Kermode & Mayo’s Take

Kermode & Mayo’s Take

Sony Music Entertainment

The new home of Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo. They’re back, and it’s bigger, and better and larger-er and more-er. Film reviews, TV reviews, and all your conversation around movie and non-movie related stuff. Plus a whole bunch of recommendations to watch in cinemas, on all streaming services and on physical media. As well as the film and TV reviews, Mark and Simon will be talking about anything and everything. Punctuation, Thunderbirds, obscure German pop music, fax machines, subtitles, MRI scans, magic, school assemblies, Scandinavia, and don’t forget the dad jokes. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try...

A film of the year already – is it The Monkey?

A film of the year already – is it The Monkey?

Welcome to another show jam-packed with top takes from Simon & Mark—which are still eliciting your ‘quiet affirmative noises’... Reviews this week of The Monkey—a splattery and slanted dark comedy horror about a murderous wind-up toy from Longlegs director Osgood Perkins, and I’m Still Here—the Brazilian drama about ‘the disappeared’ under the military dictatorship in the 1970s that has taken the Oscar nominations by storm. Plus September Says, an unsettling drama of sisterly bonds

Feb 20, • 1:08:41

Did Bridget Jones make Mark cry? + Stephen Graham & Malachi Kirby

Did Bridget Jones make Mark cry? + Stephen Graham & Malachi Kirby

We hope this week’s podcast will earn your ‘quiet affirmative noises’--whatever they might sound like...??? Listeners to last week’s show may remember one correspondent’s story of a film eliciting this mysterious and elusive sound—and you’ve kindly sent in some examples to clear up this crucial matter for us. Mmhmm. Grown-up Aussie animation ‘Memoir of a Snail’ is first on Mark’s review slate this week--starring Sarah Snook and with a voice cast including Nick Cave and Jacki Weaver, th

Feb 13, • 1:10:38

Awards Schmawards

Awards Schmawards

Awards season spinning your head? The Good Doctors have got you covered... Welcome to our awards special, where we’ll be giving you the lowdown on all the big players in this years awards nominations, all in one super-Take from Simon & Mark. We’ve brought together reviews of the titles everyone’s talking about—like Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, Nosferatu and more—and interviews with the filmmaking & acting talents behind them. Sean Baker, James Mangold, Robert Eggers, RaMell Ro

Feb 10, • 1:21:07

 We made Mark watch Dog Man – will it be film of the week?

We made Mark watch Dog Man – will it be film of the week?

Dogman heads up Mark’s review slate this week--an anarchic animation based on Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey’s graphic novel series, where a lifesaving operation sees a police dog and his cop handler become one crime-busting half-canine hero. Plus, The Seed of the Sacred Fig—a courageous political drama about Iran’s authoritarian government from exiled Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof. And last but not least, September 5--the tense newsroom drama starring Peter Sarsgaard, who i

Feb 6, • 1:11:00

Now and Ben: Chris Sanders on The Wild Robot, hand drawn animation vs. CG, and Lilo & Stitch

Now and Ben: Chris Sanders on The Wild Robot, hand drawn animation vs. CG, and Lilo & Stitch

In today’s Now & Ben drop, Ben sits down with Chris Sanders—director of the Oscar-nominated animation ‘The Wild Robot’. With a stellar career behind the drawing board that’s taken him from Disney to DreamWorks, he’s the man behind ‘How To Train Your Dragon’, ‘The Croods’ and ‘Lilo and Stich’—so Ben had plenty to quiz him on. ‘The Wild Robot’ takes us on an unexpected adventure through nature with Roz, a human assistance robot who finds herself shipwrecked on an uninhabited island.

Jan 30, • 20:40

Brady Corbet on The Brutalist, Oscars & AI

Brady Corbet on The Brutalist, Oscars & AI

Brady Corbet, the now-Oscar-nominated director of ‘The Brutalist’, sits down with Simon for an interview this week. His much lauded and lengthy fictional biopic follows the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian architect who arrives in late-1940s America having survived the Holocaust, and finds his life changed once again when he picks up a commission from a wealthy industrialist. Brady chats to Simon about all those awards nominations, the empathy generating machine that is Adrien Brody, an

Jan 30, • 1:08:40

Flight Risk embargo special - they tried to stop us...

Flight Risk embargo special - they tried to stop us...

Coming hot off the podcast press, we’ve got Mark’s review of ‘Flight Risk’ - under embargo until now. The Mel Gibson directed thriller sees a US Marshal escort a government witness via plane across the Alaskan wilderness to testify against a mob boss in Manhattan. Mark Wahlberg’s pilot is in charge of their safe passage, but things get turbulent when it turns out not everyone is who they seem to be. Don’t miss Mark’s verdict in this embargo special... Learn more about your ad choices.

Jan 24, • 15:46

The Brutalist + Mike Leigh & Marianne Jean-Baptiste on Hard Truths

The Brutalist + Mike Leigh & Marianne Jean-Baptiste on Hard Truths

‘The Brutalist’ is the epic structure on the horizon of this week’s movie releases; Mark reviews this fictional biopic of Hungarian architect László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Holocaust survivor who arrives in America as an immigrant in 1947. Bauhaus trained and revered in his home country, László finds himself anonymous in a sometimes hostile USA—but gets a commission from a wealthy industrialist (Guy Pearce) that looks like the break he needs. Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Presence’ hits cinemas

Jan 23, • 1:11:43

A Complete Unknown divides Simon and Mark – with director James Mangold

A Complete Unknown divides Simon and Mark – with director James Mangold

The big movie release this week is ‘A Complete Unknown’, but our guest is actually pretty famous... James Mangold, director of the much-anticipated Bob Dylan biopic and Hollywood hits from ‘Walk The Line’ to ‘Le Mans 66’, joins Simon for a chat. They talk about putting Dylan’s iconic and mysterious life onscreen, Timothée Chalamet’s awards-tipped performance as the young songwriting legend—and accidentally creating the Jonny Cash cinematic universe. Picking up a teenage Dylan—then stil

Jan 16, • 1:11:44

Now and Ben: Steven Knight on ‘Maria’, his screenwriting secrets, the Peaky Blinders movie & more

Now and Ben: Steven Knight on ‘Maria’, his screenwriting secrets, the Peaky Blinders movie & more

In this latest bonus nugget of ‘Now and Ben’ goodness, our sometime super sub Ben Bailey Smith chats to legendary film & TV writer Stephen Knight. He’s penned some of the most exciting scripts to hit our screens over the last three decades, from ‘Dirty Pretty Things’ and ‘Locke’ to ‘SAS Rogue Heroes’ and, of course, ‘Peaky Blinders’. Most recently he’s written ‘Maria’—a biopic of opera singer Maria Callas in her last days as she tries to rediscover her voice in time for her swan so

Jan 13, • 40:25

Jesse Eisenberg & Kieran Culkin on ‘A Real Pain’

Jesse Eisenberg & Kieran Culkin on ‘A Real Pain’

Our guests this week were ‘A Real Pain’...just joking, Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin were actually really nice... They sit down with Simon to discuss the comedy-drama, directed, written, produced by and starring Eisenberg alongside Culkin. They play two mismatched cousins David and Benji on a tour of Poland, the ancestral home of their late-grandmother, where they hope to reconnect with their Jewish roots—and each other. With Benji lacking in a social filer (as, delightfully, is Ki

Jan 9, • 1:09:37

Nosferatu (or Yesferatu?) with Robert Eggers

Nosferatu (or Yesferatu?) with Robert Eggers

Happy New Year from Mark, Simon, The Redactor and the rest of us on the Take Team! We’re kicking off 2025 with a top-drawer guest—’Nosferatu’ director Robert Eggers. He tells Simon about his new remake of the1922 silent classic, originally by German expressionist director F.W. Murnau, in which Bill Skarsgård’s vampire nobleman terrorises a town in pursuit of Lily-Rose Depp’s Ellen, the object of his desires. They chat about his longtime fascination with the story, creating a monster fo

Jan 1, • 1:14:00

Best and Worst Films of the Year & More

Best and Worst Films of the Year & More

It’s Boxing Day, but we’ve got more than just leftovers in today’s show—we're just as stuffed full of gourmet goodies as we hope you are right now... A fresh new guest interview this week with RaMell Ross, director of the awards-tipped ‘Nickel Boys’. Based on the Pulitzer prize winning novel by Colson Whitehead, it follows the growing friendship between two boys in racially segregated 1960s Florida, Ellwood and Turner, who find themselves unwillingly enrolled in an abusive reform schoo

Dec 26, 2024 • 1:04:46

Barry Jenkins on Mufasa

Barry Jenkins on Mufasa

Wassail Wassail Wassail! Christmas is almost upon us, and we’ve got a gift of a guest for you this week: Barry Jenkins, AKA Mr. Moonlight. He chats to Simon about ‘Mufasa’, the origin story for Simba’s father and the long-awaited prequel to 2016’s live action animation Lion King. When a flood washes the cub-Mufasa away from his homeland and parents, he finds himself an outsider in an altogether new territory—where he stumbles across young lion Taka and begins a life-changing new journey

Dec 19, 2024 • 1:10:42

NOW AND BEN

NOW AND BEN

Presenting a new feature on the Take Channel.  ANORA has been one of the most talked-about films of 2024 so we sent supersub BEN BAILEY SMITH to speak to director Sean Baker.  In this interview you can hear Ben talk to Sean about how he judges his own work, his love of Chihuahuas, that home invasion scene, little Orphan Annie, and of course Ben asked him about the Take That needledrop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 17, 2024 • 21:15

Live Christmas Spectacular with Wallce & Gromit, Nick Park, and Merlin Crossingham

Live Christmas Spectacular with Wallce & Gromit, Nick Park, and Merlin Crossingham

Our Christmas Spectacular, recorded live at London’s Prince Edward Theatre is now available in your ears! On our festive guestlist this week we have Wallce & Gromit creator Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, who co-direct the famous plasticine pair’s latest adventure Vengeance Most Fowl. They talk us through what happened when Aardman went noir for this festive film treat, share stop motion secrets, and tell us why it was the right time to bring back dastardly glove-headed supervilla

Dec 12, 2024 • 1:19:52

Cate Blanchett & Guy Maddin on RUMOURS, bog monsters & a giant brain

Cate Blanchett & Guy Maddin on RUMOURS, bog monsters & a giant brain

The ‘Rumours’ are true... screen superstar Cate Blanchett and director Guy Maddin are joining Simon this week to give us the gossip on their surreal new satire—once they’ve finished fangirling over the music of Sparks, that is. Following decades of avant garde work that’s made him one of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers, ‘Rumours’ is the biggest movie to date from the Winnipeg weirdo—its star-studded cast featuring Charles Dance and Alicia Vikander alongside Blanchett. Set at a G7 su

Dec 5, 2024 • 1:10:38

Does Conclave get Mark’s blessing? With Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci

Does Conclave get Mark’s blessing? With Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci

Two divine guests this week as Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci join Simon to discuss ‘Conclave’, the papal political thriller from ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ director Edward Berger. Set in the Vatican’s pontific conclave, where cardinals are sequestered during the selection of the new Pope, the film follows the taut power struggle as these men of the cloth vie for the Catholic Church’s top job. The pair talk faith and doubt, Isabella Rossellini, and whether those robes can possibl

Nov 28, 2024 • 1:06:50

Is Wicked Pop-u-lar with Mark?

Is Wicked Pop-u-lar with Mark?

Thomasin McKenzie is this week’s guest—star of Edgar Wright’s ‘Last Night in Soho’, Mark’s film of the year 2018 ‘Leave No Trace’—and now ‘Joy’, a new Netflix drama about the development of IVF treatment at Oldham hospital in the 1970s. Written by Jack Thorne, the film’s medical miracle story is focalised through McKenzie’s character Jean Purdy—a talented embryologist whose work was key to the team’s breakthrough discovery, but whose name was left out of the history books. She chats to

Nov 21, 2024 • 1:11:09

Sir Ridley Scott on Gladiator II

Sir Ridley Scott on Gladiator II

‘Gladiator II’ director and legendary one-man blockbuster factory Ridley Scott is our guest this week. He joins Simon to discuss the long-awaited sequel to 2000’s modern classic, in which this time Paul Mescal plays Lucius, the long-exiled son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus. He finds himself back in Rome as a prisoner from his now-conquered adopted homeland, and must outfight and outwit his opponents and captors whilst guarding the secret of his ancestry. Simon talks to Ridley about swords,

Nov 14, 2024 • 1:08:39

Red One makes Mark explode in birdsong

Red One makes Mark explode in birdsong

Simon goes on a leafy adventure with Hugh Bonneville to talk ‘Paddington In Peru’, the latest addition to the most kind and polite of all cinematic universes—and for those of us who need cheering up this week, their conversation is just the tonic. The film sees Britain’s favourite bear journey back to his native land with the Brown family on a quest to visit Aunt Lucy. Pass the marmalade sandwiches. Plus, Mark reviews ‘Blitz’, Steve McQueen’s wartime drama starring Saoirse Ronan as a m

Nov 7, 2024 • 1:09:37

When Simon Met Billy (Crystal)...

When Simon Met Billy (Crystal)...

This week, Simon is joined by the one and only Billy Crystal to talk all about his starring role in the Apple TV+ psychological thriller series ‘Before’, which sees a child psychiatrist who, having tragically lost his wife to suicide, encounters a troubled young boy who seems to have a haunting connection to his past. Their conversation is intelligent, insightful and so long that we had to put some of it in Take 2. Truly, one for the K&M ages! Meanwhile, Mark reviews ‘Small Things

Oct 31, 2024 • 1:07:43

Emilia Pérez: Have We Found the Film of the Year?

Emilia Pérez: Have We Found the Film of the Year?

This week, Simon and Mark interrupt Ben Wheatley’s breakfast (sadly not Wheaties) to about his new comedy horror miniseries ‘Generation Z’, which sees an army truck crash outside a care home, infecting the residents and leaving four teenage friends to deal with the deadly consequences. Mark also weighs in on the show, as well as giving his take on ‘Emilia Pérez’, Jacques Audiard’s musical-comedy, which looks set to be an Awards contender, and sees a Mexican lawyer offered an unusual jo

Oct 24, 2024 • 1:12:23

Mark Gets to Legitimately Rant About Donald Trump Because He’s Reviewing a Film About Him

Mark Gets to Legitimately Rant About Donald Trump Because He’s Reviewing a Film About Him

This week, Mark is joined by Ben Bailey Smith to give you the lowdown on the week’s cinematic releases. Ben chats to Naomi Scott about her tour-de-force performance in ‘Smile 2’, the second outing for the smash-hit horror-thriller franchise. It’s a big week for Mark as two of his favourite interests converge – reviewing films and Donald Trump – in ‘The Apprentice’, the Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong-starring story of how a young Donald Trump started his real-estate business in 1970s and ‘80s

Oct 17, 2024 • 1:06:08

Another Transformers Film? What Will Mark Think?

Another Transformers Film? What Will Mark Think?

This week’s guest is everyone’s favourite foul-mouthed politico-cum-Time Lord. That’s right, Peter Capaldi is on the show to tell Simon all about Season 2 of his time-bending, psychological thriller show ‘The Devil’s Hour’. Mark reviews ‘Transformers One’, an animated sci-fi action film based on the Hasbro toy line, which explores the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cyberton

Oct 10, 2024 • 1:08:18

Your next podcast: Origins with Cush Jumbo, starring David Schwimmer

Your next podcast: Origins with Cush Jumbo, starring David Schwimmer

Mark and Simon think you'll love Origins with Cush Jumbo. In this podcast, Cush meets some of the stars of stage and screen, and so they're giving you a little taster of what you can expect to hear. Here's an exert from Cush's episode with David Schwimmer, a master of comedy, who we all feel we know insideout as Ross Geller. He appeared in 236 episodes of Friends, runs his own theatre company (for the last 36 years!), is a dad and also a great friend of Cush's. They discuss his early j

Oct 8, 2024 • 21:01

Joker: Folie à Deux – BETTER THAN JOKER?

