Movies In A Nutshell

In A Nutshell Media
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Movies In A Nutshell helps you confidently decide what to watch — without spoilers — and get more from the movies you’ve already seen. Join us every week as we break down a single film to give you everything you need to make a confident, spoiler-free decision. From tone and style to themes, comparisons, and context, you’ll quickly understand what the movie is really about 'in a nutshell'. Already seen it? We go further. We reveal the things you might’ve missed, even if you’ve watched it many times before. From details hiding in plain sight and behind-the-scenes facts to hidden meanings and lesser-known stories that’ll impress your friends. Hosted by three lifelong movie fans Marc Farquhar, Darren Horne and Paul Day, Movies In A Nutshell is made for casual viewers and cinephiles alike. Whether you’re scrolling for something to watch tonight or revisiting an old favourite, we help you watch smarter, without telling you what to think. Spend less time browsing. Get more from every movie.

  1. 12H AGO

    The Matrix - In A Nutshell

    In this episode: PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it A spoiler-free breakdown of one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made — a movie that blends action, philosophy and cyberpunk style into a story about reality, control and waking up. An exploration of the film’s tone, world-building and central ideas — focusing on identity, free will, conformity, belief and the systems that quietly shape our lives. A look at why The Matrix felt revolutionary on release, how its concepts go far beyond surface-level action, and why its core questions still resonate decades later. By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this blend of sci-fi action, mind-bending ideas and philosophical storytelling belongs on your watchlist. PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen it What Did You Miss? The details beneath the surface — from visual cues and repeated motifs to the way the film reinforces its ideas through colour, framing and character choices. Moments that land very differently on rewatch, subtle world-building that often goes unnoticed, and how much of the film’s meaning is communicated without dialogue. A deeper look at how the movie quietly challenges comfort, certainty and the idea of accepting reality as it’s presented to you. Paul’s Facts of the DayA standout set of facts and trivia, including: How the film’s visual style changed action cinema overnightInnovative techniques that became industry standardsBehind-the-scenes production challenges and breakthroughsCasting choices that could have completely altered the filmWhy The Matrix continues to influence movies, games and pop culture today Hate It or Rate It? Marc, Darren & Paul submit their scores — and The Matrix takes its place in the Legend League. PART 3 – Listener Lounge Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs — plus a Question of the Week inspired by the film’s ideas around truth, choice and perception. And of course… the reveal of next week’s movie. Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI Join our SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell View the Listener LeagueSee how listeners rated the movies they chose https://linkly.link/2Bi9l View the Legend LeagueEvery movie we’ve featured and rated on the podcast https://linkly.link/2Bfcv Join the conversationVoice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ Email: hello@moviesinanutshell.com Socials Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com Instagram: a href="https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    56 min

  2. 12/30/2025

    2025 - Deleted scenes and gag reel

    Enjoy our 2025 gift to you! If you’ve ever wondered what gets left on the cutting room floor — this is it: The accidental philosophy, the ridiculous arguments, the laughing fits, and the moments where we completely lose control of the ending. Think of it as the gag reel at the end of a DVD… except the DVD editor gave up. What’s In This Bonus Episode? Outtakes and bloopers from across the year The tangents that went too far (but were too good to delete) Multiple attempts to end an episode… none of which worked Paul’s notes (and the growing myth around them) Darren going from film theory to unexpected life philosophy Rare moments when Marc failed to keep things on track. Conversations that drift from movies into music, nostalgia, gratitude, fear, and back again Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI Join our SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell View the Listener League: See how we rated the movies you have chosen! https://linkly.link/2Bi9l View the Legend League Every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast… https://linkly.link/2Bfcv Join the conversation: Voice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ Email: hello@moviesinanutshell.com Socials: Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut Hosts Marc Farquhar: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar Darren Horne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne Paul Day: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23 Recorded at: Sunbeams Studios – https://www.thestudioatsunbeams.co.uk Part of Annie Mawson's Sunbeams Music Trust – https://sunbeamsmusic.org Music Main Theme: BreakzStudios – https://pixabay.com/users/breakzstudios-38548419 Music Bed: ProtoFunk – Kevin MacLeod – https://incompetech.com (All music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License)

    25 min

  3. 12/23/2025

    It's A Wonderful Life - In A Nutshell(Listener Choice)

