The Next Reel Film Podcast
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
A show about movies and how they connect. We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.
Episodes
- House of Games
In this episode, The Next Reel Film Podcast reviews David Mamet's 1987 directorial debut, House of Games. The hosts discuss the film, which stars Lindsay Crouse as Dr. Margaret Ford and Joe Mantegna as a professional con man.
- S1M0NE • Member Bonus
The Next Reel Film Podcast concludes its Thinking Machines series with a discussion of "S1M0NE." Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson examine the film's premise of a digital actress and its satirical elements.
- Brian and Charles
This episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses the film "Brian and Charles," focusing on the character of Charles Popescu and the docu-style of the movie. Hosts Pete and Andy share their perspectives on the film's comedic elements an…
- I Am Mother
This episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast features a discussion of the film "I Am Mother." The hosts explore the film's premise of an AI raising a child after an extinction event and delve into its themes, performances, and cinematic infl…
- Ex Machina
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses "Ex Machina." The episode examines Alex Garland's directorial debut, focusing on the artificial intelligence Ava and the film's exploration of consciousness, morality, and the male gaze.
- Her
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 2013 film 'Her' as part of their Thinking Machines series. They examine the movie's relevance in the age of conversational AI, its emotional themes, and the craft behind its production.
- Demon Seed
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 1977 film Demon Seed, focusing on its prescient themes of artificial intelligence and smart home technology. They analyze the AI villain, Proteus IV, and its unsettling indifference, as well as the i…
- WarGames • Member Bonus
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 1983 film "WarGames," directed by John Badham and starring Matthew Broderick. They examine the film's portrayal of technology, its Cold War context, and its lasting cultural impact, including its inf…
- Colossus: The Forbin Project
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 1970 film Colossus: The Forbin Project, the first installment in their Thinking Machines series. The hosts analyze the film's direction, performances, and its enduring relevance to modern conversatio…
- The Escape Artist
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 1982 film The Escape Artist, Caleb Deschanel's directorial debut. They examine the performances of Griffin O'Neal and Raúl Juliá, the film's visual style, and its unique place in cinema history.
- Creed III
This episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast analyzes Creed III, the first film in the Rocky/Creed franchise without Sylvester Stallone. The hosts discuss Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut, his anime-inspired visual style, Jonathan Major…
- Big Eyes
In this episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast, the hosts discuss Tim Burton's biographical drama Big Eyes. They examine the film's depiction of artist Margaret Keane, the performances of Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz, and the movie's effec…
- Catch Me if You Can • Member Bonus
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Steven Spielberg's 'Catch Me If You Can,' analyzing its basis in a largely debunked autobiography, its exploration of father-son dynamics, and notable performances and technical aspects.
- Quiz Show
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses the 1994 film Quiz Show, directed by Robert Redford. The episode examines the 1950s Twenty-One scandal, the moral compromise of Charles Van Doren, and the film's depiction of executive corruption and fa…
- The Hoax
This episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast examines Lasse Hallström's film The Hoax. The hosts discuss the depiction of Clifford Irving's fraudulent Howard Hughes autobiography, focusing on the performances of Richard Gere and Alfred Molin…
- Shattered Glass
In this episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast, the hosts analyze Billy Ray’s newsroom drama Shattered Glass. The discussion covers the film's structure, fact-checking procedures, performances by Hayden Christensen and Peter Sarsgaard, and…
- Can You Ever Forgive Me?
The Next Reel podcast discusses "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", analyzing its portrayal of literary forgery, desperation, and hubris. The episode examines the film's craft, including its handling of interpersonal conflict and narrative tension.
- The Informant! • Member Bonus
In this bonus episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast, the hosts discuss Steven Soderbergh’s 2009 dark comedy, The Informant!. They analyze the film's use of unreliable narration, visual style, and Matt Damon’s lead performance in this whist…
- The Letter
In this episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast, the hosts discuss the 1940 film The Letter, directed by William Wyler and starring Bette Davis. They examine the film's narrative structure, Production Code influences, visual style, and the p…
- Sing Street
Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson conclude their John Carney series with a discussion of the 2016 film Sing Street. They analyze the movie's portrayal of 1980s Dublin, character development, and the power of musical collaboration.
- Begin Again
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss John Carney's film Begin Again, focusing on its production style, themes of authenticity, and key musical sequences. They also examine the performances of Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, and Catherine Kee…
- Once
Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 2007 micro-budget musical Once, directed by John Carney. They analyze the film's authentic portrayal of musicianship, the lead performances of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and the impact o…
- Night and the City
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson review Jules Dassin's 1950 film noir "Night and the City." They discuss Richard Widmark's performance as hustler Harry Fabian, the film's themes of ambition and doomed fate set against post-war London, and compa…
- Repeat Performance • Member Bonus
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson review the 1947 film noir "Repeat Performance," exploring its themes of fate, determinism, and genre. They discuss Joan Leslie's performance, the film's unique premise, and its place as a noir-fantasy hybrid.
