The Next Reel Film Podcast

Before Midnight • The Next Reel


Listen Later

“Like sunlight, sunset, we appear, we disappear. We are so important to some, but we are just passing through.”

Time to wrap things up with Jesse and Céline
The conclusion of our 18-year journey with the two principal characters in Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy lands in division. When we started this series, we were divided because of the Gen-X nature of the characters. With the second film, we both found a much stronger connection to the romantic rekindling between Jesse and Céline. Here, we find ourselves split again, and it’s because this pair – now together with kids – has a big fight. But there’s more to the film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we tie things up in our Before Trilogy with a conversation about Linklater’s 2013 film Before Midnight


A lot to argue about, a lot to agree about.

We both like how the film starts. We both like the conversation around the table as four couples talk about love, masculinity/femininity, and sex. It’s the nature of the marriage and Jesse’s and Céline’s conversations together – and arguments later – that lead to our splitting of the minds. Is it a natural conversation flow that leads to the fighting? Or is it crafted in a way that makes Céline seem crazier than she should and makes it feel like they haven’t talked in nine years? Does it all feel unnaturally “written” and not “real?” And did the conversation make sense to begin with?


There’s a lot of debate and arguing, and it makes for a fun conversation. Check out the trilogy then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!


Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!


Film Sundries

Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.

  • Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
  • Script PDF
  • Theatrical trailer
  • Poster artwork
  • Flickchart
  • Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

  • The Web
  • Letterboxd
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Flickchart
  • Pinterest
  • Pete 
  • Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

  • You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
  • Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
  • Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
  • Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
  • Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Next Reel Film PodcastBy TruStory FM