That Final Scene

The podcast for the greatest (and not so greatest) endings in film and TV history.
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  • Film Reviews
  • Every two weeks

If you often find yourself asking "What did I just see?" after the film credits roll, this podcast is for you. Join us as we dive into the (plot) twisted world of final scenes in film and TV show history. Hosted by Sophie, Ben and Simon. www.thatfinalscene.com

  1. 14/04/2025

    Saving cinema, Trump villains & the future of AI filmmaking (with Dario Llinares)

    This week on That Final Scene, I chat with Dr. Dario Llinares (educator, researcher, writer, podcaster and fellow Substacker) about whether we're witnessing cinema's final act—or just its most dramatic plot twist yet. We dive into our recent watches (Ben's frankly had it with Trump-coded villains in Mickey 17 and Daredevil), debate what makes a cinema experience worth leaving your couch for, and explore Dario's fascinating AI video essay project that uses the technology to critique... well, the technology itself. The burning question at the heart of our conversation: why are theaters emptying out faster than a cinema playing Morbius, and what would actually bring audiences back? From "event" screenings to repertory programming to Simon's wild idea for "live cinema," we workshop solutions that might just save our beloved movie palaces. Plus: Soderbergh's slick spy thriller Black Bag, Pierce Brosnan's mysteriously vanishing Irish accent, and why open-air screenings of The Greatest Showman keep selling out while multiplexes gather dust. Listen in for a conversation that's equal parts film-nerd deep cut and urgent state-of-the-industry diagnosis. Find Dario's work at his Substack ContraWise and through the Cinematologist podcast. His new interview series Cinema Body, Cinema Mind explores our physical relationship with moviegoing. https://dariollinares.substack.com/ https://dariollinares.substack.com/s/the-cinematologists-newsletter-archive https://dariollinares.substack.com/s/cinema-body Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe

    1hr 31min
  2. The Academy vs the People: 2025 Oscar predictions and your personal favorites (with Gabriel Frieberg)

    28/02/2025

    The Academy vs the People: 2025 Oscar predictions and your personal favorites (with Gabriel Frieberg)

    I've never been so unprepared for an Oscar season. This year's race feels like someone threw all the conventional wisdom into a blender, hit puree, and walked away laughing. So in this episode, we are joined by The Schmear Hunter’s Gabriel Frieberg – whose Berlinale stories alone are worth the price of admission – to walk us through his film and TV journey, and quickly descend into our annual tradition of pretending we have any idea what'll happen on Hollywood's favorite night of self-congratulation: The Academy Awards. Gabriel turned out to be the perfect antidote to my cynicism, bringing actual insights from the festival circuit while Ben chugged tea and ranted about why "Furiosa" deserved more recognition. We dove into the genuine surprise of Ariana Grande's performance in "Wicked" (who knew?) and debated whether Demi Moore will finally get her flowers in the Best Actress category. The real fun came when we compared our predictions against what YOU, the TFS community, voted for in our Substack ballot. Your "will win" picks are surprisingly industry-savvy, but your "want to win" choices? Pure chaos in the best possible way. Sean Baker vs. Brady Corbet for Best Director created our most heated exchange (sorry for the sound spike), and none of us could agree whether "Conclave" deserves its Best Picture nomination. But there's unanimous support for "Anora" in both our panel and community picks—which probably means something else will win because the Oscars love nothing more than making us all look foolish. Make sure you listen on our take on the Bond franchise's uncertain future and stay for Gabriel’s passionate defense of the films that got completely overlooked this awards season. As always, I promise to eat my words publicly when my predictions turn out wrong. Catch up on Gabriel’s work at: schmearhunter.com Also subscribe to his podcast, The SchmearCast, on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 And follow him on Instagram, TikTok & Letterboxd. instagram.com/schmearhunter_ tiktok.com/@schmearhunter letterboxd.com/SchmearHunter Loved what you heard? Let's keep the conversation going at the That Final Scene chat on Substack: https://substack.com/chat/3141096 Follow That Final Scene at: Substack: thatfinalscene.com Instagram: @thatfinalscene TikTok: @thatfinalscene YouTube: @ThatFinalScene Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:51 Gabriel's Journey in Film and TV 03:24 The Importance of Unique Voices in Film Critique 05:49 Experiences at the Berlinale Film Festival 07:58 Discussion on 'Mickey 17' and Director Bong Joon-ho 09:39 The Future of Big Budget Films and Auteur Directors 11:48 Concerns Over the Bond Franchise and Amazon's Influence 20:02 Oscar Predictions and the Best Actor Category 29:17 The Rise of Timothée Chalamet 30:39 Best Actress Predictions 32:36 Best Supporting Actor Insights 35:08 Best Supporting Actress Discussion 40:00 Best Adapted Screenplay Contenders 44:35 Best Director Showdown 55:04 Fan Favorites and Cult Classics 56:56 Cinematography Predictions 01:00:07 Film Editing Insights 01:03:21 Best Picture Predictions 01:10:30 Oscar Snubs and Underrated Films Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe

    1hr 23min

  3. 20/01/2025

    The Da Vinci Code Is Stilll Camp & Nosferatu Ending Explained

    Well, it seems like it's time to sink our teeth into another THAT FINAL SCENE episode (sorry, couldn't resist). If you're also grappling with Robert Eggers' latest “Nosferatu” and Ellen's choice to face death in that haunting final scene, you might want to tune in. We go deep into the shadows of this one – from death-and-maiden motifs to why some of us felt oddly disconnected despite the film's technical mastery. Plus, we somehow end up on a tangent about watching THE DA VINCI CODE over the holidays (questionable choices were made) and why old Bond films hit different now. Fair warning: we get into a heated debate about whether this version of NOSFERATU actually makes us feel anything beyond aesthetic appreciation. And yes, we absolutely dissect that ending – you know I got you covered y’all. Come for the vampire discourse, stay for our chaotic holiday viewing confessions and some spicy award season predictions that will probably age terribly. The episode is available wherever you get your podcasts. And while you're there, maybe leave us a review? Unless you're Count Orlok himself – in which case, we respectfully decline your feedback. P.S. Between you and me, there's a moment where we completely derail into UK Traitors Season 3 territory and I regret nothing. Enjoy! Loved what you heard? Let's keep the conversation going - download the Substack app to join our chat around the episode: https://substack.com/chat/3141096 Be part of my chronically online film community by following me on: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatfinalscene * TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thatfinalscene * Substack (for deeper takes): at https://thatfinalscene.com Timestamps 00:00 Intriguing Opening Scene 00:13 New Year Greetings and Cultural Differences 01:27 Podcast Behind the Scenes 02:41 Movie Recommendations and Reviews 10:43 Reality TV Highlights 14:08 Discussing the Greatest Film Ever Made 22:37 The Pact and Opening Sequence 23:21 Psychosexual Dynamics and Imaginary Friends 23:28 Critique on Film Length and Pacing 23:41 Character Analysis: Nosferatu and Orlok 26:03 Robert Eggers' Cinematic Style 29:12 Character Performances and Emotional Connection 31:52 Themes of Sacrifice and Grotesque Imagery 41:26 Final Thoughts and Audience Reactions 45:20 Upcoming Episodes and Farewell Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe

    46 min

  4. 27/12/2024

    A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Black Doves reactions & our annual festive movie quiz

    In our final episode of 2024, we do what any self-respecting film nerds would do during the holidays - torture each other with impossibly specific movie trivia. But first, some cinematic therapy: We kick things off diving into CONCLAVE (or as I like to call it, "Ralph Fiennes Does His Best Pope Impression While Looking Incredibly Concerned"). This leads us down a rabbit hole about actors who deserve Oscars but keep getting snubbed. Speaking of snubs, we tackle the Harry Potter reboot news - I have THOUGHTS about recasting, and they mostly involve protecting the sacred memory of Robbie Coltrane. But that’s for another episode. The middle chunk gets spicy with chat about Black Doves (Netlix’s new smash hit), the new Bob Dylan film that feels like it exists in a parallel universe (it’s really good), and why Tom Cruise continues to defy both gravity and aging. There's a brief detour into Netflix territory, which somehow evolves into an impassioned debate about MUBI's latest programming choices. If anyone wants to get Simon a pressie, let it be an annual MUBI subscription. Then comes the quiz portion - the main event, if you will. I channel my inner film school professor and subject Simon to a Mrs. Doubtfire interrogation that would make Robin Williams wince. I absolutely demolish the Fight Club round - turns out watching it approximately 27 times pays off. Ben tests Simon's James Bond knowledge, which leads us down various 007 rabbit holes. Which I didn’t understand one bit. We close out with anticipation for the new Nosferatu coming in 2024. Because nothing says "Happy New Year" like a German expressionist vampire, right? Timestamps 00:00 Opening Remarks and Final Episode Introduction 00:15 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey 00:51 Special Ideas for Next Year 00:56 Discussing Conclave and Ralph Fiennes 01:45 Actors Who Deserve an Oscar 02:51 Harry Potter Series Reboot 05:15 Robbie Coltrane's Iconic Roles 06:52 Black Doves and Other TV Shows 10:30 Bob Dylan Movie Review 14:49 Tom Cruise and Action Stars 18:02 Netflix's Latest Offerings 24:37 Discussing 'Queer' and Mubi's Cinema Release 25:17 Reviewing 'Craven' and Aaron Taylor Johnson's Performance 27:06 Christmas Quiz: Mrs. Doubtfire Edition 31:16 Christmas Quiz: Fight Club Edition 32:50 Christmas Quiz: James Bond Edition 35:25 Bond Franchise Deep Dive 40:48 Upcoming Movies and Final Thoughts Loved what you heard? Let's keep the conversation going - download the Substack app to join our chat around the episode: https://substack.com/chat/3141096 Be part of our chronically online film community by following me on: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatfinalscene * TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thatfinalscene * Substack (for deeper takes): at https://thatfinalscene.com And hey, if you're feeling generous, take 30 seconds to rate and review us wherever you're listening - it helps other film obsessives find us. See you in a couple of weeks for another ending that will either vindicate or devastate us. Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe

    44 min
  5. There Will Be Blood Ending Explained & Other Milkshakes

    09/12/2024

    There Will Be Blood Ending Explained & Other Milkshakes

    There's a moment in There Will Be Blood where Daniel Plainview stares at a burning oil derrick with maniacal glee while others panic around him. That scene captures everything fascinating about PTA's examination of capitalism, greed, and American ambition - and it's just one of many moments we unpack in this week's episode - including of course…its final scene. Before diving into our main discussion, Ben and I get into it over Gladiator 2 (which I maintain is a perfectly entertaining time if you accept it for the ridiculous spectacle it is), and Simon takes us through Michael Bay's 13 Hours, leading to an unexpected conversation about method acting and on-set dynamics. But the heart of this episode is our analysis of the iconic There Will Be Blood - from Paul Dano's remarkable dual performance (pulled off with just 4 days of prep) to the film's masterful exploration of how capitalism and religion feed off each other. We dig into the historical context, decode that famous milkshake monologue, and debate whether Daniel Plainview was always a monster or if success corrupted him. Next episode: We're closing out the year with our Christmas special, featuring what will surely be a deeply competitive movie trivia showdown. Timestamps for the chronologically-gifted: 00:00 Opening Remarks and Initial Banter 00:21 Behind the Scenes of Podcasting 00:50 Correction on Russell Crowe's Oscar Wins 02:04 Discussion on Gladiator 2 10:48 Review of The Foreigner 12:05 Michael Bay's 13 Hours 19:25 Mean Girls and Lindsay Lohan's Career 20:45 Upcoming Movies and Recommendations 24:45 Revisiting There Will Be Blood 27:05 Daniel's Descent into Capitalism 27:24 Manipulating Relationships 27:59 Curiosity and Camera Work 28:51 Moral Ambiguity and Greed 29:12 Sympathy for the Son 30:00 The Harsh Realities of Business 31:10 Religion vs. Capitalism 32:13 The Final Confrontation 33:33 The Aftermath and Reflections 42:57 The Iconic Milkshake Metaphor 51:21 Paul Dano's Performance 57:50 Upcoming Episodes and Farewell Loved what you heard? Let's keep the conversation going - download the Substack app to join our chat around the episode: https://substack.com/chat/3141096 Be part of our chronically online film community by following me on: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatfinalscene * TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thatfinalscene * Substack (for deeper takes): at https://thatfinalscene.com And hey, if you're feeling generous, take 30 seconds to rate and review us wherever you're listening - it helps other film obsessives find us. See you in a couple of weeks for another ending that will either vindicate or devastate us. Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe

    1 hr
  6. What makes a great music biopic? (and why you hate them)

    18/11/2024

    What makes a great music biopic? (and why you hate them)

