Criticism Is Dead
118 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 81 ratingsA weekly podcast about the film, TV, and culture we're consuming and what it all means (if it means anything at all). Hosted by producer and writer Pelin Keskin-Liu and culture writer and critic Jenny G. Zhang.
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Episodes
An announcement
January 30, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 21.2 MBWe’re sorry for the wait! The fate of Criticism Is Dead has been decided. We hope you will listen to this update. Thank you. <3 ... Where to find us: Pelin: Twitter / Letterboxd / Instagram Jenny: Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Letterboxd If you need to get in touch, still: [email protected] Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
SUCCESSION SENDOFF: "With Open Eyes"
May 29, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 26.5 MBThis is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 10 “With Open Eyes,” the board decides. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
Barry, Yellowjackets, and mini grab bag
May 23, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBWe discuss Barry and Yellowjackets, two series about human darkness. 05:17 Barry season 4, streaming on HBO Max, is reaching new, uncanny, glorious heights. 29:51 Yellowjackets season 2, streaming on Showtime, doesn’t quite live up to all its promises, instead faltering and stalling to an unfortunate degree. 45:02 Plus, mini grab bag time! A collection of TV and films we’ve been watching recently, including You Hurt My Feelings, Mrs. Davis, Somebody Somewhere, The Eight Mountains, and mo...
SUCCESSION SENDOFF: "Church and State"
May 22, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 26.2 MBThis is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 9 “Church and State,” a funeral becomes a battleground. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 8: "America Decides"
May 15, 2023 12:00 - 16 minutes - 37.5 MBThis is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 8 “America Decides,” THIS IS WHAT AMERICA LOOKS LIKE etc. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
The Diplomat, How to Blow Up a Pipeline, and writers strike
May 09, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 44.4 MBWe discuss The Diplomat and How to Blow Up a Pipeline, a series and a film about political maneuvering — whether from the backroom or from on the ground. 02:59 Netflix’s The Diplomat, a soapy and snappy political and marital thriller, is tailor-made for fans of The West Wing and Keri Russell. 22:54 How to Blow Up a Pipeline, available in theaters/VOD, could use a touch more texture in its too-neat package, but is nevertheless affecting — almost radical, even. 40:37 Plus, shout out to the ...
SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 7: "Tailgate Party"
May 08, 2023 04:38 - 23 minutes - 22.7 MBThis is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 7 "Tailgate Party," a long-stewing showdown finally brings the naked truth to light. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 6: "Living+" feat. Andrew Liu
May 01, 2023 13:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBEpisode Notes This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 6 “Living Plus,” the kids are in LA for Investor Day. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 5: "Kill List" feat. Alison Herman
April 24, 2023 13:00 - 36 minutes - 31.8 MBShow Notes This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. This week we're joined by Variety's TV critic, Alison Herman. In episode five, "Kill List", the Waystar-Royco squadron meet their GoJo counterparts in Norway to try and finish the deal, but negotiations get inevitably trickier than they anticipated. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our S...
Beef, Showing Up, and Kylothée who???
April 18, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MBWe discuss Beef and Showing Up, a series and a film about characters who orbit around each other as frenemies — or straight-up enemies. 02:14 Beef, streaming on Netflix, is a darkly funny, often surprising, genuinely invigorating thrill of a TV show. 28:55 Showing Up, playing in theaters, is a deceptively unassuming portrait of an artist that — much like its protagonist — really grows on you. 47:23 Plus, the world reacts to rumors of Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. ... Follow us on ...
SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 4: "Honeymoon States"
April 17, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 23 MBThis is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 4 “Honeymoon States,” the Coronation Demolition Derby kicks off, garbed in black. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
Perry Mason, The Big Door Prize, and Love Is Blind s4
April 11, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 43.9 MBWe discuss Perry Mason and The Big Door Prize, two shows about people reluctantly grappling with their life potential. 03:22 Perry Mason, streaming on HBO Max, returns for a second season that is vibe-ier and better crafted than the first. 18:56 The Big Door Prize, streaming on Apple TV+, is the right blend of lighthearted quirk, existential questions, and plain intrigue. 34:04 Plus, a little chat about the jaw-dropping mess (complimentary) that is Love Is Blind season 4. ... Follow us ...
SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 3: "Connor's Wedding"
April 10, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBThis is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 3 “Connor’s Wedding,” the unthinkable — and the inevitable — happens. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
Return to Seoul, Rye Lane, and the trial of Gwyneth Paltrow
April 04, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 44.9 MBWe discuss Return to Seoul and Rye Lane, two films with a strong sense of place. 02:22 At times discomfiting, at times revelatory, the film Return to Seoul — playing in select theaters — is a distinctive spin on the journey of an adoptee. 26:19 The pleasant rom-com Rye Lane, streaming on Hulu, does a better job highlighting the charm of a city than any chemistry between its leads. 39:29 Plus, culture notes about how Gwyneth Paltrow litigated her way into stans’ hearts. ... Follow us on ...
SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 2: "Rehearsal"
April 03, 2023 13:00 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBThis is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 2 “Rehearsal,” business and personal issues became entangled (again). ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu
Top Chef, Next in Fashion, and the latest nepo baby
March 28, 2023 09:00 - 46 minutes - 42 MBWe discuss Top Chef and Next in Fashion, two reality competition shows that demonstrate the importance of skill. 04:06 We have a soft spot for Top Chef because we love to witness CRAFT, and season 20 — streaming on Hulu, Peacock, etc. — is no exception. 23:26 Netflix revived its promising fashion design competition reality show Next in Fashion only to completely butcher season 2. 37:23 Plus, new Coppola just dropped. ALSO, don't forget to check out our bonus SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 1 ...
SUCCESSION SENDOFF episode 1: "The Munsters"
March 27, 2023 13:00 - 23 minutes - 22.4 MBThis is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our new weekly special following along Succession’s fourth and final season! Featuring a review of what happened in episode 1, our thoughts, and three new recurring segments: Daddy’s Best Boy, The Disgusting Boy, and Death Watch. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to [email protected]. Music: ...
The best movies of all time (in our opinion)
March 14, 2023 09:00 - 48 minutes - 46.8 MBWe have a very special one for you this week. In honor of our 100th episode — yes, that’s right, this is the big 1-0-0! — we’re doing our own highly personal version of the AFI greatest films list. Presenting: our top seven films, respectively. (Obligatory disclaimers: We haven’t watched everything, these are not really in any particular order, these are just our opinions, etc.) 05:39 After Life (Hirokazu Kore-eda, 1998) 07:54 Spirited Away (Hayao Miyazaki, 2001) 10:36 Close-Up (Abbas Ki...
Top Gun: Maverick, The Reluctant Traveler, and Oscar predictions
March 07, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 43.2 MBWe discuss Top Gun: Maverick and The Reluctant Traveler, a film and a series about older men discovering that they have plenty left to live for. 02:41 Don’t overthink Top Gun: Maverick — the film, streaming on Paramount+ and MGM+, is the epitome of “turn your brain off and rock on.” 21:59 The Reluctant Traveler, streaming on Apple TV+, is a sometimes relatable, sometimes frustrating, always gorgeous travel show. 36:42 Plus, 2023 Oscar predictions: what we want to win versus what we think ...
The Last of Us, Hello Tomorrow!, and Succession countdown
February 28, 2023 10:00 - 47 minutes - 45.4 MBWe discuss The Last of Us and Hello Tomorrow!, two vastly different visions of the past, present, and future. 03:00 The Last of Us, streaming on HBO Max, is faithful yet fresh enough to appeal to both pre-existing fans and new viewers. 27:00 Hello Tomorrow!, streaming on Apple TV+, is a gorgeous but underbaked series about a grifter salesman in a retrofuturistic world. 40:58 Plus, culture notes about the upcoming fourth and final season of Succession (and Jeremy Strong being babygirl). ....
