Shoot The Hostage

Shoot The Hostage Podcast
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Welcome to Shoot The Hostage with Sarah & Dan - the movie podcast where we pick one movie at a time and take a deep dive into anything and everything we can. Each season, we dive into a new theme which we take turns in choosing. We tend to choose a diverse pick of films for each season, trying our best to cover different genres & themes. If you’re in the market for a movie podcast with hosts that don’t take themselves too seriously and love films just as much as you, then head over. Take your shoes off and come on in.

  1. 6D AGO

    House of Gucci - S13 E104

    Welcome back to the sixth instalment of our true crime movies season, this week Sarah forces Dan to endure Ridley Scott's divisive 2021 biopic, House of Gucci, a film that Sarah has deemed “both true and a crime in many senses of the word”. At two hours and 37 minutes, this is a girthy film that needed to be dramatically shorter, but somehow still rushes through key character developments. We unpack the strange tonal choice that borders on parody, debating whether the master filmmaker intended to lean into a theatrical comedia dell'arte style or simply didn't know what perspective he was trying to achieve. We delve into the central performances: Lady Gaga’s committed portrayal of Patrizia Reggiani, which humanized the character even as she spirals; Adam Driver’s subtle work as Maurizio Gucci; and the bizarre prosthetics and "Super Mario Brother" accent delivered by Jared Leto, which we agree feels less like acting and more like a hate crime. Plus, we celebrate Al Pacino’s relatively subtle performance and the unexpected appearance of Jeremy Irons and Salma Hayek as the psychic. Here’s what to expect in this episode: We attempt to justify the film’s baffling 2 hour and 37 minute run time. A serious discussion about the merits of Ridley Scott as a filmmaker. We unpack Lady Gaga's commitment to staying in her Italian accent for nine months. Dan explores the subtle visual bookend using Maurizio on a bicycle at the start and end of the movie. We question why Jared Leto's Paolo Gucci felt like he was starring in a completely different film. The confusion over the film's muted and washed-out colour grading. Our critique on the abrupt character reversals. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-12 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

    1h 18m

  2. 12/22/2025

    Monster (2003) - S13 E103

    It’s time to settle in for the fifth episode of our true crime season! While Sarah is dangerously underslept and Dan is recording through a case of Moroccan flu in a noisy Casablanca hotel room, we’ve found a way to joke about the monstrously dark 2003 film, Monster. This isn’t the Gareth Edwards sci-fi flick Dan was hoping for, but a gritty look at one of the most famous American serial killers, Aileen Wuornos. We dissect the chameleonic performance from Charlize Theron who avoided the trap of a mere impression to truly nail Wuornos’s mannerisms. Sticking with cast we discuss the rebellious era of Christina Ricci leading to her inclusion in Monster. We also look at some of the supporting cast including Bruce Dern, Lee Tergesen and Scott Wilson. Never missing an opportunity to discuss female directors, we dive into Patty Jenkins career and what we make of her trajectory from Monster to Wonder Woman. Planning every detail of her projects, Jenkins only commits to films she is truly passionate about which is showcased here in all its glory. Drawing on her own background in a military family, Jenkins infused the script with a deep understanding of PTSD, creating a sympathetic bridge between the characters of Aileen and the veteran, Thomas. What to expect from the episode: Sarah discusses her intense hyperfixation on Aileen Wuornos and her favourite documentaries on the case. Dan argues that the film feels less like a biopic and more like a vigilante origin story, making a bizarre comparison between Aileen Wuornos and Batman. Comparisons of abuse and neglect to the trauma suffered by veterans. We dive into the psychology of female serial killers and specifically here, the systematic failures that may have led to the tragic outcome. We discuss the "nature versus nurture" argument and the "childlike optimism" found in the film's opening. Tangents and rabbit holes including trying to connect the cast to The Walking Dead and Wayne’s World. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-12 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

