Kermode & Mayo’s Take

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo.  Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fortnightly LIVE show—a raucous, unfiltered lunchtime special with the Good Doctors, new features, and live chat so you can heckle, vote, and have your questions read out in real time.  We have a bonafide film and TV legend in our midst this week: director of ‘Broadcast News’, ‘Terms of Endearment’ and ‘As Good As It Gets’—not to mention co-creator of The Simpsons—James L Brooks. He talks to Simon about his new comedy drama ‘Ella McCay’—his first film in 15 years. He unpacks the movie starring Emma Mackey (yes, the names are confusing), Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson and Jack Lowden—and tells us why he’s nostalgic for 2008. Plus a bit of Simpsons chat—there are a few very familiar voices in this movie!   Mark reviews Eternity—the new A24 afterlife romcom that sees Elizabeth Olsen torn between two dead husbands, played by Miles Teller and Callum Turner. Plus we’ve got his verdict on the new film from exiled Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi too--’It Was Just an Accident’. This latest daring project has seen the banned filmmaker issued a jail sentence from the Iranian government. And finally, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2....You might remember how much Mark loved the first one (not)... but could the sequel win him over? Spoilers: it doesn’t—but strap in for a review that might be more entertaining than the movie.  All the box office top 10 news for you too, plus the weekly hilarity of the laughter lift. Enjoy!   Our LIVE Christmas Extravaganza at London’s Prince Edward Theatre is this weekend! Join us on 7th December—with special guest Nia DaCosta, and Jason Isaacs beaming in from the USA. Tickets here: fane.co.uk/kermode-mayo      Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free)  Eternity review: 09:10  BO10: 19:50  James L Brooks Interview: 37:10  It Was Just An Accident review: 52:30 Laughter Lift: 1:02:32  Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 review: 01:07:32 Jay Kelly review: 01:14:41      You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo  Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take 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 advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo.  Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fortnightly LIVE show—a raucous, unfiltered lunchtime special with the Good Doctors, new features, and live chat so you can heckle, vote, and have your questions read out in real time.  American indie darling director Noah Baumbach joins Simon in the guest spot this week to talk ‘Jay Kelly’, his new film starring George Clooney as the titular aging movie star in crisis. On an unexpected European tour, he looks back on a life of stardom and its effects on those around him—not least the long serving entourage who trail after him. Noah sits down with Simon to unpack his writing process and more on this sweeping showbiz tale.   Jay Kelly is out on Netflix next week, so listen out for Mark’s review then. In the meantime, we’ve got this week’s biggest releases reviewed for you right now. First up, ‘Pillion’—whose star Alexander Skarsgård was our guest on last week’s show. It’s an unbashful BDSM biker drama, following the unconventional romance between Skarsgård’s Ray and Harry Melling’s Colin. Does Mark think it’s a pleasure or a pain? Either way—maybe not one to watch on family film night...  Plus, ‘Christy’--the boxing drama based on the true story of women's boxing trailblazer Christy Martin, played by Sydney Sweeney—and ‘Zootropolis 2’, the long-awaited sequel to the animated animal cop drama for all the family.   All the best of the Box Office Top 10, and top correspondence too, including some excellent ‘Pluribus’ discussion—keep the emergency-mails coming, folks!   AND Don’t miss our upcoming LIVE Christmas Extravaganza at London’s Prince Edward Theatre on 7th December—with special guests Nia DaCosta, Jason Isaacs beaming in from the USA, and more! Tickets here: fane.co.uk/kermode-mayo      Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free)  Pillion review: 12:33   BO10: 27:34  Noah Baumbach Interview: 47:45  Christy review: 01:01:38  Laughter Lift: 01:10:39  Zootropolis 2 review: 1:12:57       You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo  Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take 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 advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howdy Take listeners—it's about time for another Now & Ben, don’t you think? This time it’s Benedict Cumberbatch—who chats to our Ben about his new film ‘The Thing With Feathers’, alongside director Dylan Southern. Based on the bestselling Max Porter novel, the movie follows Cumberbatch’s character ‘Dad’ through his grief at the sudden death of his wife, and his efforts to raise their two sons alone. It’s a hefty subject matter and emotional performance—but as you’ll hear there were some pretty hilarious on-set antics too. When you’re working with two child actors and a guy in a giant crow costume, things are bound to be some laughs... Enjoy, and watch out for more of these bonus interview nuggets dropping into the Take feed every ‘Now & Ben’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor Alexander Skarsgård joins the conversation to chat about his intriguing new film, 'Pillion', where he plays Ray, a leather-clad BDSM biker. He delves into the complex dynamics of his character's relationship with Colin, showcasing the film's unique 'Dom-Com' twist. Skarsgård also shares insights into his family's Christmas traditions and the challenges of balancing audience sympathy with Ray’s enigmatic nature. Plus, hear what it was like to work with first-time director Harry Lighton!

Edgar Wright, acclaimed director and screenwriter, shares insights on his adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man. Wright discusses the film's dystopian themes and its relevance in today's world. He reflects on his childhood admiration for King’s works and reveals how the story’s elements resonated with him. The conversation highlights the production nuances, including the casting of Glen Powell and the delicate balance between action and satire. Wright also shares anecdotes about seeking approval from King and ensuring Arnold Schwarzenegger's nod of approval.

