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 discusses David Mamet's "House of Games." The hosts examine Mamet's directorial style and the film's plot, which features a psychiatrist entangled with a con man.
- S1M0NE • Member Bonus
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the film "S1M0NE" in this member bonus episode. They analyze the film's premise and debate its effectiveness as a Hollywood satire.
- Brian and Charles
This episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast reviews "Brian and Charles," an independent film about a lonely inventor who builds a robot. The hosts discuss the character of Charles Popescu, the film's docu-style, and other aspects of the mov…
- I Am Mother
The Next Reel discusses "I Am Mother," a film where an AI raises a human child in a post-apocalyptic bunker. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the AI's unsettling nature, the film's genre influences, and Clara Rugaard's performance.
- Ex Machina
The Next Reel Film Podcast reviews Alex Garland's directorial debut, Ex Machina. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the film's exploration of artificial intelligence, consciousness, morality, and the male gaze.
- Her
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze Spike Jonze's film "Her," focusing on the relationship between a man and an AI operating system. They discuss the film's portrayal of emotional experience, craft choices, and its growing relevance in the…
- Demon Seed
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the 1977 film Demon Seed, directed by Donald Cammell and starring Julie Christie. They discuss how the film foreshadowed the smart home era and its portrayal of an unsettling AI villain.
- WarGames • Member Bonus
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 1983 film "WarGames," exploring its portrayal of technology, hacking, and Cold War anxiety. They analyze the character of the supercomputer WOPR and the film's lasting real-world influence.
- Colossus: The Forbin Project
Andy Nelson and Pete Wright discuss the 1970 film Colossus: The Forbin Project, exploring its themes of artificial intelligence, directed by Joseph Sargent, and its relevance today.
- The Escape Artist
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Caleb Deschanel's directorial debut, "The Escape Artist," a film about a teenage escape artist involved in a corrupt mayor's family drama. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the performances, par…
- Creed III
This episode reviews Creed III, noting Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut and starring role as Adonis Creed. It examines Jonathan Majors' performance as Damian Anderson, the film's anime-inspired visuals, and debates the effectiveness o…
- Big Eyes
The Next Reel podcast discusses Tim Burton's film Big Eyes, focusing on the true story of artist Margaret Keane. The episode examines the art fraud perpetrated by her husband, the mid-century gender dynamics that influenced the situation,…
- Catch Me if You Can • Member Bonus
This episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast analyzes Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can," discussing the film's basis in a debunked autobiography and its focus on fractured families and father-son dynamics. The discussion also covers p…
- Quiz Show
The Next Reel discusses Robert Redford's film "Quiz Show," detailing the 1950s scandal where TV programs fed contestants answers. Hosts Andy and Pete analyze Charles Van Doren's involvement, the film's focus on institutional pressure, and…
- The Hoax
The Next Reel Film Podcast reviews "The Hoax," a film about Clifford Irving's fabricated Howard Hughes autobiography. The episode examines Richard Gere's performance and the themes of deception and institutional self-deception.
- Shattered Glass
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses "Shattered Glass," exploring its portrayal of journalism under pressure, the fragility of verification, and audience perception of the film's structure and performances.
- Can You Ever Forgive Me?
This episode of The Next Reel discusses Marielle Heller's film "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", starring Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant. The conversation explores themes of literary forgery, trust, desperation, hubris, and the craft of f…
- The Informant! • Member Bonus
This member bonus episode of The Next Reel's True Lies series analyzes Steven Soderbergh's 2009 film "The Informant!," directed by Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon. The discussion covers the film's innovative use of unreliable narration,…
- The Letter
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses William Wyler's 1940 crime drama "The Letter," examining its plot, colonial setting, and the impact of the Production Code. The hosts also address the film's racial stereotypes and casting choices while…
- Sing Street
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses John Carney's Sing Street, a 2016 film set in 1980s Dublin. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson explore its themes of musical magic, character development, period authenticity, and the power of collaborat…
- Begin Again
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses John Carney's 2014 musical drama Begin Again, exploring its themes of artistic authenticity versus commercial success, the portrayal of its dual protagonists, and the film's musical credibility.
- Once
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss John Carney's 2007 musical film Once, covering its low-budget origins, the casting of musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and its intimate storytelling style.
