In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe take a critical look at Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 film adaptation of 'Frankenstein' starring Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and Christopher Waltz. They discuss the film's unique take on Mary Shelley’s classic novel; the thematic elements of desire, death, and disappointment; and the historical context of the Romantic and Enlightenment periods.

01:06 Personal Connections to Frankenstein

06:33 Discussing the Film Adaptation

08:28 Critique of the Film's Ending

11:09 Comparing the Film to the Book

33:24 Reflecting on the Creature's Appearance

34:00 Casting Choices and Their Impact

36:14 Exploring the Romantic Movement

38:20 The Enlightenment vs. Romanticism

53:00 Mary Shelley's Life and Influences

01:04:22 Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein

01:11:21 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe discuss the new Mae Martin Netflix series Wayward with staff writer Alex Eldridge. Their conversation covers the show's unique approach to genre; the importance of research and character to the writing process; queer representation within the world of the show; favorite moments and scenes; and where the story might be heading next. Eldridge also shares his personal journey toward screenwriting. Finally, Allison and Joe share their own thoughts on what got them hooked on Wayward and where they hope the show might go if renewed for another season.

00:00 Welcome to Queer Cinema Catchup

00:07 Special Guest: Alex Eldridge from Netflix's Wayward

01:24 Inside the Writer's Room

03:36 Crafting a Unique Genre Blend

04:29 Real-Life Inspiration Behind Wayward

10:15 Themes & Character Development

34:38 Queer Representation

50:04 Challenges in Writing the Show

52:17 The Leap

53:04 Unresolved Mysteries and Viewer Theories

55:06 Personal Reflections

56:43 Alex Eldridge's Career Journey

01:02:43 Advice for Aspiring Screenwriters

01:05:28 Deep Dive into Wayward's Themes

01:16:27 Comparing Wayward to Other Shows

01:25:21 Speculations and Theories about the Show

01:29:48 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison return to one of their favorite topics -- Taylor Swift -- to review her newest album 'The Life of a Showgirl.' They share their initial reactions; explore the album's perhaps overlooked lyrical depth; and contextualize Swift’s artistry within her broader career.

00:47 Previous Queer Cinema Catchup Music Reviews

01:06  'The Life of a Showgirl' Album Intro

01:41 Personal Listening Experiences

01:55 Analyzing Taylor Swift's Lyrics and Themes

03:34 Online Reactions and Personal Reflections

08:31 Unboxing Showgirl Merchandise

10:30 Track-by-Track Album Review

16:25: 'The Life of a Showgirl' Should be Considered First

20:05 'The Fate of Ophelia'

31:08 'Elizabeth Taylor'

38:24 'Opalite'

45:27 'Father Figure'

57:25  'Eldest Daughter'

01:01:04 'Ruin the Friendship'

01:07:11 'Actually Romantic': The Gayest Song on the Album?

01:10:06 'Wishlist'

01:14:13 'Wood'

01:15:51 'Cancelled!'

01:23:34 'Honey'

01:30:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Welcome back to Queer Cinema Catchup! To kick of season two, Joe and Allison dissect the 2025 psychological drama thriller 'Lurker' directed by Alex Russell and starring Theodore Pellerin and Archie Madekwe. The movie explores the dark ascent of protagonist Matthew Morning as he transforms from awkward retail worker to dangerous member of pop musician Oliver's entourage. This episode focuses in on the film’s portrayal of obsession, male jealousy, queer desire, and the more disturbing elements of fame. Joe shares his anxious experience watching the film, while Allison reveals how a rewatch changed her initial perception. Key scenes like the charged recording studio encounter and the impromptu wrestling match are broken down beat by beat.

00:00 Introduction to 'Lurker': Expectations vs. Reality

01:01 Podcast Hosts Introduce Themselves

01:13 First Impressions and Viewing Experiences

03:38 Character Analysis: Michael and Oliver

10:40 Director Alex Russell's Background

12:37 Q&A Insights and Behind the Scenes

16:07 Music & Film Industry Realism in 'Lurker'

19:23 The Wrestling Scene

26:39 The Recording Studio Scene

30:08 Final Thoughts and Meta Interpretations

35:31 Comparing Characters Across Films

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In the season one finale of Queer Cinema Catchup, hosts Joe and Allison delve into the new romantic comedy 'A Nice Indian Boy,' directed by Roshan Sethi and based on Madhuri Shekar's acclaimed play of the same name, and interview the film's screenwriter, Eric Randall (48:10). Starring Karan Soni as Naveen and Jonathan Groff as Jay, A Nice Indian Boy explores the relationship between love, identity, family, and cultural expectations. The film premiered at South by Southwest in March 2024 and has garnered critical acclaim. Joe and Allison share their thoughts on the film's heartfelt portrayal of queer love, while Eric shares insights into the adaptation and writing process, the challenges of translating a play to the screen, and his journey as a screenwriter. Tune in for an in-depth discussion and an exclusive interview with the talented writer behind this excellent film.

