Episode 100: The Roses
Mindframe(s)
The Roses is a 2025 satirical dark comedy–drama directed by Jay Roach (Austin Powers, Meet the Parents, Bombshell) and written by Tony McNamara (The Favourite, The Great). It is a modern reimagining of The War of the Roses, based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel and the 1989 film adaptation. ✨ Cast Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose — a restaurateur whose career blossoms. Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose — an architect whose career falters. Supporting cast: Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, and Zoë Chao. 🕒 Timestamps...
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Episode 99 - Weapons
Mindframe(s)
🎧 Episode 99: Weapons – Horror, Mystery, and Institutions in Crisis In this episode of Mindframes, Michael and Dave welcome special guest Tim Peebles—theologian, pastor, martial artist, and long-time film aficionado—for a deep dive into Zach Cregger’s new film Weapons. Cregger, known for Barbarian (2022), returns with a multi-layered, genre-bending thriller where a small town unravels after its children mysteriously disappear into the night. With a Rashomon-style narrative, striking cinematography from Larkin Seiple (Everything Everywhere All at Once), and a cast led by Josh Brolin,...
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Episode 98: Eddington
Mindframe(s)
Film Overview Title: Eddington (2025) by Ari Aster Setting: Small-town New Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic Premise: Tension and division between a local sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and the town's mayor (Pedro Pascal), reflecting broader cultural and social fractures in America. Themes: Polarization, the influence of social media, performative activism, the corporatization of crisis, and the psychological weight of 2020. Cast & Performances Joaquin Phoenix (Sheriff Joe Cross): Widely praised for his layered, committed performance. Considered perfect for the role. Pedro...
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Episode 97 - 28 Years Later
Mindframe(s)
After some bad uploads and delays, for what is seems like 28 years after the release, Michael and Dave finally delve into the thematic and tonal complexity of 28 Years Later, a film they describe as both rich in ideas and somewhat disjointed. They focus on death, coming of age, and humanity in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by the infected. 🎬 Cast and Crew – 28 Years Later Director: Danny Boyle – Returns to direct this sequel after helming 28 Days Later (2002), marking a major reunion with the original creative team. Writer: Alex Garland – Screenwriter of 28 Days Later...
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Episode 96: The Phoenician Scheme
Mindframe(s)
Episode 96 – The Phoenician Scheme (Mindframes Podcast) Michael Cockerill and Dave Canfield discuss Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Meena Truppleton, and other regulars from Anderson’s filmography. The story centers around Zaza Corda, a wealthy businessman played by Benicio del Toro, who makes the surprising decision to name his daughter—a nun—as his heir. He simultaneously launches a massive infrastructure project in the fictional country of Phoenicia (or Western Phoenicia), encountering opposition from...
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Episode 95 - The Life of Chuck
Mindframe(s)
Episode 95: The Life of Chuck 🔗 Cast & Crew: Director: Mike Flanagan Writer: Mike Flanagan (based on the short story by Stephen King) Cast: Tom Hiddleston as Chuck Mark Hamill Chiwetel Ejiofor Karen Gillan Jacob Tremblay Matthew Lillard Harvey Guillén David Dastmalchian Mia Sara Q'orianka Kilcher Trinity Jo-Li Bliss Benjamin Pajak Show Timestamps 00:00:15 – Michael introduces the film The Life of Chuck, its limited theatrical release, and welcomes special guest Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat. 00:02:15 – The hosts briefly reflect on Mike...
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Episode 94: Friendship
Mindframe(s)
🎙️ Mindframes Episode 94: Friendship (2025) Theme: Male friendship, awkwardness, modern masculinity, repression Hosts: Dave Canfield & Michael Cockerill 🎬 Cast & Crew Director: Andrew DeYoung Writer: Andrew DeYoung Cinematographer: Andy Rydzewski Executive Producer: Paul Rudd Cast: Tim Robinson as Craig Waterman – a painfully awkward suburban dad with delusions of friendship. Paul Rudd as Austin – a charming local weatherman with a hidden insecurities. Kate Mara as Craig’s wife – emotionally exhausted, but nuanced and grounded. Austin’s Bro Squad – unnamed...