    It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – In A Nutshell Listener Choice – Chosen by Ben Cully Movies In A Nutshell Don’t just watch movies — understand them! PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it A spoiler-free breakdown of the Christmas classic that quietly became one of the most emotionally complex films of its era. An exploration of the movie’s tone, structure and themes — focusing on legacy, purpose, community, sacrifice and the unseen impact one person can have on the lives around them. A look at why this film feels so different to modern Christmas movies, how its story unfolds across an entire lifetime, and why its central idea continues to resonate decades later. By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this blend of festive storytelling, fantasy and grounded human drama belongs on your watchlist this Christmas. PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen it What Did You Miss? The details beneath the surface — from overlooked character arcs and recurring motifs to the way the film quietly explores themes of mental health, responsibility, financial pressure and emotional exhaustion. The moments many viewers missed, scenes that land differently on rewatch, and why the film’s most famous moments only work because of everything that comes before them. Paul’s Facts of the Day A standout set of festive facts, including: The film’s surprising box office history Why it only later became a Christmas staple How wartime experiences shaped key performances Incredible behind-the-scenes production details Deleted ideas that would have radically changed the story Why the film is now considered culturally and historically significant Hate It or Rate It? Marc, Darren & Paul submit their scores — and as this is a Listener Choice episode, It’s a Wonderful Life takes its place in the Listener League. PART 3 – Listener Lounge Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs — plus a Question of the Week inspired by the film’s themes of purpose, legacy and the moments that define a life. And of course… the reveal of next week’s movie. Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI Join our SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell View the Listener League See how we rated the movies you have chosen! https://linkly.link/2Bi9l View the Legend League Every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast… https://linkly.link/2Bfcv Join the conversation Voice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ Email: hello@moviesinanutshell.com Socials – Movies In A Nutshell Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut Hosts Marc Farquhar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar Darren Horne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne Paul Day Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23 Recorded at Sunbeams Studios – https://www.thestudioatsunbeams.co.uk Part of Annie Mawson's Sunbeams Music Trust – https://sunbeamsmusic.org Music Main Theme: BreakzStudios – https://pixabay.com/users/breakzstudios-38548419 Music Bed: ProtoFunk – Kevin MacLeod – https://incompetech.com (All...

    1h 1m

  4. 12/16/2025

    How The Grinch Stole Christmas - In A Nutshell

    How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – In A Nutshell Paul’s Pick Movies In A Nutshell Don’t just watch movies — understand them! PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it (SPOILER-FREE!) A completely spoiler-free breakdown of Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, expanding a familiar festive story into a full cinematic origin tale. We explore the film’s tone, heightened visual style and world-building, along with its central themes of belonging, rejection, bullying, identity and what Christmas really means beneath the excess. We also look at how this version compares to other Christmas movies and live-action “cartoon” adaptations, and where it sits within Jim Carrey’s run of high-energy, physical performances. By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this bold, chaotic and unmistakably festive take on a Christmas classic belongs on your watchlist. PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen it What Did You Miss? A closer look at how the film reframes an iconic character, builds sympathy through backstory, and layers in themes around conformity, commercialism and childhood experiences. We also unpack visual details, character dynamics, and surprising comparisons that give this version a very different feel from the original animated adaptation. Paul’s Facts of the Day Behind-the-scenes surprises, production scale, and eye-opening trivia — including: The extreme prosthetics and makeup process The physical and psychological toll of the Grinch suit Casting alternatives considered for the role Ron Howard’s hands-on involvement during production Set size, props, and production statistics Why this became one of the biggest Christmas releases of its era Hate It or Rate It? Marc, Darren & Paul give their brief opinions and scores, then see where How the Grinch Stole Christmas lands in the Legend League. PART 3 – Listener Lounge The Lobby Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs. Question of the Week We read out the best of last week’s answers and ask this week’s burning question! Next Week’s Movie And of course… the reveal of next week’s movie. Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI Join our SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell View the Legend League Every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast… https://linkly.link/2Bfcv View the Listener League See how we rated the movies you have chosen! https://linkly.link/2Bi9l Join the conversation Voice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ Email: hello@moviesinanutshell.com Socials Movies In A Nutshell Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut Hosts Marc Farquhar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar Darren Horne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne Paul Day Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23 Recorded at Sunbeams Studios – https://www.thestudioatsunbeams.co.uk Part of Annie Mawson's Sunbeams Music Trust – https://sunbeamsmusic.org Music Main Theme: BreakzStudios –...