- The Gold Rush
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Charlie Chaplin's 1925 silent film "The Gold Rush." Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson explore its blend of physical comedy and social commentary, influenced by Chaplin's childhood, and technical achieve…
- Seven Chances
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Buster Keaton's 1925 silent film 'Seven Chances,' exploring its journey from studio assignment to Keaton masterpiece. They analyze its physical comedy, inventive cinematography, and dated racial elements.
- The Phantom of the Opera
The Next Reel podcast features Pete and Andy discussing Universal's 1925 silent film The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Rupert Julian and starring Lon Chaney. They cover its troubled production, Lon Chaney's iconic performance, and its…
- The Big Parade
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss King Vidor's 1925 silent film "The Big Parade." They cover its watershed portrayal of World War I, John Gilbert's performance, and the film's technical innovations and impact.
- Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ • Member Bonus
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses the 1925 silent film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, highlighting its ambitious production, technical innovations like the chariot race and early Technicolor, and its lasting impact on cinema. Hosts Pete…
- Battleship Potemkin
Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Sergei Eisenstein's 1925 Soviet silent film Battleship Potemkin. They explore the film's innovative montage techniques, its historical impact, and its legacy as a landmark work of cinema.
- Sunset Blvd.
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Billy Wilder's 1950 film noir masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard. They analyze Gloria Swanson's performance as Norma Desmond and the film's critique of Hollywood, touching on its meta-elements and enduring le…
- Caged
The Next Reel Film Podcast reviews John Cromwell's 1950 drama Caged, starring Eleanor Parker. The hosts discuss its groundbreaking portrayal of prison life, institutional corruption, and its lasting influence on the women-in-prison genre,…
- Born Yesterday
Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson review George Cukor's 1950 film 'Born Yesterday,' focusing on Judy Holliday's Oscar-winning performance as Billie Dawn. They discuss the film's exploration of education, political corruption, and its surpr…
- The Gunfighter • Member Bonus
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Henry King's 1950 Western, The Gunfighter, starring Gregory Peck. The episode explores the film's adult themes, character study of a man burdened by fame, cinematography, and its influence on the Wester…
- The Aura
The Next Reel Film Podcast explores Fabián Bielinsky's final film, The Aura (2005), a neo-noir starring Ricardo Darín. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the film's unique perspective, its subversion of heist tropes, and its visual…
- The Invincible Six
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson revisit Jean Negulesco's 1970 film The Invincible Six, an Iranian co-production inspired by Seven Samurai. They discuss its international cast, use of Iranian landscapes, and technical limitations.
- Battle Beyond the Stars
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Roger Corman's 1980 film Battle Beyond the Stars, a space opera reimagining of Seven Samurai. They analyze its B-movie elements, cast including George Peppard and Robert Vaughn, and the early work of Jam…
- Sholay
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze Sholay, a 1975 Indian film that blended Western and Bollywood elements. They discuss its genre fusion, character dynamics, Gabbar Singh, dual endings, and significant cultural influence, celebrating its…
- Dog Day Afternoon
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze Sidney Lumet's 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon, a dramatization of a true bank robbery. They discuss its portrayal of media spectacle, sexual identity, institutional power, performances, and its enduring rel…
- The Super Inframan • Member Bonus
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 1975 Shaw Brothers film The Super Inframan, a Hong Kong science fiction action movie blending tokusatsu, kung fu, and superhero genres. They analyze its creative monsters, special effects, and influe…
- Deep Red (Profondo Rosso)
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Dario Argento's 1975 Italian horror film Deep Red, analyzing its giallo elements, visual style, music, and mystery.
- Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Chantal Akerman's 1975 film Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson explore its groundbreaking portrayal of domestic labor, feminist themes, Delphine Seyr…
- Barry Lyndon
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Stanley Kubrick's 1975 film Barry Lyndon, exploring its visual style, narrative choices, Ryan O'Neal's performance, and its enduring themes of social climbing.
- Ju-on: The Grudge 2
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Ju-on: The Grudge 2, highlighting its increased spectacle, narrative focus on a film crew, and innovative temporal storytelling. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the film's effectiveness and th…
- Night Moves • Member Bonus
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Arthur Penn's 1975 neo-noir film Night Moves, starring Gene Hackman and Jennifer Warren. They explore the film's character-driven plot, particularly Hackman's portrayal of an inept private investigator,…
- Ju-on: The Grudge
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson review Takashi Shimizu's 2002 film Ju-on: The Grudge, comparing its theatrical adaptation to the V-Cinema versions and discussing its evolving horror elements, sound design, and cultural interpretations, includi…
- Ju-on: The Curse 2
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Ju-on: The Curse 2, focusing on its structure, the expansion of its curse mythology with multiple Kayako appearances, and Shimizu's horror techniques despite budget constraints. The hosts debate its nar…
- Ju-on: The Curse
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Takashi Shimizu's 2000 film Ju-on: The Curse, tracing its origins in V-Cinema and its creation of a major horror franchise. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the film's non-linear storytelling,…
- Ballerina
The Next Reel podcast features hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discussing the 2025 film Ballerina, an expansion of the John Wick universe starring Ana de Armas. They analyze its placement within the existing timeline, critique its action…
- Rock ’n’ Roll High School • Member Bonus
This episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast covers the 1979 film Rock