Joker: Folie à Deux – BETTER THAN JOKER?

This week’s guests are Take fave Joaquin Phoenix and writer-director Todd Phillips, who tell Simon all about ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, their musical thriller follow-up to the 2019 smash hit ‘Joker’, which sees failed comedian Arthur Fleck meeting the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. Mark also gives his take on the film, as well as offering his thoughts on various new releases, including ‘Harder Than the Rock’, a documentary exploring the overloo

Oct 3, 2024 • 1:11:57

Megalopolis: "The Cinematic Equivalent of Toothache”

Megalopolis: "The Cinematic Equivalent of Toothache”

This week’s guests are Saoirse Ronan and Paapa Essiedu, who are on the show to tell Simon all about their addiction recovery drama ‘The Outrun’, which sees Ronan star as a young woman fresh out of rehab, as she returns home to the wild Orkney Islands after more than a decade away. The pair discuss everything from their characters’ chemistry to Stephen Graham’s influence on Ronan’s performance – and there’s even more in Take 2! Mark also weighs in on the film, as well as giving his take

Sep 26, 2024 • 1:11:46

A big announcement - set your calendars

A big announcement - set your calendars

We're excited to announce the xmas show, click here for an exclusive chance to secure your tickets: www.fane.co.uk/kermode-and-mayo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 20, 2024 • 2:49

The Substance: “Everything Cranked Up To Eleven-ty and Then Some”

The Substance: “Everything Cranked Up To Eleven-ty and Then Some”

This week’s guest is Kathryn Hahn, who talks to Simon about her starring role in ‘WandaVision’ spinoff ‘Agatha All Along’, a dark comedy superhero miniseries, which follows witch Agatha Harkness, as she recruits some unlikely allies on her quest to regain her former powers. Mark gives his thoughts on the show, as well as reviewing various new releases: ‘The Goldman Case’, a French-language courtroom drama based on the real-life trial of left-wing revolutionary Pierre Goldman, who was ac

Sep 19, 2024 • 1:14:22

Do you have a critical inner voice? Ben and Nemone explain why. Also, forgotten actors who are enjoying a renaissance and your questions answered - SHRINK THE INBOX

Do you have a critical inner voice? Ben and Nemone explain why. Also, forgotten actors who are enjoying a renaissance and your questions answered - SHRINK THE INBOX

For the last episode of this season, team STB gets real with those pesky inner monologues (as promised in the Carrie: Sex and the City episode). Plus, what's the connection between 80s comedy-thriller Lovejoy and The Matrix? We explore actors who have come back from obscurity with aplomb.   We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkth

Sep 17, 2024 • 51:18

Mark’s Thoughts on a New Film About a Pompous Critic + Sir Ian McKellen

Mark’s Thoughts on a New Film About a Pompous Critic + Sir Ian McKellen

This week’s guest is the one and only Sir Ian McKellen, who is on the show to very eloquently tell Simon all about his starring role in ‘The Critic’, a period thriller in which a powerful – and pompous – London theatre critic lures a struggling actress into a blackmail scheme that has deadly consequences. Mark also weighs in on the film, as well as reviewing ‘Lee’, a Kate Winslet-starring biopic of photographer Elizabeth ‘Lee’ Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspo

Sep 12, 2024 • 1:09:24

CARRIE BRADSHAW – How to fight the patriarchy and stop obsessing over relationships – SHRINK THE BOX

CARRIE BRADSHAW – How to fight the patriarchy and stop obsessing over relationships – SHRINK THE BOX

In our final character episode of this season, we put Carrie from Sex and the City on the couch. Nemone looks at why Sex and the City hasn’t aged well, and Ben talks about diversity in the privileged, white world of the show. We get into Carrie’s shopping habit, low self-esteem, and why everyone in the show is SO obsessed with relationships, even though the women really have no need for them. We also get a primer on the Bechdel test, and how you can tell if a show is sexist without know

Sep 10, 2024 • 51:57

What is the best Meryl Streep film of all time?

What is the best Meryl Streep film of all time?

We have a fantastic selection of new releases and nostalgia for you this week. First of all, we look at Meryl Streep’s best films and put it to you to pick one. The final result was almost too tight to call - around 52/48%, if that number sounds terribly familiar... We also look at brand new releases Starve Acre and Robot Dreams, as well as looking forward to next week, when we’ll review Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Of course we didn’t forget! Starve Acre is a chilling tale of British folk

Sep 5, 2024 • 51:21

JACKSON LAMB in SLOW HORSES: Do spies make the best therapists? – SHRINK THE BOX

JACKSON LAMB in SLOW HORSES: Do spies make the best therapists? – SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone put Jackson Lamb from Slow Horses on the couch. Gary Oldman’s version of Mick Herron’s character has become household name, and you can see why. A man with many layers, a million secrets, and a lightning rod for other’s emotions – perhaps he is the perfect Freudian analyst. Nemone gives us a crash course in transference and counter-transference, looks at why people mask and create false selves, and what drives people into a career where they hide their true selves from ev

Sep 3, 2024 • 49:55

Cine-world cup, 1984: the BEST film of the best year for cinema, evs

Cine-world cup, 1984: the BEST film of the best year for cinema, evs

This week we put all the heavyweights from cinema’s best year – 1984 – into the ring, and see who comes out victorious. Think Terminator, Dune, Stop Making Sense, Beverly Hills Cop – I mean, there’s nowhere near enough space to list them all. But who will win...? Mark also gives his take on the re-release of Amazing Spiderman 2, with future Oscar-winner Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield in the lead roles now. Mark explains why we’re getting so many of these films back in cinema, too, for t

Aug 29, 2024 • 57:27

CAPTAIN HOLT of BROOKLYN 99: Neurodiverse, gay and battling racism – SHRINK THE BOX

CAPTAIN HOLT of BROOKLYN 99: Neurodiverse, gay and battling racism – SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone put Raymond Holt on the couch. We look at how this trailblazing policeman (the first black, gay police captain in the force) stands out from the rest of the precinct. We learn how family dynamics inform behaviour and what it takes to be a great leader. Nemone looks at a diagnosis of ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome for the captain, and Ben gives a heartwarming tribute to the great actor who played him, André Braugher. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, wha

Aug 27, 2024 • 47:52

Is Zoe Kravitz Born to Direct?

Is Zoe Kravitz Born to Direct?

This week Mark is joined by another Take fave Ben Bailey Smith to talk all things cinema. Mark also gives his take on a swathe of new releases, including ‘Kneecap’, a comedy-drama based on true events that sees fate bring together a Belfast teacher and two self-confessed down-and-outs – the real musicians playing themselves – to form a hip-hop trio that rises to global fame; ‘Between the Temples’, which sees a cantor in a crisis of faith have his world turned upside town when his grade

Aug 22, 2024 • 54:55

SCHITT’S CREEK and Moira Rose: this is narcissism – SHRINK THE BOX

SCHITT’S CREEK and Moira Rose: this is narcissism – SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone put Moira Rose on the couch and take a deep dive into her narcissistic tendencies, and what effect that has on the rest of the Schitts. Nemone explains how narcissism is not as easy to spot as its widespread use would have you believe. We also discuss the collection of wigs that Moira keeps in her closet and why they are transitional objects. And if you’re interested in hearing more on narcissism, then check out our episode on Game of Thrones’ Cersei Lannister. We want to

Aug 20, 2024 • 50:09

Alien: Romulus – Mess or Masterpiece?

Alien: Romulus – Mess or Masterpiece?

This week we have an extra special treat, as Take fave Sanjeev Bhaskar joins Mark in the host’s seat to deliver a funny and insightful episode. Mark reviews various new releases, including ‘Only the River Flows’, a Chinese neo-noir crime thriller, which sees an ambitious police detective attempt to solve a series of murders from a disused cinema; ‘Swan Song’, an immersive documentary following The National Ballet of Canada as it mounts a legacy-defining new production of Swan Lake; and

Aug 15, 2024 • 59:39

Explaining addicts' behaviour, ‘trapped’ dramas (Handmaid’s Tale) and your questions - SHRINK THE INBOX

Explaining addicts' behaviour, ‘trapped’ dramas (Handmaid’s Tale) and your questions - SHRINK THE INBOX

If characters in ‘trapped’ dramas escape, is that the end of the show? Ben and Nemone explore The Handmaid’s Tale and Severance as examples. Plus, Ben reacts to a listener’s ‘constructive’ feedback and Nemone explores Polyvagal Theory to explain why we might react in the way we do from childhood trauma. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the sh

Aug 13, 2024 • 50:37

M NIGHT SHYAMALAN!! making his Take debut...

M NIGHT SHYAMALAN!! making his Take debut...

We have a VERY special guest this week. The legendary thrill-maker M Night Shyamalan comes on to talk all things Exorcist, family and his process behind his new release, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. This was a great chat, so there’s even more in our premium episode. Plus, we review Caligula’s re-issue and get into some more results from our World Cups of Tom Hanks and 1984. Meryl Streep to come next week... also a special guest appearance from The Redactor. We also review the cracking

Aug 9, 2024 • 1:07:01

THE WIRE’S Bubbles: How do you help an addict? – SHRINK THE BOX

THE WIRE’S Bubbles: How do you help an addict? – SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone discuss The Wire’s ‘Bubbles’ aka Reginald Collins. An informant and heroin user, a man with a fragile support network who finds himself stranded while trying to forge closer bonds with those around him. Nemone tells Ben how unconditional love is the hardest thing to give an addict, and the key to helping them start their journey to sobriety. Plus we hear wisdom from Gabor Maté. Our episode on the Queen’s Gambit has great insights into addiction if you’re looking for even

Aug 6, 2024 • 52:05

We Made Mark Kermode Watch Sex and the City 2 Again

We Made Mark Kermode Watch Sex and the City 2 Again

It’s a bumper week for reviews, with Mark giving his thoughts on a raft of releases, including ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’, Frank Cottrell-Boyce's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel about a young boy swept overboard and stranded on a desert island with a mysterious stranger; ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, the classic Japanese animation about two sisters who move to the country to be near their ailing mother only to find themselves in an adventure with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby; and

Aug 1, 2024 • 1:09:53

PEAKY BLINDERS’ Polly Shelby: the silent observer in all of us – SHRINK THE BOX

PEAKY BLINDERS’ Polly Shelby: the silent observer in all of us – SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone discuss Helen McCrory’s iconic Poly Shelby from Peaky Blinders. She’s a devout Catholic, but up to her neck in the murky world of bootlegging and murder. Nemone gets into the thorny question of how she might match those up, and reveals how each of us has a ‘silent observer’ inside. We also dive into the history of women’s rights in 1920s England. Look out for some killer lines from our Polly, too. If you like this, you’ll love our look at Cersei Lannister and how to lead violent m

Jul 30, 2024 • 49:26

Deadpool & Wolverine: Top or tiresome?

Deadpool & Wolverine: Top or tiresome?

This week’s guest is novelist and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who tells Simon all about ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’, his adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, which sees a boy become stranded on a desert island after being swept overboard during a storm on a sailing trip with his family. The conversation is so good that we’ve got more in Take 2! Mark will be reviewing the film next week.   The Good Doctor Kermode gives his thoughts on various new releases, including ‘The Echo’, a Mexic

Jul 26, 2024 • 1:05:22

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK’S “Taystee”: Adoption, Child States and Attachment Theory – SHRINK THE BOX

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK’S “Taystee”: Adoption, Child States and Attachment Theory – SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone discuss Tasha Jefferson, aka Taystee, from Orange is the New Black. We get fascinating insights into child states and how difficult they are to escape; attachment theory and why prison can be a better alternative to living in the outside world. Expect to laugh and cry while reliving one of the early bingeable series on Netflix. And if you’re interested in looking further into issues of adoption and racism, check out our episode on The Queen’s Gambit, from Season 1.    We

Jul 23, 2024 • 49:23

Does EVERYONE love Twisters… except Mark?

Does EVERYONE love Twisters… except Mark?

Another guestless week but that just means more musings, fun and general nonsense from your favourite Good Doctors. Mark gives his thoughts on various new releases, including ‘Blur: To The End’, a documentary depicting the comeback of the classic Britpop band; ‘Thelma’, a June Squibb-starring comedy about a 93-year-old who gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, prompting her to set out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her; ‘Chu

Jul 18, 2024 • 58:27

REESE WITHERSPOON and JENNIFER ANISTON’s Alex and Bradley tackle sexism and false selves on The Morning Show - SHRINK THE BOX

REESE WITHERSPOON and JENNIFER ANISTON’s Alex and Bradley tackle sexism and false selves on The Morning Show - SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone put Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon’s The Morning Show characters, Alex and Bradley, on the couch. We ask how a person creates a false self at work, what makes Bradley break the mould and find out how Alex could ever have respect for her male boss in the middle of a #MeToo scandal. Stay tuned for more on false selves in our upcoming episodes on Jackson Lamb and Polly Shelby too! We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the sho

Jul 16, 2024 • 48:15

 Fly Me to the Moon, Hundreds of Beavers, Longlegs & Despicable Me 4

Fly Me to the Moon, Hundreds of Beavers, Longlegs & Despicable Me 4

No guest this week, but that just means more from your favourite professional witterers – and a whole load of reviews! Mark gives his thoughts on various new releases including ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, a romantic comedy-drama starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, which sees sparks fly between a marketing executive and a NASA official as he makes preparations for the Apollo 11 moon landing; ‘Hundreds of Beavers’, a zany slapstick comedy in which a drunken applejack salesman must g

Jul 11, 2024 • 1:02:30

Addiction in “Euphoria”, Analysis vs. Therapy and Sir Salman Rushdie! - SHRINK THE INBOX

Addiction in “Euphoria”, Analysis vs. Therapy and Sir Salman Rushdie! - SHRINK THE INBOX

Ben and Nemone answer your questions and explore your suggestions. They talk about whether they have any friends who are spies and explore some brilliant female led comedies you've either missed or forgotten.     We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com    NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here   Mi

Jul 9, 2024 • 44:07

Ti West, Maxxxine, Blue Lock The Movie – Episode Nagi & Kill

Ti West, Maxxxine, Blue Lock The Movie – Episode Nagi & Kill

This week’s guest is director Ti West, who is on the show to tell Mark all about ‘Maxxxine’, the hotly-anticipated third instalment of his cult horror trilogy made in collaboration with its star Mia Goth, which sees the action taken to the adult film scene in seedy 1980s Hollywood. With Mark and Ti geeking out over all things horror, the chat is just too good to cut it down, so head to Take 2 for more! Mark also gives his thoughts on the film, as well as reviewing ‘Blue Lock The Movie –

Jul 4, 2024 • 1:03:02

TYRION LANNISTER knows how to play the Game...of Thrones SHRINK THE BOX

TYRION LANNISTER knows how to play the Game...of Thrones SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone put Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones on the couch. Tyrion doesn’t conform to society’s norms. How does he use that to his advantage? He’s booksmart, cunning and the most open-minded man in Westeros. This ‘half-man’ is, in fact, three times as impressive as any of his peers. We look into difference, diversity and skulduggery in this latest episode. Don’t miss it!  We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your

Jul 2, 2024 • 45:59

Jesse Plemons and Yorgos Lanthimos, Kinds of Kindness, A Quiet Place: Day One, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1

Jesse Plemons and Yorgos Lanthimos, Kinds of Kindness, A Quiet Place: Day One, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1

This week’s guests are the red-hot actor and director duo, Jesse Plemons and Yorgos Lanthimos. They’re on to talk about their film ‘Kinds of Kindness’, which is released on 28th June, among tons of other things. It’s one you won’t want to miss.  Mark also gives his take on the film, as well as reviewing ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1’. This is Kevin Costner’s epic Western drama, which shows people drawn to the new west during the Civil War (the original one, not the Alex Garland one).

