Movies In Focus

Film composer and singer-songwriter Tom Schraeder joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast for an in-depth conversation. Known for his emotionally charged music, Schraeder has built a career that bridges the worlds of songwriting and film scoring with ease.

Composing music for films like The Dark And The Wicked, We’re Not Safe Here and Vicious, Schraeder is a musician who can add multiple layers to a film with the subtlest of scores.

In this discussion, Tom reflects on his creative process, the transition from performing artist to composer, and how storytelling shapes his approach to music. From crafting intimate character pieces to scoring cinematic moments, he shares insights into balancing emotion, melody, and narrative.

This is a fascinating episode for anyone interested in the craft of film music and the artistry that drives a composer’s work.

Writer-director Kiah Roache-Turner’s Beast Of War isn’t just another entry in the long tradition of shark films - it’s a pulse-pounding WWII thriller that delivers on both fronts.

This Australian production stands out with its commitment to practical effects over CGI, keeping viewers on edge as a group of soldiers faces both a battle-scarred predator and the harsh realities of survival at sea.

Kiah Roache-Turner joins this episode of the podcast to discuss the film’s cinematic inspirations, the challenges of shooting in an indoor water tank, and how Beast Of War channels the spirit of Australian New Wave war movies like Gallipoli and Attack Force Z.

This conversation offers an inside look at the film’s gritty visuals, standout performances, and the creative choices that make this shark adventure a genre standout. 

This time around, Charlotte Kirk and Zach McGowan, the stars of Neil Marshall's new erotic thriller, Compulsion join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast.

Co-starring Anna-Maria Sieklucka, Compulsion delivers a throwback punch, homaging the shadowy style of Italian giallo and the sleazy vibe of 80s and 90s erotic thrillers. Kirk and McGowan discuss what drew them to its dark, complex characters and the film’s tightly wound, high-stakes narrative.

The pair dive into the challenges and rewards of working on a film loaded with moral - and both Kirk and McGowan talk about working with Neil Marshall - and the intensity of Compulsion’s bloodiest sequence.

Neil Marshall’s Compulsion is not only a homage to the blood-soaked Italian giallo, but also a throwback to the kind of erotic thrillers that Hollywood churned out in the 1980s and 1990s - think Dario Argento meets Brian De Palma,

Starring Anna-Maria Sieklucka, Charlotte Kirk and Zach McGowan, the Malta set pic is a twisty and turny thriller that throws in a lot of left turns - and it will keep you guessing until the end.

Compulsion’s writer-director, Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent), returns to the Movies In Focus podcast along with the film’s star, Anna-Maria Sieklucka (365 Days, The Next 365 Days).

They discuss the throwback nature of the film, filming a tale with such complex characterisation, Compulsion’s pivotal - and very bloody - standout sequence and much, much more.

Actors Hayley McFarland and Sharmita Bhattacharya, the captivating leads of writer/director Solomon Gray’s quietly unnerving horror We're Not Safe Here, join this episode of Movies In Focus podcast.

We're Not Safe Here is a horror film that sidesteps typical genre tropes, offering a carefully crafted, slow-burning chill that lingers well beyond the closing credits.

Hayley and Sharmita delve into their richly layered performances, unpacking the emotional weight and human fears that elevate the film above conventional horror fare.

They explore the creative nuances behind the film’s unsettling atmosphere and haunting storytelling - this is a must-listen for fans of intelligent, introspective genre cinema.

Action Auteur, Renny Harlin joins this special bite-sized episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. In the 1990s, Harlin delivered some of the decade’s most memorable and entertaining films like Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, The Long Kiss Goodnight - and my favourite go-to killer shark film, Deep Blue Sea.

Now he’s turning his attention back to horror with The Strangers: Chapter 2 - the follow-up to last year's hit entry in the home invasion franchise.

Harlin discusses what drew him to the material, how he approached building tension in this new chapter, and reflects on a career that has constantly balanced spectacle, style, and scares.

I also managed to squeeze in a question about his newest shark thriller, Deep Water.

n this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast, writer-director Bill Fishman talks about his sun-soaked comedy Waltzing With Brando - the true story of Marlon Brando’s quest to build an eco-paradise in Tahiti, brilliantly brought to life by Billy Zane’s note-perfect and layered performance.

Fishman, known for celebrating quirky real-life tales, discusses how Waltzing With Brando sidesteps weighty drama in favour of breezy high jinks and zesty energy, with Jon Heder playing the straight man as Bernard Judge, Brando’s bewildered architect. Together, they recreate iconic Brando moments in a relaxed, 'holiday of a film' that feels as playful and unpredictable as its subject.

Fishman also reminisces about working with Monkee, Michael Nesmith on the '80s cult classic Tapeheads and how working with 'The Nez' shaped his approach to storytelling.

This conversation is a must for anyone fascinated by Brando, behind-the-scenes tales, and the pure enjoyment of an unhurried cinematic romp.

Read the Movies In Focus review of Waltzing With Brando

Solomon Gray, writer and director of the quietly unsettling horror film, We're Not Safe Here, joins the Movies In Focuspodcast for an in-depth conversation.

We're Not Safe Here is deft little chiller that is notable for its ability to get under your skin with subtle psychological horror rather than cheap shocks.

Solomon discusses the inspirations behind the film, the creative challenges of crafting a slow-burn thriller, and the emotional depths explored through the nuanced performances of Hayley McFarland and Sharmita Bhattacharya.

Fans of intelligent, atmospheric genre cinema won’t want to miss this insightful chat.

Read the Movies In Focus review of We're Not Safe Here

Director M.J. Bassett and actor Matilda Lutz join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about their new fantasy adventure film, Red Sonja.

The movie brings the cult comic-book character back to the screen, and as noted in the Movies In Focus review, it’s a bold reimagining that puts Lutz front and centre as the sword-wielding warrior. Her performance as Red Sonja grounds the film and gives real weight to a character that’s had a complicated history in cinema.

M.J. Bassett’s career has always explored genre storytelling, from action to horror, and here she tackles the challenge of reviving a legendary figure with fresh energy. Together, they’ve crafted a film that blends classic fantasy with modern sensibilities.

In this conversation, they discuss the process of bringing Red Sonja to life, the character’s enduring appeal, and what audiences can expect when they step back into her world.

Actress and filmmaker, Megan Tremethick joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss her acclaimed low-budget epic, The Reign Of Queen Ginnarra (read the Movies In Focus review). Megan explores the inspiration behind the Roger Corman-esque film and how she ended up bringing the enigmatic queen to life on screen. 

Megan also discusses her journey as a filmmaker, her approach to storytelling, and what drives her passion for cinema. Whether you’re a fan of low-budget genre films or just love hearing about the artistic and creative process, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you enjoyed this interview with Megan  - and like her work - then you can support the Kickstarter campaign for Mr. Whispers, a 90s-inspired horror film that plunges you into a nightmarish tale of VHS-era dread and mystery.

Discover more information Mr. Whispers.