In this final installment of their Halloween series for 2025, Laura and Stephen discuss the iconic horror film “Scream,” directed by Wes Craven. They delve into its meta-commentary on the horror genre, its memorable characters like Ghostface, Sidney Prescott, and Gale Weathers, and how it subverted the established rules of slasher films. The hosts also touch on the film's impact on the horror genre, its timeless appeal, and why it remains a standout classic. The episode wraps up with musings on the cultural significance of the movie and notes on how well it holds up over time.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:08 Halloween Season Finale: Discussing Scream
00:44 Halloween Spirit and Harper Bazaar's List
01:34 Scream: A Love Letter to Slasher Films
02:05 Iconic Characters and Meta Commentary
02:42 The Rules of Surviving a Horror Movie
05:10 The Opening Scene: Subverting Expectations
06:45 Mid-90s Characters and Small Town Politics
09:13 Meta Commentary and Pop Culture References
14:09 The Killer's Reveal and Final Showdown
18:46 The Enduring Legacy of Scream
22:17 Conclusion and Farewell to Halloween Series
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In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen delve into Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 horror classic “Psycho,” exploring its historical significance, Freudian psychological influences, groundbreaking moments, and unparalleled impact on the horror genre and cinema censorship. They discuss the clandestine marketing strategy that kept Norman Bates' character a secret, analyze the film's shocking twists, and consider the roles of Marion Crane and Norman Bates through a psychological lens. Join them for an in-depth conversation about one of cinema's most iconic thrillers.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:08 Diving into Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho
01:16 The Impact of Psycho on Cinema
01:54 Exploring the Transgressive Elements of Psycho
03:05 Hitchcock's Innovative Filmmaking Techniques
05:42 The Uncanny and Psychological Depths in Psycho
07:58 Marian Crane's Journey and Parallels with Norman Bates
10:01 The Complex Relationship Between Marian and Norman
15:15 Norman Bates and His Mother Issues
16:06 A Different Path for Norman and Marian
16:45 The Significant Conversation
18:15 Norman's Internal Struggle
20:02 The Unraveling Mystery
23:52 The Iconic Final Scene
26:35 Psycho's Cultural Impact
27:41 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss Ana Lily Amirpour's 2014 debut film, “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” described as the world's first Iranian vampire western. Set in a fictional and decaying Bad City, the film follows Arash, a kindhearted boy, and a girl who loves pop music and happens to be a vampire. Filmed entirely in black and white, the movie blends elements of gothic horror, Nouvelle Vague, and Persian-American culture. The discussion delves into the film's themes of decay, loneliness, and predation, while highlighting its unique aesthetic and dreamlike quality. The hosts also appreciate the film's rich cultural influences and its novel approach to the vampire genre. They conclude with a recommendation to watch the movie, emphasizing its haunting beauty and timeless appeal.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of 'A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night'
01:31 Setting and Filming Locations
02:52 Characters and Cultural Influences
07:42 Themes of Isolation and Predation
09:36 Meet Cute: A Vampire Romance
11:50 Arash and the Girl's Cloak Scene
12:42 Disco Ball and White Lies' “Death”
14:43 The Girl's Design and Cobra Symbolism
16:21 Melancholy and Romanticism in the Film
19:14 Gothic Horror and Urban Decay
22:15 The Sublime and Smallness in Bad City
24:45 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive deep into the 1964 Japanese art house horror film “Onibaba.” Set in war-torn medieval Japan the movie follows the grim story of two nameless women and a deserting soldier caught in a love triangle amidst the ominous tall reeds until the arrival of a samurai general in a demonic mask changes everything. With themes of survival, sin, and potentially supernatural elements, the film offers a stark critique of war and its dehumanizing effects. Amidst their discussion, Laura and Stephen break down the film's unique aesthetics, aggressive jazz soundtrack, and the characters' complex dynamics. They also explore the eerie socio-political backdrop of 14th-century Japan, punctuated by persistent civil wars and societal decay. Their conversation delves into the psychological and folkloric elements of the story, raising questions about what truly transforms people into monsters. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of a classic that continues to resonate even after nearly 60 years.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of Onibaba
01:13 Initial Impressions and Cultural Context
02:07 Setting the Scene: Medieval Japan
03:38 Character Analysis: The Nameless Women
04:06 Symbolism in Costumes and Actions
05:56 The Reeds: A Supernatural Element
08:01 Anti-War Themes in Japanese Cinema
08:51 Romantic Drama Amidst Chaos
10:37 The Power Dynamics and Survival
13:06 Survival and Family Dynamics
13:42 The Masked Samurai's Arrival
15:11 The Mother-in-Law's Plan
17:40 The Folklore of Oni Baba
20:24 Themes of War and Survival
23:36 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a deep dive into the 2009 film “Jennifer's Body,” written by Diablo Cody, directed by Karyn Kusama and starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. Initially panned by critics, the film has since gained cult status for its exploration of themes like fame, friendship, and femininity. The hosts discuss the film's misunderstood reception, its clever script by Diablo Cody, and its cultural re-evaluation in the post-#MeToo era. They also touch upon the performances, production design, and both classical and modern elements that make “Jennifer's Body” a uniquely good entry in the teen horror genre. The episode provides thoughtful analysis and contextual discussion, highlighting the film’s deeper themes and its reflection of societal attitudes towards women.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of Jennifer's Body
02:06 Cultural Context of 2009
03:41 Character Analysis and Cast
06:40 Diablo Cody's Writing and Direction
07:38 Plot Breakdown and Key Scenes
09:00 Jennifer's Transformation and Theories
12:40 The Sacrifice and Its Consequences
18:12 Bonus Demon and Tragedy Exploitation
18:40 Jennifer's Transformation and Heathers Comparison
20:39 Needy's Concern and Jennifer's Agency
21:53 Codependency and Queer Interpretation
23:49 Jennifer's Sexual Power and High School Dynamics
28:16 Jennifer's Body as a Cultural Mirror
33:52 Marketing Missteps and Feminist Narrative
35:27 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the 1998 cult classic 'Practical Magic,' directed by Griffin Dunn and starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. They discuss the movie's whimsical and cozy vibes, despite its tonal inconsistencies, and highlight its appeal as the perfect feel-good fall staple. Shot in the idyllic town of Coupeville, Washington, the film features charming family dynamics, magical elements, and a soundtrack saturated with Stevie Nicks. The hosts explore the movie's narrative about sisterhood, love curses, and overcoming grief, while emphasizing its emotional impact and lasting cultural significance. They also hint at upcoming episodes featuring more Halloween-themed films like 'Jennifer's Body.'
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:10 Setting the Scene: Practical Magic Overview
00:46 Autumn Vibes and Seasonal Magic
01:08 The Owens Sisters and Their Whimsical World
03:12 The Curse and Its Origins
05:46 The Owens Family Dynamics
08:12 The Love Curse and Sisterly Bonds
12:24 Jimmy Angelo: The Bad Ex-Boyfriend
14:02 Officer Gary and the Unexpected Love Spell
17:00 The Emotional Impact of Practical Magic
18:32 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
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In today's episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen delve into Ari Aster's 2019 cult horror film 'Midsommar.' They discuss the disturbing tale set in a remote Swedish commune, featuring Florence Pugh as the emotionally scarred Dani. The podcast explores the film's cult tactics, its folklore inspirations, and the powerful catharsis intertwined with Danny's traumatic journey. The hosts also touch on the film's thematic parallels to classics like 'The Wizard of Oz' and highlight its haunting impact and unique approach to horror. Tune in to hear an in-depth analysis and reflections on how 'Midsommar' stands out in the genre of daylight horror.