00:00 Introduction to 'A Nice Indian Boy'

01:04 Meet the Hosts: Joe and Allison

01:27 Special Episode: Interview with Screenwriter Eric Randall (48:10)

02:28 Diving into the Movie: Initial Impressions

03:49 Exploring Themes: Family and Queer Identity

05:14 Cultural Context and Bollywood Influence

06:43 Character Analysis: Naveen and Jay

08:07 Romantic Comedy Tropes and Realism

11:15 The Impact of Family Dynamics

38:05 The Proposal Scene: A Turning Point

44:59 Rising Tensions and Jay's Realization

45:30 Jay's Emotional Struggles and Family Dynamics

47:01 Introduction to Eric Randall

56:33 Adapting 'A Nice Indian Boy'

59:02 Character Development and Personal Experiences

01:06:34 The Collaboration Process

01:13:32 Comedy and Improvisation in Filmmaking

01:24:17 Future Projects and Advice for Writers

01:29:39 Joe's Wedding Videographer Nightmare

01:39:09 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison delve into the 2016 Oscar-winning film 'Moonlight.' Joe experiences the film for the first time while Allison provides her take after a fourth viewing. They discuss the film's structure; key themes of masking and vulnerability; pivotal scenes; and some background information about the filmmaking process.

00:02 Intro to Moonlight

00:30 Oscar Fiasco and Initial Thoughts

01:08 Plot Overview and Key Themes

02:33 Character Analysis and Emotional Impact

03:37 Structure and Storytelling Techniques

05:23 Personal Reflections and Cultural Significance

08:47 Comparisons and Final Thoughts

33:10 Behind the Scenes and Filming Challenges

35:02 Exploring Barry Jenkins' Filmography

36:46 The Editing Process of 'Moonlight'

44:04 Personal Reflections re: Queerness, Masculinity, and Identity

59:12 Memory Lane

01:04:51 Final Thoughts on 'Moonlight'

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss the 2006 film 'Stick It,' exploring its themes, character dynamics, and queer undercurrents. They react to the rebellious protagonist, Haley Graham; her unique journey through the rigid world of elite gymnastics; and her interactions with her coach (Jeff Bridges) and teammates.

00:00 Introduction to 'Stick It'

00:43 Initial Impressions

01:29 Plot Overview and Character Analysis

03:16 Queer Themes and Gender Norms

04:50 Comparisons to Other Teen Movies

07:38 Gymnastics and Realism in 'Stick It'

09:49 Memorable Moments and Cultural Impact

22:34 Voiceover and Cinematic Techniques

31:17 Team Dynamics

32:01 Comparing 'Stick It' to Other Films

33:47 Character Analysis: Haley

35:46 Gender and Character Perception

40:01 Queer Representation

51:55 Sports and Personal Experiences

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe dive deep into Peter Jackson's 1994 film, 'Heavenly Creatures.' They discuss the intense, imaginative, and destructive relationship between two teenage girls in 1950s New Zealand, focusing on themes of adolescent intensity; burgeoning queer identity; and the potentially dangerous allure of fantasy. Their conversation also highlights the remarkable performances of Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet in their film debuts, with analysis of significant scenes; the impact of social and familial pressure; and the depiction of queerness amidst a true crime narrative.

00:00 Introduction to Heavenly Creatures

03:39 Melanie Lynskey's Queer Filmography

05:26 Kate Winslet's Queer Filmography

10:54 Emotional Impact of Heavenly Creatures

16:37 Background and Analysis of the True Story

30:11 Juliet's Nightmare and the Murder

31:54 Exploring Queerness in the Film

33:50 Parental Concerns and Societal Pressures

40:23 Fantasy vs. Reality

50:26 Christianity and the Fourth Realm

01:04:14 Final Thoughts on the Film

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This episode of Queer Cinema Catchup is a double feature! Joe and Allison discuss the films 'Mysterious Skin' and 'Thirteen.' . Their discussion includes a comparative analysis of the two films; reflections on their own teenage experiences; and the cultural impact of adolescent-focused narratives in cinema. Please be aware this episode covers topics like abuse and drug use, which may be triggering.

