The Next Reel Film Podcast

TruStory FM
  • 4.7 (87)
  • FILM REVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A show about movies and how they connect. We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.

  1. Shattered Glass

    FEB 12

    Shattered Glass

    “Did I do something wrong? Are you mad at me?” Trust is the whole engine—until the details start to wobble. In the True Lies series, we dig into "Shattered Glass," Billy Ray’s newsroom drama about journalism under pressure and the fragile machinery of verification. Along the way, we talk about why the film’s structure can feel like it drops viewers into the “third act,” and how that choice shapes who the audience instinctively follows. We unpack what the movie shows about fact-checking workflows, where trust can quietly replace proof, and why that’s so unnerving to watch. We argue about Hayden Christensen’s performance choices (charming, off-putting, sometimes read as whiny) and why Peter Sarsgaard becomes the film’s steady source of tension. We also get into the online-vs-print friction the story carries, plus a subtle directing idea about shifting camera stability that may be working on viewers even if they don’t notice it. If you like movies where process becomes suspense, this conversation makes the craft and the discomfort click. 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! 🎬 Watch & Discover 🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer📚 Adapted from the Vanity Fair article “Shattered Glass” by Buzz BissingerSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Shows: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Shows: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next ReelSitting in the DarkConnect With Us: Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream: Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Audible

    1h 4m
  2. Can You Ever Forgive Me?

    FEB 5

    Can You Ever Forgive Me?

    “I had a book on the New York Times Bestseller list. That has to count for something.” A small crime with big nerves: words, money, and trust under pressure. In True Lies, we dig into "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"—Marielle Heller’s understated character study, anchored by Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant. Because it’s adapted from Lee Israel’s memoir and set inside a tiny collectibles world, the details matter: what “authentic” looks like, who gets believed, and why the hustle feels so tempting. We unpack how the film treats literary forgery as something stranger than paperwork—more like stealing voices. We argue about the push-pull between desperation and hubris, and how compulsion (drinking, stealing, self-sabotage) shapes the people at the center. We also track the craft: the process beats, the quiet tension in dealer interactions, and why the restraint either sharpens the discomfort or keeps the story at arm’s length. If you like true stories where the mess is interpersonal and the scam is built from language, this conversation is a great match. 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! Watch & Discover See Our Full Conversation on YouTube! Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd Original Theatrical Trailer Adapted from Can You Ever Forgive Me? A Memoir of a Literary Forger by Lee Israel If You Liked This, Try These Other The Next Reel Episodes: Life of the Party (Guilty Pleasures series) for more comedic Melissa McCarthy Hudson Hawk (Guilty Pleasures series) for more comedic Richard E. Grant The Diary of a Teenage Girl (Coming of Age Debuts series) for more Marielle Heller Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Shows: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next ReelSitting in the DarkConnect With Us: Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream: Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Audible

    54 min
  3. The Informant! • Member Bonus

    JAN 31

    The Informant! • Member Bonus

    “There should be a TV show about a guy who calls home one day and he's there, he answers, he's talking to himself, only he's someone else. He's somehow divided into two, and the second one of him drives away and the rest of the show is about him trying to find the guy.” Corporate deception spins out of control when an executive's cooperation with the FBI takes unexpected turns. In "The Informant!", Steven Soderbergh directs Matt Damon in a darkly comedic true story that pushes the boundaries of unreliable narration. As a member bonus episode of our True Lies series, we explore how this 2009 film uses innovative voiceover techniques and tonal shifts to keep viewers questioning every revelation. We dig deep into Soderbergh's careful visual approach to corporate environments, examining how Marvin Hamlisch's playful score creates fascinating tension with the serious subject matter. Damon's against-type performance as Mark Whitacre anchors our discussion of how the film handles complex questions about truth and perspective in whistleblower narratives. The way "The Informant!" balances its comedy with serious themes about mental health and corporate malfeasance makes it a uniquely compelling entry in Soderbergh's experimental period. 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! 🎬 Watch & Discover 🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer📚 Adapted from The Informant: A True Story by Kurt EichenwaldIf You Liked This, Try These Other The Next Reel Episodes: The Next ReelOur True Lies seriesOur Oceans Franchise seriesContagion (part of our Disease Films series)The Film BoardSide EffectsMagic Mike’s Last DanceWant More? This is a member bonus episode! While we'd love your support, you'll love what membership brings: monthly bonus episodes like this one, ad-free listening, early releases, exclusive Discord channels, and voting rights on future member movies. It truly pays to be a member. Ready to join? Visit TruStory FM to learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.

