Film Jury

James Patrick
  • 5.0 (2)
  • FILM REVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Film Jury Podcast - where movies stand trial and the verdict is always final. Step inside the cinematic courtroom. Each episode, a roundtable of passionate film fanatics becomes the jury, dissecting the craft behind the movies we love (and love to debate). From cinematography and sound design to performances, writing, and direction — no detail escapes deliberation. Whether it's a timeless classic or a polarizing blockbuster, every film deserves its verdict. Expect spirited debates, sharp insights, a few heated objections, and plenty of spoilers along the way.

  1. Possession (1981)

    5D AGO

    Possession (1981)

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-69914f5b-5260-832c-a806-138285fcdb42-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-14" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of Film Jury, we put Possession on trial. Directed by Andrzej Żuławski and starring Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill, this cult psychological horror has built a reputation as one of the most disturbing films ever made. But is it brilliant… or just unhinged? James votes GUILTY. Kat votes GUILTY. Kristina stands alone with a bold NOT GUILTY. We break down: • The Berlin Wall as a metaphor for emotional division • The infamous subway scene and what is actually happening • The monster, the doubles, and the collapse of identity • Whether Heinrich is a real rival or a stepping stone • The espionage subplot and the meaning of the pink socks • And the explosive ending that leaves no one untouched Is this film a masterpiece about divorce and psychological annihilation? Or an indulgent spiral of hysteria dressed up as art? The jury debates performance intensity, symbolism overload, and whether the chaos is intentional genius or emotional excess. One thing is certain. Nobody walks away neutral. Court is in session.

    1h 53m
  2. You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    5D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Introducing "The Mayor" (w/ Laura Dern) from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. Follow the show: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang Um, is this thing on? Because a pink corduroy-clad Laura Dern bursts like the sun into the Las Cultch studio to speak with Matt & Bowen at length and... that's OUR world! That's the world that WE're livin' in. Dern whips out a Reese impression, discusses channeling anger better than anyone in the biz, talks creating Amy Jellicoe alongside Mike White in Enlightened, and gets into both the comedic and dramatic brutality of Big Little Lies. Also, defining wonder whilst looking up at CGI Brachiosaurii, starring as Ellen's gay love interest in The Puppy Episode of her sitcom, and even more on Jeff Goldblum's chest, if you can believe it. All this, growing up in Hollywood in a different era, reflections on the current status of the entertainment industry, going punk rock at 12 years old, David Lynch as niche yet mainstream culture, and Laura's real life interaction with a Real Housewife. See one of Laura's thousands of current projects (Is This Thing On?, Jay Kelly, Palm Royale on Apple TV+), as well as her millions of indelible ones you probably already love. I SAID THANK YOU! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Crimson Peak

    FEB 13

    Crimson Peak

    🎬 Film Jury Podcast: Crimson Peak on Trial Court is back in session. In this episode of Film Jury, James Patrick is joined by Kat Reynolds and Heidi Romans to dissect Crimson Peak, directed by Guillermo del Toro. As part of the show's "Love Hurts" series, the jury debates whether this lush Gothic romance was misunderstood at release… or simply overindulgent. Was it wrongly marketed as a horror film? Is it a love story in disguise? And does stunning production design make up for underwritten characters? The Charges Improper Marketing: Sold as a haunted house horror, delivered as a Gothic romance in the tradition of Bluebeard. Visual Brilliance vs. Narrative Depth: Jaw-dropping cinematography, saturated reds and greens, meticulous costuming… but are the characters fully developed? CGI vs. Practical Effects: A heated debate over the film's ghost design and whether del Toro's reliance on CGI undercuts the immersion. The Real Monster: In classic del Toro fashion, are the true villains supernatural… or human? What We Deliberate The symbolic use of color and costume to track Edith's transformation. Del Toro's recurring themes of reframing "monster" versus "human," seen in films like Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Tom Hiddleston's baronet energy and whether Sir Thomas is a romantic lead or something far more sinister. The underwritten Alan debate. Romantic hero or narrative afterthought? Why this film might have worked better as a limited series. Performances on the Stand Tom Hiddleston as Sir Thomas Sharpe Jessica Chastain as Lucille Sharpe Charlie Hunnam as Alan McMichael Mia Wasikowska as Edith Cushing Expect Strong opinions. Respectful disagreement. One host threatening to flip a metaphorical table. Is Crimson Peak a misunderstood Gothic masterpiece? A visually stunning but emotionally thin experience? Or a film that deserves admiration even if it doesn't earn affection? The verdict is final. 🎧 Warning: Major spoilers ahead.

