Film Exploder

In this episode, Barry and Taylor unravel Strange Darling, a psychological thriller that starts as a chase between a young woman and a man but quickly becomes something much darker and more complex. The movie twists expectations with its non-linear storytelling, keeping you on your toes.

As the duo dives into the film’s tense cat-and-mouse dynamic, they break down the movie’s unsettling mood and the cryptic clues sprinkled througho...

In this episode, Barry and Taylor dive into Infinity Chamber, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that explores the limits of consciousness. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows Frank, a man trapped in a high-tech prison where an AI controls his every move and thought. The duo discuss the film's intriguing premise, and three theories that lay out the various possibilities that explain the ending and the metaphors in the film.

Eve...

In this episode, Barry and Taylor tackle two intense thrillers — Sanctuary and 10x10. They break down Sanctuary, a tense two-hander that turns a manipulative power struggle into an unsettling mind game. The duo dive into the psychological warfare between a woman and her wealthy client, who’s trying to end their twisted arrangement. But things aren’t as simple as they seem, and the layers of manipulation keep building.

Then, they sh...

In this episode, Barry and Taylor dig into the 2024 film Cuckoo, the eerie thriller set in the Bavarian Alps. They dive into the unsettling story of Gretchen, who discovers disturbing secrets about her new stepfamily and the creepy resort they’ve moved into. The pair unpack Cuckoo’s unique mix of body horror, mind-bending suspense and the connection to the actual Cuckoo bird.

Even if you've not watched the film, start the epis...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry dive into the dark world of Speak No Evil, the chilling thriller the 2024 Hollywood is based out of. The story follows a family’s visit to their new friends house, but what starts as a quiet weekend getaway turns disturbingly sinister. In the episode, we'll let you know non-spoilery information about the movie so you can decide if you want to watch it.

As Taylor and Barry explore the film's...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry shake things up with a game where they go head-to-head recommending their favorite investigative thrillers. But here’s the twist—AI gets to play judge! That’s right, ChatGPT steps into the role of Siskel and Ebert, rating their picks and determining the winner.

Expect some surprising choices, a bit of friendly rivalry, and of course, 10 great films for you to walk away with! This episode is spoile...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry dig into the 2024 creepy thriller Longlegs. Join them as they explore the twisted tale of an FBI agent hunting a serial killer with a strange connection to the supernatural. As they break down the eerie plot and unsettling atmosphere, you'll get answers to the most pressing questions the film raises, well, most of them.

Even if you've not watched the film, check out the episode and we give...

Eternal Sunshine is the big daddy of all Mind-Job / Mind-Bending movies. In this episode, Taylor and Barry make the film linear for you to make things super clear. Join them as they take a deep dive into the plot and discuss all the chaos in the film revolving persona, memory, grief, forgiveness, love and more.

Even if you've not watched the film, you can check out the episode till the point where we give you non-spoilery infor...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry jump into the chaotic, trippy world of Infinity Pool. Things get weird fast when a couple’s luxury vacation takes a dark turn, leading to some seriously twisted events involving cloning, crime, and no consequences.

As the hosts debate the twisted choices made by the characters and the strange society they stumble upon, you’ll be left questioning where you’d draw the line. Buckle up for a deep dive...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry take on the 2015 film Circle. With 50 strangers trapped in a room and forced to make life-or-death decisions, they dig into the mind games and moral dilemmas that unfold. As they break down the characters’ choices and strategies, you’ll find yourself wondering what you’d do in the same situation. Whether you've watched Circle or are just curious about its twists, this episode will get you think...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry delve into Alex Garland's Civil War, set in a present-day America torn apart by internal conflict. The film unfolds from the perspective of journalists documenting the chaos, highlighting the harsh reality that there are no winners in war. Join Taylor and Barry as they bring clarity to the film's complex narrative and themes, drawing on insights from Garland to explore the human cost of civ...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry dive into the haunting plot of Personal Shopper. They analyze the journey of Maureen, a personal shopper in Paris who is also a medium, as she attempts to contact her deceased twin brother. Join them as they unravel the eerie and suspenseful narrative, exploring the film's themes of grief, identity, and the supernatural, while discussing the twists and turns that make this movie an awesome psyc...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry go head-to-head in recommending supernatural movies, but with a twist — they can't agree on what counts as "supernatural". Join them as they debate and defend their film picks, challenging each other's definitions and discussing the most eerie and thought-provoking aspects of their choices. You don't have to worry about any film spoilers in this one!

For film analysis and disc...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry explore the intricate plot of "Decision to Leave," examining the enigmatic relationship between detective Hae-jun and the mysterious Seo-rae. Join them as they delve into the film's rich narrative, uncovering themes of obsession, guilt, and the blurred lines between duty and desire, while piecing together the puzzle of this gripping "romantic" thriller. As always, beware of ...

In this episode, Taylor and Barry explode Alex Garland's Ex Machina, analyzing the twisted dynamics between Caleb, Nathan, and the AI, Ava. Join them as they explore the moral ambiguities, power struggles, and the chilling implications of creating conscious machines as they unravel the intricate layers of deception and manipulation. As always, beware of spoilers.

Further reading from Barry and Taylor

Ex Machina explained by Thi...

In this episode of Film Exploder, hosts Taylor and Barry take a deep analytical dive into the 2022 dark comedy-thriller, The Menu, that offers a deliciously twisted narrative which blends culinary artistry with psychological tension. Join the duo as they dissect the film’s intricate plot, exploring the underlying themes of obsession, class struggle, and the price of artistic perfection. As always, watch out for spoilers.

Further re...