00:00 Welcome to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Introduction to Midsommar
00:50 Personal Reflections and Initial Reactions
01:54 The Iconic Final Frame and Themes
03:24 Character Analysis and Symbolism
06:20 The Journey to Haga
08:31 Pele's Cult Tactics
10:23 Arrival and Community Life in Haga
13:30 The Lifecycle and Rituals of Haga
14:52 The Elder Sacrifice Ritual
15:09 Outsiders React to the Ritual
16:21 Christian's Thesis Decision
17:53 Haga's Empathy and Darkness
19:24 Communal Crying Scene
20:24 Danny's Emotional Isolation
22:04 Haga's Intoxicants and Hallucinogens
23:10 Danny's Recruitment and Transformation
28:40 The May Queen Ceremony
30:09 Final Thoughts on Midsummer
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Hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the South Korean breakout hit zombie horror film “Train to Busan” (2016) on their podcast 'Midday Movies.' This deep dive conversation delves into the movie's plot, which centers on a father-daughter relationship strained by the father's workaholism, set against a zombie outbreak on a high-speed train. They explore themes such as social commentary, character development, and the film's subversion of typical zombie tropes. Highlights include the father’s transformation through crisis, the film’s critique of ruthless individualism, and the emotional and action-packed sequences that make the movie stand out. This is the first episode in our fall Halloween film series. Look out for spooky classics all October!
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of Train to Busan
00:43 Personal Reflections on Public Transit
01:17 Train to Busan: A Thrilling Ride
04:04 The Protagonist's Struggle
10:32 Meet the Key Characters
11:35 Unique Aspects of Train to Busan
13:01 The Zombies of Train to Busan
15:32 Character Dynamics and Themes
17:07 SueAnn: The Emotional Core
19:37 Societal Tensions on the Train
22:47 Class Divide and Leadership
24:55 Zombie Fight Scene Breakdown
28:26 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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Hosts Laura and Stephen conclude their discussion on Harper Bazaar's list of the 25 best Halloween films in their podcast, Midday Movies. They cover influential horror titles from the last 50 years, focusing on films released post-2016. The discussion includes detailed critiques of 'Midsommar,' 'It,' 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' and 'Jennifer's Body,' among others. They delve into film themes, notable performances, and how these movies can inspire Halloween costumes. They finalize their top three picks: 'Get Out,' 'Psycho,' and 'Scream.' The hosts encourage listener engagement and take audience suggestions for films to review in-depth.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:36 Halloween Season Excitement
01:33 Recap of Harper Bazaar's Top 25 Halloween Movies
02:09 Midsommar: Horror in Broad Daylight
04:48 IT: The New Age of Stephen King Horror
06:06 Rocky Horror Picture Show: Cult Classic
08:22 Jennifer's Body: High School Horror
10:21 Train to Busan: Zombies on a Train
11:04 The Shining: Kubrick's Masterpiece
12:44 The Craft: Teenage Witchcraft
16:48 Exploring an Iranian Vampire Movie
17:35 The Charm of The Addams Family (1991)
20:42 Jordan Peele's Masterpiece: Get Out (2017)
22:19 Alfred Hitchcock's Classic: Psycho (1960)
23:50 The Ultimate Halloween Movie: Scream (1996)
27:09 Reflecting on the List and Halloween Costumes
29:31 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewell
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In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen dive into the Halloween spirit with an engaging discussion on fall ambiance and costume ideas. They explore a curated list from Harper's Bazaar of the top 25 Halloween movies, providing detailed insights and personal anecdotes about each film's significance and impact. Covering classics like 'Hocus Pocus,' 'Nosferatu,' and 'Silence of the Lambs,' the pair shares their excitement for the spooky season and hints at their own Halloween plans. The episode ends with a tease for the next part, where they will continue with the top 12 Halloween movie recommendations.