    43 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    The Holiday - In A Nutshell

    The Holiday (2006) – In A Nutshell Darren’s Pick Movies In A Nutshell Don’t just watch movies — understand them! PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it (SPOILER-FREE!) A completely spoiler-free breakdown of the festive romantic comedy that pairs Hollywood glamour with English countryside charm. We explore the film’s themes of reinvention, loneliness, emotional burnout, new beginnings and the surprising impact of a change of scenery. We look at its tone, pacing, humour, and the dynamic between the transatlantic cast — plus where the film sits within the world of rom-coms, holiday movies, and the signature style of writer-director Nancy Meyers. By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this blend of festive escapism, romance, self-discovery and cosy seasonal comfort belongs on your watchlist. PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen it What Did You Miss? → A look at the details beneath the surface — from hidden character motives to filmmaking choices, cameos, structure, recurring themes and the film-within-a-film which gives The Holiday its distinct personality. We also highlight things we spotted which you may never have noticed. Paul’s Facts of the Day → Behind-the-scenes surprises, production quirks, casting stories, and eye-opening trivia — including: The truth behind the movie’s iconic cottageThe unexpected real-life inspirationsAuditions you won’t believeWhy Hans Zimmer approached the score the way he didAnd how several accidental cameos made it into the final film Hate It or Rate It? → Marc, Darren & Paul give their brief opinions and scores then see where The Holiday lands in the Legend League. PART 3 – Listener Lounge The Lobby Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs. Question of the Week We read out the best of last week's answers and ask this week's burning question! Next Week's Movie And of course… the reveal of next week’s movie. Links: Sam Bradford - Toxic - By Franz Ferdinand(Britney Spears Cover) - https://youtu.be/dQtIOxC72dw?si=1RevjUJcf6PFtHKf Movies In A Nutshell Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI Join our SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell View the Legend League Every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast… https://linkly.link/2Bfcv View the Listener League See how we rated the movies you have chosen! https://linkly.link/2Bi9l Join the conversation Voice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ Email: hello@moviesinanutshell.com Socials – Movies In A Nutshell Website: a href="https://www.moviesinanutshell.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    48 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    Elf - In A Nutshell

    In every episode, we quickly help you decide whether to press play or skip on a movie you haven’t seen — with no spoilers at all. If you have seen it, we reveal what you've missed… even if you've watched it a hundred times. Don't just watch movies, understand them. 🎄 Elf (2003) – In A Nutshell Marc’s Pick PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it (SPOILER-FREE!) A totally spoiler-free breakdown of the modern Christmas classic that mixes innocence, big-hearted humour, New York chaos and an unexpectedly emotional core. We explore the film’s tone, comedy, pacing, world-building and why Elf continues to stand out in a crowded festive movie landscape. By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this blend of Christmas magic, child-like optimism and fish-out-of-water charm deserves a spot on your festive watchlist today. PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen it What Did You Miss? → A warm and insightful look beneath the surface — from Buddy’s innocence exposing adult cynicism, to how the film quietly critiques modern busyness, and the subtle emotional shifts that track each character’s growth throughout the story. Paul’s Facts of the Day → A curated mix of behind-the-scenes insights and lesser-known facts from Paul that add an extra layer of interest to the film. Hate It or Rate It? →Where does Elf land on the Legend League? Marc, Darren & Paul drop their scores and find out. PART 3 – Listener Lounge Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs — plus our Question of the Week and the reveal of next week’s movie. Movies In A Nutshell Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI Join our SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell Join the conversation 🎙️ Voice message – https://linkly.link/2FuSQ 📬 Email – hello@moviesinanutshell.com View the Legend League Every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast… https://linkly.link/2Bfcv View the Listener League See how we rated the movies you have chosen! https://linkly.link/2Bi9l Socials Movies In A Nutshell Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut Hosts Marc Farquhar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar Darren Horne LinkedIn: a...