Jun 27, 2024 • 1:04:13

SYDNEY from THE BEAR: when will she reach her boiling point? SHRINK THE BOX

SYDNEY from THE BEAR: when will she reach her boiling point? SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone put sous-chef Sydney Adamu from The Bear into therapy. She helps whip the team at the restaurant into shape, she’s nurturing but anxious and riddled with self-doubt, not to mention a person of colour with the highest of ambitions in a profession dominated by white men. Mouthwatering, no?    We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the

Jun 25, 2024 • 49:38

Asif Kapadia & Joe Sabia, Federer: Twelve Final Days, Green Border, The Exorcism & The Bikeriders

Asif Kapadia & Joe Sabia, Federer: Twelve Final Days, Green Border, The Exorcism & The Bikeriders

This week’s guests are documentarian Asif Kapadia and videographer Joe Sabia, the co-directors of ‘Federer: Twelve Final Days’, an intimate look at the tennis legend as he approaches his retirement.   Mark also gives his take on the film, as well as reviewing ‘Something in the Water’, a thriller which sees five girlfriends, reunited for a destination wedding, get stranded in open water, finding themselves in a fight for their lives against circling sharks and the elements; and ‘The Exorcism’, a

Jun 20, 2024 • 1:05:30

CHANDLER BING: could it BE any more complicated? SHRINK THE BOX

CHANDLER BING: could it BE any more complicated? SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone put Chandler from Friends on the famous Central Perk couch to talk about his phobia of commitment, his attachment patterns and how he feels about mum AND dad putting on a black dress and trying to seduce one of your best friends. Expect doses of sarcasm, celebrity cameos and Janice’s laughter peppered throughout. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (wh

Jun 18, 2024 • 50:06

Jeff Nichols, Freud’s Last Session, Arcadian & Inside Out 2

Jeff Nichols, Freud’s Last Session, Arcadian & Inside Out 2

This week’s guest is writer-director Jeff Nichols, who is on the show to tell Simon all about his long-awaited, star-studded crime drama ‘The Bikeriders’, which stars Simon’s fave Austin Butler, and tells a fictional story inspired by the 1967 photo-book of the same name, which depicts the  lives of the Outlaws MC, a motorcycle club founded in McCook, Illinois. Mark will give his thoughts on the film when it comes out next week. He also reviews ‘Freud’s Last Session’, an Anthony Hopkins

Jun 13, 2024 • 1:01:12

MICHAEL SCOTT invites you into The Office: SHRINK THE BOX

MICHAEL SCOTT invites you into The Office: SHRINK THE BOX

Ben and Nemone stroll into The Office (USA). They consider the differences between Michael Scott and David Brent, explore ego and ask why some people think they’re funny (when they’re just not). We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Chandler, Friends (sel

Jun 11, 2024 • 48:27

Richard Linklater, Hit Man, The Dead Don’t Hurt & Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Richard Linklater, Hit Man, The Dead Don’t Hurt & Bad Boys: Ride or Die

This week’s guest is one of America’s most beloved auteurs, and arguably the most laid-back director working today, Richard Linklater, who is on the show to tell Simon all about his latest black romantic comedy ‘Hit Man’, which sees a professor moonlighting as a hitman descend into dangerous, dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to a woman who enlists his services. Mark also gives his thoughts on the film, as well as reviewing ‘The Dead Don’t Hurt’, Viggo Mortensen’s direct

Jun 6, 2024 • 1:02:19

SHRINK THE INBOX

SHRINK THE INBOX

Ben and Nemone answer your questions and explore your suggestions. They talk about whether they have any friends who are spies and explore some brilliant female led comedies you've either missed or forgotten. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Michael, O

Jun 4, 2024 • 35:23

Benedict Cumberbatch, Eric, The Beast & Sting

Benedict Cumberbatch, Eric, The Beast & Sting

This week, Take fave Benedict Cumberbatch tells Simon all about his psychological miniseries ‘Eric’, which sees him play troubled puppeteer Vincent, who clings to his missing son’s drawings of a blue monster puppet named Eric, convinced that if he can get Eric on TV then his son will come home.   Mark also gives his take on the show, as well as reviewing ‘Sting’, which sees a 12-year-old's pet spider rapidly transform into a giant flesh-eating monster, forcing the young girl to fight fo

May 30, 2024 • 1:02:45

LARRY DAVID: Curb star who falls out with everyone in SHRINK THE BOX

LARRY DAVID: Curb star who falls out with everyone in SHRINK THE BOX

He’s grumpy, belligerent, stubborn, filterless and has to win every single argument. We ask how Larry David has any friends left and why he is so concerned with manners, yet is rude to virtually everyone he meets. Plus, Ben and Nemone look at why some people find Curb Your Enthusiasm excruciating whilst others just can’t get enough of the hit show.   We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please dro

May 28, 2024 • 49:21

George Miller, Furiosa, In Flames & The Garfield Movie

George Miller, Furiosa, In Flames & The Garfield Movie

This week, director George Miller sits down with Simon to chat all things ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’, the origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and team-up with Mad Max. Mark also gives his take on the film, as well as reviewing ‘In Flames’, a Pakastani-Canadian supernatural drama, which sees a mother and daughter’s precarious existence ripped apart after the death of the family patriarch. The big review of the week is ‘The Garfield Movie’, which sees Chris Patt voice th

May 23, 2024 • 1:03:32

TOMMY SHELBY: We Peek Behind the Blinders in SHRINK THE BOX

TOMMY SHELBY: We Peek Behind the Blinders in SHRINK THE BOX

Gang dynamics, whether you can escape a criminal heritage and the physiological cause and effect of PTSD. Plus, race rigging, opium smoking and casual violence - all in a day's work for The Peaky Blinders. Here’s the article Ben mentioned by his sister Zadie Smith: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1399593/My-father-the-accidental-hero.html We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop th

May 21, 2024 • 51:13

Vicky McClure, If, Two Tickets to Greece & Hoard

Vicky McClure, If, Two Tickets to Greece & Hoard

This week, Vicky McClure chats to Simon about her new limited series ‘Insomnia’, which sees a mother approaching her fortieth birthday forced to grapple with her traumatic past after she develops insomnia.   Mark gives his thoughts on various new releases, including ‘Two Tickets to Greece’, a French comedy-drama starring Laure Calamy (of ‘Call My Agent’ fame) which follows two childhood friends who cross paths after many years and finally decide to take their dream vacation to Greece; a

May 16, 2024 • 57:44

CERSEI LANNISTER’s Power Behind the Throne: SHRINK THE BOX

CERSEI LANNISTER’s Power Behind the Throne: SHRINK THE BOX

As Cersei says: ‘power is power’ and she’s got it in spades. We investigate how she becomes a master manipulator, and we take an honest objective look at her over-familiar relations with her brother Jaime.  We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here  Tommy Shelb

May 14, 2024 • 47:39

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and John Krasinski, Made in England, La Chimera & Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and John Krasinski, Made in England, La Chimera & Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

This week, Simon’s fave John Krasinski, along with Ms Fleabag herself, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, are on the show to discuss their new film ‘If’, which sees a 12-year-old girl who can see everyone’s imaginary friends, embark on a magical journey to reconnect the forgotten so-called IFs with the now-adult kids who dreamt them up. Mark will be reviewing the film next week. The good doctor Kermode gives his diagnosis on various new releases, including ‘Made in England’, a documentary in which l

May 10, 2024 • 1:02:04

FRASIER CRANE: Inside the mind of the Seattle psychiatrist on this week’s SHRINK THE BOX

FRASIER CRANE: Inside the mind of the Seattle psychiatrist on this week’s SHRINK THE BOX

Where does Frasier’s snobbery originate from? Why does he revert to his ‘child state’ when around his father? And... the hidden story behind Frasier being a Freudian analyst and Niles (his brother) being a Jungian analyst. Plus, Ben and Nemone’s minds are blown when they realise a crazy coincidence with Frasier and Tony Soprano. We want to hear from you!!! Please drop the team an email with your questions and theories (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS

May 7, 2024 • 51:02

Josh O’Connor, La Chimera, Love Lies Bleeding, The Idea of You & The Fall Guy

Josh O’Connor, La Chimera, Love Lies Bleeding, The Idea of You & The Fall Guy

This week, man of the moment Josh O’Connor is in the studio to chat to Simon about his leading role in ‘La Chimera’, Italian auteur Alice Rohrwacher’s period fantasy drama about a British archaeologist who becomes involved in an international network of stolen Etruscan artifacts during the 1980s. Mark gives his take on various new releases including ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, the latest offering from Kermode fave Rose Glass, which sees Kristen Stewart play a reclusive gym manager who falls for an am

May 3, 2024 • 1:07:33

Ordinary Angels, Boy Kills World, I.S.S., Challengers & The American Society of Magical Negroes

Ordinary Angels, Boy Kills World, I.S.S., Challengers & The American Society of Magical Negroes

This week there’s no guest, but lots more witterings from the good doctors to make up for it.   Mark gives his take on a swathe of new films, including ‘Ordinary Angels’, a Hilary Swank-starring emotional drama about a hairdresser who rallies an entire community to help a widowed father get his critically ill youngest daughter a liver transplant; ‘Boy Kills World’, an action thriller about a martial arts expert who goes on a campaign of vengeance after he is rendered deaf-mute by an at

Apr 26, 2024 • 1:02:44

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: Highlights and Lowlights so far this year

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: Highlights and Lowlights so far this year

This week Simon and Mark are away so instead we have a clip episode for your viewing pleasure featuring interviews with the likes of Ramy Youssef and Emma Stone, Denis Villeneuve and Hans Zimmer; and reviews of everything from ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ to Madame Web. Enjoy listening to some of the best The Take has had to offer these past few months! Timecodes (relevant only for the Vanguard - who are also ad-free!): 2:08 The Holdovers (Alexander Payne, Universal) 4:57  Scala!!! (Jane

Apr 19, 2024 • 1:04:08

Kirsten Dunst & Alex Garland, Civil War, The Teachers’ Lounge, The First Omen & Back to Black

Kirsten Dunst & Alex Garland, Civil War, The Teachers’ Lounge, The First Omen & Back to Black

This week, Kirsten Dunst and Alex Garland sit down to chat with Simon about their new film ‘Civil War’, which sees Dunst star as a photojournalist travelling with her team across a dystopian United States, engulfed by a second civil war, in a bid to interview and photograph the president. Mark also gives his take on the film, as well as reviewing ‘The Teachers’ Lounge’, a drama in which a teacher decides to step in when one of her students is suspected of theft, finding herself caught between h

Apr 12, 2024 • 1:01:09

Dev Patel, Monkey Man, Evil Does Not Exist, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire & Seize Them!

Dev Patel, Monkey Man, Evil Does Not Exist, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire & Seize Them!

This week, the lovely Dev Patel is on the show to chat all things ‘Monkey Man’, his (co) writing and directorial debut, which sees a young man hunt down the group of corrupt leaders responsible for his mother’s death. Mark also gives his thoughts on the film, as well as reviewing ‘Evil Does Not Exist’, an enigmatic eco-parable, which sees a Tokyo company buy up land near a pristine lake in a bid to turn it into a glamping site; and ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’, a Rebecca Hall-starring foll

Apr 5, 2024 • 58:58

Ewan McGregor, A Gentleman in Moscow, Mothers’ Instinct & Silver Haze

Ewan McGregor, A Gentleman in Moscow, Mothers’ Instinct & Silver Haze

This week, Obi Wan Kenobi himself, aka Ewan McGregor, sits down with Simon to discuss his new miniseries ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’, which sees a Russian aristocrat spared from death and placed under house arrest while the Bolshevik Revolution plays out before him. Mark also gives his take on the series, as well as reviewing ‘Mothers’ Instinct’, a Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway-starring thriller about a pair of rich suburban housewives, whose sisterly bond is unraveled after a tragic a

Mar 29, 2024 • 1:01:53

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Immaculate & Late Night with the Devil

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Immaculate & Late Night with the Devil

No interview this week, but even more witterings from your favourite duo for your trouble. Mark gives his thoughts on new releases, including ‘Late Night with the Devil’, a found footage horror, which sees a 1977 live television broadcast go horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms; ‘Immaculate’, a Sydney Sweeney-starring horror about an American nun who heads to a convent in Italy only to discover that her new home harbours a sinister secret; and ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Emp

Mar 22, 2024 • 1:09:02

Cate Blanchett, The New Boy, Monster & Drive Away Dolls

Cate Blanchett, The New Boy, Monster & Drive Away Dolls

This week, the one and only Cate Blanchett joins Mark and Simon for a chat about her drama ‘The New Boy’, which follows a young Aboriginal Australia orphan, who is brought into a Christian monastery, run by a renegade nun, begin to question his faith and loyalty to his heritage. Mark gives his take on the film, as well as reviewing ‘Monster’, a Japanese psychological mystery thriller about a mother who confronts a teacher after noticing disturbing changes in her son’s behaviour; and ‘Dr

Mar 15, 2024 • 1:18:19

Ava DuVernay, Origin, The Inventor & High and Low – John Galliano

Ava DuVernay, Origin, The Inventor & High and Low – John Galliano

This week, acclaimed director Ava DuVernay chats to Simon and Mark about ‘Origin’, her new biographical drama based on the life of the author Isabel Wilkerson who wrote the seminal book ‘Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents’, while coping with personal tragedy. Mark also offers his thoughts on the film, as well as reviewing ‘The Inventor’, a Stephen Fry-starring animation, which imagines Leonardo da Vinci, as he leaves Italy to join the French court, where he can experiment, study and

Mar 8, 2024 • 1:20:52

Oscars 2024 Best Picture Special

Oscars 2024 Best Picture Special

With the 2024 Academy Awards taking place on Sunday, the most trusted voices in film Mark and Simon are here to guide you through the 10 films in the running for Best Picture.   Featuring highlights from interviews with directors Greta Gerwig, Celine Song and Jonathan Glazer, and actors Cillian Murphy (an exclusive unheard part of his chat with the pair), Emma Stone, and Jeffrey Wright. Plus Mark’s thoughts on all of the films involved.   Timecodes for the Vanguard:   02:36 Cillian Murp

Mar 4, 2024 • 1:09:56

Denis Villeneuve & Hans Zimmer, Dune: Part Two, Four Daughters & Lisa Frankenstein

Denis Villeneuve & Hans Zimmer, Dune: Part Two, Four Daughters & Lisa Frankenstein

This week, acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve and renowned composer Hans Zimmer join Simon for a chat about their hotly-anticipated project, ‘Dune: Part Two’ - the next chapter in their adaptation of Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi saga.  Mark also gives his take on the film, as well as reviewing ‘Four Daughters’, Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated documentary, which mixes fact and fiction to tell the story of Olfa Hamrouni, a Tunisian woman whose two eldest daughters were radicalized by Is

Mar 1, 2024 • 1:19:11

Jonathan Glazer, Perfect Days, Madame Web, Shoshana & Wicked Little Letters

Jonathan Glazer, Perfect Days, Madame Web, Shoshana & Wicked Little Letters

This week, director Jonathan Glazer talks to Simon about his Bafta award-winning and Oscar-nominated historical drama ‘The Zone of Interest, which follows the commandant of Auschwitz and his wife, as they strive to build a dream life for their family in a house next to the camp. Meanwhile, Mark gives his take on an array of new releases, including ‘Perfect Days’, Wim Wenders’ latest offering, which follows a toilet cleaner in Tokyo, who finds joy in the mundane, but beautiful, details of everyd

Feb 23, 2024 • 1:20:59

Michael Winterbottom, Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son, Bob Marley: One Love & The Taste of Things

Michael Winterbottom, Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son, Bob Marley: One Love & The Taste of Things

Happy Valentine’s! Sit back and enjoy our latest episode – a gift to all film lovers. This week, director Michael Winterbottom talks to Simon about his new biographical thriller ‘Shoshana’, which follows the tragic real life love story between Shoshana Borochov and Tom Wilkin, set against the British Mandate in Palestine. Mark will be reviewing ‘Shoshana’ next week, but, in the meantime, gives his take on various other new releases, including ‘Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son’, a documentary i

Feb 16, 2024 • 1:19:01

Steve McQueen and Bianca Stigter, Occupied City, Your Fat Friend & The Iron Claw

Steve McQueen and Bianca Stigter, Occupied City, Your Fat Friend & The Iron Claw

This week, Steve McQueen and his wife, historian, filmmaker and producer Bianca Stigter, are in the studio to chat with Simon about ‘Occupied City’, their four-hour documentary about the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam from 1940-45, which is based on Stigter’s book on the subject. Mark gives his thoughts on the film, along with reviewing ‘Your Fat Friend’, a documentary that charts the rise of writer and activist Aubrey Gordon from anonymous blogger to NYTimes best-selling author and podcaster, wh

Feb 9, 2024 • 1:19:03

Jeffrey Wright, Cillian Murphy, American Fiction, Oppenheimer Revisited, The Zone of Interest in & Argylle

Jeffrey Wright, Cillian Murphy, American Fiction, Oppenheimer Revisited, The Zone of Interest in & Argylle

It’s a bumper week for (lauded) guests! Simon chats to Jeffrey Wright about his Oscar-nominated role in ‘American Fiction’, which tells the story of a Black novelist, frustrated with the establishment that profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes, who uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, only to find himself at the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain; and both Simon and Mark talk to Cillian Murphy about his Oscar-nomi

Feb 2, 2024 • 1:21:32

Andrew Haigh, All Of Us Strangers, Baghead & The Color Purple

Andrew Haigh, All Of Us Strangers, Baghead & The Color Purple

This week, Simon sits down for a thoughtful and moving chat with director Andrew Haigh about his new Bafta-nominated drama ‘All of Us Strangers’, which sees Andrew Scott play a lonely screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home, where his parents appear to be living, just as they were on the day they died 30 years ago. Mark also gives his take on the film, as well reviewing ‘Baghead’, a horror in which a young woman discovers the pub she’s inherited is home to a 400-year-old she-devil; and ‘T

Jan 26, 2024 • 1:16:21

The Art of Failing Gracefully: How to Fail with Elizabeth Day

The Art of Failing Gracefully: How to Fail with Elizabeth Day

...

