Dark Discussions Podcast

Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.

Series synopsis:

Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.

The old German legend, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, was an old scary tale told to many of us as children, or it was part of a collection of fairy tales that we read.  The South Korean film, THE PIPER (2015), takes the premise of the legend and brings it to the post Korean War era in 1953 as a setup to the movie. 

When a father and his young son head to Seoul to find a doctor that will be able to help with the child’s tuberculosis, they stop in a remote rural village for some food and shelter before they continue on their way.  When the town’s leader mentions that the village has a rat problem, the father offers to help.  He is a piper and says he can get rid of the animals.  Offered payment without even asking, the father begins the process, yet while doing so, the piper changes the dynamics of the village and becomes a threat to the town’s leader.

The film was written and directed by Gwang-tae Kim and has received little notice in North America.  However, the movie was chosen as a Patreon pick by one of our listeners, and we found it readily available on VOD.  Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film.  Is it a hidden gem?  Take a listen and find out.

Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.

Series synopsis:

Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.

The unreliable narrator trope is a common theme in many films.  The new horror film, SOMEWHERE QUIET (2024), is a film written and directed Olivia West Lloyd where she wanted to make the film after the “final girl” survives.  What would her life be like after escaping or being rescued. 

Meg (Jennifer Kim) and her husband Scott (Kentucker Audley) head out to his wealthy families Cape Cod compound in Massachusetts.  Kim has just survived a kidnapping attempt and is suffering from stress and PTSD.  A time away from the rest of the world may be good for her.  While there, Kim meets Scott’s first cousin, Madelin (Marin Ireland), and the three begin to spend a lot of time together.  As time goes by, Kim begins to have memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that begin to affect her sanity.

The Cluster A personality can cause one’s mind to see things that don’t exist and believe things that aren’t happening.  The movie takes a look at such a person and what they “feel” around their surroundings.  Co-star Marin Ireland gives an amazing performance as the eccentric cousin.  Receiving great reviews by a handful of critics but negative reviews from audiences, the crew on the podcast take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox.  Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.

Series synopsis:

Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.

Emerald Fennell’s prior film, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (2020), received a lot of note and award nominations.  Her latest film came out late 2023.  SALTBURN (2023) is another dark thriller in same vein as such films as CRUEL INTENTIONS (1999), THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999), and even classic films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s REBECCA (1938). 

Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) comes from humble beginnings.  Receiving a scholarship to Oxford, he meets wealthy Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi).  After Oliver discovers his father’s passing, Felix invites him for the summer to spend with his family at their estate Saltburn.  Oliver slowly begins to ingratiate himself with the family, but as secrets begin to be exposed, are the Cattons using Oliver or is Oliver using them?

The film stars Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, and Rosamund Pike in a highly praised performance.  SALTBURN, though overlooked by some award ceremonies, the movie received excellent reviews even if the story itself may be somewhat unappealing.  Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox.  Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.

Series synopsis:

Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.

Gregg Araki, probably best known for THE DOOM GENERATION (1995), though not prolific, he has come out with a number of films of note including MYSTERIOUS SKIN (2004).  The script was written by Araki based off a novel of the same name written by author Scott Heim.  A Patreon pick from one of our listeners, the podcast takes a look at the film.

Brian Lackey (Brady Corbet), a young man, remembers passing out as a child for unknown reasons.  During one of his episodes he sees a shadowy figure staring down at him.  When he sees a documentary about alien abductions on televisions, he goes visits a young woman his age that claims she too had been abducted.  His discussions with her lead to him searching out Neil McCormick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who appears in photographs with him as a youngster.  Does Neil have an answer or is there a bigger story?

The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brady Corbet, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Michelle Trachtenberg, Bill Sage, and Elizabeth Shue.  Due to its subject matter, the film received the “dreaded” NC-17 rating.  Controversial, the film still received fine reviews from critics including Roger Ebert.  Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.

Series synopsis:

Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.

The “Black List” is the top screenplays that have circulated around Hollywood and producers that have not been purchased or made yet.  But the buzz follows them.  The new film I.S.S. (2024) is just that.  The script by Nick Shafir was finally purchased and made into the movie.  Distributed by Bleecker Street, the film debuted at theaters on January 19th, 2024.

Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) joins the International Space Station crew.  With 3 Americans, and 3 Russians, the crew are to orbit earth and do research in hopes to help humanity.  But soon, a black swan event occurs on earth leaving the two national crews not sure what to do.  With friendships, and even the world in danger of ending, the six must decide whether to trust each other and even those from their own home country.

The movie’s cast also includes Chris Messina (DEVIL (2009)), Pilou Asbaek (GAME OF THRONES), John Gallagher (10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (2016)), Masha Mashkova (FOR ALL MANKIND), and Costa Ronin (THE AMERICANS).  The direction was done by Gabriela Cowperthwaite.  And reviews have generally been positive.  Your co-hosts take a look at this recently released film and give their thoughts.