On this episode of Cinema Callback, Andy and Michael leave each other voice notes as they dive into The Peasants (2023), the painterly animated adaptation of Władysław Reymont’s Nobel Prize–winning novel. Using hand-painted animation similar to Loving Vincent, the film portrays the brutal, beautiful, and often heartbreaking life of 19th-century Polish villagers.

We ask: Can animation carry the same weight as live-action when it comes to raw human struggle, love, and survival? How does the film’s unique visual style elevate—or complicate—the story? And where does The Peasants stand in the growing trend of adult-oriented animation?

Whether you’ve seen the movie or are curious about its groundbreaking artistry, this episode offers an honest, thought-provoking conversation that blends personal reactions with big cinematic questions.

🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get podcasts.