    1h 18m

  3. 12/15/2025

    Summer of Sam - S13 E102

    Welcome back to Shoot the Hostage, where Sarah and Dan continue their season dedicated to true crime films with Episode 4 of 8. This week, we take on our first Spike Lee joint in his 1999 New York based film, Summer of Sam. This episode acts as the second movie in our "Big Apple double bill" since it’s our second film featuring the incomparable John Leguizamo (or Johnny Legs) playing an Italian man living in New York. Although in this one, he’s swapped his wrench for some scissors and leopard print underwear. As we get into his leopard print pants and the surprising extent of his improvisations on set, we discover that although the film is set during the Summer of Sam in 1977, the film is less about the specifics of the case itself and much more about the effect on the local Bronx community. What to Expect in this Episode: Differing opinions on 70s fashion, specifically the dagger collar. We ask whether the film's shift in focus makes it more, or less respectful to the victims' relatives. A look at the film's technical style, including Spike Lee’s signature double dolly shots and Scorsese-esque influences. How Adrien Brody’s character, Richie, embodies the fear and paranoia directed toward outsiders in the community. Discussion of the film’s theme of identity and the hypocrisy exposed by the neighbourhood’s judgments. Commentary on Vinnie’s vile nature and the hosts' "Johnny Legs bias". The connection between the shift from the disco to the punk era and the film's excellent music selection. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-12 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

    1h 21m

  4. 12/08/2025

    Boys Don't Cry - S13 E101

    We’re back for our 3rd episode in True Crime season and this week we’re diving into the tragic reality of 1999’s Boys Don’t Cry. Discretion advised as we discuss major spoilers and triggering topics inherent in this true story of Brandon Teena, played by Hilary Swank. Before the dread sets in, the film, directed by Kimberly Peirce, initially looks like a ‘90s hangout movie, complete with discussions of “muddin” and truck riding. We dissect how Peirce uses this lighter tone to lull you into a false sense of security before the second half of the movie. We also examine the Oscar winning performance from Hilary Swank and the disturbing portrayal from Peter Sarsgaard as real-life scumbag John Lotter. Meanwhile, Dan focuses on the actors through-line to Green Lantern. Sarah explores how the casting of Chloë Sevigny as Lana links back to other ‘90s indie cinema thanks to Music Supervisor Randall Poster’. And yes, it’s another episode featuring Brendan Sexton the third. What to expect from the episode: We discuss the surprising 90s hangout movie aesthetic of the first half. We analyse how director Kimberly Peirce quickly establishes Brandon’s comfort with his self-found identity. Dan breaks down the ominous shift in the narrative that happens halfway through the film. Expressions of our collective rage at the police officer who failed to protect Brandon. Sarah unpacks the significance of Music Supervisor Randall Poster’s involvement in many 90s independent films. Discussion about the nuances surrounding Brandon’s mistakes, the concept of informed consent, and the dangers of confirmation bias among netizens. Debate and conversation around the decision to exclude the murder of Phillip DeVine from the final cut of the film. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-12 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

    1h 15m

  5. 12/01/2025

    I, Tonya - S13 E100

    We’re skating on thin ice for the second instalment in Sarah’s season dedicated to true crime movies. This time, we pivot from the bleak darkness of Snowtown to the darkly comic story of figure skater Tonya Harding in Craig Gillespie’s I, Tonya. Dan and Sarah dive into this fascinating sports movie that explores domestic abuse, poverty and media sensationalism, while somehow remaining incredibly funny – a precarious balancing act which we discuss at length. There aren’t many films about figure skating so it’s refreshing to see this true story done justice on the big screen with a stellar cast. We examine the brilliant performances from Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Paul Walter Hauser and Allison Janney as Lavona Golden in an Oscar winning role. This complex portrait of a complicated human being, who was routinely failed and vilified by the media, is not just about the “incident,” it’s about the people and the media circus that followed. It’s a genuinely re-watchable experience and we hope that you join us. What to expect in this episode: We discuss how director Craig Gillespie managed to effectively balance the dark comedy with the serious reality of domestic abuse. Dan and Sarah compare the media frenzy surrounding Tonya Harding to later events like the O.J Simpson trial and the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard case, highlighting the media’s complicity in creating a circus around serious subjects. We praise Gillespie as a solid director with great casting choices, noting the ensemble effort. We explore the meta use of the contradictory interviews and the fourth wall breaks, which highlight that nobody truly knew the objective truth. Expressions of disappointment in the lack of a Flying V. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-12 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

