The McGuffin Tapes

As promised in our last episode, we're back to discuss Christopher Nolan's latest film.

We address some of the common criticisms that surfaced before the movie's release, share behind-the-scenes details about its production, and analyze its biggest scenes.

Meanwhile, Alla keeps Michael guessing by saving her verdict until the very end of the episode.

What did you think of the movie? Absolute cinema or absolutely barbaric?---We have an Instagram! Follow us to get updates on upcoming shows ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mcguffintapes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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We're back from our unannounced hiatus to talk about a director who has a little movie called The Odyssey coming out in a couple of weeks.

In a decidedly non-Nolan way, we chronologically go through his filmography and explore how time functions as both a theme and a narrative device. We also discuss criticisms of his filmmaking, his frequent collaborators, and his use of music and color.

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This year marks the 30th anniversary of From Dusk Til Dawn. Directed by Robert Rodriguez with a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino.

This also marks the start of a new series for our podcast. We're calling it: Writers' Room. We read the screenplay and analyze major scenes, character arcs and the structure of the movie.

You can follow along and read the script at this link.

Let us know in the comments what you thought of this format!

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We took a week off but we're back talking about one of the biggest bluckbusters of the year! Project Hail Mary is directed by the duo of Lorde & Miller starring Ryan Gosling & Sandra Hüller. This time around, we focus on the screenplay by Drew Goddard who adapted yet another novel of Andy Weir.

We dissect the two storylines, the bromance between the two main characters, scientific approach and optimism in the movie.

A big talking point is the soundtrack and score by Daniel Pemberton. You can listen to the interview we mentioned in the show here.

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We couldn't resist talking about yet another gothic horror movie. This time it's The Bride! by writer & director Maggie Gyllenhaal. The titular character is played by Academy Award winning actress Jessie Buckley with Christian Bale in the role of the monster.

Listen in as we dissect this stitched-together 'Monster Mash' of an experiment.

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We're back talking Marty Supreme — a frenetic, screwball sports-comedy from Josh Safdie anchored by an electrifying turn from Timothée Chalamet. Does this wild, ping-pong-fuelled odyssey stick the landing or fly off the table? Tune in to find out.

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We're back talking "Wuthering Heights" the adaptation of Brontë's novel by Emerald Fenell. The english director is known for her unapologetic and provocative films. Does this movie land for us, or not, or is it possible, that it falls somewhere in between? Listen to find out!

Are you team Jacob or team Edgar? Let us know in the comments!

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On our podcast aniversary episode, we talk about movies that left a mark on us. We share some personal stories: What movie made Michael change his haircut? Which movie has Alla seen the most in cinemas?

Comment, if we should talk about our favorite series!

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The first movie we chose for 2026 is Rental Family by director Hikari. It talks about a special service in Japan ...

... which seems strange from a western perspective. Some of the examples of these movies are complicated, to say the least.

Our perspectives were quite different on this movie and subject, so we hope you have a blast listening!

Would you hire a Rental Family? Let us know in the comments!

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We kick off 2026 with a last bike trip back to Hawkins, to dive into the Upside Down of Stranger Things. We recap the major plot points and emotional beats that captured us. We discuss the characters, their development, the writing when it worked and when it didn't entirely win us over.

What were your favorite moments of the last season? Let us know in the comments!

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