00:14 Double Feature: Mysterious Skin and Thirteen

00:33 Trigger Warning

01:53 Quick Recap: Thirteen

04:34 Quick Recap: Mysterious Skin

05:28 Personal Reactions and Reflections

07:08 Themes of Influence and Vulnerability in Thirteen

09:33 Exploring Parental Dynamics

10:43 Psychological Impact of Abuse in Mysterious Skin

20:39 Queer Representation and Personal Connections

24:47 Middle School Memories and Snowball at Skate King

27:43 Snowball Memory and Conflicted Feelings

33:09 Representation of Youth in Film, TV, and Culture

42:36 Queerness in Coming-of-Age Stories

46:19 Chicken Soup for the Soul and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe are again joined by guest Andrew from the Queer Frame Archive to discuss Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 silent film masterpiece, 'The Passion of Joan of Arc.' The trio delves into the film's historical context, production details, and its interpretation through a queer lens. They explore Joan of Arc's life, her trial, the significance of the film's unique cinematography, and the controversies it faced upon release. Andrew also shares insights from his work documenting queer representations in early cinema. Available on Max and now in the public domain, this iconic film is dissected for its enduring impact and artistic achievements.

00:07 Introducing Andrew and Queer Film Archive

01:04 First Impressions of The Passion of Joan of Arc

01:40 Synopsis and Cinematic Techniques

03:09 Restoration and Comparison with Michael

04:32 Carl Theodor Dreyer: The Visionary Director

06:29 Andrew's Viewing Experience and Insights

07:56 The Power of Editing

15:31 Historical Context of Joan's Trial

33:47 Joan of Arc: A Queer Icon?

38:00 Joan of Arc's Evolving Identity

39:52 The Crucible and Self-Perception

42:59 Joan's Clothing and Gender Identity

46:14 Behind the Scenes

48:32 Production Controversies and Challenges

51:15 Set Design and Filming Techniques

53:55 Acting Challenges and Realism

01:00:52 Streaming Experience and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss the 2025 remake of the 1993 film 'The Wedding Banquet'. Directed by Andrew Ahn, this modern reimagining brings a fresh perspective to the beloved 1993 film by Ang Lee, exploring themes of love, family expectations, cultural identity, and LGBTQ+ relationships. The hosts delve into the film's cast, including Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung, and analyze their performances and character arcs. They also reflect on the film's ability to portray complex family dynamics and generational shifts in acceptance, while balancing humor and emotional depth. Joe shares insights from a talkback session with the director, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and its personal significance. Tune in for a lively discussion on how this contemporary take honors the spirit of the original film while showcasing evolved cultural and societal attitudes towards queer experiences and family.

00:00 Welcome to Queer Cinema Catchup

00:11 Introducing 'The Wedding Banquet' (2025)

00:47 Meet the Cast

03:41 Film's Themes and Sundance Premiere

04:06 Personal Reactions and Missed Scenes

06:04 Plot Breakdown and Key Moments

08:28 Character Arcs and Performances

18:45 Director's Insights and Behind the Scenes

32:56 Analyzing Min's Character

34:11 Chris' Indecision

37:17 Lee's Desire for a Child

44:16 Angela's Role and Relationships

51:49 Comparing the Original and Remake

55:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison reunite with Sydney, Chelsea, and Monica of Spooky Tuesday to delve into the perplexing universe of multiple Thelma films, primarily focusing on the 2017 supernatural thriller directed by Joachim Trier. The hosts analyze pivotal scenes of the film, exploring the movie's religious themes and reflecting on the broader implications of Thelma's journey from suppression to empowerment. Whether you're a queer cinema enthusiast or a horror movie aficionado, this episode offers a compelling exploration of desire, control, and self-discovery through a queer lens.

