This week, we’re diving into the visually stunning and mentally complex dream worlds of Inception (2010) and Paprika (2006). Both films explore the boundaries between dreams and reality, challenging us to question what is real and what is merely a projection of the mind. Inception takes us through layered dreams with Christopher Nolan’s signature style, while Paprika , a Japanese animated masterpiece, delves into the surreal and fantastical possibilities of dream manipulation. Join us as we unra...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Season 4Ep. 13
This week, we're diving into the mind-bending, surreal worlds of Charlie Kaufman with Being John Malkovich (1999) and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). Both films explore the nature of identity, memory, and reality, but with Kaufman’s signature twist—nothing is ever as it seems. Being John Malkovich takes us through a portal into someone else’s consciousness, while Eternal Sunshine delves into the intricacies of erasing memories. Join us as we unpack Kaufman’s unique vision and discu...
May 20, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 12
This week, we're delving into the unsettling theme of controlled realities with two iconic films: The Truman Show (1998) and The Stepford Wives (1975). The Truman Show presents a world where every aspect of one man's life is manipulated for entertainment, while The Stepford Wives explores a seemingly perfect town where the women are eerily compliant and disturbingly controlled. Join us as we discuss the eerie implications of living in a world where reality is not what it seems. Visit our website...
May 13, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Season 4Ep. 11
This week, we're diving deep into the mind-bending worlds of Dark City (1998) and The Zero Theorem (2013), two films that make you seriously question your reality. Dark City takes us through a noir world where nothing is as it seems, and The Zero Theorem challenges the very purpose of existence. Both films force us to ask: What if everything we know is carefully constructed? Are we truly in control, or is our reality being manipulated by forces beyond our understanding? Visit our website https:/...
May 06, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 4Ep. 10
This week, we're diving back into the iconic world of The Matrix with The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions . The question is: can you ever truly leave the Matrix behind? These sequels take us deeper into the fight for humanity's freedom, exploring the struggles, revelations, and ultimate decisions that come with returning to the Matrix. Join us as we discuss the philosophical and thrilling aspects of returning to the Matrix, and what it really means to break free. Visit our website htt...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 9
This week, we've got a special guest—Mike Muncer from Evolution of Horror! We're diving into the terrifying side of virtual reality with The Lawnmower Man and The Cell . In these films, VR isn't just an escape—it's a doorway into madness. The Lawnmower Man shows us what happens when technology and human psyche mix in the most horrifying ways, while The Cell takes us on a disturbing journey into the mind of a serial killer, where virtual reality blurs the line between sanity and insanity. Are the...
Apr 22, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Season 4Ep. 8
This week, we're diving deep into the gritty, high-tech world of cyberpunk with two landmark films from 1995. First up is Johnny Mnemonic , where Keanu Reeves takes us on a data-smuggling adventure through a dystopian future filled with corporate espionage and cybernetic enhancements. Then, we’ll explore Strange Days , a film that delves into the dark underbelly of a near-future Los Angeles, where recorded memories and virtual experiences are traded on the black market. Join us as we dissect the...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Season 4Ep. 7
This week, we're diving into the thrilling and sometimes terrifying theme of being trapped in virtual reality. We’ll explore Tron Legacy , the visually stunning sequel where characters find themselves stuck inside a digital world, and Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle , a fun yet dangerous adventure where players are literally pulled into a video game. Join us as we discuss what it takes to survive—and escape—when the line between game and reality disappears. Visit our website https://www.journeyth...
Apr 08, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 6
This week, we're exploring the fascinating theme of virtually constructed people in the realm of VR. We’ll start with Virtuosity , the 1995 action-packed film where a virtual serial killer becomes all too real, and then move on to Simone (S1m0ne), the 2002 movie that delves into the creation of a digital actress who fools the world. Both films explore the boundary between virtual creations and reality, and the ethical questions that arise when digital beings take on lives of their own. Join us a...
