Solo Movie Dates

Natalie

Welcome to our weekly movie date. I’m Natalie, and this is the podcast for people who love movies but don't feel the need to take them too seriously. Every week, we’re hanging out to catch up on pop culture, vent about life, and chat through the latest entertainment news. Once we’re settled in, we’ll deep-dive into a film or TV show. Whether it’s a massive cinema blockbusters, the newest Netflix and Prime releases, or just an old favorite I’m currently obsessed with, nothing is off-limits. Subscribe and join every Thursday for a little solo movie date, no pretension, just me, you, and a genuine love for movies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Challengers

    2 DAYS AGO

    Challengers

    Welcome back to another episode of Solo Movie Dates! This week, Natalie is pulling back the curtain on one of the most talked-about ever. We’re trading the cinema seat for the umpire’s chair as we deep dive into the sweat, strategy, and psychosexual tension of the 2024 sports-drama, Challengers. Before we hit the court, we’re catching up on a whirlwind week of travel and trends. Natalie recaps her recent Parisian getaway, sharing the highlights of eating and drinking her way through the City of Light and the seamless experience of whisking away on the Eurostar. We also tackle a packed pop culture debrief, including: The London Marathon: Heartwarming highlights and the energy of the city.Off-Campus: Our first impressions of the highly anticipated trailer.Bravo Breakdown: Dissecting the latest drama between Amanda Batula and West Wilson on Summer House.The Main Event: ChallengersDirected by the visionary Luca Guadagnino and penned by Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers is far more than just a tennis movie—it’s a high-octane exploration of power dynamics and the blurred lines between professional ambition and romantic obsession. Inspired by the high-stakes officiating of the 2018 US Open and the grit of Andre Agassi’s memoir, Open, the film masterfully navigates a 13-year love triangle. We break down the performances of Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor, who underwent months of physical transformation to portray this volatile trio. From the pulsing techno score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to the avant-garde cinematography and Jonathan Anderson’s sleek costume design, we’re analyzing why this film is a visceral, stylish masterpiece. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates00:55 – Natalie's Week: Paris Eats, Drinks, and the Eurostar03:04 – Pop Culture Debrief: London Marathon, Off-Campus, & Summer House24:41 – Solo Movie Date: A Deep Dive into Challengers33:50 – Full Movie Recap & Final ThoughtsJoin the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 20min
  2. Roommates

    23 APR

    Roommates

    Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the 2026 Netflix comedy, Roommates. Natalie's week consisted of eating cardamom buns in London and watching the Manchester Marathon. Coachella Weekend Two highlights, the new Euphoria record-low ratings, and seeing Oh Mary again. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates 01:18 – Natalie's Week 04:56 – Pop Culture debrief 09:28 – Solo Movie Date | Roommates 11:41 – Roommates Recap The Deep DiveDirected by Chandler Lavac and written by the SNL duo Jimmy Fowley and Sierra O'Sullivan, Roommates is a 2026 coming-of-age comedy produced by Happy Madison Productions that explores the obsessive and often confusing nature of female friendship in a collegiate setting. The film stars Sadie Sandler as the socially thirsty valedictorian Devon and Chloe East as the "cool-girl" Celeste, whose relationship begins at a quirky pre-university ropes course before spiraling into a chaotic mess of shared dorm life. Featuring a supporting cast that includes Nick Kroll, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Sherman as a metal-working Dean of Students, the story follows the duo through frat parties, explosive Thanksgiving dinners, and a "cosplay as poor" reveal that culminates in a literal dorm fire. Filmed across New Jersey campuses, this Netflix original attempts to capture the "ride or die" intensity of freshman year, making it a must-watch for fans of SNL-style character comedy and those who enjoy dissecting the messy dynamics of toxic besties Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  3. Thrash

    16 APR

    Thrash

    Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the 2026 Netflix slapstick gore-horror, Thrash. We also discuss my week of choir rehearsals and marathon watching. Coachella 2026, Euphoria's return, and the Laufey "Mad Woman" music video featuring Hudson Williams. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates 00:13 – Natalie's Week 04:29 – Our Pop Culture debrief 13:22 – Solo Movie Date | Thrash 18:13 – Thrash Recap The Deep DiveDirected by Tommy Wirkola, Thrash (originally titled Beneath the Storm or Shiver) is a visceral 2026 survival horror that brings "slapstick gore" to a coastal disaster setting. Filmed in Melbourne, Australia, the film follows an ensemble cast—including Whitney Peake, Phoebe Dynevor, and Djimon Hounsou—fighting to survive a catastrophic category six storm surge in South Carolina that unleashes predatory bull sharks into flooded urban streets. As the water levels rise within a reinforced-glass foster home and a trapped Mini Cooper, the survivors must navigate claustrophobic terror and unlikely "water births" while fending off the "hyenas of the ocean." Blending high-stakes tension with Wirkola’s signature dark humor, this Netflix original is a must-watch for fans of creature features and stylized, high-concept survival thrillers. Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 2min
  4. The Drama