Shrinking, Sharper, and congrats to these celeb couples
February 21, 2023 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.9 MBWe discuss Shrinking and Sharper, a series and a film that work best if you’re willing to turn your brain off and enjoy the ride. 02:39 Shrinking, streaming on Apple TV+, is far from graceful at striking the balance between profound and lighthearted, but it boasts a likable cast with chemistry and laughs. 20:54 Sharper, streaming on Apple TV+, doesn’t quite stand up to close scrutiny, but it is both fun and visually striking. 33:37 Plus, happy belated Valentine’s to some famous people: Em...
Lockwood & Co, Somebody I Used to Know, and big red boots
February 14, 2023 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBWe discuss Lockwood & Co and Somebody I Used to Know, a TV series and a film about owning your agency, whether you’re a teen ghost killer or a documentary filmmaker. 02:54 Lockwood & Co, streaming on Netflix, takes a good idea (teen detective supernatural thriller) and builds out an appealing world with it. 18:50 Somebody I Used to Know, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, is a pleasant and self-aware surprise of a rom-com. 30:50 Plus, culture notes about the Astro Boy boots that have taken ...
To Leslie, Paul T. Goldman, and Pedro Pascal
February 07, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 40.5 MBWe discuss To Leslie and Paul T. Goldman, a film and a series about people trapped by their own demons. 03:37 To Leslie, available VOD, is a familiar narrative that’s elevated by an Oscar-worthy performance. 19:38 Paul T. Goldman, streaming on Peacock, is as painstakingly and skillfully crafted as it is completely wild. 38:35 Plus, culture notes about Pedro Pascal, an official boyfriend of the pod. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we...
Aftersun, Poker Face, and Andrea Riseborough
January 31, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 40.6 MBWe discuss Aftersun and Poker Face, a film and a series that use perspective to conceal and reveal pieces of the puzzle. 04:44 The father-daughter drama Aftersun, available VOD, is a feat of subtle, naturalistic acting. 20:38 Poker Face, streaming on Peacock, is an utterly fun “howcatchem” procedural. 33:31 Plus, culture notes about Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination and what does (and does not) set it apart from other awards campaigns. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For ext...
Elvis, The Makanai, and Sundance
January 24, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 38 MBWe discuss Elvis and The Makanai, a film and a series about the people behind the performer. 03:37 Elvis, streaming on HBO Max, is a gaudy, flawed, stirring love letter to the King of Rock and Roll. 17:43 The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, streaming on Netflix, is a comforting series about friendship, life choices, and following one’s dreams. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. ...
Grab bag: The Traitors, Babylon, Fleishman Is in Trouble, and more
January 17, 2023 10:00 - 48 minutes - 47.2 MBThis is a grab bag episode, a.k.a. one of our occasional watchlist dumps. We’ve been getting through plenty of TV and film, not all of which can make it into our main episodes, so this is where it’s going! 02:39 His Dark Materials s3 (HBO Max) 05:47 Emily in Paris s3 (Netflix) 07:59 The English (Amazon Prime Video) 11:26 Slow Horses s2 (Apple TV+) 14:18 Gossip Girl s2 (HBO Max) 18:06 Babylon (theaters) 21:23 Single’s Inferno s2 (Netflix) 25:17 The Traitors (U.S.) (Peacock) 28:22 SAS...
Glass Onion, Triangle of Sadness, and good for M3GAN
January 10, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutes - 43.2 MBWe discuss Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Triangle of Sadness, two films that beat us over the head with cynicism about money and power. 02:01 Glass Onion, streaming on Netflix, is neither outstanding nor terrible, but basically akin to a fine or even fun Scooby-Doo mystery. 20:06 Triangle of Sadness, available VOD, is blunt, vulgar, and chaotic — and very good. 37:33 Plus, culture notes about M3GAN the doll and M3GAN the film’s viral fame. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram....
The best movies and TV shows of 2022 (in our opinion)
December 20, 2022 10:00 - 33 minutes - 33.9 MBIt's our year-end special! To close out 2022, we each present our top 5 picks for film and TV, respectively, from this year. 01:45 Movies! 15:26 TV! (For honorable mentions, check out criticismisdead.substack.com.) Thank you so much for tuning in this year. See you in 2023!! ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack. Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to criticismisdea...
