What are the dangers of believing things we cannot prove? Can we exist without believing in something? How do we know when we can have faith in someone? Building on last week's episode on infidelity, this week's episode embarks on a broader exploration of faith and trust in people.

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Does cheating always catch up on us? Who is destined to stray from their spouse? How can we overcome unfaithfulness? Through the lens of romantic infidelity, this week's episode explores the ways in which our faith in one another can be tested and strengthened.

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Can talent be a curse? To what extent does talent serve the talented? How and when should we wield our talents? It's a Bette Davis double this week, as we explore the darker side of being gifted.

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What are the dangers of media spectacles? Are all news stories merely spectacles? Is there a healthy way to consume corporate media? In light of some seemingly opposing ideas from two recent films, this week's episode contemplates the dangers of modern media consumption. 

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What are some of the lingering issues in modern Middle Eastern cultures? What is the continuing relationship between political and personal emancipation in the Middle Eastern context? What cultural characteristics do gross acts of violence illuminate? 

In this week's episode, Jimmy is joined by special guest Sarah Barrie, who has studied, worked in and travelled extensively throughout the Middle East, to discuss three impactful films that have come out of the region in recent decades.

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How does the state treat those who rebel against it? How should we view an oppressive state? What are we actually referring to when we talk about 'the state'? In discussing three films that centre on the relationship between 'rebellious' individuals and the institutions that govern them, this week's episode questions the various attitudes we have toward those in power.

The Films:

'Cool Hand Luke' (1967) directed by Stuart Rosenberg

'The Conference' (2022) directed by Matti Geschonneck

'The People vs. Larry Flynt' (1996) directed by Milos Forman

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How do we view ourselves in relation to others? Are people ever the same? What does the meaning of life cost? In exploring some of the bigger philosophical questions we all face, this week's episode focuses on the curiously common cross-over of stop motion and existential cinema. 

The Films:

'Anomalisa' (2015) directed by Duke Johnson and Charlie Kaufman

'Harvie Krumpet' (2003) directed by Adam Elliot

'$9.99' (2008) directed by Tatia Rosenthal

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How does it feel to be inundated with unwelcome stress? How can our own actions contribute to stress? Can stress ever be desirable? This week's episode focuses on three high-tempo films in which the titular protagonists are relentlessly burdened by various sources of stress.

The Films:

'After Hours' (1985) directed by Martin Scorsese

'Uncut Gems' (2019) directed by Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie

'Full Time' (2021) directed by Eric Gravel

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How do false images of faraway lands affect us? What is the relationship between our choices and the world around us? What impact has modernisation had on interhuman connectivity? In another special guest(s) episode, Jimmy sits down with Benson Wu, Helen Stenbeck and Yi-Tsun Chen from the 2022 Taiwanese Film Festival to chat about the ongoing transformations in Taiwan and its film industry and what audiences can look forward to at this year's festival.

The Films:

'Homebound' (2022) directed by Ismail Fahmi Lubish

'Goddamned Asura' (2021) directed by Yi-an Lou

'Yi Yi' (2000) directed by Edward Yang

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What can the vicious act of murder teach us about strategy and logic? What does the act of play uncover in the face of mystery? Are we more attentive to truth when we find it ourselves? In this week's special episode, Jimmy sits down with French director Nicolas Pleskof to chat about his new film, 'Murder Party', and the intersection of games and murder.

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