Jan 24, 2024 • 3:43

Daniel Kaluuya, The Kitchen, The End Where We Start From & The Holdovers

Daniel Kaluuya, The Kitchen, The End Where We Start From & The Holdovers

This week, the one and only Daniel Kaluuya is in the studio and ready to chat with Mark and Simon about his dystopian directorial debut – co-directed with his longtime friend and collaborator Kibwe Tavares - ‘The Kitchen’, which sees a funeral-service worker looking for a way out of the chaotic housing block of the title.   Mark also offers up his critical perspective on the film, as well as reviewing ‘The End Where We Start From’, a Jodie Comer-starring drama about a woman trying to fi

Jan 19, 2024 • 1:19:23

Emma Stone and Ramy Youssef, Poor Things, The Disappearance of Shere Hite & The Boys in the Boat

Emma Stone and Ramy Youssef, Poor Things, The Disappearance of Shere Hite & The Boys in the Boat

OK, now we are really back! Mark and Simon are firmly back in their seats and ready to shepherd you through a new year in cinema. This week, Simon sits down with Emma Stone and Ramy Youssef to discuss their roles in Yorgos Lanthimos’ wild new science fantasy black comedy ‘Poor Things’, which tells the story of a young woman in Victorian London, who, after being crudely resurrected by a scientist following her suicide, runs off with a debauched lawyer to embark on an odyssey of self-disc

Jan 12, 2024 • 1:18:40

James Hawes, One Life, Night Swim & Good Grief

James Hawes, One Life, Night Swim & Good Grief

We’re back! Well kind of. This week, Robbie Collin and Rhianna Dhillon are filling in for Mark and Simon, who are still recovering from their completely raucous New Year celebrations. Rhianna chats to director James Hawes about his new war drama ‘One Life’, which sees both Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn star as humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who is known for his role in rescuing Jewish children during the Holocaust. Robbie gives his take on the film, as well as reviewing ‘Night Swim’, a horro

Jan 5, 2024 • 1:15:45

Raging Grace, Priscilla & Scala!!!, BEST and WORST films of 2023

Raging Grace, Priscilla & Scala!!!, BEST and WORST films of 2023

This week sees Mark review ‘Raging Grace’, a social issue drama-come-gothic horror about a Filipino single mother working in a sinister British family mansion; ‘Priscilla’, Sofia Coppola’s adaptation of Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir about her complicated relationship with music icon Elvis Presley; and ‘Scala!!!’, a documentary telling the riotous story of the famed London cinema, which inspired a generation during Britain’s turbulent Thatcher years. Plus, Mark talks us through his best and wo

Dec 29, 2023 • 1:00:59

Zack Snyder, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, The Boy and the Heron & Ferrari

Zack Snyder, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, The Boy and the Heron & Ferrari

It’s Christmas! This week, Simon chats to Zack Snyder about his new space opera ‘Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire’, which sees an ex-soldier search for allies to help defend her home when it is threatened by the cruel ruling Imperium. Mark gives his take on the film, as well as reviewing ‘The Boy and the Heron’, the long-awaited and apparently final film from legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, which follows a 12-year-old boy, who, after speaking to a talking heron, journeys into another

Dec 22, 2023 • 1:21:58

Taika Waititi and Jaiyah Saelua, Next Goal Wins, What Happens Later, The Three Musketeers: Milady & Godzilla Minus One

Taika Waititi and Jaiyah Saelua, Next Goal Wins, What Happens Later, The Three Musketeers: Milady & Godzilla Minus One

This week sees Mark and Simon chat to director, writer and producer Taika Waititi and American Samoan footballer Jaiyah Saelua about ‘Next Goal Wins’, a sports comedy-drama based on the documentary of the same name, which chronicles the national team of American Samoa as they try to recover from the indignity of the worst loss in international football history and attempt to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Mark also offers up his thoughts on the film, along with reviewing ‘What Happens Lat

Dec 15, 2023 • 1:15:34

Paul King & Simon Farnaby, Wonka, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain & Leave the World Behind

Paul King & Simon Farnaby, Wonka, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain & Leave the World Behind

Simon sits down with director and screenwriter Paul King and screenwriter Simon Farnaby to discuss their new Timothée Chalamet-starring Christmas blockbuster, ‘Wonka’, which is a prequel to the Roald Dahl children’s classic ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. Mark gives his take on the film, along with reviewing ‘Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain’, the Saturday Night Live trio’s first comedy feature about a three childhood friends who realise they don’t like their life traje

Dec 8, 2023 • 1:22:47

George Mackay, Femme, Jason Isaacs, Archie & Eileen

George Mackay, Femme, Jason Isaacs, Archie & Eileen

It’s another bumper week for guests: Simon and Mark chat to their fave “gorgeous George” Mackay about his new psychosexual noir ‘Femme’, which sees a man who is targeted in a horrific homophobic attack seek revenge on one of his attackers, played by Mackay. They also say hello to Jason Isaacs, who is here in the studio to chew the fat and discuss his turn as Hollywood legend Cary Grant in the ITV miniseries ‘Archie’. Mark gives his thoughts on both, along with reviewing ‘Eileen’, an ada

Dec 1, 2023 • 1:24:02

Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby, Jodie Whittaker, Napoleon, One Night & The Eternal Daughter

Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby, Jodie Whittaker, Napoleon, One Night & The Eternal Daughter

Strap in for a bumper week of interviews: Simon sits down for an entertaining chat with Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby to discuss their turns in Ridley Scott’s new epic, ‘Napoleon’, which looks at the military commander’s origins and ruthless climb to emperor through the prism of his volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine; and both Simon and Mark talk to Jodie Whittaker about her new Australian-set series ‘One Night’, which follows three friends whose friendship was

Nov 24, 2023 • 1:27:29

Todd Haynes, May December, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, The Marvels & Saltburn

Todd Haynes, May December, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, The Marvels & Saltburn

Simon meets director Todd Haynes to discuss his thorny, new offering ‘May December’, which stars the powerhouse duo of Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, and tells the story of a seemingly perfect married couple’s marriage buckling under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their notorious tabloid romance twenty years prior. Mark also weighs in on the film, along with giving his thoughts on ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’, the latest insta

Nov 17, 2023 • 1:22:24

Emerald Fennell, The Automat, Anatomy Of A Fall & Dream Scenario

Emerald Fennell, The Automat, Anatomy Of A Fall & Dream Scenario

Simon sits down with actor-writer-director Emerald Fennell to discuss her new, star-studded, class-skewering, psychological thriller ‘Saltburn’, which sees an Oxford scholarship student drawn into the world of a charming aristocrat when he invites him to his family’s sprawling country estate.   Mark reviews ‘The Automat’, a Mel Brooks-fronted documentary centered on the vending machine popularised in the 20th Century that offered fresh cooked meals in a commissary-style eatery; ‘Anatomy

Nov 10, 2023 • 1:21:41

Gabriel Byrne, Dance First, How To Have Sex, Bottoms & The Killer

Gabriel Byrne, Dance First, How To Have Sex, Bottoms & The Killer

This week, Simon sits down with the brilliant and always-interesting Gabriel Byrne for a philosophical chat about his turn as the legendary Irish playwright Samuel Beckett in ‘Dance First’, James Marsh’s experimental biographical drama. Their conversation is so good, there’s more of it in Take 2! Mark also gives his thoughts on the film, as well as reviewing ‘How To Have Sex’, cinematographer-turned director Molly Manning Walker's Cannes-winning feature debut about  a group of teen girls’ rite-

Nov 3, 2023 • 1:20:21

Thelma Schoonmaker, Peeping Tom, Typist Artist Pirate King, Cat Person & Five Nights at Freddy’s

Thelma Schoonmaker, Peeping Tom, Typist Artist Pirate King, Cat Person & Five Nights at Freddy’s

This week, certified film royalty is in the studio! Mark and Simon sit down with Martin Scorsese’s legendary film editor, Thelma Schoonmaker, who is here to discuss restoring her late husband director Michael Powell’s equally legendary body of work as part of the iconic filmmaking duo Powell and Pressburger. She also talks about her own work with Scorsese. A must listen! Mark reviews the restoration of the Powell and Pressburger classic ‘Peeping Tom’, a psychological horror about a filmmaker wh

Oct 27, 2023 • 1:20:44

Listen Now: Ghost Story

Listen Now: Ghost Story

Tristan Redman is a journalist who doesn’t believe in ghosts. But weird things happened in his teenage bedroom – weirder than normal. When, years later, he discovers subsequent occupants of his family home were haunted by the ghost of a faceless woman, he’s curious. Because by a strange coincidence, it just so happens that the house Tristan grew up in is right next door to a murder scene - where his wife’s great grandmother was killed by two gunshots to the face. Could there be a connection? Tri

Oct 23, 2023 • 10:04

Errol Morris, The Pigeon Tunnel, Foe & Killers of the Flower Moon

Errol Morris, The Pigeon Tunnel, Foe & Killers of the Flower Moon

Simon may be back in the studio, but this week Mark steps into the interviewer’s chair. He sits down with legendary documentarian Errol Morris to discuss his new film about the storied life and career of the equally legendary spy novelist, John le Carré. Mark also gives his take on ‘Foe’, a psychological sci-fi starring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal as a married couple conscripted into an off-planet settlement program; and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, Martin Scorsese’s epic Western crime drama

Oct 20, 2023 • 1:18:16

Laura Linney, The Miracle Club, Blackberry, Silver Dollar Road & The Fall of the House of Usher

Laura Linney, The Miracle Club, Blackberry, Silver Dollar Road & The Fall of the House of Usher

This week, Mark hosts the show alongside Take fave Ben Bailey-Smith. Ben sits down with one of Hollywood’s finest actresses Laura Linney to discuss her sentimental comedy-drama ‘The Miracle Club’, which follows a group of Dublin women in 1960’s Ireland as they embark on a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Lourdes. Mark offers his own thoughts on the film, while also giving his take on ‘Blackberry’, a Glenn Howerton-starring biographical drama about the rise and fall of the world’s first smartpho

Oct 13, 2023 • 1:20:10

Gareth Edwards, The Exorcist: Believer, The Burial, The Great Escaper

Gareth Edwards, The Exorcist: Believer, The Burial, The Great Escaper

This week, Simon sits down with director Gareth Edwards to talk about his new AI-centred sci-fi action thriller epic, ‘The Creator’. Mark reviewed this last week. Other films Mark gives his takes on include ‘The Exorcist: Believer’, the sixth instalment of the horror franchise, which sees Hollywood icon Ellen Burstyn reprise her role from the original film; ‘The Burial’, a Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones-helmed legal drama about a lawyer who helps a funeral home-owner save his family business fr

Oct 6, 2023 • 1:16:05

Craig Gillespie, Dumb Money, The Creator & Saw X

Craig Gillespie, Dumb Money, The Creator & Saw X

This week’s episode sees Simon interview director Craig Gillespie, to discuss his film 'Dumb Money’, which is based on the true story of everyday people who flipped the script on Wall Street and got rich by turning GameStop(!) into the world's hottest company. Mark reviewed this in full last week. Other films Mark reviews include ‘The Creator’ - set against the backdrop of a war between humans and robots with AI, a former soldier finds a secret weapon, which turns out to be a robot in the form

Sep 29, 2023 • 1:21:42

Introducing… Out To Lunch Season 9 – NEW HOST ALERT

Introducing… Out To Lunch Season 9 – NEW HOST ALERT

The smash-hit interview podcast Out To Lunch is out now, with a sparkly new host on dining duty: the much loved British actor, comedian and writer Ade Edmondson. Ade takes guests such as Chrissie Hynde, Reece Shearsmith, Tony Visconti, Daisy Haggard and Ed Byrne to a top restaurant whilst you get to hear the witty and wonderous conversation. It’s like you’re sat at the table next to us. After breaking into the comedy circuit in the 1980s, Edmondson starred in countless British films and TV sho

Sep 22, 2023 • 3:15

Alice Troughton, The Lesson, Dumb Money & Expend4bles

Alice Troughton, The Lesson, Dumb Money & Expend4bles

More Mark, more Simon, more mindless natter – and some movie reviews for good measure! This week’s episode sees Simon sit down with director and Take diehard Alice Troughton, who’s in the studio to discuss her film debut ‘The Lesson’, a mystery-thriller about an aspiring young writer who accepts a tutoring position at the estate of his literary idol only to become ensnared in a web of family secrets. Mark also offers his thoughts on the film, along with reviewing ‘Dumb Money’, Craig Gil

Sep 22, 2023 • 1:18:19

Timothy Spall, Bolan's Shoes, A Haunting in Venice & Brother

Timothy Spall, Bolan's Shoes, A Haunting in Venice & Brother

Don’t worry, Mark and Simon are back for good! This week’s episode sees Simon sit down with the humble and delightful Timothy Spall, who is in the studio to discuss his new film ‘Bolan’s Shoes’, a melodrama about the enduring legacy of childhood trauma and the deep bonds of sibling love set to the music of the film’s namesake, T-Rex's Mark Bolan. Our own iconic Mark also offers his thoughts on the film, along with reviewing ‘A Haunting in Venice’, Kenneth Brannagh’s stab at a Poirot mur

Sep 15, 2023 • 1:18:28

Celine Song, Past Lives, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 & The Nun 2

Celine Song, Past Lives, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 & The Nun 2

Mark and Simon are finally back on land, having abandoned their canalboat somewhere near Slough, and, more importantly, Celine Song is in the studio to discuss her soulful debut feature ‘Past Lives’. The film is her directorial debut, and sees two deeply connected childhood friends reunited for one fateful week as they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life. Plus, Mark reviews two new sequels, ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’, the Portokalos gang’s latest outing directed by