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 5
This week, we're diving into the thrilling world of virtual reality as a means to escape your identity. We’ll be exploring Total Recall , the 1990 sci-fi classic where memories can be bought and identities rewritten, and Open Your Eyes , the 1997 Spanish film that takes a surreal approach to reality and self-perception. Both films tackle the fascinating idea of escaping who you are—or who you think you are—through virtual worlds. Join us as we unravel these complex narratives and discuss what it...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This week, we're pulling back the curtain on the shady business dealings lurking within the world of virtual reality. We’ll be diving into Brainstorm , a 1983 sci-fi thriller that explores the dark side of VR technology, and Empathy, Inc. , a 2018 indie gem that reveals the sinister intentions behind a groundbreaking VR startup. Both films shine a light on the ethical dilemmas and corporate greed that can arise when powerful new technologies are misused. Join us as we uncover the twisted motives...
Mar 18, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Season 4Ep. 3
This week, we're diving deep into the theme of 'worlds within worlds' in virtual reality. We’ll be discussing World On A Wire , directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and The Thirteenth Floor . Both of these films are based on the novel Simulacron-3 by Daniel F. Galouye, and they explore the concept of simulated realities in fascinating ways. Join us as we unravel the layers of these mind-bending films and their impact on the sci-fi genre. Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Em...
Mar 11, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Journey Through Sci-Fi is back and we are here to once again guide you through the fantastic world of science fiction cinema. In the introduction to series 4 we examine the history of VR technology and discuss what themes and concepts we think we will encounter as we begin our journey through Virtual Reality in sci-fi cinema. Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on TWITTER Add us on INSTAGRAM Like us on FACEBOOK Follow us on LETTERBOXD Support the podcast on...
Mar 04, 2021•43 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Matt and James are sneaking on to your podcast feeds with a couple of special announcements. Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on TWITTER Add us on INSTAGRAM Like us on FACEBOOK Follow us on LETTERBOXD Support the podcast on PATREON...
Feb 25, 2021•3 min
In a special bonus episode of the podcast we discuss Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead's new film Synchronic (2021) starring Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan. We do a deep dive on the chilling sci-fi and decide where it fits in Benson & Moorhead's filmography. CONTAINS FILM SPOILERS Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on TWITTER Add us on INSTAGRAM Like us on FACEBOOK Follow us on LETTERBOXD...
Jan 30, 2021•1 hr 3 min
In this final episode of our time travel series, we’re looking back at everything we’ve explored throughout our journey into sci-fi cinema. We’ll talk about what we’ve learned along the way and highlight some of the most unforgettable moments. Plus, we’re hosting the Journey Through Sci-Fi awards show! We’ll be handing out awards for categories like Most Awkward Time Travel Moment, Best & Worst Paradox, and, of course, the Best Time Travel Film. Join us for this fun wrap-up as we celebrate t...
Dec 31, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this episode, we’re diving back into the Star Trek universe to talk all things time travel. We take a close look at some classic episodes from the original series and Deep Space Nine , exploring how Star Trek has used its long history to play with time in creative and mind-bending ways. From the chaos of tribbles to the complexities of time distortions and those pesky chronometric particles, we chat about how Star Trek makes time travel an integral part of its storytelling. Join us as we revi...
Dec 24, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Join us as we dive into our experience at the 20th Sci-Fi London Film Festival, exploring the best films we encountered and sharing our thoughts on this year’s specially curated lineup. Even if you couldn't attend, there's no need to worry—our episode features spoiler-free reviews of all the films we discuss! Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on TWITTER Add us on INSTAGRAM Like us on FACEBOOK Follow us on LETTERBOXD...
Dec 19, 2020•1 hr 7 min
'Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey' In this special episode, we’re joined by Rhianna Dhillon to dive into the time-bending adventures of the Doctor. We’ll explore how Doctor Who has become a cultural cornerstone of time travel storytelling, influencing countless other shows and films. With Rhianna’s insights, we’ll discuss the unique elements that make Doctor Who stand out, the show's lasting impact on the genre, and why it continues to captivate audiences around the world. Join us as we travel through ...
Dec 17, 2020•1 hr 32 min•Season 3Ep. 19
In a special bonus episode of the podcast wetalk to writer and director Liam O’Donnell about his latest film Skylines (2020) the third instalment in the sci-fi/action franchise following both Skyline (2010) and Beyond Skyline (2017). We chat to Liam about his future projects, favourite sci-fi films and what it takes to make it in the film industry. SKYLIN3S is out at select cinemas and VOD from 18/12/20. Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on TWITTER Add us...