    1h 12m

  6. 11/24/2025

    Snowtown (2011) - S13 E99

    Welcome back to Shoot the Hostage! Dan and Sarah return for season 13 (unlucky for some) and dive headfirst into the world of true crime with Justin Kurzel’s brutal 2011 feature debut, Snowtown. This isn’t just one of the heaviest films in the lineup, Dan thinks it might be as bleak as he can handle. We swear, chat major spoilers and discuss highly triggering topics. We’re tackling the film portraying the real-life “bodies in the barrels murders,” chronicling how Australia’s most notorious serial killer, John Bunting, weaponized hatred and hopelessness in Adelaide during the 1990’s. Sarah, fascinated by the psychology of these heinous acts, explores how Bunting – portrayed with chilling menace by Daniel Henshall, manages to manipulate a vulnerable family. Dan, meanwhile, keeps thinking about Alex Kidd and Chinese meal-based memes in an effort to distract from the bleakness of this story and movie. What to expect in this episode: We analyse director Justin Kurzel’s successful use of visual restraint over gratuitous violence. Sarah discussed why true crime content is often gendered and its connection to personal vigilance. We discuss the frightening charisma of the lead actor Daniel Henshall as John Bunting. Dan relates the film’s tense, unrelenting feeling to watching Gaspar Noè’s Climax which we covered in season 11. We question whether a feature or a documentary is the better medium for covering such horrific real events. The oppressive, claustrophobic nature of the score and setting is explored in detail. And Dan explains why Road Runner is the best brain bleach and how Wile E. Coyote is an inspirational figure   Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-12 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

    1h 19m

  7. 11/17/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus : Kinds of Kindness

    Before we turn our thoughts to the next season, it's time for a bonus show plucked from the depths of the Patreon feed.  To coincide with the release of Bugonia, we thought we would share our episode on Kinds of Kindness from 2024. Yorgos Lanthimos is pumping them out at the moment and we're very comfortable with that. One a year, every year we say. That is until he directs a Marvel movie. We are back next Monday November 24th for season 13 which is all about True Crime movies. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. This episode was first published on Patreon and is an example of the extra content you can get over on our £3.00 a month tier. If you sign up for that you'll get access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month.   Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

    17 min

  8. 11/10/2025 · BONUS

    Best of Video Game Movies

    We're back for the final level of video-game movies with our best of show where we've pieced together our favourite clips from the season.  To recap, the season looked like this: Resident Evil (2002) Warcraft Until Dawn Borderlands Tron: Legacy Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Need for Speed Mortal Kombat (1995) Join us as we revisit some of our favourite conversations including: Questioning why Milla Jovovich is often seen waking up without clothes or a memory Who else could have played the magician in Warcraft The differences between the only people in Hollywood that play Monkeys Why is Zachary Levi The justice in including the Daniel Craig shower scene in Tomb Raider Analysis of how many whiplash claims were caused by Aaron Paul Revolutionary ways of using big box VHS cases to hold up shelving  We are back on November 24th with Sarah's true crime season and our first episode is all about the Christmas holiday funtime feel-good movie Snowtown. Be sure to join us then! Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup when it drops. Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

    46 min
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About

Welcome to Shoot The Hostage with Sarah & Dan - the movie podcast where we pick one movie at a time and take a deep dive into anything and everything we can. Each season, we dive into a new theme which we take turns in choosing. We tend to choose a diverse pick of films for each season, trying our best to cover different genres & themes. If you’re in the market for a movie podcast with hosts that don’t take themselves too seriously and love films just as much as you, then head over. Take your shoes off and come on in.

Information

  • Creator
    Shoot The Hostage Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Shoot The Hostage

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