The first Best Picture winner to be directed by a woman, Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" electrified critics in 2009, even while drawing lukewarm box office numbers. 

In this episode, Mike and Brian explore the film's thesis that "war is a drug" and discuss the ways in which addiction can change characters and character arcs. They talk about the movie's poor audience turnout, Jeremy Renner as a leading man, how politics and timeliness affect Oscar voting and, finally, whether or not this film will make their top fives of the year.

Want to choose an movie for a future episode? BECOME A PATRON.

Agree or disagree with our takes? EMAIL [email protected].