asks "what if Meryl Streep were a hologram?" You can imagine we have a lot to discuss this episode, from grown men sledding, to bathing the elderly, and even BMX motocross jumps.... maybe it would just make more sense for you to liste...
Nimona
August 16, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 114 MBThis episode we discuss Nimona, the web-comic turned graphic novel by N.D. Stevenson, and the 2023 film adaptation directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane. We discuss the queer themes of both versions, compare the art and animation styles, and ask ourselves why sharks on legs are so damn funny.
The Princess Bride
August 02, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 134 MBThis episode, we're discussing the classic film The Princess Bride (Inconceivable!), directed by Rob Reiner in 1987 and the novel that inspired it, written by William Goldman. We discuss the humor and hijinks of each version, including the deep and fictional mythology of the novel, as well as the amazing cast, our favorite lines, and we even try to count the number of times characters are knocked unconscious (which is quite a lot!)
No Country for Old Men
July 19, 2023 14:06 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn this episode we're talking about the acclaimed Coen Brothers film No Country for Old Men (2007) and the Cormac McCarthy novel that it was based on. We discuss cold blooded killings, surprise Stephen Root appearances, and why those two cartel members were in the bathroom together.
Edge of Tomorrow
July 05, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 139 MBThis episode, life gets stuck on 'repeat' as we discuss the film Edge of Tomorrow, directed by Doug Liman, and the Japanese light novel that inspired it, All You Need is Kill, written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. This is one of our favorite sci-fi action films, so we were excited to read the source material, and boy do we have plenty to discuss! Dramatic narrators, convoluted time travel, and "the three types of women" are all points of discussion this episode!
A Man Called Otto
June 21, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 125 MBThis episode, we discuss the American adaptation (A Man Called Otto, directed by Marc Forster) of the beloved Swedish novel (A Man Called Ove, written by Fredrik Backman). We look at the dark comedy of the novel, the film's earnest tone, and the absolute waste of national treasure Mike Birbiglia.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
June 07, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 128 MBThis episode we examine the classic Audrey Hepburn film, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the novella it was based on by Truman Capote. We have fun, surface level topics to discuss (fashion, parties, $50 for the powder room) as well as meatier issues to mull over (racism, child brides, homophobia) so grab your pearl chokers and 3 foot long cigarette holders and settle in!
A Simple Favor
May 24, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 132 MBThis episode we discuss a domestic thriller that blurs the lines of suspense and comedy with A Simple Favor, written by Darcey Bell and its film adaptation directed by Paul Feig. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively show off their amazing chemistry and comedic chops in this film, but is the book as subversive or witty? This episode we delve into questionable sibling relationships, amazing fashion, and advanced 'mom-ing.'
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
May 10, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 97 MBLet your imaginations run wild this episode as we discuss The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, directed by Ben Stiller and adapted from the James Thurber short story. Despite being only 4-5 pages long, the Thurber story has remained relevent for decades, but of course there was a lot of expanding to be done for the feature film. We look at the way each version approaches Walter's day dreams, the film's globe trotting adventure and the iconic Benjamin Button parody scene which we have a lot of th...
Heartstopper
April 26, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBThis episode, love is in the air as we discuss Heartstopper, the Netflix series directed by Euros Lyn and based on the comic series by Alice Oseman. This LGBTQ+ love story is incredibly sweet and touching, but still manages to address a lot of interesting topics, like the struggles of knowing when to come out, the importance of friendship, and the mysterious rules of Rugby.
Daisy Jones & the Six
April 12, 2023 09:11 - 1 hour - 138 MBThis episode, we explore the rise and fall of the fictitious band Daisy Jones & the Six, written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and adapted as an Amazon Series in 2023. This story, inspired by real bands such as Fleetwood Mac, explores the romance, drug abuse and conflict going on as the band releases its hit album Aurora. We discuss the unique interview style of the book, the boundaries of commitment and a ghoulish looking Sam Claflin (at least in one scene.
All the President’s Men
March 29, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBThis episode we follow the money and learn about All the President's Men, written by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, and directed by Alan J. Pakula in 1976. We discuss the facts of this conspiracy, the players involved, and the larger picture of Watergate. Get ready as we analyze subtle head nods, famous pornos, and the battle of facts vs. vibes!
