Movies In Focus

Filmmaker Paul Bunnell - the man behind The Ghastly Love of Johnny X - joins this episode of the Movies In Focuspodcast to talk about his new film, an offbeat reimagining of the now lost Lon Chaney horror film, A Blind Bargain. Shot on Kodak film, this 1970s set horror comedy sees Jake Horowitz’s Dominic Fontaine make a Faustian pact with Crispin Glover’s mysterious Dr. Gruder. A fascinating guest with decades of filmmaking behind him, Bunnell talks about how he became attached to A Blind Bargain, working with the legendary Back To The Future star Crispin Glover - and why he was insistent on shooting this quirky pic on Kodak film. We also get into the mechanics of what its like shooting on film, in an industry which is now so focused on digital filmmaking.This is another must listen episode for film fans who really enjoy cult curiosities.

You might have certain expectations when going into a film called The Yeti. However, filmmakers Gene Gallerano and William Pisciotta blow those expectations out of the water with their surprising new monster film. A horror pic with a difference, this period creature feature has a strong cast that includes Brittany Allen, Eric Nelsen, Jim Cummings, William Sadler and Corbin Bernsen.The Yeti follows a group of explorers as they venture into the Alaskan wilderness - but the bleak elements are not the only danger they find lurking in the snowy mountains. Merging horror with adventure, The Yeti leads you on one journey and then takes you in a direction which is filled with some very intriguing twists and turns, Gallerano and Pisciotta joined Niall Browne on episode 99 of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about how they made this surprising horror. The pair discuss how they designed the look of this richly textured film, creating a monster for the screen as well as working with the ensemble cast. There’s a lot covered in this chat, which delves deep into the making of this excellent new genre film.

Kathryn Ferguson’s Nostalgie is an exceptional short film that was given an Honourable Mention in the competition shorts section at the Belfast Film Festival, where it wasBased on the short story by author Wendy Erskine (and adapted by Stacey Gregg), Nostalgie follows Drew Lord Haig (Aidan Gillen), a former ’80s pop star who is given a shot at reliving his glory years by taking a gig at a gathering of a small Belfast men’s club. Things aren’t quite what they seem, and Drew’s night of glory takes a dark turn.Nominated for Best Short Film at both the 2026 IFTA Awards and the 2026 BAFTA Awards, Nostalgie captured my attention from the moment I first watched it at the QFT in Belfast. Kathryn Ferguson joined the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about the film, chatting about everything from the film’s politics, the inspirations for the character of Drew Lord Haig, how Bastille’s Dan Smith wrote the music, and much more.

Jesse V. Johnson’s Thieves Highway is a modern day western about cattle rustling, that sees Aaron Echkart’s cow cop tracking down a a bunch of seriously bad hombres. Written by Travis Mills - the director of the recent Frontier Crucible - Thieves Highway has hints of Fred Zinnemann’s High Noon and Carl Franklin’s One False Move. It’s a small, character-based thriller that has a strong central performance from Eckhart - who’s always great - and the film is also notable for the odd-ball characterisation of the villains. As a longtime fan of both Aaron Eckhart and Jesse V. Johnson, I’m thrilled that they’ve joined this episode of the podcast to talk about Thieves Highway, action movies and a whole lot more.

This is an exciting episode of the Movies In Focus podcast - because I’m not only joined by the mighty Thomas Jane (The Mist, The Punisher, Deep Blue Sea), the star and producer of the new western, Frontier Crucible - but I'm also also speaking to the film’s director, Travis Mills. Travis Mills embraces the western and delivers an interpretation of the genre that not only looks back to the past, but also takes a punchy modern-day approach that echoes the brutality of S. Craig Zahler’s Bone Tomahawk.I’ve been a fan of Thomas Jane’s for nearly thirty years, so it was an absolute privilege to spend time talking to him about Frontier Crucible, his career and film in general. In an equally engaging conversation, I also also spoke to director Travis Mills about the legacy of the western genre and how Frontier Crucible came to be. The Movies In Focus podcast is approaching its fifth year and hundredth episode - and I have to say that without a doubt, this is one of my favourite episodes. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it.

James Badge Dale (13 Hours, The Standoff At Sparrow Creek) and Michael Mando (Better Call Saul, Spider-Man) join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about their roles in John Swab’s latest film, King Ivory. Swab’s drug thriller explores the dangerous world of fentanyl trafficking in the U.S., offering a gritty glimpse into a society fighting for survival.In this interview, Dale and Mando discuss the challenges of portraying characters caught in the crossfire of the opioid crisis, what it was like working under Swab’s direction and the personal impact of bringing the tale to the screen. If you’re looking for insight into how real-world issues shape movies, then this is an episode for you.Oh, and we also talk quite a bit about my physical media collection that was lurking behind me on our Zoom call. It would seem that I might have committed to hosting movie night on Friday!

