120 Days of Movie Podcasts

We went there. This week we're diving into Todd Solondz's divisive, devastating, and darkly hilarious suburban satire Happiness (1998) — the film that got dropped by its own distributor and sparked one of the most heated debates in indie cinema history.Is it a masterpiece of empathy pushed to its absolute limits? Or does it go too far? We dig into all of it.

This week, we dive into the unnerving world of Lurker (2025), the latest from filmmaker Alex Russell. What begins as a seemingly grounded drama slowly curdles into something far more unsettling—a sharp, modern thriller about obsession, proximity to fame, and the blurry line between admiration and intrusion.In this episode, we unpack Russell’s direction, the film’s creeping tension, and how Lurker captures the anxiety of living in an always-online world where access feels constant and boundaries feel optional. We explore its performances, its tonal shifts, and whether the film ultimately sympathizes with its title character—or quietly condemns them.Is Lurker a cautionary tale for the digital age? A character study of loneliness? Or something even darker?Tune in as we break it all down.

This week, we dive into Elio Petri’s razor-sharp political satire Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970), a darkly comic thriller that dissects power, authority, and institutional corruption. Starring Gian Maria Volonté in a tour-de-force performance, the film follows a high-ranking police official who commits murder—and then dares the system to hold him accountable.We explore how Petri blends absurdity with menace, using irony, repetition, and Ennio Morricone’s unforgettable score to expose the psychology of authoritarianism. From its historical roots in post-1960s Italy to its unsettling relevance today, this episode unpacks why Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion remains one of the most incisive critiques of power ever put to film.Authority is questioned. Guilt is theatrical. Justice is optional.

This week we talk about Ken Russell's The Devils from 1971.

In this episode, we dive into Tickled (2016), the jaw-dropping documentary that starts with journalist David Farrier stumbling upon the quirky world of “competitive endurance tickling” videos. What begins as a lighthearted curiosity quickly spirals into a dark investigation uncovering harassment, intimidation, and a shadowy empire behind the strange subculture. We’ll explore how a seemingly harmless fetish unraveled into a chilling story about power, control, and secrecy—and why Tickled remains one of the most unsettling and unforgettable documentaries of the past decade.

This week, we’re cracking open Sneakers (1992) — the ultimate ‘90s tech-heist thriller with an all-star cast: Redford, Poitier, Kingsley, and a young River Phoenix.Encryption, espionage, and one hell of a soundtrack — how does this cult classic hold up in our digital age?

In this episode, we dive deep into Hunger (2008), Steve McQueen’s harrowing debut feature that chronicles the final months of Irish republican Bobby Sands during the 1981 hunger strike at Maze Prison. We explore how the film uses silence, imagery, and physical degradation to portray both the brutality of the prison system and the resilience of the human spirit. From the unforgettable 17-minute unbroken shot between Sands and the priest, to the haunting portrayal of bodily sacrifice, we unpack how Hunger confronts themes of power, resistance, and martyrdom. Join us as we discuss Michael Fassbender’s transformative performance and the film's enduring impact on political cinema.

In this episode of Dark Frames, we sink our teeth into Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024), the highly anticipated reimagining of the silent horror classic. With a cast led by Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, and Lily-Rose Depp, this eerie retelling brings the legend of Count Orlok back to life in chilling detail.We’ll explore Eggers’ signature atmospheric storytelling, the film’s haunting cinematography, and how it pays homage to the 1922 original while carving its own terrifying path. How does Skarsgård’s performance compare to past portrayals of the infamous vampire? Does Nosferatu redefine gothic horror for a new generation?Join us as we unravel the mystery, the horror, and the artistry behind one of 2024’s most anticipated films. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the classic or new to the legend, this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.

In this episode, we dive into Memoir of a Snail, the beautifully illustrated and deeply moving graphic novel by Tania McCartney. We explore the touching story of a young girl navigating grief, loneliness, and friendship through her connection with an unlikely companion—a snail. Through stunning visuals and tender storytelling, the book captures themes of resilience, healing, and the small joys that keep us moving forward.Join us as we discuss the emotional depth of the story, the significance of its whimsical yet poignant artwork, and how Memoir of a Snail resonates with readers of all ages. We also reflect on the power of journaling, nostalgia, and the beauty of finding companionship in unexpected places.

"Dìdi" is a 2024 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film written, directed, and produced by Sean Wang in his directorial debut. The story centers on Chris "Dìdi" Wang, a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American boy portrayed by Izaac Wang, navigating adolescence in 2008 Fremont, California. As he prepares to enter high school, Chris grapples with cultural identity, familial expectations, and the burgeoning influence of social media platforms like AOL Messenger, Facebook, and Myspace. The film delves into his relationships with his overburdened mother, played by Joan Chen, his ambitious artist sister, and his formidable grandmother. Chris's journey is marked by awkward yet earnest attempts to fit in, impress his peers, and understand the complexities of teenage life. "Dìdi" premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2024, where it won the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble. The film was released in the United States by Focus Features on July 26, 2024, and received positive reviews for its authentic portrayal of adolescence and cultural identity. Critics have praised its blend of nostalgia, surreal humor, and poignant storytelling, making it a relatable and humorously painful depiction of teenage life.

Beau Is Afraid is a surrealist dark comedy horror film written and directed by Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar). Released in 2023, the movie is an ambitious, sprawling tale that blends psychological horror, absurdist humor, and existential dread into a uniquely unsettling cinematic experience.

Episode 54: Halloween(1978)

Episode 52: Speak (2004)