Where the Wild Things Are
March 15, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 96 MBLet the wild rumpus start! Although it took nearly fifty years, Maurice Sendak's beloved children's book, Where the Wild Things Are (1963), finally made it's big screen debut in 2009, written and directed by Spike Jonze. We discuss how innovative the book was for its time, how the film expands on the story, and the fantastic production involved in bringing the story to life.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
March 01, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 146 MBThis episode we discuss the literary classic, All Quiet on the Western Front, written by Erich Maria Remarque, and the 2022 film adaptation directed by Edward Berger. This somber look at war gives us plenty of heavy topics mull over, but don't worry, there's also plenty of talk about bodily functions and goose stealing too.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)
February 15, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 136 MBThings get very steamy this episode as we discuss the novel Lady Chatterley's Lover, written by D. H. Lawrence, and the recent Netflix adaptation directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre. This story explores topics such as sex, gender, capitalism and systems of power, all while dishing out explicit sex scenes which got the book infamously banned and censored when it was first released. But can a book written in the 20's still be as shocking by today's standards? Yes it can.
Mockingjay Part 2
February 01, 2023 10:45 - 1 hour - 159 MBThe story of Katniss Everdeen and the Hunger Games comes to a conclusion this episode as we discuss Mockingjay Part 2, directed by Francis Lawrence and written by Suzanne Collins. As the war for Panem reaches its climax, we have important things to discuss, like pouty Gale, Capitol decor, scifi jargon and the practicality of creating lizard people!
Mockingjay Part 1
January 25, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBThis episode, the revolution WILL be televised, because we're discussing Mockingjay Part 1, written by Suzanne Collins and directed by Francis Lawrence. This is only the first part of the Hunger Games finale, but we've got plenty to discuss this episode, including the communist inspired District 13, bland love interests and the politics of selling war.
Jojo Rabbit
January 11, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBJojo Rabbit (2019), directed by Taika Waititi, was an instant hit when it was released, deftly juggling satire, earnestness, and drama to great effect. Many fans of the film were surprised to discover it was based on a novel, Caging Skies, by Christine Leunens, but we found out the hard way that the film is a shocking departure from this book, which is a twisted story of the toxic relationship between captor and captive, exploring themes of toxic masculinity and utter despair. Strap in as we...
Misery
December 27, 2022 21:17 - 1 hour - 135 MBTime to settle in for a cozy winter's tale, featuring torture, drug addiction, body mutilation, and insanity. which of course means we're discussing Stephen King's novel, Misery, and its 1990 adaptation directed by Rob Reiner. We have plenty of discussions this episode on King's ability to write about writing, the dark humor of the story, and the amazing performances that bring the film to life. Also, is James Caan giving the same performance in Elf as he does here??
A Christmas Carol
December 14, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBIn this episode, you will be haunted by three adaptations, all based on the classic Charles Dickens novella A Christmas Carol. We discuss the 1938 adaptation, directed by Edwiin L. Marin, The Muppet Christmas Carol, directed by Brian Henson, and Scrooged, directed by Richard Donner. These three films take varying approaches to bringing this classic story to life, whether its through a traditional approach, a faithful adaptation with puppets, or setting the story in modern day and casting Bil...
The Dry
November 30, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 122 MBThis episode we discuss the popular Australian murder mystery, The Dry, written by Jane Harper, and the 2020 film adaptation directed by Robert Connolly. This mystery sees a man return to his hometown, a small farming community struggling through a drought, after a horrific crime. Join us as we examine clues, watch a man ruin his chances of sex, and find out how Ian accidentally ruined the entire mystery for Adina.
Catching Fire
November 16, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBThe odds are not in Katniss's favor this episode as we witness her return to the Hunger Games with Catching Fire, written by Suzanne Collins and directed by Francis Lawrence. We discuss the powerhouse performance of Jennifer Lawrence, themes of political unrest, and whether President Snow would make a good Santa Clause.
