TCA favorite Ikem Okeke, writer and director of HUSBANDRY (2021), returns to TCA as part of #TCAShorts, a segment where we highlight filmmakers whose works include short films. Okeke talks the artists he is influenced by, the stories he is inspired by, and questions he wishes to ask (or answer) through art. TCA then switches gears into A24's sport odyssey, MARTY SUPREME. Timothée Chalamet, a Safdie divorce, and somehow 2008 NBA champion Kevin Garnett are at the forefront of this conversation. Stick around till the end to hear what each host is excited for in 2026, and a very special announcement!

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One of the most anticipated film years ahead, buckle up for 2026. We get into this year's most anticipated releases (10:07), starting with Anne Hathaway's massive upcoming slate (10:47) and a debate about whether Greta Gerwig's evolution from indie filmmaker to mainstream director is something to celebrate or question (16:31). We preview the blockbusters everyone's talking about (23:27) and ask if franchise fatigue is real with major releases on hold or returning (26:17). From The Odyssey to Wuthering Heights and everything in between (26:42), we cover what's worth the hype. The conversation heats up when we discuss the explosion of music biopics, including that controversial Michael Jackson movie (28:28), and then land on our most spirited debate: has A24 officially gone mainstream or are they still the indie champion we fell in love with? (34:46). We wrap things up talking film festivals and why smaller productions still matter (45:27), plus give you the full 2026 release calendar breakdown (47:43).

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"If there was a real version of ETERNITY, do you think you've lived your happiest years?" 

TCA (with Misgana promoted to co-host!) are not pulling back punches with A24's afterlife romantic comedy centered around life after death. Starting off with this recent wave of 'throuple' films (7:00), you can listen to Steve's fascination with 'yaoi' and 'yuri' before Misgana shares her frustrations with Joan, the lead character, and her recklessness (13:20). Ofili introduces the two versions of love that shaped Joan's decision making (29:30), the trio marvel at the film's set design (50:40), and wrap up on the question of comfort in death vs the anxiety of the uncertain (55:30). TCA Verdict: 7.3/10.

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One of the best movies,If you need a good cry

SPOILER ALERT: Episode contains key plot details from 'Sentimental Value.' Join us as we welcome special guest Ayisha for a deep dive into Trier’s emotionally charged film 'Sentimental Value.' We discuss the absence of Steve (0:10), Aisha’s recent cinephile adventures (1:00), and the struggles with film releases in different countries (06:20). The conversation covers initial reactions and film synopsis (14:50),the house as a character in film(25:50),exploring the intersection of architecture and memory(25:30), and  the complexity of family relationships(35:03 ). For our recommendations, we dig into films that resonate with similar themes (58:39).

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Why Die My Love Left Us Wanting

SPOILER ALERT: Episode contains key plot details from Die My Love.

Join TCA as we dive into Die My Love, a film that reaches for emotional intensity while wrestling with structure and perspective. We start with our immediate reactions to the film and how quickly its tone repositions your expectations (00:00), then move into the visual choices and subliminal cues that shape its atmosphere (19:59). We examine why the story feels both packed with ideas and strangely underdeveloped (20:33), and at 21:00 we explore its portrayal of postpartum decline and how closely it connects to real emotional experiences without always earning the weight it aims for. Thoughts on the nonlinear narrative come next (24:12), followed by a closer look at the lead performances and the chances they have in awards season conversations (27:26). We close with the psychological unraveling of the central relationship (30:52) and wrap with a few recommendations for what to watch next, including All Her Fault and Guillermo Del Toros Frankenstein (36:29). 

TCA Verdict: a divided room, striking ideas, and a film that never fully settles into itself.

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SPOILER ALERT: Episode contains key plot details from One Battle After Another.

We dive deep into Paul Thomas Anderson’s most politically urgent film to date. We open with acknowledging our unplanned hiatus and thoughts on the TCA rebrand (2:30), before getting into our initial reactions to the film (8:15), the power of VistaVision and PTA’s visual storytelling (18:40), and DiCaprio’s layered performance as Bob Ferguson (26:05). We unpack Teyana Taylor’s character, sexuality as resistance, and revolutionary fatigue (34:10), before debating the real meaning of legacy and betrayal (46:30). We close with thoughts on PTA’s evolution as a director (58:15).

TCA Verdict: 10s across the board. Our first unanimous 10.

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Almost a year to the date since our last Comic Book Movie, TCA returns to cover all things SUPERMAN and the verdict: #TheGunnWasLockedAndLoaded. Joined by Kibz (@TheBrothersGeekOutPodcast), they explore the core message of Hope (08:45) and how the film feels in comparison to other Superman movies (13:00), especially THAT red herring. Then they delve into modern audience's perception of the character (23:50) and the difficulties with writing a Clark Kent story in today's world, before closing out by talking about the bad & the ugly (30:40). TCA Verdict: 9/10.

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SPOILER ALERT: Episode contains key plot details from One Battle After Another.

We dive deep into Paul Thomas Anderson’s most politically urgent film to date. We open with acknowledging our unplanned hiatus and thoughts on the TCA rebrand (2:30), before getting into our initial reactions to the film (8:15), the power of VistaVision and PTA’s visual storytelling (18:40), and DiCaprio’s layered performance as Bob Ferguson (26:05). We unpack Teyana Taylor’s character, sexuality as resistance, and revolutionary fatigue (34:10), before debating the real meaning of legacy and betrayal (46:30). We close with thoughts on PTA’s evolution as a director (58:15).

TCA Verdict: 10s across the board. Our first unanimous 10.

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"...breaking down today's films with tomorrow's eyes," Ofili has clearly been working on a tagline. Joined by Steve, frequent guest Misgana and new guest Banky from Popcorn for Dinner, they dissect the sophomore feature from Celine Song, MATERIALISTS. They explore the mischaracterization of the film's genre (12:30), comparisons to Song's debut film PAST LIVES (18:45), the lead character's turning point (49:35), and the powerful performance from Zoë Winters (59:00). They close out by discussing potential implications of MATERIALISTS on the future of cinema (1:08:15) and the bizarre audience reaction to the film (1:12:55). TCA Verdict: 8.4/10

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SPOILER ALERT: Episode contains key plot details from SINNERS. Jive along with TCA to the tune of Ludwig Göransson's phenomenal score as they delve into "the most talked about movie of 2025." Misgana returns to dissect Ryan Coogler's latest vampire masterpiece set in Jim Crow-era Mississippi Delta. They cover the significance of that opening sequence (12:45), their appreciation of the cinematography (20:10), Coogler's analysis of race relations (30:15), and some [valid] criticisms of the film (41:05). TCA closes out discussing THAT scene that serves as the crux of the film (56:25). TCA Verdict: 9.2/10.

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