Never Seen It Podcast

Justin Holden, Alex Callego, Anthony Ghirardi, Arnold Callego, Adrian DeLaTorre, Donald Guzman
  • 3.8 (10)
  • FILM REVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

There always seems to be that one person, in every group of friends, that hasn't seen a popular movie. On this Podcast, we gather our friends, and expose one another (wink) to the hit films that flew under somebody's radar. Sit back, enjoy the laughs, and it should go without saying, but Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

  1. Never Seen It Podcast — Oscars 2026 w/special guest Hunter Burns

    4D AGO · BONUS

    Never Seen It Podcast — Oscars 2026 w/special guest Hunter Burns

    In this special Oscars preview episode of The Never Seen It Podcast, we sit down with Castle Rock Film Festival director and filmmaker Hunter Burns to break down the biggest contenders heading into the 2026 Academy Awards. From the major categories to the overlooked technical achievements, we dive deep into what films might dominate the night and which ones could surprise everyone. We start by discussing one of the most historic changes to the Academy Awards this year: the introduction of the Best Casting category, a long-awaited recognition for casting directors and the ensembles that define a film. We debate how this new award might influence other categories like Best Director or Best Picture and whether it will simply mirror acting nominations or recognize true ensemble achievements. oscars-2026 From there, we analyze standout films across multiple Oscar categories. One of the biggest talking points is the dominance of Sinners, which broke nomination records with an astonishing sixteen nominations. We explore whether its technical achievements — particularly in cinematography — could carry it to multiple wins on Oscar night. oscars-2026 The discussion also dives into the visual artistry of this year’s nominees, including the gothic world-building of Frankenstein, the period authenticity of Hamnet, and the natural-light cinematography of Train Dreams, which was reportedly filmed almost entirely using available daylight. We talk about how these technical decisions shape storytelling and how the Academy historically rewards craftsmanship in categories like Cinematography, Production Design, and Costume Design. oscars-2026 As filmmakers and editors ourselves, we also spend time discussing film editing and storytelling structure, including how massive productions like F1 combine real racing footage with visual effects to build a coherent narrative. It’s a reminder that editing isn’t just technical — it’s the invisible craft that determines the rhythm and emotion of a movie. Of course, no Oscar conversation would be complete without addressing the Academy’s complicated relationship with genre films. We talk about why horror, science fiction, and comedy are often overlooked during awards season, even when they push filmmaking forward. From The Substance to Nosferatu, we debate whether the Academy is slowly becoming more open to genre storytelling — or if prestige drama still reigns supreme. Along the way we also debate performances, controversial casting decisions, and which films we personally think deserve recognition. From bold cinematography choices to the politics of Oscar campaigning, this episode covers the full landscape of modern awards season and what it says about Hollywood today. If you’re an Oscar fan, filmmaker, or movie lover, this is the ultimate 2026 Oscars preview — full of predictions, debates, and plenty of film nerd rabbit holes.

    1h 45m
  2. Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 81 Marty Supreme (2025)

    MAR 3

    Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 81 Marty Supreme (2025)

    In this episode of The Never Seen It Podcast, we discuss Marty Supreme, the 2025 period sports drama directed by Josh Safdie and set in the early 1950s. Marketed as an Oscar contender, the film follows Marty Mauser, a young man obsessed with becoming the world’s greatest ping pong champion. But beneath the sports movie surface, we found something deeper. We explore whether Marty is truly an antihero in the vein of Walter White or Tony Soprano, or if he’s simply a product of generational trauma, hustle culture, and survival instincts. Is he narcissistic? Is he misunderstood? Or is he just trying to escape a life of being used and degraded by older authority figures? We unpack the film’s themes of ambition, exploitation, masculinity, and the cost of greatness. We debate the pivotal match-fixing offer from the Kevin O’Leary character, the emotional weight of Rachel’s storyline, and whether Marty earns his ultimate triumph. We also talk about the film’s stylized tone, its modern energy clashing with a 1950s setting, and how the ending lands differently depending on how you view Marty’s journey. Performance-wise, we highlight surprising turns from Tyler, The Creator, whose acting chops impressed us beyond his Loiter Squad days, and Odessa Zion, who delivers one of the film’s most emotionally grounded performances. We also touch on the stunt casting, the layered supporting characters, and how Marty Supreme compares spiritually to Safdie’s earlier work like Uncut Gems. Ultimately, we ask the big questions: Is Marty Supreme a sports movie about ping pong, or a character study about ego and survival? Does ambition inevitably corrupt? And what would our 10-year-old selves think about the lives we’re living now? We share our final ratings, reflect on the relatability of Marty’s highs and lows, and examine whether the film’s emotional payoff feels earned or script-driven. If you’re searching for a Marty Supreme review, Marty Supreme ending explained, or an in-depth film analysis of this 2025 Oscar contender, this episode has you covered.

