Cinematic Doctrine: A Movie Review Podcast Hosted by Christians

MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Horror Hour with the Hannas: Podcast // Instagram // TikTok // YouTube 

Welcome to Twin Peaks: Podcast // Instagram

Hannah & Matt Hanna from Hour Hour with the Hannas join Melvin to discuss one of David Cronenberg's most loved pictures; The Fly! From its brisk pacing to dense themes, the three get into the grotesque ins-and-outs of this vile, visual treat! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:50:27 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Hannah & Matt talk about their varied catalog of episodes and their relationship with the horror genre.
• Positivity all around; Hannah, Matt, and Melvin loved The Fly!
• Matt fell in love with The Fly, and it reminded him why he loves movies in the first place.
• Hannah explores why she stepped away from The Fly feeling... giddy?
• The film leaves Melvin profoundly emotional by the time the credits roll.
• Getting into the specifics of the film's gender politics, man's relationship with his legacy, and Stathis.
• Intimacy demands vulnerability, and vulnerability is often rejected by men through insecurities.
• Reacting to the absolutely bonkers ending.
• Discussing that one scene where Stathis shows a sort of respectful kindness to Ronni, and why that felt like a strange yet extremely important moment in the story.

Recommendations:

• Raw (2017) (Movie)
• Together (2025) (Movie)
• The Ugly Stepsister (2025) (Movie)
• Prometheus (2012) (Movie)
• The Wolf Man (1941) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn & Melvin discuss the latest ghostface outing, Scream 7! Overwhelmed with controversy, this hugely popular modern slasher franchise brings back its original final girl, Sydney Prescott, in an attempt to salvage its reputation. Did it pay off? Is the whodunnit of it all still good? What's the meta commentary this time around? What about the boycott? We get into it all; tune in now! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:19:54 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Giving an overview of the Scream franchise, something the Cinematic Doctrine podcast hasn't formally covered on the podcast.
• Scream as a franchise isn't usually all that gory, but Scream 7 pushes those boundaries. Kat isn't about it.
• There is no sense of time or space in the film, and, frankly, that's the least of its problems.
• Scream as a franchise at its best is smart, and at its worst is a little strange. But here, its worst is downright stupid.
• Melvin explores why a lot of fans were "boycotting" the movie; partnerships with Kalshi, MetaAI, and the firing of Melissa Barrera.
• How Hal Lindsey's book The Late Great Planet Earth continues to damage the Western Christian understanding of Israel/Palestine relations, the Scriptures, and now... the Scream franchise?
• How Scream 7 really stretched the patience of its audience, and how it has the worst ghostface unmasking.

Recommendations:

• This Is How You Get JARHEAD Sequels (20260 (YouTube Video)
• Amnesia: Rebirth (2020) (Video Game)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Bugonia, Yorgos Lanthimos' latest bizarre feature! Is this more accessible than any of his previous flicks? What's up with all the Bees? Is Emma Stone an alien, or are rich people just from another planet? There's a LOT to unpack here, so tune in! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:38:13 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Bugonia is more of a dramatic-satire than comedic-satire, despite its marketing implying otherwise.
• As he does, Melvin begins with something he likes; the acting!
• Kathryn, "[Bugonia] plays with what it means to be privileged enough to not have to worry about anything anymore and what it looks like for people who are forced to worry about everything."
• Mostly, Melvin stepped away from Bugonia with negativity.
• Talkin' bees and what the word "bugonia" means, and the Old Testament "Creation Mandate".
• Talking about Don, colony collapse disorder, and getting into the ending.
• It's common in beekeeping to replace the queen. Why isn't that mentioned through this allegory?
• A call for the wealthy to be kind to the oppressed.

Recommendations:

• Giant-Size X-Men: Tribute to Wein & Cockrum (2025) (Graphic Novel)
• Savageland (2015) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-selected movie, Misericordia! This foreign drama/dark-comedy from Alain Guiraudie offers a lot to talk about: Fall vibes, yearning, secrets, and plenty of small town conflict. Also, mushrooms!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing Movies or art-pieces that become rally-cries for fandoms and garner 10/10 reviews in "support" of those projects, and how this makes Melvin go, "Hmmm..." (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• The setting of the film, a Fall French countryside, is stunning.
• The film is cozy and even-keeled, but it also has a dash of the grotesque.
• Melvin hasn't watched a lot of Queer cinema and that's largely due to the genre often included a bit more sexuality in it than other genres.
• Someone watching movies outside their comfort zone can sometimes help bring a broader understanding to that person's outlook.
• How we interpret the mushroom as a symbol.
• Talking about love, justice, and living.
• Getting into the ending, discussing its abruptness, and closing thoughts.
• The importance of forgiveness and mercy when expressed and experienced in the right direction, as opposed to from merely observers.