Enola Holmes
November 02, 2022 02:38 - 1 hour - 117 MBIt's time to sleuth! This episode, we discuss the film Enola Holmes, directed by Harry Bradbeer and based on the novel The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer! We cover the usefulness of corsets, Henry Cavil being cast as the world's smartest man, and granny's with guns!
The Midnight Club
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 142 MBI hope you have your story ready, because it's time for The Midnight Club, written by Christopher Pike in 1994 and adapted by Mike Flanagan for Netflix. We've got stories on stories on stories to discuss this episode, as well as convoluted plotlines, loose ends, and theories on conspiracies! You'll want to gather around the fireplace for this one!
Dumplin’
October 05, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 112 MBThis episode we're discussing the story of a plus sized girl in a size two world with Dumplin', written by Julie Murphy and the film adaptation directed by Anne Fletcher. There's plenty of important subjects to discuss this episode, like fat representation and the unreal beauty standards women face. But also, we have speculate on what a diet of red lollipops will do to your teeth and what the Chili Bowl subplot of the book was really about!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
September 21, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 122 MBWe just got married, so now seems like the perfect time for a tale of star crossed love. This short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald became the basis for the 2008 adaptation directed by David Fincher. There's plenty to discuss this episode, like the ground breaking visual effects of the film, the surprisingly absurd tone of the short story, and what age was peak Brad Pitt?
The Sandman: Season 1
September 07, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 149 MBOnly in our wildest dreams did we think we would ever get a proper adaptation of Neil Gaiman's beloved comic series, but here it is! This Netflix series faithfully adapts the source material, blending elements of fantasy, horror and history with phenomenal CGI and performances. We discuss serial killer conventions, horny dreams and confounding superhero tie-ins among other things!
The Hunger Games
August 24, 2022 03:01 - 1 hour - 140 MBIt's finally time to discuss one of the most popular YA book and film franchises of the past ten years, beginning with The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins with the film directed by Gary Ross. In this episode we discuss sharp social commentary, impeccable casting, ill fitting fascist uniforms and Peeta's new identity as The Boy with Bread! And of course, may the odds etc.
Where the Crawdads Sing
August 10, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBThis episode, we discuss one of the most popular books of the last five years, Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens, and the film adaptation directed by Olivia Newman. This story of nature, love and murder, set along the coastline of North Carolina, captured readers everywhere, but did it grab us? We discuss learning to read, prejudice, and cutting cake like a psychopath. You don't want to miss this one.
Persuasion (2022)
July 27, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 128 MBWe return to the works of Jane Austen this episode with her novel Persuasion, published in 1817, and the Netflix film adaptation which was directed by Carrie Cracknell. The novel is a reflection on loneliness, grief, and the rekindled passion, while the film takes a more... modern approach to the story; full of fourth-wall breaking and awkward humor. How does this adaptation hold up to the classic? Why does Anne have a rabbit? Did Mr. Elliot kill his wife? Listen and find out!
The Borrowers/The Secret World of Arriety
July 13, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBGrab your Airpods (now where did you put those?) and listen to our latest episode on The Borrowers, written by Mary Norton, and its Studio Ghibli adaptation, The Secret World of Arriety, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. We discuss the fascinating lore of the novel, full of humor and metaphor, and the ways that it was vividly brought to life through animation. Get ready for discussions on dead-eyed children, household classism, and our favorite types of Ghibli men.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
June 29, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 112 MBThis episode, we delve into the life and misadventures of a single woman in her 30's with Bridget Jones's Diary, written by Helen Fielding and Directed by Sharon Macguire. This story is full of memorable scenes and situations, brought to life by the film's perfect cast, and also happens to be loosely inspired by one of our all time favorite books! What's not to love?
Under the Banner of Heaven
June 15, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 157 MBIn this episode, we look at Under the Banner of Heaven, the story of the 1984 murder of Brenda Lafferty by fundamentalist mormons, written by Jon Krakauer and adapted for TV by Dustin Lance Black. The book delves deeply into the history of the LDS church and Polygamist settlements while the show takes liberties to create a more personal story of faith confronting the evils that can emerge from a religion. Expect a lot of deep and philosophical discussions this episode, including ones about h...