    11 min
  4. The Letter

    JAN 29

    The Letter

    “With all my heart, I still love the man I killed!” One shot can change everything—and the shadows don’t let go. In our Bette Davis series, we dive into "The Letter," directed by William Wyler, a studio-era crime drama where a shooting sparks a legal scramble and a single letter becomes leverage. Along the way, we track how Production Code pressure and the film’s colonial framing shape what the story can show, what it chooses to tell, and how the audience is guided (or misdirected). We dig into the movie’s exposition-heavy early stretch and debate what it gains—and loses—by leaning on characters recounting events instead of playing them out on-screen. We also argue about who the film really positions as the audience’s anchor, and why the attorney’s moral pressure becomes the most compelling engine. And because it can’t be separated from the experience, we confront the film’s racist stereotypes and “yellowface” casting choices, even as we celebrate the moody black-and-white craft that makes key sequences feel electric. 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! 🎬 Watch & Discover 🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd🕸️ Our Bette Davis Series📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer📚 Adapted from the play and the short story The Letter by W. Somerset Maugham📣 If You Liked This, Try… Our 1950 Best Actress Oscar Race SeriesWilliam Wyler episodesOur Film Noir SeriesDark Victory (1940 Best Picture Nominees)Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Shows: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next ReelSitting in the DarkConnect With Us: Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream: Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Audible

    55 min
  5. Sing Street

    JAN 22

    Sing Street

    “She's standing on the corner like an angel in disguise, and as I look a little closer, she's got dangerous eyes.” Finding Musical Magic in 1980s Dublin John Carney's 2016 film Sing Street continues his exploration of music's transformative power, following Once and Begin Again with a heartwarming coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1980s Dublin. With a modest $4 million budget, Carney crafted an authentic period piece about young love, family dynamics, and the universal language of music. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we wrap up our John Carney’s Streetwise Musicals series with a walk down Sing Street. Musical Evolution and Character Growth Pete and Andy explore how Carney masterfully balances reality and fantasy throughout the film, particularly in how our protagonist Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) develops both musically and personally. The hosts discuss how the film's musical progression mirrors Conor's journey from novice to confident performer, with each new song reflecting his growing artistic voice and emotional maturity. Period Setting and Authenticity The hosts delve into Carney's treatment of 1980s Dublin, noting how the film avoids typical period piece clichés while maintaining historical authenticity. They praise the natural integration of era-specific music references and fashion choices that feel organic rather than performative. Key Discussion Points: The chemistry between Conor and Raphina (Lucy Boynton)Jack Reynor's standout performance as BrendanThe evolution of the band's music and visual styleTreatment of common school drama—and other—tropesThe balance between realism and wish fulfillmentCarney's personal connection to the materialProduction and Impact While discussing the film's production, Pete and Andy note how Sing Street demonstrates Carney's growth as a filmmaker, building on themes explored in his previous work while establishing its own unique identity. They examine how the budget allowed for the right balance of production value without losing the intimate feel crucial to the story. The Power of Collaboration Pete particularly praises the scenes showing the collaborative songwriting process between Conor and Eamon, highlighting how these moments capture the magic of creative partnership. They discuss how these sequences bring something fresh to Carney's exploration of musical collaboration while maintaining his signature intimate style.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! 🎬 Watch & Discover 🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical TrailerSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us: Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream: Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

    1h 5m
  6. Begin Again

    JAN 15

    Begin Again

    “And you have cursed me when there’s no one left to blame, and I have loved you just the same.” John Carney follows Once with a bigger, slicker New York music story in Begin Again—and Pete Wright and Andy Nelson can feel the tension. They talk about what changes when you swap Dublin’s scrappy intimacy for a polished production with Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley at the center, and how the film keeps circling the question of “authenticity” in both music and life. Highlights include the standout “phantom instruments” sequence (a perfect snapshot of Dan’s gift for hearing potential), the movie’s push-pull between art and business (including the “buck a book” showdown), and the way the film’s structure quietly reveals whose story it really is. Plus: Catherine Keener’s impact in limited screen time, the film’s complicated relationship with New York “texture,” and why the soundtrack choice becomes one of Pete’s biggest quibbles. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins. 🎬 Watch & Discover 🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical TrailerSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us: Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream: Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