    1h 22m
  3. Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 80 Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

    FEB 24

    Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 80 Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

    In this episode of The Never Seen It Podcast, we dive deep into Fantastic Four: First Steps, the latest reboot of Marvel’s First Family, and ask the big question: Did Marvel finally get it right? We explore how this new take stacks up against the previous Fantastic Four films—including the early 2000s version starring Jessica Alba and the 2015 reboot—and whether this 2025 iteration feels like a true fresh start for the MCU’s Phase 6. What We Discuss in This Episode: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards — Is he the right choice for Mister Fantastic? Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and the rest of the new cast Ralph Ineson’s menacing take on Galactus Julia Garner as Silver Surfer The 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic Marvel’s ongoing multiverse strategy How this connects to Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars Whether the MCU’s humor is undercutting emotional stakes We also debate how Marvel handles comedy compared to filmmakers like James Gunn, whose work on Guardians of the Galaxy struck a better balance between trauma, humor, and character depth. The Big Questions We Tackle: Has the MCU become too reliant on multiverse storytelling? Does Fantastic Four: First Steps feel watered down for younger audiences? Are the emotional stakes high enough? Does Marvel gloss over deeper character trauma from the comics? Is this better than the Chris Evans-era Fantastic Four? Could this version hold up long term within the MCU? We also compare it to DC’s recent success with Superman and talk about whether Marvel is finally regaining momentum after a rocky post-Endgame era. Our Verdict We agree this is likely the best Fantastic Four movie yet, but we debate whether that bar was set too low. While we appreciate the streamlined origin story, strong performances, and standalone accessibility, we question whether the script pulls its punches emotionally. Is this a true “first step” toward Marvel’s comeback — or just another decent entry in an increasingly crowded franchise machine? We break it all down.

    1h 51m
  4. Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 79 Frankenstein (2025)

    FEB 17

    Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 79 Frankenstein (2025)

    In this episode of The Never Seen It Podcast, we dive into Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated 2025 adaptation of Frankenstein. We’re joined by Arnie, Amber, Alex (aka Filipino Grigio), Chris (MilkmanAmerica), and Donnie for a wild, funny, and surprisingly deep discussion about one of literature and cinema’s most iconic monsters. We kick things off by talking about why this movie was chosen, how del Toro’s name alone carries massive expectations, and how genre films—especially gothic horror—are still treated unfairly by major awards shows. We break down the film’s long list of Oscar nominations and debate whether genre movies can ever truly compete in “prestige” categories. From there, we get into the heart of the movie: the monster. We all agree that Jacob Elordi’s performance as the creature is the emotional backbone of the film. Even buried under makeup and speaking very little, his physical acting, expressions, and vulnerability make him the most compelling character on screen. We talk about how this version finally centers the monster’s pain, loneliness, and need for acceptance—something that hits surprisingly close to home. We also unpack: The gothic horror tone and how it leans into classic literature The stunning production design, sets, costumes, and lighting Whether the movie is “too long” or perfectly paced If Frankenstein would’ve worked better as a limited series How del Toro’s auteur vision clashes with mass-audience expectations Why streaming changed how people experienced this film Amber brings up the anxiety-inducing tower set piece (yes, that hole), and we all agree that the architecture alone deserves an award. Chris argues that the movie’s length made him want even more character development, while Alex defends del Toro’s artistic intent and reminds us that “too long” is subjective—especially in the world of gothic storytelling. We also compare this adaptation to Mary Shelley’s original novel, including the cut third act involving the Bride of Frankenstein, and discuss what it means that del Toro chose not to include it. That leads to a broader conversation about adaptation, faithfulness, and creative freedom. Finally, we wrap with rapid-fire takes on the strongest and weakest characters, how the film balances horror with drama, and why—even with flaws—this Frankenstein stands as one of the most visually striking and emotionally resonant monster films in years.

