Heavenly Creatures: A Queer Cinema Catchup Review

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss the 2006 film 'Stick It,' exploring its themes, character dynamics, and queer undercurrents. They react to the rebellious protagonist, Haley Graham; her unique journey through the rigid world of elite gymnastics; and her interactions with her coach (Jeff Bridges) and teammates. 00:00 Introduction to 'Stick It'00:43 Initial Impressions01:29 Plot Overview and Character Analysis03:16 Queer Themes and Gender Norms04:50 Comparisons to Other Teen Movies07:38 Gymnastics and Realism in 'Stick It'09:49 Memorable Moments and Cultural Impact22:34 Voiceover and Cinematic Techniques31:17 Team Dynamics32:01 Comparing 'Stick It' to Other Films33:47 Character Analysis: Haley35:46 Gender and Character Perception40:01 Queer Representation51:55 Sports and Personal Experiences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe dive deep into Peter Jackson's 1994 film, 'Heavenly Creatures.' They discuss the intense, imaginative, and destructive relationship between two teenage girls in 1950s New Zealand, focusing on themes of adolescent intensity; burgeoning queer identity; and the potentially dangerous allure of fantasy. Their conversation also highlights the remarkable performances of Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet in their film debuts, with analysis of significant scenes; the impact of social and familial pressure; and the depiction of queerness amidst a true crime narrative. 00:00 Introduction to Heavenly Creatures03:39 Melanie Lynskey's Queer Filmography05:26 Kate Winslet's Queer Filmography 10:54 Emotional Impact of Heavenly Creatures16:37 Background and Analysis of the True Story30:11 Juliet's Nightmare and the Murder31:54 Exploring Queerness in the Film33:50 Parental Concerns and Societal Pressures40:23 Fantasy vs. Reality50:26 Christianity and the Fourth Realm01:04:14 Final Thoughts on the Film Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Queer Cinema Catchup is a double feature! Joe and Allison discuss the films 'Mysterious Skin' and 'Thirteen.' . Their discussion includes a comparative analysis of the two films; reflections on their own teenage experiences; and the cultural impact of adolescent-focused narratives in cinema. Please be aware this episode covers topics like abuse and drug use, which may be triggering. 00:14 Double Feature: Mysterious Skin and Thirteen 00:33 Trigger Warning01:53 Quick Recap: Thirteen04:34 Quick Recap: Mysterious Skin05:28 Personal Reactions and Reflections07:08 Themes of Influence and Vulnerability in Thirteen09:33 Exploring Parental Dynamics10:43 Psychological Impact of Abuse in Mysterious Skin20:39 Queer Representation and Personal Connections24:47 Middle School Memories and Snowball at Skate King 27:43 Snowball Memory and Conflicted Feelings33:09 Representation of Youth in Film, TV, and Culture 42:36 Queerness in Coming-of-Age Stories46:19 Chicken Soup for the Soul and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Allison and Joe are again joined by guest Andrew from the Queer Frame Archive to discuss Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 silent film masterpiece, 'The Passion of Joan of Arc.' The trio delves into the film's historical context, production details, and its interpretation through a queer lens. They explore Joan of Arc's life, her trial, the significance of the film's unique cinematography, and the controversies it faced upon release. Andrew also shares insights from his work documenting queer representations in early cinema. Available on Max and now in the public domain, this iconic film is dissected for its enduring impact and artistic achievements.00:07 Introducing Andrew and Queer Film Archive01:04 First Impressions of The Passion of Joan of Arc01:40 Synopsis and Cinematic Techniques03:09 Restoration and Comparison with Michael04:32 Carl Theodor Dreyer: The Visionary Director06:29 Andrew's Viewing Experience and Insights07:56 The Power of Editing 15:31 Historical Context of Joan's Trial33:47 Joan of Arc: A Queer Icon?38:00 Joan of Arc's Evolving Identity39:52 The Crucible and Self-Perception42:59 Joan's Clothing and Gender Identity46:14 Behind the Scenes 48:32 Production Controversies and Challenges51:15 Set Design and Filming Techniques53:55 Acting Challenges and Realism01:00:52 Streaming Experience and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss the 2025 remake of the 1993 film 'The Wedding Banquet'. Directed by Andrew Ahn, this modern reimagining brings a fresh perspective to the beloved 1993 film by Ang Lee, exploring themes of love, family