    Listen, I knew this episode would derail the moment we started talking about The Foreigner (a hidden gem that deserves your time, even if just to watch Jackie Chan break your heart in the most unexpected way). The movie has Pierce Brosnan doing... things with an Irish accent, and that's all I'll say about that. Simon finally caught up with not one, but three gems - the 'Spider-Verse' animation films and Of An Age, which he claims is the best Australian romance film that nobody watched (okay Simon, I see you with the taste). After you all lovingly bombarded my Instagram Q&A Stories with your (music) biopic takes, we had to dive into this whole... situation. Because apparently, we haven't seen enough after Bohemian Rhapsody. If you're wondering – yes, we're all terrified about the upcoming Bob Dylan and Springsteen projects. But also…intrigued. Ben went on his monthly 'Scrubs' evangelism tour (but he's not wrong – the way that show balanced comedy and gut-punch moments? Unmatched). I just sat there and nodded because what else can you do when someone's spitting facts? Timestamps for the chronologically-gifted: 00:00 The one where we catch up 00:31 Jackie Chan makes us emotional 02:00 Brosnan's interesting accent choices 07:06 Simon discovers animation can be art (duh) 11:49 Simon's 'Of An Age' appreciation corner 14:38 That time we all rewatched Skyfall 20:51 Netflix's 'The Perfect Couple' exists 26:52 Ben's weekly 'Scrubs' supremacy segment 28:35 A brief Veep tangent because why not 29:07 TV networks vs. good comedy: a saga 34:11 Your music biopic hot takes (we're concerned) 39:01 Future biopics we're preemptively judging 48:50 What to watch when we're gone Next episode: There Will Be Milkshakes (iykyk) 🥤 Loved what you heard? Let's keep the conversation going - download the Substack app to join our chat around the episode: https://substack.com/chat/3141096 Be part of our chronically online film community by following me on: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatfinalscene * TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thatfinalscene * Substack (for deeper takes): at https://thatfinalscene.com And hey, if you're feeling generous, take 30 seconds to rate and review us wherever you're listening - it helps other film obsessives find us. See you in a couple of weeks for another ending that will either vindicate or devastate us. Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe

    51 min
  7. Anora, Maria & Industry Season 3 Reviews & Gladiator Ending Explained

    04/11/2024

    Anora, Maria & Industry Season 3 Reviews & Gladiator Ending Explained

    Quick heads up: That Final Scene is now dropping new episodes every other MONDAY, giving you extra time to process what just happened (and us extra time to overthink them). In which your hosts return from their partially Mediterranean adventures (coincidentally matching our Roman episode theme) to dive into the epic final moments of Ridley Scott's sword-and-sandals masterpiece. But first, we journey through the spring/summer movie landscape, from the neon-drenched violence of John Wick 4 to the emotional gut-punch that is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (turns out all Spidey films can make us cry). We clash opinions on the latest batch of blockbusters before storming the gates of the London Film Festival, where Steve McQueen's 'Blitz' left us disappointed and 'Maria' proved that sometimes the best films are the ones that explore a single week than an entire lifetime. Then it's time to don our armor and dive into GLADIATOR's final showdown - a masterclass in revenge served ice-cold in the Roman sun. We unpack everything from Joaquin Phoenix's god-tier villain performance (the OG toxic failson before Succession made it cool) to Russell Crowe's journey from vengeance to something approaching grace. Plus, we speculate wildly about the upcoming sequel because apparently what 2024 needs is more sand and sandals. Time Stamps: 00:00 Opening Remarks and Scene Setup 00:13 Travel Tales and Health Euphoria 01:34 Movie Reviews and Emotional Reactions 03:55 TV Shows and Series Discussions 19:31 Film Festival Highlights and Reviews 34:11 The Ultimate Backstabber 34:25 Commodus' Delusional Plan 35:46 Historical Reflections 38:23 The Tragic Ending 42:12 Maximus' Legacy 49:22 Gladiator 2 Speculations 58:37 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Loved what you heard? Let's keep the conversation going - download the Substack app to join our chat around the episode: https://substack.com/chat/3141096 Be part of our chronically online film community by following me on: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatfinalscene * TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thatfinalscene * Substack (for deeper takes): at https://thatfinalscene.com And hey, if you're feeling generous, take 30 seconds to rate and review us wherever you're listening - it helps other film obsessives find us. See you in a couple of weeks for another ending that will either vindicate or devastate us. Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe

    1hr 1min
  8. The Lord of The Rings (Part III) - The Return Of The King Ending Explained

    20/09/2024

    The Lord of The Rings (Part III) - The Return Of The King Ending Explained

    Summer break is over. We're back to school with the final and most epic installment of The Lord of The Rings - The Return of The King!!! Without further ado, enjoy the sh*t-talking of me, Ben and Simon (we've been watching SO many things) and enjoy our breakdown of the extraordinary finale. We'll be back in a couple of weeks with...The Gladiator 😱 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe Get full access to That Final Scene at www.thatfinalscene.com/subscribe

    1hr 3min
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About

If you often find yourself asking "What did I just see?" after the film credits roll, this podcast is for you. Join us as we dive into the (plot) twisted world of final scenes in film and TV show history. Hosted by Sophie, Ben and Simon. www.thatfinalscene.com

Information

  • Creator
    The podcast for the greatest (and not so greatest) endings in film and TV history.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © That Final Scene
  • Show Website
    That Final Scene