    1h 9m
  5. Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 78 One Battle After Another (2025)

    FEB 10

    Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 78 One Battle After Another (2025)

    In this episode of The Never Seen It Podcast, we dive headfirst into Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” one of the most talked-about films of the 2025–2026 awards season. With a stacked cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infinity, Regina Hall, Wood Harris, Tony Goldwyn, and Benicio Del Toro, this film has quickly become a lightning rod for controversy, praise, and heated debate. We start with a spoiler-light overview of the premise: After their extremist nemesis resurfaces 16 years later, a group of former revolutionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own—only to realize that the past is far from buried. From there, we ask the big question: Can “One Battle After Another” actually win Best Picture? With ten films competing—including Sinners, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Train Dreams, and Begonia—we debate whether the Academy is spreading the love too thin, or quietly signaling which film will be the “safe” winner. The First Act: A Masterclass or Too Much, Too Fast?We spend a lot of time on the explosive opening act set in an internment camp, where we meet Leo and Teyana Taylor as revolutionaries fighting against a militarized white supremacist faction led by Sean Penn’s chilling “Lockjaw.” Some of us call it a screenwriting masterclass—a bold, in-media-res plunge into character, motivation, and chaos. Others feel it’s intentionally rushed, designed to shock us into the story rather than let us live in it. Politics, Relevance, and TimingWe wrestle with the idea that this film arrived at the exact wrong—or right—moment. The movie’s themes of extremism, surveillance, rebellion, and generational trauma feel ripped straight from today’s headlines. Is it art imitating life… or life imitating art? Chase Infinity: The Next Breakout StarWe also spotlight Chase Infinity’s performance as the daughter caught between revolution and survival. The visual parallels between her and her mother—especially the machine gun imagery—become one of the film’s most powerful generational echoes. Who Should Win the Oscar?Opinions clash: Some of us think Sinners will sweep the night. Others believe Hamnet is the Academy’s “safe” choice. A few of us argue that One Battle After Another is too bold to ignore—and might win because of the political climate, not in spite of it. And yes… we also go on a few wild tangents about: The Patriots conspiracy theory Bad Bunny, Green Day, and the Super Bowl Desert Hot Springs, colonics, and cults And why Timothée Chalamet might need to calm down 😅 It’s chaotic, it’s hilarious, and it’s one of our most passionate film debates yet.

    1h 13m
  6. Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 77 Good Boy (2025)

    FEB 3

    Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 77 Good Boy (2025)

    In this episode, we take on Good Boy (2025)—a haunting, emotionally strange horror film told largely through the eyes of a dog. The movie follows Indy, a loyal pup who moves with his owner Todd to a rural family home that may—or may not—be cursed. What begins as an eerie atmosphere slowly unfolds into something deeper, as the house, the illness, and the past all seem to blur together. We talk about why this film stood out as such a bold experiment in visual storytelling, from its decision to shoot at a dog’s eye level to its near-total absence of human facial closeups. The perspective shift forces us to experience fear, confusion, and loss in a completely different way—and we debate whether the movie would even work without this creative choice. Our conversation digs into the film’s layered themes: Is the “monster” a literal supernatural entity—or a metaphor for disease and generational trauma? Is the house cursed, or is it a symbol of inherited pain? Can animals sense things we can’t—whether that’s illness, danger, or something beyond logic? We also explore how Good Boy connects to other atmospheric horror films, the power of non-verbal storytelling, and why this movie feels more like a “vibes” experience than a traditional narrative. The discussion branches into topics like paranormal belief, emotional isolation, community, and how fear hits harder when an innocent animal is at the center of the story. Finally, we talk about what makes Indy such a compelling “lead,” why this movie feels deeply human despite barely showing human faces, and how Good Boy uses horror as a lens for grief, loyalty, and letting go.