00:00 Spooky Greetings and Fall Vibes
01:07 Halloween Costume Ideas
01:58 Top Halloween Movies: Hocus Pocus
04:46 Top Halloween Movies: Nosferatu
06:14 Top Halloween Movies: Shaun of the Dead
07:29 Top Halloween Movies: Beetlejuice
09:36 Top Halloween Movies: The Witches of Eastwick
10:46 Top Halloween Movies: Candyman
11:41 Top Halloween Movies: Silence of the Lambs
13:20 Top Halloween Movies: Corpse Bride
13:55 Tim Burton's Halloween Mastery
14:37 Carrie: The Nightmare of High School
15:41 Practical Magic: A Generational Favorite
17:36 Nicole Kidman: Ubiquitous Star
19:01 Oni Baba: A Japanese Classic
20:16 Death Becomes Her: A Campy Classic
22:36 Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
23:37 Wrapping Up and What's Next
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Laura and Stephen continue their podcast 'Midday Movies' by discussing Collider's list of the 28 Best Back-to-School Films, focusing on the top 14. They highlight timeless John Hughes classics, influential comedies, and heartwarming stories of academic excellence. Films like 'School of Rock,' 'Rushmore,' 'Grease,' 'Footloose,' 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High,' '10 Things I Hate About You,' 'Akeelah and the Bee,' 'Election,' 'Legally Blonde,' 'Dead Poets Society,' 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' 'The Breakfast Club,' and the top pick 'Mean Girls' are discussed in depth. Each movie is praised for its unique storytelling, cultural impact, and unforgettable characters. The episode invites listeners to vote on which film they should cover next in a detailed review.
00:00 Welcome to Midday Movies
01:22 Kicking Off with School of Rock
03:02 Rushmore: Wes Anderson's Classic
04:37 Grease: A Timeless Musical
06:17 Footloose: Dancing Through Restrictions
08:53 Fast Times at Ridgemont High
10:16 10 Things I Hate About You
12:02 Akeelah and the Bee: Spelling Triumph
13:27 Reese Witherspoon's Dark Satire: Election
14:26 Legally Blonde: Overcoming Expectations
15:55 Dead Poets Society: The Gold Standard
17:13 Harry Potter: The Sorcerer's Stone
19:31 Ferris Bueller's Day Off: A Whimsical Rebellion
21:41 The Breakfast Club: Detention Bonding
23:22 Mean Girls: High School Hierarchy
26:20 Conclusion and Farewell
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In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' hosts Laura and Stephen discuss part one of Collider's list of the 28 best back to school films. Spanning beloved films from the eighties, nineties, and early 21st century, the hosts delve into classic school-centric narratives that bring nostalgia, laughter, and contemplation about the role of teachers. The episode features discussions on films like 'Kindergarten Cop,' 'October Sky,' '16 Candles,' 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,' and '17 Again,' offering varied perspectives on education, ambition, and teenage life. The conversation is peppered with light-hearted banter and personal anecdotes, making it an engaging listen. Tune in for the exploration of more titles in the next episode.
00:00 Welcome to Midday Movies Podcast
00:08 Fall Vibes and Back to School
00:31 Casual Chat and Kitten Attack
01:08 Nostalgia and School Season
01:58 Collider's Top Back to School Movies
03:11 Kindergarten Cop: A Classic
04:48 October Sky: A True Story
06:12 16 Candles: A John Hughes Masterpiece
07:10 Me and Earl and The Dying Girl
08:43 Fame: The Original High School Musical
09:36 Monsters University: A Prequel
11:00 Animal House: The Quintessential College Film
13:00 Back to School: Rodney Dangerfield's Comedy
13:53 Thornton's School Adventures and Early Robert Downey Jr.