    1h 37m
  4. It Follows

    FEB 6

    It Follows

    On this episode of Film Jury, jurors James, Kat, and Kristina put It Follows on trial. What begins as a minimalist horror premise unfolds into a deeply unsettling meditation on inevitability, trauma, sexuality, and time. The jury breaks down the film scene by scene, unpacking its symbolic language. The walking entity. The role of water and blood. The use of classic monster movies. The anachronistic setting. The way fear invades classrooms, bedrooms, pools, and family homes. Nothing is accidental, and nothing offers easy answers. Is It Follows a morality tale, a coming-of-age nightmare, or an existential horror about death itself? After examining its themes, symbolism, and lasting impact, the jury delivers a unanimous verdict. James: Not Guilty. Kat: Not Guilty. Kristina: Not Guilty. It Follows walks away free, still following, and still haunting long after the credits roll.

    1h 22m
  5. The Ritual

    JAN 27

    The Ritual

    In this episode of The Film Jury Podcast, we put The Ritual (2017) on trial. Directed by David Bruckner and adapted from Adam Nevill's novel, The Ritual follows four friends who venture into the forests of Sweden to honor a fallen companion. What begins as a grief-driven hiking trip quickly becomes a descent into isolation, psychological terror, and ancient horror rooted in Norse mythology. Jurors James, Kat, and Meagan examine the film's slow-burn approach, unsettling atmosphere, creature design, and thematic focus on guilt, trauma, and survival. We debate the effectiveness of the mythology, the shift in tone during the final act, and where The Ritual fits within the modern folk horror landscape. After deliberation, all three jurors return NOT GUILTY verdicts, finding The Ritual to be a haunting and effective entry in contemporary horror that earns its reputation through mood, tension, and mythic dread. If you enjoy thoughtful horror breakdowns, courtroom-style verdicts, and deep dives into what makes a genre film work or fail, this episode is for you. Subscribe to The Film Jury Podcast for more horror trials and final verdicts.

    1h 41m
  6. Critters

    JAN 20

    Critters

    This week on The Film Jury, we put the 1986 cult classic Critters on trial. Furry aliens, bounty hunters with questionable disguises, and small town chaos are all entered into evidence as jurors James, Kat, and Meagan revisit the horror comedy that helped define a generation of VHS rentals. Does Critters hold up as a clever genre mashup, or is it pure nostalgia fueled chaos? We examine the film's creature effects, tone, scares, humor, and overall execution, then debate whether it deserves cult status or a cinematic conviction. After careful deliberation, all three jurors return the same verdict. Not guilty. Critters walks free, claws and all. Tune in for sharp analysis, fun arguments, and a verdict that might surprise you if you have not revisited this one in years.

    1h 14m
  7. Feast (2005)

    JAN 13

    Feast (2005)

    In this episode of The Film Jury Podcast, jurors James, Heidi, and Kat put the cult horror-comedy Feast (2005) on trial and unanimously deliver a Not Guilty verdict. Directed by John Gulager and produced through Project Greenlight with backing from Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Wes Craven, Feast is a chaotic, blood-soaked monster movie that gleefully breaks horror rules. Set almost entirely inside a remote desert bar, the film traps a group of strangers as they fight for survival against relentless and grotesque creatures with no interest in playing fair. The jury breaks down the film's bold tonal swings between horror and comedy, its unapologetic gore, and its meta approach to character archetypes and on-screen "rules." They also discuss Gulager's fast-paced, aggressive directing style and how the film embraces shock value as part of its identity rather than a gimmick. The episode dives into performances from Balthazar Getty, Navi Rawat, Krista Allen, Henry Rollins, and Judah Friedlander, along with memorable cameos that helped cement Feast as a cult favorite. From creature design to editing choices and audience expectations, the jury examines why this scrappy, no-holds-barred horror film still resonates with genre fans nearly two decades later. Is Feast crude, chaotic, and excessive? Absolutely. And according to the Film Jury, that is exactly why it works. Verdict: Not Guilty.

    46 min
  8. The Descent

    JAN 6

    The Descent

    Welcome to The Film Jury, where your jurors of cinema—James, Kat & Heidi—deliver verdicts on some of the most fascinating films in genre history. In this episode, we drop into the claustrophobic, terrifying world of The Descent (2005). Directed by Neil Marshall and starring Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, MyAnna Buring, Nora Jane Noone, and Sadie Frost, The Descent redefined modern horror with its blend of psychological dread and raw, subterranean terror. All three jurors returned not guilty verdicts, but that only scratches the surface of our conversation. We dig deep into: • Directing choices that keep tension unrelenting • Cinematography and how darkness becomes a character • Sound design & score that messes with your nerves • Hidden Easter eggs you probably missed • Character arcs, feminist horror elements, and more Whether you're a longtime fan or hearing about this horror classic for the first time, this breakdown has something for every cinephile. Hit play and step back into the cave—if you dare.

    1h 43m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Film Jury Podcast - where movies stand trial and the verdict is always final. Step inside the cinematic courtroom. Each episode, a roundtable of passionate film fanatics becomes the jury, dissecting the craft behind the movies we love (and love to debate). From cinematography and sound design to performances, writing, and direction — no detail escapes deliberation. Whether it's a timeless classic or a polarizing blockbuster, every film deserves its verdict. Expect spirited debates, sharp insights, a few heated objections, and plenty of spoilers along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    James Patrick
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Film Jury