British film producer and the man behind Shogun Films, Jonathan Sothcott joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss his impressive and varied career in the film industry. One of the most prolific figures in British genre cinema, Sothcott discusses his latest horror movie Helloween, the realities of producing independent films and how he’s built a career telling stories that connect with audiences worldwide. This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and rewards of film-making, as well as Jonathan’s ongoing passion for creating bold and entertaining movies.

Writer-director Kiah Roache-Turner’s Beast Of War isn’t just another entry in the long tradition of shark films - it’s a pulse-pounding WWII thriller that delivers on both fronts.This Australian production stands out with its commitment to practical effects over CGI, keeping viewers on edge as a group of soldiers faces both a battle-scarred predator and the harsh realities of survival at sea.Kiah Roache-Turner joins this episode of the podcast to discuss the film’s cinematic inspirations, the challenges of shooting in an indoor water tank, and how Beast Of War channels the spirit of Australian New Wave war movies like Gallipoli and Attack Force Z.This conversation offers an inside look at the film’s gritty visuals, standout performances, and the creative choices that make this shark adventure a genre standout.

Neil Marshall’s Compulsion is not only a homage to the blood-soaked Italian giallo, but also a throwback to the kind of erotic thrillers that Hollywood churned out in the 1980s and 1990s - think Dario Argento meets Brian De Palma, Starring Anna-Maria Sieklucka, Charlotte Kirk and Zach McGowan, the Malta set pic is a twisty and turny thriller that throws in a lot of left turns - and it will keep you guessing until the end. Compulsion’s writer-director, Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent), returns to the Movies In Focus podcast along with the film’s star, Anna-Maria Sieklucka (365 Days, The Next 365 Days). They discuss the throwback nature of the film, filming a tale with such complex characterisation, Compulsion’s pivotal - and very bloody - standout sequence and much, much more.

Action Auteur, Renny Harlin joins this special bite-sized episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. In the 1990s, Harlin delivered some of the decade’s most memorable and entertaining films like Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, The Long Kiss Goodnight - and my favourite go-to killer shark film, Deep Blue Sea. Now he’s turning his attention back to horror with The Strangers: Chapter 2 - the follow-up to last year's hit entry in the home invasion franchise. Harlin discusses what drew him to the material, how he approached building tension in this new chapter, and reflects on a career that has constantly balanced spectacle, style, and scares. I also managed to squeeze in a question about his newest shark thriller, Deep Water.

Solomon Gray, writer and director of the quietly unsettling horror film, We're Not Safe Here, joins the Movies In Focuspodcast for an in-depth conversation. We're Not Safe Here is deft little chiller that is notable for its ability to get under your skin with subtle psychological horror rather than cheap shocks. Solomon discusses the inspirations behind the film, the creative challenges of crafting a slow-burn thriller, and the emotional depths explored through the nuanced performances of Hayley McFarland and Sharmita Bhattacharya. Fans of intelligent, atmospheric genre cinema won’t want to miss this insightful chat. Read the Movies In Focus review of We're Not Safe Here

Actress and filmmaker, Megan Tremethick joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss her acclaimed low-budget epic, The Reign Of Queen Ginnarra (read the Movies In Focus review). Megan explores the inspiration behind the Roger Corman-esque film and how she ended up bringing the enigmatic queen to life on screen. Megan also discusses her journey as a filmmaker, her approach to storytelling, and what drives her passion for cinema. Whether you’re a fan of low-budget genre films or just love hearing about the artistic and creative process, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. If you enjoyed this interview with Megan - and like her work - then you can support the Kickstarter campaign for Mr. Whispers, a 90s-inspired horror film that plunges you into a nightmarish tale of VHS-era dread and mystery. Discover more information Mr. Whispers.

Film scholar and returning guest James Kenney has a knack for uncovering lost and forgotten cinematic treasures. You can listen to episodes 18 and 32 of the Movies In Focus podcast to learn about his headline-making work on Peter Bogdanovich’s Squirrels To The Nuts and the rediscovery of the original version of the Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas film, God’s Daughter. James now returns to discuss his latest find: Brian De Palma’s ‘lost’ film script, Ambrose Chapel. The now-published screenplay features an introductory essay from James, which examines De Palma’s fascinating and stylish career as a master of suspense. Written by De Palma in the 1990s between Carlito’s Way and Mission: Impossible, audiences can finally catch sight of De Palma’s 'screwball noir'. Virtual reality, mind control, and De Palma’s famed voyeurism are the order of the day for this Hitchcock-inspired, Mexico City-set thriller. James digs into the origins of Ambrose Chapel, exploring how it fits within many of De Palma’s signature themes. The conversation takes a broader look at De Palma’s legendary career, tracing his evolution as a filmmaker and examining how Ambrose Chapel fits into the director’s cinematic legacy - ultimately offering a look at one of Hollywood’s most misunderstood auteurs. AMBROSE CHAPEL - A screenplay by Brian De Palma is out now from Sticking Place Books www.stickingplacebooks.com