Sep 8, 2023 • 1:23:39

Ira Sachs, Passages, Antoine Fuqua, The Equalizer 3 & Sound of Freedom

Ira Sachs, Passages, Antoine Fuqua, The Equalizer 3 & Sound of Freedom

With Mark and Simon still having the time of their lives at sea, Anna Bogutskaya and Rhianna Dhillon are back to warm their seats with some sizzling, cinematic takes. Say a prayer to the cinematic powers that be because this week is a bumper week for interviews. Rhianna sits down with not one but two - yes two! - brilliant directors, Antoine Fuqua and Ira Sachs, to talk about their respective new films, ‘The Equalizer 3’, the final outing for Denzel Washington’s violent vigilante Robert McCall,

Sep 1, 2023 • 1:20:57

Louis Garrel, Scrapper, The Innocent, Theater Camp

Louis Garrel, Scrapper, The Innocent, Theater Camp

With Mark deciding he simply hasn’t had enough of the UK’s waterways and heading back out to join Simon, Robbie Collin and James King are stepping in to co-captain The Take podcasting vessel.   James sits down with the funny and philosophical French writer, director and actor, Louis Garrel, to discuss his latest film ‘The Innocent’, a comedy-heist-come-family-farce that’s far more personal than you’d first think.    Robbie reviews ‘Scrapper’, a sunny, imaginative kitchen-sink drama starring Ha

Aug 25, 2023 • 1:21:45

Harris Dickinson, Strays, Lie With Me & Blue Beetle

Harris Dickinson, Strays, Lie With Me & Blue Beetle

This week sees Mark holding down the fort with fellow professional film watcher Robbie Collin.   In a special twist, both Mark and Robbie sit down for a brilliant conversation with British-acting-legend-in-the-making Harris Dickinson to discuss his sunny, new, kitchen-sink drama, ‘Scrapper’.  They also debate the merits of ‘Strays’, an R-rated comedy featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher and Will Ferrell, who play a motley crew of stray dogs, who team up to get revenge on on

Aug 18, 2023 • 1:19:06

Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Jim Parsons, Spoiler Alert, & Dinner's on Me

Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Jim Parsons, Spoiler Alert, & Dinner's on Me

On his podcast, Dinner’s on Me, Jesse Tyler Ferguson is joined every Tuesday with big-name friends—like Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, Jim Parsons, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kristen Bell, Sara Bareilles and more—for a delicious meal and candid conversation that can only happen over a glass of wine. In this episode preview with “The Big Bang Theory” star and longtime friend, Jim Parsons, they discuss being openly gay in Hollywood, why “Spoiler Alert” is such a special film, and how he channeled his own e

Aug 14, 2023 • 9:11

Neill Blomkamp, Gran Turismo, Haunted Mansion & Meg 2: The Trench

Neill Blomkamp, Gran Turismo, Haunted Mansion & Meg 2: The Trench

With Simon still chugging along on the UK’s glorious waterways, beloved actor and Take fave Sanjeev Bhaskar steps in to chat nonsense – ahem, review films - with Mark. Sanjeev speaks with director Neill Blomkamp about his new stranger-than-fiction biographical sports drama ‘Gran Turismo’, covering everything from Blomkamp’s motivations for making the film to the challenges of shooting in a moving race car - or as the directors puts it, a “motion sickness, nausea machine”. Mark offers his thoug

Aug 11, 2023 • 1:22:29

SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox

SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox

BBC’s ‘Ghosts’ - we explore them further. We also ask if Homer Simpson is abusive and we answer your questions in this special bonus edition. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/shrink Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! We'd love to hear your comments and guest suggestions on the show. Email: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypod

Aug 8, 2023 • 26:55

Nicole Holofcener, Heartstopper S2, You Hurt My Feelings & Joy Ride

Nicole Holofcener, Heartstopper S2, You Hurt My Feelings & Joy Ride

With Mark and Simon on their rip-roaring canal cruise, this week’s episode sees favorites Rhianna Dhillon and Anna Bogutskaya take the helm of the good Take ship. Rhianna speaks to writer and director Nicole Holofcener about her new film ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ - her view on drafting the script and how she takes feedback... Rhianna and Anna also review ‘Heartstopper’ Season 2, a Netflix series about two teens Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) who are in the midst of navigating sc

Aug 4, 2023 • 1:21:47

SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox

SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox

Ben’s close encounter with an obsessive fan. Plus we ask why writers create good-looking psychopaths and we explore your character suggestions in this special bonus edition. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/shrink Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsal

Aug 1, 2023 • 30:53

Ben Whitehair, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, The Beanie Bubble & Talk To Me

Ben Whitehair, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, The Beanie Bubble & Talk To Me

With Mark and Simon setting off on their rip-roaring canal cruise, this week’s episode sees favourites Rhianna Dhillon and Anna Bogutskaya take the helm of the good ship Take. Rhianna chats to SAG Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair to find out more about the strikes, including what actors are fighting for and the wider implications for the industry. Anna reviews ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’, the star-studded, Seth Rogen co-penned, computer-animated superhero outing, which

Jul 28, 2023 • 1:20:44

SHRINK THE BOX: The Bear - Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto

SHRINK THE BOX: The Bear - Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto

As Season 2 hits our screens, we reflect on the recipe that had everyone crying into their dinner, how Carmy and Ritchie approach grief differently and how advice from a Vietnamese Buddist Monk can be applied to a professional kitchen. The Bear is available to watch on Disney Plus. As ever, adult issues, language and spoilers will be sprinkled liberally throughout the show. If you want to catch the BBC show that Ben is in (as mentioned): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0fvlpf9/t

Jul 25, 2023 • 52:28

Greta Gerwig, Oppenheimer, Barbie & The Bear

Greta Gerwig, Oppenheimer, Barbie & The Bear

The humanity in growing old. Mattel's uncomfortable history. The undeniability of Ryan Gosling. This week’s episode sees Simon discuss all things ‘Barbie’, already one of the hottest – and pinkest – films of the year, with its wonderfully thoughtful co-writer and director Greta Gerwig. And if that’s not enough, Mark reviews the other big-hitter of the summer, ‘Oppenheimer’, Christopher Nolan’s epic biographical thriller about the scientist who developed the atomic bomb; and the second s

Jul 21, 2023 • 1:22:10

SHRINK THE BOX: Sex Education - Otis, Eric and Adam

SHRINK THE BOX: Sex Education - Otis, Eric and Adam

You’d think someone with two therapist parents would be golden. Why Otis is scared of sex. Plus what’s worse, having a parent who is strict or a smotherer? We look at what it’s like for the rest of the boys such as Eric, Adam and Jackson in the second of this two-parter on the hugely popular Netflix show. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www

Jul 18, 2023 • 49:26

Simon Pegg, Medusa, Squaring the Circle & While We Watched

Simon Pegg, Medusa, Squaring the Circle & While We Watched

The terror of wondering whether Tom Cruise has died. Writing the rulebook for shooting in a pandemic. The artistic mediocrity of AI. Even more Tom Cruise! This week’s episode sees Simon sit down for a chat with another iconic Simon, the brilliant Simon Pegg, who has once again strapped on his harness to join the Mission Impossible crew for its seventh stunt-filled, death-defying outing. Mark reviews ‘Medusa’, a drama about a young woman who leads a vigilante girl gang enforcing Christian standa

Jul 14, 2023 • 1:21:25

SHRINK THE BOX: Sex Education - Maeve Wiley

SHRINK THE BOX: Sex Education - Maeve Wiley

What it’s like being called a ‘cock-biter’ - how Maeve is misunderstood and underestimated. Plus revenge porn, toxic friendships and fears or fascination around sex. In this two parter: we look at the girls first and what they face growing up in this hugely popular Netflix show. We'd love to hear your comments and guest suggestions on the show. Email: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 sama

Jul 11, 2023 • 48:09

Peter Sohn, Elemental, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One & Name Me Lawand

Peter Sohn, Elemental, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One & Name Me Lawand

An emotional interview with Pixar director and voice over, Peter Sohn, about his latest film ‘Elemental’. During the interview Peter opens up to Simon about why this film is particularly close to his heart. Mark reviews the seventh film in the Mission Impossible franchise, ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell and Rebecca Ferguson, plus a new heartfelt documentary ‘Name Me Lawand’, which shows us the world from the point of view of a migrant whose li

Jul 7, 2023 • 1:22:07

SHRINK THE BOX: Jamie Tovell - Top Boy

SHRINK THE BOX: Jamie Tovell - Top Boy

Emotional contagion in gang culture is not the only issue driving this week's client. Does compartmentalising ruthless work and being a caregiver have ill effects? We delve into how grief can drive reckless decision-making to become Top Boy. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/ For UK help via talking therapies contac

Jul 4, 2023 • 51:28

James Mangold, Indiana Jones & La Syndicaliste

James Mangold, Indiana Jones & La Syndicaliste

‘Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a modern creative force’ who keeps Harrison Ford on his toes, according to director James Mangold, who has just directed the fifth film in the Indiana Jones franchise, ‘Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny’. Simon is remote from Denmark, so Mark takes the reins on this week’s interview, in which they discuss the genius of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and agree Toby Jones can do no wrong whilst talking about working with Harrison Ford... Mark reviews ‘Indiana Jones and

Jun 30, 2023 • 1:00:45

SHRINK THE BOX: Mitch and Cam - Modern Family

SHRINK THE BOX: Mitch and Cam - Modern Family

The difference between personality types: Feeler or Dealer. Plus why Mitch is so desperate to be one of the crowd and Cam wants to stand outside of it. We explore two of our favourite characters in more detail. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/ For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association

Jun 27, 2023 • 48:43

Aisling Bea & Lara McDonnell, No Hard Feelings, Nimona & Asteroid City

Aisling Bea & Lara McDonnell, No Hard Feelings, Nimona & Asteroid City

Work experience with Kenneth Branagh. A guardian angel dance troupe. The Simon Mayo cameo that could have been. This week’s episode features an interview with Aisling Bea and Lara McDonnell, who star as the younger and older iterations of the lead character in ‘Greatest Days’, a jukebox musical featuring the hits of Take That. Mark reviews ‘No Hard Feelings’, Jennifer Lawrence’s new, R-rated, coming-of-age sex comedy; ‘Nimona’, a computer-animated fantasy featuring the voices of Riz Ahmed and C

Jun 23, 2023 • 1:21:43

SHRINK THE BOX: Wendy Byrde - Ozark

SHRINK THE BOX: Wendy Byrde - Ozark

What does infidelity say about a marriage? How can honesty in the face of money laundering keep a family together, and what sort of mother is Wendy? We learn how a wholesome American mum holds her nerve (and maybe even thrives) against a cartel. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/ For UK help via talking therapies co

Jun 20, 2023 • 46:32

Andy & Barbara Muschietti, The Flash, Extraction 2 & Pretty Red Dress

Andy & Barbara Muschietti, The Flash, Extraction 2 & Pretty Red Dress

Sibling disagreements on set. Making sense of the DC universe. The legend that is Michael Keaton. This week’s episode features an interview with director and producer brother-sister duo Andy and Barbara Muschietti about their contentious, new, time-bending superhero movie, ‘The Flash’. Mark reviews ‘Extraction 2’, the second instalment of the Russo Brothers’ Chris Hemsworth-helmed action franchise; ‘The Flash’, DC's latest controversy-ridden offering starring Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, a foren

Jun 16, 2023 • 1:19:06

SHRINK THE BOX: Ghosts - Mike Cooper

SHRINK THE BOX: Ghosts - Mike Cooper

With special guest Kiell Smith-Bynoe who plays Mike in hit BBC comedy ‘Ghosts’. Ben and Sasha ask: is sharing your partner with a group of ghosts a metaphor for partnerships and what’s it like to act next to dead people? Plus, they take a look at why it's not just our upbringing that shapes us, but also the time we come from. Recorded Live at The Podcast Show in London. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.or

Jun 13, 2023 • 45:41

Kelvin Harrison Jr. & Lucy Boynton, Chevalier, Medusa Deluxe & Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Kelvin Harrison Jr. & Lucy Boynton, Chevalier, Medusa Deluxe & Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Violin-offs. A fresh interpretation of Marie Antoinette. Simon Mayo, a fashionista? This week’s episode features an interview with actors Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Lucy Boynton about their new biographical period drama, 'Chevalier’. Mark reviews ‘Medusa Deluxe’, a murder mystery set in a high-stakes hairdressing competition; ‘Chevalier’, an upcoming biographical drama based on the true story of Black composer Joseph Bologne, the son of an enslaved Senegalese woman and a French plantation owner, w

Jun 9, 2023 • 1:22:01

SHRINK THE BOX: Seinfeld - George Costanza

SHRINK THE BOX: Seinfeld - George Costanza

What’s an anxious ruminator? What happens when self-blame is a way of life and how stationery can be lethal? We learn that there’s a little bit of George in all of us and how to keep it at bay. Our top ten George episodes (available on Netflix) Season 2, episode 4: The Phone Message Season 4, episode 10: The Contest Season 4, episode 15: The Shoes Season 5, episode 14: The Marine Biologist Season 5, episode 21: The Opposite Season 7, episode 19: The Calzone Season 7, episode 22: The Invi

Jun 6, 2023 • 48:54

Reality, Rob Savage, The Boogeyman, Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse

Reality, Rob Savage, The Boogeyman, Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse

Simon interviews director Rob Savage about his latest release, 'The Boogeyman’. Mark reviews, ‘Reality’ -  which depicts the unauthorized release of government intelligence to the media about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.‘The Boogeyman’ - an upcoming American supernatural horror film directed by Rob Savage about an entity that enters a family’s house and preys on their recent bereavement; 'Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse' the superhero film featuring the

Jun 2, 2023 • 1:19:28

SHRINK THE BOX: Happy Valley - Catherine Cawood

SHRINK THE BOX: Happy Valley - Catherine Cawood

How anger can be a force for good, are we misusing the word ‘trigger’ and what happens when a birthday party turns into a domestic. We deep dive into the police sergeant’s life to see how she copes (or not). If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/ For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for

May 30, 2023 • 49:43

Master Gardener, Hypnotic, The Gallows Pole, Shane Meadows + Sophie McShera

Master Gardener, Hypnotic, The Gallows Pole, Shane Meadows + Sophie McShera

In this special live version of the show from Union Chapel in Islington, Mark reviews, ‘Master Gardener’ - a film which follows a horticulturist devoted to tending the grounds of a beautiful estate owned by a wealthy dowager; ‘Hypnotic’ which sees a detective investigating a mystery involving his missing daughter, and a secret government program; ‘The Gallows Pole’ – which recounts the true story of a gang of land-workers in Yorkshire in the late 18th century, who embezzle the Crown. We also sp

May 26, 2023 • 59:19

SHRINK THE BOX: Schitt’s Creek - David and Alexis Rose

SHRINK THE BOX: Schitt’s Creek - David and Alexis Rose

Ben and Sasha break down how the Schitt’s Creek siblings are fuelled differently, the different flavours of wine, and why quality time with the ones who love us most, trumps all. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/ For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherap

May 23, 2023 • 54:32

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Fast X, Beau Is Afraid, Louis Leterrier

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Fast X, Beau Is Afraid, Louis Leterrier

Mark reviews, ‘Fast X’ - Dom Toretto and his family are back again to confront the most lethal opponent that they've ever faced; ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret’ - a film exploring eleven-year-old Margaret’s entry into life, friendship and adolescence; ‘Beau Is Afraid’ - sometimes the greatest adventures come from one’s darkest fears. From Ari Aster, director of Hereditary and Midsommar. We also speak with Director Louis Leterrier from the Fast X franchise about XYZ Time Codes (relevant o

May 19, 2023 • 1:24:46

SHRINK THE BOX: The White Lotus - Tanya McQuoid

SHRINK THE BOX: The White Lotus - Tanya McQuoid

Ben and Sasha ask why do some people behave like big babies (and why is it more obvious in wealthy people); why can trying to hold on to someone mean you actually push them away, and how can we learn to spot terrible mistakes heading in our direction? If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/ For UK help via talking therap