Emily the Criminal, Decision to Leave, and The White Lotus s2 finale
December 13, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 52.5 MBWe discuss Emily the Criminal and Decision to Leave, two films about crimes of passion. 02:05 Emily the Criminal, streaming on Netflix, is an impressive feature film debut that hits all the right notes, and then some. 18:27 Decision to Leave, streaming on Mubi, is stylish, unbridled, and utterly, unexpectedly romantic. 35:34 Plus, The White Lotus SEASON 2 FINALE!!! ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe ...
Wednesday, The Big Brunch, and Sight & Sound's greatest films of all time
December 06, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutes - 43.1 MBWe discuss Wednesday and The Big Brunch, two shows that highlight how nice it is to be a part of a community. 02:14 Wednesday, streaming on Netflix, is a surprisingly great mix of supernatural hijinks, murder mystery antics, and teen boarding school escapades. 16:24 The Big Brunch is HBO Max’s answer to The Great British Bake Off: a cooking competition series where good vibes are paramount. 29:47 Plus, culture notes about the controversy surrounding this decade’s newly crowned Sight & Sou...
The White Lotus, The Menu, and Andor and political praxis
November 29, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 44.8 MBWe discuss The White Lotus season 2 and The Menu, two works highlighting the relationship between those who serve and those who take from the silver platter. 02:39 The White Lotus’s second season, streaming on HBO Max, is even better than the first, poking with a sharper, slyer stick at sex, power, and gender dynamics. 23:01 The Menu, currently in theaters, sufficiently skewers foodie culture and fine-dining fetishism, but fails to cut as deeply elsewhere. 37:58 Plus, culture notes about ...
The Banshees of Inisherin, See How They Run, and more Twitter thoughts
November 22, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutes - 48.5 MBWe discuss The Banshees of Inisherin and See How They Run, two films that raise the question of the importance of art over lives lived. 03:28 The Banshees of Inisherin, playing in theaters, finds equal parts comedy, tragedy, and emotional resonance in the dissolution of a friendship. 24:49 See How They Run, streaming on HBO Max, is a tight parcel of a self-aware whodunit that’s carried by its cast. 39:24 Plus, culture notes about Twitter, part 2 (please kill us). (#GetJennyto10kBeforeTwit...
Andor, Paterson, and the Twitter question
November 01, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 46.8 MBWe discuss Andor and Paterson, a series and a film that hone in on the details of ordinary people’s lives. 06:20 Andor, streaming on Disney+, is not just great Star Wars television — it’s great television, period. 22:46 In Paterson, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, characters and viewers alike find art and beauty in everyday circumstances. 35:53 Plus, culture notes about what comes after Twitter (if anything). ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including l...
Derry Girls, The Mole, and Corden vs. McNally
October 25, 2022 09:00 - 49 minutes - 48.4 MBWe discuss Derry Girls and The Mole, two shows about groups of people trying to get what they want, episode after episode. 02:28 Derry Girls, streaming on Netflix in the U.S., strikes a sweet balance between teenage self-obsession and adulthood. 21:11 The Mole — Netflix’s revival of the early-aughts reality competition show — has some flaws, but is ultimately a fun ride for anyone who likes puzzles, heists, and gameplay. 42:04 Plus, culture notes about James Corden getting banned (possibl...
Tár, Los Espookys, and Richard Brody
October 18, 2022 09:00 - 48 minutes - 48.5 MBWe discuss Tár and Los Espookys, a film and a series about what lies beneath the surface of a performance. 01:46 Tár, playing in theaters, is an ambitious, relentless, engrossing film about art — and the great and terrible artist. 26:48 Los Espookys, available on HBO, is a gem of a surreal, absurdist, magical realist comedy series. 39:31 Plus, culture notes about our favorite curmudgeon/New Yorker critic Richard Brody’s very strange week. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For exte...
House of the Dragon vs. The Rings of Power
October 11, 2022 09:00 - 54 minutes - 53.6 MBWe discuss House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power, two IP-franchise fantasy shows striving to become part of TV history for their respective networks. 03:55 HBO’s House of the Dragon may be smaller in scale, but its soapiness and focus on two women makes for an intriguing, at times delightful, watch. 26:07 Amazon Prime Video’s The Rings of Power starts off slow, but it builds a world so lush, so rich, so grand in its scale and mythology, that it’s worth tuning in. 42:54 So, ultimately...
