‘Dune: Part Two’ and the 10 Best Movies of the Year … So Far
Apr 9, 2024
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Arkasha Stevenson, director of 'The First Omen,' discusses the subversive nature of legacy sequels and her filmmaking career. Hosts share their favorite movies of the year, including 'Immaculate' and 'La Chimera.' Sean and Amanda revisit 'Dune: Part Two' to assess the fervor around it. Stevenson talks about getting 'The First Omen' made and her journey in the industry.
Revisiting Denis Villeneuve’s 'Dune: Part Two' to assess its enduring appeal and impact
Sharing the 10 best movies of the year so far, including 'Immaculate' and 'La Chimera'
Director Arkasha Stevenson discusses the subversive nature of her film 'The First Omen' and her journey in filmmaking
Exploring themes of female autonomy, body horror, and societal fears in the horror genre
Deep dives
Scoop
Scoop is a movie about the infamous 2019 Prince Andrew interview and the journalist who conducted it. The film follows the journalist, played by Hugh Jackman, as he tries to secure an exclusive with another high-profile individual. As the story unfolds, it delves into the power dynamics of the media world and the ethics of journalism.
Character-driven Documentary
Scoop is a character-driven documentary that explores the inner workings of the media and the consequences of high-profile interviews. The film offers insights into the challenges faced by journalists in pursuing stories and the impact of such interviews on both the subjects and the reporters themselves. Through its engaging narrative, Scoop raises questions about journalistic integrity and the pursuit of truth.
Nebraska-Based Coming-of-Age Story
Snack Shack is a Nebraska-based coming-of-age story set in 1991 that follows two friends as they take over the Snack Shack at their local pool. The film captures the energy and nostalgia of 80s and 90s teen comedies while exploring themes of friendship, entrepreneurship, and adolescent experiences. With charismatic performances and a fast-paced narrative, Snack Shack offers a delightful homage to classic teen films.
Sperm World
Sperm World is a fascinating documentary that dives into the unconventional world of online sperm donation. Exploring the interactions between sperm donors and hopeful parents, the film sheds light on the motivations and complexities behind this unique form of family building. Through its verite style and nuanced character portrayals, Sperm World offers a thought-provoking look at the modern landscape of reproduction and personal connections.
Creative Vision and Female Autonomy in Horror
The film delves into themes of creative vision and female autonomy in horror, blending supernatural elements with repressed trauma and personal fears. The director's focus on the female body horror reflects a deeper narrative of female empowerment and reclaiming autonomy over one's physical form. The imagery and storytelling aim to evoke a visceral response from the audience, challenging traditional horror tropes and providing a unique perspective on the genre.
Challenges of Crafting Effective Scares
While navigating the requirements of crafting jump scares for a studio horror film, the director aimed to maintain the movie's artistic integrity. Admitting a personal struggle with jump scares, the director focused on making these moments serve as MacGuffins, drawing attention to deeper existential fears and anxieties present throughout the narrative. The film's scares are designed to resonate on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impact on the audience's psyche.
Cultural Relevance and Religious Horror
The resurgence of films exploring religious horror, such as this one set in a convent, reflects contemporary societal fears and anxieties. The director attributes this trend to a shifting cultural landscape marked by intergenerational conflicts and loss of faith in traditional institutions. By delving into themes of female autonomy, body autonomy, and reproductive rights, the film presents a mirror to current socio-political discourses surrounding these topics, resonating with audiences experiencing similar fears and uncertainties.
Sean and Amanda revisit Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune: Part Two’ and assess whether the fervor for it holds up (1:00). Then, they share their 10 favorite movies of the year so far (25:00), including ‘Immaculate,’ ‘La Chimera,’ ‘The First Omen,’ and others. Sean is then joined by the director of ‘The First Omen,’ Arkasha Stevenson, to discuss the subversive nature of a her legacy sequel, how she got it made, and the career that led her here (1:15:00).
