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_outline🎙️ Mindframes Podcast – Episode 91: Warfare
🎧 Hosts: Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield
🎬 Film: Warfare (2025), dir. Alex Garland & Ray Mendoza
📍 Location: Music Box Theatre, Chicago
⏱️ Timestamps & Segment Summaries:
[00:00–01:30] — Intro & Film Overview
Michael introduces the film Warfare, co-directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Civil War) and Ray Mendoza, a real-life Navy SEAL. Set during the Iraq War in 2006, the film follows a SEAL team as a surveillance mission devolves into a real-time battle for survival.
[01:30–03:30] — Garland + Mendoza Collaboration
The hosts highlight Garland’s visual language from Civil War and Mendoza’s military experience. Mendoza previously worked as a military advisor and makes his co-directorial debut, grounding the action in authenticity.
[03:30–05:30] — A New Kind of War Film
Dave and Michael compare Warfare to cinema verité. It strips away backstory, plot arcs, and even music, placing viewers in the immediacy of war. The film’s realism makes it emotionally immersive rather than glorifying.
[05:30–10:00] — Comparing Garland’s Themes
The hosts reflect on Garland’s previous works (Annihilation, Men, Ex Machina) and how Warfare departs from his usual metaphysical themes. While earlier films centered on confronting unknowns, Warfare is grounded and experiential.
[10:00–16:00] — Tone, Politics & Empathy
Dave emphasizes Warfare’s non-political stance — it doesn't "pick sides" but immerses viewers in the soldiers’ experience. The film resists traditional “hoorah” war tropes, favoring a depiction of camaraderie, trauma, and ambiguity.
[16:00–22:00] — Acting & Realism
Will Poulter is praised for his understated and believable performance. The cast’s lack of exposition or melodrama enhances the film’s immersive feel. The SEALs aren’t framed as superheroes — they’re human, fallible, and professional under extreme duress.
[22:00–30:00] — Real-Time Pacing & Directorial Choices
The podcast explores how real-time pacing increases tension. There’s no music, no time skips, no omniscient viewpoint — just boots-on-the-ground survival. The set was a reconstructed Iraqi neighborhood, shot with handheld cameras and long takes to increase claustrophobia.
[30:00–40:00] — Cinematography as Philosophy
The camera mimics a fellow soldier, crouching behind walls and moving with the characters. Michael and Dave liken this to the immersive style of 1917, though even more stripped down. Observational themes emerge as the camera shifts from viewer to viewed.
[40:00–47:00] — Production Design & Immersive Worldbuilding
Details like era-appropriate gear, drone tech, and consistent physical space reinforce realism. Everything down to military language is authentic, thanks to Mendoza. This reinforces the film’s goal: not storytelling, but situational transference.
[47:00–56:00] — Why It’s Anti-War Without Saying So
Michael and Dave argue that the film's realism is its anti-war statement. There's no need for speeches or political commentary — the relentless brutality and human cost speak volumes. Dave compares this to 1960s anti-war films like The War Game and Overlord.
[56:00–01:01:00] — Final Thoughts & Timelessness
The film ends with ambiguity — no grand victory, just survival and confusion. Michael praises the restraint: “They leave. That’s the ending.” Dave notes how demythologizing war through realism creates a deeper, more honest emotional impact.
💬 Highlight Quotes:
“It’s not about choosing sides. You just happen to be with the Americans.” – Dave
“The movie doesn’t tell you what war is. It makes you feel what it’s like.” – Michael
“Once you strip away the mythology, all that’s left is shellshock and dust.” – Dave
🎖️ Ratings:
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Dave: ★★★★☆ — “One of the best anti-war films since the ‘70s.”
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Michael: ★★★★☆ — “Raw, claustrophobic, and unforgettable.”
📽️ Films Referenced:
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Civil War
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Annihilation
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Ex Machina
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Men
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1917
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Black Hawk Down
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Dunkirk
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Apocalypse Now
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The War Game
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Overlord
🧛 Next Episode Tease:
🎬 Sinners — Michael B. Jordan’s vampire-demon hybrid film might be next on the docket.