Grab bag: Industry, Bad Sisters, Selling the OC, and more
September 13, 2022 09:00 - 49 minutes - 48.9 MBGrab bag episode! This is our first ~expanded~ version of our occasional watchlist dumps. We’ve been watching a lot of stuff, not all of which can make it into our main episodes, so why not put it all here? 03:19 Industry s2 on HBO Max 10:48 Selling the OC on Netflix 16:30 The Resort finale on Peacock 18:45 Black Bird on Apple TV+ 22:02 What We Do in the Shadows s4 on Hulu 24:12 Only Murders in the Building s2 on Hulu 26:48 Bad Sisters on Apple TV+ 31:08 Never Have I Ever s3 on Netfl...
Rap Sh!t, Yi Yi, and worrying about Don't Worry Darling
August 30, 2022 09:00 - 50 minutes - 51.3 MBWe discuss Rap Sh!t and Yi Yi, a series and a film about life’s choices and how they shape you as a person. 02:34 Rap Sh!t, streaming on HBO Max, is a solid sophomore series from Issa Rae that portrays the tireless hustle that go into pursuing one’s dream. 20:02 Yi Yi, available on Criterion, is a meditative, bittersweet, stunning work of cinema about the currents of life. 38:12 Plus, culture notes about the trials and tribulations of Don’t Worry Darling, which — reminder — won’t be out f...
The Sandman, The Resort, and that 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' tussle
August 23, 2022 09:00 - 51 minutes - 51.2 MBWe discuss The Sandman and The Resort, two shows that straddle the line between reality and fantasy. 02:20 The Sandman, streaming on Netflix, is dark yet whimsical, fantastical yet human. 26:07 The Resort, streaming on Peacock, is a colorful mystery romp with a heart of magical realism strangeness. 42:14 Plus, culture notes about the Lena Wilson/Amandla Stenberg thing lol. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — su...
The Rehearsal, Love Island, and late summer/early fall preview
August 16, 2022 09:00 - 59 minutes - 59.4 MBOn this extra-long episode, we discuss The Rehearsal and Love Island, two shows that put into question how reality is depicted onscreen. 04:15 The Rehearsal, streaming on HBO Max, is a docuseries of breathtaking scale and intricacy that toys with the genre’s inextricable question of manipulation. 32:57 The U.K.’s premier reality dating competition show Love Island, streaming on Hulu in the U.S., says the quiet part about relationships out loud. 55:07 Plus, a few things we’re looking forwa...
Nope, Belle, and HBO DiscoveryMax+?
August 09, 2022 09:00 - 47 minutes - 47.3 MBWe discuss Nope and Belle, two films that are better suited for the big screen. 01:47 Nope, currently playing in theaters, ensnares you in a spectacle that is so grand, so fun, it’s hard to resist. 19:56 Belle, streaming on HBO Max (unfortunately dubbed), is a visually impressive, tech-inflected take on Beauty and the Beast. 40:02 Plus, a week of chaos in the news for HBO Max. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more ...
Mid-year top TV shows of 2022 feat. Alison Herman
July 26, 2022 09:00 - 45 minutes - 43.8 MBThis week's episode of Criticism Is Dead is a mid-year special: our respective top 5 picks for TV from 2022 so far. 02:59 TV! We're joined by a special guest: Alison Herman, a writer for The Ringer, friend of the pod, and one of our favorite critics. Follow her on Twitter (@aherman2006) and check out her work for The Ringer, including a recent interview with FBoy Island's Nikki Glaser. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, pl...
Irma Vep, Persuasion, and Funny Girl
July 19, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 46.8 MBWe discuss Irma Vep and Persuasion, two adaptations whose necessity some have called into question. 02:23 Irma Vep, streaming on HBO Max, is a strange, fascinating creature, half intertextual wink and half showbiz dramedy. 19:01 Netflix’s adaptation of Persuasion may have kept Jane Austen’s plot intact, but little of the source material’s spirit remains. 37:29 Plus, culture notes breaking down the ultimate theatre kid drama that is the Beanie Feldstein/Lea Michele/Funny Girl mess. ... F...
