Solo Movie Dates

Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the 2026 A24 sci-fi psychological horror, Backrooms.We also discuss my week of rehearsing with my choir and seeing an amateur dramatic production of On The Town. TATU solos, dance breaks, and the struggles of standalone films relying on YouTube lore.Episode Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Solo Movie Dates00:46 Natalie's Week08:47 Backrooms gut reaction22:38 What are the Backrooms?29:20 Clarke & Pirate Clarke41:14 Mary's story51:10 Missing Pieces of the movieDirected by Kane Parsons and written by Will Soodik, Backrooms is a tense, liminal 2026 psychological horror thriller that expands a viral internet phenomenon into a feature-length descent into madness. The film follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a struggling furniture store owner and failed architect who discovers an invisible portal in his basement leading to an unsettling, endless maze of fluorescent-lit, yellow rooms. When Clark vanishes into the dimension, his therapist, Dr. Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve), investigates his disappearance, only to find herself trapped alongside him in a twisted reality populated by distorted, mimicking entities—including the towering, grotesque "Pirate Clark" (Robert Bobroczkyi). Produced by A24 and Chernin Entertainment, this indie box-office juggernaut relies on slow-burn psychological dread and massive practical sets, making it a must-watch for fans of creepypasta lore, atmospheric existential terror, and surreal horror cinema.Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the 2026 horror-thriller, Obsession.We also discuss my week of bulk choir rehearsals and a busy weekend trip to the Wimbledon Art Fair.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates00:33 – Natalie's Week03:54 – Solo Movie Date: Obsession10:14 – Obsession: First Impressions13:16 – Movie recap28:54 – Does Bear actually like Nikki?35:37 – Is Nikki in the sunken place?43:37 – Why do women pick the bear - but not this one?53:19 – My crazy gf!58:33 – No cats were eaten in the making of this movie!01:02:32 – Final ThoughtsObsessionAfter breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.Writer/Director: Curry BarkerStars: Michael Johnston Inde Navarrette Cooper TomlinsonLinksFouad Hammoud ArtworkJoin the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the 2006 20th Century Studios comedy-drama, The Devil Wears Prada. We also discuss my week of seeing Rosalia live and singing "What Dreams Are Made Of" at choir. The Off-Campus series release, and the potential for a TikTok blow-up. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates 00:46 – Natalie's Week 07:44 – Our Pop Culture debrief 10:35 – Solo Movie Date | The Devil Wears Prada 12:44 – The Devil Wears Prada Recap The Deep DiveDirected by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, The Devil Wears Prada is an iconic 2006 cinematic staple that explores the cutthroat intersection of high fashion and personal ambition. The film follows Andy Sachs—played by Anne Hathaway—a bright-eyed journalism graduate who finds herself as the junior assistant to the formidable, legendary editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep). Featuring an ensemble cast including Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, the story tracks Andy's transformation from a fashion skeptic into a high-fashion "clacker" as she navigates the impossible demands of Runway magazine. Originally based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, this film remains a definitive exploration of "paying your dues" and the sacrifices required to reach the top of an elitist industry, making it a must-watch for fans of sharp dialogue, mid-2000s aesthetics, and powerhouse performances.Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another episode of Solo Movie Dates! This week, Natalie is pulling back the curtain on one of the most talked-about ever. We’re trading the cinema seat for the umpire’s chair as we deep dive into the sweat, strategy, and psychosexual tension of the 2024 sports-drama, Challengers.Before we hit the court, we’re catching up on a whirlwind week of travel and trends. Natalie recaps her recent Parisian getaway, sharing the highlights of eating and drinking her way through the City of Light and the seamless experience of whisking away on the Eurostar. We also tackle a packed pop culture debrief, including:The London Marathon: Heartwarming highlights and the energy of the city.Off-Campus: Our first impressions of the highly anticipated trailer.Bravo Breakdown: Dissecting the latest drama between Amanda Batula and West Wilson on Summer House.The Main Event: ChallengersDirected by the visionary Luca Guadagnino and penned by Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers is far more than just a tennis movie—it’s a high-octane exploration of power dynamics and the blurred lines between professional ambition and romantic obsession.Inspired by the high-stakes officiating of the 2018 US Open and the grit of Andre Agassi’s memoir, Open, the film masterfully navigates a 13-year love triangle. We break down the performances of Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor, who underwent months of physical transformation to portray this volatile trio. From the pulsing techno score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to the avant-garde cinematography and Jonathan Anderson’s sleek costume design, we’re analyzing why this film is a visceral, stylish masterpiece.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates00:55 – Natalie's Week: Paris Eats, Drinks, and the Eurostar03:04 – Pop Culture Debrief: London Marathon, Off-Campus, & Summer House24:41 – Solo Movie Date: A Deep Dive into Challengers33:50 – Full Movie Recap & Final ThoughtsJoin the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the 2026 Netflix slapstick gore-horror, Thrash. We also discuss my week of choir rehearsals and marathon watching. Coachella 2026, Euphoria's return, and the Laufey "Mad Woman" music video featuring Hudson Williams. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates 00:13 – Natalie's Week 04:29 – Our Pop Culture debrief 13:22 – Solo Movie Date | Thrash 18:13 – Thrash Recap The Deep DiveDirected by Tommy Wirkola, Thrash (originally titled Beneath the Storm or Shiver) is a visceral 2026 survival horror that brings "slapstick gore" to a coastal disaster setting. Filmed in Melbourne, Australia, the film follows an ensemble cast—including Whitney Peake, Phoebe Dynevor, and Djimon Hounsou—fighting to survive a catastrophic category six storm surge in South Carolina that unleashes predatory bull sharks into flooded urban streets. As the water levels rise within a reinforced-glass foster home and a trapped Mini Cooper, the survivors must navigate claustrophobic terror and unlikely "water births" while fending off the "hyenas of the ocean." Blending high-stakes tension with Wirkola’s signature dark humor, this Netflix original is a must-watch for fans of creature features and stylized, high-concept survival thrillers.Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the Episode 9 of 2026 FX/Hulu horror-thriller, The Beauty.Directed by Ryan Murphy and written by Matthew Hodgson, The Beauty is a high-concept 2026 body-horror thriller that explores the lethal cost of physical perfection. The series follows a world obsessed with a transformative virus that grants users instant beauty and super-strength, but carries a hidden "expiration date" of 855 days. In Episode 9, the ensemble cast—led by Evan Peters, Jessica Alexander, Anthony Ramos, and Ashton Kutcher—navigates the fallout of a corporate conspiracy as they seek refuge with a reclusive robotics expert, Diana Starling, who believes the future of humanity lies in synthetic "Deacons" rather than organic flesh. Produced by 20th Television, this stylized drama blends "American Horror Story" camp with gritty sci-fi, featuring a shocking transformation for the series lead that cements its status as a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and dark, satirical social commentaries.Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the Episode 11 of 2026 Ryan Murphy Sci-Fi Horror, The Beauty. Directed and written by Ryan Murphy, The Beauty is a high-concept 2026 sci-fi horror series that explores the gruesome cost of physical perfection. The season finale, titled "Beautiful Betrayal," follows the chaotic downfall of the Byron Force empire as his sons, played by Ray Nicholson and Brandon Gillard, forcibly transform their mother (Isabella Rossellini) into a "Beauty," leading to a tragic suicide that pivots Byron (Ashton Kutcher) against his own creation. As a "street version" of the drug causes horrific mutations in innocent victims like Bella, a desperate alliance forms between Dr. Sterling, Jordan, and the child-morphed Cooper to eliminate Byron and secure an antidote. Produced with Murphy’s signature camp aesthetic and body-horror "vibe," this finale serves as a gritty ensemble thriller that leaves the world on the brink of a biological evolution, making it a must-watch for fans of American Horror Story and stylized, cautionary tales of vanity.Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Solo Movie Dates, your host Natalie dives deep into Episode 7 of the hit series The Beauty, titled "Beautiful Living Rooms". As the stakes reach a fever pitch, we break down the complex web of power, vanity, and survival that connects our favorite characters.What’s Happening in Episode 7?This week’s recap explores the heartbreaking and high-stakes transformation of Chief Meyer Williams and his family. We discuss the show's portrayal of Progeria (often compared to "Benjamin Button disease") and how Byron Forst (played by Ashton Kutcher) uses it as a tool for manipulation.FX’s The Beauty is the must-watch sci-fi horror event of 2026, bringing the visceral world of the Image Comics series by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley to life. Developed by the powerhouse creative duo of Ryan Murphy and Matthew Hodgson, this provocative thriller explores a world where a sexually transmitted virus grants hosts physical perfection—at a lethal cost. As the "Beauty" epidemic spreads, FBI agents Cooper Madsen and Jordan Bennett, played by Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall, must uncover a deep-seated conspiracy involving a shadowy corporation and the high price of vanity.The star-studded cast features a mix of Murphy’s frequent collaborators and high-profile talent, including Ashton Kutcher as a ruthless tech mogul, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, and the legendary Isabella Rossellini. With executive production by Evan Peters and Anthony Ramos, the series blends body horror with social commentary, making it a spiritual successor to hits like The Substance and American Horror Story. Now streaming on Hulu and Disney+Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks Solo Movie Date, Natalie is diving into Ready or Not 2: Here I Come... followed by a look at how this direct sequel picks up the literal second the first film ended. The movie expands the high-stakes survival horror from one mansion to a global council of elite satanic families, focusing on the fractured relationship between two sisters fighting for the "High Seat."00:00 Introduction01:37 Natalie's Week06:41 Pop Culture debrief14:48 Movie Trivia20:13 Solo Movie Dates | Ready or Not 2: Here I comePop Culture & Movie NewsChappell Roan hates childrenBridgerton goes gaySpider-Man busting records13 Going on 30 RebootOff Campus gets an ice timeReady or Not 2: Here I ComeMoments after surviving an all-out attack from the Le Domas family, Grace discovers she has reached the next level of a nightmarish game—this time with her estranged sister Faith at her side. She has one chance to survive, keep her sister alive, and claim the High Seat of the Council that controls the world. Four rival families are hunting her for the throne, and whoever wins the game rules it all.Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler GillettStarring: Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, and Elijah WoodJoin the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks Solo Movie Date, Natalie is diving into The Beauty (Episode 5), which shifts gears from the procedural hunt to the origins of the elite. This episode explores the high price of perfection through a mansion full of billionaires and the messy, insecure reality of Jordan navigating her new physical identity while the clock literally ticks toward an explosion.The BeautyWhen a mysterious virus begins transforming people into "perfect" versions of themselves—physically flawless, highly intelligent, and physically superior—the world becomes obsessed with the change. However, this evolution comes with a horrific expiration date: exactly 855 days after transformation, the "Beautiful" literally explode. As an FBI agent and his newly transformed partner race to find a cure, they uncover a conspiracy involving the world’s elite and a creator who will go to any lengths to keep his masterpiece exclusive.Director: Ryan MurphyStarring: Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher, Rebecca Hall, Vincent D'Onofrio, Isabella Rossellini, Anthony RamosJoin the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the 2026 theatrical sci-fi adventure, Project Hail Mary. We also discuss my week of singing lessons and seeing the West End play Oh Mary! Michael B. Jordan’s historic Oscar win, Jesse Buckley's Best Actress victory, and the Timothée Chalamet "How to Lose an Oscar in 10 Days" drama. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates 01:33 – Natalie's Week 07:37 – Our Pop Culture debrief 13:05 – Solo Movie Date Set up 15:10 – Project Hail Mary Trivia 23:09 – Solo Movie Date | Project Hail Mary Recap The Deep Dive: Project Hail MaryDirected by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and written by Drew Goddard, Project Hail Mary is a visually stunning 2026 sci-fi epic adapted from the best-selling novel by Andy Weir. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a junior high school teacher who wakes up on a solitary spacecraft with amnesia, only to realize he is humanity's last hope to save the sun from a life-extinguishing parasite known as the Astrophage. Featuring an ensemble cast including Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Priya Kansara, the production utilized a massive $248 million budget to create a 360-degree physical set of the Hail Mary ship and record-breaking 70mm IMAX footage captured by cinematographer Greig Fraser. This "solution-finding" space odyssey introduces a groundbreaking non-human companion, Rocky—brought to life through a blend of physical puppetry by James Ortiz and digital refinement by Framestore—making it a must-watch for fans of hard science fiction, high-stakes problem solving, and the "buddy cop" dynamic of the most unlikely duo in the galaxy.Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks Solo Movie Date, Natalie is diving into Regretting You, a messy, high-stakes family drama that proves the "Hooververse" is well and truly upon us.The episode explores the fallout of a tragic accident that unearths a scandalous affair, leaving a mother and daughter to navigate grief, betrayal, and some seriously questionable life choices.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Solo Movie Dates01:13 Natalie's week03:58 Pop culture download08:06 Solo Movie Date setting10:31 Regretting You Movie Trivia15:56 Solo Movie Date | Regretting You Pop Culture & Movie NewsTimothée Chalamet — Timmy is in hot water with the global dance community after some incredibly flippant comments about ballet and opera being "dying" art forms—someone needs a reality check!Harry Styles — The "Kiss All the Time Disco Occasionally" one-night-only special was a total dream, even if it required a trek to Manchester to witness the magic.The Hooververse — With Reminders of Him hitting theaters and Verity boasting a massive A-list cast including Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett, Colleen Hoover’s grip on cinema is only getting tighter.Regretting YouWhen a tragic car accident claims the lives of Chris and Jenny, Morgan is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered world while raising her rebellious daughter, Clara. However, the grief turns to rage when she discovers her husband and sister were carrying on a long-term affair behind her back. Forced to navigate a complicated reconnection with her high school flame, Jonah, Morgan must find a way to rebuild her life without letting the secrets of the past destroy her daughter’s future.Director: Josh Boone Starring: Alison Williams, Dave Franco, McKenna Grace, Mason Thames, Scott Eastwood, and Willa FitzgeraldJoin the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The masks are off, but the mystery is just beginning. In today’s episode, Natalie explores the two-year time skip that finds Benedict Bridgerton obsessed with finding his mystery woman. We’re dissecting "Time Transfixed," where Benedict takes the desperate step of enlisting Lady Whistledown herself to help in his search. Natalie also dives into the "maid war" brewing in Mayfair and Lady Danbury’s thinning patience with Queen Charlotte. If you’ve ever been "haunted" by a missed connection, this is the episode for you.Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie DatesSupport the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.