    9 APR

    The Drama

    Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the 2026 A24 drama, The Drama. We also discuss my week of Easter brunching at Mildred's and finishing the Heated Rivalry book. The Summer House breakup drama , Connor Storrie's viral Verizon ad , and the trailer for Olivia Wilde’s new film The Invite. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates 01:23 – Natalie's Week 07:46 – Our Pop Culture debrief 18:22 – Solo Movie Date | The Drama 19:22 – The Drama Recap The Deep DiveDirected and written by Kristoffer Borgli, The Drama is a tense and provocative 2026 exploration of secrets and social performance. The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as Emma and Charlie, a couple whose upcoming wedding is thrown into a tailspin following a shocking dinner-table confession. Supported by Alana Haim and Mamoudou Athie as the couple's best friends. With a haunting, flute-heavy score by Daniel Pemberton this A24 production serves as a biting "morality barometer" , making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven psychodramas and those who love a "juicy discussion" about whether people can truly change. Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 18min
  5. The Beauty s01e11 'Beautiful Betrayal'

    7 APR

    The Beauty s01e11 'Beautiful Betrayal'

    Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie deep dives into the Episode 11 of 2026 Ryan Murphy Sci-Fi Horror, The Beauty. Directed and written by Ryan Murphy, The Beauty is a high-concept 2026 sci-fi horror series that explores the gruesome cost of physical perfection. The season finale, titled "Beautiful Betrayal," follows the chaotic downfall of the Byron Force empire as his sons, played by Ray Nicholson and Brandon Gillard, forcibly transform their mother (Isabella Rossellini) into a "Beauty," leading to a tragic suicide that pivots Byron (Ashton Kutcher) against his own creation. As a "street version" of the drug causes horrific mutations in innocent victims like Bella, a desperate alliance forms between Dr. Sterling, Jordan, and the child-morphed Cooper to eliminate Byron and secure an antidote. Produced with Murphy’s signature camp aesthetic and body-horror "vibe," this finale serves as a gritty ensemble thriller that leaves the world on the brink of a biological evolution, making it a must-watch for fans of American Horror Story and stylized, cautionary tales of vanity. Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  6. PRETTY LETHAL

    2 APR

    PRETTY LETHAL

    Welcome back to Solo Movie Dates, this week Natalie,deep dive into the 2026 Amazon Prime action-thriller, Pretty Lethal. We also discuss my week of singing and starting Heated Rivalry. Taylor Swift at the IHeart Radio awards, Scott Mills BBC dismissal and the Amanda Batula / Wes Wilson situation. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Solo Movie Dates 01:23 – Natalie's Week 07:46 – Our Pop Culture debrief 18:22 – Solo Movie Date | Pretty Lethal 25:36 – Pretty Lethal Recap Directed by Vicky Jewson and written by Kate Freund, Pretty Lethal (originally titled Ballerina Overdrive) is a high-octane 2026 action thriller that blends the elegance of dance with brutal survival.The film follows a dysfunctional troupe of five American ballerinas—played by Maddie Ziegler, Lana Condor, Iris Apatow, Millicent Simmonds, and Avantika—whose bus breaks down in the Hungarian wilderness while en route to a major competition.Forced to seek shelter at a sinister roadside inn run by a reclusive former prima ballerina (Uma Thurman), the girls find themselves trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse against a ruthless criminal syndicate.Produced by 87North (John Wick, Nobody), this Prime Video original features "ballet-fu" choreography where the dancers weaponize their discipline and pointe shoes to fight for their lives, making it a must-watch for fans of stylized, female-led action cinema and gritty ensemble thrillers. Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 8min

About

Welcome to our weekly movie date. I’m Natalie, and this is the podcast for people who love movies but don't feel the need to take them too seriously. Every week, we’re hanging out to catch up on pop culture, vent about life, and chat through the latest entertainment news. Once we’re settled in, we’ll deep-dive into a film or TV show. Whether it’s a massive cinema blockbusters, the newest Netflix and Prime releases, or just an old favorite I’m currently obsessed with, nothing is off-limits. Subscribe and join every Thursday for a little solo movie date, no pretension, just me, you, and a genuine love for movies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.