May 16, 2023 • 50:45

Plan 75, Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, Book Club: The Next Chapter, Summer Preview

Plan 75, Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, Book Club: The Next Chapter, Summer Preview

Mark and Simon look ahead to what to look out for this summer! Mark reviews ‘Book Club: The Next Chapter’ – the sequel of four best friends who take their book club to Italy for the fun girls’ trip they never had; ‘Still: A Michael J Fox Movie’ - follows the life of beloved actor and advocate Michael J. Fox, exploring his personal and professional triumphs and travails with Parkinson’s Disease; ‘Plan 75’ - follows the Japanese government's program to encourage older people to be euthanized to re

May 12, 2023 • 1:21:02

SHRINK THE BOX: Better Call Saul - Jimmy McGill

SHRINK THE BOX: Better Call Saul - Jimmy McGill

Ben & Sash explore what makes a successful confidence trickster, and how Jimmy McGill is full of contradictions: criminal and yet kind. Plus, how it’s difficult not to slide back into old habits without the right support. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/ For UK help via talking therapies contact your GP or the

May 9, 2023 • 51:34

Ari Aster, Return to Seoul, Blue Kaftan and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Ari Aster, Return to Seoul, Blue Kaftan and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Director of Hereditary and Midsommar, Ari Aster, joins Mark and Simon to discuss his new film ‘Beau is Afraid’. He explains how doing press isn’t his favourite part of the process, but divulges some of his feelings on the film with Mark and Simon. Mark reviews ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ –  where Marvel’s Cinematic Universe expands into the cosmos – and Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt; ‘Return to Seoul’ - chronicles a 25-year-old French woman first return

May 5, 2023 • 1:18:15

SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox

SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox

Ben Bailey Smith and Sasha Bates delve into the Shrink the Box emails to answer questions, discuss new character suggestions and pick each other’s brains. This week: they muse on whether the Roy Family (Succession) could really do a group therapy session and Ben asks Sasha whether she ever dislikes her clients (and other tricky therapist conundrums). If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can

May 2, 2023 • 32:06

Penelope Wilton, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Little Richard: I Am Everything, Polite Society & Top 10 including Pope's Exorcist

Penelope Wilton, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Little Richard: I Am Everything, Polite Society & Top 10 including Pope's Exorcist

Penelope Wilton talks about the logistics of filming The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and what it was like working alongside Jim Broadbent. Following their Easter break, Mark reviews ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ - an upcoming British drama film directed by Hettie Macdonald about the lengths one man will go to, to see his dying friend; ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ which depicts the life of Rock n Roll legend; ‘Polite Society’ which covers one sister’s attempt at the

Apr 28, 2023 • 1:18:00

SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox

SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox

Ben and Sasha delve into the Shrink the Box emails to answer questions, discuss new character suggestions and pick each other’s brains. This week: they wonder whether analysing a fictional character means you are analysing the writer too. Plus what it would be like to have a werewolf on the couch. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.

Apr 25, 2023 • 30:47

Rachel Weisz and Alice Birch, Dead Ringers, Evil Dead Rise & How To Blow Up A Pipeline

Rachel Weisz and Alice Birch, Dead Ringers, Evil Dead Rise & How To Blow Up A Pipeline

Rachel Weisz and Alice Birch discuss remaking David Cronenberg's chiller ‘Dead Ringers’ and the importance of depictions of birth on screen. Super subs Rhianna Dhillon and Robbie Collin stand in whilst Mark and Simon are away. Robbie reviews ‘How To Blow Up A Pipeline’ - about a group of environmental activists who want to make their voices heard and disrupt an oil pipeline; ‘Evil Dead Rise’ an American supernatural horror film written and directed by Lee Cronin, which is the fifth installment

Apr 21, 2023 • 1:17:44

SHRINK THE BOX: Succession - Shiv Roy

SHRINK THE BOX: Succession - Shiv Roy

Siobhan Roy has it all: a high flying career, a man who adores her, and a private jet at her disposal. And still it’s not enough. This week we explore the most dysfunctional of family dynamics, how power is mistaken for love, and why the need for parental approval... never quite goes away. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Succession to avoid spoilers. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can

Apr 18, 2023 • 49:50

Nicholas Hoult, Renfield, One Fine Morning, Obsession

Nicholas Hoult, Renfield, One Fine Morning, Obsession

Super subs Rhianna Dhillon and Anna Bogutskaya stand in whilst Mark and Simon are away. Nicholas Hoult talks to Rhianna about taking center stage as Dracula’s long-suffering servant in ‘Renfield’, plus he discusses sharpening his craft alongside Nicholas Cage once again. Anna reviews ‘One Fine Morning’ - a French film about a single mother struggling to take care of her father who has a neurodegenerative disease; ‘Obsession’ a Netflix drama from directors Lisa Barros D'sa and Glenn Leyburn about

Apr 14, 2023 • 1:10:43

SHRINK THE BOX: Friends - Ross & Monica Geller

SHRINK THE BOX: Friends - Ross & Monica Geller

We look at the Geller siblings: Ross and Monica. We explore why Monica said “If I could choose my parents, I’d choose yours” to her brother and whether her obsessive neatness is a problem. Plus, we ask why Ross’ intellectualism is a defence mechanism and how friends really can be your support network. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Friends to avoid spoilers. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/

Apr 11, 2023 • 49:02

Mia Hansen-Løve, Lola, Godland, & Air

Mia Hansen-Løve, Lola, Godland, & Air

Prolific French director Mia Hansen- Løve speaks to Simon about her deeply personal new film ‘One Fine Morning’ - and how it was inspired by her own experience of her father going into a care home. Mark reviews ‘Lola’ - a science fiction film directed by Andrew Legge – the film is set in 1940 is about a machine called ‘LOLA’ that can intercept radio from the future; ‘Godland’ which is set in the 19th century and tells the story of a priest who is sent to a remote part of Iceland, and ‘A

Apr 7, 2023 • 1:16:58

Bonus Episode: Best Road Trip Films (brought to you by heycar)

Bonus Episode: Best Road Trip Films (brought to you by heycar)

Thanks to heycar – this bonus episode is all about the best road trip films out there. Mark fills us in on his notorious road trips of the past, including his most memorable road trip which started in Moscow, and finished in Ukraine – all done in a Lada with a flat tyre.   You can hear the listeners' favourite road trip movies, plus Mark’s Top 5 of all time.   This episode is brought to you by heycar. heycar fun facts below: heycar offers a large range of quality checked used cars from sele

Apr 4, 2023 • 17:13

SHRINK THE BOX: Killing Eve - Eve Polastri

SHRINK THE BOX: Killing Eve - Eve Polastri

Thrills, state secrets, and international assassins. Eve Polastri has always been wanted to be a MI6 spy. When she stumbles across Villanelle, she gets just that. We explore what happens when a romantically charged obsession goes too far and what happens when people start to want different things out of a relationship. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Killing Eve to avoid spoilers. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS

Apr 4, 2023 • 50:31

Emily Watson, God’s Creatures, Dungeons & Dragons, and Law of Tehran

Emily Watson, God’s Creatures, Dungeons & Dragons, and Law of Tehran

Emily Watson stars alongside Paul Mescal in new psychological drama ‘God’s Creatures’. She joins Simon and Mark in the studio to talk about what it was like playing Paul’s mother in the film where her sense of right or wrong is well and truly put to the test. Mark reviews new Iranian crime movie ‘Law of Tehran’, ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ - starring a stellar cast including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Regé-Jean Page among others - based on the tabletop role-playing game ‘

Mar 31, 2023 • 1:21:55

SHRINK THE BOX: Bloodlines - Danny Rayburn

SHRINK THE BOX: Bloodlines - Danny Rayburn

Meet the Rayburn’s. They are upstanding pillars of the community, hugely admired, and entirely dysfunctional. We delve into why Danny is actually the scapegoat, what the sympathetic ghost signifies, and just how sticky familial roles can be. Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethinelse.com Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Bloodlines to avoid spoilers.  If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For th

Mar 28, 2023 • 48:50

Keanu Reeves, Chad Stahelski, Infinity Pool, The Beasts & John Wick: Chapter 4

Keanu Reeves, Chad Stahelski, Infinity Pool, The Beasts & John Wick: Chapter 4

Keanu and Chad tell Simon about the most difficult stunts to film in the latest John Wick installment in a fascinating interview. Mark reviews the new satirical horror from Brandon Cronenberg - ‘Infinity Pool’  about a writer (Alexander Skarsgård) and his wife, who find themselves in a strange and dangerous situation on holiday when they’re involved in a fatal accident, ‘The Beasts’ - about a middle-aged French couple who move to a village but are met with hostility and violence from two of the

Mar 24, 2023 • 1:22:05

SHRINK THE BOX: I May Destroy You - Arabella Essiedu

SHRINK THE BOX: I May Destroy You - Arabella Essiedu

Black, British and kind of famous, Michaela Coel’s Arabella colours outside of the lines; misses deadlines, and, can’t *quite* remember what happened to her last night? One woman’s search for the truth raises questions around agency, relationships and whether or not there’s ever such a thing as shades of grey - when it comes to consent. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of I May Destroy You to avoid spoilers. Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkt

Mar 21, 2023 • 48:37

Daveed Diggs, Pearl, Rye Lane, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, 80 for Brady & Extrapolations

Daveed Diggs, Pearl, Rye Lane, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, 80 for Brady & Extrapolations

The Multifaceted Daveed Diggs tells Simon how his role as Marshall Zucker in the start studded ‘Extrapolations’ was deeply personal. Mark reviews South London rom- com ‘Rye Lane’ - starring David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah, ‘Pearl’ Ti West’s prequal to horror film ‘X’ which sees Mia Goth reprise her role as the title character, ‘80 for Brady’- which is a comedy starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sally Field, and Rita Moreno and is inspired by the true story of four best friends who travel to the

Mar 17, 2023 • 1:22:22

SHRINK THE BOX: Wandavision - Wanda Maximoff

SHRINK THE BOX: Wandavision - Wanda Maximoff

Transporting viewers to the idyllic, suburban world of Westview, New Jersey, but all is not how it seems. Despite her otherworldly powers, Wanda experiences grief and loss, just like the rest of us. Plus a deep dive into the strength of nostalgia, what the mysterious beekeepers mean, and how sometimes, destruction is the only thing that helps us heal. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Wandavision to avoid spoilers. Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please emai

Mar 14, 2023 • 45:21

Andy Serkis, Luther: The Fallen Sun, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, Scream VI, & Champions

Andy Serkis, Luther: The Fallen Sun, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, Scream VI, & Champions

Andy Serkis tells Simon about playing his darkest role yet, and why he decided to take on the challenge. Mark reviews the new horror/slasher take on a child’s classic ‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey’ which follows a bloodthirsty Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet as they terrorise their former friend Christopher Robin; ‘Champions’ - a heartwarming new comedy/drama starring Woody Harrelson about a former minor-league basketball coach who is court ordered to manage a team of players with intellectual d

Mar 10, 2023 • 1:20:01

SHRINK THE BOX: Mad Men - Don Draper

SHRINK THE BOX: Mad Men - Don Draper

Advertising sells - and Don Draper knows how to sell it better than anyone: a product, the American dream, and even himself. We look at why the ad-men of the ‘60s were so terrified of therapy, how sex is power, and why faking who you are - is actually the hardest sell of all. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Mad Men to avoid spoilers. Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethinelse.com If you have been affected by any of the issues di

Mar 7, 2023 • 47:29

Michael B. Jordan, Creed III, Close, Project Wolf Hunting and Electric Malady

Michael B. Jordan, Creed III, Close, Project Wolf Hunting and Electric Malady

Michael B. Jordan talks about his directorial debut – he discusses how he feels about Danielle Deadwyler missing out at the Oscars, and working with Jonathan Majors (who interrupted Jordan’s directing playing his music). Mark reviews new MUBI release ‘Close’ which follows two teenage boys whose friendship is thrown into disarray when their schoolmates point out their intimacy. New slashes/splatter film ‘Project Wolf Hunting’ - about dangerous criminals on a cargo ship bound for Busan, South Kor

Mar 3, 2023 • 1:21:26

SHRINK THE BOX: Fleabag - Fleabag

SHRINK THE BOX: Fleabag - Fleabag

Falling in love with a priest - whilst being deathly afraid of intimacy? What’s that about? Join us as we delve into the world of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag and find out why she is so intent on being quite so ‘naughty’. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 and 2 of Fleabag to avoid spoilers. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan. Internationally: https://www.bef

Feb 28, 2023 • 47:41

Hugh Jackman, Cocaine Bear, What’s Love Got To Do With It, The Independent, Broker

Hugh Jackman, Cocaine Bear, What’s Love Got To Do With It, The Independent, Broker

Simon speaks to Hugh Jackman about how filming ‘The Son’ changed him as a parent, plus he talks about reprising his role as Wolverine! Mark reviews ‘Cocaine Bear’, a film about a 500-pound black bear who goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine. ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ starring Lily James and Shazad Latif, centering around an arranged marriage; ‘The Independent’ starring Jodie Turner-Smith and Brian Cox which tells the story of a reporter who uncovers

Feb 24, 2023 • 1:21:42

SHRINK THE BOX: The Wire - Omar Little

SHRINK THE BOX: The Wire - Omar Little

Omar is only Barack Obama's favourite fictional character of all time. And perhaps ours too? We find out why we're on the side of the gun-toting, duster-coat wearing stick-up badass who robs drug dealers for a living. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of The Wire to avoid spoilers. Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethinelse.com If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123

Feb 21, 2023 • 48:53

Michael Douglas, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, The Son & Nostalgia

Michael Douglas, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, The Son & Nostalgia

Simon speaks to Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas about the return of Ant-Man - Michael recommends the best way to watch his new film... Mark reviews drama ‘Nostalgia’ about a man named Felice who returns to his hometown, Naples, after a 40-year absence; ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ - the feature adaptation of the animated short, Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate) is a 1-inch-tall shell that lives with his grandmother; ‘The Son’ starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern and Vanessa Kirby which tells the

Feb 17, 2023 • 1:20:03

SHRINK THE BOX: The Queen's Gambit -  Beth Harmon

SHRINK THE BOX: The Queen's Gambit - Beth Harmon

The often enigmatic chess genius that is Beth Harmon - is the Queen of this week’s episode. Ben and Sasha explore why Beth feels so compelled to clean up after parties - and how her controlled prowess at the chessboard, becomes utter chaos away from it. Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethinelse.com Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of The Queen’s Gambit to avoid spoilers. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this e

Feb 14, 2023 • 40:59

SHRINK THE BOX: 3: The Queen's Gambit -  Beth Harmon

SHRINK THE BOX: 3: The Queen's Gambit - Beth Harmon

The often enigmatic chess genius that is Beth Harmon - is the Queen of this week’s episode. Ben and Sasha explore why Beth feels so compelled to clean up after parties - and how her controlled prowess at the chessboard, becomes utter chaos away from it. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of The Queen’s Gambit to avoid spoilers. Listen and follow Shrink The Box now: https://listen.sonymusic-podcasts.link/ARAR32077 Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthe

Feb 14, 2023 • 1:55

Danielle Deadwyler, Women Talking, Epic Tails, Blue Jean, & Magic Mike’s Last Dance

Danielle Deadwyler, Women Talking, Epic Tails, Blue Jean, & Magic Mike’s Last Dance

We learn about the making of ‘Till’, and what Danielle thinks about the Awards. Mark reviews ‘Women Talking’ - a harrowing American drama about a religious isolated community starring Jessie Buckley, Rooney Mara and Claire Foy, ‘Epic Tails’ - which tells the story of a super smart mouse named Pattie and her feline friend Sam, who embark on an exciting adventure through ancient Greece. ‘Blue Jean’- Georgia Oakley’s standout feature film about a closeted PE teacher in the 1980s who must lead a dou

Feb 10, 2023 • 1:21:38

SHRINK THE BOX: Breaking Bad - Walter White

SHRINK THE BOX: Breaking Bad - Walter White

Sliding on their gloves, and stepping into their Hazmat suits, Ben and Sasha distil one of TV’s most infamous characters: The mighty Heisenburg. On this week’s Shrink the Box we uncover why Walter White is often in his underpants, how he taps into his ‘shadow side’ and we explore if the ‘Revenge of the Nerd’ is really a thing. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Breaking Bad to avoid spoilers. Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethine

Feb 7, 2023 • 44:38

SHRINK THE BOX: 2: Breaking Bad - Walter White

SHRINK THE BOX: 2: Breaking Bad - Walter White

Sliding on their gloves, and stepping into their Hazmat suits, Ben and Sasha distil one of TV’s most infamous characters: The mighty Heisenburg. On this week’s Shrink the Box we uncover why Walter White is often in his underpants, how he taps into his ‘shadow side’ and we explore if the ‘Revenge of the Nerd’ is really a thing. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Breaking Bad to avoid spoilers. If you enjoyed delving deeper into the world of Tony, be sure to follow Shrink The Box so you don’

Feb 7, 2023 • 44:38

Brendan Fraser, Darren Aronofsky, The Whale, Knock at the Cabin, EO, & Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Brendan Fraser, Darren Aronofsky, The Whale, Knock at the Cabin, EO, & Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Telegraph critic Robbie Collin stands in for Simon this week as he’s unwell. Mark reviews ‘EO,’ Jerzy Skolimowski’s harrowing new film about a donkey that encounters happiness and sorrow along his journey through life, ‘Knock at the Cabin’ - M Night Shyamalan’s apocalyptic film – which tells the story of a same sex couple who are held hostage and asked to make an unthinkable choice, from the Shrek family ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,’ starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Florenc

Feb 3, 2023 • 1:20:14

SHRINK THE BOX: 1: The Sopranos - Tony Soprano

SHRINK THE BOX: 1: The Sopranos - Tony Soprano

Unravelling the complex (and surprisingly endearing) layers of the OG mobster: Mr Tony Soprano, all roads lead to New Jersey on the first episode of Shrink the Box! We find out why talking to a therapist is a ‘whackable’ offence, how falling in love with your shrink is not THAT uncommon and why his mother, Livia Soprano could be the real villain of the show. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of The Sopranos to avoid spoilers. If you enjoyed delving deeper into the world of Tony, be sure to fo

Jan 31, 2023 • 44:49

SHRINK THE BOX: The Sopranos - Tony Soprano

SHRINK THE BOX: The Sopranos - Tony Soprano

Unravelling the complex (and surprisingly endearing) layers of the OG mobster: Mr Tony Soprano, all roads lead to New Jersey on the first episode of Shrink the Box! We find out why talking to a therapist is a ‘whackable’ offence, how falling in love with your shrink is not THAT uncommon and why his mother, Livia Soprano could be the real villain of the show. Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of The Sopranos to avoid spoilers. Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Ple

Jan 31, 2023 • 44:49

Shrink The Box, Plane, Unwelcome, All The Beauty and The Bloodshed, & The Fabelmans

Shrink The Box, Plane, Unwelcome, All The Beauty and The Bloodshed, & The Fabelmans

Ever wondered why Tony Soprano's therapist stuck with him? Simon and Mark chat with friend of the show, actor/comedian Ben Bailey Smith, and psychotherapist Sasha Bates about their new podcast ‘Shrink the Box’ where every week Sasha and Ben give listeners the chance to delve into the psyches of their favorite fictional film and tv characters.   Mark reviews Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical coming of age drama ‘The Fablemans’, ‘Plane’ stars Gerrard Butler who finds himself in even more d

Jan 27, 2023 • 1:21:35

Cate Blanchett, Babylon, Holy Spider, More Than Ever & Alice Darling

Cate Blanchett, Babylon, Holy Spider, More Than Ever & Alice Darling

Cate Blanchett is the star of  ‘Tár’ and is tipped to win big at the awards this year; in this episode you’ll hear Cate talk to Simon about the impact the film has had on her. Mark reviews Damien Chazelle’s latest film ‘Babylon’ - set in the decedent and depraved world of 1920’s Hollywood, ‘Holy Spider’ a Persian-language crime thriller directed by Iranian director Ali Abbasi, ‘More than Ever’ -  a heartfelt drama starring Vicky Krieps and Gaspard Ulliel in the penultimate film before his death,

Jan 20, 2023 • 1:18:07

Introducing... Please Tell Me A Story

Introducing... Please Tell Me A Story

Omid tells his story to Abi. Abi tells Omid’s story to Sean, then Sean to Kai, Kai to Sikisa and Sikisa to Helen… each time with hilarious misrememberings, improvisations, stumbles, fumbles and laughs. Six comedians have a funny story to tell. Can they pass the story along the chain without completely twisting the tale? But this isn’t like the game you play at school where you only whisper short sentences. Each episode is a complete, beautifully written story, with each retelling getting funnie

Jan 19, 2023 • 1:26

Sam Mendes, Empire of Light, Enys Men, Tár & M3gan

Sam Mendes, Empire of Light, Enys Men, Tár & M3gan

Would Empire of Light have happened if Olivia Colman hadn’t said yes to playing Hilary? Director and writer, Sam Mendes CBE, chats to Simon in this week’s episode as the pair unpack his latest release. Mark reviews psychological horror ‘Enys Men’, set in 1973 on an uninhabited island off the Cornish coast; Cate Blanchett’s new film ‘Tár’ - about the life of composer and conductor, Lydia Tár; ‘M3gan’ - about a robotics engineer at a toy company, who builds a life-like doll that begins to

Jan 13, 2023 • 1:21:27

Mary McCartney, Till, If These Walls Could Sing, Piggy & A Man Called Otto

Mary McCartney, Till, If These Walls Could Sing, Piggy & A Man Called Otto

The daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney, Mary McCartney, joins Ben and Anna to give us a glimpse of what went down in the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. Anna reviews ‘Till’ - the heart-breaking film about the death of Emmett Till in 1960s America, the highly anticipated ‘A Man Called Otto’, the Disney Original documentary ‘If These Walls Could Sing’, and ‘Piggy’- a Spanish French indie thriller. Time Codes (relevant only when you are part of the Vanguard): 13:09 Till Review 24:27 Box Office T

Jan 6, 2023 • 1:21:40

BEST OF 2022, TOM HANKS AND MARIANA TREVINO, OBITUARY

BEST OF 2022, TOM HANKS AND MARIANA TREVINO, OBITUARY

Mark and Simon take a look at the best bits of Kermode and Mayo’s Take this year including highlights from Rowan Atkinson, Jeff Goldblum, Charlotte Rampling – as well as the biggest reviews like Top Gun Maverick, Elvis and Everything Everywhere All At Once. PLUS Simon interviews TOM HANKS and MARIANA TREVINO about the upcoming  comedy-drama ‘A Man Called Otto’. They also reflect on those we have lost this year in the world of Film and TV, including Robbie Coltrane, Angela Lansbury, Olivia Newt

Dec 30, 2022 • 1:15:35

Daniel Craig and Rian Jonson, The Pale Blue Eye, The Enforcer, I Wanna Dance with Somebody & Corsage

Daniel Craig and Rian Jonson, The Pale Blue Eye, The Enforcer, I Wanna Dance with Somebody & Corsage

Detective Benoit Blanc is back!! Simon sits down with Daniel Craig, and director Rian Johnson to chat all things ‘Glass Onion: A Knives out Mystery,’ the sequel to ‘Knives Out.’ (2019) Mark reviews ‘The Enforcer’- an American action thriller starring Antonio Banderas who must sacrifice everything to save a young girl from his femme fatale boss (Kate Bosworth), ‘The Pale Blue Eye’ - a gothic horror starring Christian Bale, Gillian Anderson and Henry Melling’s as a young Edgar Allan Poe, ‘I Wanna

Dec 23, 2022 • 1:20:48

Avatar: The Way of Water, The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute, The Unofficial Science of Home Alone & Le Pupille

Avatar: The Way of Water, The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute, The Unofficial Science of Home Alone & Le Pupille

It took three years and cost 250 million dollars to make ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, and Mark has some strong feelings on the film... Mark also reviews animated Christmas movie ‘The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute’ - which follows Marie as she makes a wish and becomes the same size as her toy nutcracker, ‘The Unofficial Science of Home Alone’ - a one off Sky special with comedians James Acaster and Guz Khan, as they step into the shoes of the Wet Bandits as they build and test some of the famous

Dec 16, 2022 • 1:18:14

Jerry Bruckheimer, Nocebo, The Silent Twins, Rimini, & Anonymous Club

Jerry Bruckheimer, Nocebo, The Silent Twins, Rimini, & Anonymous Club

What is it like to work with Tom Cruise? The legendary Hollywood producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, pays us a visit to tell all and to speak to Simon about the making of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. Mark reviews ‘Nocebo’ - a new mystery/psychological thriller starring Eva Green and Chai Fonacier, ‘Anonymous Club,’ a documentary that gives an intimate portrayal at the life of beloved singer Courtney Barnett, ‘The Silent Twins’ - a biographical drama about the twin sisters June and Jennifer Gibbons, who were i

Dec 9, 2022 • 1:21:18

Gary Oldman, Slow Horses, White Noise, Nil By Mouth, Tori & Lokita, & Violent Night

Gary Oldman, Slow Horses, White Noise, Nil By Mouth, Tori & Lokita, & Violent Night

Why eating nineteen bowls of noodles helped Gary Oldman get into character for Jackson Lamb – he joins Mark and Simon in the studio, fully in character for ‘Slow Horses season two’. Gary talks filming the new series, as well as the 25th anniversary of ‘Nil by Mouth.’ Mark reviews ‘White Noise’- an apocalyptic black comedy directed by Noah Baumbach and starring Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver and Don Cheadle, ‘Tori & Lokita,’ which tells the tale of two youngsters who are united by their s

Dec 2, 2022 • 1:21:53

Emma Thompson, Matilda the Musical, Bones and All, She Said & Pinocchio

Emma Thompson, Matilda the Musical, Bones and All, She Said & Pinocchio

The monstrous Miss Trunchbull is played by Dame Emma Thompson in the new musical film ‘Matilda the Musical’ - Simon talks to Dame Emma about this extraordinary role, and how Emma’s comprehensive prosthetics started at 5am each day! Mark reviews ‘Bones and All’ - a romantic horror road film by Luca Guadagnino, starring Timothée Chalamet Taylor Russell and Mark Rylance, ‘She Said’ - a biographical drama based on the 2019 book that follows the New York Times investigation that exposed Harv

Nov 25, 2022 • 1:21:51

Paul Mescal, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Menu, Aftersun and Armageddon Time

Paul Mescal, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Menu, Aftersun and Armageddon Time

Simon speaks to actor Paul Mescal about his new film ‘Aftersun.’ Mark reviews black comedy horror film ‘The Menu,’ starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Holt, and Ralph Fiennes - about a young couple who visit a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant, but the chef has prepared some shocking surprises for his guests, ‘Armageddon Time’ - a personal coming of age story by James Gray - starring Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong, ‘Aftersun’- the debut feature film from Charlotte Wells, a

Nov 18, 2022 • 1:18:46

Florence Pugh, Sebastián Lelio, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Crown, No Bears, A Bunch of Amateurs

Florence Pugh, Sebastián Lelio, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Crown, No Bears, A Bunch of Amateurs

Ben Bailey Smith speaks to writer/director Sebastián Lelio and actor Florence Pugh about their haunting new film ‘The Wonder.’ Mark reviews the much-anticipated ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ the first four episodes of ‘The Crown’ season five, ‘No Bears’ by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi – about two parallel love stories in which the partners are thwarted by hidden, inevitable obstacles, and ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ – about the survival of one of one of the oldest amateur filmmaking clubs in the

Nov 11, 2022 • 1:21:17

Aimee Lou Wood, Lena Dunham, Living, Terrifier 2, Queer for Fear

Aimee Lou Wood, Lena Dunham, Living, Terrifier 2, Queer for Fear

Mark and Simon are LIVE from Indigo at the O2 in Greenwich, and are joined by special guests Aimee Lou Wood (to discuss her new film ‘Living’ in which she stars alongside Bill Nighy), the director of ‘Girls’, and more recently ‘Catherine Called Birdy’; Lena Dunham comes to the stage with her husband Luis Felber who wrote the soundtrack to her latest hit film. Mark reviews ‘Living’ - about a man whose medical diagnosis inspires him to cram some fun into his life, plus some horror themed content i

Nov 4, 2022 • 1:11:03

Harris Dickinson, Triangle of Sadness, The Wonder, Bros, Barbarian

Harris Dickinson, Triangle of Sadness, The Wonder, Bros, Barbarian

This week Simon speaks to rising British star Harris Dickinson about his role as a male model in ‘Triangle of Sadness’. Mark reviews new horror film ‘Barbarian’ - starring Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long, and Georgina Campbell, Sebastián Lelio’s psychological thriller ‘The Wonder’- where Florence Pugh is sent to watch a girl who miraculously lives healthily without eating, new rom com ‘Bros’ - about neurotic podcaster Bobby who’s world is turned upside down when he meets Aron, and ‘Triangle of Sadne

Oct 28, 2022 • 1:21:54

Martin McDonagh, Black Adam, Decision to Leave, Matriarch, The Banshees of Inisherin

Martin McDonagh, Black Adam, Decision to Leave, Matriarch, The Banshees of Inisherin

This week Simon speaks to the prolific British-Irish playwright and filmmaker Martin McDonagh about his new irreverent dark comedy ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’. Mark reviews the latest superhero movie ‘Black Adam’ - starring Dwayne Johnson and Piers Brosnan, Park Chan-Wook's new mystery/romance drama ‘Decision to Leave’ - about a detective investigating a man’s death in the mountains,Hulu original horror film ‘Matriarch’ - about a woman who returns home to the secluded village she grew u

Oct 21, 2022 • 1:18:14

Emma Mackey, Frances O'Connor, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Emily, Halloween Ends and All Quiet on the Western Front

Emma Mackey, Frances O'Connor, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Emily, Halloween Ends and All Quiet on the Western Front

This week Simon speaks to Emma Mackey about her role as Emily Bronte in ‘Emily’ and the writer and director of the film Francs O’Connor. Mark reviews new adaptation of the popular children's book ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’- starring Javier Bardem, and Shawn Mendes as the voice of Lyle, Netflix’s new German remake of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front, ‘Emily’ - about one of England’s most talented writers who tragically died at the age of 30, and ‘Halloween Ends’ where Michael Myers is back o

Oct 14, 2022 • 1:21:45

Sally Hawkins, The Bear, Amsterdam, Vengeance and The Lost King

Sally Hawkins, The Bear, Amsterdam, Vengeance and The Lost King

This week Simon speaks to one of Britian’s finest acting talents Sally Hawkins about her new film ‘The Lost King.’ Mark reviews the culinary smash hit series 'The Bear,’ David O. Russell’s new star-studded drama ‘Amsterdam’, ‘Vengeance’ - starring Ashton Kutcher and B. J. Novak about a podcaster who travels to Texas to investigate the death of woman he briefly dated and ‘The Lost King’- written by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, based on the discovery of King Richard III’s remains beneath a

Oct 7, 2022 • 1:21:56

Christian Bale, Smile, The Woman King, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris and Flux Gourmet

Christian Bale, Smile, The Woman King, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris and Flux Gourmet

This week Simon sits down with screen legend Christian Bale to discuss his role in David O. Russell’s latest film ‘Amsterdam.’ Mark reviews Peter Strickland’s culinary black comedy ‘Flux Gourmet’; ‘Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris’ - a 1950’s period film which follows a housekeeper as she embarks on her dream, starring Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert and Jason Isaacs; ‘The Woman King’ starring Viola Davis - about a group of all female warriors in the 1800’s; new horror film ‘Smile’ and the s