Some exciting news — The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fortnightly LIVE show — a raucous, unfiltered lunchtime special with the Good Doctors, new features, and live chat so you can heckle, vote, and have your questions read out in real time. It’s a pretty special week for guests over here in Take town. We’re welcoming debut filmmaker Ronan Day-Lewis, and his dad who’s come with him and is apparently quite famous or something? Yes, that’s Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, star and co-writer of ‘Anemone’—the father-son co-created drama that has brought him out of retirement. Day-Lewis stars as reclusive and damaged former soldier Ray, who reconnects with his brother Jem (Sean Bean) after years in the wilderness. The pair unpack the film with Simon—including how a 16th Century manuscript partially inspired it, their family history in Ireland, and what it was like to write and shoot an intense father-son story as a real life father-son team. Mark reviews it too, along with three more big movies you can head down to the cinema to watch this weekend—code compliantly, obvs. First up, ‘Predator: Badlands’—the latest instalment in this very loooong running sci-fi action franchise which the classic villain turns hero and the hunter turns hunted. In calmer territory, we’ve got ‘The Choral’ too—a cosy drama about a Yorkshire village choir during WWI, led by controversial new conductor Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes). And finally, the new and long-awaited Lynne Ramsay film ‘Die My Love’—a dark family drama starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. Reckon Mark’s going to be excited about this one... All the usual email excellence, bantz, rantz, and everything you’ve come to expect from a top Take too. AND Don’t miss our upcoming LIVE Christmas Extravaganza at London’s Prince Edward Theatre on 7th December. Tickets here: fane.co.uk/kermode-mayo Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free) Predator: Badlands Review: 11:33 BO10: 19:21 Daniel Day-Lewis & Ronan Day-Lewis Interview: 29:13 Anemone Review: 30:30 Laughter Lift: 57:21 The Choral Review: 1:02:41 Die My Love Review: 1:12:44 You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take 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 advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ruth Wilson, an award-winning actor known for her captivating performances, joins the discussion to delve into her role in the thrilling TV series Down Cemetery Road. She shares insights about her character, Sarah Trafford, and how the narrative intertwines mystery with humor. The conversation reveals Sarah's transformation from a bored housewife to a determined sleuth alongside Emma Thompson's character. They also explore the show's unique suburban noir style, balancing dark themes with absurdity, and Ruth hints at her exciting new projects.

This Week on the Show: Josh O’Connor, Kelly Reichardt & the Art of the Heist Fresh off the headlines of a real-life Louvre robbery, indie auteur Kelly Reichardt and breakout star Josh O’Connor join Simon to talk about their buzzy new film, The Mastermind—a stylish 70s-set art-heist drama that’s suddenly feeling very timely. O’Connor plays JB, a slacker dad whose low-stakes gallery theft spirals into something far more chaotic. Expect Nixon-era nostalgia, vintage fashion deep-dives, and awkward ovation etiquette. Plus, Josh spills on his upcoming Spielberg project—yes, that Spielberg. Mark Reviews: The Mastermind – Does Reichardt’s latest live up to the hype? Regretting You – A romantic drama with a title tailor-made for snark. Mark’s rant radar is fully activated. Sketch – A family film where kids’ drawings come to life. But does the magic hold up? Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere – Jeremy Allen White stars as The Boss in this hotly anticipated biopic. Does it rock or roll off the rails? Whether you're here for reviews, behind-the-scenes stories, or just want to know what’s worth your cinema ticket this week, we’ve got you covered. And some exciting news: The Take is now on Patreon! Find our page here: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo You can now become a Vanguardista—or join the new ranks of the Ultra Vanguardistas, on our Patreon page. Get a whole extra show with Take 2 every week, plus... Access to our new member-only Patreon chat rooms Polls & submissions — vote on the films we cover, send us questions to answer, and try your best (or worst) jokes for the Laughter Lift. Behind-the-scenes photos and videos you won’t find anywhere else. Video versions of ALL upcoming Take Two bonus episodes A new monthly newsletter called The Redactor’s Roundup And, most excitingly... A whole brand new fortnightly LIVE show from the Good Doctors – and the chance to message on the live chat during the show AND Don’t miss our upcoming LIVE Christmas Extravaganza at London’s Prince Edward Theatre on 7th December. Tickets here: fane.co.uk/kermode-mayo Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free) Regretting You Review: 10:51 Box Office Top Ten: 19:54 Josh O’Connor & Kelly Reichardt Interview: 33:31 The Mastermind Review: 48:15 Laughter Lift: 57:40 Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere Review: 1:01:04 Sketch Review: 01:15:57 You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take 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 advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Tovey, known for his dynamic roles on stage and screen, joins the conversation to discuss his performance in the gripping film 'Plain Clothes.' He delves into the character Andrew, examining the emotional entrapment faced by gay men in the 1997 setting. Tovey also highlights the significance of props and non-verbal acting in conveying authenticity. The discussion touches on themes of paranoia, shame, and the possibility of a sequel, showcasing Tovey's insightful perspectives on the film's production and socio-emotional dynamics.

This week, the hosts dive into the heartfelt drama 'I Swear', exploring the life of Tourette's activist John Davidson. They also tackle the emotional rollercoaster of 'Plainclothes', where an undercover cop grapples with his identity. Kathryn Bigelow and Rebecca Ferguson share insights on their film 'A House of Dynamite', discussing the urgent need for dialogue about nuclear weapons. Lastly, Mark critiques 'Tron: Ares', highlighting its lack of originality and emotional depth. Expect laughter and community cinema updates sprinkled throughout!