195 - Maxxxine

To mark our landmark 200th episode, we dive into the making of 'Sing Sing' as we hear from the film's co-writer and director, Greg Kwedar.'Sing Sing' arrives in the UK cinemas today starring Colmon Damingo as Divine G, who is imprisoned at Sing Sing and finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men. 

We are thrilled to welcome Albert Birney, the man behind the unforgettable Mr. Sprinkly in 'I Saw the TV Glow'.Albert is also a prolific filmmaker and shares with us his story in the film industry, including how he became involved in 'I Saw the TV Glow' and his experience working on the film, where he also took on the unique role of a talking ice cream.

We welcome Zachary Mooren, who plays a Buster Keaton lookalike with a sinister twist in Ti West's Maxxxine, where his character stalks Maxine down a dark alley, only to have the tables turn when he draws his pocket knife.Join us as Zachary shares his experiences working alongside Mia Goth, the creative vision of Ti West, and shooting his unforgettable apperance! 

'I Saw The TV Glow' finally arrived in UK cinemas this weekend and another pair of 90s kids, Dallas and Lee review Jane Schoenbrun's beautiful allegory for the experience of being transgender.A classmate introduces teenage Owen to a mysterious late-night TV show -- a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen's view of reality begins to crack.

Hot off the heels of the release of 'Maxxxine' last week, the third in Ti West and Mia Goth’s series following the journey of Pearl and Maxine, we welcome Charley Rowan McCain, who plays the young Maxine Miller!'Maxxxine' opens with Charley portraying Maxine in 1959, showcasing the early star talent by shooting an audition opposite her father, Ernest.Charley shares her experience of shooting her first film, working with Ti West, meeting Mia Goth, discussing what the industry is like for young talent like her, and taking on the iconic role of Maxine.

Dallas and Lee review 'Maxxxine'. Following Pearl and X, set in 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.

A24's box office hit 'Civil War' marks another landmark in their shift from indie to mainstream since its founding in 2012. Its recent $225M private equity financing raises questions about maintaining its independence. Despite uncertainties, A24's commitment to quality cinema has earned it a dedicated following and plaudits. Yet, parallels to past indie studios suggest a potential fate of acquisition and the end of A24 as we know it.Lee welcomes data journalist and pop culture lover, Daniel Parris, author of the Stat Significant newsletter, who has crunched the numbers to analyse the rise of A24 and whether it predicts trouble or further success in the future.Read Daniel's article here > Civil War' and the Rise of A24: A Statistical Analysis 

Our series of interviews with the cast of 'The Curse' continues as we welcome DJ Arvizo.DJ Arvizo portrays Jose, an audio technician helping shoot 'Fliplanthropy', following Whitney (Emma Stone) and Asher (Nathan Fielder) who use their property development empire to help locals while gentrifying the area in the process.  Join us as DJ shares his experiences of working on the set and fake one too of 'The Curse'. 

Our series of interviews with the cast of 'The Curse' continues as we welcome Aliyah Lee.Aliyah portrays Janice, who is recruited by her boyfriend, Pascal, played by former guest Alexander Gibson, to act as a married couple for the filming of 'Fliplanthropy' as faux buyers for a passive living home.Join us as Aliyah shares her experiences of writing, producing, acting, and directing, alongside her insights from 'The Curse' set.

Dallas and Lee review Alex Garland's latest film, Civil War. This film marks A24's biggest opening at the box office in their history. Set in a dystopian future America, it follows a road trip undertaken by a team of military-embedded journalists racing against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House.