The Next Reel Film Podcast TruStory FM

“You’re an ambulance chaser with a rank. You’re nothing.”This is a member bonus episode. We'd love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get member content in episodes, access to members-only Discord channels, and early releases for every episode. Plus, no ads! And you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Courtroom Drama Meets Military Ethics – and Hollywood Ethics – in Sorkin's Debut
Before A Few Good Men hit the big screen, Aaron Sorkin's riveting story about two U.S. Marines accused of murder premiered on Broadway in 1989. The play, inspired by true events but not explicitly marketed as such, caught the attention of Hollywood heavyweights, leading to the 1992 film adaptation directed by Rob Reiner. With an all-star cast including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore, the movie garnered critical acclaim and four Academy Award nominations, including Best Film Editing. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1993 Academy Awards Best Film Editing Nominees member bonus series with a conversation about A Few Good Men.
Unraveling the Truth Behind the Code Red
In our discussion of A Few Good Men, we dive into the central theme of the film – the tension between following orders and doing what's right. As the story unfolds, we witness the journey of Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) as he navigates the complex world of military justice. We analyze how the film effectively builds suspense, particularly during the intense courtroom scenes, which showcase Sorkin's signature rapid-fire dialogue.
Throughout the episode, we highlight the performances of the stellar cast, including Jack Nicholson's iconic portrayal of Col. Nathan R. Jessup and Demi Moore's strong presence as Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway. We also touch on the film's exploration of the Guantanamo Bay military base and its significance in the story, as well as the fact that the story is based on real events, despite not being explicitly marketed as a "true story."
Other Talking Points
The film's opening sequence and its impact on setting the toneRob Reiner's direction and his successful run of films in the late 80s and early 90sThe challenges of adapting a stage play for the big screenThe film's commentary on the military hierarchy and its potential for abuse of powerA Few Good Men stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, as it expertly weaves together elements of drama, suspense, and moral ambiguity. The film's thought-provoking themes, combined with its outstanding performances and skilled editing, make it a must-see for any fan of courtroom dramas or military-themed movies. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerOriginal MaterialLetterboxd

“It was all going fine until he chopped off all his fingers.”In 2022, writer-director Martin McDonagh reunited with his In Bruges stars, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, to create a haunting tale of friendship, loss, and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. Set against the backdrop of the Irish Civil War in 1923, The Banshees of Inisherin was filmed on the breathtaking Achill Island and Inishmore, capturing the essence of a remote Irish community. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off the final series in this season of looking at films nominated in various award categories over the last 100 years – a format we've thoroughly enjoyed exploring. We begin our 2023 DGA Awards Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film Nominees series with a conversation about The Banshees of Inisherin.
A Microcosm of War and Friendship
In our discussion, we explore how The Banshees of Inisherin serves as a microcosm for the larger conflict of the Irish Civil War. The sudden dissolution of Pádraic and Colm's friendship mirrors the division and brutality of the war, with both men stubbornly refusing to reconcile. We also delve into the film's examination of the dehumanization of violence and how even the most trivial of disagreements can escalate into devastating battles.
Throughout the episode, we touch upon various aspects of the film that contribute to its brilliance, such as the powerhouse performances of Farrell, Gleeson, Kerry Condon, and Barry Keoghan; the stunning Irish landscapes that create a captivating atmosphere; and the role of animals as extensions of the characters' identities and emotional states. We also ponder the potential for this story to become a legendary tale passed down through generations, becoming an origin story for future pub conversations.
Other topics covered in our conversation include:
The exploration of blind spots in self-perception and the journey of self-discoveryThe cultural conflicts and stereotypes at play within the island communityThe tragic consequences of the characters' inability to move past their differencesThe film's seamless blending of humor and heartbreakThe Banshees of Inisherin is a masterful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. Martin McDonagh's deft direction, combined with the brilliant performances of the cast, makes for a film that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. While the film's darker themes may not be for everyone, we found it to be a captivating and worthwhile cinematic experience. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
The Drake-Kendrick Lamar FeudWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxd
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Visit our ORIGINALS PAGE to buy books, comics, plays, or other source material for the movies we've talked about on the show. By doing so, you get to find your next book to dig into and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!
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The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad yo