    1h 7m
  7. Once

    JAN 8

    Once

    “I don’t know you but I want you.” From Street Busker to Global Sensation: The Making of Once John Carney's micro-budget musical Once (2007) emerged from Dublin's streets with a mere €112,000 budget to become an international phenomenon. Starring musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, this intimate story of two struggling artists creating music together captured hearts worldwide and launched Carney's signature style of grounded musical storytelling. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we kick off the John Carney's Streetwise Musicals series with a conversation about Once. The Magic of Musical Creation Pete and Andy explore how Once captures the authentic experience of musicians collaborating, particularly highlighting the pivotal scene in Walton's Music Shop where Guy and Girl first perform together. They discuss how Carney's background as a musician himself informed the natural, documentary-style approach to filming musical performances. Performance vs. Acting The hosts delve into the unique challenges and benefits of casting musicians rather than actors, examining how Hansard and Irglová's real musical chemistry translated to screen chemistry. They particularly note how their inexperience as actors actually enhanced the film's authenticity. Key Discussion Points: The significance of Guy's battle-worn Takamine guitar and its role in character developmentHow the film handles the complex relationship between Guy and Girl without falling into typical romantic tropesThe impact of shooting guerrilla-style on Dublin's streetsThe film's remarkable journey from Sundance to Oscar successThe creative decision to leave the main characters unnamedTechnical and Creative Elements The conversation explores how the film's technical limitations—including its use of standard video cameras and minimal equipment—contributed to its intimate feel. They discuss how Carney's direction allowed for natural moments to unfold, particularly in street performances where real pedestrians became unwitting extras. Musical Impact and Legacy Pete and Andy examine how Once influenced subsequent music-driven films and launched successful careers for both its leads and director. They discuss the film's eventual adaptation into a Tony-winning Broadway musical and its enduring impact on how movies portray the process of creating music. 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! 🎬 Watch & Discover 🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical TrailerSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us: Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream: Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

    1h 2m
  8. Night and the City

    JAN 1

    Night and the City

    “You're very sharp Mr. Fabian. You've done a very sharp thing. Maybe even sharp enough to cut your throat.” Noir in London: Wrestling with Fate in Night and the City Jules Dassin's 1950 film noir Night and the City follows small-time hustler Harry Fabian (Richard Widmark) through the seedy underbelly of post-war London. Forced to relocate to Britain due to Hollywood blacklisting, Dassin crafted this tale of desperate ambition and inevitable doom. The film features Gene Tierney as Mary, Harry's long-suffering girlfriend, and Herbert Lom as the ruthless wrestling promoter Kristo. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Film Noir series with a conversation about Night and the City. Wrestling with Ambition Pete and Andy explore how Harry's ill-fated venture into wrestling promotion exemplifies his pattern of backing the wrong horse. They discuss the fascinating contrast between classical Greco-Roman wrestling, championed by Gregorius the Great, and the more theatrical style that would eventually dominate the sport. Andy sees potential success in Harry's plan, while Pete views it as yet another doomed venture. American Exodus in London The hosts debate the unusual concentration of American characters in London, with Andy questioning the credibility of so many expatriates clustering together. They examine how this aspect might reflect both the film's production circumstances and broader themes of displacement and alienation. Key Discussion Points: The dual versions: American vs. British cuts and their differing endingsHelen's complex role as a noir femme fatale and her tragic arcThe film's relentless bleakness and inevitability of Harry's doomThe authenticity of the wrestling scenes and their symbolic significancePhil's surprising depth as a character and his tragic endCharacter and Consequence Pete and Andy delve into Mary's role as the moral center of the film, contrasting her pure intentions with Helen's calculating nature. They examine how every character, from the beggar king to the passport forger, operates within a system that values money above community. Both hosts praise Dassin's direction and Widmark's compelling performance as Harry, a man whose ambition proves terminal. 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! 🎬 Watch & Discover 🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer📚 Adapted from Night and the City by Gerald KershSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us: Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream: Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

    1h 1m
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About

A show about movies and how they connect. We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Information

  • Creator
    TruStory FM
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2026
  • Episodes
    798
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © TruStory FM
  • Show Website
    The Next Reel Film Podcast

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