Film Club for the End of the World

Join Stephen and guest Johnny McIntosh (Pop Culture Detective) for a deep dive into The Truman Show (1998). They'll discuss how our reality might be far more troubling than Truman's, how society today voluntarily retreats into its own Sea Havens, and how contemporary audiences react very differently to this film than those who watched it in 1998.

Support for this podcast comes from viewers like you, so please consider joining the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/filmclubfortheendoftheworld

Pop Culture Detective YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHiwtz2tCEfS17N9A-WoSSw

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Stephen and video game designer Tyler McCombs discuss why Resident Evil (2026) may be one of the best video game films yet, and Tyler provides commentary on how the film speaks the language of video game design so well. They'll also react to some heated criticisms of Cregger's film.

Support for this podcast comes from viewers like you. To become a supporting member, check out the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/filmclubfortheendoftheworld

Stephen & guest Nick Arnold (NickinRevue) ask if this movie is a masterpiece or sentimental ableist hogwash...or both? They'll also discuss the actual history of the film's protagonist and how audiences reacted to it over 40 years ago at its release. Nick also shares what he looks like shirtless...don't worry, it'll make sense.

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Stephen and guests Kaden Watson and Shannon Sweeney discuss Eighth Grade (2018), Bo Burnham's thoughts on the internet, the next big movie niche: Mormon protagonists, and so much more.

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Stephen and guest Brandon Treadway (BrandonToksMovies) discuss how Coyote v Acme (2026) captures this moment in history, what the next Looney Tunes movie should be, and the surprisingly heady themes this film tackles.

CONTENT ADVISORY: this episode briefly discusses self-harm ideation.

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Stephen and Ciarra (known as The Gardening Theologian on socials) discuss their own awakenings through film, how this film reclaims queer love, what Little Death represents, and the sticky territory around consent that the film attempts to navigate.

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Stephen and guest Professor Jen Doty dig into Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), the types of support young people need to thrive, how digital media has reshaped the adolescent experience, and how Charlie may have actually saved himself in the end.

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Stephen and guest Clau Quijas (writer/director/actor) explore the simplicity and honesty of Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value (2025) while also discussing the state of international cinema, American tropes in foreign films, and Stephen's recent social media drama with another creator.

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Stephen & guest James Willey (moviegoodormoviebad) explore how I Saw the TV Glow (2024) masterfully creates a story that is hauntingly powerful for members of the trans community while also being poignant and accessible to individuals outside of that community. We also discuss the Muppets, trans athletes, and James's interview with director Jane Schoenbrun.

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Stephen & guest Josh Zurbrick (Obscure History) discuss There Will Be Blood (2007), megachurches, oligarchs, and footbagging in this week's episode. And don't worry, footbagging is not the slur it sounds like.

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