14:17 Todd Phillips' Directorial Range
15:37 Old School: A Modern Fraternity Classic
17:08 Higher Learning: Tackling Serious Issues
18:23 Mr. Holland's Opus: The Impact of Great Teachers
19:50 Stand and Deliver: Inspirational Teaching
23:21 17 Again: A Second Chance at Youth
25:38 Billy Madison: Adam Sandler's Comedic Genius
27:34 Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2
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In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' Laura and Stephen conclude their Summer of Love series with a discussion on “The Worst Person in the World,” Norway's 2021 entry into the Oscar Best International Film Race. Set in Oslo, the film follows protagonist Julie as she navigates career changes, relationships, and self-discovery. Julie's journey highlights the challenges faced by modern generations, such as economic pressures and the freedom to redefine life paths. The hosts delve into the film's narrative structure, key themes, and character dynamics, ultimately exploring what it means to live a fulfilling and adaptable life. They also discuss the film's emotional realism and its metaphorical implications on life and relationships.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:07 Overview of “The Worst Person in the World”
00:16 Meet Julie: A Relatable Protagonist
00:59 Julie’s Career and Relationship Struggles
03:22 Julie and Aksel: A Complex Relationship
04:56 Generational Tensions and Life Choices
05:37 Julie’s Indecision and Potential
11:01 Millennial Perspectives on Life and Career
14:35 Emotional Realism and Fantastical Elements
16:03 Julie's Decision to Leave Aksel
16:45 The Time Freezing Scene and Mushroom Trip
16:58 Julie's Relationship with Her Dad
17:30 Aksel’s Analytical Nature vs. Julie's Emotions
18:59 Aksel’s Monologue on Aging and Culture
20:58 Julie's Adaptability and Life Choices
23:25 The Goldilocks Scenario in Relationships
24:39 Life Paths and Societal Expectations
27:13 Concluding Thoughts on the Film
28:28 Wrapping Up the Summer of Love Series
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Join Laura and Stephen as they continue their Summer of Love series with a deep dive into the 2015 period romance film “Carol.” Directed by Todd Haynes and starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, this episode explores the emotionally rich and visually stunning story of a transformative romance in the conservative era of 1950s America. Through their analysis, they discuss the sociopolitical context of the time, character dynamics, and the artistry of Todd Haynes, while celebrating the film's impact and beauty.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:07 Overview of 'Carol'
00:42 Hosts' Banter and Personal Updates
01:48 Historical Context of 'Carol'
06:11 Character Analysis: Carol and Therese
12:29 Todd Haynes' Filmmaking Style
14:59 Natural Progression of Romance
15:47 Carol's Contentious Divorce
17:22 Therese's Role and Perspective
18:23 Generational Differences
20:09 Therese's Artistic Growth
21:04 Hardge's Opposition
26:48 The Road Trip
27:08 Cinematography and Symbolism
28:48 Final Thoughts on Carol
30:08 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).
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In this Midday Mini episode, hosts Laura and Stephen engage in a whimsical discussion about assigning astrological signs to the main characters from Pixar's 2008 film, WALL-E. They explore the traits of characters like WALL-E, Eve, Mo, and others, correlating their characteristics with Aquarius, Capricorn, Virgo, and more. The hosts analyze the signs using their extensive astrology knowledge and humor, providing listeners with an entertaining look at the zodiac traits of their favorite robots and humans from the movie.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Mini and Wally's Astrological Signs
00:36 Wally: The Aquarius Innovator
03:10 Eve: The Capricorn Workaholic
04:31 Mo: The Fastidious Virgo
05:26 Otto: The Manipulative Scorpio
06:27 The Captain: Sagittarius or Leo?
07:33 John and Mary: Pisces and Cancer
09:55 Rampaging Robots
10:03 The Beauty Robot: A Libra's Charm
11:04 The Punchy Robot: Aries in Action
12:16 The Umbrella Robot: Taurus Traits
13:13 The Loyal Cockroach: Another Taurus
14:25 The Chatty President: Gemini Vibes
16:12 WALL-E's Star Signs: A Fun Analysis
17:54 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewell
And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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Laura and Stephen continue their "Summer of Love" series with a deep dive into Pixar’s 2008 masterpiece, WALL·E. They explore the film’s themes of love, corporatocracy, climate collapse, and the power of being yourself—even if you’re a robot. The hosts discuss the film’s visual storytelling, its critique of convenience culture, and why WALL·E stands out as one of the greatest robot romance films of the 21st century.