00:16 The Confusion of Thelma Movies

06:09 Introduction to Thelma (2017)

07:33 Comparing Thelma to Other Horror Films

10:02 Thelma's Powers and Their Implications

17:59 Religious Upbringing and Repression

24:46 Thelma's Queer Identity

28:04 Anja's Role and Thelma's Desires

32:40 The Party Scene and Its Consequences

36:38 Unraveling Anja's Disappearance

38:13 The Baby Brother Incident

40:02 Thelma's Struggle

42:40 The Parents' Dilemma

45:43 The Final Confrontation

48:03 Thelma's Transformation and Conclusion

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss their experience at Slamdance 2025 in Los Angeles and then specifically dive into the documentary, "The Hole Story," which details the events, mythology, and search for truth surrounding a mysterious hole that appeared on Mount Shasta in California. You can find the podcast's first ever interview with The Hole Story's director Elijah Sullivan, and listen as he shares insights on documentary-making, as well as the complexities of capturing Mount Shasta's unique cultural landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Slamdance 2025 Experience

00:53 The Big Johnson Documentary

06:07 Confessions of Chin-Chin

07:23 The Hole Story: Part One

12:01 The Hole Story: Part Two

20:53 The Hole Story: Part Three

30:21 Conspiracy Theories and Skepticism

31:27 Interview with Elijah Sullivan

31:52 Elijah's Filmmaking Journey

01:03:59 Future Projects and Reflections

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In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison review the new Max movie 'The Parenting'. They discuss the film's horror-comedy genre; the queer representation around which the plot is centered (but not focused on!); and its mixed reception. They also examine the performances of the cast, including Brandon Flynn, Parker Posey, and Brian Cox. Throughout the episode, they share personal anecdotes, discuss favorite B movies, and debate the nuances of comedy and horror in modern cinema.

00:00 Introduction and Movie Title Confusion

00:46 Initial Impressions and Cast Overview

01:54 Favorite Scenes and Character Dynamics

03:08 Plot Twists and Character Missteps

05:30 Horror Elements and Critiques

17:34 Proposal and Relationship Dynamics

22:04 Casting Choices

24:52 Family Movie Nights and Moulin Rouge Obsession

26:02 Lisa Kudrow's Role in Feel Good

27:06 Queer Representation and Homophobia in Media

28:35 Character Dynamics and Stereotypes

37:25 Emotional Beats and Character Arcs

40:29 Dean Norris and Breaking Bad Anecdote

44:32 Analyzing Movie Watching Habits

45:51 Favorite B Movies and Podcast Outro

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe dive into the beloved musical 'Wicked,' discussing its recent film adaptation and cultural impact. They explore their personal connections to 'Wicked,' impressions of the cast, and the powerful themes of otherness and queerness present in the story. They also touch on the political allegory within 'The Wizard of Oz,' drawing parallels with current events. The episode is filled with thoughtful analysis, personal anecdotes, and a fun, theatrical breakdown of the songs from the musical. The hosts reflect on the journey of podcasting for a year, emphasizing how it has transformed them 'for good.'

00:39 Discussing the Wicked Musical

01:02 Trailer Reactions and Casting Choices

01:37 Musical Elements and Performances

02:44 Plot and Character Analysis

12:18 Queer Subtext in Wicked

16:16 Background and Adaptation of Wicked

17:52 Theater Experience and Personal Stories

31:09 Political Context and Character Evolution

33:13 Madame Morrible and the Wizard's Manipulation

35:45 Villain Perspectives and Real-Life Parallels

36:33 Nessarose and Character Motivations

37:08 Musical Expectations and Plot Development

39:24 Political Allegory in The Wizard of Oz

40:10 The Populist Movement and Economic Parallels

43:55 The Wizard of Oz: A Cultural Phenomenon

51:18 Wicked: From Book to Broadway

57:04 Musical Analysis + Fun: Songs of Wicked

01:10:18 One Year of Podcasting Reflections and Future Plans

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe are joined by Kaitlynn and Theora of the Big Gay Energy Podcast to dive into the versatile career of an actress they all love: Tatiana Maslany. Anchored around her performances in 'Orphan Black', 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law', and the new Oz Perkins' film 'The Monkey,' their discussion covers the impact of her roles on queer representation; the challenges of assuming multiple characters at once; and the backlash faced by her Marvel project. The episode also highlights Maslany's dedication to her craft and anticipation for her future projects.

03:22 Tatiana Maslany's Biography and Career Highlights

05:52 Exploring the Orphan Black Clones and Their Unique Traits

07:01 Queer Representation in Orphan Black

33:03 The Impact of Orphan Black's Fandom on the Show and its Queer Representation

33:43 Behind the Scenes and Production Challenges of Orphan Black

35:53 Favorite Clones and Final Thoughts

38:42 Tatiana Maslany's Stage Performances: Network and Mary Page Marlow

39:16 Tatiana Maslany's Encounter with Fans - Namely, Allison!

44:13  She-Hulk

58:48 The Monkey

01:03:14 Tatiana Maslany's Future Projects

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