    44 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    The Crow(1994) - In A Nutshell(Listener Choice)

    Listener Choice – Chosen by Poppy M48 PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen itA spoiler-free breakdown of the dark, stylish and genre-blending comic-book adaptation that became a cult phenomenon. The team unpack its tone, atmosphere, world-building, mythology, and the visual and musical identity that cemented The Crow as a 90s cultural landmark. By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this brooding blend of gothic revenge, comic-book grit and atmospheric filmmaking belongs on your watchlist today. PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen itWhat Did You Miss? →A deeper look at the symbolism, themes and creative choices woven into the film — from its mythological roots and stylistic decisions to the emotional undercurrent that sets it apart from other revenge narratives. Expect thoughtful insights, unexpected connections and context that reshapes how the movie sits in the canon of early comic-book cinema. Paul’s Facts of the Day →The remarkable behind-the-scenes truth: early CGI work, last-minute script changes, casting almosts, the atmosphere on set, the accident that changed film safety standards forever, and how the soundtrack became iconic. Hate It or Rate It? Marc, Darren & Paul drop their scores — and because this is a Listener Choice episode, The Crow takes its place in the Listener League. Part 3 - The Listener Lounge Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs — plus our Question of the Week (this time inspired by The Crow’s legendary soundtrack) and the reveal of next week’s movie. Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI Join our SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell View the Listener League: See how we rated the movies you have chosen! https://linkly.link/2Bi9l View the Legend League Every movie we’ve featured and rated on the podcast… https://linkly.link/2Bfcv Get In Touch: Voice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ Email: hello@moviesinanutshell.com Socials: Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut Hosts: Marc Farquhar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar Darren Horne LinkedIn: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne"...

    39 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    Ghostbusters - In A Nutshell

    In every episode, we quickly help you decide whether to press play or skip on a movie you haven’t seen — with no spoilers at all. If you have seen it, we reveal what you've missed… even if you've watched it a hundred times. Ghostbusters (1984) – In A Nutshell Paul’s Pick – December Episode Movies In A NutshellDon’t just watch movies — understand them! PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it (SPOILER-FREE!)A totally spoiler-free breakdown of the supernatural comedy that became a cultural landmark. The team explore the film’s tone, humour, pacing, world-building and the iconic characters that made Ghostbusters an enduring blockbuster. By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this blend of paranormal chaos, sharp wit and 80s charm deserves a spot on your watchlist today. PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen itWhat Did You Miss? → A fun and insightful dive into the themes under the surface — from science vs. belief to ego, ambition and 80s social satire — plus how its analogue effects, creature work and improvisation shaped modern movie comedy. Paul’s Facts of the Day → The chaotic origins of the script, the casting that nearly went a very different direction, the on-set improv that changed entire scenes, and the behind-the-scenes secrets behind Slimer, Stay Puft and those iconic proton packs. Hate It or Rate It? → Marc, Darren & Paul drop their scores and officially place Ghostbusters in the Legend League. PART 3 – Listener LoungeYour questions, your comments and your shout-outs — plus our Question of the Week and the reveal of next week’s movie. Movies In A Nutshell Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI Join our SubReddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell View the Legend LeagueEvery movie we've featured and rated on the podcast… https://linkly.link/2Bfcv View the Listener LeagueSee how we rated the movies you have chosen! https://linkly.link/2Bi9l Join the conversationVoice message – https://linkly.link/2FuSQ Email – hello@moviesinanutshell.com SocialsMovies In A Nutshell Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut HostsMarc Farquhar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar Darren Horne LinkedIn: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne"...

    43 min
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About

Movies In A Nutshell helps you confidently decide what to watch — without spoilers — and get more from the movies you’ve already seen. Join us every week as we break down a single film to give you everything you need to make a confident, spoiler-free decision. From tone and style to themes, comparisons, and context, you’ll quickly understand what the movie is really about 'in a nutshell'. Already seen it? We go further. We reveal the things you might’ve missed, even if you’ve watched it many times before. From details hiding in plain sight and behind-the-scenes facts to hidden meanings and lesser-known stories that’ll impress your friends. Hosted by three lifelong movie fans Marc Farquhar, Darren Horne and Paul Day, Movies In A Nutshell is made for casual viewers and cinephiles alike. Whether you’re scrolling for something to watch tonight or revisiting an old favourite, we help you watch smarter, without telling you what to think. Spend less time browsing. Get more from every movie.

Information

  • Creator
    In A Nutshell Media
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © In A Nutshell Media 2025, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Movies In A Nutshell