Escapist Cinema

Brigsby Bear (2017)

In this episode, we explore Brigsby Bear, a truly one-of-a-kind film that blends offbeat humor with raw emotional honesty.

What begins with an absurd premise unfolds into a touching story about creativity, healing, and how we define family. It's about finding your place in a world that doesn't make sense - and making something beautiful anyway.

Whether you're drawn to eccentric characters or heartfelt storytelling, this movie has a way of sneaking up on you - and staying with you.

Kyle Mooney - James

Jorge Lendeborg Jr. - Spencer

Matt Walsh - Greg

Michaela Watkins - Louise

Claire Danes - Emily

Ryan Simpkins - Aubrey

Greg Kinnear - Detective Vogel

High Fidelity (2000)

This week, we spin the record back to High Fidelity, a music-soaked journey through love, heartbreak, and the messy work of growing up. With a killer soundtrack and sharp humor, the film follows a record store owner stuck in his own loop—until he starts to face the role he plays in his own stories. It's about more than romance; it's about becoming a better version of yourself, one track at a time.

Pearl (2022)

This unsettling, Technicolor fever dream dives into the early life of a young woman yearning for something bigger than her family's isolated farm can offer. Set in 1918, Pearl blends vintage Hollywood style with psychological horror, exploring ambition, repression, and what happens when dreams curdle into desperation. Mia Goth delivers a hauntingly layered performance in this bold and beautifully deranged character study.

Directed by Ty West

Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls

This week, Derek brings a true wildcard to the table: Onyx the Fortuitous, a bizarre horror-comedy that blends low-budget charm with over-the-top eccentricity.

We talk about how this passion-project was made, that it's oddly endearing, and why it's unlike anything else out there.

While it may lose its footing here and there, Onyx still manages to deliver unexpected laughs and a whole lot of heart.

Join us as we unpack this cult-ready oddity and debate whether chaos can sometimes be a kind of genius.

https://youtu.be/sVMyGjfUlZ8?si=oZi_rW12tAD0eugA

Watch on Tubi for free

Last week, Jen and Derek watched Robert Eggers' 2015 film, The VVitch and talked about their initial reactions.

It was Derek's first viewing and Jen's fifth, but neither were done talking about this great movie and wanted to take a deeper dive.

In this episode, they talk about the lighting, the directing, themes and more. Join Jen & Derek for a deeper dive into the struggles of a secluded family in New England in 1630.

Directed by Robert Eggers

In 1630, a farmer relocates his family to a remote plot of land on the edge of a forest where strange, unsettling things happen. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, each family member's faith, loyalty and love are tested in shocking ways.

A punk rock band is forced to fight for survival after witnessing an act of violence at a skinhead bar. Oh, and Patrick Stewart is not-so-nice.

2015

Produced by A24

https://letterboxd.com/film/green-room/details/

In the first episode of Escapist Cinema, Jen and Derek talk about one of their favorite movies - Strange Darling.

This cat-and-mouse movie weaves through the story of what happens when Demon and Lady have a one-night stand.

Spoiler Alert: We recommend watching Strange Darling before listening!

In this episode of Escapist Cinema, Jen and Derek talk about an under-appreciated Netflix movie - Horse Girl.

Whatever you just imagined is likely nothing like this film! It's quirky, odd and well-acted.

A socially awkward woman (Alison Brie) with a fondness for arts and crafts, horses, and supernatural crime shows finds her increasingly lucid dreams trickling into her waking life.

Is this her reality or a decrease in sanity?