Sep 30, 2022 • 1:22:00

Charlotte Rampling, Blonde, Don’t Worry Darling, Catherine Called Birdy and Juniper

Charlotte Rampling, Blonde, Don’t Worry Darling, Catherine Called Birdy and Juniper

This week Simon and Mark are joined in the studio by the extraordinary Charlotte Rampling to discuss her new film ‘Juniper’. Mark reviews the highly anticipated psychological drama ‘Blonde’- a fictionalized take on the life of Marilyn Monroe; Olivia Wilde’s new film ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ - starring Harry Styles, and Florence Pugh; ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ - a coming of age comedy set in Medieval England, directed by Lena Dunham; and ‘Juniper’- Starring this week's guest Charlotte Rampling, about

Sep 23, 2022 • 1:18:17

Introducing…This Is History: A Dynasty To Die For, with Dan Jones

Introducing…This Is History: A Dynasty To Die For, with Dan Jones

Power, greed, religion and sex: historian Dan Jones brings the drama of medieval history alive through compelling stories, larger-than-life characters and vivid scenes. In the first season, get to know the most dysfunctional family of the Middle Ages – the Plantagenets – and find out how their scandalous betrayals and bloody politics shaped the world we live in today.  A Somethin’ Else & Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 22, 2022 • 1:41

Pam Grier, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Pinocchio, and Jackie Brown

Pam Grier, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Pinocchio, and Jackie Brown

This week Simon speaks to the iconic American actress Pam Grier about the 25th anniversary of ‘Jackie Brown’. Mark reviews Disney+ live action ‘Pinocchio’, Brett Morgan’s new documentary about David Bowie - ‘Moonage Daydream’, Quentin Tarantino’s seminal film ‘Jackie Brown’ and romantic comedy ‘Ticket to Paradise’ starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney.  Plus a huge amount of correspondence, What’s On and the Box Office 10.  You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandma

Sep 16, 2022 • 1:20:46

Johnny Flynn, See How They Run, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Crimes of the Future and The Score

Johnny Flynn, See How They Run, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Crimes of the Future and The Score

This episode was recorded before the announcement of the passing of HRH Elizabeth II. This week Simon speaks to the multitalented Poet, Musician, and actor Johnny Flynn about his new film ‘The Score.’ Mark reviews new comedy horror ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ - about a group of spoilt friends whose party game goes horribly wrong, ‘See How They Run’ - a mystery/crime set in the 1950’s, starring Sam Rockwell, Adrien Brody, and Saoirse Ronan, ‘The Score’ - a British musical/heist film starring Will P

Sep 9, 2022 • 1:15:40

Timothy Spall, It Snows in Benidorm, The Forgiven, Blackbird and Three Thousand Years of Longing

Timothy Spall, It Snows in Benidorm, The Forgiven, Blackbird and Three Thousand Years of Longing

Simon and Mark are back from their cruise and joined by very special guest Timothy Spall to discuss his new drama ‘It Snows in Benidorm’. Mark reviews the new drama ‘The Forgiven’ - starring Jessica Chastain, Matt Smith and Ralph Fiennes, ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ - George Miller’s new fantasy romance starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton, ‘It Snows in Benidorm’, and ‘Blackbird’ - the new spy film starring, written, directed and produced by Michael Flatley. You can contact the s

Sep 2, 2022 • 1:19:37

The Best of TAKE 2, Part I: Volume A

The Best of TAKE 2, Part I: Volume A

Simon and Mark are on the final week of their cruise, so this week covers all the highlights from their Take 2 episodes so far, bringing you the best bits (normally reserved for subscribers, ie. The Vanguard) FOR FREE! To subscribe via any platform, visit: https://extratakes.com/ Highlights include: MORE TOM HIDDLESTON One Frame Back: Films About Mythical Sea Creatures MORE ROWAN ATKINSON Mark and Simon Spoil Everything: Top Gun: Maverick MORE ALICIA VIKANDER Take it or Leave it: You De

Aug 26, 2022 • 1:21:51

Hugh Bonneville, Bad Sisters, House of the Dragon, My Old School and Fisherman’s Friends: One and All

Hugh Bonneville, Bad Sisters, House of the Dragon, My Old School and Fisherman’s Friends: One and All

Join Robbie Collin and Rhianna Dhillon as they stand in while Mark and Simon are on their annual cruise. Rhianna speaks to national treasure Hugh Bonneville about his sinister new role in Baback Anvari’s new crime thriller ‘I Came By’. Robbie reviews ‘Bad Sisters’ Sharon Horgan’s new comedy/thriller, ‘House of the Dragon’ - following the story of the Targaryen civil war 300 years before the events portrayed in ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘My Old School’ - a new true crime documentary set in a Scottish

Aug 19, 2022 • 1:21:31

Jordan Peele, Nope, Eiffel, Five Days at Memorial and Blind Ambition

Jordan Peele, Nope, Eiffel, Five Days at Memorial and Blind Ambition

Join Anna Bogutskaya and Rufus Jones as they fill in while Mark and Simon are on their annual cruise. Rufus speaks to the genius director behind ‘Get Out’ and ‘US’, Jordan Peele, about his latest horror/sci-fi ‘Nope.’ Anna reviews the harrowing new Apple TV + series ‘Five Days at Memorial’ - chronicling the aftermath hurricane Katrina had on one hospital, ‘Eiffel’ - following the life and career of Gustave Eiffel and starring Emma Mackey, ‘Nope’ - Jordan Peele’s latest big hit and ‘Blin

Aug 12, 2022 • 1:25:51

Alicia Vikander Bullet Train, Irma Vep, The Harder They Come (reissue)

Alicia Vikander Bullet Train, Irma Vep, The Harder They Come (reissue)

Simon and Mark talk to Oscar winning Swedish actress Alicia Vikander about her new role in the highly meta series ‘Irma Vep’ - created by Olivier Assayas. Mark reviews the star-studded ensemble  action/thriller ‘Bullet Train’, the reissue of the cult classic ‘The Harder They Come.’ - featuring music by and starring Jimmy Cliff, and Irma Vep – about Mira, an American movie star who is disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, so comes to France to star in a remake of the French silent class

Aug 5, 2022 • 1:14:21

Ron Howard, DC League of Super-Pets, Hit the Road, Thirteen Lives, Fire of Love

Ron Howard, DC League of Super-Pets, Hit the Road, Thirteen Lives, Fire of Love

Simon talks to legendary Hollywood director and actor Ron Howard, about his new biographical survival film ‘Thirteen Lives’ - starring Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton. Mark reviews the new animation ‘DC League of Super-Pets', ‘Thirteen Lives’, documentary ‘Fire of Love’ - following the lives and careers of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Kraftt, and ‘Hit the Road’ - a new film by Iranian director Panah Panahi, that tells the tender and chaotic story about a family on a road tr

Jul 29, 2022 • 1:19:48

Daisy Edgar-Jones, Where the Crawdads Sing, Notre Dame on Fire, She Will, Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck In Time

Daisy Edgar-Jones, Where the Crawdads Sing, Notre Dame on Fire, She Will, Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck In Time

Simon talks to actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, of ‘Normal People’ fame, who stars in ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ - the new film adaptation of Number One best-selling book by Delia Owens. Plus Mark reviews ‘Notre Dame on Fire’, based on the real-life disaster that took place in August 2019, documentary ‘Kurt Vonnegut Unstuck in Time’ - about the life of the beloved American writer, and ‘She Will’ - a psychological horror, by debut director Charlotte Colbert. Mark and Simon read out email from Tim Cla

Jul 22, 2022 • 1:21:45

Sheridan Smith, The Railway Children Return, McEnroe, The Gray Man, The Good Boss

Sheridan Smith, The Railway Children Return, McEnroe, The Gray Man, The Good Boss

Simon talks to Bafta winning British actor Sheridan Smith OBE on what it was like to be a part of ‘The Railway Children Return.’ Mark reviews Ryan Goslings new action flick ‘The Gray Man’, ‘The Good Boss’ - a Spanish workplace satire staring Javier Bardem. ‘The Railway Children Return’ - which is the sequel to the much beloved classic. + ‘McEnroe’ -a new documentary that follows the life of the iconic tennis player. Plus, What’s on World, the Box office chart and more. You can contact the sh

Jul 15, 2022 • 1:20:44

Taron Egerton, Thor: Love and Thunder, Brian and Charles, Black Bird, Futura

Taron Egerton, Thor: Love and Thunder, Brian and Charles, Black Bird, Futura

Simon interviews actor and singer Taron Egerton best known for his work in the ‘Kingsman Franchise,’ and ‘Rocketman’ about his role in Apple TV+ new drama series ‘Black Bird – based on true events about a convict trying to help catch a serial killer. Mark reviews the much anticipated ‘Thor: Love and Thunder,’ new British robot film ‘Brian and Charles’, ‘Black Bird,’ and documentary ‘Futura’ - Exploring what boys and girls from age 15 to 20 think about the future, through a series of interviews d

Jul 8, 2022 • 1:19:49

Minions: The Rise of Gru, Nitram, and Tigers

Minions: The Rise of Gru, Nitram, and Tigers

Mark reviews ‘Minions: Rise of Gru’, ‘Nitram’ - about a young man who develops an unexpected friendship with an older and isolated heiress, and ‘Tigers’ - about a young Swedish football player who is sent to play in Italy’s most prestigious club.  Plus, What’s on World, the Box office chart and more.  You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or find us on our social channels.  Show timings: 17:52 Tigers Review 26:49 Box Office Top 10 40:59 Nitram Review

Jul 1, 2022 • 1:09:04

Rowan Atkinson, Elvis, The Black Phone, Man vs. Bee, and Wings of Desire

Rowan Atkinson, Elvis, The Black Phone, Man vs. Bee, and Wings of Desire

Mark and Simon are joined in the studio by comedic genius Rowan Atkinson to chat about his new comedy Netflix series ‘Man vs, Bee.’ Mark reviews the highly anticipated ‘Elvis’, Ethan Hawkes new horror, ‘The Black Phone’, ‘Man vs. Bee’ and Wim Wenders 1987 classic ‘Wings of Desire’ - about an angel who wonders the streets of Berlin observing its residents.  Plus, What’s on World, the Box office chart and more.  You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or fi

Jun 24, 2022 • 1:20:07

Tom Hanks, Lightyear, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Everything Went Fine, and Spiderhead

Tom Hanks, Lightyear, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Everything Went Fine, and Spiderhead

Simon speaks to the one and only Tom Hanks about his role as Colonel Tom Parker in ‘Elvis’. Mark reviews ‘Lightyear’ – the story of a young Buzz Lightyear, Emma Thompson stars in ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’, François Ozone’s French drama ‘Everything Went Fine’ and Chris Hemsworth’s new film ‘Spiderhead’ Plus, What’s on World, the Box office chart and more. You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or find us on our social channels. Show timings: 00:11:18 -

Jun 17, 2022 • 1:18:07

Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic World: Dominion, Swan Song, All My Friends Hate Me, Reel Britannia

Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic World: Dominion, Swan Song, All My Friends Hate Me, Reel Britannia

Simon speaks to screen legend, and fan of the show Jeff Goldblum about reprising his role as Dr. Ian Malcom in Jurassic World Dominion. Mark reviews new Jennifer Coolidge film ‘Swan Song,’ British comedy horror ‘All My Friends Hate Me,’ ‘Jurassic World Dominion,’ and new Britbox documentary series ‘Reel Britannia’ - highlighting the best of British cinema. Plus, Take it or Leave it, What’s on World, the Box office chart and more. You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodea

Jun 10, 2022 • 1:19:39

Danny Boyle, Men, Pistol, The Midwich Cuckoos

Danny Boyle, Men, Pistol, The Midwich Cuckoos

Simon speaks to renowned filmmaker, producer, and writer Danny Boyle to discuss his new Disney+ series ‘Pistol.’  Mark reviews folk horror ‘Men’ which stars Jessie Buckley and Rory Kinnear, the new adaptation of ‘The Midwich Cuckoos’, Mia Hansen- Løve’s ‘Bergman’s Island’ and ‘Pistol’. Plus, TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT: Ukrainian special. Box office chart and more. You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or find us on our social channels. Show timings: 14:42 Men

Jun 3, 2022 • 1:21:23

Rory Kinnear, Top Gun Maverick, Stranger Things and Bob’s Burgers

Rory Kinnear, Top Gun Maverick, Stranger Things and Bob’s Burgers

Mark and Simon are live from the Union Chapel, Islington, London! They’re joined by friend of the show Sanjeev Bhaskar, and Rory Kinnear who is starring in ‘Men’. Mark reviews Top Gun: Maverick, French film ‘Between Two Worlds’, American animation ‘Bob’s Burger’s’ and the new series of ‘Stranger Things’. Plus, extra bits live from the church! You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or find us on our social channels. Show timings: 7.26 Bob’s Burgers Review

May 27, 2022 • 1:11:58

Miles Teller, Benediction, Emergency, The Innocents

Miles Teller, Benediction, Emergency, The Innocents

In this week's episode of Kermode and Mayo’s Take, Mark and Simon are joined in the studio by Tom Cruise’s co-star Miles Teller to discuss his latest role as Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw in ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ Mark reviews Amazon’s college satire ‘Emergency’, Norwegian horror film ‘The Innocents’, Terrence Davies new World War One drama ‘Benediction’ and music documentary ‘A-ha-The Movie’ - about one of 1980’s most popular bands. Plus, Mark and Simon recommend the essential week’s viewing in T

May 20, 2022 • 1:21:09

Everything Everywhere All at Once, Gaspar Noé, The Essex Serpent

Everything Everywhere All at Once, Gaspar Noé, The Essex Serpent

In this week's episode of Kermode and Mayo’s Take, Mark and Simon are joined in the studio by Argentinian screenwriter, director, and auteur Gaspar Noé to discuss his latest film Vortex. Mark reviews Apple TV+’s new series ‘The Essex Serpent’, Sci-fi/Action film ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ staring Michelle Yeoh, new drama starring Mark Wahlberg - ‘Father Stu’, ‘The Drover’s Wife’ and ‘The Quiet Girl’ about a 9-year-old girl who discovers a new way of life when she moves in with

May 13, 2022 • 1:21:24

Introducing: Extra Takes and Take Two

Introducing: Extra Takes and Take Two

Once a week with us not enough for you? We have great news - in addition to our regular episodes every Friday, join Kermode & Mayo’s Extra Takes to get our subscriber-exclusive show - TAKE TWO. Every week on TAKE TWO, you’ll get a full extra hour of us diving deeper into topics, discussions (and popcorn) we didn’t have quite enough time for in our regular episode. Plus, if you want to listen without interruption, subscribers get access to all Kermode & Mayo episodes completely ad-free! Pe

May 9, 2022 • 0:46

The one with Tom Hiddleston, Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Cabaret

The one with Tom Hiddleston, Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Cabaret

In this first episode of Kermode and Mayo's Take, Mark and Simon are joined by Tom Hiddleston who talks about his role in The Essex Serpent. Mark reviews new Marvel film ‘Dr Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’, ‘This Much I Know To Be True’ which captures Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' creative relationship as they bring to life the songs from their last two studio albums, ‘Cabaret’ 50th Anniversary, new Netflix series ‘Clark’ - the story of Clark Olofsson, the man behind Stockholm syndrome, Dani

May 6, 2022 • 1:57:14

Introducing Kermode & Mayo’s Take

Introducing Kermode & Mayo’s Take

The new home of Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo. Coming early May 2022.  Film reviews, TV reviews, and all your conversation around movie and non-movie related stuff. Plus a whole bunch of recommendations to watch in cinemas, on all streaming services and on physical media. As well as the film and TV reviews, Mark and Simon will be talking about anything and everything. Punctuation, Thunderbirds, obscure German pop music, fax machines, subtitles, MRI scans, magic, school assemblies, Scandinavi

Apr 1, 2022 • 1:24

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