“Don’t go chasing shadows, Arthur.”Adapting a Classic Ghost Story for the Big Screen
The Woman in Black, based on Susan Hill's 1983 novel of the same name, has been adapted for the stage, television, and radio. In 2012, James Watkins directed a feature film version starring Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role since the Harry Potter series. With a talented team behind the camera and a compelling lead actor, The Woman in Black aimed to bring a classic ghost story to life for a new generation. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2013 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Actor Nominees series with a conversation about The Woman in Black.
Radcliffe's Post-Potter Performance and the Film's Ghostly Atmosphere
In our discussion, we explore Daniel Radcliffe's performance as Arthur Kipps, a young lawyer grappling with grief and tasked with settling the estate of the mysterious Alice Drablow. Radcliffe's portrayal marks a significant departure from his iconic role as Harry Potter, showcasing his range as an actor. We also delve into the film's effective use of atmosphere, from the eerie Eel Marsh House and causeway leading to it to the unsettling appearances of the titular specter. However, we note that the reliance on jump scares and horror tropes may detract from the overall impact of the story.
Other Topics Covered
The differences between the novel, previous adaptations, and the 2012 filmThe film's exploration of grief and lossThe effectiveness of the period setting and production designThe use of children in peril as a horror elementThe Woman in Black offers a haunting tale of a vengeful spirit and the devastating impact of loss. While the film may lean heavily on familiar ghost story conventions, it succeeds in creating a chilling atmosphere and showcasing Daniel Radcliffe's post-Potter acting chops. Despite some reservations about the ending and the reliance on jump scares, The Woman in Black remains a solid entry in the gothic horror genre and a testament to the enduring power of Susan Hill's original novel. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerOriginal Material: The Woman in Black by Susan HillLetterboxd
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Check out our MERCH PAGE for TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more!
Visit our ORIGINALS PAGE to buy books, comics, plays, or other source material for the movies we've talked about on the show. By doing so, you get to find your next book to dig into and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!
Star your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try Transistor today!
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
You can buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“Happy. That’s exactly my problem – that I can’t be happy. Not even when good things happen to me.”A Gripping Spanish Psychological Thriller
Sleep Tight (Mientras Duermes) is a 2011 thriller directed by Jaume Balagueró that delves into the complex themes of obsession, trust, and the violation of personal space. The film follows César, a concierge at an apartment building, and his interactions with the residents, particularly Clara. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2013 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Actor Nominees series with a conversation about Sleep Tight.
A Slow Burn That Keeps You Guessing
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sleep Tight is how it gradually reveals its central mystery, keeping the audience engaged and guessing throughout the narrative. The film excels at building suspense and creating an atmosphere of unease, as it explores the lives of the apartment building's residents and the role César plays in their daily routines. We discuss how the film's pacing and the careful release of information contribute to the overall sense of tension and anticipation. It's important to note that Sleep Tight is best experienced with as little prior knowledge of the plot as possible, allowing the story to unfold in its own surprising and unsettling way.
Luis Tosar's Mesmerizing Performance
At the heart of Sleep Tight is Luis Tosar's remarkable performance as César, which earned him many accolades. Tosar's portrayal of the complex and multi-layered character is a testament to his acting prowess, as he navigates the emotional depths and motivations of César with finesse. We explore how Tosar's performance is instrumental in driving the narrative forward and keeping the audience invested in the story, even as the film takes unexpected turns.
Other topics covered in our conversation include:
The film's exploration of the blurred lines between public and private lifeThe use of claustrophobic spaces and voyeuristic elements to heighten tensionThe effectiveness of the film's conclusion and its impact on the viewerThe universal themes of loneliness, isolation, and the need for connectionSleep Tight is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that keeps the audience on the edges of their seats until the very end. With its slow-burn approach to storytelling, atmospheric tension, and a powerhouse lead performance by Luis Tosar, the film offers a gripping and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchTheatrical trailerLetterboxd
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Check out our MERCH PAGE for TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more!
Visit our ORIGINALS PAGE to buy books, comics, plays, or other source material for the movies we've talked about on the show. By doing so, you get to find your next book to dig into and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!
Star your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try Transistor today!
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
You can buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron accou