expectations, cultural identity, and LGBTQ+ relationships. The hosts delve into the film's cast, including Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung, and analyze their performances and character arcs. They also reflect on the film's ability to portray complex family dynamics and generational shifts in acceptance, while balancing humor and emotional depth. Joe shares insights from a talkback session with the director, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and its personal significance. Tune in for a lively discussion on how this contemporary take honors the spirit of the original film while showcasing evolved cultural and societal attitudes towards queer experiences and family.00:00 Welcome to Queer Cinema Catchup00:11 Introducing 'The Wedding Banquet' (2025)00:47 Meet the Cast03:41 Film's Themes and Sundance Premiere04:06 Personal Reactions and Missed Scenes06:04 Plot Breakdown and Key Moments08:28 Character Arcs and Performances18:45 Director's Insights and Behind the Scenes32:56 Analyzing Min's Character34:11 Chris' Indecision 37:17 Lee's Desire for a Child44:16 Angela's Role and Relationships51:49 Comparing the Original and Remake55:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison reunite with Sydney, Chelsea, and Monica of Spooky Tuesday to delve into the perplexing universe of multiple Thelma films, primarily focusing on the 2017 supernatural thriller directed by Joachim Trier. The hosts analyze pivotal scenes of the film, exploring the movie's religious themes and reflecting on the broader implications of Thelma's journey from suppression to empowerment. Whether you're a queer cinema enthusiast or a horror movie aficionado, this episode offers a compelling exploration of desire, control, and self-discovery through a queer lens.00:16 The Confusion of Thelma Movies06:09 Introduction to Thelma (2017)07:33 Comparing Thelma to Other Horror Films10:02 Thelma's Powers and Their Implications17:59 Religious Upbringing and Repression24:46 Thelma's Queer Identity 28:04 Anja's Role and Thelma's Desires32:40 The Party Scene and Its Consequences36:38 Unraveling Anja's Disappearance38:13 The Baby Brother Incident40:02 Thelma's Struggle 42:40 The Parents' Dilemma45:43 The Final Confrontation48:03 Thelma's Transformation and Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison discuss their experience at Slamdance 2025 in Los Angeles and then specifically dive into the documentary, "The Hole Story," which details the events, mythology, and search for truth surrounding a mysterious hole that appeared on Mount Shasta in California. You can find the podcast's first ever interview with The Hole Story's director Elijah Sullivan, and listen as he shares insights on documentary-making, as well as the complexities of capturing Mount Shasta's unique cultural landscape.00:00 Introduction and Slamdance 2025 Experience00:53 The Big Johnson Documentary06:07 Confessions of Chin-Chin07:23 The Hole Story: Part One12:01 The Hole Story: Part Two20:53 The Hole Story: Part Three30:21 Conspiracy Theories and Skepticism31:27 Interview with Elijah Sullivan 31:52 Elijah's Filmmaking Journey01:03:59 Future Projects and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison review the new Max movie 'The Parenting'. They discuss the film's horror-comedy genre; the queer representation around which the plot is centered (but not focused on!); and its mixed reception. They also examine the performances of the cast, including Brandon Flynn, Parker Posey, and Brian Cox. Throughout the episode, they share personal anecdotes, discuss favorite B movies, and debate the nuances of comedy and horror in modern cinema.00:00 Introduction and Movie Title Confusion00:46 Initial Impressions and Cast Overview01:54 Favorite Scenes and Character Dynamics03:08 Plot Twists and Character Missteps05:30 Horror Elements and Critiques17:34 Proposal and Relationship Dynamics22:04 Casting Choices 24:52 Family Movie Nights and Moulin Rouge Obsession26:02 Lisa Kudrow's Role in Feel Good27:06 Queer Representation and Homophobia in Media28:35 Character Dynamics and Stereotypes37:25 Emotional Beats and Character Arcs40:29 Dean Norris and Breaking Bad Anecdote44:32 Analyzing Movie Watching Habits45:51 Favorite B Movies and Podcast Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison and Joe go live for the first time and react to the season finale of the third season of The White Lotus ("Amor Fati"). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison reacts to Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 9 ('How the Story Ends'). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.