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And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
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Laura and Stephen discuss FX's new series, “Alien: Earth,” a prequel set two years before the original 1979 Alien film. Streaming on Hulu, the series depicts a dystopian world of 2120 controlled by five corporations, including Waylan-Yutani, and a new player called Prodigy. Prodigy, led by the young trillionaire Boy Cavalier, focuses on turning terminally ill children into synthetics. The show explores themes of corporate dystopia, immortality, and synthetic consciousness. When a Waylan-Yutani ship carrying deadly aliens crash-lands on Earth, Prodigy seizes it, setting off a battle involving xenomorphs and other terrifying alien species. Tune in to watch the fascinating developments and enjoy classic alien horror reimagined with new twists (new episodes air every Tuesday).
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:08 Overview of Alien Earth
01:04 Corporate Dystopia and Immortality
02:28 Boy Cavalier and the Synthetic Children
04:43 The Inciting Incident
06:23 New Alien Threats
08:38 Conclusion and Where to Watch
And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen delve into Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 film “Phantom Thread,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps. As part of their 'Summer of Love' series, they explore the complex relationship between a fastidious 1950s fashion designer and an iron-willed waitress. The discussion extends to themes of power dynamics, method acting, and the transformative nature of love. Highlights include insights on the film’s sound design, costume excellence, and the often dark yet redemptive portrayal of romantic entanglements.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:07 Discussing Phantom Thread
01:00 Daniel Day Lewis' Acting Career
02:26 Plot Overview of Phantom Thread
03:42 Character Dynamics and Relationships
05:57 Themes of Control and Surrender
07:34 Personal Reflections on Love and Relationships
09:03 Power Struggles in Relationships
13:58 Toxic Relationships and Love
15:13 Reynolds' Tyrannical Nature
16:42 Reynolds' Sensitivity and Sound Design
17:50 Christopher Nolan's Take on Phantom Thread
19:07 The Artistic Genius and Alma's Strength
19:33 The Costuming and Aesthetic Beauty
20:52 Reynolds and Alma's Relationship Dynamics
23:30 The Complexity of Love
28:01 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
In this episode, Laura and Stephen delve into “Materialists” (2025), a film written and directed by Celine Song, centered around a New York matchmaker named Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, who finds herself in a love triangle with two men, John (Chris Evans) and Harry (Pedro Pascal). Through this exploration, the hosts discuss the film's deep themes about love in the 2020s, questioning societal pressures, and the impact of capitalism on romantic relationships. They highlight key scenes, character dynamics, and the thought-provoking societal critiques embedded in the narrative. The episode concludes with reflections on personal values, the pitfalls of focusing on quantitative metrics in relationships, and the importance of aligning with one's true desires and needs in love.
00:00 Introduction and Setup
00:17 Overview of 'Past Lives' and 'Materialists'
00:45 Plot and Characters of 'Materialists'
01:40 Themes and Messages
03:15 Personal Reflections on Romance and Capitalism
05:33 Key Metrics for Successful Relationships
07:34 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
13:30 Conclusion and Sign-Off
And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the 2019 French romantic drama “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” directed by Céline Sciamma. They highlight the film's historical accuracy, its exploration of 18th-century life, and the profound romantic connection between the characters Marianne and Heloise. The discussion also touches on the movie's mythological references to Orpheus and Eurydice and its strong emotional impact. The hosts delve into themes of love, loss, and the roles of women, making it clear why this film is hailed as one of the greatest romances of the 21st century.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:07 Overview of 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire'
01:01 Hosts' Personal Reactions
02:03 Plot and Characters Breakdown
08:14 Themes and Symbolism
09:19 Romantic Development and Key Scenes
11:47 The Enchanting Isolation of the Castle
12:42 The Orpheus and Eurydice Painting
13:22 Music as a Connecting Point
17:15 The Role of Sophie
19:18 The Unstructured Hangs
19:56 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