    1 hr
  7. Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 76 Train Dreams (2025)

    JAN 27

    Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 76 Train Dreams (2025)

    In this episode of The Never Seen It Podcast, we take a deep, thoughtful, and often hilarious look at Train Dreams (2025), the Clint Bentley–directed period drama starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, and a scene-stealing William H. Macy . Chosen by special returning guest Chris (MilkmanAmerica), Train Dreams is described as “a thinking movie and a feeling movie” that challenges the idea of what it means for a film to be entertaining . Rather than focusing on traditional plot, the movie observes the quiet, often brutal life of a logger during the early 20th century as America undergoes massive industrial change. We talk about how the film feels intentionally “plotless” and why the narration is essential to grounding us in Robert’s internal life . With minimal dialogue and a slow, meditative pace, the movie asks us to sit with grief, silence, and memory instead of chasing spectacle. Key Topics We CoverExistential themes and the fragility of life The devastating loss of Robert’s wife and daughter in the cabin fire William H. Macy as the “Gandalf” archetype and why his death is so symbolic The brutal realities of the railroad era and racial violence against Chinese workers Whether Joel Edgerton “carries” a film the way Leonardo DiCaprio does The meaning behind the sudden, shocking death of Apostle Frank Why the movie feels like a meditation on grief rather than a traditional story We also explore how Train Dreams reflects the dangers of the industrial revolution, showing a world without safety nets, HR, or even basic sanitation. Life is cheap, work is deadly, and survival is never guaranteed. The Music & Nick Cave ConnectionThe score by Bryce Dessner and the original song by Nick Cave are subtle but emotionally devastating. Alex connects Cave’s real-life losses to the emotional weight of the film, arguing that grief is not just a theme—it’s the soul of Train Dreams . Final TakeThis episode is part film breakdown, part philosophy session, part chaos—and that’s exactly why we love it. Train Dreams may not be for everyone, but it’s a movie that lingers long after the credits roll.

    1h 12m
  8. Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 75 Bugonia (2025)

    JAN 20

    Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 75 Bugonia (2025)

    In this episode of Never Seen It, we unpack Bugonia (2025), the latest mind-bending film from director Yorgos Lanthimos, and one of his most deceptively accessible movies to date. We went in blind—and quickly found ourselves spiraling into questions about conspiracy culture, corporate power, alienation (literal and metaphorical), and how trauma reshapes reality. We break down the film’s central premise: two conspiracy-obsessed men kidnap a powerful tech CEO, convinced she’s an alien sent to destroy Earth. What sounds absurd at first becomes increasingly plausible as the film unfolds. Jesse Plemons delivers a chilling performance as Teddy, a man whose grief, abuse, and ideological freefall lead him to radical certainty. Emma Stone is pitch-perfect as a hyper-controlled CEO whose emotional detachment blurs the line between capitalist overlord and extraterrestrial invader. We spend a lot of time wrestling with the film’s biggest question: at what point did we believe she really was an alien? From disturbing electroshock scenes set to pop music, to superhuman physical moments, to the horrifying calm with which violence is absorbed, Bugonia constantly shifts our certainty. Lanthimos weaponizes tone—jumping from dark comedy to outright dread—to keep us off balance. The episode also explores the film’s deeper themes, including: How conspiracy thinking often grows out of real trauma The overlap between tech CEOs and “inhuman” behavior The symbolism of bees, control, and resource extraction Power dynamics between captor and captive Why making the conspiracy true is the film’s most unsettling choice We also discuss the film’s shocking supporting turns, including Stavros Halkias as a cop whose presence introduces another layer of moral rot, and how childhood abuse, corporate negligence, and ideological extremism all feed into the story’s bleak worldview. By the end, we agree on one thing: Bugonia isn’t just asking whether aliens walk among us—it’s asking whether unchecked power has already made monsters of us all.

    1h 25m
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About

There always seems to be that one person, in every group of friends, that hasn't seen a popular movie. On this Podcast, we gather our friends, and expose one another (wink) to the hit films that flew under somebody's radar. Sit back, enjoy the laughs, and it should go without saying, but Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Holden, Alex Callego, Anthony Ghirardi, Arnold Callego, Adrian DeLaTorre, Donald Guzman
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2020 Never Seen It Podcast
  • Show Website
    Never Seen It Podcast