The Old Man, Loot, and gentle minions
July 12, 2022 09:00 - 45 minutes - 46 MBWe discuss The Old Man and Loot, two shows about people who have to believe that what they’re doing is righteous. 01:54 The Old Man, streaming on FX on Hulu, is an expertly directed show for all the spy thriller fans out there. 22:27 Loot, streaming on Apple TV+, tries to have its cake and eat it too in its portrayal of a clueless-but-nice billionaire. 36:08 Plus, culture notes about how Minions: The Rise of Gru became one giant Gen Z inside joke. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram....
The Bear, American Girl, and abortion films
June 28, 2022 09:00 - 45 minutes - 45.3 MBWe discuss The Bear and American Girl, a TV series and a film about making the best of the family that you’ve got, for better or worse. 02:52 The Bear, streaming on Hulu, is one of those rare shows that nails the behind-the-scenes intensity and urgency of a restaurant on the verge of catastrophe. 27:11 American Girl, streaming on Netflix, is a melancholy, moving, deeply felt film for the diaspora kids. 40:18 Plus, three films about abortion. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For e...
Cha Cha Real Smooth, I Love That for You, and Ken himself
June 21, 2022 09:00 - 42 minutes - 41.7 MBWe discuss Cha Cha Real Smooth and I Love That for You, a film and a TV show about adults still trying to figure out adulthood. 04:24 Cha Cha Real Smooth, streaming on Apple TV+, is an imperfect but endearing snapshot of what it’s like to be young, selfish, and unsure of where to go next in life. 21:59 I Love That for You, streaming on Showtime, polishes a conventional plot and archetypal characters into a charming series with humor and heart. 34:39 Plus, the mysterious Barbie keeps the c...
Fire Island, The Essex Serpent, and RIP Made for Love
June 14, 2022 09:00 - 46.9 MBWe discuss Fire Island and The Essex Serpent, two seaside romps with old-fashioned sensibilities. 01:32 Hulu’s Fire Island may not reach new heights (or depths), but it’s perfectly sweet and funny in its take on Pride and Prejudice. 22:42 The Essex Serpent, streaming on Apple TV+, toes the line between gothic eeriness and conventional romance, to highly watchable effect. 40:22 Plus, we’re weeping over the cancellation of Made for Love. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extende...
Barry, The Northman, and Ray Liotta
May 31, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 46.6 MBWe discuss Barry and The Northman, a TV series and a film about the perils of vengeance. 02:47 HBO’s Barry is a darkly funny exploration of the duality of comedy and violence. 21:43 The Northman, available in theaters and VOD, is primordial, strange, and fastidiously amoral in its bloody telling of a revenge story with a twist. 43:24 Plus, raise a glass to Ray Liotta. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscri...
Conversations With Friends, The Staircase, and Netflix woes
May 24, 2022 09:00 - 49 minutes - 48.4 MBWe discuss Conversations With Friends and The Staircase, two adaptations about secrets and pretense. 01:35 Hulu’s Conversations With Friends initially suffers from the difficult task of adapting its source material, but ultimately reaches satisfying heights. 20:34 The Staircase, streaming on HBO Max, builds upon a true crime and its accompanying documentary with the addition of one more layer of meta-narrative. 40:06 Plus, breaking down the Netflix crisis. ... Follow us on Twitter and I...
Outer Range, Slow Horses, and grab bag/catching up
May 17, 2022 09:00 - 45 minutes - 45.5 MBWe discuss Outer Range and Slow Horses, two shows about families (one blood, one not) working through their flop eras. 02:08 Outer Range, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, puts a wonderfully dissonant, bizarre-o twist on the stoic contemporary Western. 19:28 Slow Horses, streaming on Apple TV+, is a satisfyingly competent, classically British, genuinely fun spy thriller series. 32:50 Plus, an unfiltered look at what we’ve been watching under no obligations during this three-week break. .....