Dec 14, 2020•36 min
"So, Back to the Future's a bunch of bullsh*t?" In this episode, we explore how big-budget films like Avengers: Endgame (2019) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) tackle the complex concept of time travel. We’ll discuss how these franchises handle the challenges of time travel, what makes their approach unique, and whether they pull off the balance between blockbuster spectacle and time-bending narratives. Join us as we dive into the time-travel adventures of these cinematic heavyweights. | X-...
Dec 10, 2020•1 hr 54 min•Season 3Ep. 18
"Everything seems simple until you think about it" In this episode, we explore the intersection of romance and time travel with Back to the Future Part III (1990) and The Time Traveler's Wife (2009). Both films weave love stories through the complexities of time, whether it's Doc Brown finding love in the Old West or a couple navigating the challenges of a time-hopping relationship. We’ll discuss how these films tackle the idea of love transcending time, and whether romance can truly survive the...
Dec 03, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 17
"Looks like some kinda, Hot Tub Time Machine." In this episode, we’re diving into the world of time travel comedy with Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) and Safety Not Guaranteed (2012). Both films take a humorous spin on the classic time travel trope, offering plenty of laughs along the way. From a hot tub that transports friends back to their wild younger days to a quirky quest for time travel sparked by a personal ad, we’ll explore how these movies blend comedy with temporal adventures. Join us as ...
Nov 26, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 16
“Ever feel like you’re reliving the same day over and over?” In this episode, we dive into the eerie and suspenseful world of time loops with Happy Death Day 2U (2019) and The Endless (2017), joined by special guest (and friend of the pod!) Mike Muncer from The Evolution of Horror Podcast. Whether it’s the horror-comedy twist of Happy Death Day 2U or the unsettling, reality-bending experience in The Endless , we’ll discuss how these movies tackle the concept of escaping time loops. Can the chara...
Nov 19, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 15
"You're going to kill this guy, your own self?" In this episode, we explore the mind-bending theme of doubles in time travel with Looper (2012) and Timecrimes (2007). Both films dive into the eerie and complex scenarios where characters confront their own doubles, created by the twists and turns of time travel. Whether it’s Bruce Willis battling his younger self in Looper or the unsettling encounters in Timecrimes , we’ll discuss how these movies play with the idea of duplicating yourself throug...
Nov 12, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 14
'Change one thing, change everything' In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and dangerous concept of editing your own life through time travel with The Butterfly Effect (2004) and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006). Both films explore what happens when you try to tweak your past to create a better future—but with unintended consequences. Whether it's Ashton Kutcher’s character trying to fix past traumas or a young girl navigating the chaos of altered decisions, we’ll discuss how thes...
Nov 05, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 13
"You gotta be more careful, cause I can't lose you again" In this episode, we explore the emotional and moral complexities of using time travel to save lives with Frequency (2000) and See You Yesterday (2019). Both films delve into the heart-wrenching decisions and unforeseen consequences that come with altering time to prevent tragedies. From a father and son reconnecting across decades in Frequency to young friends trying to rewrite history in See You Yesterday , we’ll discuss how these charac...
Oct 29, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 12
"How would you like to be rich?" This week James & Matt discuss what happens when time travel is used for personal gain. To dive into this topic they return to the Back To The Future series and also discuss Shane Carruth's confusing but brilliant Primer from 2004. | Back to the Future Part II at 01:45 | Primer at 43:00 | CONTAINS FILM SPOILERS Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on TWITTER Add us on INSTAGRAM Like us on FACEBOOK Follow us on LETTERBOXD...
Oct 22, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In a special bonus episode of the podcast James & Matt discuss Christopher Nolan's new film Tenet (2020) and unpack the film's use of time travel and where it sits in Nolan's filmography. CONTAINS FILM SPOILERS Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on TWITTER Add us on INSTAGRAM Like us on FACEBOOK Follow us on LETTERBOXD...
Oct 15, 2020•58 min
"If I could guarantee that you'd get away with it, would you kill him?" In this episode, we explore the intriguing concept of law enforcement through time with Timecop (1994) and Predestination (2014). From the action-packed pursuit of time criminals in Timecop to the mind-bending twists of Predestination , we’ll discuss how these films tackle the challenges of enforcing the law across different eras. Can time really be controlled, or do these missions only complicate things further? Join us as ...
Oct 08, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 10