- Night and the City
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Jules Dassin's 1950 film noir, 'Night and the City.' Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the film's themes of ambition, fate, and the struggles of small-time hustler Harry Fabian in post-war Londo…
- Repeat Performance • Member Bonus
Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson review the 1947 film noir 'Repeat Performance', discussing its themes of fate, determinism, and second chances. They analyze Joan Leslie's performance, the film's genre hybridity, and its restoration histo…
- The Gold Rush
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Charlie Chaplin's 1925 silent film "The Gold Rush." They cover its themes of survival and comedy, Chaplin's personal influences, technical innovations like double exposure, and the film's legacy in cinem…
- Seven Chances
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson revisit Buster Keaton's 1925 silent romantic comedy Seven Chances. They discuss its blend of physical precision, humor, and spectacle, as well as its evolution from a studio assignment into a Keaton masterpiece,…
- The Phantom of the Opera
Pete and Andy explore the 1925 film The Phantom of the Opera, covering its troubled production, Lon Chaney's iconic performance, and its significance in establishing Universal's monster film series. They discuss its themes and lasting impa…
- The Big Parade
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss King Vidor's 1925 film 'The Big Parade,' analyzing its groundbreaking depiction of World War I, its narrative structure, romantic subplots, and technical achievements, considering its impact on audiences…
- Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ • Member Bonus
The Next Reel Film Podcast reviews the 1925 silent film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, highlighting its massive production scale, innovative techniques like the chariot race and early Technicolor, and its enduring legacy. Hosts Pete Wright…
- Battleship Potemkin
The Next Reel discusses Sergei Eisenstein's 1925 film Battleship Potemkin, focusing on its revolutionary montage techniques, the iconic Odessa Steps sequence, and its lasting impact on cinema.
- Sunset Blvd.
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Billy Wilder's 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, analyzing Gloria Swanson's performance as Norma Desmond and William Holden's portrayal of Joe Gillis. The hosts explore the film's critique of Hollywood and it…
- Caged
The Next Reel Film Podcast reviews the 1950 film "Caged," directed by John Cromwell. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Eleanor Parker's performance, the film's serious dramatic approach to prison life and institutional corruption,…
- Born Yesterday
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 surprisingl…
- The Gunfighter • Member Bonus
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 1950 film The Gunfighter, starring Gregory Peck. They cover its production history, the themes explored through cinematography and character study, and its lasting influence on the Western genre.
- The Aura
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze Fabián Bielinsky's final film, 'The Aura' (2005), a psychological thriller starring Ricardo Darín. They discuss the film's unique perspective, portrayal of a taxidermist's heist fantasies versus reality,…
- The Invincible Six
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Jean Negulesco's 1970 film "The Invincible Six," an Iranian co-production inspired by "Seven Samurai." They cover its cast, use of Iranian landscapes, and technical aspects despite limitations.
- Battle Beyond the Stars
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze Roger Corman's 'Battle Beyond the Stars,' a 1980 space opera that adapts 'Seven Samurai' with a B-movie aesthetic. They discuss the cast, including George Peppard and John Saxon, James Cameron's producti…
- Sholay
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the 1975 film Sholay, analyzing its blend of Western and Bollywood genres, its iconic characters like Jai, Veeru, and Gabbar Singh, and its enduring cultural significance.
- Dog Day Afternoon
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Sidney Lumet's 1975 film "Dog Day Afternoon," focusing on its dramatization of a bank robbery, its portrayal of 1970s New York, and its themes of media, identity, and power.
- The Super Inframan • Member Bonus
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses the 1975 Hong Kong film The Super Inframan, highlighting its blend of tokusatsu, kung fu, and superhero genres. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the film's creative monsters, practical effects,…
- Deep Red (Profondo Rosso)
The Next Reel Film Podcast explores Dario Argento's 1975 giallo film Deep Red, analyzing its intricate murder mystery, distinctive visual language, and the impact of Goblin's score. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss the film's styl…
- 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, focusing on its portrayal of domestic labor, feminist themes, Delphine Seyrig's performance, and its rise to become Sight…
- Barry Lyndon
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Stanley Kubrick's 1975 film Barry Lyndon, examining its visual mastery, narration, Ryan O'Neal's performance, and enduring themes of social climbing. They analyze the film's technical innovations and its…
- Ju-on: The Grudge 2
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Ju-on: The Grudge 2, directed by Takashi Shimizu. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze the film's increased spectacle, innovative use of time loops, and character development centered around a film…
- Night Moves • Member Bonus
Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss Arthur Penn's 1975 film Night Moves, a neo-noir starring Gene Hackman as a private investigator and Jennifer Warren. They explore the film's character depth, particularly Hackman's portrayal of a disillu…
- Ju-on: The Grudge
Andy Nelson and Pete Wright discuss Takashi Shimizu's 2002 theatrical horror film Ju-on: The Grudge. They compare its expanded horror elements and narrative structure to the earlier V-Cinema entries, debating its effectiveness and explorin…
- Ju-on: The Curse 2
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Ju-on: The Curse 2, a 2000 V-cinema release. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze its structure, which incorporates footage from the first film, and how it expands the curse's mythology and superna…
- Ju-on: The Curse
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Takashi Shimizu's 2000 film Ju-on: The Curse, the origin of a major horror franchise. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson analyze its non-linear storytelling, low-budget horror techniques, and the establi…
- Ballerina
The Next Reel podcast reviews "Ballerina" (2025), starring Ana de Armas. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson discuss its timeline integration within the John Wick universe, choreographed action sequences, script elements, and its position as…
- Rock ’n’ Roll High School • Member Bonus
The Next Reel Film Podcast discusses Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979), a cult classic that evolved from a disco concept to a punk rock film starring The Ramones. Hosts Pete Wright and Andy Nelson explore its escalating absurdity, P.J. Sole…