“I like that you made the movies longer, they are better this way.”Scott Derrickson's nightmare after watching The Ring sparked the creation of Sinister, a chilling tale that taps into the growing fascination with true crime. Co-written with his frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill, Derrickson's film follows a true crime writer who moves his family into a house with a brutal past, only to uncover a sinister supernatural force at work. Released in 2012, Sinister arrived just as the true crime craze was gaining momentum, with podcasts and television shows exploring the darker side of human nature. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2013 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Actor Nominees series with a conversation about Sinister.
Ethan Hawke's Descent into Darkness
In Sinister, Ethan Hawke delivers a brooding and moody performance as a true crime writer determined to unravel the mystery behind a series of disturbing home movies. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Hawke's character becomes increasingly obsessed, putting his family in danger and blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. We discuss how the film uses jump scares and horrific imagery to create a sense of dread and unease, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Haunted Houses and Demonic Deeds
One of the key points we explore in our discussion is how Sinister subverts the "haunted house" trope. Instead of the horror being confined to a single location, the film has the demon Bughuul's influence follow the family even after they leave the murder house. This raises questions about the logic of Bughuul's actions and whether the film needed to provide a clearer explanation for his behavior. We debate the effectiveness of this approach and how it contributes to the overall sense of unease that permeates the film.
Sinister Sounds and Creepy Kids
The film's effective use of sound design and lighting to create a creepy atmosphereThe unsettling portrayal of the ghost children and their role in the murdersThe challenges of working with child actors in horror films and how Sinister handles their creepy scenesThe Verdict on Sinister
Sinister is a film that effectively taps into the growing fascination with true crime and delivers a creepy and unsettling horror experience. While the logic of Buhguul’s actions may not hold up under scrutiny, the film's strong atmosphere, effective scares, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout entry in the horror genre. We have a great time discussing the film's strengths and weaknesses, so check it out and then tune in to hear our full conversation. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxd
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Check out our MERCH PAGE for TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more!
Visit our ORIGINALS PAGE to buy books, comics, plays, or other source material for the movies we've talked about on the show. By doing so, you get to find your next book to dig into and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!
Star your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try Transistor today!
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
You can buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the

“How many on the list?”A Slow-Burn Descent into Darkness
Ben Wheatley's second feature film, Kill List, was released in 2011 to critical acclaim. The film follows Jay, a former soldier turned hitman, as he takes on a new job with his friend Gal after a traumatic event in Kiev leaves him unable to work for eight months. As Jay and Gal begin their new assignment, they quickly realize that there is more to their targets than meets the eye, and they find themselves embroiled in a dark and twisted conspiracy.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Kill List
In this episode of The Next Reel, we dive deep into the many layers of Kill List. We discuss how the film slowly reveals information about Jay's past and his work as a hitman, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. We also explore the film's shift from what’s been described as a kitchen sink drama to a hitman story and finally to a cult conspiracy, and how Wheatley ties all of these elements together in a satisfying way – at least for us.
Throughout our discussion, we highlight the incredible performance of Neil Maskell as Jay, a man struggling with trauma and rage. We also touch on the film's exploration of masculinity and the ways in which Jay's inability to express his emotions leads to violence and destruction.
Other Points of Discussion
The film's references to Arthurian legend and how they relate to Jay's characterThe twist ending and its impact on the storyThe relationship between Jay and his wife Shel, played by MyAnna BuringThe relationship between Jay and Gal, his best friend and co-worker, played by Michael SmileyThe film's use of violence and how it serves the storyKill List is a film that feels like one that will reward us on multiple viewings, as each watch hopefully will reveal new clues and connections that we may have been missed the first time around. While the ending may be polarizing for some viewers, we found it to be a satisfying conclusion to a story that keeps you guessing until the very last frame.
A Must-See for Fans of Slow-Burn Thrillers
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed Kill List and its slow-burn approach to storytelling. Ben Wheatley and his wife/co-writer Amy Jump craft a tense and unsettling atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the performances from the entire cast are top-notch. If you're a fan of films that take their time to unravel their mysteries and leave you with plenty to think about after the credits roll, then Kill List is definitely worth checking out. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxd
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Check out our MERCH PAGE for TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more!
Visit our ORIGINALS PAGE to buy books, comics, plays, or other source material for the movies we've talked about on the show. By doing so, you get to find your next book to dig into and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!
Star your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try Transistor today!
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
You can buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro o