This week, the Mikes dig into This Boy's Life, a coming-of-age drama about survival, identity, and the quiet brutality of growing up in an abusive household. We break down De Niro's chilling turn as a small, insecure tyrant, Leonardo DiCaprio's breakout performance, and why the film's restrained, workmanlike direction both strengthens and limits its emotional impact. Plus: where this ranks among De Niro's most unsettling roles, age-gap discourse, and introducing The New Pussy Posse™. Wikipedia page for This Boy's Life. Films recommended this episode:

• Moonlight
• True Grit

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Next week: Sam's Song