
Kermode & Mayo’s Take
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 it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Want more Kermode & Mayo? Subscribe to Kermode & Mayo’s Extra Takes for ad-free listening plus access to our subscriber-exclusive show - TAKE TWO, new episodes every Monday. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking try free at the top of our show page. If you’re not a fruit-based person, never fear! Subscribe at Extratakes.com to get access on your preferred podcast platform.
There's more to discover at kermodeandmayo.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Latest episodes

Jun 6, 2025 • 17min
Now and Ben: Carey Mulligan and Tim Key
Welcome to another Now & Ben! This little nugget of bonus interview goodness features Carey Mulligan and Tim Key—stars of the new wholesome folk musical The Ballad of Wallis Island—in cinemas now.
Ben sits down with them to talk about this British gem of a film that’s got Richard Curtis cooing. Plus behind the scenes goss on everything from corpsing on camera to sliding into dms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 9min
20 Years of Kermode & Mayo
Celebrate two decades of entertaining film critique and nostalgia! Enjoy hilarious anecdotes from the pandemic and witty reflections on listener memories. Dive into engaging discussions on new releases like 'Ballerina,' 'Clown in a Cornfield,' and 'Dangerous Animals.' Relive 20 years of cinematic history with highlights from the past and explorations of the evolving film landscape. Sip on joyful moments and connect through a shared love for movies, all wrapped in lighthearted banter and insightful reviews.

May 29, 2025 • 1h 14min
Hello to Jason Isaacs! In The Salt Path
Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you’re already a Vanguardista, we salute you.
It’s time for another of those very special episodes where we all get to say “hello” to one of our very favourite friends of the show in the actual flesh (or whatever the audio equivalent of that is...). You guessed it, our guest this week is the one and only Jason Isaacs. He drops in for a chat with both Simon and Mark about ‘The Salt Path’—a seriously inspirational film that sees him walk the South West Coast Path in a journey of massive resilience and self-discovery alongside Gillian Anderson. They play the real-life couple Moth and Raynor Winn, who walked the path after losing their home and livelihood, and wrote the bestselling memoir on which the film is based. It’s a seriously meaty chat and Jason is on top form—you don’t want to miss it.
Mark reviews it too, plus two more big releases this week. We’ve got ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, the high-kicking and wholesome latest in the Kung Fu franchise, starring Jackie Chan—and ‘The Ritual’--an exorcism horror with a demon-ousting Priest played by... Al Pacino??? This one sounds like Kermode catnip, so listen in and say your prayers for a rant or a redemption. Simon is back this week too, so expect bumper banter from the Good Doctors.
Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):
Karate Kid: Legends: 08:06
Jason Isaacs Interview: 30:18
The Salt Path Review: 48:20
The Ritual Review: 58:35
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
And to find out more about Sony’s new show Origins with Cush Jumbo, click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 2025 • 1h 12min
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning with Chris McQuarrie
Join Chris McQuarrie, the mastermind behind the Mission: Impossible franchise and Top Gun: Maverick, as he dives into the exhilarating world of filmmaking. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about the jaw-dropping stunts in 'The Final Reckoning' and his creative synergy with Tom Cruise. The discussion also touches on the challenges of filming during a pandemic, innovative techniques in action sequences, and the emotional weight of storytelling. Plus, there's a playful look at Wes Anderson's quirky new film and its unique narrative style.

May 15, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Last of Us with Craig Mazin
Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you’re already a Vanguardista, we salute you.
Reviews this week of French feelgood hit ‘The Marching Band’ (En Fanfare)--where a conductor in need of a bone-marrow transplant discovers a long-lost brother and undertakes an unexpected musical journey. Think Brassed Off, but more French. Also we have the edge-of-your-car-seat thriller ‘Hallow Road’ starring Rosamund Pike, and the usual run down of the Box Office Top 10 and all your erudite/hilarious/chin-strokey correspondence on those.
The Good Doctors will also be talking ‘The Last Of Us’ series 2—and that’s because our very special guest this week is its showrunner Craig Mazin. In a bumper conversation that extends into Take 2 for Vanguardistas, he and Simon talk about the groundbreaking video-game adaptation series and his journey to creating it. Covering everything from storytelling secrets to the show’s brilliant needle drops, via revenge, grief and creativity, this one really goes places—don't miss it.
Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):
En Fanfare (The Marching Band) Review: 08:15
Craig Mazin Interview: 26:03
The Last of Us S2 Review: 45:28
Hallow Road Review: 58:36
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
And to find out more about Sony’s new show Origins with Cush Jumbo, click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
Is Nic Cage still riding the comeback wave in THE SURFER?
Dive into a captivating discussion about Nic Cage's quirky new film, 'The Surfer', where he finds himself in a surreal beachside conflict while reconnecting with his son. There's a heartfelt review of David Attenborough's latest ocean documentary, peeling back the layers of environmental challenges. Explore a fresh take on the romcom classic 'The Wedding Banquet', tackling love and cultural complexities. The hosts also offer insights on the theater experience versus streaming, weaving in nostalgic anecdotes and humor, making for a delightful listening journey.

May 1, 2025 • 1h 17min
Another Paul Feig film? Do me a Favor
Paul Feig, the stylish director behind hits like Bridesmaids and Spy, joins to discuss his latest film, Another Simple Favor. He shares insights on the challenges of crafting sequels, including character evolution and the significance of strong female leads. The conversation touches on the role of music in storytelling and critiques a recent film for its predictability, all while interspersing humorous anecdotes. Feig's unique perspectives offer a peek into the intricacies of filmmaking and the legacy of beloved characters.

11 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 20min
David Oyelowo on Government Cheese + Mark’s verdict on The Studio
David Oyelowo, an accomplished actor known for his powerful roles in 'Selma' and 'Government Cheese,' joins the conversation. He reveals insights about playing Hampton Chambers in his new Apple TV+ series, blending humor with serious themes of family and redemption. They explore the unique storytelling of 'Government Cheese' set in the 1960s, discussing its cultural significance and the balance between comedy and drama. The hosts also dive into the biting satire of 'The Studio,' showcasing the absurdities of Hollywood filmmaking.

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 13min
Warfare with Alex Garland & Ray Mendoza
Join Alex Garland, an acclaimed writer and director behind hits like Ex Machina, and Ray Mendoza, a former Navy SEAL and military advisor, as they discuss their gripping new film 'Warfare.' They delve into the importance of authentic storytelling in depicting modern conflict, drawing from Mendoza’s own wartime experiences. The conversation also touches on sound design, narrative techniques, and the challenges of balancing realism with cinematic tradition. Don't miss their insights on the emotional weight of representing war on screen.

Apr 16, 2025 • 17min
Now and Ben: Charlie Brooker & Emma Corrin on Black Mirror
Dive into the intriguing world of Black Mirror with creator Charlie Brooker and star Emma Corrin. They discuss the innovative 'ReDream' technology in their new episode, blending classic films with modern-day narratives. The conversation also touches on the artistic influence of vintage media and the challenge of maintaining secrecy in filmmaking. Additionally, they explore themes of forbidden love and how nostalgic storytelling reveals the bittersweet nature of memory and loneliness. The chat promises surprises, including a detour into bowling!