Recommendations:

• Good News in January (you might have missed) (2026) (YouTube)
• Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (2013) (Video Game)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Bottle Rocket, Wes Anderson's first feature-length film! The vibes are cozy and the dramedy is light, and the two get into discussions about classism (go figure!), easy-to-watch films, and what it is about Wes Anderson that makes him so mainstream. 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Darren Aronofsky's AI-Slop studio "Primordial Soup" which specializes in producing "stories" and "art" through AI programs (LLMs and AGIs a la Chat-GPT and Midjourney) and how this endeavor is actually anti-art. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Kathryn has stated that Bottle Rocket is her favorite Wes Anderson movie. Is this still true?
• It's nice to watch a Wes Anderson movie where he isn't overly controlling everything.
• Talking classism, adulthood, maturity, & empathy.
• Melvin isn't so sure he likes Wes Anderson's movies as much as everyone else, and he spends some time thinking what it is others see in them.
• Talking about Dignan, Anthony, and the unique characters therein.
• The climax of the film feels like a great representation of what Wes Anderson does best.

Recommendations:

• Brick (2006) (Movie)
• Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010) (Video Game)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to talk about Markiplier's Iron Lung movie! Is it like the game? Is it claustrophobic? Is it spooky-scary? The game is about 45-minutes whereas the movie is a little over 2-hours... is it bloated? Tune in and find out! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes talking about the vibes around Chris Pratt, if he's as popular as Hollywood thinks he is, what the financials of his latest features tell us, and where we think he's going next. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Setting the groundwork for the Iron Lung game so we can talk the Iron Lung movie.
• Both Shirleon & Melvin liked the movie, and the two chat about what worked for them.
• The film succeeded in making Shirleon feel very claustrophobic.
• Why is cosmic horror or weird fiction so difficult in film?
• Melvin feels Iron Lung showcases Markiplier's talent as a writer/director.
• Why do we think people love stories that contain such a degree of hopelessness?
• Some specifics about the ending are a bit confusing, but Melvin doesn't feel it detracts from the experience.
• Shirleon chats about the creature.
• In terms of filmmaking, what's next for Markiplier?

Recommendations: 

• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: Episode III (2025) (Novel)
• FoundTV (Streaming App)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

TV-Show Discussion: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Stranger Things Season 5! Was it worth the 9-year adventure? How was it in theaters? Is there a secret 9th episode? The two discuss it all, from the insanely large cast of characters to #ConformityGate! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:32:13 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• It's so nice that Stranger Things is actually over during a time where fiction seems never-ending.
• Kathryn and Melvin went to the theater for the finale. For Melvin, it was great. For Kathryn... well...
• Melvin, "It is probably the worst season of Stranger Things."
• Why couldn't it land the plane?
• Offering rewrites because that's what podcasts do!
• So... why does Stranger Things avoid killing major characters?
• Talking #ConformityGate.
• Mel, "Good coming-of-age [stories have] consequences."

Recommendations:

• A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel (2015) (Graphic Novel)
• The Crazies (1973) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

PATREON PARTY PLEASER: 

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 

Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize Priest, a forgotten feature from 2011. Loosely based upon a Manhwa of the same name, the two explore some of the neat ideas stuck beneath this unfocused, Syfy-original-like flick. And yes, it starts with a lore dump because of course it does. 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:22:34 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Priest feels like it should have come out in the early 2000s.
• Comparing vampire lore.
• Melvin feels Paul Bettany isn't a leading man, but he has criticisms over the entire casting of Priest.
• Discussing the vampire design.
• Priest can't go a few minutes without making mistakes.
• It's infrequent but occasionally the movie has some cool sci-fi visuals.
• Shirleon, "It's got good bones."
• Further vampire-lore conversations.
• When an ending promises spectacle but pulls the rug out from under you.

Recommendations:

• The Devouring Light by Kat Ellis (2025) (Book)
• Tech Billionaires Want Us Dead by Taylor Lorenz (YouTube)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

QUARTERLY CATCH-UP: 

Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram 

TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram 

Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! While answering a few questions about watching habits, we also talk about what else we've been up to this quarter, as well as our enjoyment over completing this lil' series. We hope you had a wonderful 2025, and we look forward to what 2026 will bring!

Things Mentioned:

• A Man on the Inside (2024-X) (Series)
• Hedda (2025) (Movie)
• Jane Austen's Period Drama (2024) (Short Film)
• Sorry, Baby (2025) (Movie)
• Train Dreams (2025) (Movie)
• Mr. Scorsese (2025) (Series)
• It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This (2023) (Movie)
• Occult (2009) (Movie)
• Good Boy (2025) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Bishop's Wife, an Oscar winning Christmas flick from 1947! What do they like? What do they dislike? It's got a lot of similarities to It's a Wonderful Life, but how does it compare? And what about that strange ending? Tune in to find out! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing the current Avengers: Doomsday trailers - Steve Rodgers, Thor, and X-Men - and our current vibe regarding the MCU in the big '25 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Kathryn and Melvin take it easy: they list what they like followed by what they didn't like.
• The film is structured like a 3-episode sitcom condensed into a single, overly-long movie.
• Talking characters, and how the two wishes they were better.
• The two explore how The Bishop's Wife has many narrative and thematic similarities to It's a Wonderful Life, a bonafide perfect movie. 
• Henry isn't convincing as the character he's supposed to be, and it left Kathryn cold.
• God builds his church, not man. Not Henry.
• Kathryn and Melvin spend time trying to figure out why the ending is the way it is.
• Despite their criticisms, the "Mrs. Hamilton" angle of the ending was appreciated.

Recommendations:

• Popcorn Bucket Cookies (Recipe)
• Suspiria (1977) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group