The Next Best Picture Podcast episodes

The Next Best Picture Podcast

A podcast by NextBestPicture.com that reviews the latest film and television releases and discusses various topics within the world of the awards season race.

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For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, Aaron Isenstein, Dan Bayer, and Tom O'Brien join me to discuss "They Will Kill You," starring Zazie Beetz, Myha'la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham & Patricia Arquette. Written and directed by Kirill Sokolov (co-written with Alex Litvak), the action-horror-comedy combines many genres into B-movie shlock to provide bloodthirsty audiences with as much entertainment as possible from its simple premise: a woman desperately searching for her sister encounters a satanic cult in a foreboding New York City high-rise. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss the action, Zazie Beetz's performance, the wacky directions the story takes, whether the "eat the rich" trope is getting played out, whether we think there will be a sequel, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice" is an American science fiction action comedy film written and directed by BenDavid Grabinski and produced by Andrew Lazar and starring Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, Eiza González, Keith David, and Jimmy Tatro. It premiered at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, where it received positive reviews for its blending of different genres and dual performance from Vaughn. Grabinski was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The AI Doc: Or How I Became An Apocaloptimist" is a 2026 American documentary film directed by Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell. It is produced by the Academy Award-winning teams behind "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (Daniel Kwan and Jonathan Wang) and "Navalny" (Shane Boris and Diane Becker). The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and received positive reviews for the questions it asked (and answered) about the threat or uses for good in the world about AI, Roher's personal journey of becoming a father while developing the documentary, its editing, and handcrafted animation and artwork made by humans. Roher was kind enough to be our first fully produced in-studio interview and spent a good forty minutes talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is opening in theaters on March 27th from Focus Features. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Yes!" is a drama film written and directed by Nadav Lapid. It stars Ariel Bronz, Efrat Dor, Naama Preis, Aleksei Serebryakov, and Sharon Alexander. The film had its world premiere in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its audacious filmmaking, biting satire, and political commentary. Lapid was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is opening in New York theaters on March 27th from Kino Lorber. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Pretty Lethal" is an action thriller film directed by Vicky Jewson and written by Kate Freund. It follows a dysfunctional ballet troupe that is forced to take shelter when their bus breaks down en route to a prestigious competition and must use their training to fight back when a gang of armed men targets them. It premiered at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival and stars Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, Maddie Ziegler, and Uma Thurman. Jewson was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Lauren LaMagna, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and Larry Fried join me to discuss "Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come" starring Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, David Cronenberg, and Elijah Wood. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and written by Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy, the film serves as a direct sequel to "Ready or Not" (2019), with Grace trying to protect her estranged sister while being hunted by several elite families in a high-stakes ritual to claim a seat of ultimate power. The film premiered at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, where it received generally positive reviews. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, humor, the large amounts of blood and other gory bits from the film's more shocking moments, the future of the franchise, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Late Shift" is a drama film written and directed by Petra Volpe, inspired by the book "Unser Beruf ist nicht das Problem: Es sind die Umstände" by Madeline Calvelage. Starring Leonie Benesch, the film centers on a young nurse, Floria, who works with unwavering dedication in an understaffed hospital ward, but on this day, her shift becomes a nerve-racking race against time. The film had its world premiere in the Berlinale Special Gala section of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival last year. It received positive reviews and was selected as the Swiss entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, making the December shortlist. Volpe was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in New York at The Quad Cinema and Los Angeles at the Laemmle Royal, and will be followed by a nationwide rollout from Music Box Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 484, I am joined by Katie Johnson, Dan Bayer, Lauren LaMagna, Amy Kim, and Will Mavity as we say goodbye to the 2025 film awards season and look ahead to what's to come in 2026. Part of that is recapping the best films that played at this year's SXSW, and part is asking this week's poll question: "Which 2026 Awards Season Contenders Are You Most Looking Forward To?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll asking "Which Was Your Favorite Oscar Win From The 98th Academy Awards?," share our reactions to the trailers for "Dune: Part Three," "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," "Wild Horse Nine," "Outcome" (Seriously, what was going on with trailers this week?), answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, subscribing, and supporting us. We hope you enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Sara Clements, Josh Parham, Cody Dericks, Brendan Hodges, and Tom O'Brien join me to discuss the latest film from Phil Lord and Chris Miller, "Project Hail Mary" starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub. Written by Drew Goddard, based on the 2021 novel of the same name by Andy Weir, the epic sci-fi/comedy film already has a built-in fan base and is a crowdpleaser designed to enthrall, entertain, and emotionally move newcomers. Whether you see it on IMAX or the big screen, there's no denying it's the film event of Q1 2026. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss the story, Ryan Gosling's performance, the direction from Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the crafts, its awards potential, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Lumière, Le Cinéma!" (or "Lumière! The Adventure Continues") is a documentary film directed by Thierry Frémaux, director of the Institute Lumière, of the Lumière Film Festival, and of the Cannes Film Festival. Frémaux serves as a curator and guide through a collection of over 100 short films by Auguste and Louis Lumière and their collaborators, showcasing both well-known and rarely seen works. The film explores the origins of cinema and how the Lumière brothers pioneered filmmaking techniques such as framing, staging, and early narrative storytelling. This curated presentation offers both a historical account of the birth of film and a meditation on cinema's ability to capture reality and imagination. The film highlights the enduring legacy of the Lumières and their foundational impact on the art form. Frémaux was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing at MOMA in New York City from Janus Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dead Lover" is a 2025 Canadian comedy film directed, co-written, produced by, and starring Grace Glowicki, co-writer Ben Petrie, Leah Doz, and Lowen Morrow. Inspired by Mary Shelley's 1818 novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," it follows a woman's attempt to resurrect her deceased lover. The film debuted at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the Midnight category, where it received positive reviews for Glowicki's direction, performance, writing, as well as the makeup, production design, sound, and lighting. Glowicki was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Cartuna and Dweck Productions. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Two Prosecutors" is a 2025 historical drama film written and directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa, based on the novella of the same name by Georgy Demidov. Starring Aleksandr Kuznetsov and Aleksandr Filippenko, the film follows a young Soviet prosecutor seeking justice for a political prisoner during Joseph Stalin's ongoing Great Purge. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews and won the festival's François Chalais Prize. Sergei was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on March 20th from Janus Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come" is an American comedy-horror film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (aka "Radio Silence"), and written by Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy. It serves as a direct sequel to "Ready or Not" (2019), with Samara Weaving reprising her role as Grace MacCaullay. The film also stars Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, David Cronenberg, and Elijah Wood. Set immediately after the events of the first film, it follows Grace as she must protect her estranged sister while being hunted by four rival elite families in a high-stakes ritual to claim a seat of ultimate power. The film premiered at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival and received generally positive reviews from critics. Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from Searchlight Pictures on March 20th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The 98th Academy Awards are officially over. Another awards season is behind us, and it was a night to remember with some tight races, deserved wins, and an extravagant ceremony that featured breathtaking musical performances, a hilarious Conan O'Brien, and quite possibly the best In Memoriam segment ever produced. We witnessed the final battle between Ryan Coogler's all-time Oscar nomination leader "Sinners" and Paul Thomas Anderson's political thriller-comedy "One Battle After Another," a historic win for Autumn Durald Arkapaw as the first female Best Cinematography winner, a rare, shocking tie, moving speeches, and memories that will last a lifetime. Cody Dericks, Nadia Dalimonte, and Alyssa Christian reacted to the winners with me this morning after the ceremony ended last night. Please tune in as we share our reactions to this year's winners, the speeches, and the show overall. Please listen to the podcast below or subscribe to it. We want to give a massive thank you to everyone in the NBP Film Community who has supported us through another eventful awards season. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 483, I am joined by Nadia Dalimonte, the day before the 98th Academy Awards, to discuss what's on our minds, how we're feeling, and answer your last-minute fan questions. We have traditionally done this with the NBP Film Community in years past. Still, circumstances this year pushed this to be a last-minute episode for the podcast before the big show tomorrow evening. With that said, we reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Film Do You Think Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Power Ballad," "Hokum," "Obsession," and "Fuze." We're as anxious as all of you, but in less than 24 hours, we'll know the final outcome. We cannot wait to experience the show with all of you! Once again, thank you for listening, subscribing, and supporting us through another fun and eventful awards season. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Undertone" is a Canadian horror film written and directed by Ian Tuason, in his directorial debut. The film stars Nina Kiri as Evy, a woman who hosts a paranormal podcast with her friend Justin (Adam DiMarco), where she is the skeptic to his believer. After Evy moves back home to become the caregiver to her dying mother (Michèle Duquet), she and Justin are sent recordings by a married couple (Keana Lyn Bastidas and Jeff Yung) experiencing paranormal noises in their home, drawing Evy into fear and paranoia. Evy and her mother are the only characters to be shown on-screen in the film. All other characters are heard as off-screen voices, thus conveying the film's horror through its sound design. The film had its world premiere at Fantasia Fest on July 27th, 2025, and later screened in the Midnight section of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews from critics, with praise for Tuason's directing, atmosphere, and Kiri's performance. Tuason was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man" is a Netflix British crime drama film directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight. It is a continuation of the British television series "Peaky Blinders" (2013–2022), and stars Cillian Murphy in the lead alongside an ensemble cast including Sophie Rundle, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, and Stephen Graham, reprising their roles, alongside new additions Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Jay Lycurgo, and Barry Keoghan. The film has received positive reviews from critics and is now playing in theaters. Harper, Knight, and Murphy were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be available to stream on Netflix on March 20th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Project Hail Mary" is a 2026 American science fiction adventure film produced and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and written by Drew Goddard, based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir. It stars Ryan Gosling (who also produced the film), Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub. The film follows Ryland Grace, a man who awakens on an interstellar spacecraft with no memory of how he arrived there. Goddard was kind enough to spend half an hour (and with a cold, too) speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters by Amazon MGM Studios on March 20th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 482, I am proud to be joined by Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Cody Dericks, Daniel Howat, Giovanni Lago, and Will Mavity, because this...this is the episode you've all been waiting for. It’s time for us to deliver our final Oscar winner predictions for the 98th Academy Awards, which will be held this Sunday, March 15th. Tune in as we discuss all categories in detail and use all of the information from this season’s precursors to make the best predictions we possibly can. We also reveal the winner of last week’s poll, asking, “Which Film Do You Think Should Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?” and ask this week’s poll question for the last time this awards season, “Which Film Do You Think Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?” We also answer your fan-submitted questions and give our reactions to the trailers for “I Swear” and “Scary Movie.” We will not have a show next Sunday afternoon. Still, we will have a "Night Before" episode on Saturday and another reactions episode for the Oscar winners following the ceremony next Sunday, all exclusive to our Patreon subscribers. We cannot thank you all enough for always listening, subscribing, and supporting us through another fun and eventful awards season. You’re the best fans any site could ever ask for, and we hope you enjoy this episode and the ceremony this Sunday! Enjoy, and we'll see you all, next tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmmmme ;) Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Ema Sasic, Nadia Dalimonte, Megan Lachinski, and Sara Clements join me to discuss the latest film from Maggie Gyllenhaal, "The Bride!" starring Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz. Drawing inspiration from the 1935 film "Bride of Frankenstein," which was based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel "Frankenstein," the film is a reimagining of Shelley's characters set in 1936 that spans many genres and takes a pro-feminist approach. What did we think of it, though? Tune in as we discuss the story, performances, makeup work, visual aesthetic, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Children No More: Were And Are Gone" is a documentary short film directed by Hilla Medalia. It follows activists in Tel Aviv who gather weekly to demonstrate their opposition to the war in Gaza with a silent vigil for the children killed in Israeli attacks. The film had its world premiere at DOC NYC, where it received positive reviews, and has since been nominated for Best Documentary Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Medalia was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. We hope you'll be able to check out the film one day, which currently has no U.S. distributor. It is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"All The Empty Rooms" is an American documentary short film, directed and produced by Joshua Seftel. It follows Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they embark across the United States to memorialize the bedrooms of children killed in school shootings. The film had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival and received positive reviews. Netflix released it globally on its streaming service on December 1st. It has been nominated for the Best Documentary Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Seftel was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Girl Who Cried Pearls" is a Canadian animated short film, directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski. Made through stop-motion animation, the film centers on a young boy who meets and falls in love with a girl who secretly weeps pearls at night. The initial inspiration for the film came during the production of the duo's 2007 short film "Madame Tutli-Putli," when a prop necklace unexpectedly fell apart, scattering pearls across the set as they filmed the climactic scene. The film has received critical acclaim and is nominated at the 98th Academy Awards in the category of Best Animated Short Film. Lavis and Szczerbowski were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on YouTube and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Jane Austen's Period Drama" is a 2024 English-language short comedy film written and directed by Julia Aks and Steve Pinder. The film is a satire on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." The film had its world premiere at the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival and has been nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Julia Aks and Steve Pinder were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on YouTube and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Retirement Plan" is a 2024 Irish animated short film directed by John Kelly and co-written by John Kelly and Tara Lawall. It is Kelly's debut film. The 7-minute animated film about the fantasies of a middle-aged man has received positive reviews and been awarded at various international film festivals, including Palm Springs International ShortFest and SXSW. The film's style, described as expressively understated, subdued, and stripped back, was animated using MoHo animation software. It has been nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Kelly was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on YouTube through The New Yorker and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Singers" is an American short musical comedy film directed by Sam A. Davis. The film, featuring a cast discovered through viral videos and street casting, includes Mike Young and Judah Kelly. Based on a 19th-century Russian story by Ivan Turgenev, it depicts a downtrodden, improvised pub sing-off. It had its world premiere in the Narrative Short Competition at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival. It received positive reviews and has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Davis was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"One Battle After Another" is an American black comedy action-thriller film produced, written, and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. It is inspired by the 1990 novel "Vineland" by Thomas Pynchon and features an ensemble cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, with Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti (in her film debut). The story follows an ex-revolutionary who is forced back into his former life of violence when a corrupt military officer pursues him and his daughter. With a budget of $130–175 million, it is the most expensive film of Anderson's career. It garnered widespread acclaim and numerous accolades. These include three wins at the 31st Critics' Choice Awards (including Best Picture), four wins at the 83rd Golden Globes (including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy), one win and a record seven nominations at the 32nd Actor Awards (including Outstanding Performance by a Cast), six wins at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (including Best Film), and thirteen nominations at the 98th Academy Awards (including Best Picture). The American Film Institute also listed the film among the top ten films of 2025, and it won five awards from the National Board of Review (including Best Film), as well as Best Picture prizes from the New York Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and the National Society of Film Critics. Teyana Taylor and cinematographer Michael Bauman were kind enough to spend some time speaking with Next Best Picture Owner & Editor In Chief Matt Neglia. Ema Sasic spoke with Chase Infiniti, and Brendan Hodges spoke with the film's editor, Andy Jurgensen. You can listen to all of these interviews below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to watch at home on 4K UHD from Warner Bros. Pictures and is up for your consideration for the 98th Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Anderson), Best Actor (DiCaprio), Best Supporting Actor (Del Toro and Penn), Best Supporting Actress (Taylor), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, and Best Sound. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sinners" is an American horror film produced, written, and directed by Ryan Coogler. Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as identical twin criminal brothers who return to their hometown in the Jim Crow South, where they are confronted by a supernatural evil. It co-stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton (in his film debut), Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo. The film has received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing $369 million worldwide on a $90–100 million budget. In addition, the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute listed it among the top 10 films of 2025. The film garnered several awards and nominations, including a record 16 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards and 13 at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, with Coogler winning the award for Best Original Screenplay at the latter. The film also earned record-breaking nominations and wins at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, scoring 18 nominations and 13 wins, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture. It also earned four wins at the 31st Critics' Choice Awards, two wins at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards (including Cinematic and Box Office Achievement), and two wins at the 32nd Actor Awards (including Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture). Delroy Lindo and the film's visual effects team (VFX Producer James Alexander and VFX Supervisor Michael Ralla) were kind enough to spend some time speaking with Will Mavity, while Nadia Dalimonte got the chance to speak with Wunmi Mosaku, Giovanni Lago spoke with Miles Caton, and Next Best Picture Owner & Editor In Chief Matt Neglia had the opportunity to speak with cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw and the film's sound team (Production Sound Mixer Chris Welcker, Supervising Sound Editor Benny Burtt, and Re-Recording Mixers Brandon Proctor & Steve Boedderker). You can listen to all of the interviews below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to watch at home from Warner Bros. Pictures and is up for your consideration for the 98th Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Coogler), Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Best Supporting Actor (Lindo), Best Supporting Actress (Mosaku), Best Original Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup & Hairstyling, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("I Lied To You"), Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"In The Blink Of An Eye" is an American science fiction drama film directed by Andrew Stanton and written by Colby Day, starring Kate McKinnon, Rashida Jones, and Daveed Diggs. The film depicts three interconnected stories exploring the history of the world. The first story is set in prehistoric times (about 45,000 years ago), the second story is set in the present day with a research scientist, and the third story takes place in the future aboard a spaceship heading toward the Kepler system. It premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize. Stanton was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to down below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Hulu from Searchlight Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sentimental Value" is a drama film directed by Joachim Trier, who co-wrote it with Eskil Vogt, following their critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated hit "The Worst Person In The World." Their latest follows sisters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) as they reunite with their estranged father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a film director looking to make a film with American star Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning). The film premiered in the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received widespread critical acclaim and won the Grand Prix. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, and won Best Supporting Actor for Skarsgård. Joachim Trier, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and film editor Olivier Bugge Couté were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with Next Best Picture Owner & Editor In Chief Matt Neglia, while Ema Sasic got the chance to speak with Renate Reinsve, Elle Fanning, Eskil Vogt, and casting director Yngvill Kolset Haga, and Giovanni Lago had the opportunity to speak with Stellan Skarsgård. You can listen to all of the interviews below. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing in select theaters from NEON. The film is up for your consideration for the 98th Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Trier), Best Actress (Reinsve), Best Supporting Actor (Skarsgård), Best Supporting Actress (Fanning and Lilleaas), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best International Feature Film. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Last night, the Actor Awards (SAG-AFTRA) held their 32nd annual ceremony, honoring the best acting in film and television for 2025. For the fourth year in a row, the ceremony was streamed through Netflix. There were some heartfelt tributes and montages, a touching honorary award given to Harrison Ford and some delightful moments featuring Kristen Bell as host. There were some expected winners and slightly unexpected ones, rousing speeches, and a lot of doubt about our final Oscar winner predictions. Joining me for this instant reactions podcast are Dan Bayer, Ema Sasic, Daniel Howatand Alyssa Christian. Please tune in below to listen and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 481, Amy Kim, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and Ben Langford join me for a jam-packed episode two weeks before the 98th Academy Awards. We discuss the fallout from the BAFTA Awards, including the John Davidson controversy, the seismic news of Paramount purchasing Warner Bros. Discovery, the Producers Guild of America (PGA) winners, along with the American Cinema Editors (ACE), Art Directors Guild (ADG), and Visual Effects Society (VES) award winners this week. We also give our predictions for what we feel will win tonight's Actor Awards and reveal the winners for our 2025 NBP Film Awards (You can see the Community Winners here). For the Actor Awards, in last week's poll, we asked everyone, "Which Was Your Favorite Oscar-Nominated Acting Performance Of 2025?" and now, for this week's poll, with our final Oscar winner predictions episode approaching next week, we're asking, "Which Film Do You Think Should Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "The Christophers," "Hamlet" (Yes, another one), "Mortal Kombat II," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Dan Bayer, and Aaron Isenstein join me to discuss the latest film in the "Scream" franchise, "Scream 7" with Neve Campbell, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, and Courteney Cox reprising their roles from the previous films, and Isabel May, Anna Camp, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Mckenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O'Connor, Sam Rechner, Mark Consuelos, Tim Simons, and Joel McHale also starring. Following the exit of "Scream" (2022) and "Scream VI" directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett in August 2023, Christopher Landon was hired to direct the film. However, the film underwent creative retooling after the firing of star Melissa Barrera and the departure of Jenna Ortega in late 2023, with Landon also leaving the project. In March 2024, Campbell confirmed her return to the franchise after being absent from the last film, with series creator Kevin Williamson hired to direct the film after serving as writer and producer on the early films in the series. This latest entry follows a new Ghostface killer who targets Sidney Prescott's daughter. After all the controversy surrounding its production, what did we think of the final product? Tune in as we discuss the story, its use of legacy characters, its themes of AI technology and generational trauma, the brutal kills, the franchise's future, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dreams" is a drama film produced, written, and directed by Michel Franco. It follows the secret affair of wealthy socialite Jennifer (Jessica Chastain) with Mexican ballet dancer and undocumented immigrant Fernando (Isaac Hernández). The supporting cast includes Rupert Friend, Marshall Bell, Eligio Meléndez, and Mercedes Hernández. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Bear. Franco, Chastain and Hernández were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Greenwich Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hamnet" is a biographical period film directed by Chloé Zhao, who co-wrote the screenplay with Maggie O'Farrell, based on O'Farrell's 2020 novel. The film dramatizes the family life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, as they cope with the death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet. It stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Agnes and William, alongside Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and Noah Jupe in supporting roles. The film had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival and received glowing reviews, with Buckley's performance receiving particular praise. The film has received numerous accolades, including winning the Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for Buckley at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, and eight nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Zhao, and Best Actress for Buckley. It was listed among the top ten films of 2025 by the American Film Institute. Zhao, Mescal, and composer Max Richter were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with Next Best Picture Owner & Editor In Chief Matt Neglia, while Ema Sasic got the chance to speak with Jacobi Jupe, production designer Fiona Crombie spoke with Dan Bayer, and Cody Dericks had the opportunity to chat with costume designer Malgosia Turzanska. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing in select theaters from Focus Features and available to watch from home. The film is up for your consideration for the 98th Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Butcher's Stain" is a live-action short film, directed, written by, and starring Meyer Levinson-Blount, co-starring Omar Sameer and Rona Toledano. The film follows Samir, an Arab Israeli working in a supermarket in Tel Aviv, who is accused of tearing down hostage posters in the break room. He sets out to prove his innocence to keep this job that he desperately needs. Since its release, it has been nominated for the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Meyer Levinson-Blount was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Two People Exchanging Saliva" is a French-language short drama film written and directed by Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh. A United States-France co-production, it stars Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Luàna Bajrami, Aurélie Boquien, and Vicky Krieps. It premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival, where it received very positive reviews. It has been nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Musteata and Singh were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to watch on YouTube via. The New Yorker, and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Devil Is Busy" is an American documentary short film, directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Christalyn Hampton, which follows an Atlanta abortion clinic besieged by protesters. Following its world premiere at Doc NYC, producer HBO Documentary Films released the film for streaming, and it has since been nominated for the Best Documentary Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Gandbhir and Hampton were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on HBO Max and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 480, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Amy Kim, and Will Mavity join me for our annual real-time reactions to the EE BAFTA winners as they're announced online hours before the actual broadcast airs. While we wait for the winners, we go over the Film Independent Spirit Award winners, and give our predictions for what we think will win at the Producers Guild of America (PGA), American Cinema Editors (ACE), Art Directors Guild (ADG), and Visual Effects Society (VES) awards this week. We also reveal your winners for the 2025 NBP Film Community Awards and our own nominations for the 2025 NBP Film Awards. For last week's poll, we asked everyone, "Which Is Your Favorite Film Nominated For An Oscar This Year?" and now for this week's poll, we're asking, "Which Was Your Favorite Oscar-Nominated Acting Performance Of 2025?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "Toy Story 5," "Lee Cronin's The Mummy," "Normal," "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man," "Pressure," "Is God Is," "Over Your Dead Body," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. We have a lot to get to as we look ahead to Oscar winner voting starting on February 26th. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Megan Lachinski, and Ben Langford join me to discuss the latest film from John Patton Ford, "How To Make A Killing," starring Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, Topher Grace & Ed Harris. Loosely inspired by the 1949 British film "Kind Hearts and Coronets" by Robert Hamer and John Dighton, the film tells the fictional story of Becket Redfellow, disowned at birth by his wealthy family, who will stop at nothing (not even murder) to reclaim his inheritance from his many relatives who stand in his way. What did we think of it? Tune in as we discuss the story, its narrative structure, themes, Glen Powell's on-screen magnetism and voice-over narration, the supporting performances from the eclectic cast, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"How To Make A Killing" is a black comedy thriller film written and directed by John Patton Ford. Following his Sundance directorial debut feature film "Emily The Criminal," Ford gathered the talents of Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, and Ed Harris to bring his loosely inspired contemporary version of the 1949 British film "Kind Hearts and Coronets" to the big screen. It wasn't always the easiest process (when is making a movie ever easy?), and Ford was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience and work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Kpop Demon Hunters" is an American animated musical fantasy film co-written and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, produced by Sony Pictures Animation for Netflix and animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks. Premiering on Netflix over the summer, it became the platform’s most-watched original film ever, with over 500 million views, and achieved historic box-office success during limited theatrical runs. The soundtrack broke records with four simultaneous top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned double platinum certification. Widely acclaimed, the film won major honors including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Critics' Choice and Golden Globe Awards, received Academy Award nominations in the same categories, and won a Grammy for the Oscar-nominated song, "Golden." Singers Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, and filmmakers Kang and Appelhans were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is up for your consideration for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert" is a documentary film about Elvis Presley directed by Baz Luhrmann, acting as a follow-up to Luhrmann's 2022 biographical film "Elvis." The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received extremely positive reviews from critics for its visual and audio restoration, and an electric look at one of the greatest entertainers of all time, fully in his element, on stage in front of an audience. Luhrmann was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released exclusively in IMAX theaters by NEON beginning on February 20th, before being released theatrically to the general public one week later on February 27th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Alyssa Christian, Dan Bayer, Giovanni Lago, and Brendan Hodges join me to discuss the latest feature film from renowned Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho, "The Secret Agent" starring Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Alice Carvalho, Gabriel Leone, Maria Fernanda Cândidom, Hermila Guedes, Isabél Zuaa, and Udo Kier. The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received widespread acclaim and became the festival's most awarded film, winning the Best Actor award for Moura, the Best Director award for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award, and the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film. At the 2025 Critics' Choice Awards, it won Best Foreign Language Film; at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it became the first Brazilian film nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, winning Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Wagner Moura) and Best Foreign Language Film. At the 98th Academy Awards, it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor for Moura, Best Casting, and Best International Feature Film. With all the awards and success, what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the direction, themes, lead performance by Wagner Moura, the rest of the ensemble, its awards season run, how passionate Brazilian fans are, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Zootopia 2" is an American animated buddy cop comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the sequel to the Oscar-winning "Zootopia" (2016). Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard and written by Bush, the film stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, Nate Torrence, Don Lake, Bonnie Hunt, and Jenny Slate reprising their roles from the first film, with newcomers Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, and Danny Trejo joining the cast. The film follows Judy Hopps (Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Bateman) as they pursue a pit viper named Gary De'Snake (Quan) across Zootopia and try to clear their names after being framed. The film received positive reviews from critics and has grossed $1.830 billion worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing animated film of all time, the ninth-highest-grossing film of all time, and the second-highest-grossing film of 2025. The film received nominations for Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Awards, BAFTAs, and the Academy Awards. It additionally received a nomination for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement at the Golden Globes. Goodwin was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and is up for your consideration for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Scarlet" is a Japanese animated fantasy action film written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda. Inspired by Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet," the film follows the eponymous princess, who can cross time and space on a quest for vengeance after her father is murdered. The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its scope and scale, animation, and effects. It was nominated for three Annie Awards: Best Feature (Independent), Best Direction, and Best Writing. Hosoda was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, his work being shown in IMAX, the unique animation techniques used in the making of this film, what he sees for the future of anime in the U.S. and worldwide, and more, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 479, Dan Bayer and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss the 2026 CDG and MUAHS guild winners this week, and give our predictions for the BAFTA and Film Independent Spirit Award winners. We also reveal your nominations for the 2025 NBP Film Community Awards. For last week's poll, we asked everyone, "Which Was The Best Film From 2025 To Not Receive A Single Oscar Nomination?" and now for this week's poll, we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Film Nominated For An Oscar This Year?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "Omaha" and "Rose Of Nevada," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, Cody Dericks, Giovanni Lago, and Daniel Howat join me to discuss the latest film from Emerald Fennell, "Wuthering Heights," starring Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell. Adapted from Emily Brontë's 1847 novel, the film is a highly subjective reinterpretation by Fennell and has garnered a wide range of opinions and generated a ton of discourse surrounding the casting and book changes/omissions. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss Fennell's direction, writing, the costumes, production design, cinematography, score, songs by Charli xcx, the performances and chemistry from Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening. Come undone with us and enjoy (or let it drive you mad). Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Lauren LaMagna, Aaron Isenstein, and Tom O'Brien join me to discuss the debut feature film from Harry Lighton, "Pillion" starring Alexander Skarsgård, Harry Melling, Douglas Hodge, Lesley Sharp, Jake Shears, and Anthony Welsh. The film follows Colin (Harry Melling), a timid gay man, as he starts a BDSM relationship with Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), an enigmatic biker who likes to be the dominant one in the relationship. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it received widespread praise from critics, and several award nominations and wins throughout the 2025 awards season. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss the writing, performances, depiction of the BDSM world, the ending, its awards season run, how far we would go for Skarsgård's Ray, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening. Submit yourself and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Train Dreams" has gone on to become the most celebrated film from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, with praise going to Bentley's direction, Edgerton's performance, and the cinematography. Among its accolades, the film was named as one of the top ten films of 2025 by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. For his performance, Edgerton was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. It received four nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song, and Best Cinematography. Brazilian cinematographer Adolpho Veloso has won the Critics' Choice Award for Best Cinematography and has been nominated for the ASC, BAFTA, Spirit Award, and Oscar for Best Cinematography, becoming the first Brazilian to achieve the latter. Veloso was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, the experience of awards season, his Brazilian roots, and more, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories, including Best Cinematography. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" is a science fiction action-adventure comedy film directed by Gore Verbinski and written by Matthew Robinson. The film stars Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple. It tells the story of a man from the future who travels to the past and recruits the patrons of a Los Angeles diner he arrives in to help combat a rogue artificial intelligence. The film premiered at the 2025 Fantastic Fest, where it received positive reviews for its premise, performances, and Verbinski's direction on a smaller budget than what we're used to seeing from him. Verbinski, Rockwell, Lu Richardson, Peña, and Beetz were all kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on February 13th from Briarcliff Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Crime 101" is a crime thriller film written and directed by Bart Layton. It is based on the 2020 novella of the same name by Don Winslow. The film stars Chris Hemsworth as jewel thief Mike Davis, whose heists along the 101 freeway have left the police baffled. When Mike sets his sights on the ultimate score, his plans intersect with those of insurance broker Sharon Colvin, played by Halle Berry. Detective Lou Lubesnick, played by Mark Ruffalo, believes he has cracked Mike's pattern and is determined to bring him down before the next job. The film also stars Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte. Layton was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on February 13th from Amazon MGM Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Cold Storage" is an action-horror-comedy film directed by Jonny Campbell, from a screenplay by David Koepp, based on Koepp's 2019 novel of the same name. The film stars Georgina Campbell, Joe Keery, Sosie Bacon, Vanessa Redgrave, Lesley Manville, and Liam Neeson. It follows a group of characters as they attempt to contain a parasitic fungus that leaks from an abandoned military base. Georgina Campbell, Joe Keery, and Liam Neeson were all kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on February 13th from Samuel Goldwyn Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Mr. Nobody Against Putin" is a documentary film directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin. It follows Talankin in his job at a school in Karabash, a poor mining town near the Ural Mountains. While recording his students, Talankin also documents the Putin administration's movements to control public perception during the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. The film had its world premiere at the World Cinema Documentary section of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award. It was selected as the Danish entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not shortlisted for a nomination. However, it was nominated in the Best Documentary Feature Film category. Borenstein and Talankin were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in select theaters from Kino Lorber. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie" is a Canadian time-travel mockumentary-adventure film directed by Matt Johnson ("BlackBerry") and written by Johnson and Jay McCarrol. The film stars Johnson and McCarrol as fictionalised versions of themselves in a band called "Nirvanna the Band" as they attempt to book a gig at the Rivoli, a bar and restaurant in Toronto, even though they have never actually written or recorded a single song, nor taken any steps to contact the Rivoli's management about booking a show. A new plan to play the Rivoli goes wrong, sending Matt, Jay, and their friend/cameraman Jared back in time to 2008, leaving them stranded unless they can find a way back to the future. The film is based on Johnson and McCarrol's 2007–2009 web series "Nirvana the Band the Show," as well as its 2017–2018 sequel television series "Nirvanna the Band the Show." The film had its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest film festival, where it received positive reviews for its premise, humor, performances, writing, and direction with such a small budget. Johnson and McCarrol were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from NEON on February 13th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Pillion" is an erotic comedy drama film written and directed by Harry Lighton, based on the 2020 novel "Box Hill" by Adam Mars-Jones. The film stars Harry Melling as a timid gay man and Alexander Skarsgård as an enigmatic biker who starts a BDSM relationship. The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the section's Best Screenplay prize and the Palm Dog for Mutt Moment, alongside nominations for the Caméra d'Or and the Queer Palm. It received widespread praise from critics, receiving several nominations and awards, including two British Independent Film Awards and a Gotham Independent Film Award, as well as three British Academy Film Award nominations. Lighton, Melling, and Skarsgård were all kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 478, Ema Sasic, Megan Lachinski, Nadia Dalimonte, Amy Kim, and Lauren LaMagna join me to discuss the 2026 DGA, AACTA, BSC, and SCL winners, and how their wins impact the Oscar race. We also give our predictions for what we believe will win the CDG and MUAHS awards later this week. For last week's poll, with the conclusion of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, we asked, "Which Film From The 2026 Sundance Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To?" And for this week's poll, with the 2025 NBP Film Community Award Ballots going out (Due before February 14th), we're asking, "Which Was The Best Film From 2025 To Not Receive A Single Oscar Nomination?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "The Devil Wears Prada 2," "Tow," and "Exit 8," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Dan Bayer and Tom O'Brien join me to discuss the latest film from Óliver Laxe, "Sirāt," starring Sergi López, Bruno Núñez Arjona, Richard Bellamy, Stefania Gadda, Joshua Liam Henderson, Tonin Janvier, and Jade Oukid. Co-written with Santiago Fillol, Laxe's film had its world premiere in the main competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize. It has been nominated at the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film (Spain) and Best Sound, with Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas, and Yasmina Praderas becoming the first all-female sound team nominated. After months of festival screenings, the film is finally out officially from NEON. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss Laxe's direction, the crazy directions the story takes, the music and overall soundscape, the performances led by López, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The President's Cake" is a drama film written and directed by Hasan Hadi, starring Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Sajad Mohamad Qasem, Waheed Thabet Khreibat and Rahim AlHaj. The film had its world premiere at the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the section's Audience Award and the Caméra d'Or. It was selected as the Iraqi entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, making the December shortlist. Hadi was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Love That Remains" is a comedy-drama written and directed by Hlynur Pálmason, starring Saga Garðarsdóttir and Sverrir Guðnason. It had its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where the lead animal actor, Panda, won the Palm Dog Award. It was selected as the Icelandic entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. Pálmason was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Janus Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"My Father's Shadow" is a 2025 drama film directed by Akinola Davies Jr. in his feature-length debut, from a screenplay he co-wrote with his brother, Wale Davies, and starring Gotham Award winner Sope Dirisu. It follows a family reunion during the 1993 Nigerian election. The film had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Nigerian film to be selected for the festival's Official Selection. It won the Special Mention for the Caméra d'Or and was critically acclaimed, receiving numerous awards and nominations, including a British Independent Film Award and two Gotham Independent Film Awards. It was also selected as the UK's entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. Akinola Davies Jr. was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from MUBI. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Kokuho" It is a 2025 Japanese historical drama film directed by Lee Sang-il and written by Satoko Okudera, based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Shuichi Yoshida, starring Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, Min Tanaka, and Ken Watanabe. It had its world premiere in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews, particularly for its acting, directing, cinematography, makeup, and hairstyling. It has grossed $125 million in Japan, becoming the all-time highest-grossing Japanese live-action film. It was selected as the Japanese entry for Best International Feature Film, making the December shortlist, and was nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 98th Academy Awards. Oscar-nominated actor Ken Watanabe was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from GKIDS. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's that time of the year! It's our annual Sundance Film Festival recap podcast. For the 2026 film festival, and the final one in Park City, Utah, we have Ema Sasic, Cody Dericks, Sara Clements, and Daniel Howat joining me from Next Best Picture. Please take a listen as we reveal our favorite films from the festival and give you all a preview of the best that's to come in 2026. Thank you for listening, as always, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Sara Clements, Dan Bayer, Lauren LaMagna, and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss the latest film from Park Chan-wook, "No Other Choice" starring Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. Based on "The Ax" by Donald Westlake, the film premiered in the main competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it garnered critical acclaim. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Foreign Language Film, and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Lee Byung-hun). It was also selected as South Korea's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, making the December shortlist, though it was not nominated. What did we think of it though? Please tune in as we discuss the direction, performances, writing, camerawork, editing, its awards season chances (this was recorded before the Oscar nominations--Sorry!), and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Send Help" is an American survival horror film produced and directed by Sam Raimi and written by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon. The film stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien as an employee and her boss, respectively, who become stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash and attempt to survive while tension rises between them. It is Sam Raimi's first conventional horror/thriller film since 2009's "Drag Me To Hell" and has received positive reviews from critics, and grossed $28 million so far against its $40 million production budget. Raimi was kind enough to spend some time speaking with me during the Sundance Film Festival (while I was sitting on the floor of a hotel hallway trying to avoid the noise of the many people who were around me in attendance) about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from 20th Century Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 477, Amy Kim, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and Ben Langford join me to discuss the 2026 BAFTA, WGA, and ACE nominations, which we received after this year's Oscar nominations. We also give our predictions for what we believe will win the DGA Awards later this week. For last week's poll, for the Oscar nominations we asked, "Which Oscar Nomination For The 98th Academy Awards Made You The Happiest?" And for this week's poll, with the conclusion of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, we're asking, "Which Film From The 2026 Sundance Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To?" We also give our reactions to the trailer for Boots Riley's "I Love Boosters," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, and Cody Dericks join me to discuss the latest film from Sam Raimi, "Send Help," starring Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien, Edyll Ismail, Xavier Samuel, Chris Pang, and Dennis Haysbert. Written by writers Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, the film finds Raimi back in his wheelhouse for the first time since "Drag Me To Hell," embellishing on the gore, horror and shock value of this two-hander survivor premise. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss Raimi's direction, the two performances from McAdams and O'Brien, the practical effects, the wild directions the story takes, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"A Poet" is a tragicomedy film written, co-produced, and directed by Simón Mesa Soto. An international co-production between Colombia, Germany, and Sweden, the film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the section's Jury Prize. The film stars Ubeimar Rios as an obsessed poet who has achieved no glory, is aging, erratic, and has become the cliche of the poet in the shadows. When he meets Yurlady (Rebeca Andrade), a teenage girl, he helps cultivate her talent. It was selected as the Colombian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. Simón Mesa Soto was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from 1-2 Special. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Testament Of Ann Lee" had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews from critics, with Amanda Seyfried receiving acclaim for her performance (often described as "career-best" and earning nominations from the Golden Globe Award and the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actress. Directed and co-written by Mona Fastvold (with "The Brutalist" filmmaking and real-life partner, Brady Corbet), the historical musical drama follows the founder of the Shaker religious sect in the 18th century with a supporting cast that includes Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, and Christopher Abbott. Fastvold was kind enough to spend some time speaking with Next Best Picture Owner & Editor In Chief Matt Neglia, while Academy Award-winning composer Daniel Blumberg spoke with Dan Bayer, and Cody Dericks had the opportunity to speak with production designer Sam Bader, costume designer Gosia Karpiuk, and hair, makeup, and prosthetics designer Stephanie Pasicov. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Searchlight Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first of Pixar's two films this year, "Hoppers," hits theaters on March 6th. This sci-fi, spy-thriller-influenced nature flick could be considered a major departure for the famed animation studio. While previous Pixar films are plentiful in humor, "Hoppers" is their first truly comedy-first film. Ahead of the film's release in just over a month, Pixar invited Next Best Picture to the studio to check out "Hoppers," along with an extensive look behind the scenes at how they brought this hilarious new adventure to life. We were lucky enough to get to spend some time speaking with Director Daniel Chong and Producer Nicole Grindle, Production Designer Bryan Imagire, Visual Effects Supervisor Beth Albright, and Character Art Director Anna Scott. We hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at Pixar's newest film. Thank you and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 476, Ema Sasic, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Megan Lachinski, and Alyssa Christian join me to discuss the 2026 Oscar nominations for the 98th Academy Awards after they were unable to do so for our live reaction video to the nominations. It's been a few days since the initial announcement, and already we're looking at potential shifts in momentum, who got in vs. who was left off, and what will happen with BAFTA and WGA nominations this week? For last week's poll, for the Oscar nominations we asked, "Which Film Do You Think Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" And for this week's poll, with the announcement of the Oscar nominations, we're asking, "Which Oscar Nomination For The 98th Academy Awards Made You The Happiest?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "Masters Of The Universe" and "Tuner," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Daniel Howat, Cody Dericks, and I are still in Sundance and will be back next week with a recap of the festival as this year's awards season continues. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Megan Lachinski, Josh Parham, and Dan Bayer join me to discuss the latest film from Mona Fasvold, "The Testament Of Ann Lee," starring Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson & Christopher Abbott. Co-written with her partner in work and in life, Brady Corbet, and following up the monumental success of last year's "The Brutalist," the duo is back with another $10 million indie film, this time about the founding leader of the Shakers religious sect in the 18th century that, unfortunately, never quite caught on after its world premiere at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, resulting in zero Oscar nominations. This recording was done before that announcement, and there's plenty to discuss besides the film's awards season run, including Amanda Seyfried's career-best performance, the jaw-dropping cinematography, production, and costume design, the ungodly score and songs by Daniel Blumberg (inspired by real-life Shaker hymns), Fastvold's singular direction, and more! Please tune in as we discuss these elements, the writing, and yes, our Oscar hopes for it before the Lord God tooketh away, in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Praise be! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dead Man's Wire" is an American crime thriller film directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Austin Kolodney, about the 1977 hostage standoff involving Tony Kiritsis and Richard Hall. It stars Bill Skarsgård as Kiritsis, alongside an ensemble cast including Dacre Montgomery as Hall, Cary Elwes, Myha'la, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino. The film premiered out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and writing. Skarsgård, Montgomery, Elwes, Van Sant and Kolodney were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Row K Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 475, Nadia Dalimonte, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Giovanni Lago, Daniel Howat, and Tom O'Brien join me for the year's biggest and most exciting episode to endlessly discuss what we think will be nominated for the 98th Academy Awards. Yes, it's our famous, comprehensive, epic annual final Oscar nomination predictions episode! We recommend you listen to this mammoth-sized episode in three parts: the Shorts categories (4:13), the Below the line categories (1:15:43), and the Above the line categories (3:29:29). There are no fan questions this week and only one trailer discussion for Baz Luhrmann's "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert." For last week's poll, for the release of "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," we asked, "Which Is Your Favorite Ralph Fiennes Performance?" And for this week's poll, for the upcoming Oscar nominations, we ask, "Which Film Do You Think Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" Thank you all for listening (no matter what the runtime says), supporting (our Patreon keeps so much of this operation running and could always use your help), and subscribing (every person matters for an independent outlet such as our's). You are the lifeblood that allows us to do what we do, and we cannot thank you enough. Enjoy the nominations this week. Daniel Howat, Cody Dericks, and I will be in Sundance when they drop, but we'll keep you updated with more to come as this year's awards season rolls on. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss the latest in the "28 Days" franchise, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," starring Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman & Chi Lewis-Parry. Directed this time by Nia DaCosta with another screenplay in the franchise by Alex Garland (And Danny Boyle serving as a Producer), this is a direct sequel to last year's "28 Years Later,"continuing the stories of Spike and Dr. Ian Kelson in a post-apocalyptic world infected by the rage virus. There is a lot of gore and humanity to be found in this one, with plenty of shocks and surprises. But what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, writing, themes, direction, makeup effects, the needle drops, its awards season potential, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" is a 2026 post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland. It was shot back-to-back with its predecessor, "28 Years Later," and is the fourth installment in the "28 Days Later" film series. The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry. Much like "28 Years Later," the film has received acclaim from critics, with praise for Fiennes' and O'Connell's performances, Garland's writing, and DaCosta's direction, with some believing it to be superior to its predecessor. DaCosta and O'Connell were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Sony Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"F1" (marketed as "F1: The Movie") is an American sports drama film starring Brad Pitt as Formula One (F1) racing driver Sonny Hayes, who returns after a 30-year absence to save his former teammate's underdog team, APXGP, from collapse. The film was directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer with a screenplay by Ehren Kruger, following their previous collaboration on "Top Gun: Maverick." The film received positive reviews from critics, became the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2025, and grossed $631.5 million worldwide against a $200–300 million budget. As of 2025, the film is also the highest-grossing auto racing film of all time, the highest-grossing film by Apple Studios, and the highest-grossing film of Pitt's career. The Next Best Picture team was lucky enough to spend some time speaking with various members of the production over the last couple of weeks, including editor Stephen Mirrione, the sound team, which consists of Supervising sound editors Al Nelson and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Re-recording mixers Gary Rizzo, and Juan Peralta, Production sound mixer Gareth John, and Visual Effects Supervisor Ryan Tudhope. You can listen to the interviews below, and be sure to check out the film, now available to stream on Apple TV and up for your consideration in all eligible categories for the 98th Academy Awards. Thank you and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sound Of Falling" is a German drama film co-written and directed by Mascha Schilinski. Starring Hanna Heckt, Lena Urzendowsky, Laeni Geiseler, Susanne Wuest, Luise Heyer, and Lea Drinda, it follows four generations of girls connected by a farm in the Altmark region of Germany. The film premiered in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize. It has been selected as the German entry for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, making the Oscar shortlist for that category, as well as for Best Cinematography by Fabian Gamper. Mascha Schilinski was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from MUBI and is up for your consideration for the 98th Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sirāt" is the new film from filmmaker Óliver Laxe, starring Sergi López as a father in search of his missing daughter, along with his son and a group of ravers in the deserts of southern Morocco. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Score. It was also selected as the Spanish submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, making the shortlist alongside Best Casting, Cinematography, Original Score, and Sound. Sound Designer Laia Casanovas and Composer Kangding Ray were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from NEON and is up for your consideration for the 98th Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Ugly Stepsister" is a 2025 satirical black comedy, body horror film written and directed by Emilie Blichfeldt in her directorial debut. Drawing on the fairy tale "Cinderella," it retells a twisted tale of Elvira, who competes with her beautiful stepsister in a bloody battle for beauty. The film had its world premiere as the opening film of the Midnight section of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and has been shortlisted for Best Makeup & Hairstyling at the 98th Academy Awards. Hair & Makeup Designer Anne Catherine Sauerberg and Prosthetic Makeup Effects Designer Thomas Foldberg were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Shudder from Independent Film Company. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Wicked: For Good" is a musical fantasy sequel directed by Jon M. Chu that adapts the second act of the "Wicked" stage musical, itself inspired by Gregory Maguire's reimagining of "The Wizard of Oz." Starring returning cast members Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and others, the film follows Elphaba and Glinda as they embrace their identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Developed over a decade and split into two films to preserve the story's depth, production faced delays due to the pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Released by Universal Pictures in November 2025, the film grossed $523 million worldwide, earned awards recognition from the Critics' Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, and was named one of the top ten films of the year by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. Ever since its release, the Next Best Picture team has been conducting a series of interviews with many people involved in the making of the film, which we're proud to share with you below. First up, we have my interview with the film's director Jon M. Chu, followed Cody Dericks's interview with casting directors Tiffany Little Canfield & Bernard Telsey, then we have my intervew with the film's editor Myron Kerstein, followed by Cody's interview with makeup & hair designer Frances Hannon, then Dan Bayer's interview with sound mixer Simon Hayes, and then we end with Cody's interview with visual effects supervisor Pablo Helman. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to rent or own digitally or on physical media from Universal Pictures, and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Song Sung Blue" is an American biographical musical drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Craig Brewer. It is based on the 2008 documentary film of the same name by Greg Kohs and stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder. The film had its world premiere at the AFI Film Festival, where it received positive reviews, especially for Kate Hudson's performance, with many calling it the best of her career. She has been nominated for the Golden Globe Award and the Actor Award for Best Lead Actress for her performance in the film. Hudson was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Focus Features. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Following the airing of the 3rd annual Golden Globe Awards on CBS, Daniel Howat, Ema Sasic & Dan Bayer hopped on the podcast to deliver their immediate reactions to the winners from the evening, celebrating the best in film and television for 2025. How did the wins and speeches help shape the Oscar race? What did they think of Nikki Glazer's return to hosting the ceremony? There's plenty to discuss as awards season continues and Oscar voting begins today, with the nominations announcement looming 10 days away. Please tune in as they discuss these points and more in this special, exclusive Patreon episode. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 474, Katie Johnson, Cody Dericks, Megan Lachinski, and Tom O'Brien join me for this exciting episode to discuss the Critics' Choice Award winners, give our predictions for the Golden Globe Awards, and discuss the fallout of the Actor/PGA/DGA nominations and the BAFTA Longlists as we get closer to the Oscar nominations. For last week's poll, we asked "Which Film Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2026?" And for this week's poll, for the release of "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," we ask, "Which Is Your Favorite Ralph Fiennes Performance?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "The Death Of Robin Hood" and "Undertone," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy as this year's awards season continues. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Dan Bayer, Giovanni Lago, and Tom O'Brien join me to discuss the killer monkey horror movie "Primate," starring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur. Directed by Johannes Roberts, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Ernest Riera, the film had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2025, where it received positive reviews for its gore effects, the decision to have the rabid chimpanzee portrayed by an actor in a costume rather than created through CGI, and its effective handling of tone with a brisk runtime. What did we think of it though? Please tune in as we discuss these elements and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Voice Of Hind Rajab" is a docudrama film written and directed by Kaouther Ben Hania. It follows the Red Crescent response to the killing of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl, by the Israel Defense Forces during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. It stars Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Amer Hlehel, and Clara Khoury. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and other six parallel prizes. It has been selected as the Tunisian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, earning a spot on the Oscar shortlist. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it was nominated for Best Non-English Language Film. Ben Hania was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Willa. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Familiar Touch" is an independent drama film, written and directed by Sarah Friedland, that stars Kathleen Chalfant as an octogenarian woman transitioning to assisted living, contending with her relationship to herself and her caregivers as she navigates cognitive decline. Billed as a coming of (old) age film, it had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024, where it won the Lion of the Future and the Orizzonti section Best Director and Best Actress prizes. Friedland and Chalfant were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to rent and own from Music Box Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture It's been many years since our last review for "Stranger Things" on the Next Best Picture Podcast. Our Season 4 review went up on July 6th, 2022, and we are here now, all these years later, to discuss the entirety of the final season of Netflix's flagship, global phenomenon of a show. Tune is as we break down Vol I, Vol II, and the still-discussed finale of one of the biggest shows on the planet. Did the ending meet our expectations? What do we think of the performances, the visual effects, the storytelling, and the character arcs for these beloved characters we've been following for nearly a decade? For this epic, final deep dive into the Duffer Brothers' creation, I have Amy Kim, Giovanni Lago, and Daniel Howat joining me to discuss these elements, its Emmy awards season chances, and more in our review. Please take a listen below as we share our full, SPOILER-FILLED thoughts on "Stranger Things" one last time. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 473, Cody Dericks, Lauren LaMagna, and Dan Bayer join me for this very quick episode on the morning of the Critics' Choice Awards, to give our predictions for what we feel is going to win at tonight's awards ceremony, and what will be nominated for the SAG/PGA/DGA awards this week. We also discuss our most anticipated films of 2026, which is this week's poll: "Which Film Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2026?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, for the end of the 2025 film year, "Which Is Your Favorite Film Of 2025?" There are no trailers to discuss this week, but we do answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We really appreciate it, even with a breezier episode than usual this week! We'll see you next week to discuss all of these awards, BAFTA Longlists, Golden Globes, and more! Enjoy as this year's awards season continues. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Sara Clements, Josh Parham, and Cody Dericks join me to discuss the feature directorial debut from Charlie Polinger, "The Plague" starring Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, Kenny Rasmussen & Joel Edgerton. The film follows a socially anxious 12-year-old boy, who is pulled into a cruel tradition at an all-boys water polo camp. The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its writing, direction, performances, and psychologically horrifying craftsmanship. What did we think of this independent film? Please tune in as we discuss these elements, how it brought back a flood of traumatic childhood memories for all of us, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"We Bury The Dead" is a zombie-survival thriller written and directed by Zak Hilditch, starring Daisy Ridley as a desperate woman searching for her husband in the aftermath of a catastrophic military experiment. Hoping to find him alive, Ava joins a "body retrieval unit," but her search takes a chilling turn when the corpses she's burying start showing signs of life. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival and received positive reviews for its premise and Ridley's performance. Ridley was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Vertical Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Flanagan knows horror. Any fan of the genre will tell you that he's one of the most exciting directors working today, creating haunting and uniquely terrifying films like "Oculus," "Gerald's Game," and "Doctor Sleep," not to mention his many Netflix series, including "The Haunting of Hill House" and "The Fall of the House of Usher." His latest film, "The Life of Chuck," may therefore seem like a bit of a departure. It doesn't explicitly aim to scare viewers in the ways that they might expect from a Flanagan production. But as the filmmaker himself would explain, it's a logical continuation of the kinds of stories he likes to explore. Namely, it concerns itself with big thematic topics, like the impact of one person on others and the peculiarities of living a finite existence. It's a moving, expansive film that has the capacity to horrify, stun, and affect its audience just as much as anything he's made before, even if it has no broken-neck ghosts or bathtub-dwelling ghouls. Mike Flanagan was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about the details of how the Stephen King story that inspired the film came to him at exactly the right time. He also talks about the differences and similarities of telling stories on TV and film, what it's like to adapt King's work, and how he came to work with his son for the very first time. You can listen to this interview below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to rent and own through NEON and is up for your consideration at this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Ema Sasic and Dan Bayer join me to discuss the latest film from Craig Brewer, "Song Sung Blue" starring Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Fisher Stevens, Jim Belushi, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley & John Beckwith. Based on the 2008 documentary film of the same name by Greg Kohs, the film follows Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder before their lives took an unexpected turn for the worse. The film premiered at the 2025 AFI Festival to positive reviews, but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, the tone, music, story, craftsmanship, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Smashing Machine" is a biographical sports drama film written, directed, produced, and edited by Benny Safdie, starring Golden Globe nominee Dwayne Johnson as former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Lion and received positive reviews for the performances, notably for Johnson's transformational work, brought to life by multi Academy Award-winning prosthetics designer Kazu Hiro. Johnson, Blunt, and Hiro were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with me, Cody Dericks, and Dan Bayer, respectively, about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to rent or own digitally from A24 and is up for your consideration in all eligible categories for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 472, Nadia Dalimonte, Josh Parham, and Dan Bayer join me to say goodbye to the year 2025 at the movies as we discuss our favorite films, performances, moments, scenes, and experiences in this special recap episode ahead of the New Year. For this week's poll, for the end of the year, we're asking everyone: "Which Is Your Favorite Film Of 2025?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, for the release of Mona Fastvold's "The Testament Of Ann Lee," where we asked "Which Is Your Favorite Amanda Seyfried Performance?" In addition, we share our reactions to the trailers for "The Odyssey," "Apex," "Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We really appreciate it and wish you all a happy New Year this week with your family, friends, and loved ones! Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Dan Bayer, and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss the latest film from Josh Safdie, "Marty Supreme" starring Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara & Fran Drescher. His first solo directing effort since his debut with "The Pleasure of Being Robbed," Josh Safdie delivers a true American sports comedy-drama loosely inspired by the life and career of American table tennis player Marty Reisman. The film had its world premiere as a surprise screening at the New York Film Festival to rave reviews and reactions for its performances, direction, writing, casting, editing, and score, with many hailing it as one of the greatest sports and New York films ever made. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss these elements, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Marty Supreme" is an American sports comedy-drama film that had its world premiere at the 2025 New York Film Festival as a surprise screening, where it received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, performances, casting, score, production design, and editing. Ever since then, the Next Best Picture team has been conducting a series of interviews with nearly everyone associated with the film, which we're proud to share with you below. First up, we have my interview with the film's co-producer, director, co-writer, and co-editor, Josh Safdie, followed by Giovanni Lago's interview with co-producer, co-writer, and co-editor Ronald Bronstein, then we have Cody Dericks's interview with one of the film's stars, Gwyneth Paltrow, followed by Giovanni's interview with another one of the film's stars, Odessa A'zion. Then we have my interview with the film's casting director, Jennifer Venditti. Next, we have Giovanni's series of interviews with cinematographer Darius Khondji, production designer Jack Fisk, and composer Daniel Lopatin. And then we finish with my interview with the film's supervising sound editor, re-recording mixer, and sound designer, Skip Lievsay. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24, and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Choral" is a British historical drama film co-produced and directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by Alan Bennett. Set in 1916, during World War I, in the fictional town of Ramsden, Yorkshire, the film follows the members of the local choral society, which recruits a group of teenage boys and girls for a performance of Edward Elgar's "The Dream of Gerontius," a work chosen because a German did not write it. It stars Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam, Mark Addy, Alun Armstrong, Robert Emms, and Simon Russell Beale. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its feel-good story and performances. Hytner and Fiennes were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Plague" is a psychological drama-thriller film written and directed by Charlie Polinger in his directorial debut, starring Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, Kenny Rasmussen, and Joel Edgerton, who is also a producer. The film follows a socially anxious 12-year-old boy who is pulled into a cruel tradition at an all-boys water polo camp. The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its direction, writing, and performances from its young stars, receiving three Film Independent Spirit Award nominations for Best Feature, Best Lead Performance (Everett Blunck), and Best Breakthrough Performance (Kayo Martin). Poling, Blunck, and Martin were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing in New York and Los Angeles and expanding nationwide on January 2nd, from Independent Film Company. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Ema Sasic, Josh Parham, and Dan Bayer join me to discuss the latest film from Academy Award-nominee Bradley Cooper, "Is This Thing On?" starring Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, and Cooper. Loosely inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, the film had its world premiere as the closing-night film at the New York Film Festival, receiving positive reviews for Cooper's restrained direction, the writing alongside co-writers Arnett and Mark Chappell, and the performances from Arnett and Dern. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss these elements: the cinematography by Matthew Libatique, the stand-up comedy, Cooper's career trajectory as a director, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Belushi is an American actor and comedian who has been working in show business since the late 1970's, with many acclaimed roles and projects, and this year may be his proudest yet, as he landed supporting roles in Craig Brewer's "Song Sung Blue" and Kristen Stewart's "The Chronology Of Water." Both films have been seen by festival audiences, with Stewart's film now playing in limited release from The Forge, and Brewer's film set to release on Christmas Day from Focus Features. Belushi is feeling lucky and proud to be a part of two outstanding projects that showcase his range for drama and comedy. Belushi was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making both films, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the films, which are both up for your consideration for this year's awards season in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Avatar: Fire And Ash" is, like the previous two, an incredible technical accomplishment from the sound, visuals, and score; the amazingly talented men and women behind the scenes have once again transported audiences back to Pandora through James Cameron's epic vision. The Next Best Picture team was lucky enough to spend time with a few key people in charge of bringing that vision to life. First up, we have Brendan Hodges's interview with composer Simon Franglen, then we have my interview with production sound mixer Julian Howarth, and then we circle back to Brendan one more time for his discussion with the visual effects team, including EP/Visual Effects Supervisor Richard Baneham, Visual Effects Supervisor Eric Saindon, and Animation Supervisor Dan Barrett. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from 20th Century Studios and is up for your consideration at the 98th Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Pillion" is a romantic comedy drama film written and directed by Harry Lighton, based on the 2020 novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones. The film stars Harry Melling as a timid gay man and Alexander Skarsgård as an enigmatic biker who starts a BDSM relationship. The film had its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the section's Best Screenplay prize and the Palm Dog for Mutt Moment, alongside nominations for the Caméra d'Or and the Queer Palm. The film received further critical acclaim after screening at the Telluride and New York Film Festivals, receiving several nominations and awards, including two British Independent Film Award wins for Best British Independent Film and Best Debut Screenwriter, and a Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Melling was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is playing in the UK from Picturehouse and Warner Bros. Pictures UK and will be released in the US by A24 on February 6th, 2026. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 471, Nadia Dalimonte, Josh Parham, and Tom O'Brien join me for another packed episode of awards season news and developments. This week, we go over the Oscar Shortlists, the USC Scripter Award Nominations, and the major news of the Oscars moving away from ABC and over to YouTube, starting with the 101st ceremony. We also briefly touch upon the tragic passing of legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner. For this week's poll, for the release of Mona Fastvold's "The Testament Of Ann Lee," we're asking everyone: "Which Is Your Favorite Amanda Seyfried Performance?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, for the release of James Cameron's "Avatar: Fire And Ash," where we asked "Which Is Your Favorite James Cameron Film?" In addition, we share our reactions to the trailers for "Disclosure Day," "Alpha," "Dreams," "The Sheep Detectives," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We really appreciate it and wish you all happy holidays this week with your family and loved ones! Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Lauren LaMagna, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, Cody Dericks, and Brendan Hodges join me to discuss the latest film from Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron, "Avatar: Fire And Ash" starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Oona Chaplin, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Jack Chapmion & Britain Dalton. The third film in the multi-billion dollar grossing, global and beloved "Avatar" franchise, this epic, darker film acts as a direct sequel to "Avatar: The Way Of Water" and continues the story of the Sully family and the Na'vi as their conflict with Quaritch and the RDA continues on the alien planet of Pandora. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, character arcs, and payoffs, the action, visual effects, the future of the franchise, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Avatar: Fire And Ash" is the third entry in the "Avatar" franchise from Academy Award-winning director James Cameron, that continues the story of Jake Sully, Neytiri and their children as they continue to face opposition from Quaritch and the RDA on Pandora. The film utilizes state of the art technology, visual effects and performance capture to bring the world and its characters to life in a way that has so far amassed over $5.2 billion worldwide, becoming a global phenomenon and further solidifying Cameron as the kind of not only Hollywood, but of the world. Cameron was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the third film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from 20th Century Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Cover-Up" is an American documentary film produced and directed by Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus. It explores the investigative journalism career of Seymour Hersh, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covered the U.S. Army torture scandals during the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and later screened at the Telluride, Toronto, and New York Film Festivals, where it continued to receive praise, resulting in nominations for Best Documentary Feature at the Critics' Choice, PGA, and Cinema Eye Honors. Poitras and Obenhaus were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in select theaters on December 19th before arriving on Netflix on December 26th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Is This Thing On?" is a 2025 American comedy-drama film directed by Bradley Cooper, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Will Arnett and Mark Chappell, loosely inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop. It stars Arnett and Laura Dern as a middle-aged married couple facing an impending divorce when Alex (Arnett) finds new purpose in the New York comedy scene, while his wife, Tess (Dern), confronts the sacrifices she made for their family. The film premiered as the Closing Night film at the 2025 New York Film Festival, receiving positive reviews for its writing and direction by Cooper and for performances by Dern and Arnett. The two lead stars were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on December 19th from Searchlight Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" is an American biographical musical drama film starring Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen. Written and directed by Scott Cooper, and based on the 2023 book "Deliver Me from Nowhere" by Warren Zanes, as well as some elements from Springsteen's autobiography "Born to Run," it chronicles Springsteen's personal and professional struggles during the conception of his 1982 album "Nebraska." The film had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival, screened at the New York and AFI Film Festivals, and has received a Golden Globe nomination for White in the Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama category. White was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be available to watch digitally on December 23rd from 20th Century Studios and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Sound. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received just as strong reviews as the first two entries in the franchise, "Knives Out" and "Glass Onion," with praise directed at Rian Johnson's direction, writing, and the performances of the cast. Johnson, along with members of the cast and crew, were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with Next Best Picture over the past few weeks, and you can listen to those conversations below. First, we have my interview with Rian Johnson and Josh O'Connor, followed by Dan Bayer's interview with Johnson and Benoit Blanc himself, Daniel Craig. Then we have Cody Dericks's interview with Academy Award-nominee and on-screen legend Glenn Close, followed by my chat with Mila Kunis and Cailee Spaeny, then Brendan Hodges's discussion with cinematographer Steve Yedlin, and finally my interview with composer Nathan Johnson. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix, and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 470, Nadia Dalimonte, Giovanni Lago, Lauren LaMagna, and Megan Lachinski join me for another packed episode of awards season news and madness. This week, we go over the Golden Globe Award nominations, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) winners, and the Costume Designer Guild (CDG) nominations. We also briefly look over the 2026 Sundance Film Festival lineup announcement and predict what may happen this week with the Oscar shortlists. For this week's poll, for the release of James Cameron's "Avatar: Fire And Ash", we're asking everyone: "Which Is Your Favorite James Cameron Film?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we sought a temperature check on the Best Picture Oscar race by asking, "Which Film Do You Think is Going To Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" In addition, we share our reactions to the trailers for "The Drama" and "Supergirl," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing, especially for episodes this massive. We really appreciate it. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Dan Bayer, Daniel Howat, and Brendan Hodges join me to discuss the latest film from Academy Award-nominee Rian Johnson in the "Knives Out" franchise "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," starring Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. The second film to premiere on Netflix following "Glass Onion" and the third in the franchise overall, this latest murder-mystery sees Craig's Benoit Blanc return in a case that will take him to religious highs and devilish lows, with another electric cast of characters and plenty of twists and turns. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, characters, cinematography, the blending of spiritual drama, mystery thriller, and playful humor, the future of the franchise, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dust Bunny" is an American horror-thriller film written and directed by Bryan Fuller in his feature directorial debut, starring Mads Mikkelsen, Sophie Sloan, Sheila Atim, David Dastmalchian, and Sigourney Weaver. It tells the story of an eight-year-old girl who asks her hitman neighbor to kill the monster under her bed. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and received positive reviews for Mads Mikkelsen and Sophie Sloan's chemistry, Fuller's imaginative direction, and its blending of genres to create a fantastical horror film for kids. Fuller was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Goodbye June" is a 2025 Christmas family drama film directed by Kate Winslet in her directorial debut, from a screenplay written by her son Joe Anders. It stars an ensemble cast that includes Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, Helen Mirren, and Winslet herself. The film is set during Christmas, when the characters gather around their dying mother and confront themes of grief, reconciliation, and love. Winslet was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Tale Of Silyan" is a Macedonian documentary film produced, written and directed by Tamara Kotevska. It follows Macedonian farmer Nikola Conev and his family against the backdrop of the country's economic instability. While Conev forms a bond with an injured white stork, his daughter and wife move to Germany in search of a better life. The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and has been selected as the Macedonian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Director Tamara Kotevska and cinematographer Jean Dakar were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing at the IFC Center in New York from National Geographic Documentary Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Long Walk" is an American dystopian survival thriller film directed and produced by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by JT Mollner, based on the 1979 novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill and has been awarded the Robert Altman Award for Best Ensemble at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Screenwriter JT Mollner and casting director Rich Delia were kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to rent and own at home from Lionsgate. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Resurrection" is a science fiction drama film written and directed by Bi Gan. It follows Miss Shu (Shu Qi) in a future where most of humanity has lost the capacity to dream, who discovers that one inhuman creature (Jackson Yee) is still able to experience them. She enters the monster's dreams, using her ability to perceive illusions to determine the truth in its visions of Chinese history. The film is structured into six chapters, each corresponding to one of the six senses recognized in Buddhist thought: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mind. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Prix Spécial. Bi Gan was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on December 12th from Janus Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Come See Me In The Good Light" is a 2025 American documentary film directed by Ryan White, following poet/activist Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley as they navigate an examination of love and mortality after Gibson is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Singer-songwriters Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile serve as among the executive producers; they co-wrote a song for the documentary, "Salt Then Sour Then Sweet," with Gibson. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews and won the Festival Favorite Award. Bareilles was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Highest 2 Lowest" is an American crime thriller film directed by Spike Lee from a screenplay by Alan Fox. It is an English-language remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese film "High and Low," itself based on Ed McBain's 1959 novel "King's Ransom." The film stars Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, ASAP Rocky, John Douglas Thompson, Dean Winters, LaChanze, Princess Nokia, and Ice Spice (in her film debut). The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival out of competition, where it received positive reviews for its performances, music, and direction from Lee. Composer Howard Drossin and songwriter/performer Aiyana-Lee, who collaborated on the film's title track, were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experiences working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Materialists" is an American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Celine Song, starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. Set against the backdrop of New York City's luxury-driven dating culture, it follows a love triangle among a matchmaker, her ex-boyfriend, an aspiring actor, and a charming millionaire. Released over the summer by A24, it received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $108 million worldwide, becoming A24's third-highest-grossing film and Song's highest-grossing film. Japanese Breakfast vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter Michelle Zauner wrote the end-credits song "My Baby (Got Nothing At All)" for the film and was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the song, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to own or rent at home from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Secret Agent" is a historical political thriller film written and directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho that follows Armando (NYFCC Best Actor winner Wagner Moura), a former professor caught in the political turmoil of the final years of the Brazilian military dictatorship, attempting to flee persecution and resist an authoritarian, deceitful regime. The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received widespread acclaim and was the festival's most awarded film, winning the Best Actor award for Moura, the Best Director award for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award, and the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it became the first Brazilian film nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Moura), and it also received a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. It has been selected as Brazil's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Kleber Mendonça Filho and Wagner Moura were kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"No Other Choice" is a 2025 South Korean satirical black comedy thriller film co-written, produced, and directed by Park Chan-wook and based on "The Ax" by Donald Westlake. The film stars Lee Byung-hun as a desperate paper industry expert who decides to kill his competitors to secure the job he seeks and maintain his way of life. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it received universal critical acclaim for its writing, direction, editing and lead performance from Lee Byung-hun. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Foreign Language Film, and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Lee Byung-hun). It was also selected as South Korea's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. Park Chan-wook and Lee Byung-hun were kind enough to spend some time talking with Giovanni Lago about their work and experiences making the film, followed by Dan Bayer's conversation with the film's editors Kim Sang-bum and Kim Ho-bin, which you can watch or listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in limited release on December 25th and nationwide this January from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Chronology Of Water" is a biographical psychological drama film written for the screen, co-produced, and directed by Kristen Stewart in her feature film directorial debut, based on the 2011 book of the same name by Lidia Yuknavitch. It stars Imogen Poots as Yuknavitch, along with Thora Birch, Susannah Flood, Tom Sturridge, Kim Gordon, Michael Epp, Earl Cave, Esmé Creed-Miles, and Jim Belushi in supporting roles. The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews from critics. Stewart and Poots were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in NY and LA theaters and will expand nationwide on January 9th from The Forge. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 469, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, Daniel Howat, and Tom O'Brien join me for what is one of the biggest episodes of the year. We knew heading into this week we would have to discuss the Gotham, NYFCC, and NBR winners, the AFI Top 10 films of the year, the CCA and Spirit Award nominations, and briefly touch on the Golden Globe Award nominations before they're announced. But then the industry dropped a bombshell: Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., a power move that threatens to be a seismic shift across the industry, with many implications for the future. For this week's poll, we ask our famous question: "Which Film Do You Think is Going To Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, for the release of "Jay Kelly," where we asked, "Which Is Your Favorite George Clooney Performance?" In addition, we share our reactions to the trailers for "Mother Mary," "Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come," "Scarlet," "Midwinter Break," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing, especially for episodes this massive. We really appreciate it. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Megan Lachinski, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and Brendan Hodges join me to discuss the latest film from Academy Award-winner Chloé Zhao, "Hamnet," starring Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, and Noah Jupe. The historical drama film co-written by Maggie O'Farrell, the author of the title novel this film is based on is a largely fictional story dramatizing the marriage between Anne Hathaway (Agnes Hathaway in the novel and film) and William Shakespeare, and the impact of the tragic death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet on their relationship, which inspired Shakespeare's iconic play "Hamlet." The film had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and has been drawing tears from audiences everywhere it plays, including the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the People's Choice Award. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, cinematography, score, whether it made us as emotional as intended, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Jay Kelly" had its world premiere at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival and later screened at the Telluride Film Festival, the New York Film Festival, and the AFI Film Festival. It received positive reviews for its casting and performances, particularly from George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup; the direction and writing by Noah Baumbach (co-written with Emily Mortimer); and the score by Nicholas Britell. Members of the cast and crew were kind enough to spend some time speaking with Next Best Picture over the past few weeks, and you can listen to those conversations below. First, we have my interviews with Clooney, Sandler, Dern, Crudup, Baumbach, Mortimer, and Britell. Then, we have Will Mavity's interview with the film's casting directors, Nina Gold and Doug Aibel. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix, and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Daniel Howat, and Will Mavity join me to review and discuss the latest film from Noah Baumbach, "Jay Kelly," starring George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Eve Hewson, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, Josh Hamilton, Lenny Henry, Emily Mortimer, Nicôle Lecky, Thaddea Graham & Isla Fisher. The Netflix film follows a friendship between a famous actor (Clooney) and his manager (Sandler) as they travel through Europe and reflect on their life choices, relationships, and legacies. It had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and received positive reviews for its performances, writing, and direction from Baumbach. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss these elements, the themes, cinematography, score, its awards season prospects, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Fackham Hall" is a period parody comedy film set in 1930s England that crosses "Downton Abbey" with "Airplane!" and "Monty Python." It is directed by Jim O'Hanlon and written by comedian Jimmy Carr (in his screenwriting feature debut) with Patrick Carr and The Dawson Brothers. It stars Damian Lewis, Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Katherine Waterston, Tom Felton, and Jimmy Carr. It follows loveable pick-pocket Eric Noone (Radcliffe) as he lands a job at a unique English manor house. He quickly rises through the ranks, and a forbidden romance with the lady of the house, Rose Davenport (McKenzie), blossoms. But when an unexpected murder occurs, Eric gets framed - leaving Rose and her family's future perilously uncertain. McKenzie, Radcliffe and O'Hanlon were all kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on December 5th from Bleecker Street. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"La Grazia" is an Italian drama film written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. It stars Toni Servillo as the President of Italy, Mariano De Santis, a staunch Catholic and experienced jurist, who is conflicted about whether he should sign into law a bill legalizing euthanasia, and at the same time has to consider the pardon petitions of two individuals who murdered their partners. The film had its world premiere as the opening film of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where Servillo won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor. Servillo was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is opening in theaters on December 5th from MUBI. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Rosemead" is a drama film, directed by Eric Lin in his directorial debut, from a screenplay by Marilyn Fu, based on a 2017 LA Times column by Frank Shyong. It stars Lucy Liu as an ailing woman who is stricken by the discovery of her teenage son’s violent obsessions and must go to great lengths to protect him, and possibly others, in this portrait of a Chinese American family. The film premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Festival to positive reviews, particularly for Liu, who received the best notices of her career. Liu was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is releasing in theaters on December 5th from Vertical Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 468, Cody Dericks, Nadia Dalimonte and Giovanni Lago join me for a packed week of awards season predictions as December looms around the corner and the precursors for the 98th Academy Awards officially begin. We predict the Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC), Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA), and National Board of Review (NBR) winners, along with what we believe will place in the AFI Top 10 films of the year. We also attempt to predict the likely nominees for the Critics' Choice Awards (CCA) and the Film Independent Spirit Awards. For this week's poll, in celebration of the release of "Jay Kelly," we ask: "Which Is Your Favorite George Clooney Performance?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, in which we asked, "Which Films Will Be Oscar-Nominated For Best International Feature Film At The 98th Academy Awards?" In addition, we share our reactions to the trailers for "How To Make A Killing" and "Goat," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Sara Clements, Cody Dericks, Alyssa Christian, Brendan Hodges & Joselyn Safadi join me to discuss the sequel to 2016's Oscar-winning animated film "Zootopia," titled "Zootopia 2," starring the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Shakira, Idris Elba, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, Danny Trejo, Alan Tudyk, Nate Torrence, Don Lake, Bonnie Hunt, and Jenny Slate. The story follows the returning officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, who are now "partners" and go undercover to pursue Zootopia's new and mysterious reptilian resident, Gary De'Snake. Nearly a decade after the first film, what did we think of this highly anticipated sequel? Please tune in as we discuss the story, voice acting, themes, animation, dozens of references and jokes for kids and adults, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Thing With Feathers" is a British independent drama film starring Benedict Cumberbatch that is written and directed by Dylan Southern and adapted from the book "Grief Is the Thing with Feathers" by Max Porter. It had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where Cumberbatch's haunting performance as a grief-stricken father was praised. Cumberbatch was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited theatrical release from Briarcliff Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Eternity" had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival where it received positive reviews for its clever premise about a woman who must choose between two men with whom to spend eternity in the afterlife co-written and directed by David Freyne along with the trio of heartwarming an heartbreaking performances from Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner, and hilarious supporting work from John Early, Olga Merediz and Academy Award-winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph. Freyne was kind enough to spend some time talking with Ema Sasic about his experience making the film, while I had the pleasure of speaking with Joy Randolph about her work on the film. Both interviews are available to listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"In Your Dreams" is an American animated adventure-comedy film directed by Alex Woo and co-directed by Erik Benson, from a script by Woo and Benson and a story by Woo, Benson, and Stanley Moore. It tells the story of Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and her little brother Elliot (Elias Janssen), who journey into the wildly absurd landscape of their own dreams to ask the Sandman to grant them the perfect family. Produced by Netflix Animation and Kuku Studios, it received generally positive reviews from critics. Director/co-writer Woo was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is up for your consideration for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Josh Parham and Nadia Dalimonte join me to review and discuss the latest film from Hikari, "Rental Family," starring Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, and Akira Emoto. The comedy-drama film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to a warm reception, with praise for Fraser's performance, and Hikari's direction and writing (co-written with Stephen Blahut). What did we think of this sentimental film? Was it too sweet or just the right amount to capture our hearts? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, writing, direction, its awards season prospects, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"All That's Left Of You" is a drama film produced, written, and directed by Cherien Dabis, who also stars alongside Saleh Bakri, Mohammad Bakri, Adam Bakri, Maria Zreik, Muhammad Abed Elrahman, Sanad Alkabareti, and Salah El Din. It follows a Palestinian family across three generations during the history of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and later screened at the Telluride Film Festival, receiving positive reviews for its storytelling and performances. It has been selected as the Jordanian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Filmmaker and star Dabis was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is set to open January 9th in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, followed by a Nationwide rollout from Watermelon Pictures and Visibility Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 467, Lauren LaMagna, Dan Bayer, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to discuss the Academy's announcement of the eligible films for Best Animated, Documentary, and International Feature Film for the 98th Academy Awards, as well as other recent developments in the awards season race, including the awards status of "Wicked: For Good." For this week's poll, we ask, "Which Films Will Be Oscar-Nominated For Best International Feature Film At The 98th Academy Awards?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, for the release of "Rental Family," where we asked, "Which Is Your Favorite Film Starring Brendan Fraser?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping," "The Moment," "Hoppers," "The Chronology Of Water," "We Bury The Dead," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, Lauren LaMagna & Cody Dericks join me to discuss the sequel to last year's "Wicked," titled "Wicked: For Good," starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. The film adapts the second act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which was loosely based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, a reimagining of L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and its 1939 film adaptation. Darker and more complex to bring to the big screen, Set in the Land of Oz before and during the events of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," the film explores the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda as they embrace their new identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, with more tie-ins to "The Wizard of Oz." Following the success of last year's film, what did we think of this emotional conclusion? Please tune in as we discuss the adaptation choices, Jon M. Chu's direction, the cinematography, the musical numbers, the powerful performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Kokuho" is a Japanese drama film directed by Lee Sang-il, written by Satoko Okudera, and based on a novel of the same name by Shuichi Yoshida, starring Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, Min Tanaka, and Ken Watanabe. It tells the story of a young boy who devotes himself to the traditional theatre of kabuki under the tutelage of a famous actor, aspiring for the same level of greatness someday. The film had its world premiere in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. It would go on to find commercial success in Japan, even increasing kabuki ticket sales. It has been selected as the Japanese entry for the Best International Feature Film Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards. Filmmaker Lee Sang-il and star Ryo Yoshizawa were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is set for a limited one-week qualifying release on November 21st in New York from GKIDS. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Train Dreams" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and later screened at the Toronto and AFI Film Festivals. It received positive reviews for its adaptation of the 2011 novella of the same name, Clint Bentley's direction, Joel Edgerton's leading performance, its cinematography, and its score by Bryce Dessner. Members of the cast and crew were kind enough to spend some time speaking with Next Best Picture over the past few weeks, and you can watch or listen to those conversations below. First, we have Daniel Howat's interview with Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones. Then, we have my interview with Director/Co-writer Clint Bentley, followed by Howat's interview with actors Kerry Condon and William H. Macy. Then we have Will Mavity's interview with the film's cinematographer, Adolpho Veloso. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's third podcast review, Dan Bayer, Megan Lachinski, and Will Mavity join me to review and discuss the latest film from Clint Bentley, "Train Dreams," starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Clifton Collins Jr., Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy. Based on the 2011 novella of the same name by Denis Johnson, and co-written with fellow Academy Award-nominee Greg Kwedar, the duo are back following "Sing Sing" last year with another beloved independent film that has had passionate supporters ever since it premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to universal acclaim. Please tune in as we discuss the themes, Joel Edgerton's leading performance, the cinematography, Bentley's direction, its awards season prospects, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Cutting Through Rocks" is a documentary film directed by Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki in their feature debut. It follows the story of the first Iranian woman elected as a councilwoman in a rural, poor village. The film had its world premiere in the World Documentary Competition section of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews and won the Grand Jury Prize – World Documentary Competition. Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in New York at Film Forum on November 21st. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk" is a documentary film directed by Sepideh Farsi, depicting life in Gaza during the ongoing Israeli military campaign, captured through Farsi's video calls with a young Palestinian photojournalist living there named Fatima Hassouna. The documentary had its world premiere at the ACID parallel section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. A day after the filmmakers found out the film had been selected for the festival, Hassouna was killed in an Israeli airstrike alongside nine members of her family on April 16th. The film is dedicated to her memory and has garnered positive reviews, including Gotham and Cinema Eye Honors nominations for Best Documentary Feature. Farsi was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release from Kino Lorber. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Giovanni Lago, Alyssa Christian, and Tom O'Brien join me to review and discuss the latest film from James Vanderbilt, "Nuremberg," starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O'Brien, Colin Hanks, Wrenn Schmidt, Lydia Peckham, Richard E. Grant, and Michael Shannon. It is based on the 2013 book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist" by Jack El-Hai and tells the story of U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, who seeks to carry out an assignment to investigate the personalities and monitor the mental status of Hermann Göring and other high-ranking Nazis in preparation for and during the Nuremberg trials. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to a strong response from those who saw it, but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, writing, themes, direction, its awards season prospects, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Rental Family" is a comedy-drama film directed by Hikari, who co-wrote the script with Stephen Blahut, starring Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, and Akira Emoto. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its direction, writing, and heartwarming performances. Hikari and Emoto were both kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with Ema Sasic and Giovanni Lago, respectively, about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is scheduled to be released in the United States by Searchlight Pictures on November 21st. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 466, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and I are here to discuss the awards prospects for the final films that need to screen and release before the end of the year to qualify for the 98th Academy Awards. We leave no stone unturned as we discuss the reactions and expectations for "Hamnet," "Marty Supreme," "Avatar: Fire And Ash," "Wicked: For Good," "No Other Choice," "The Testament Of Ann Lee," "Jay Kelly," "The Secret Agent," and more! For this week's poll, for the release of "Rental Family," we ask, "Which Is Your Favorite Film Starring Brendan Fraser?" and we reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked our most famous question, "Which Film Do You Think Is Going To Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Wuthering Heights," "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," "Goodbye June," "Cold Storage," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Giovanni Lago & Amy Kim join me to discuss the latest film from Edgar Wright, "The Running Man," starring Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin. It is the second adaptation of the 1982 novel by Stephen King, following the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, with Wright's 2025 version adhering closer to the novel and its themes. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss the adaptation, Powell's lead performance, Wright's action direction, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Rebuilding" is an American independent drama film written and directed by Max Walker-Silverman, starring Josh O'Connor, Lily LaTorre, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan. The film follows a cowboy named Dusty (O'Connor), who ends up in a FEMA camp after a wildfire destroys his ranch, and he finds community with others who have lost their homes, including his daughter and ex-wife. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for Max Walker-Silverman's storytelling and filmmaking, as well as O'Connor's nuanced lead performance. O'Connor and Walter-Silverman were both kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Bleecker Street. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Arco" is a French animated science fantasy film written and directed by Ugo Bienvenu and produced by Natalie Portman. It stars Swann Arlaud, Alma Jodorowsky, Margot Ringard Oldra, Oscar Tresanini, Vincent Macaigne, Louis Garrel, William Lebghil, and Oxmo Puccino in the French version, with Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Flea, Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, and Andy Samberg in the English dubbed version. The film had its world premiere in the Special Screenings section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it received positive reviews. It would later go on to win the Cristal Award for Best Feature Film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Bienvenu and Portman were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release before expanding wide in early 2026 from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's third podcast review, Ema Sasic, Josh Parham, and Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss the latest film from Joachim Trier, "Sentimental Value," starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning. The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received widespread acclaim and won the Grand Prix. It has been selected as the Norwegian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, writing, and direction from Trier (co-written with Eskil Vogt), the themes, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Nouvelle Vague" is a black and white comedy-drama film directed by Richard Linklater starring Guillaume Marbeck as Jean-Luc Godard, Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, and Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo. It follows the shooting of "Breathless," one of the first feature films of the Nouvelle Vague era of French cinema, in 1959. The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its casting, performances, writing, and direction from Linklater, who was working in the French language for the first time in his career. Linklater, Marbeck, Deutch, and Dullin were all kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release and will be available to stream on Netflix on November 14th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sirāt" is a drama film directed by Óliver Laxe, co-written by Santiago Fillol and Laxe. It follows Luis (Sergi López), a father in search of his missing daughter in the deserts of southern Morocco. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize. It's since been selected as the Spanish submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. It has also been nominated for a Gotham Award for Best Director and a British Independent Film Award for Best International Independent Film. Laxe was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is set for a limited one-week qualifying release on November 14th, before it expands wide in January 2026 from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Ema Sasic, Dan Bayer, and Nadia Dalimonte join me to review and discuss the latest film from Lynne Ramsay, "Die My Love," starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, Sissy Spacek, LaKeith Stanfield & Nick Nolte. The film follows Grace (Lawrence), a young mother who develops postpartum depression and, alongside her partner, Jackson (Pattinson), enters into psychosis. It had its world premiere in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received generally positive reviews with many citing Lawrence's work as a career-best, highlighting her chemistry with Pattinson and Ramsay's hypnotic direction. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss Ramsay's directorial choices, interpretations of Grace's descent into depression, the performances, the haunting ending, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Left-Handed Girl" is an international indie drama written, directed, and produced by Shih-Ching Tsou, starring Janel Tsai, Shih-Yuan Ma, Nina Ye, Brando Huang, Akio Chen, and Xin-Yan Chao. Multi Academy Award-winner Sean Baker served as co-writer, producer, and editor. The film had its world premiere at the Critics' Week section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its direction, writing, and performances. It has been selected as the Taiwanese entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Shih-Ching Tsou was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is set for a limited release on November 14th, before it streams on Netflix on November 28th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Now You See Me: Now You Don't" is an American heist film directed by Ruben Fleischer from a screenplay by Michael Lesslie, the writing duo of Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, and Seth Grahame-Smith, based on a story by Eric Warren Singer and Lesslie. The film is the sequel to "Now You See Me 2" (2016) and the third installment in the "Now You See Me" film series. The cast includes returning actors Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, and Morgan Freeman, as well as new cast members Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, and Rosamund Pike. Fleischer was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is set to be released in theaters on November 14th by Lionsgate. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Come See Me In The Good Light" is a documentary film directed by Ryan White, following poet/activist Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley as they navigate an examination of love and mortality after Gibson is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. This tearjerking film on love and loss had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews and the Festival Favorite Award. White was kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is set to be released on November 14th on Apple TV by Apple. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 465, Megan Lachinski, Cody Dericks, Daniel Howat, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to preview what's to come over the next several weeks for the 2025-2026 awards season as more nominations roll in from groups such as the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) and Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA). For this week's poll, we're revisiting our famous question, "Which Film Do You Think Is Going To Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, for the wide and limited releases of "Predator: Badlands" and "Sentimental Value" respectively, "Which Is Your Favorite Film Starring Elle Fanning?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "The Testament Of Ann Lee," "Michael," "Five Nights At Freddy's 2," "100 Nights Of Hero" and "Rosemead," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, Joselyn Safadi, Dan Bayer & Daniel Howat join me to discuss the latest film from David Michôd, "Christy," starring Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, and Katy O'Brian. Based on former professional boxer Christy Martin, the film chronicles Martin's rise to becoming America's most well-known female boxer in the 1990s, and later her abusive relationship with her husband/trainer. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival to positive reviews for Sweeney and Foster's performances, but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss that, the direction, writing, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Belén" is an Argentine historical legal drama film directed by and starring Dolores Fonzi from a screenplay she co-wrote with Laura Paredes, Agustina San Martín, and Nicolás Britos. It is based on the non-fiction book Somos Belén by Ana Correa, which follows a lawyer's quest for justice when her client is falsely imprisoned for committing an illegal abortion. The film has been selected as the Argentine entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Fonzi was kind enough to spend time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in select theaters and will be available to stream on November 14th on Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Nuremberg" is an American historical drama film written, co-produced, and directed by James Vanderbilt. It is based on the 2013 book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist" by Jack El-Hai and tells the story of a psychiatrist, Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), who is challenged with determining if Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) is fit to stand trial at the Nuremberg trials. Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O'Brien, Colin Hanks, Wrenn Schmidt, Lydia Peckham, Richard E. Grant, and Michael Shannon have supporting roles in the film. The film's world premiere was in the Gala Presentations section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, where it received positive reviews and a four-minute standing ovation, one of TIFF's longest standing ovations ever. Vanderbilt and Malek were both kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Tinsman Road" is a found-footage horror thriller directed by Robbie Banfitch, who also stars in the film. Set in the backwoods of New Jersey, the film follows a young man as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of his sister and returns to his family's secluded home. The film employs slow-burn dread, utilizing quiet, naturalistic pacing to build tension in a found footage style, and has received very positive notices during its festival run. Banfitch was kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film whenever it becomes available in your area. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's third podcast review, Sara Clements, Dan Bayer, and Aaron Isenstein join me to review and discuss the latest film from Richard Linklater (and his second this year), "Nouvelle Vague," starring Guillaume Marbeck, Zoey Deutch, and Aubry Dullin. Marbeck plays Jean-Luc Godard as he shoots his feature debut film, "Breathless," one of the first feature films of the French New Wave in 1959, alongside American actress Jean Seberg (Deutch) and French star Jean-Paul Belmondo (Dullin). The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its witty screenplay, Linklater's direction, and uncanny performances from its principals (and many, many recognizable supporting characters). What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss those elements, its place in Linklater's filmography, the craftsmanship, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Christy" is an American biographical sports drama film about the former professional boxer Christy Martin, played by Sydney Sweeney (she also served as one of the film's producers), directed by David Michôd and co-starring Ben Foster. The film chronicles Martin's rise to becoming America's most well-known female boxer in the 1990s, and later her husband's attempt to murder her in 2010. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for Sweeney and Foster's performances. Michôd, Sweeney and Foster were all kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on November 7th by Black Bear Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Josh Parham, Megan Lachinski, Dan Bayer, and Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss the latest film from master Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, "It Was Just An Accident," starring Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr, Delnaz Najafi, Afssaneh Najmabadi, and Georges Hashemzadeh. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the coveted Palme d'Or and received rave reviews for its writing, direction, and performances. It has been selected as the French entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. What did we think of this thrilling drama (with a touch of comedy) from Panahi? Please tune in as we discuss Panahi's screenplay and direction, the performances from the ensemble, the haunting, memorable ending, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Die My Love" is the latest film from acclaimed filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, written by Ramsay, Enda Walsh, and Alice Birch, based on the 2012 novel "Die, My Love" by Ariana Harwicz. It follows Grace (Jennifer Lawrence), a young mother who develops postpartum depression and, alongside her partner Jackson (Robert Pattinson), enters psychosis. The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or and received positive reviews for Lawrence's performance and Lynne's filmmaking. Ramsay and Lawrence were both kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on November 7th by MUBI. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Frankenstein" had its world premiere at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival and later screened at the Telluride and Toronto International Film Festivals. It received positive reviews for its direction and adaptation by Guillermo del Toro of Mary Shelley's beloved, iconic novel, as well as incredible craftsmanship from all areas of production, and performances from Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth. Members of the cast and crew were kind enough to spend some time speaking with members of Next Best Picture over the past few weeks, which you can listen to below. First, we have Nadia Dalimonte speaking with del Toro, Isaac, and Elordi. Then, we have Daniel Howat's interview with cinematographer Dan Laustsen, followed by Ema Sasic's interview with Costume Designer Kate Hawley. Then we have Will Mavity's interview with the film's Prosthetics Designer, Mike Hill, followed by Howat's interview with composer Alexandre Desplat, and Sasic's interview with production designer Tamara Deverell. Then we return to Nadiaas she speaks with Mia Goth to close things out. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing in theaters and available to stream on the Netflix platform starting November 7th. The film is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Little Amélie or the Character of Rain" is an animated feature directed by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han. Produced by Maybe Movies and Ikki Films, it adapts Amélie Nothomb's acclaimed novel "The Character of Rain." The film premiered in the Special Screenings section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and received positive reviews for its animation, storytelling, music, and voice acting. Directors and co-writers Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han were kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from GKIDS. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 464, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, and I are here to recap the 2025 Gotham Film Award Nominations. For this week's poll, as "Predator: Badlands" is set for a wide release and "Sentimental Value" is scheduled for a limited release in theaters this weekend, we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Film Starring Elle Fanning?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, for the release of "Bugonia," in which we asked, "Which Is Your Favorite Yorgos Lanthimos Film?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Scream 7," "Dead Man's Wire," "Little Amélie or the Character of Rain," "Sirāt," and "Fackham Hall," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Will Mavity, and guest Ben Langford join me to discuss the latest film from Yorgos Lanthimos, "Bugonia," starring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. With a screenplay by Will Tracy, the film is an English-language remake of the 2003 South Korean film "Save the Green Planet!" by Jang Joon-hwan that had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its compelling performances, pitch-black comedic writing, and otherworldly direction from Lanthimos. What did we think of it, though? Put on your conspiracy theory hats and tune in as we discuss these elements, its themes, tone, messaging, craftsmanship, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Yaaaaaaaaay :) Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hallow Road" a psychological thriller film directed by Babak Anvari and written by William Gillies. It stars Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys as a couple who receive a distressing late-night call from their teenage daughter (Megan McDonnell) after she accidentally hits a pedestrian. Jumping in their car, they race to get there before anyone else stumbles across the scene. As they head deeper into the night, disturbing revelations threaten to tear the family apart. The film premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival to positive reviews for its clever premise, taut direction, and strong performances from Pike and Rhys. Director Babak Anvari was kind enough to spend time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hedda" is a dramatic adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" written and directed by Nia DaCosta, starring Tessa Thompson in the title role, with Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, and Nina Hoss in supporting roles. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival to positive reviews for its performances, DaCosta's direction, and modern take on the material. Hoss and Bateman were kind enough to spend time speaking with Ema Sasic about their work and experiences making the film. This is followed by my conversation with the film's casting directors, Dez Hamilton and Joe Harris, and concludes with Cody Dericks' interview with the film's composer, Academy Award-winner Hildur Guđnadóttir. You can listen to all of these below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Prime Video from Amazon MGM Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture With the recent release of "Frankenstein" and the arrival of Halloween, the Next Best Picture team decided to revisit director Guillermo del Toro's 2015 gothic romance film "Crimson Peak," starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam & Jim Beaver. The film was considered a disappointment by some who had expected more of a horror movie 10 years ago, but it has been reevaluated in the years since. How does it hold up 10 years later? Please join Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Sara Clements, Brendan Hodges, and me as we discuss the direction from del Toro, the performances, writing, craftsmanship, its lack of an awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review. Have a safe and fun Halloween! Not all ghosts are scary! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Bugonia" is an absurdist black comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos from a screenplay by Will Tracy that adapts the 2003 South Korean film "Save the Green Planet!" by Jang Joon-hwan. The film follows two young men who kidnap a powerful CEO, suspecting that she is secretly an alien who wants to destroy Earth. The film stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. It had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and also screened at the Telluride Film Festival to positive reviews. Stone, Plemons, Lanthimos, and Tracy were all kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Focus Features. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Ballad Of A Small Player" is a British psychological thriller directed by Edward Berger and written by Rowan Joffé, adapted from Lawrence Osborne's 2014 novel of the same name. The film stars Academy Award-nominee Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle, a high-stakes gambler laying low in Macau, where he spends his nights playing baccarat. As his debts spiral out of control, Doyle finds an unlikely lifeline in Dao Ming (Fala Chen), a casino hostess who holds secrets of her own. The film had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival before continuing its run at TIFF, where it received strong acclaim for its flashy direction, bombastic score, and Farrell's high-wire committed performance. Farrell, Chen, and Berger were all kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 463, Megan Lachinski, Dan Bayer, Alyssa Christian, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to recap the 2025 AFI Fest in Los Angeles, including the world premiere of "Song Sung Blue" and "The SpongeBob Movie: Search For Squarepants," how films such as "Jay Kelly," "The Testament Of Ann Lee" and "Train Dreams" played on a rewatch. For this week's poll, for the expansion of "Bugonia" to more theaters this weekend, we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Yorgos Lanthimos Film?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, in which we asked, "Which Is Your Favorite Guillermo del Toro Film?" for the theatrical release of "Frankenstein" (arriving on Netflix on November 7th). We also share our reactions to the trailer for "Crime 101," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dracula" is a Romanian satirical comedy-drama film written and directed by Radu Jude. The film title is inspired by the Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker, "Dracula." Set in contemporary Transylvania, it explores the legend of Dracula through Romanian lenses while examining modern dystopia through the timeless allure of vampire lore, crafting a biting, gleefully profane takedown of AI, capitalism, and our decaying culture. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 78th Locarno Film Festival, where it received polarizing reviews. It's par the course for Jude, but he still has his own opinions on how audiences are receiving his 170-minute bonkers film. Jude was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 29th by 1-2 Special. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Charlie Kaufman utilized one of Eva H.D.'s poems in his 2020 feature "I'm Thinking of Ending Things," the pair hit it off. While Eva had never worked in film before, Kaufman had likewise never directed another writer's work before. Nevertheless, the pair were kindred spirits, and set off to continue working together, and made their first short film together, "Jackals and Fireflies" in 2023. Now, they're back with another short film making the film festival rounds, "How To Shoot a Ghost." Set in Athens, the short follows two recently deceased people, played by Jessie Buckley and Josef Akiki, as they wander around the city, experiencing the afterlife. Kaufman and Eva were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the short film, which you can listen to below. Thank you and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Katie Johnson, and Tom O'Brien join me to discuss the latest film from Scott Cooper, "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere," starring Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, Odessa Young, Gaby Hoffmann, Marc Maron & David Krumholtz. Written and directed by Scott Cooper and based on the 2023 book "Deliver Me from Nowhere" by Warren Zanes, as well as some elements from Bruce Springsteen's autobiography "Born to Run," it chronicles Springsteen's personal and professional struggles during the conception of his 1982 album "Nebraska." The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances, emotional honesty, and character-driven story of confronting depression and turning pain into art. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, writing, direction, tone, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"A House Of Dynamite" is an American apocalyptic political thriller film directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Noah Oppenheim. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, and Jason Clarke playing members of the U.S. government as they navigate an official response to a single nuclear missile launched by an unidentified enemy. The film premiered at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews. Academy Award-winning film editor Kirk Baxter and Academy Award-winning Supervising Sound Editor & Re-Recording Mixer Paul N.J. Ottosson were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Shelby Oaks" is a supernatural horror mystery film produced, written, and directed by former YouTuber turned filmmaker Chris Stuckmann in his feature directorial debut, with Mike Flanagan as an executive producer. It stars Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, Keith David, Sarah Durn, Robin Bartlett, and Michael Beach. Expanding upon an online found-footage series centered on a paranormal investigation team called the Paranormal Paranoids, which also featured Durn, the film follows a woman (Sullivan) desperate to find her sister (Durn) after she vanishes while exploring the eerie, abandoned town of Shelby Oaks. The film premiered at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival in 2024, where it earned mostly positive reviews, with critics praising Stuckmann's direction, the film's haunting atmosphere, and Sullivan's standout performance. Stuckmann was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 24th from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" is a biographical musical drama film starring Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen. Written and directed by Scott Cooper and based on the 2023 book "Deliver Me from Nowhere" by Warren Zanes, it chronicles Springsteen's personal and professional struggles during the conception of his 1982 album Nebraska. The film had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances, grounded tone, and psychological look into what makes Springsteen such a thoughtful and compelling artist. Cooper was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 24th from 20th Century Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's third podcast review, Josh Parham and Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss the latest film from Kathryn Bigelow, "A House Of Dynamite," starring Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, and Jason Clarke. The plot follows the U.S. government navigating an official response to a single nuclear missile launched by an unidentified enemy. It's presented in a terrifyingly realistic manner that wants to encourage more thoughtful discussion surrounding nuclear weapons, but its three-act "Rashomon" inspired narrative structure and divisive ending have audiences perhaps thinking about other elements than what was intended since its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the screenplay, direction, the performances from the ensemble, the ending, its score, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Brendan Hodges, and Will Mavity join me to review and discuss the latest film from Guillermo del Toro, "Frankenstein," starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, Charles Dance, and David Bradley. Based on Mary Shelley's classic 1818 novel of the same name, the Netflix film has been a passion project for del Toro for many years, dating back to when he first read the book as an eleven-year-old. That passion can be felt in every frame of this exceptionally crafted piece of work, but what did we think of it as a whole? Please tune in as we discuss the narrative structure, adaptation changes, themes, performances, technical aspects, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hal & Harper" is an American comedy drama television series created, written, and directed by Cooper Raiff and starring Raiff, Lili Reinhart, Betty Gilpin, and Mark Ruffalo. The series had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival where it received positive reviews for its writing, performances and decision to use the older actors to play their younger selves in flashbacks. Raiff was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the show, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on MUBI. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 462, Dan Bayer, Will Mavity, and I are here to preview the 2025 AFI Fest in Los Angeles, including the world premieres of "Song Sung Blue" and "The SpongeBob Movie: Search For Squarepants," and discuss the 2025 Critics' Choice Documentary Award (CCDA) nominations. For this week's poll, for the release of "Frankenstein" in theaters this weekend, we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Guillermo del Toro Film?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked "Which Is Your Favorite Luca Guadagnino Film?" for the release of "After The Hunt." We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Send Help," "The Secret Agent," "Rebuilding," "Keeper," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Dan Bayer, Lauren LaMagna, Giovanni Lago, and Joselyn Safadi join me to discuss the latest film from Luca Guadagnino, "After The Hunt," starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Chloë Sevigny. After having its world premiere out of competition at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, the psychological thriller (generous), written by Nora Garrett, has divided critics and audiences on its story about a college professor caught between a sexual abuse accusation involving one of her students and a colleague. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, writing, direction, score, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"It Was Just An Accident" is a thriller film written and directed by legendary Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. The film is a co-production between Iran, Luxembourg, and France, the latter selecting it as the country's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The film explores political repression in Iran and morality as a group of former political prisoners kidnap their torturer and decide what to do with him. Panahi, who is critical of the Iranian government and has been imprisoned several times, made the film without official filming permission from the Iranian authorities. The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received universal acclaim and won the prestigious Palme d'Or. Panahi and editor Amir Etminan were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"After The Hunt" is a psychological thriller film directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Nora Garrett that premiered at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival out of competition and opened the 63rd New York Film Festival. Starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny, it contains a number of powerhouse performances from big and small names. In our first casting director interview for this awards season (brought on by the fact that there is now a new Oscar for Best Casting being bestowed at the 98th Academy Awards), Jessica Ronane was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about the nature of her job, her experience working on the film, and more, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Amazon MGM Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's third podcast review, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Katie Johnson, and Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss the latest film from Mary Bronstein, "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," starring Rose Byrne, Conan O'Brien, Danielle Macdonald, Christian Slater, and ASAP Rocky. It is a psychological, nerve-wracking comedy-drama film that follows a mother desperately trying to navigate her daughter's mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for Rose Byrne's performance, Bronstein's direction, the supporting performances of the rest of the cast, and the screenplay's confrontations with uncomfortable truths surrounding motherhood and parenting. Please tune in as we discuss these elements, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Blue Moon" is an American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Richard Linklater and written by Robert Kaplow. The film follows songwriter Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke) as he reflects on himself and his work on the opening night of "Oklahoma!," the iconic musical by his former colleague Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott). It also stars Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Jonah Lees. The film had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance for Scott and received positive reviews for Kaplow's writing, Linklater's focused direction, and Hawke's multi-layered performance, with many calling it one of the best of his career. Hawke was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 17th from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Smashing Machine" is a biographical sports drama film written, directed, produced, and edited by Benny Safdie. It stars Dwayne Johnson as former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples, with Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Lion and received positive reviews for the performances, notably Johnson's committed and transformational work and Safdie's re-creation of the world of MMA and the UFC during its early days. Filmmaker Safdie was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"John Candy: I Like Me" is a celebrity biopic documentary film directed by Colin Hanks about Canadian actor John Candy. The documentary premiered as the opening night film of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews. Hanks, who also produced the film, along with film participants and Co-Executive Producers Chris Candy & Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience on making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Ema Sasic, Josh Parham, Lauren LaMagna, Dan Bayer, and Cody Dericks join me to review and discuss the latest film from Bill Condon, "Kiss Of The Spider Woman," starring Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, and Jennifer Lopez. It is an American musical drama that is a film adaptation of the 1992 stage musical, itself based on the 1976 novel. It is the second film adaptation, following the Oscar-winning 1985 adaptation. It premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews for its performances, craftsmanship, and musical fantasy sequences. But what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss these elements, the themes, songs, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Urchin" is a British independent drama film written and directed by Harris Dickinson, in his feature-length directorial debut, that stars Frank Dillane as a homeless young man in London, struggling with addiction and poverty. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where Dickinson won the FIPRESCI Prize and Dillane won the section's Best Actor award. Dickinson and Daillane were both kind enough to spendsome time speaking with us about their work and experience working on the film, which you can listen to below.Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release from 1-2 Special. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Woman In Cabin 10" is a psychological thriller film directed by Simon Stone, who co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse. It is based on the 2016 novel by Ruth Ware. The film stars Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce, David Ajala, Art Malik, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kaya Scodelario, David Morrissey, Daniel Ings, and Hannah Waddingham. Filmmaker Stone was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 461, Lauren LaMagna, Giovanni Lago, Alyssa Christian, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to talk about the end of the 2025 New York Film Festival (NYFF63), including the "secret screening" world premiere of Josh Safdie's "Marty Supreme," the Closing Night world premiere of Bradley Cooper's "Is This Thing On?." For this week's poll, for the release of "After The Hunt" this weekend, we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Luca Guadagnino Film?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked "Which Is Your Favorite Channing Tatum Performance?" for the release of "Roofman." We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Hamnet, "Die, My Love," "Father Mother Sister Brother," "Nuremberg," "Mercy," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Dan Bayer, Sara Clements, Daniel Howat, and Tom O'Brien join me to review and discuss the latest film from Derek Cianfrance, "Roofman," starring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang, and Peter Dinklage. Based on the real-life story of robber Jeffrey Manchester, who hid out in a toy store from law enforcement, the film had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for Tatum and Dunst's performances, as well as Cianfrance's writing and direction. Please tune in as we discuss these elements, its balance of drama and comedy, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Mussolini: Son of the Century" is a biographical historical drama television series directed by Joe Wright, based on the 2018 novel "M: Son of the Century" by Antonio Scurati. Starring Luca Marinelli as Benito Mussolini, the series centers on Mussolini's early political career in the 1920s. It premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival to positive reviews for its direction, score, and Marinelli's performance. Wright was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on MUBI. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Josh Parham and Dan Bayer join me to review and discuss the directorial debut of Ronan Day-Lewis, "Anemone," starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, and Samantha Morton. Co-written with his son, the 3-time Academy Award-winning legendary actor Daniel Day-Lewis came out of "retirement" to star in his son's first feature film. The film tells the original story of a troubled recluse whose estranged brother arrives to convince him to come home and reunite with his family. It premiered at the New York Film Festival to mixed reviews, but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, direction, writing, cinematography, soundscape, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" is an independent psychological comedy-drama film, written and directed by Mary Bronstein. It stars Rose Byrne, Conan O'Brien, Danielle Macdonald, Christian Slater, and ASAP Rocky. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for Byrne's performance (for which she won the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival), Bronstein's script, direction, and the supporting performances from O'Brien and Rocky. Byrne and Bronstein were kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 10th from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Kiss Of The Spider Woman" is an American musical drama film written and directed by Bill Condon. Based on the stage musical by Terrence McNally, John Kander, and Fred Ebb, it is the second film adaptation of the 1976 novel by Argentine author Manuel Puig, following the Oscar-winning 1985 film. Jennifer Lopez stars in the titular role, alongside Diego Luna and Tonatiuh. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received generally positive reviews from critics for its direction, performances, and craftsmanship. Costume Designers Colleen Atwood and Christine L. Cantella were kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 10th from Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions, and LD Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Perfect Neighbor" is an American documentary film, directed and produced by Geeta Gandbhir, that follows the killing of Ajike Owens, primarily told through bodycam footage, exploring several suburban disputes that led to the murder. It had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its direction, editing, and harrowing true story, which serves as an example of exploring the "stand-your-ground" law. Gandbhir was kind enough to spend time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 10th and available to stream on Netflix on October 17th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Roofman" is an American biographical crime comedy film directed by Derek Cianfrance starring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang, and Peter Dinklage. The film chronicles the exploits of convicted spree robber Jeffrey Manchester, portrayed by Tatum, and the single mother and Toys "R" Us employee he falls for, Leigh Wainscott (played by Dunst). The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances, writing, and direction from Cianfrance. Tatum, Dunst, and director/co-writer Cianfrance were all kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 10th from Paramount Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 460, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Megan Lachinski, and I are here to talk about how the 2025 New York Film Festival (NYFF63) is going so far including, the Centerpiece North American Premiere of "Father Mother Sister Brother," the announcement of a "Secret Screening" tomorrow night, and more. We also talk about the AFI FEST lineup and other recent announcements in the world of awards season. For this week's poll, for the release of "Roofman" this weekend, we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Canning Tatum Performance?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked "Which Is Your Favorite Daniel Day-Lewis Performance?" for the release of "Anemone." We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Pillion," "The Thing With Feathers," "Psycho Killer," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Joselyn Safadi, Dan Bayer, and Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss the latest film from Benny Safdie (his first solo directorial credit after working with his brother, Josh, throughout his career), "The Smashing Machine," starring Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk. Based on the 2002 documentary "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr," the film had its world premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, where it received the best reviews of Johnson's career for his committed performance and won the Silver Lion for Best Director for Safdie. Please tune in as we discuss the performances, direction, writing, authenticity to MMA, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Alabama Solution" is an independent American documentary film about the prison system in Alabama from the perspective of incarcerated inmates, from footage they recorded with contraband phones. The documentary, directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews. Jarecki and Kaufman were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience on making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing in limited release and available to stream on HBO and HBO Max starting October 10th, from HBO Documentary Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Orwell: 2+2=5" is a documentary film, directed and produced by Raoul Peck. It follows the life and career of George Orwell, examining how his political observations remain relevant in the present day, particularly the lessons from his novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four." Damian Lewis narrates the film as Orwell. The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Cannes Premiere section, where it received positive reviews and was nominated for the L'Œil d'Or. Peck was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience on making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 3rd by NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Black Rabbit" is an American crime thriller television miniseries created by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman for Netflix, starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released on Netflix on September 18th. It tells the story of the owner of a New York City hotspot (Law) who allows his chaotic brother (Bateman) back in his life, opening the door to escalating dangers that threaten to bring down everything he's built. Director Ben Semanoff (Episodes 5 and 6) was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Bone Lake" is an American independent horror thriller film directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan and written by Joshua Friedlander. It stars Maddie Hasson, Alex Roe, Andra Nechita, and Marco Pigossi. It tells the story of a couple whose romantic getaway to the secluded Bone Lake takes an unexpected turn when they are forced to share a mansion with a mysterious and alluring couple. As tensions escalate, the retreat devolves into a web of deception, desire, and manipulation, gradually revealing long-buried secrets. The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Fantastic Fest, where it received positive reviews. Director Mercedes Bryce Morgan was kind enough to spend time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 3rd by Bleecker Street. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Anemone" is a psychological drama film directed by Ronan Day-Lewis in his feature directorial debut, from a screenplay he co-wrote with his father, three-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis, who also stars in the lead role. It features the latter's return to acting for the first time since "Phantom Thread" in 2017, alongside Sean Bean and Samantha Morton. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 New York Film Festival and received positive reviews for the performances, dark atmosphere, striking cinematography, and haunting music by Bobby Krlic. Day-Lewis (the son, not the father) was kind enough to spend time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 3rd by Focus Features, and then expand a week later on October 10th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Zootopia 2" is the highly anticipated upcoming animated sequel to the Academy Award-winning "Zootopia" (2016). Actors Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, and Shakira reprise their roles from the first film, joined by newcomers Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Patrick Warburton, and Quinta Brunson. The film follows Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they pursue Zootopia's new and mysterious reptilian resident, Gary De'Snake. With the sequel's release two months away on November 26th, Next Best Picture was invited to Walt Disney Animation Studios for an early look at the long-awaited sequel. Please take a listen to our exclusive interviews with Directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush, Producer Yvett Merino, Heads of Story Carrie Liao and David Vantuyle, and Head of Animation Chad Sellers. Please be sure to check out the film, which will release in theaters on November 26th from Walt Disney Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 459, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Megan Lachinski, Lauren LaMagna, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to talk about the start of the 2025 New York Film Festival (NYFF63), including the Opening Night North American Premiere of "After The Hunt," the world premiere of "Anemone," and more. For this week's poll, for the return to the big screen for three-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis, we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Daniel Day-Lewis Performance?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked "Which Films From NYFF63 Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "The Bride!," "A House Of Dynamite," "Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu," "Greenland 2: Migration," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Cody Dericks, Giovanni Lago, Brendan Hodges, and Will Mavity join me to review and discuss the latest film from Paul Thomas Anderson, "One Battle After Another," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. Inspired by the 1990 novel Vineland by Thomas Pynchon, the film follows an ex-revolutionary turned stoner father who must rescue his daughter from an overpowering military officer and aspiring white supremacist. It has garnered some of the best reactions, reviews, and audience ratings of Paul Thomas Anderson's career, at a time when many feel that a politically charged yet massively entertaining film like this (that can be experienced in a wide range of theatrical formats) is wholly necessary for the times we're living in. But what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the writing, direction, performances, score, cinematography, its politics, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Eleanor The Great" is a drama film directed by Scarlett Johansson (making her feature directorial debut) and written by Tory Kamen, which had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it received positive reviews for June Squibb's lead performance. It stars Squibb, Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Squibb and Kellyman were kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"In Your Dreams" is an upcoming American animated adventure fantasy comedy film directed by Alex Woo, and co-directed by Erik Benson from a script by Woo and Benson and a story by Woo, Benson, and Stanley Moore. The film stars Craig Robinson, Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elias Janssen, Gia Carides, Omid Djalili, SungWon Cho, and Zachary Noah Piser. Produced by Netflix Animation and Kuku Studios, it is set for a limited theatrical release on November 7th, 2025, before its release on Netflix on November 14th, 2025. Giovanni Lago visited Netflix studios a few weeks ago and was able to screen a portion of the film before sitting down with director Woo and producer Tim Hahn to discuss the upcoming animated film, which you can listen to below. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"All of You" is a science fiction romantic drama film directed and co-written by William Bridges. It stars Brett Goldstein, Imogen Poots, Zawe Ashton, Steven Cree, and Jenna Coleman. It premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and received positive reviews for its premise, performances, and chemistry from Goldstein and Poots, as well as its writing. Bridges was kind enough to spend time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be available to stream on Apple TV+ on September 26th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Sara Clements, Giovanni Lago, and Alyssa Christian join me to review and discuss the latest film from Academy Award-nominated director Paul Greengrass, "The Lost Bus," starring Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Yul Vazquez, and Ashlie Atkinson. Known for directing real-life survival drama thrillers, Greengrass co-wrote the screenplay with Brad Ingelsby, based on the nonfiction 2021 book "Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire" by Lizzie Johnson, which recounts the story of the 2018 Camp Fire —the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews, and is now playing in limited release before it's available to stream on Apple TV+ on October 3rd. Please tune in as we discuss the direction, performances, writing, crafts, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 458, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Alyssa Christian, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to preview the 2025 New York Film Festival (NYFF63). To tie into that, for this week's poll, we're asking, "Which Films From NYFF63 Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked "Which Films Are You Most Excited To See From The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Anaconda," "The Housemaid," "Now You See Me: Now You Don't," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Katie Johnson and Joselyn Safadi join me to review and discuss the latest film from Kogonada, "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey," starring Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, Kevin Kline, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Lily Rabe, Jodie Turner-Smith, Billy Magnussen, and Sarah Gadon. Written by Seth Reiss, the fantasy romance film tells the story of a pair of strangers and the unimaginable journey that ties them together. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the writing, direction, performances, score, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Plainclothes" is an independent romantic thriller drama film directed by Carmen Emmi and starring Russell Tovey, Tom Blyth, Maria Dizzia, Christian Cooke, Gabe Fazio, Amy Forsyth, and John Bedford Lloyd. It premiered earlier this year at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances, '90s aesthetic, and direction from Emmi. It went on to win the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast. Emmi, Tovey, and Blyth were all kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from Magnolia Pictures on September 19th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" is the latest film from Kogonada, a romantic fantasy starring Margot Robbie, Colin Farrell, Kevin Kline, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, that tells the story of a pair of strangers (Robbie and Farrell) and the unimaginable journey that ties them together. Kogonada was kind enough to spend time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from Sony Pictures Releasing on September 19th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were held last night! Daniel Howat and Giovanni Lago initially joined me to recap the show on Sunday night, but unfortunately, we forgot to hit record. As a result, Giovanni Lago and I were joined by Amy Kim for the first time on the show as a guest to review the winners for our second recording last night. We expected "Adolescence" and "The Studio" to dominate the evening. Still, it was a real nail-biter between "Severance" and "The Pitt" to find out which one would take Outstanding Drama Series. What did we think of the winners, the show's presentation, and Nate Bargatze's hosting? Please tune in to find out as we discuss these points, the speeches, shocking wins, and more in our reactions podcast. This will be our last Next Best Series Podcast episode for now. We don't know when we will return during the Oscar season, but there's still plenty of good television to catch up on. Hopefully, the answer is sooner rather than later. We thank you for all of your support throughout this season and hope you enjoy it! See you soon! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Lost In The Jungle" is a documentary film about four siblings who survived 40 days in the Colombian jungle after a plane crash, directed by Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, and Juan Camilo Cruz. It premiered at the Telluride Film Festival to positive reviews and is now available to stream online. Chai Vasarhelyi and Camilo Cruz were kind enough during the Telluride Film Festival to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 457, Ema Sasic, Dan Bayer, Giovanni Lago and I are back from the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival to deliver our super-sized recap of all the films we saw and what impact they will have on the Oscar race, including this year's People's Choice Award Winners (You can also listen to our previous podcasts recapping the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals). We reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked "Which Film Do You Think Is Going To Win The 2025 TIFF People's Choice Award?" For this week's poll, we're asking, "Which Films Are You Most Excited To See From The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," "Christy," "Song Sung Blue," "Nouvelle Vague," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Dan Bayer and Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss "The Long Walk," starring Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill. It is an adaptation of Stephen King's 1979 novel of the same name, written by "Strange Darling" filmmaker JT Mollner and directed by "The Hunger Games" filmmaker Francis Lawrence. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the themes, direction, performances, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Twinless" is an American indie black comedy psychological drama film written, directed, co-produced, and co-starring James Sweeney alongside Dylan O'Brien. It had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, where it received critical acclaim for its direction, writing, and performances and won the Audience Award. Sweeney and O'Brien were kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing in theaters from Lionsgate & Roadside Attractions. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Threesome" is an American romantic comedy drama film starring Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz, directed by Chad Hartigan, and written by Ethan Ogilby. The film had its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, where it received positive reviews for its screenplay, three main performances, humor, and nuance in such a precarious situation. Deutch, Hauer-King, and Cruz were all kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing in theaters from Vertical. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Baltimorons" is an independent American comedy film directed by Jay Duplass, who co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Strassner. Strassner, Liz Larsen, and Olivia Luccardi star in the movie. It premiered at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival and received positive reviews for its writing, chemistry between Strassner and Larsen, and Duplass's understated but effective direction, making this a heartfelt holiday comedy. Duplass, Strassner, and Larsen were all kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing in theaters from Independent Film Company. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Next Best Series Podcast is back with Megan Lachinski, Giovanni Lago, Nadia Dalimonte, Daniel Howat, and Alyssa Christian for Episode 55, where they discuss the latest television shows and, more importantly, reveal their final winner predictions for the 77th Annual Emmy Primetime Awards on Sunday, September 14th. The Creative Arts Emmy Award winners have already been announced, and this conversation was recorded a few days ago, before they took place, so excuse us if some of the content discussed is no longer relevant. We hope you enjoy us arguing over who we think will win in the writing, directing, acting, and series categories. Will Apple dominate with "The Studio" and "Severance?" Or will HBO Max come up from behind with "Hacks" and "The Pitt?" What will "The Penguin" walk away with? Is "Adolescence" also going to steamroll the evening? Please tune in and find out. We'll return with a reaction episode to the winners after the ceremony! Until then, thank you, as always, for listening. We hope you enjoy this free full-length episode! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 Venice Film Festival has concluded. While most of us are in Toronto at the moment, Cody Dericks and Josh Parham took some time after they got home from Venice to discuss the international film festival. World premieres discussed include "Bugonia," "Jay Kelly," "Frankenstein," "The Testament of Ann Lee," "A House of Dynamite," "The Voice of Hind Rajab," "No Other Choice," "The Smashing Machine," and Golden Lion winner "Father Mother Sister Brother," along with many more! We hope you enjoy this recap. Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, Daniel Howat, Brendan Hodges, and Tom O'Brien join me to review and discuss the latest Spike Lee joint, "Highest 2 Lowest," starring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera & ASAP Rocky. It is an English-language remake and reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese film High and Low, itself based on the 1959 novel King's Ransom by Ed McBain. It marks the first collaboration between Lee and Washington since "Inside Man" in 2006. The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews, but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the direction, themes, performances, music, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Splitsville" is a comedy film directed by Michael Angelo Covino, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Kyle Marvin. The pair previously worked together on "The Climb," but this time around, they also looped in stars Dakota Johnson (who also serves as the film's producer), Adria Arjona, Nicholas Braun, David Castañeda, O-T Fagbenle, Charlie Gillespie, and Simon Webster to tell the story of two couples whose friendship erupts into conflict when the husband of the divorcing couple sleeps with the wife of the open marriage couple. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to lots of laughs and positive reviews. Johnson, Arjona, Covino, and Marvin were all kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from NEON and will expand nationwide on September 5th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 Telluride Film Festival has concluded. Unfortunately, Will Mavity had to leave early, and J Don Birnam wasn't staying with us this year, so it was just Daniel Howat and me as we take you through all of the movies we saw over the Labor Day weekend. From world premieres such as "Hamnet," "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere," "Ballad Of A Small Player," "Tuner," and "Hamlet," to Sundance and Cannes favorites such as "It Was Just An Accident," "Sentimental Value," "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," "The Secret Agent," "All That's Left Of You," "Urchin," to Venice crossovers such as "La Grazia," "Jay Kelly," "Bugonia," "Frankenstein," to hidden gems like "The Cycle Of Love" we've got you covered. We hope you enjoy our quick recap. Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Love, Brooklyn" is an American independent drama film, directed by Rachael Abigail Holder in her directorial debut, from a screenplay by Paul Zimmerman. It stars André Holland, Nicole Beharie, DeWanda Wise, Roy Wood Jr., Cassandra Freeman, and Cadence Reese, and tells the story of three Brooklynites who navigate love, loss, career, and friendship. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. Holder was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release from Greenwich Entertainment and will expand nationwide on September 5th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Giovanni Lago, Joselyn Safadi, and guest Jonathan Fujii join me to review and discuss the latest film from Darren Aronofsky, "Caught Stealing" starring Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D'Onofrio, Griffin Dunne, Benito A Martínez Ocasio, Action Bronson & Carol Kane. A lighter (by Aronofsky's standards) and fun effort from Aronofsky, from a screenplay written by Charlie Huston, and is based on Huston's book of the same name. What did we think of this fun crime thriller? Please tune in as we discuss the direction, themes, performances, mixture of drama and comedy, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Toxic Avenger" is a 2023 American superhero black comedy splatter film written and directed by Macon Blair. It is the fifth installment, a reboot of the "The Toxic Avenger" film series, and a remake of the 1984 film. The film stars Peter Dinklage as the title character, alongside Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Julia Davis, Jonny Coyne, Elijah Wood, and Kevin Bacon. It premiered as the opening film of Fantastic Fest on September 21, 2023, and received positive reviews for its tone, makeup, homages to the original, and Peter Dinklage's performance. Blair was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on August 28th from Cineverse and Iconic Events Releasing. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Roses" is a satirical black comedy film directed by Jay Roach from a screenplay by Tony McNamara that is based on the 1981 novel "The War of the Roses" by Warren Adler, and a remake of the 1989 Danny DeVito film starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The new film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, and Kate McKinnon, delivering highly comedic performances backed by the sharp wit of McNamara's screenplay. Roach was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Searchlight Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Your Friends & Neighbors" is an American dark comedy crime drama television series from Jonathan Tropper for Apple TV+, starring Jon Hamm, Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Mark Tallman, Hoon Lee, Lena Hall, and Aimee Carrero. The series, released earlier this spring, received positive reviews. It has been renewed for a second season and is nominated for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music, composed by Dominic Lewis and Hamilton Leithauser. Munn and Peet were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences on the drama series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to watch in full on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Sara Clements, Dan Bayer, and guest Rendy Jones join me to review and discuss the animated global phenomenon, "Kpop Demon Hunters," starring Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong & Lee Byung-hun. The story follows a K-pop girl group, Huntr/x, who lead double lives as demon hunters; they face off against a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, whose members are secretly demons. The film has earned universal critical acclaim, with praise for its animation, visual style, voice acting, writing, and music. It has since become Netflix's most popular film of all time. The soundtrack album has also seen considerable success, reaching number one and top ten positions on multiple music and streaming charts. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, animation, comedy, action, songs, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you very much for listening. We hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Adolescence" is a British television psychological crime drama series created by Emmy nominees Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and directed by Emmy nominee Philip Barantini. It centers on a 13-year-old schoolboy, Jamie Miller (Emmy nominee Owen Cooper), who is arrested after the murder of a girl in his school. Each of its episodes was shot in one continuous take. The limited series received critical acclaim for its directing, writing, and cinematography, with special attention paid to its atmosphere and performances. It has received thirteen nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and acting nominations for Graham, Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Cooper, and Erin Doherty. Thorne, Tremarco, Walters, and Emmy-nominated cinematographer Matthew Lewis were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with Giovanni Lago, Daniel Howat, Will Mavity, and Brendan Hodges about their work respectively on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the limited series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 456, I am joined by Ema Sasic, Dan Bayer & Will Mavity to preview the 2025 Venice and Telluride Film Festivals. We reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked for all of the upcoming fall film festivals, "Which 2025 Fall Film Festival Films Are You Most Excited To See?" For this week's poll, for the Telluride Film Festival, we're asking, "Which Best Picture Nominee Screened At The Telluride Film Festival This Century Is Your Favorite?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Ballad Of A Small Player," "Anemone," "Hedda," "The Mastermind," "Arco," reveal the 2009 NBP Film Award Winners, answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. We will see you all again live from the Telluride Film Festival later this week once the lineup is announced. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Katie Johnson & Joseln Safadi join me to review and discuss the latest film from Ethan Coen, "Honey Don't!," starring Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, and Chris Evans. The second in a "lesbian B-movie trilogy" following Coen and co-writer/producer Tricia Cooke's "Drive-Away Dolls" (2024), the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received a mixed response, but is now playing in theaters from Focus Features. What did we think of this Bakersfield, California-set modern detective story? Please tune in as we discuss the writing, direction, performances, comedy, how much we miss Joel Coen, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" is the second season of the American biographical crime drama anthology television series Monster, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan for Netflix. The season centers on the 1989 parricides of José (Javier Bardem) and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny), who were killed by their sons, Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik (Cooper Koch). It uses the Rashomon effect as a narrative device by presenting key events through multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators, leaving the "truth" open to interpretation. The season achieved global commercial success, debuting as the number-one series on Netflix worldwide, the most-viewed streaming content on the Nielsen Streaming Chart, and the third most-watched Netflix series in the second half of 2024. At the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, it earned 11 nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Koch and Sevigny, respectively. Koch and Sevigny were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences on the limited series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to watch in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective has come to an end with our final review, that year's Best Picture Oscar winner, Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Evangeline Lilly, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse & Guy Pearce. The film received a massive wave of critical support after its long film festival run, which led to industry recognition, a historic Best Director win for Bigelow, making her the first female winner of the category, and Best Picture itself. The film follows an Iraq War Explosive Ordnance Disposal team who are targeted by insurgents and shows their psychological reactions to the stress of combat. Oscar-winning screenwriter Marc Boal drew on his experience during embedded access to write the screenplay. How does it hold up 16 years later? Please join Lauren LaMagna, Dan Bayer, Alyssa Christian, Giovanni Lago, and me as we discuss the performances, direction, writing, craftsmanship, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. You can view the winners of the 2009 NBP Film Community Awards here, and we'll announce our internal winners next week. Thank you so much for your support through this entire retrospective. Please check out our past reviews for "Crazy Heart," "The Blind Side," "A Serious Man," "An Education," "Up," "Inglourious Basterds," "District 9," "Star Trek," "Precious," "Up In The Air," and "The Secret In Their Eyes." We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Lurker" is an independent psychological drama thriller film written and directed by Alex Russell and stars Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Zack Fox, Havana Rose Liu, Wale Onayemi, Daniel Zolghadri, and Sunny Suljic. It premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received strong reviews for its writing, direction, performances, and music. Russell, Pellerin, and Madekwe were all kind enough to speak with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on August 22nd from MUBI. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Eden" is an American survival thriller film directed by Ron Howard and written by Noah Pink from a story by Pink and Howard. It stars Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, Sydney Sweeney, Daniel Brühl, Felix Kammerer, Toby Wallace, and Richard Roxburgh. It is based on the true story of a few European settlers arriving at Floreana Island, in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received mixed positive reviews for its dark story and performances. Howard was kind enough to speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on August 22nd from Vertical Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"6:00 P.M." is the twelfth episode of the American medical drama television series "The Pitt." The episode was written by co-executive producer Joe Sachs and series creator R. Scott Gemmill, and directed by Amanda Marsalis. The series is set in Pittsburgh, following the staff of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital ER (nicknamed "The Pitt") during a 15-hour emergency department shift. The series mainly follows Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, a senior attending still reeling from some traumas. In this particular episode, the team must deal with dozens of patients flooding the ER following a mass shooting. The episode received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the pacing, tension, writing, and performances, and single-handedly helped many newcomers to the series pick up on the show's buzz and start watching, leading to a significant increase in viewership. Marsalis was nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards for directing this episode. Marsalis was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the episode, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to watch in full on HBO Max. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Say Nothing" is a historical drama limited series created by Joshua Zetumer and produced by FX Productions, adapted from the 2018 book by Patrick Radden Keefe, and details four decades in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. The series premiered in late 2024 and garnered strong word of mouth, resulting in positive reviews, a Peabody Award, and now, an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for "The People in the Dirt." Zetumer and the episode's director, Michael Lennox, were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the limited series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to watch in full on Hulu on FX. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since it premiered in 2009, "RuPaul's Drag Race" has steadily grown to become one of the most popular reality competition shows on television. It has won a total of 29 Primetime Emmys and spawned multiple spin-offs, including the ever-popular "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars," which just completed its 10th season, and numerous international competitions. For its 17th season, "RuPaul's Drag Race" recently earned eight Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program. Previous Emmy winners Natasha Marcelina and former contestant Raven are two of the show's nominees in this category, and they were kind enough to chat with us about their most recent nominations, how the show changed their lives, and what working on such an unapologetically queer program means to them. Please listen to the interview below, and be sure to check out "RuPaul's Drag Race," which is now available to stream on various streaming services and is up for your consideration for this year's Emmys. Thank you and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The White Lotus" returned for a third season this year, once again, with all eight episodes written and directed by Mike White. The season features an ensemble cast of Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, Aimee Lou Wood, Sam Rockwell, and Scott Glenn, with Natasha Rothwell and Jon Gries reprising their roles from prior seasons. The series follows the lives of the staff and wealthy guests at a wellness resort in Thailand. The season mainly received positive reviews from critics, garnering 10 nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards and 13 nominations at the 77th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Isaacs was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the season, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the drama series, which is now available to stream on HBO Max and is up for your consideration for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, where it's nominated for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Isaacs. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Next Best Series Podcast is back for Episode 54 to discuss the latest television shows, including Lena Dunham's "Too Much," Noah Hawley's "Alien: Earth," "The Hunting Wives," what is going on with "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," and the latest outrageous season of "South Park." We also advocate for who we believe Emmy Award voters should consider when casting their winner ballots for the 77th annual Emmy Primetime Awards from August 18th until the 27th. Please tune in as Megan Lachinski and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss these topics, shows, and more on this week's episode! We'll return with another new episode next month to deliver our final Emmy Award Winner Predictions. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy this free full-length episode. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 455, I am joined by Katie Johnson, Josh Parham & Tom O'Brien to discuss the 2025 New York Film Festival (NYFF) Spotlight announcement and the final additions to the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) lineup. We reveal the winner of last week's poll for NYFF63, where we asked, "Which Film From The 2025 New York Film Festival Main Slate Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" For this week's poll, now that we know the full lineups for Venice, TIFF50 and NYFF63 (with Telluride to announce still, but with many of its titles already inferred), we're asking, "Which 2025 Fall Film Festival Films Are You Most Excited To See?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Marty Supreme," "It Was Just An Accident," "Eleanor The Great," "Steve," reveal the 2009 NBP Film Community Award Winners, answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. We will see you all again next week! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Giovanni Lago & Joseln Safadi join me to review the sequel to 2021's "Nobody," "Nobody 2" starring Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, John Ortiz, RZA, Colin Hanks, Christopher Lloyd, and Sharon Stone. With Indonesian action director Timo Tjahjanto stepping into the director's chair and returning screenwriter Derek Kolstad (along with Aaron Rabin) setting the story in the fictional vacation town of Plummerville, there are enough new elements to warrant a sequel, but how do they all mix together? What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, action, comedy, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Went Up The Hill" is a thriller drama film directed by Samuel Van Grinsven starring Dacre Montgomery as Jack, a man returning to his native New Zealand to attend the funeral of his birth mother, from whom he was taken away and placed into foster care; he meets his mother's widow Jill (Vicky Krieps) for the first time, only for his mother to return in spirit form and inhabit both Jack and Jill, using each of their bodies to speak to the other. Van Grinsven and Krieps were kind enough to speak with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Greenwich Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective is almost over. For our second-to-last review, we're taking a look at the year's Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film, "The Secret In Their Eyes" starring Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago, Javier Godino, and Guillermo Francella. Directed, produced, and edited by Juan José Campanella and adapted from Eduardo Sacheri's novel "La pregunta de sus ojos," the film follows judiciary agents Benjamín Espósito and Irene Hastings as they investigate a murder in 1970s Argentina, set against the nation's turbulent political and social climate. Employing a nonlinear narrative and featuring a celebrated five-minute continuous stadium shot, it marked Campanella's fourth collaboration with Darín and earned critical acclaim for its screenplay, performances, and direction, grossing over $34 million worldwide and winning numerous awards, including the Goya Award for Best Spanish Language Foreign Film. How does the film hold up today? Please join Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and me as we discuss the performances, direction, writing, editing, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. You can vote now on the winners of the 2009 NBP Film Community Awards here until August 16th, 2025. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Knife" is an American psychological drama film produced and directed by Nnamdi Asomugha (in his directorial debut) and co-written by Asomugha and Mark Duplass. The film stars Asomugha, Melissa Leo, Aja Naomi King, and Manny Jacinto as it follows a family throughout one night after an intruder breaks into their home, leading to a tense, mind-twisting investigation. The film premiered in competition at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won awards for Best New Narrative Director and Best Cinematography and was nominated for the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. Asomugha & Leo were kind enough to speak with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on August 15th from Relativity Media and Inaugural Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"East of Wall" is an American indie drama film, written and directed by Kate Beecroft in her directorial debut, starring Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Scoot McNairy, and Jennifer Ehle. It tells the story of a horse trainer who wrestles with financial issues and unresolved grief, while hosting a group of wayward teenagers on her ranch. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, receiving positive reviews and winning the Audience Award in the NEXT program. Beecroft, Tabatha, and Porshia were all kind enough to speak with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on August 15th from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Nobody 2" is an American action thriller film directed by Timo Tjahjanto and written by Derek Kolstad and Aaron Rabin, from a story and characters by Kolstad. It is a sequel to "Nobody" (2021) and stars Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Michael Ironside, Colin Salmon, Billy MacLellan, Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath, and Christopher Lloyd, who reprise their roles from the first film, while Colin Hanks, John Ortiz, Mckenna Grace and Sharon Stone play new characters. Tjahjanto was kind enough to speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on August 15th from Universal Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Americana" is an American crime thriller film written and directed by Tony Tost that premiered at South by Southwest in 2023 and stars Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Eric Dane, Zahn McClarnon, and Simon Rex. The film received positive reviews from critics for its story and depiction of the modern West through the lens of the Neo-noir western. Tost and Hauser were both kind enough to speak with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on August 15th by Lionsgate. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 454, I am joined by Lauren LaMagna, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer & Giovanni Lago for this week's episode to discuss the New York Film Festival (NYFF) Main Slate announcement and the latest Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) additions. We reveal the winner of last week's poll for TIFF50, where we asked, "Which World Premiere From The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" And for this week's poll, for NYFF63, we're asking, "Which Film From The 2025 New York Film Festival Main Slate Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Jay Kelly," "Ella McCay," "Rental Family," "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," reveal the 2009 NBP Film Award Nominations, answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Voting for the 2009 NBP Film Community Award Winners is still ongoing and will run until August 16th. Please share to cast your vote if you haven't already. Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. We will see you all again next week! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Dan Bayer, Katie Johnson, Cody Dericks & Brendan Hodges join me to review the latest film from filmmaker Zach Cregger, "Weapons," starring Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Cary Christopher, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong & Amy Madigan. Following the success of his previous horror film "Barbarian," anticipation has been high to see how the former The Whitest Kids U' Know member would top himself and the marketing by brilliant Warner Bros. has done a great job at presenting the core mystery to the audience without giving away any spoilers, making this one of the must-see horror films of the year. What did we ultimately think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, writing, craftsmanship, the themes, the film's much-discussed reveal and ending, plus its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Rebel Ridge" is a 2024 American action thriller film written, produced, directed, and edited by "Blue Ruin" and "Green Room" filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier. The film stars Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond, a former Marine, who has the funds needed to post bail for his cousin, unjustly seized via civil forfeiture by a small town's corrupt police force. Netflix released the film to positive critical reviews, and it won Best Movie Made for Television at the 30th Critics' Choice Awards. Saulnier was kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about his experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is up for your consideration for the 77th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, where it's nominated for Outstanding Television Movie. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Deaf President Now!" had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its telling of the 1988 student protest at Gallaudet University, when a hearing candidate was elected over other deaf candidates. Directors and producers Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim were kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about their experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Apple TV+ and is up for your consideration for the 77th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, where it's nominated for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"My Mother's Wedding" is a comedy-drama film directed by Kristin Scott Thomas from a screenplay she co-wrote with John Micklethwait. It stars Scott Thomas alongside Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, Emily Beecham, Freida Pinto, and Thibault de Montalembert. It tells the story of three sisters who return to their family home to attend the wedding of their twice-widowed mother. Scott Thomas was kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about her experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on August 8th from Vertical. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sketch" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received positive reviews for its premise, visual effects, and performances from the cast. It tells the story of a widowed father (Tony Hale) of two who is struggling to help his children Jack (Kue Lawrence) and Amber (Bianca Belle) come to terms with the death of their mother; however, one day the sketch book in which Amber has been drawing visual representations of her grief accidentally gets dropped in a magical pool, resulting in the neighborhood becoming terrorized by strange monsters made of crayon wax and chalk dust. Director/writer Seth Worley, along with stars Tony Hale, D'Arcy Carden, Bia Belle, and Kalon Kox, were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Angel Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Alien: Earth" is an upcoming science fiction horror television series created by Noah Hawley ("Fargo" & "Legion"), based on the "Alien" franchise. It serves as a prequel set two years before the events of the original 1979 film "Alien." Creator, Executive Producer, Writer (Episodes 1-8) & Director (Episodes 1 &5), Noah Hawley, Executive Producer David W. Zucker, and cast members Sydney Chandler ("Wendy"), Alex Lawther ("Hermit"), Timothy Olyphant ("Kirsh"), Babou Ceesay ("Morrow"), and Samuel Blenkin ("Boy Kavalier") were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which will premiere on Tuesday, August 12th, with the first two episodes available to stream on Hulu at 8 p.m. ET and on the FX linear channel at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and Disney+ internationally. A new episode of the 8-episode season will premiere each following Tuesday on Hulu beginning at 8 p.m. ET and on FX at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Penguin" is one of the most Emmy-award nominated television shows of the year, receiving an incredible 24 Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor, Actress, and Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Deirdre O'Connell, respectively and Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Showrunner, Writer & Executive Producer Lauren LeFranc. LeFranc was kind enough to spend some time before the nominations were announced to talk with us about her work and experience making the critically acclaimed HBO limited series. Please be sure to listen to the interview below and check out the show itself, which is now available to stream in full on HBO Max and is up for your consideration at the 77th annual Emmy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Final Destination Bloodlines" is the sixth installment in the "Final Destination" series and was released in theaters fourteen years after "Final Destination 5." It was met with the best reviews and box office the franchise has ever seen, with a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and $285.3 million at the worldwide box office. Directors Zach Lipovsky & Adam Stein were kind enough to spend a few minutes speaking with us about their experiences making the film in preparation for its home video and streaming release, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream at home on HBO Max. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 453, no members of Next Best Picture were available today to join me for this week's episode so I looked in my contacts and called the one very special person who I felt would be most suitable to guest and discuss the announcement of the Closing Night film for the New York Film Festival (NYFF), Bradley Cooper's "Is This Thing On?," and what we believe will be announced for the Main Slate and Spotlight sections later this week. We reveal the winners of last week's poll, for the upcoming Venice Film Festival, where we asked, "Which Film From The 2025 Venice Film Festival (Venezia 82) Are You Most Looking Forward To?" And for last week's poll, for the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), we ask, "Which World Premiere From The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Avatar: Fire And Ash," "Eternity," "Zootopia 2," "Blue Moon," "Twinless," "The Threesome," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Voting for the 2009 NBP Film Community Awards is underway and will run until August 16th. Please share to cast your vote if you haven't already. Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. We will see you all again next week! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Joselyn Safadie & Giovanni Lago join me to review the latest film from Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer, "The Naked Gun," starring Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand & Danny Huston. The fourth film in the "The Naked Gun" franchise, the outrageously silly comedy, produced by Seth MacFarlane, is a legacy sequel to "Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult" (1994). What did we think of the comedy, performances, writing, and direction? Please tune in as we discuss these elements, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Ema Sasic & Josh Parham join me to review and discuss Michael Shanks' "Together," starring Dave Franco, Alison Brie & Damon Herriman. The perfect date night horror film had its world premiere in the Midnight Section of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its theme of co-dependency told through the body horror genre and utilizing the real-life chemistry between real-life couple, Franco and Brie. With a clever marketing campaign from NEON, the indie film has built up a ton of buzz, so we decided to review it for you all. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the premise, performances, humor, effects, what it has to say about relationships, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you all so much for listening as always. We hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with Jason Reitman's Best Picture nominee "Up In The Air," starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Danny McBride, Jason Bateman, Amy Morton, J. K. Simmons, Melanie Lynskey, Zach Galifianakis & Sam Elliott. Co-written by Sheldon Turner and based on Walter Kirn's 2001 novel of the same name, the story of a traveling corporate downsizer who has a change of heart about what he values in his life was timely upon its release following the 2009 global financial crisis and garnered strong reviews and earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. How does the film hold up today? Please join Alyssa Christian, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and me as we discuss the performances, direction, writing, editing, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. You can vote now on the winners of the 2009 NBP Film Community Awards here until August 16th, 2025. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Penguin" is one of the most nominated television shows of the year, receiving an astounding 24 Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and Outstanding Lead Actor, Actress, and Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Deirdre O'Connell, respectively. O'Connell was kind enough to spend some time before the nominations were announced talking with us about her character, Francis Cobb, the mother of Farrell's titular character, her work, and her experience making the critically acclaimed limited series. Please be sure to listen to the interview below and check out the show itself, which is now available to stream in full on HBO Max and is up for your consideration at the 77th annual Emmy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Naked Gun" serves as a legacy sequel to "Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult" (1994) and is the fourth film in the "The Naked Gun" franchise. Starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the film has been brought to the screen by director, co-writer and Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer ("Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping") with a reverence for the kind of clever comedy style that pays homage to the previous films while carving out a new legacy for itself. Schaffer and producer Erica Huggins were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on August 1st from Paramount Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Weapons" is the latest horror film from director and writer Zach Cregger, whose feature directorial debut, "Barbarian," was a huge success when it was released in 2022. His follow-up has been greatly anticipated since then, and Warner Bros. has done an incredible job marketing the film to get audiences super interested in what the horror filmmaker has up his sleeve for his latest. Working with an all-star cast that includes Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Cary Christopher, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong & Amy Madigan, the film follows the case of seventeen kids from the same classroom who mysteriously disappear overnight at the exact same time, with their teacher being the main suspect. Cregger was kind enough to speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released exclusively in theaters nationwide by Warner Bros. on August 8th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 452, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and I recap and break down this massive week of film festival announcements including the full lineup for the 2025 Venice Film Festival, a majority of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) lineup, the Opening and Centerpiece announcements for the New York Film Festival, and what this all means for the Telluride Film Festival. For this week's poll, for Venezia 82 (mainly because we at least have the full lineup for this one), we ask, "Which Film From The 2025 Venice Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To?" And for last week's poll, for the first time this season, we asked, "Which Film Do You Feel Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" and we reveal your top 10 early results for this almighty important question. We also share our reactions to the trailers for Park Chan-wook's much-anticipated "No Other Choice," Aziz Ansari's "Good Fortune," Clint Bentley's "Train Dreams," Oliver Hermanus' "The History Of Sound," Rob Reiner's "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues," the A24 English dubbed re-release of "Ne Zha 2," reveal the 2009 NBP Film Community Award Nominations, answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! We will post the 2009 NBP Film Community Award nominations on the site for you to vote on tomorrow. Thank you all for listening, supporting, subscribing, and voting. You're all the very best fans we could ever ask for, and we look forward to seeing you all again next week! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, Ema Sasic, Sara Clements & Joselyn Safadie join me to review the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser & Sarah Niles. Directed by Matt Shakman, this is the second reboot of the "Fantastic Four" film series and the first time Marvel's first family has entered the MCU. What did we think of the 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic design, the score, casting, story, and the visual effects? Please tune in as we discuss these elements, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"2000 Meters To Andriivka" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received a strong, positive reception, with critics praising it as a worthy follow-up to Mstyslav Chernov's Academy Award-winning film, "20 Days In Mariupol." The film follows Chernov and journalist Alex Babenko as they follow a Ukrainian platoon on a mission to liberate the Russian-occupied village of Andriivka across 2000 meters of land surrounded by landmines. Chernov was kind enough to return to the podcast and speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing theatrically in New York with a national rollout to follow from PBS Distribution, and a broadcast on Frontline scheduled for December. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Oh, Hi!" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its story about a situationship by filmmaker Sophie Brooks, involving a new couple (Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman) who go on a weekend road trip that takes an unexpected turn. Both Gordon & Lerman were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on July 25th from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is the latest attempt to bring Marvel's first family, the Fantastic Four, to the big screen, following the 2005 and 2015 films. It is the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the titular team, alongside Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson. Garner, Ineson, and director Matt Shakman were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on July 25th from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Dan Bayer, Giovanni Lago, Daniel Howat & Brendan Hodges, join me to review and discuss the latest film from Ari Aster, "Eddington," starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O'Connell, Micheal Ward, Austin Butler & Emma Stone. After its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, much like Aster's other films, his COVID-19 pandemic-set Western has sparked an intense discussion surrounding its themes, execution, and intention. Like the characters in the movie itself, no one can seem to see eye to eye on anything regarding it. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, its themes and style, performances, cinematography, our experiences with the pandemic and how it changed the world, the film's awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you super duper very much for listening. We hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Together" is a new supernatural body horror film written and directed by Michael Shanks, making his directorial debut. The film stars real-life married actors Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple who move to the countryside but find themselves encountering a mysterious force that horrifically causes changes in their bodies. Shanks was kind enough to speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to or watch below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on July 30th from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 451, Megan Lachinski, Josh Parham, Will Mavity, and I are here to predict what films we specifically feel will be announced to have their world premieres at the 2025 Venice Film Festival this week on Tuesday and the Toronto International Film Festival throughout the week. For this week's poll, with the fall film festival announcements about to come in full force with expected announcements from the aforementioned Venice, TIFF, and NYFF, and Oscar season quickly approaching, we ask for the first time this year, "Which Film Do You Feel Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" And for last week's poll, for the release of "Eddington," we reveal your top 10 results for "Which Is Your Favorite Film Set Against The Backdrop Of The COVID-19 Pandemic?" We also share our reactions to the trailer for Luca Guadagnino's much-anticipated Oscar contender "After The Hunt," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Please be sure to vote on the 2009 NBP Film Community Award Nominations if you have not already done so. Voting ends this week before July 26th. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We look forward to seeing you all again next week! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson and Dan Bayer join me along with returning guest Ryan C. Showers, to review "I Know What You Did Last Summer" starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, Billy Campbell & Austin Nichols. A legacyquel to the 1997 original and its 1998 sequel, the film brings together old and new cast members for another summer of murder in Southport, driven by the shared guilt a group of friends feel after they fail to report an accident they were witness to the summer prior. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, its characters, the humor, kills, twist ending, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Eddington" had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it received mixed reviews for its story of the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, set during 2020, where a rivalry between Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) reaches a combustible state of political and social turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Director and writer, Ari Aster, the masterful filmmaker behind films such as "Hereditary," "Midsommar" and "Beau Is Afraid" is not unfamiliar with this kind of polarizing response to his provocative films and in fact, he welcomes the debate, discussion and reflection in hopes that his work will bring us closer together during a time where we're more divided than ever before. Aster and Academy Award-winning star Joaquin Phoenix were kind enough to speak with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters nationwide from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with another Best Picture nominee, "Precious: Based On The Novel 'Push' By Sapphire" starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey & Lenny Kravitz. Directed by Oscar-nominee Lee Daniels (the first openly gay Black nominated director) and written by Academy Award-winner Geoffrey Fletcher (the first Black screenwriter Oscar winner), the film was an indie sensation following its premiere at Sundance and festival run, leading to a wave of Black centered stories that had both positive and negative impacts on the industry. How does the film hold up today? Please join Josh Parham & Dan Bayer, and me as we discuss the incredible performances, Lee's direction, the writing, editing, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For Episode 53 of the Next Best Series Podcast, Daniel Howat takes over hosting duties and, along with Nadia Dalimonte, Megan Lachinski & Tom O'Brien, they give their reactions to the 77th Emmy Award Nominations. They discuss who got in, who missed, who on the team performed well in their predictions, and what the most challenging races to call are now that the nominations have been announced. It's a long couple of weeks until September 14th, when the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held, but we'll be with you every step of the way! As always, thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy this reactions episode. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Apocalypse In The Tropics" is a 2024 documentary film directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Petra Costa, serving as a spiritual sequel to her 2020 Oscar-nominated documentary, "The Edge of Democracy." Her latest film examines the influence of evangelical Christianity on far-right politics in Brazil. The film premiered out of competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival to positive reviews and later screened at the 2024 Telluride and New York Film Festivals. Costa, along with producer Alessandra Orofino were both kind enough to speak with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 450, Lauren LaMagna, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to predict where each of the major upcoming Oscar contenders will premiere and screen at each of the fall film festivals (Venice, Telluride, TIFF & NYFF). For the release of "Eddington," this week's poll asks, "Which Is Your Favorite Film Set Against The Backdrop Of The COVID-19 Pandemic?" And for last week's poll, for the release of James Gunn's "Superman," we reveal your top 10 results for "Which is Your Favorite DC Comics Film?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "She Rides Shotgun," "Went Up The Hill," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Please be sure to vote on the 2009 NBP Film Community Award Nominations if you have not done so already. Voting will be open until July 26th. Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We look forward to seeing you all again next week! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look! It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's our main podcast review for this week for James Gunn's "Superman" starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion & Isabela Merced. Joining me for this review are Sara Clements, Josh Parham, Cody Dericks, Giovanni Lago & Brendan Hodges. There's a lot to discuss as Gunn gives us not only a new standalone Superman film but also attempts to reboot DC's universe on a whole new path into the future. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, its themes and parallels to today's modern world, the casting of these iconic characters and their performances, the action sequences, and visual effects, the score, including the use of John Williams' iconic theme for the Man of Steel, the future of the franchise, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Abraham's Boys: A Dracula Story" is a gothic horror drama written and directed by Natasha Kermani, adapted from Joe Hill's short story of the same name, starring Titus Welliver, Brady Hepner, Judah Mackey & Jocelin Donahue. Set in 1915 rural California, years after the events of "Dracula," the film follows Abraham Van Helsing (Welliver) as he relocates his family, including his wife, Mina (Donahue), and their sons, Max (Hepner) and Rudy (Mackey), to escape their traumatic past. Kermani, Hill, and stars Titus Welliver, Brady Hepner & Jocelin Donahue were all kind enough to speak with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Shudder. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight" is a South African drama film written and directed by Embeth Davidtz in her feature directorial debut. The film is based on Alexandra Fuller's 2001 memoir, which recounts the experiences of her White Zimbabwean family following the Rhodesian Bush War. The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and received positive reviews for its writing, direction and performances. Davidtz was kind enough to speak with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on July 11th from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Next Best Series Podcast is back to discuss the latest television shows, including "Poker Face" and the season finales of "The Bear" Season 4 & "Squid Game" Season 3. We also reveal our final Emmy Nomination Predictions ahead of the nominations announcement next week on July 15th. Please tune in as Megan Lachinski, Nadia Dalimonte, and Alyssa Christian join me to discuss these topics, shows, and more on this week's episode! We'll return after the nominations with another new episode to go over our reactions to the nominees. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy this free full-length episode. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sovereign" had its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances from Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, and Dennis Quaid, as well as Christian Swegal's writing and direction. Based on real events, the story follows a father and son (Offerman and Tremblay) who identify as Sovereign Citizens, a group of anti-government extremists, as they venture across the country and find themselves in a standoff with a chief of police (Dennis Quaid) that sets off an intense manhunt with tragic consequences. Making his feature directorial debut, Swegal was kind enough to speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters and VOD on July 11th from Briarcliff Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 449, Katie Johnson, Dan Bayer, Cody Dericks, and I are here to discuss our first Oscar Predictions of the year in the above-the-line categories. We tie this conversation into last week's poll results, as we asked, "Which Possible Oscar Contenders Are You Most Looking Forward To For The Rest Of 2025?" For the release of James Gunn's "Superman," for this week's poll, we ask, "Which is Your Favorite DC Comics Film?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Sentimental Value," "Project Hail Mary," "The Running Man," "Relay," and "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We look forward to seeing you all again next week, as we'll start turning our eyes toward the upcoming fall film festivals. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Josh Parham & Lauren LaMagna join me to review and discuss the newest entry in the "Jurassic World/Park" franchise, "Jurassic World Rebirth," starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo & Ed Skrein. With a whole new cast, Gareth Edwards directing, and mutated dinosaurs, the franchise is receiving a number of new elements to re-energize itself, but does it work? Or is it time for this once great franchise to go extinct? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, characters, thrilling action sequences, Alexandre Desplat's score, the future of the franchise, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"This Is Spinal Tap" (1984), also known as "This Is Spın̈al Tap: A Rockumentary by Martin Di Bergi," is a mockumentary comedy directed by the legendary Rob Reiner in his feature debut and co-written with stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, who play members of the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap, hilariously dubbed "one of England's loudest bands." Satirizing rock star excess and the earnest style of classic rock documentaries, the largely improvised film earned critical acclaim, modest box office returns, and later a devoted cult following that cemented its status as a landmark of the mockumentary genre and the source of the iconic phrase "Up to eleven." Selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in 2002, the film will finally get a sequel, "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues," with Reiner, Guest, McKean, and Shearer reuniting for one last concert in September 2025. Director Rob Reiner was kind enough to speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out The Golden 41st Anniversary 4K restoration of "This Is Spinal Tap" (with a special intro from Rob Reiner) in theaters from July 5th-7th, 2025 (get your tickets here) from Bleecker Street and will feature the first look at "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues." Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Old Guard 2" is a sequel to 2020's "The Old Guard" starring Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Veronica Ngô, and Chiwetel Ejiofor reprising their roles from the first film while Henry Golding and Uma Thurman join the cast. Director Victoria Mahoney was kind enough to speak with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now streaming on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Jurassic World Rebirth" is a standalone sequel to "Jurassic World Dominion" (2022), the fourth "Jurassic World" film and the seventh installment overall in the "Jurassic Park franchise." With a whole new cast and shot on 35mm using anamorphic lenses, the film from director Gareth Edwards is an attempt to harken back to what thrilled audiences most about the original movie. Before the film's world premiere, Edwards was kind enough to speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters nationwide from Universal Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"40 Acres" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for Danielle Deadwyler's performance, the tension and action created by R.T. Thorne, and the supporting performances by the rest of the cast, including Michael Greyeyes. The film follows a family of African American descendants who settled in rural Canada in 1875, after the American Civil War, and are now fighting for their survival amid a post-apocalyptic world two hundred years later. Thorne and Deadwyler were both kind enough to speak with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is scheduled to be released in theaters by Magnolia Pictures on July 2nd, 2025. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Heads Of State" is the new action-comedy from director Ilya Naishuller ("Hardcore Henry" and "Nobody"), starring John Cena and Idris Elba, two world leaders who must set aside their rivalry to thwart a global conspiracy after becoming targets of a ruthless foreign adversary. Co-starring Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, and Carla Gugino, the film features numerous laughs and elaborate action set pieces for your friends and family to enjoy over the Fourth of July weekend. Naishuller was kind enough to speak with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is scheduled to be released on Amazon Prime Video on July 2nd, 2025. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 448, Nadia Dalimonte, Sara Clements, Alyssa Christian, Will Mavity, and I are here to discuss our Midyear Oscar Winners and our most anticipated Oscar contenders from the second half of 2025. We tie this conversation into this week's poll as we ask, "Which Possible Oscar Contenders Are You Most Looking Forward To For The Rest Of 2025?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, where we asked, "Which Is The Best Film Of 2025 So Far?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Bugonia," "Roofman," "Eden," and "Splitsville," answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We look forward to seeing you all again next week as we'll start turning a specific eye toward the upcoming fall film festivals. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Giovanni Lago, Joselyn Safadi, Brendan Hodges & Will Mavity join me to review and discuss the newest film from Joseph Kosinski, "F1" (Or "F1 The Movie" depending on who you ask) starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies & Javier Bardem. Set in the world of Formula One racing, Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer aim to deliver the most authentic and immersive racing movie ever made while retaining the magic that made their last collaboration, "Top Gun: Maverick," such a success. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, racing sequences, Hans Zimmer's score, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sorry, Baby" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and received ecstatic reviews for Eva Victor, making her feature directorial debut (she also wrote and stars in the film). Following its screening at the Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight section, Victor was kind enough to speak with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in select theaters from A24 on June 27th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with one of the most memorable summer blockbusters of that year, J. J. Abrams's reboot of "Star Trek" starring a whole new cast including John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Winona Ryder, Zoe Saldaña, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Eric Bana, and the returning Leonard Nimoy. Seen as a success the year it was released, it spawned two sequels and renewed interest in "Star Trek" as a franchise, which continues on television to this day. But how has this particular film aged in the 16 years since? Please join Josh Parham & Dan Bayer, and me as we discuss the cast, their performances, Abrams's direction, the story's themes, the visual effects, Michael Giacchino's score, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hot Milk" is a drama film written and directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz (making her directorial debut) based on the 2016 novel by Deborah Levy. The film was selected in Competition at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it competed for the Golden Bear. It tells the story of a mother (Fiona Shaw) with a strange illness and her daughter (Emma Mackey) embarking on a journey to the Spanish coast to find a cure. Lenkiewicz and Shaw were kind enough to speak with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open nationwide in theaters from Independent Film Company on June 27th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Josh Parham, Cody Dericks, and Brendan Hodges join me to review and discuss the latest film from Academy Award-winning Director Danny Boyle and Academy Award-nominated Screenwriter Alex Garland, "28 Years Later," starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams & Ralph Fiennes. The much-anticipated sequel to Boyle and Garland's 2002 genre-redefining horror film "28 Days Later," the film has been met with much enthusiasm and some spirited discussion regarding tone, themes, and franchise direction as it paves the way for a second film coming in January 2026 from Nia DaCosta and a potential third which would see Boyle return to direct. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, Boyle's iPhone-shot direction, Garland's world-building, the divisive ending, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Diplomat" is one of Netflix's hottest shows as its first season garnered star Keri Russell award nominations from the Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes, and Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The second season premiered to critical acclaim once again and has so far received more Critics' Choice, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations than the first season. Creator, Executive Producer, Showrunner, and Writer Debora Cahn was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her experience working on the second season, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Presumed Innocent" is an American legal thriller television series created by David E. Kelley, based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Scott Turow. The book was previously adapted into the 1990 film starring Harrison Ford and Brian Dennehy. The series premiered on Apple TV+ last summer and received positive reviews, which led to the series being renewed for a second season. Peter Sarsgaard, who plays Tommy Molto, was kind enough to speak with us about his work on the show, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Squid Game" is one of the most popular shows in the world. The first season of the South Korean series was a ginormous success for Netflix and became a pop culture phenomenon. The second season dared to go even bigger, bringing back Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun as he sets out to end the games and the Front Man, played by Lee Byung-hun. Both Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, along with Emmy Award-winning series director Hwang Dong-hyuk, were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the second season, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 447, Lauren LaMagna, Dan Bayer, Katie Johnson, Sara Clements, and I are here to discuss which films are our favorites from the first half of 2025 and which we deem to be realistic Oscar contenders. We tie this conversation into this week's poll as we ask, "Which Is The Best Film Of 2025 So Far?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of "28 Years Later," where we asked, "Which Is Your Favorite Danny Boyle Film?" We also give our reactions to the trailer for "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We know the world is a scary place at the moment, but we sincerely hope you enjoy this episode and the show overall as we do our best to provide you comfort during these difficult and uncertain times. We'll see you all again next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Alyssa Christian, Cody Dericks & Daniel Howat join me to review and discuss the newest Pixar film, "Elio," starring Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett & Jameela Jamil. With a long and troubled production that resulted in multiple directors and screenwriters being accredited, the original animated film has finally been released in theaters. Now we're left wondering how it compares to the best Pixar has had to offer. Please tune in as we discuss the themes, characters, voice performances, animation, score, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"American Primeval" is an American Western television miniseries created and written by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg. Starring Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Jai Courtney, and Shea Whigham, the series is set in 1857 during the Utah War and received positive reviews when it premiered earlier this year in January. Berg was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Social Studies" is an American documentary series Lauren Greenfield created, directed, and produced. It follows teenagers over a school year in Los Angeles, exploring how the generation has grown up online. It premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival to positive reviews and later aired on FX in September 2024. Greenfield was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Disney+ and Hulu. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Agatha All Along" is a 2024 American television miniseries created by Jac Schaeffer for Disney+, serving as a spin-off of another Marvel miniseries, "WandaVision." Kathryn Hahn reprised her role as Agatha Harkness, joined by a star-studded cast including Joe Locke, Aubrey Plaza, and Patti LuPone. Titled after the viral Emmy Award-winning "WandaVision" song, the miniseries premiered to positive reviews for its performances, character development, plot twists, and queer representation, earning Hahn a Golden Globe nomination. Locke and award-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Industry" is one of the hottest television shows currently airing. It has been steadily building its following over three seasons and has made stars out of its young, talented cast. Finishing its best season yet, the drama series set in the British world of finance is looking to get some Emmy love this season for the first time in its run. Actors Ken Leung and Myha'la were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on HBO. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dying For Sex" is an American comedy-drama miniseries based loosely on the real-life experiences of Molly Kochan (Michelle Williams) and written by Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock; the show depicts her being diagnosed with terminal cancer and leaving her husband in search of an orgasm. It has received positive reviews for Williams and Jenny Slate's performances, the direction from Shannon Murphy, and sharp writing. Murphy, Meriwether, and Rosenstock were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the miniseries, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Hulu and Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's third podcast review, Ema Sasic, Dan Bayer, Megan Lachinski, and Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss the latest film from Academy Award-nominee Celine Song, "Materialists," starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Zoë Winters & Marin Ireland. Following the success of "Past Lives," many greatly anticipated how Song would follow up on her previous beloved romance. Well, she did with another romance, although this one has garnered more than a few divisive reactions. Where do we fall on it? Please tune in as we discuss the themes, characters, performances, direction from Song, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Black Mirror" is now in its seventh season, and the British anthology television series is still going strong under the leadership and direction of series creator Charlie Brooker. Paul Giamatti received fantastic reviews for his performance in Episode 5, "Eulogy," and there was a ton of anticipation for the sequel to one of the show's most acclaimed episodes, "USS Callister" with "USS Callister : Into Infinity." Gigmatti, Brooker, Stephan Pehrsson (Cinematographer for "Bête Noire" & "USS Callister : Into Infinity"), and James MacLachlan (VFX Supervisor) were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Megan Lachinski, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and Cody Dericks join me to review and discuss the latest film from beloved filmmaker Mike Flanagan, "The Life of Chuck" starring Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Mia Sara, Carl Lumbly, Benjamin Pajak, Jacob Tremblay & Mark Hamill. Based on the novella of the same name by Stephen King, the existential film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the coveted People's Choice Award. Now that more people have seen it, what do we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the themes, reverse chronological structure, performances, score, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dark Matter" is an American science fiction television series created by Blake Crouch, based on his 2016 novel of the same name starring Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, and Oakes Fegley. The series received positive reviews for the first season, which led to season 2 getting greenlit by Apple. Crouch, Edgerton, and Connelly were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Nobody Wants This" is a new American romantic comedy television series created by Erin Foster, starring Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, and Timothy Simons, centered on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman and an unconventional rabbi. The Netflix series received positive reviews and has been nominated for Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards. Foster was kind enough a few weeks ago to spend some time speaking with us about her work and experience making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 445, Megan Lachinski, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to discuss the end of the 2025 Tribeca Festival and give our reactions to the trailers for "Eddington," "In Your Dreams," and "Oh, Hi!" For this week's poll, for the release of Danny Boyle's "28 Years Later," we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Danny Boyle Film?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of Celine Song's "Materialists," where we asked, "Which Is Your Favorite Romantic Film Of The 2020s So Far?" We also check on some other news of the week, answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there listening! We hope you enjoy this episode, and we'll see you next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Katie Johnson & Joselyn Safadi join me to review and discuss "How To Train Your Dragon" starring Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz & Murray McArthur. A remake of the Academy Award-nominated animated feature of the same name from 2010, the live-action remake skews so closely to the original film that we're left wondering if there's any justification for its existence beyond the studio to make money. What did we think of the performances, score, and visual effects? Please tune in as we touch upon these topics and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Antony Starr's acclaimed performance as the villainous, insecure, narcissistic Homelander on Amazon Prime Video's hit series "The Boys" will likely go down as one of the greatest of all time, certainly for television villains. Now in its fourth season, showrunner Eric Kripke and Starr keep finding new directions to push the character in, unlocking more of his dark psyche and shocking audiences with how dastardly. Starr was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the series, specifically on Episode 4 of the fourth season, his career, and tease a little bit about what fans can expect from the fifth and final season, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Amazon Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"How To Train Your Dragon" is a live-action remake of the 2010 Academy Award-nominated animated film of the same name, produced by DreamWorks Animation. Directed by the original trilogy's creator and filmmaker Dean DeBlois, the film stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Nick Frost, with Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast from the animated films. Academy Award-nominated composer John Powell, who also worked on the trilogy, additionally returned to compose the score for the film. DeBlois and Powell were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Universal Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with one of the most unique and downright awesome Best Picture nominees of all time, Neill Blomkamp's "District 9," starring Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James, Vanessa Haywood, Mandla Gaduka, Kenneth Nkosi, Eugene Khumbanyiwa, Louis Minnaar & William Allen Young. Standing as an allegory for apartheid in South Africa, the marketing and finished film blew audiences away in 2009 with its fresh concept and resourcefulness to deliver a summer blockbuster on a $30 million budget. What do we think of it all these years later? Please join Dan Bayer, Will Mavity, and me as we discuss the themes, Copley's performances, the makeup, action, visual effects, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Next Best Series Podcast is back to discuss the latest television shows, including the season finales of "Hacks," "The Last Of Us," "The Rehearsal," "Your Friends & Neighbors" & "Dope Thief." We also review the Gotham TV Award winners and express to Emmy Award voters who we hope they'll consider when casting their votes for this year's Emmy Award nominations. Please tune in as Megan Lachinski, Daniel Howat, and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss these topics, shows, and more on this week's episode! We'll return with another new episode later this month to discuss our final Emmy Nomination Predictions. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy this free full-length episode. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Yellowjackets" has continued to evolve and has remained a buzzy show through its third season. Despite suffering a drop off in Emmy nominations from the first to the second season, the third season has come back roaring, looking to break back in with the Television Academy. Two performers who delivered awards-worthy work this Eason were stars, Christina Ricci and Steven Krueger. Both of them were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Life Of Chuck" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the People's Choice Award and received positive reviews for Mike Flanagan's adaptation of the Stephen King novella, direction and performances from the cast, which includes Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill, and Jacob Tremblay. Other members of the cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Kate Siegel, Matthew Lillard, Mia Sara, and Annalise Basso, were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experiences making Flanagan's film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release and will expand nationwide on June 13th from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The 78th annual Tony Awards were held last Sunday night, and it was a memorable show with some shocking wins, some expected wins, delightful musical performances, moving and rousing speeches, and a terrific job from Tony Award Winner & Academy Award-nominee Cynthia Erivo as host. What did Dan Bayer & Lauren LaMagna think of the show? In this final episode of the season, tune in below to listen to their thoughts and how wrong or right they were regarding their winner predictions. Thank you, and we hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Materialists" is the new film from Academy Award-nominee Celine Song, following the acclaim of her beloved directorial debut 2023 film "Past Lives." Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, the romantic film explores love, dating, and matchmaking in contemporary New York with depth and resonance in a way few other filmmakers would dare to tell such a story. Song was kind enough to return to the podcast and spend some time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on June 13th from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Ema Sasic, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, Brendan Hodges and Tom O'Brien join me to review and discuss the latest film from Academy Award-winner Wes Anderson, "The Phoenician Scheme" starring Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend & Hope Davis. The film premiered in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, receiving positive reviews as Wes Anderson films tend to do, but what did we think of it? Wes Anderson is always a hotly discussed filmmaker with a wide range of opinions, and his latest is no different. Please tune in as we discuss the story, characters, performances, style and design, craftsmanship, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dope Thief" is a new American crime drama television miniseries created by Peter Craig, based on the 2009 novel by Dennis Tafoya. It premiered on Apple TV+ on March 14th, and has received positive reviews for its performances from Brian Tyree Henry & Wanger Moura, writing from Craig and gritty look at the drug trade along the Eastern seaboard. Craig was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Elio" is the latest film from Disney Pixar. The story follows an eleven-year-old boy named Elio Solis, who accidentally becomes the intergalactic ambassador of planet Earth after being beamed up to the Communiverse by aliens for making contact. He must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms and navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions. Directed by Domee Shi ("Turning Red"), Madeline Sharafian ("Burrow"), and Adrian Molina ("Coco" co-director) and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, it stars the voices of Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, and Shirley Henderson. We were fortunate to be invited to Pixar Studios where we got a behind-the-scenes first look at the making of the film and conducted interviews with Directors Shi & Sharafian, Producer Drumm, Lighting Art Director Ernesto Nemesio, Sets Supervisor David Luoh, Production Designer Harley Jessup, Visual Effects Supervisor Claudia Chung Sanli, and Animation Supervisors Jude Brownbill & Travis Hathaway, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on June 20th by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 445, Josh Parham and I are here to discuss the films we've seen so far at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and give our reactions to some pretty exciting trailers, including "Wicked: For Good," "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey," "Kiss Of The Spider Woman," "The Lost Bus," "Lurker and "Black Phone 2." For this week's poll, for the release of Celine Song's "Materialists," we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Romantic Film Of The 2020s So Far?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme," where we asked, "Which Is Your Favorite Wes Anderson Film?" We also check on some other news of the week, answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we'll see you next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Cross" is a new American crime thriller television series created by Ben Watkins, based on the "Alex Cross" novel series written by James Patterson. It stars Gotham Award nominee Aldis Hodge as the titular character, a forensic psychologist and homicide D.C. Metro Detective who pursues some of America's most dangerous killers. Hodge was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the series, which you can listen to or watch below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Nadia Dalimonte, Lauren LaMagna & Joselyn Safadi join me to review and discuss "From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina" (or just "Ballerina") starring Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane & Keanu Reeves. Taking place between "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum" and "Chapter 4," this is the first of what's sure to be many spin-offs set in the world of "John Wick," but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we touch upon the story, characters, action, craftsmanship, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Bear" continues to be one of the most acclaimed shows on television, and the third season is no exception. With the opening of The Bear restaurant, the third season pushed the characters in new directions while also providing further backstory for the Berzattos. One such character was Natalie "Sugar" Berzatto, whose episode "Ice Chips" was one of the most well-received of the season. Abby Elliott, who featured prominently in the episode alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work and experience making the episode, what we can expect from season four, and more! You can listen to the interview below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Hulu and Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dangerous Animals" had its world premiere in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its brutal shark kills, handling of genre tone, and Jai Courtney's unhinged performance as the serial killer who feeds his victims to sharks and films them in the process. Courtney was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience making the film, which you can listen to below! Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Independent Film Company. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The 78th annual Tony Awards will be held this Sunday, June 8th, and for this latest episode of Next Best Theatre, we are here with special guests to deliver our final predictions on who we think will win in all 26 categories. For this comprehensive episode, Cody Dericks, Lauren LaMagna, and Dan Bayer are joined by Joselyn Safadi and Tom O'Brien. We'll be back with another episode this season to give you our reactions to the show and winners. Thank you, and enjoy the show this Sunday! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Daredevil: Born Again" continues the story of "Daredevil" following its cancellation in 2018 with Charlie Cox reprising his role as Matt Murdock / Daredevil from Marvel's Netflix television series and prior Marvel Studios productions. It was a long journey to get to this point, but the superhero show was met with critical acclaim when it premiered on Disney+ earlier this spring, with season 2 currently in production. Cox was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina" (or just "Ballerina" for short) is the fifth film in the "John Wick" franchise, serving as a spin-off set between the events of "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum" (2019) and "John Wick: Chapter 4" (2023). It is the first installment not to be directed by Chad Stahelski, with action director Len Wiseman taking over the reins and featuring Ana de Armas in a new role while Keanu Reeves, Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick (in his final screen appearance before his untimely death), and Ian McShane reprise their roles from the franchise. Wiseman was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on June 6th from Lionsgate. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been 23 years since the release of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's genre re-defining film "28 Days Later," which has received quite a devoted following over the years. Now, the director and writer have reunited to deliver "28 Years Later," a post-apocalyptic horror film that continues from "28 Weeks Later" (2007) and stars a new cast of characters played by Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and Jack O'Connell. Cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle has also returned to shoot the film, predominantly using the iPhone (maintaining a consistent look with how audiences experienced the first Canon XL1 digital video-shot film in 2002), and it will kickstart a new trilogy of films with "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" being directed by Nia DaCosta, to come next. After viewing the first 28 minutes of the film, Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle was kind enough to spend some time in the Sony offices in New York speaking with me about his work and experience making the anticipated sequel, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on June 20th by Sony Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Tornado" is the latest film from director John Maclean, who previously directed "Slow West" a decade ago. The western film follows Tornado (Kōki), a young woman who vows to seek vengeance for her father against a notorious gang and forge her own destiny by stealing their ill-gotten gold. The film additionally stars Tim Roth, Jack Lowden, Takehiro Hira, and Joanne Whalley and received positive reviews after its world premiere at the 2025 Glasgow Film Festival. Lowden was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience making the film, which you can listen to below! Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Independent Film Company. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 444, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and I are here to preview the 2025 Tribeca Festival, which will take place from June 4th to 15th. We also go over the announcements from Netflix's Tudum event, including the trailer for Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein." For this week's poll, for the release of Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme," we're asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Wes Anderson Film?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll as we wrap up our Cannes Film Festival coverage, asking, "Which Films From The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Excited To See?" We also check on some other news of the week, answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we'll see you next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, Katie Johnson, and Cody Dericks join me to review and discuss Danny Philippou & Michael Philippou's "Bring Her Back," starring Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Sally Hawkins & Jonah Wren Phillips. Following up on their acclaimed debut film "Talk To Me," the former YouTubers turned filmmakers are back to traumatize audiences with a brutal and surprisingly emotional take on grief. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we touch upon the story, its themes, the performances, the craftsmanship, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Last Of Us," the Emmy Award-winning drama series from Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, partially adapts the 2020 game "The Last Of Us Part II" with dazzling action sequences, immersive production design, and state-of-the-art visual and practical effects. One element that gets sometimes overlooked when talking about the crafts of Naughty Dog's world is the costumes by Ann Foley. Foley was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream in full on HBO Max. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hacks," the Emmy Award-winning comedy series from Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky, has just concluded its fourth season. The reigning Emmy Award-winner for Outstanding Comedy Series continues to push its characters in interesting and hilarious directions. This year was no different, with the show continually topping itself in terms of acting, writing, and direction to deliver its best season yet. Paul W. Downs was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream in full on HBO Max. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Adults" is a brand new ensemble comedy series created by Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw about a group of friends in their twenties experiencing adulthood in Queens, New York. The show premiered yesterday on FX with its first two episodes, and two new episodes will be released weekly. Executive Producer, Director & Writer Stefani Robinson was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream on Hulu. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with one of Quentin Tarantino's most acclaimed and beloved films, "Inglourious Basterds," starring an all-star international cast including Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, Til Schweiger, Mélanie Laurent, August Diehl, Julie Dreyfus, Sylvester Groth, Jacky Ido, Denis Ménochet, Mike Myers, Rod Taylor, Martin Wuttke & B.J. Novak. Taking us back to WWII and re-writing history in the process through the power of cinema, how does the film hold up all these years later? Please join Sara Clements, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, guest Patreon supporter Brian Percival, and me as we discuss our thoughts on the chaptered story, characters, performances, editing, music, humor, action, tension, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Phoenician Scheme" is the latest film from Academy Award-winner Wes Anderson, reuniting him with Benicio del Toro and working with Mia Threapleton and Michael Cera for the first time. The three actors were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience making the film, working with Anderson, what they all learned from each other, and more, which you can listen to below! Please be sure to check out the film, which is opening in limited release on May 30th from Focus Features before expanding nationwide on June 6th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Dan Bayer, Alyssa Christian, Daniel Howat & Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss the final "Mission: Impossible" film, "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Mark Gatiss, Tramell Tillman & Katy O'Brian. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie and continuing where "Dead Reckoning" left off, with one of the largest production budgets in history, the longest runtime of the franchise, and as the cumulative eighth film in a nearly thirty-year franchise, this is by far the biggest "Mission: Impossible" film to date. But does bigger always mean better? Please tune in as we discuss the story, character arcs, set pieces, stunts, craftsmanship, the franchise's future, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy...one last time. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Jane Austen Wrecked My Life" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its writing, performances, and use of Jane Austen's material to craft a fresh rom-com. Director/writer Laura Piani and star Camille Rutherford were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the latest film, which you can listen to or watch below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release from Sony Pictures Classics and will expand to more theaters on May 30th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 443, Dan Bayer and I are back from the south of France to give you Part 2 of our 2025 Cannes Film Festival recap, including our reactions to the award winners. Tune in as we touch on many of the movies which premiered in the second week of the festival including the Palme d'Or winner "It Was Just An Accident," "Sentimental Value," "Resurrection," "Alpha," "Pillion," "Highest 2 Lowest," "Splitsville," "Eleanor The Great," "A Private Life," "The History Of Sound," "The Mastermind," "Honey Don't!" and more! For this week's poll, as the festival ends, we ask, "Which Film From The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning," asking, "Which Is Your Favorite "Mission: Impossible" Film?" give our reactions to the trailer for Darren Aronofsky's "Caught Stealing," answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for following us on this incredible journey by listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we'll see you next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Katie Johnson, and Joselyn Safadi are reviewing and discussing "Lilo & Stitch," starring Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance & Zach Galifianakis. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp ("Marcel The Shell With Shoes On"), this is yet another Disney live-action remake of a beloved 2D animated film. Is it as good or better than the original, or is it just as many of these cash-grab remakes tend to go (pretty poorly)? Please tune in as we touch upon the story, the performances, humor, visual effects, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" marks the eighth and possibly final "Mission: Impossible" film. Continuing the story from "Dead Reckoning," the stakes have never been higher, and the story and stunts have never been as big. Two new faces to the franchise, Hayley Atwell (Grace) and Greg Tarzan Davis (Degas), were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the latest film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is opening in theaters on May 23rd from Paramount Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonjour NBP Community! For Episode 442, I am joined by Dan Bayer on the Croisette in France for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. In this week's episode, we take a break from the film festival at the midway point to discuss the various films we've been watching, including "Die, My Love," "Eddington," "Sirat," "Sound Of Falling," "The Chronology Of Water," "Nouvelle Vague," "The Secret Agent," "The Phoenician Scheme" and more! We also go over the polls for the release of "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning," asking, "Which Is Your Favorite "Mission: Impossible" Film?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll asking," "Which Films From The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Excited To See?"There are no trailers or answers to your fan-submitted questions, but we hope you enjoy hearing about what movies you have to look forward to with another recap to come for the second week of the festival next week! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Giovanni Lago, Josh Parham, Tom O'Brien, and Will Mavity are reviewing and discussing "Final Destination Bloodlines," starring Kaitlyn Santa, Juana Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger & Tony Todd. It's sixth installment in the "Final Destination" film series following 2011's "Final Destination 5." Did the break from the franchise do it some good? How does it play in IMAX? What did we think of the kills? Please tune in as we touch upon these points and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Damned" had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Best Director award for filmmaker Roberto Minervini. Set in 1862 against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the film follows a group of volunteer Union soldiers. Minervini was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on May 16th from Grasshopper Film. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hurry Up Tomorrow" is the new film from Trey Edward Shults, the filmmaker behind films such as "Krisha," "It Comes At Night" and "Waves." The film acts as a companion piece to Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye's sixth studio album of the same name, which was produced in conjunction with the film. It stars Tesfaye as a fictionalized version of himself, an insomniac musician on the verge of a mental breakdown who is pulled into an existential odyssey by a mysterious stranger, with actors Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan also starring. Shults was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on May 16th from Lionsgate. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 441, on Mother's Day and the night of our departure to Cannes, I am joined by Dan Bayer & Giovanni Lago as we deliver our final preview of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and which films we're most excited to see, which is also the theme of this week's poll as we ask, "Which Films From The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Excited To See?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll asking, "Which 2025 Summer Movie Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "Highest 2 Lowest," "Honey Don't," "The Long Walk," and "The Conjuring: Last Rites," answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode. We will see you all next week on the Croisette. Au revoir! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Cody Dericks, Ema Sasic, Josh Parham, Katie Johnson, and Dan Bayer are reviewing and discussing "Clown In A Cornfield," based on the 2020 novel of the same name, directed and co-written by Eli Craig and starring Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac, Kevin Durand & Will Sasso. The slasher film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival to positive reviews and is being released by RLJE Films and Shudder. What did we think of the adaptation, the kills, the story, and its comedy? Please tune in as we touch upon these points and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past several decades, Jia Zhangke has emerged as China's foremost cinematic chronicler, capturing the nation's rapid 21st-century transformation and its impact on everyday lives with a uniquely expressive, ethnographic lens. His first fiction film in six years, "Caught by the Tides" (which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews), is the purest distillation of his work, a grand, impressionistic mosaic blending two decades of footage, behind-the-scenes reels, and fictionalized elements to reflect on cultural and emotional shifts. Though narratively abstract and best appreciated by those familiar with his oeuvre, the film's patient, almost hypnotic structure, culminating in a poignant love story centered on longtime collaborator Zhao Tao, offers a moving, cosmic meditation on time, place, and the digital age's effect on human experience. Zhangke was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us over Zoom about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in New York theaters and will expand next week from Janus Films and Sideshow. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with the first animated Best Picture nominee since 1991's "Beauty And The Beast," Disney Pixar's "Up," starring Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai & Bob Peterson. Hot off the heels of "Wall-E"the year prior, Pete Docter's film about an elderly man who gets reconnected with life in the aftermath of his wife's passing continued Pixar's hot streak with critics, audiences, and the Academy. Did this one float to the top of our favorite Pixar films? Please join Alyssa Christian, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Cody Dericks, guest Nick Spake and me as we discuss our thoughts on the story, characters, animation, score, iconic opening montage, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Clown In A Cornfield" had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its adaptation of the 2020 novel by Adam Cesare, the performances from the cast, and the bloody fun direction from filmmaker Eli Craig. Craig and stars Katie Douglas and Kevin Durand were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on May 9th from RLJE Films and Shudder. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few shows face the criticism from all sides that “The Oscars” do. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan know that better than most. They’ve produced the last two Academy Awards, facing the challenge head-on and boosting ratings along the way. The Academy and ABC have taken notice, quickly announcing Kapoor and Mullan as the producers of next year’s Oscars, along with returning host Conan O’Brien. In an exclusive conversation with Daniel Howat from Next Best Picture, Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan discuss their approach to producing “The Oscars,” honoring the crafts behind the films, and the challenge of the time crunch. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Adolescence" is quite possibly the buzziest and best show of 2025. A cultural phenomenon all over the world, particularly within the UK (it was the first streaming show to place at the top of the Barb Audiences weekly television ratings), the series has received universal critical acclaim for its directing, writing, one-take cinematography, and performances. Director Philip Barantini was kind enough to spend some time speaking with Daniel Howat about his work on all four episodes of the series while star Erin Doherty spoke with Nadia Dalimonte about her haunting work in Episode 3, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Mid-Century Modern" is a new American comedy television series created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan that stars Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Linda Lavin, and Nathan Lee Graham. It tells the story of three gay best friends of a certain age, after an unexpected death, who move in together in Palm Springs, California. Living with the wealthiest friend's mother, they navigate their golden years as a chosen family, supporting each other through life's challenges. It has received positive reviews, and the first ten episodes are now available to stream. Nathan Lee Graham was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Hulu and Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The nominations for the 78th annual Tony Awards were announced earlier this week and were led by "Buena Vista Social Club," "Death Becomes Her," and "Maybe Happy Ending," with ten nominations each. "Dead Outlaw," "The Hills of California," "John Proctor Is the Villain" and "Sunset Boulevard" followed with seven nominations each. What did Cody Dericks, Lauren LaMagna & Dan Bayer think of this year's nominees? Which nominations surprised them, made them happy, and left them feeling the most disappointed? Please tune in below to listen to their thoughts and find out. NBT will return with a winner predictions episode shortly before the 2025 Tony Awards on June 8th. Thank you for all of your support. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 440, I am joined by Josh Parham, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer & Giovanni Lago as we preview the 2025 Summer Movie Season with the films we're most excited to see. This is also the theme of this week's poll as we ask, "Which 2025 Summer Movie Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" and we reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of "Thunderbolts*" asking, "What Is Your Favorite Movie About A Ragtag Group Of Misfits?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "The Smashing Machine," "Weapons," "Sorry, Baby," "Now You See Me: Now You Don't," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Lauren LaMagna, Cody Dericks, Tom O'Brien, and I are reviewing and discussing the latest film from Marvel Studios, "Thunderbolts*," starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen & Julia Louis-Dreyfus. At a time when the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) needs a shot in the arm, this ragtag group of antiheroes has come together under the direction of "Beef" filmmaker Jake Schreier to deliver one of the franchise's freshest films in years as it tackles themes of loneliness, depression, and camaraderie. What did we think of the story, performances, action, humor, score, and how it sets up the future of the MCU? Please tune in as we touch upon these points and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The Next Best Series Podcast is back to discuss the latest television shows, including the season finale of "The White Lotus," and the returns of "The Last Of Us," "Andor," and reigning Outstanding Comedy Series champion "Hacks." We also go over the second annual Gotham TV Award nominations, the trailers for "Wednesday" Season Two, "Duster," "Sirens," and "The Better Sister." Please tune in as Megan Lachinski, Daniel Howat, and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss these topics and shows such as "Dying For Sex," "Paradise," "Say Nothing," "Your Friends & Neighbors," "The Rehearsal," "The Four Seasons" and more! Please tune in as we examine which ones might receive Emmy nominations and more as Emmy season continues! We'll be back with another new episode later this month. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Surfer" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Midnight section, where it received positive reviews for its style, placing you in the psychological headspace of Nicolas Cage's character as he revisits his childhood beach to surf with his son. Humiliated by locals, he becomes entangled in an escalating conflict that pushes him to his limits. Director Lorcan Finnegan was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Another Simple Favor" had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its sharp writing, juicy performances, and delicious costume design. Continuing the story from 2018's "A Simple Favor," director Paul Feig and stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Andrew Rannells, and Henry Golding, all returned, along with new faces and a new setting in Capri Italy for the Amazon Prime Video release. The result is a bigger movie in nearly every regard, with plenty of twists and turns in Stephanie and Emily's relationship. Feig was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with the breakout English Sundance hit of the year, "An Education," starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Rosamund Pike, Dominic Cooper, Olivia Williams, and Emma Thompson. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, the film was acclaimed by critics, audiences, and the Academy and singlehandedly shot Carey Mulligan to stardom. How does it hold up 16 years later? What do we think of it? Please join Ema Sasic, Alyssa Christian, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and me as we discuss our thoughts on the performances from the ensemble, the writing, the ending, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Out Of My Mind" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances, portrayal of cerebral palsy, writing, and direction. Based on Sharon M. Draper's 2010 novel of the same name, the film tells the story of Melody Brooks, a nonverbal young girl with cerebral palsy who has a sharp mind and a photographic memory. The movie follows her journey as she navigates sixth grade and fights to be heard and understood. She eventually receives a speech-generating device to express her thoughts and feelings. Actors Phoebe-Rae Taylor, Luke Kirby, and Director Ambert Sealey were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Severance" is one of the most beloved and popular series in the world right now. After waiting for the second season for nearly three years, it was finally released to positive reviews and an enthusiastic response from fans earlier this year. One of the brightest spots of this season was the character of Gemma Scout/Ms. Casey, played by Dichen Lachman. Lachman was given a showcase in "Chikhai Bardo," episode seven of the second season, as Gemma and Mark's backstory was fleshed out, allowing Lachman to delve deeper into the character. Lachman was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the show, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Thunderbolts*" marks a potentially major turning point within the MCU as it brings a group of anti-heroes together to face a new threat and forces them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. The marketing has been called out for its A24 style, with particular early positive reactions directed towards the cast and director Jake Schreier's more grounded approach to the filmmaking. Schreier and the film's Oscar-nominated composers, Ryan Lott, Rafiq Bhatia, and Ian Chang (otherwise known as "Son Lux"), were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is opening in theaters on May 2nd from Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 439, I am joined by Katie Johnson, Lauren LaMagna, and Will Mavity to discuss the announcement of the new rules for the Academy Awards and the additions to the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of "The Accountant 2" asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Ben Affleck performance?" and ask this week's poll question for the release of "Thunderbolts*" asking "What Is Your Favorite Movie About A Ragtag Group Of Misfits?" We also react to the trailers for "Predator: Badlands," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Heads Of State," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Joselyn Safadi, Giovanni Lago, Megan Lachinski, Will Mavity, and I are reviewing and discussing the latest film from Gavin O'Connor, "The Accountant 2," starring Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniella Pineda & J. K. Simmons. It's been nine years since the release of "The Accountant," and the film has garnered quite a following since then. Now, the creative forces behind that film are finally back to give us a more entertaining sequel that leans on the brother relationship between Chris and Braxton, allowing Affleck and Bernthal to charm audiences and simultaneously kick human traffickers' asses. What did we think of the story, performances, humor, and action? Please tune in as we touch upon these points and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Magic Farm" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and later went on to screen at the Berlin International Film Festival. Set against the backdrop of an impending health crisis, it tells the story of a film crew who lands in South America to profile a musician but discover they have arrived in the wrong country. Director/Writer/Star Amalia Ulman and actors Chloë Sevigny, Alex Wolff, and Joe Apollonio were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in New York theaters from MUBI and will expand to additional cities starting May 2nd. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Accountant 2" had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its deviation from the first film, choosing to highlight the budding relationship between Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal's characters, while still packing in some action and laughs. Director Gavin O'Connor, who has worked with Affleck previously on the first film and "The Way Back," was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the sequel, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Amazon MGM Studios. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Four Seasons" is a new American comedy miniseries written by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield for Netflix. It is an adaptation of the 1981 film of the same name, starring Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and Will Forte. Creators and writers Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the show, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Superboys of Malegaon" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its story, ensemble, charm and odes to classic films and filmmaking. Inspired by the 2008 documentary "Supermen of Malegaon," it is based on the life of Nasir Shaikh and other amateur filmmakers in the small town of Malegao as they band together to make a film for their town. Stars Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, Shashank Arora, Director Reema Kagti, Producer Zoya Akthar, Writer Varun Grover and subject Nasir Shaikh were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"April" had its world premiere at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where it received positive reviews and won the Special Jury Prize. Filmmaker Déa Kulumbegashvili ("Beginning") takes us into rural Georgia as we follow an obstetrician who aids patients seeking abortions despite legal prohibition and must defend her values and actions when she is accused of negligence and subject to investigation. Kulumbegashvili was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters by Metrograph Pictures on April 24th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Étoile" is the newest show from the brilliant creative minds of Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino ("The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"). Set within the world of elite ballet, two world-renowned ballet companies in New York City and Paris swap their most talented stars in an attempt to save their institutions. Stars Luke Kirby, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and the Palladinos were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the debut season, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on April 24th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dune: Prophecy" focuses on the early beginnings of the Bene Gesserit — a formidable order wielding immense social, religious, and political influence over Frank Herbert's "Dune" universe. The sci-fi series serves as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" and "Dune: Part Two," set roughly 10,000 years before the events of those films. Showrunner, writer, and executive producer, Alison Schapker, was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the first season, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream on HBO Max. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Andor" Season 2 is one of the most brilliant and best television shows of 2025. Closing out what began in Season One and adding a whole new layer of appreciation for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" while providing the best characters and story the franchise has ever seen, the new season has already garnered significant critical acclaim. One praised element of the first season was the score by Academy Award-nominee Nicholas Britell. For season 2, showrunner Tony Gilroy brought on Emmy Award-winner Brandon Roberts to continue the story of Cassian Andor through his music compositions for the show. Roberts was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the second season, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is scheduled to premiere on April 22nd, with three episodes released weekly until May 13th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 438, I am joined by Dan Bayer, Katie Johnson, Cody Dericks, and Tom O'Brien to discuss the 2025 Cannes Film Festival sidebar sections (Directors' Fortnight, Critics' Week, and ACID) and the 2025 Tribeca Festival lineup announcement. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll asking, "Which Film From The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" and ask this week's poll question for the release of "The Accountant 2," asking "Which Is Your Favorite Ben Affleck performance?" We also react to the trailers for "Another Simple Favor," "The Life Of Chuck," "The Roses," and "Him," answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Sara Clements, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, Joselyn Safadi, and I are reviewing and discussing the latest film from Ryan Coogler, "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo. A blending of different genres forms a singular vision from not only one of the best Black filmmakers working today but one of the best filmmakers working today, period. What Coogler has created has given us many different talking points, from the electrifying music to the performances, shot-for-IMAX cinematography, and themes of the story dealing with assimilation, appropriation, and striving for freedom, literal and metaphorical. Tune in as we touch upon these points and more, including its Oscar potential in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Legend Of Ochi" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and received positive reviews for its visuals, performances, use of puppetry, animatronics, matte painting, and fantasy story of found family and connection. Feature debut filmmaker Isaiah Saxon and stars Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson were all kind enough to speak with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release from A24 and will expand to more theaters on April 25th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Ugly Stepsister" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the midnight section, where it received positive reviews for its style, performances, and body horror retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella from the point of view of Elvira (the ugly stepsister) who competes against her beautiful stepsister in a bloody battle for beauty. Debut filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt and stars Lea Myren and Thea Sofie Loch Næss were all kind enough to speak with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on April 18th from IFC Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Diplomat" is one of Netflix's hottest shows as its first season garnered star Keri Russell award nominations from the Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes, and Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The second season premiered to critical acclaim once again and has so far received more Critics' Choice, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations than the first season. It's clear the Emmy Awards are next as the show looks to gain more than just Russell this year. Among them is director Alex Graves, who directed more than half of the second season. Graves was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience directing the second season, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Grand Tour" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Best Director award for Miguel Gomes. The film follows a man in 1918, Rangoon, who abandons his fiancée on the day they are to be married. He flees in a state of melancholy, contemplating her condition. Determined to be married, his fiancée follows his trail. Gomes was kind enough to speak with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be available to stream on MUBI on April 18th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Government Cheese" is the newest comedy series from Apple TV+, which just had its first four-episode premiere today. Starring and executive produced by David Oyelowo, the series follows the Chambers family, an African American family living in the San Fernando Valley in 1968, and the chaos that arises after burglar-turned-inventor Hampton Chambers returns from prison. Oyelowo and series co-creator/writer Aeysha Carr were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their experience making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Ahn's remake of "The Wedding Banquet" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances from its delightful cast, sharp writing, and sensitive direction. A remake of the 1993 film, it tells the familiar story, but this time primarily from the women's perspective, thus updating the film for modern times. Cast members Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, and Joan Chen were all kind enough to spend some time talking with Ema Sasic about their experience working on the film, while Cody Dericks spoke separately with Ahn, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from Bleecker Street on April 18th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Shrouds" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it received mixed reviews but has steadily been growing in appreciation (as all David Cronenberg films do) as it screened at more film festivals, including TIFF and NYFF Film Festivals. The film is Cronenberg's most personal to date as it deals with the grief he went through following the passing of his beloved wife of nearly 40 years. Cronenberg was kind enough to speak with us at the New York Film Festival about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in NY & LA theaters on April 18th before expanding nationwide from Janus Films & Sideshow on April 25th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sinners" is the newest film by director Ryan Coogler, and it's quite unlike anything else you'll likely see this year. It is a Deep Jim Crow South-era gangster film that turns into a vampire action horror film with its soul infused with blues music. It stars a wonderful cast led by a fantastic dual performance from Michael B. Jordan. Cast members Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, Li Jun Li, and Delroy Lindo were all kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their experience working on the film, which you can watch or listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from Warner Bros. Pictures on April 18th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Warfare" is the newest film by director Alex Garland, who co-directed it with Iraq war veteran Ray Mendoza. It's a re-enactment of an encounter Mendoza and his platoon experienced on November 19th, 2006, in the wake of the Battle of Ramadi, as they use memories from Navy SEAL team Alpha One to reconstruct the event in real-time as it happened for one of their fellow soldiers who has no memory of what took place that day. The film stars an incredible cast of promising up-and-coming talent, and two of them, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai and Kit Connor were kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their experience working on the film, which you can watch or listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 437, I am joined by Nadia Dalimonte, Katie Johnson, and Megan Lachinski to discuss the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and the long overdue announcement of the Best Stunt Design Oscar. We also reveal the winner of last week's pollfor the release of "Warfare," asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Project Alex Garland Has Written And/Or Directed?" and ask this week's poll question for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, "Which Film From The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also react to the trailers for "The Phoenician Scheme," "Havoc," and "The Kingdom," answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, Alyssa Christian, Daniel Howat, and I are reviewing and discussing "The Amateur," starring Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, and Laurence Fishburne. Based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Robert Littell, which was previously adapted into a Canadian film that same year, the film tells the story of a CIA decoder who goes rogue on a global mission for justice after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack when his superiors refuse to act, using nothing but his intellect. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the story, performances, thrills, potential for a sequel, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Brendan Hodges, Daniel Howat, and I are reviewing and discussing the latest film from Alex Garland and co-directed alongside Iran war veteran Ray Mendoza, "Warfare," starring D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Charles Melton, Joseph Quinn, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, Noah Centineo, Finn Bennett & Taylor John Smith. Taking place in real-time, abandoning typical war genre storytelling conventions and stitched together from the memory of those who lived it, the A24 war film is providing audiences with an immersive experience that is unlike anything else out there. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss its politics, craftsmanship, performances, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective is continuing with one of the best films of the year, one which greatly benefitted from the Academy expanding the Best Picture field to ten nominees: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen's "A Serious Man," starring Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick, Aaron Wolff, Amy Landecker, Simon Helberg & Adam Arkin. Mixing the personal with the existential and philosophical, the seriously funny Jewish film about one man going through a series of trials and tribulations, all while searching for the meaning behind it all, is regarded as one of the Coen Bros. best films. What do we think of it? Join Lauren LaMagna, Dan Bayer, Tom O'Brien, guest Charlie Bright, and me as we discuss our thoughts on the writing, its themes, characters, performances, best gags, craftsmanship, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sacramento" had its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, receiving strong reviews for its acting, writing, and direction from Michael Angarano. The independent film is very personal for the television and film actor as it also stars his wife, Maya Erksine, and tells a story about two friends who take an impromptu road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento, something that really happened between Angarano and co-writer Chris Smith. Angarano was kind enough to speak with me about his work on the film (for a second time because our first recording was unusable), which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on April 11th from Vertical. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"One To One: John & Yoko" had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and went on to screen at the Telluride and Sundance Film Festivals, receiving strong reviews for its audio mastering of the concert footage and recording tapes featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Co-directed by Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards, the follows the couple of years Lennon and Ono spent in their Greenwich Village apartment while also tracing developments in American politics like the presidency of Richard Nixon and opposition to United States involvement in the Vietnam War, culminating in their "One to One" benefit concert for the children at Willowbrook. Macdonald was kind enough to speak with me about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open exclusively in IMAX theaters on April 11th, before expanding to more markets from Magnolia Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Amateur" is a new American vigilante action spy thriller film directed by James Hawes ("One Life" & "Slow Horses") and written by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli, based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Robert Littell which was previously adapted into a Canadian film that same year. It stars Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, Danny Sapani, and Laurence Fishburne. Hawes was kind enough to speak with me about his work on the film, which you can listen to or watch below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters everywhere from 20th Century Studios on April 11th. Please be aware there are SPOILERS in this conversation. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale Of A Writer Who Decided To Write About A Serial Killer" had its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, where it received positive reviews for its twisted, darkly comedic story and performances from Steve Buscemi, John Magaro and Britt Lower. Director and writer Tolga Karaçelik was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in NY theaters from Brainstorm Media and will expand to more markets, and be available on VOD on April 11th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 436, I am joined by Daniel Howat and Katie Johnson to discuss what we think will be announced this week for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and recap what was announced at CinemaCon this week. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Film From Q1 2025?" and pose this week's poll question for the release of "Warfare" asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Project Alex Garland Has Written And/Or Directed?" We also react to the trailers for "Tron: Ares," "M3GAN 2.0," "Bring Her Back," "Fountain Of Youth," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Giovanni Lago, and I are reviewing and discussing "A Minecraft Movie" starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers & Sebastian Hansen. Adapted from the immensely popular 2011 video game Minecraft by Mojang Studios, the film is directed by Academy Award-nominee Jared Hess and celebrates the power of creativity. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, visuals, story and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Friend" had its world premiere at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances from Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and the Great Dane Bing, and the writing and direction from filmmakers Scott McGehee & David Siegel that made audiences laugh and cry. Based on the 2018 novel by Sigrid Nunez, the film tells the story of a New York City writer who reluctantly inherits a Great Dane named Apollo from her dearly departed friend but soon comes to realize it may be the best thing that's ever happened for her in order to move on from her grief. McGehee & Siegel were both kind enough to speak with me about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Bleecker Street. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Freaky Tales" had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its homage to 80's genre films and Oakland, California, with a game cast who were all tuned in to filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck's distinct vision for the anthology film. Starring Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani Kordei Hamilton, Dominque Thorne, Ben Mendelsohn, Ji-young Yoo, Jack Champion, Angus Cloud & Kier Gilchrist, the film depicts four interconnected stories taking place at real locations and during real historical events in 1987 Oakland, California. Boden and Fleck were both kind enough to speak with me about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Lionsgate. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture After making its return in the last episode discussing the Emmy contenders that received Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations, the Next Best Series Podcast is back to discuss the hit new shows contending for Emmy nominations that didn't receive any of those previous precursors. Ema Sasic, Nadia Dalimonte, Giovanni Lago, and Tom O'Brien all join me to discuss shows such as "The Pitt," "The Studio," "Adolescence," "Severance," "The White Lotus" and more! Please tune in as we examine which ones might receive Emmy nominations and review our first nomination predictions for the season! We'll be back with another new episode in two weeks. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Gazer" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its homage to film-noir, guerrilla-style independent filmmaking, and lead performance from Ariella Mastroianni. Director/Writer/Producer/Editor Ryan J. Sloan (making his feature directorial debut with this film) and Mastroianni, who also co-wrote and produced alongside Sloan were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with me about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from Metrograph Pictures on Friday, April 4th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hell Of A Summer" had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Festival in the Midnight Madness section, where it received positive reviews for its homage to slasher films, the mixture of comedy and horror, and performances from its young cast of up and coming actors. Directors, writers, producers, stars, and friends Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, along with star Fred Hechinger, were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with me about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from NEON on Friday, April 4th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Eric LaRue" had its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances and direction from Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Shannon (making his feature directorial debut) as he brought Brett Neveu's play of the same name to the screen. Shannon was kind enough to spend some time speaking with me about his work on the film, while Dan Bayer spoke with two of the film's stars, Judy Greer and Alexander Skarsgård, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from Magnolia Pictures on Friday, April 4th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Julie Keeps Quiet" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Critics' Week section, where it won the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution and SACD Award. Leonardo Van Dijl (in his directorial debut), along with his co-writer Ruth Becquart, tells a quiet story of abuse in the world of tennis. It received positive reviews and was chosen as the Belgian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Van Dijl was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release from Paradiso Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 435, I am joined by Josh Parham and Katie Johnson to discuss our favorite movies from Q1 of 2025. We also talk about other various pieces of news this week within the film industry, reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Movie To Feature A Unicorn?" and pose this week's poll question asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Film From Q1 2025?" We also react to the trailers for "One Battle After Another," "Final Destination: Bloodlines," answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Joselyn Safadi, and I are reviewing and discussing the feature directorial debut of Alex Scharfman, "Death Of A Unicorn," starring Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant & Anthony Carrigan. The film takes a highly unique concept and attempts to blend comedy with creature thrills and a heartfelt drama between a father and daughter. It had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, where it received mixed reviews, but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the writing, humor, visual effects, unicorn kills, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Audrey's Children" had its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, where it received positive reviews for its depiction of healthcare pioneer and Ronald McDonald House Charities co-founder Dr. Audrey Evans (played by Natalie Dormer), who served as Chief of Pediatric Oncology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Director Ami Canaan Mann was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Penguin Lessons" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received positive reviews for its heartwarming true story adapted from Tom Michell's 2016 memoir and Steve Coogan's charming performance. Director Peter Cattaneo and Coogan were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with one of the most controversial Best Picture nominees in recent memory. A film that was immensely successful upon its theatrical release but has lowered in estimation over the years. We're talking about John Lee Hancock's true story sports biopic about football player Michael Oher, "The Blind Side," starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, and Kathy Bates. The movie was nominated for two Academy Awards, winning Best Actress for its star Sandra Bullock, but should it have taken the perspective of Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family instead of Oher? Join Ema Sasic, Lauren LaMagna, Alyssa Christian, Dan Bayer, and me as we discuss our thoughts on the story, its reputation, the performances, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our discussion! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Death Of A Unicorn" had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its horror/comedy/fantasy premise from feature debut director Alex Scharfman and hilarious performances from Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni & Richard E. Grant. Poulter and Scharfman were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from A24 on Friday, March 28th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Ballad Of Wallis Island" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its heartwarming story written by its two leads, Tom Basden and Tim Key, lovable performances and music. Co-starring Academy Award-nominee Carey Mulligan, the independent UK film later screened at the SXSW Film Festival, which is where this interview took place. Director James Griffiths, Basen, and Key were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us during the festival about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is in select theaters this Friday and will be showing everywhere on April 18th from Focus Features. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Assessment" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received positive reviews for its sci-fi drama concept and performances from Elizabeth Olsen, Alicia Vikander & Himesh Patel. The film, set in a futuristic society destroyed by climate change, tells the story of a successful young couple who must face heavy scrutiny from a female assessor over the course of seven days to observe, evaluate, and determine if they are worthy of having a child. Olsen and Vikander were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters, from Magnolia Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 434, I am joined by Dan Bayer, Cody Dericks, Tom O'Brien, and Will Mavity to discuss the announcement of the date for the 98th Academy Awards with Conan O'Brien returning to host, the recent Warner Bros. release date changes, Tom Cruise receiving the BFI Fellowship Award, and more. We reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which 2025 Oscar Contender Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" and pose this week's poll question for the release of "Death Of A Unicorn" asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Movie To Feature A Unicorn?" We also react to the trailers for "Materialists," "Together," "The Ugly Stepsister," "Happy Gilmore 2," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and I are joined by guest Megan Lachinski for the first time to review and discuss the latest Disney live-action remake, "Snow White," starring Rachel Zegler, Andrew Burnap, Gal Gadot, Ansu Kabia, Patrick Page, Andrew Barth Feldman, Tituss Burgess, Martin Klebba, Jason Kravits, George Salazar, Jeremy Swift & Andy Grotelueschen. Directed by Marc Webb, with new music from Pasek and Paul, the film has received mixed reviews and generated much controversy. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss the acting, adaptation, songs, visual effects, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Ash" had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for the performances from Eiza González and Aaron Paul, director Flying Lotus's score and use of sound and the gruesome creature effects. González, Paul, and Flying Lotus were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us during SXSW about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from RLJE Films and Shudder. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective has begun!! And we're kicking things off with Scott Cooper's film directorial debut, which won Jeff Bridges his Oscar, "Crazy Heart," which also stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, and Colin Farrell. With original music by T Bone Burnett, Stephen Bruton, and Ryan Bingham, the film received positive reviews upon release and was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning two for Bridges and for the song "The Weary Kind." How does it hold up today? Join Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Brendan Hodges, and me as we discuss our thoughts on the performances, writing, direction, music, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our discussion! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The Next Best Series Podcast is back as Nadia Dalimonte and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss the latest series, shows, and awards season updates for all things television! On this return episode, we discuss the shows which did or did not receive an early boost from the Critics Choice, Golden Globe and SAG Awards including "The Penguin," "Only Murders in the Building," "Nobody Wants This," "Disclaimer," "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," "Shrinking," "The Bear," "Slow Horses," "The Diplomat," "House Of The Dragon" and more! Please tune in as we examine which ones might carry over to the Emmys, who we feel are the early frontrunners, and we also answer your fan-submitted questions! We'll be posting new episodes every two weeks this year (as opposed to three weeks last year), and on our next episode, we'll talk about all the new shows contending for Emmy gold. Thank you for your continued support. It feels good to be back. We hope you enjoy this episode and all the others still to come this Emmy Awards season. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Anora" is our latest Oscar Best Picture winner. At the 97th Academy Awards, Sean Baker's film won 5 awards in total, including Best Director, Actress for Mikey Madison, Original Screenplay, and Film Editing. Co-producer Alex Coco was kind enough following the awards season to sit with us and reflect on the Best Picture win, the reaction from audiences towards the movie for good and for bad, and what the win means for the state of independent cinema moving forward, which can be listened to down below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Hulu and will be available to purchase through the Criterion Collection on April 29th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 433, I am joined by Lauren LaMagna, Cody Dericks, Giovanni Lago, and Will Mavity to discuss the Oscar contenders we are most looking forward to in 2025. We also talk about the end of the SXSW Film Festival and the movies some of us had the privilege of seeing there. Both topics tie into the polls as we reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Films From SXSW 2025 Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" and ask this week's poll question, "Which 2025 Oscar Contender Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also answer your fan-submitted questions, react to the trailers for "Lilo & Stitch," "Freakier Friday," and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Nadia Dalimonte, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, and I are here to discuss the latest film from Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh, "Black Bag," starring Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abella, Naomie Harris, Tom Burke & Pierce Brosnan. Written by David Koepp and set within the British world of spies where trust is scarce, the film is a sexy, slick, stylish thriller where the words are the action, and the relationships at home and at work matter. What did we think of the story, the characters, performances, dialogue, and direction from Soderbergh (not to mention his editing and cinematography)? Please tune in as we discuss these elements, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Novocaine" stars Jack Quaid as Nathan Caine, a bank executive with the inability to feel pain who goes out to rescue his co-worker after a group of bank robbers takes her hostage. The film has received positive reviews for its comedy, action, and charming lead performance from Jack Quaid. Directors Dan Berk & Robert Olsen were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters, from Paramount Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Misericordia" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Premiere section, where it competed for the Queer Palm. It received positive reviews and later went to screen at the Telluride and New York Film Festivals (where this interview took place). Director/Writer Alain Guiraudie was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on March 14th, from Janus Sideshow Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie" has had a long road to release, and there was a time when many weren't sure if it would get a theatrical release. It is the first fully animated and theatrically released film in the Looney Tunes franchise based on entirely original material. The voice of the iconic characters Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Bauza, was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on March 14th from Ketchup Entertainment. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 432, I am joined by Dan Bayer and Giovanni Lago to discuss the fallout of the 97th Academy Awards and all the online discourse that came along with it. We also talk about the beginning of the SXSW Film Festival and the movies that have been screened there so far. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Oscar Win Made You The Happiest Last Night?" and ask this week's poll question for the last time this awards season, "Which Films From SXSW 2025 Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also answer your fan-submitted questions and give our reactions to the trailer for "The Woman In The Yard." Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, Brendan Hodges, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to discuss and review the latest film from Academy Award-winning South Korean filmmaking Bong Joon Ho, his much-anticipated follow-up to his historic Best Picture Oscar-winning film, "Parasite," an adaptation of the 2022 sci-fi novel "Mickey 7," titled "Mickey 17," starring Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. After numerous delays, clashes with Warner Bros., and the highest budget Bong has ever had to work with, the film had a ton of skepticism heading into it but received positive reviews following its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, themes, filmmaking, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Eephus" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its deliberately paced, sentimental, and charming look at the final game of an amateur New England baseball league before their stadium is demolished. Director and co-writer Carson Lund was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters from Music Box Films on March 7th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The 97th Academy Awards are officially over. Another awards season is behind us, and it was indeed a night to remember with some tight races, deserved wins, and a respectful ceremony that honored the heroes of the LA fires and the city of Los Angeles (along with some other questionable tributes: James Bond??). We witnessed some powerfully moving speeches, the longest speech ever, and memories that will last a lifetime. Daniel Howat, Ema Sasic, Dan Bayer, and Alyssa Christian reacted to the winners moments after the ceremony ended last night. Tune in as they give their reactions to the winners, the speeches, and what they thought of the show overall, including Conan O'Brien's opening monologue, the musical performances, in memoriam, and more. Please listen to the podcast below or subscribe to it. We want to give a massive thank you to everyone in the NBP Film Community who has supported us through another awards season. Thank you, and enjoy. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture 'Twas the night before Oscar, and over in Los Angeles, I'm having some last-minute thoughts and hesitations about my winner predictions for the 97th Academy Awards. Naturally, I felt the NBP Film Community would feel the same way as well, so I offered everyone the chance to hop on a call and talk with me about what they were feeling before the big show tomorrow. It's an open discussion featuring our most devoted fans from Patreon, co-hosted by my friend Charlie Bright(who is also a loyal subscriber), as we discuss some of these open races for the 97th Academy Awards one last time. Please take a listen. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Sara Clements, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to discuss and review the latest film from Alex Parkinson, "Last Breath," starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, and Cliff Curtis. Based on a true story, the survival thriller film follows a group of deep-sea divers who race to rescue a stranded teammate after an accident. It is a remake of Parkinson's own 2019 documentary of the same name. What did we think of it? Please tune in below to hear our thoughts on the performances, story, direction, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Last Breath" is a survival thriller film based on a true story, directed and co-written by Alex Parkinson, about a group of deep-sea divers who race to rescue a stranded teammate after an accident. A remake of his own 2019 documentary, the film stars Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, and Cliff Curtis. Parkinson was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can watch or listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Focus Features. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Two-time Emmy Award-winner, American comedy writer, songwriter, and actor Bruce Vilanch wrote for the Academy Awards from 1989 to 2014 and was the head writer for his final fifteen years. He was kind enough to come onto our show back in November and lend some insight into the process of writing for the show, his thoughts on the current state of the Oscars, which movies he would've chosen for Best Picture in the years he wrote for the show, and more. Please be sure to listen below and check out the 97th Academy Awards this Sunday on ABC. They will be simultaneously streaming on Hulu, and Conan O'Brien will be hosting. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Last night, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) held their 31st annual awards ceremony, rewarding the best acting in film and television for 2024. For the third year in a row, the ceremony was streamed through Netflix. There were some heartfelt tributes to LA in the wake of fires earlier this year and some delightful moments featuring Kristen Bell as host. There were some expected winners and slightly unexpected winners, moving and controversial speeches, and a certain level of doubt cast over our final Oscar predictions (which a whole other group of NBP members recorded before the ceremony, which you can listen to here). Joining me for this instant reactions podcast are Dan Bayer, Lauren LaMagna, Giovanni Lago and Alyssa Christian. Please tune in below to listen and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 431, I am joined by Nadia Dalimonte, Josh Parham, Daniel Howat, Cody Dericks, Tom O'Brien, and Will Mavity. This is it. It's time for us to deliver our final winner predictions for the 97th Academy Awards, which will be held this Sunday, March 2nd. Tune in as we discuss all 23 categories in detail and use all of the information from this season's precursors to make the best predictions we can. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Categories Do You Think Are The Hardest To Predict For The 97th Academy Awards?" and ask this week's poll question for the last time this awards season, "Which Film Do You Think Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" We also answer your fan-submitted questions and give our reactions to the trailers for "Freaky Tales" and "The Actor." We will not have a show next Sunday afternoon, but we will have a post-SAG recap episode and another reactions episode for the Oscar winners following the ceremony next Sunday, all exclusive to our Patreon subscribers. We cannot thank you all enough for always listening, subscribing, and supporting us through another eventful awards season. You're all the absolute best fans any site could ever hope for, and we hope you enjoy this episode and the show this Sunday! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Sara Clements, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Tom O'Brien, and I are here to discuss and review the latest film from Osgood Perkins, "The Monkey," starring Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott & Elijah Wood. Hot off the success of "Longlegs," Perkins decides to switch gears and adapt the 1980 Stephen King short story as a horror comedy, with some of the year's darkest humor and shocking kills. What did we think of this tonal change for the acclaimed horror filmmaker? Please tune in as we discuss the writing, direction, acting, kills, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Monkey" is the latest horror offering from acclaimed director Osgood Perkins ("Longlegs"). Based on the 1980 short story by Stephen King, the film stars Theo James as twin brothers whose lives are turned upside down by a cursed toy monkey that causes random, horrific deaths. The film has garnered positive reviews for its mixture of gnarly horror and absurd black comedy. Actor Theo James was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Universal Language" had its world premiere in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it received universally positive reviews and went on to be the Canadian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. It may not have received the final Oscar nomination, but now the film is currently playing in theaters, and Director/Co-Writer Matthew Rankin & Co-Writer Ila Firouzabadi were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in limited release from Oscilloscope Laboratories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Incident" examines the 2018 shooting of Harith "Snoop" Augustus by Chicago police officer Dillan Halley through a series of bodycam and surveillance footage montages. The film reconstructs the incident and its aftermath by piecing together perspectives from multiple sources—such as surveillance cameras, CCTV, dashboard cams, and body-worn cameras—into a synchronized split-screen presentation. Director Bill Morrison & Producer Jamie Kalven were kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on YouTube and is nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Anuja" had its world premiere at the HollyShorts Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its story of a gifted nine-year-old girl who, alongside her sister Palak, faces a life-changing opportunity that tests their bond and mirrors the struggles of girls worldwide. Philosopher-turned-filmmaker Adam J. Graves and producer Suchitra Mattai were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film which you can listen to or watch below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Last Ranger" had its premiere at the Pan African Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its story of rhino poaching and conservation efforts in Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa, during the pandemic. Based on actual life events, the story was brought to the producers by David S. Lee after witnessing the results of a poaching attack. Director Cindy Lee & Producer/Writer Darwin Shaw were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards for Best Live Action Short Film. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Conclave" had its world premiere at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival, where it received positive reviews and was nominated for a bunch of prizes this awards season. Most recently, it received 8 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, won the Art Directors Guild for Contemporary Feature Film, won the Costume Designers Guild for Excellence in Contemporary Film, and won 4 BAFTA Film Awards, including Best Film, Best Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Oscar-nominated Producer Tessa Ross, Production Designer Suzie Davies, and Costume Designer Lisy Christl were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with Will Mavity and me about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Peacock and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards in all eligible categories, including Best Picture, Best Costume Design, and Best Production Design. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 430, I am joined by Nadia Dalimonte, Cody Dericks, and Giovanni Lago as we react to the 2024 BAFTA Film Award winners during the recording. We discuss the WGA, ADG, MUAHS, and VES winners and give our predictions for who we think will win at the SAG and Film Independent Spirit Awards. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Film Do You Want To See Become The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" and ask this week's poll question, "Which Categories Do You Think Are The Hardest To Predict For The 97th Academy Awards?" We also answer your fan-submitted questions and give our reactions to the trailers for "The Accountant 2," "G20," "Friendship," "The Friend," "The Penguin Lessons," announce the winners for the 2024 NBP Film Awards, and more. As always, thank you so very much for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Our final Oscar winner predictions episode is coming next week!! Until then, enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Lauren LaMagna, Cody Dericks, Brendan Hodges and I are here to discuss and review the latest edition in the MCU, "Captain America: Brave New World," starring Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Xosha Roquemore, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson & Harrison Ford. After many years, delays re-shoots, and a Disney+ series, Anthony Mackie finally gets his own Marvel film as the new Captain America, with Harrison Ford joining the MCU and taking over the role of (now President) Thaddeus Ross. What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the writing, direction, acting, action, what this is all leading to, how it toes back to 2008's "The Incredible Hulk," and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I'm Not A Robot" had its world premiere at the Netherlands Film Festival in the Golden Calf Competition. Starring Ellen Parren, Henry van Loon, Thekla Reuten, Juliette van Ardenne, and Asma El Mouden, the short film follows Lara, who plunges into a strange new reality after a series of failed CAPTCHA tests. Director/Writer Victoria Warmerdam and Producer Trent were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on YouTube through The New Yorker and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards for Best Live Action Short Film. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Instruments Of A Beating Heart" had its world premiere in the Shorts Program: One-of-a-Kind of DC/DOX Film Festival 2024. Edited down from Ema Ryan Yamazaki's 2023 feature "The Making of a Japanese," the film documents the challenge presented to the first graders in a Tokyo public elementary school of performing "Ode to Joy" at the ceremony for the new incoming first graders as their assignment for the final semester. Director Yamazaki was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on YouTube and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards for Best Documentary Short Film. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Gorge" blends action, romance, and science fiction all into one entertaining package as two elite military snipers are assigned to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from a mysterious evil that lurks within. Starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, the film has received solid reviews and is now available to stream on Apple TV+ this Valentine's Day. Director Scott Derrickson was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on AppleTV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Armand" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it won the Caméra d'Or for Best Debut Feature Film. It was chosen as the Norwegian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards and made the December shortlist. Director/Writer Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel & Star Renate Reinsve were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in select theaters from IFC Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Only Girl In The Orchestra" is a short documentary film directed by Molly O'Brien that had its world premiere at DOC NYC in SHORTS: SHE STORIES section and was released globally on Netflix before the end of the year. The film follows Molly's aunt, Orin O'Brien, a trailblazing double bassist who became the New York Philharmonic's first female musician in 1966, hired by Leonard Bernstein. Now 87 and recently retired, she reflects on her remarkable career, valuing a quiet, supportive role for loved ones and students. O'Brien was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Netflix and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards for Best Documentary Short Film. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture With the release of "Conclave," Ralph Fiennes is finally an Oscar nominee once again after nearly thirty years since his last nomination for Anthony Minghella's 1996 film "The English Patient." The epic romance WWII drama went on to win a leading 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was a critical and box office success. Starring Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Kristin Scott Thomas, Naveen Andrews, Colin Firth, Julian Wadham, and Jürgen Prochnowwe, the film has had a bit of a divisive reaction as the years have gone on. What did we think of it upon this latest rewatch? Please tune in this Valentine's Day as Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and I discuss the direction, writing, performances, craftsmanship, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for all your support, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Better Man" had its world premiere at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its elaborately staged and choreographed musical sequences from director Michael Gracey ("The Greatest Showman") and the raw honesty with which global pop star Robbie Williams allowed his story to be told (all the while being portrayed on-screen by a CGI monkey). The Oscar-nominated Visual Effects team consisting of Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, and Peter Stubbsugh were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Paramount Pictures and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Wild Robot" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received enthusiastic reviews for its animation, story, heart, and music. An adaptation of Peter Brown's beloved, award-winning, No. 1 New York Times bestseller, the Dreamworks Animation film has gone on to gross over $300 million worldwide, won more Best Animated Feature prizes than any other film in 2024, including the Critics Choice Award, Annie Award, and Producers Guild Of America Award. And now, it's been nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Sound. Composer Kris Bowers, supervising sound designer Randy Thom, supervising sound editor Brian Chumney, re-recording mixer Gary A. Rizzo, and supervising sound editor Leff Lefferts were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film's soundscape, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Peacock from Universal Pictures and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Sound. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 429, I am joined by Dan Bayer and Cody Dericks to discuss the fallout of the Critics Choice, PGA, and DGA awards this week, which all went to "Anora," thus solidifying it as our official frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars. We also deliver our winner predictions for the BAFTA awards next week. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Films Are You Most Looking Forward To From The 2025 Sundance Film Festival?" and ask this week's poll question, "Which Film Do You Want To See Become The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" We also answer your fan-submitted questions and give our reactions to the trailers for "Jurassic World Rebirth," "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," "Hurry Up Tomorrow," announce the winners for the 2024 NBP Film Community Awards, and more. As always, thank you so very much for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Cody Dericks, and I are here to discuss and review "Love Hurts" starring Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, André Eriksen & Sean Astin. Coming off both of their Oscar wins, Quan and DeBose lead this romantic action comedy from 87North Productions with very mixed (if we're being generous) to disastrous (if we're being sincere) results. Is the silly fun entertaining enough to give this a pass, or are we breaking up with this Valentine's Day film? Please tune in as we discuss the acting, writing, direction, action, humor, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Parthenope" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where newcomer Celeste Dalla Porta stunned audiences with her debut performance leading Paolo Sorrentino's film. Dalla Porta (along with her interpreter, Lilia Pino Blouin) was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her experience getting the role, making the film, working with Sorrentino, and more, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture "I'm Still Here" had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews and has since gone on to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for star Fernanda Torres and receive three Academy Award nominations, Best Picture (the first Brazilian-produced film ever to be nominated in that category), Best International Feature Film and Best Actress for Torres. Naturally, we here at Next Best Picture had to review Walter Salles's latest after such a pleasantly surprising awards season run. Here to join me for this Patreon exclusive review are Nadia Dalimonte, Josh Parham, and guest Miriam Spritzer. Please tune in as we discuss the real story the film is based on, Torres's performance, Salles's direction, the award-winning writing from Murilo Hauser Heitor Lorega based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's memoir of the same name, the casting of Torres's mother Fernanda Montenegro (who previously was Oscar-nominated for her work on Salles's 1998 film "Central Station"), what this film means to Brazilians and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for all your support, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's that time of the year! It's our annual Sundance Film Festival recap podcast. For the 2025 film festival, we have Ema Sasic and Cody Dericks from Next Best Picture, along with guests Ryan Casselman, Yvette Angulo, Brandon Lewis & Alex Papaioannou. Please take a listen as we reveal our favorite films from the festival by each section and give you all a preview of what's to come in 2025. Thank you for listening, as always, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes" represents a vast technological breakthrough in visual effects technology as the "Planet of the Apes" franchise continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in visual effects with each passing installment. The work on Wes Ball's 2024 blockbuster has received nominations from the Critics Choice, BAFTA, Visual Effects Society, and now, the Academy Awards. WETA Visual Effects Supervisor Erik Winquist was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Disney+ and is up for your consideration for this year's Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture With its two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film, Alyssa Christian, Dan Bayer, Daniel Howat, and I have come together to deliver a proper review for Gints Zilbalodis's animated feature film "Flow." Rendered on the free and open-source software Blender and containing no dialogue, the Latvian film has captivated audiences since its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. What did we think of it all these months later, especially considering it's now in the hunt to win the Oscar following wins from the 37th European Film Awards, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, National Board of Review, and the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. Please tune in as we discuss the story, animation, music, themes, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for all your support, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 428, I am joined by Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and Giovanni Lago to deliver our winner predictions for the Critics Choice, PGA, and DGA awards this week. But there's also much to discuss regarding "Emilia Pérez" and the fallout of the numerous controversies surrounding its Oscar-nominated star, Karla Sofía Gascón. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Film Do You Think Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" and ask this week's poll question, "Which Films Are You Most Looking Forward To From The 2025 Sundance Film Festival? Which Films Are You Most Looking Forward To From The 2025 Sundance Film Festival?" We also answer your fan-submitted questions and give our reactions to the trailers for "The Wedding Banquet," "Magazine Dreams," "Riff Raff," and more. My apologies. The 2024 NBP Film Community Awards Nominations will be announced tomorrow on the website as I did not have time to gather them for this show. As always, thank you so very much for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's main podcast review, Giovanni Lago, Dan Bayer, and I, along with guests Lexi Lane and Reyna Cervantes, are here to discuss and review the feature directorial debut from Drew Hancock, "Companion," starring Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén & Rupert Friend. A sci-fi romantic thriller with themes of dependency on relationships and technology, the twisted film is enjoyed best with a romantic partner or if you're just looking for a good time at the movies. What did we think of it, though? Please tune in as we discuss these topics, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You're Cordially Invited" is the new romantic comedy from acclaimed comedy director Nicholas Stoller starring Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, about a bride and her father discovering their dream wedding venue has been double booked for another bride and her wedding-planner sister. Stoller was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Companion" is a romantic, horror sci-fi-thriller starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid that follows a weekend getaway among friends at a remote cabin, which unravels into chaos after a revelation that one of the guests is a companion robot. The film has received positive reviews and functions as the perfect date movie for audiences. Quiad and Thatcher were both kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters from Warner Bros. Pictures on January 31st. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Inheritance" just opened in theaters recently and marks Neil Burger's first time shooting a film on the iPhone. Burger wanted to try making a film with an experimental style with no rehearsals, makeup, or camera checks beforehand, which could benefit the globe-trotting paranoia thriller. Burger and one of the film's stars, Rhys Ifans, were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work on the film, which you can watch or listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from IFC Films. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Episode 427, while Matt Neglia is away at Sundance, Daniel Howat hosts this week's episode featuring Lauren LaMagna and Will Mavity as they discuss the 2025 Oscar nominations, the fallout of the announcement from last week and what it means for the Best Picture race. They also discuss the SXSW & Berlinale lineups, reveal the winner of last week's poll, asking, "Which Oscar Nomination For The 97th Academy Awards Made You The Happiest?" and ask this week's poll question, "Which Film Do You Think Will Be The Next Best Picture Oscar Winner?" They also answer your fan-submitted questions and give their reactions to the trailers for "Opus," "Drop," and "Hell Of A Summer." Also, please be sure to vote on this year's NBP Film Community Awards Nominations here (voting is open until February 1st). As always, thank you so very much for listening, supporting, and subscribing. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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My Sentiment & Notes The Next Best Picture Podcast

The Next Best Picture Podcast