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Episode 93: Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning
Mindframe(s)
🎙️ Mindframe(s) Podcast – Episode 93 Mission: Impossible: Final Reckoning (and Franchise Retrospective) 🎬 Film Details Title: Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning Director: Christopher McQuarrie Writers: Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen Main Cast: Tom Cruise – Ethan Hunt Hayley Atwell – Grace Esai Morales – Gabriel Ving Rhames – Luther Stickell Simon Pegg – Benji Dunn Rebecca Ferguson – Ilsa Faust Pom Klementieff – Paris ⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights 00:15 – Intro Michael and Dave kick off with their usual charm,...
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Episode 92: Sinners
Mindframe(s)
Absolutely! Here’s the same set of show notes with chapter timestamps added to guide listeners through the episode: 🎙️ Mindframes – Episode 92 “Sinners (2025): Vampires, Blues, and the Power of Community” In this episode, Michael and Dave dive deep into Sinners, the bold, original horror-drama from director Ryan Coogler. Featuring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role and a breakout performance by Miles Katon, Sinners blends genre thrills with potent social commentary, historical resonance, and musical mysticism. 🧛♂️ Topics We Cover: 00:00 – Intro & Background ...
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Episode 89: Mickey 17
Mindframe(s)
🎙️ Mindframes Episode 89: Mickey 17 "Clone Wars, Class Wars, and Saucy Politics in Space" In this episode, Dave Canfield and Michael Cockerill dive into Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho’s long-anticipated follow-up to Parasite. Set on a frozen alien planet, this satirical sci-fi tale stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, a worker cloned repeatedly for hazardous missions — until one version survives and meets his successor. 🎬 What We Cover: The Bong Joon-ho Cinematic Universe From Snowpiercer to Parasite to Barking Dogs Never Bite, how Bong’s signature blend of class critique, dark...
info_outlineThe Complexities of "Civil War" and the Intricacies of Alex Garland's Direction
In this episode of "Mindframes," hosts Dave and M.W. Cockerill delve into Alex Garland's latest film, "Civil War," exploring its portrayal of a polarized America and the role of media in war contexts. The discussion traverses Garland's filmography, highlighting his distinctive approach to filmmaking and thematic consistency across his works. The episode also touches on broader film genres, notably the categorization challenges within horror and zombie films, using "28 Days Later" as a focal point.
Key Discussion Points
1. **Alex Garland's Directorial Style:** Insight into Garland's evolution as a director, with a detailed discussion on his notable films including "Ex Machina," "Annihilation," and "Men." The hosts explore how these films align thematically with "Civil War."
2. **Genre Definitions and Controversies:** A lively debate on what constitutes a zombie film, referencing "28 Days Later" and other genre films like "The Walking Dead" and "I Am Legend."
3. **"Civil War" - A Film Analysis:**
- **Plot and Setting:** Examination of the film's setting in a dystopian America, discussing the world-building elements and the narrative's focus on societal breakdown.
- **Character Development and Performances:** Discussion on the character arcs, particularly focusing on the performances of Kristen Dunst and other key actors.
- **Themes:** Deep dive into the political and social themes portrayed in the film, such as division, media influence, and the impact of leadership styles reminiscent of contemporary political figures.
- **Cinematic Techniques:** Analysis of Garland's use of visual and sound design to enhance the thematic depth and emotional impact of the film.
Special Segments
- **Horror Film Debate:** Is "Civil War" a horror movie? Hosts debate the genre specifications and the broader implications of genre categorization in film.
- **Viewer Reactions and Interpretations:** Exploration of varied audience reactions to the film, particularly focusing on its political commentary and its reflection of real-world tensions.
Closing Thoughts
- The hosts reflect on the implications of "Civil War" for future filmmaking in politically charged climates.
- Recommendations for audiences on how to approach the film to gain a deeper understanding of its themes.
**Where to Watch:**
"Civil War" is currently in wide release and available exclusively in theaters, including IMAX.
**Episode Links:**
- Stream this episode and subscribe to "Mindframes" on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, and wherever podcasts are available.
- Visit our website at mindframesfilms.com for more insights and discussions.