In a special bonus episode of the podcast we talk to director Rob Schroeder about his new mind-bending sci-fi film, Ultrasound. We discuss with Rob how he went about adapting Conor Stechschulte's indie comic Generous Bosom to film and what inspires him as a filmmaker. Ultrasound is available on digital download in the UK from the 20th June. 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...
Jun 20, 2022•18 min
This week, we’re taking a trip back to 2015, a year that seemed to bring a fresh wave of post-modern dystopian cinema. Join us as we delve into Yorgos Lanthimos' The Lobster , a darkly comedic tale where society dictates your relationship status with surreal consequences, and Ben Wheatley's High-Rise , a visually striking film that explores class warfare within the confines of a towering apartment block. We'll discuss how these films challenge traditional dystopian narratives, offering a unique ...
Jun 16, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Season 5Ep. 21
This week, we’re joined by author and academic Dr. Tiffani Angus to dive into the harrowing dystopian world of Gilead, as depicted in the 2017 television adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale , starring Elisabeth Moss. We’ll explore the terrifying control and oppression that define Margaret Atwood's creation, discussing the series’ chilling portrayal of a theocratic society where women's rights are stripped away. Join us as we analyse the themes of power, resistance, and survival in one of the most ...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 5Ep. 20
This week, we’re joined by film and TV critic Rhianna Dhillon to delve into Alfonso Cuarón's dystopian action thriller Children of Men (2006). In a world where humanity faces extinction and hope seems all but lost, we’ll explore whether there’s still a glimmer of optimism in this bleak dystopian vision. Can this powerful and haunting film offer us a ray of hope, or does it paint a future too grim to bear? Join us as we discuss the themes, the tension, and the striking relevance of Children of Me...
Jun 02, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 19
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Allen Stroud, chair of The British Science Fiction Association and sci-fi author, to explore the unsettling world of genetic dystopias. We’ll be diving into Gattaca (1997), a film that explores a future where your genetic makeup determines your entire life, and Never Let Me Go (2010), a haunting tale of cloned children raised for organ harvesting. Together, we’ll analyse the ethical dilemmas, societal implications, and chilling realities of these dystopian worlds w...
May 26, 2022•1 hr 47 min•Season 5Ep. 18
This week, we’re heading back to the 70s to explore how dystopian societies handle the concept of aging, through two camp cult classics: Zardoz (1974) and Logan's Run (1976). In Zardoz , Sean Connery stars in a bizarre and surreal world where the elite control immortality, while in Logan's Run , society mandates a lethal age limit to keep the population under control. How can you grow old gracefully in a dystopia that doesn't want you to? Join us as we discuss the strange, the stylish, and the s...
May 19, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Season 5Ep. 17
In a special bonus episode we are joined by Founder and festival director for the SCI-FI-LONDON film festival Louis Savy. Together we discuss what makes a great science fiction film, the joy of B-Movies and what to expect from the 2022 Sci-Fi London Festival. For tickets and more info on Sci-Fi London head to: https://sci-fi-london.com/ For the 48 hour film challenge head to: https://48hour.sci-fi-london.com/ Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on TWITTER A...
May 12, 2022•52 min
This week, we’re joined by podcaster and writer Becky Darke to dive into the theme of dystopian instruments of war. We’ll be discussing Paul Verhoeven's 90's satire Starship Troopers (1997), which offers a biting critique of militarism and propaganda through its depiction of a futuristic war against alien bugs. Then, we’ll explore Alita: Battle Angel (2019), Robert Rodriguez's adaptation of the beloved manga, where cyborg warriors and high-tech battles define the dystopian landscape. Together, w...
May 05, 2022•1 hr 47 min•Season 5Ep. 16
This week, we’re diving into the absurdity and challenges of finding the right work/life balance in a dystopian world. We’ll be exploring Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985), a film that delves into the nightmarish bureaucracy of a dystopian society, and Alex Cox's Repo Man (1984), which mixes punk rock attitude with a surreal take on modern life. How do you maintain your sanity when your work becomes your life? Join us as we dissect these cult classics and try to uncover the secrets to surviving the ...
Apr 28, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 5Ep. 15
This week, we’re joined by top genre journalists and hosts of the sci-fi podcast Robby The Robot's Waiting —Richard Edwards, Dave Bradley, and Tanavi Patel. Together, we dive into the dystopian visions of American cities depicted in John Carpenter's Escape From New York (1981) and Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 (2017). From the lawless, prison-like Manhattan of Escape From New York to the neon-soaked, rain-drenched streets of a future Los Angeles in Blade Runner 2049 , we’ll explore how th...
Apr 21, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 5Ep. 14
This week, it's a bad night to be in a dystopia as we dive into The Warriors (1979) and The Purge (2013). The Warriors takes us through a night of survival as a gang must make their way across a hostile New York City, while The Purge explores a society where all crime is legal for one terrifying night each year. Join us as we discuss how these films capture the intensity and fear of navigating a dystopian world after dark." Visit our website https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow ...
Apr 14, 2022•1 hr 35 min•Season 5Ep. 13
This week, we’re offering a bit of respite from the bleak dystopian worlds we’ve been exploring by adding a dose of comedy into the mix. Join us as we discuss Sleeper (1973), Woody Allen's sci-fi comedy where a man wakes up 200 years in the future to a bizarre, totalitarian world, and Idiocracy (2006), Mike Judge's satirical take on a future where society has devolved into absurdity. Both films use humor to critique and explore dystopian themes, providing a unique and lighter perspective on what...
Apr 07, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Season 5Ep. 12
This week, we’re continuing our journey through dystopias with a focus on two films that feature dramatic great escapes. We’ll be discussing George Lucas's directorial debut THX 1138 (1971), where the struggle for freedom in a tightly controlled society takes center stage, and Z.P.G. (1972), starring Oliver Reed, which depicts a world where overpopulation leads to extreme measures, including the banning of childbirth. Join us as we delve into these intense narratives of escape and survival in dy...
Mar 17, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Season 5Ep. 11
This week, we’re tackling the theme of overpopulation in dystopian fiction by diving into two thought-provoking films: Soylent Green (1973) and What Happened to Monday (2017). We’ll be asking the big questions: What exactly is Soylent Green? And what really happened to Monday? Soylent Green offers a grim look at a future where overpopulation has led to extreme measures for survival, while What Happened to Monday explores a world where strict population control policies have severe and unexpected...
Mar 10, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 5Ep. 10
This week, we’re joined by Rob Watts, host of the Icelandic cinema podcast KVIKMYNDAPOD, to discuss more dangerous dystopian games. We’ll be diving into The Running Man (1987) and The Hunger Games (2012), two films that explore the terrifying reality of life-and-death competitions in dystopian futures. The Running Man features a brutal televised hunt where contestants fight for their lives, while The Hunger Games presents a society where young tributes must battle to the death for the entertainm...
Mar 03, 2022•1 hr 47 min•Season 5Ep. 9
This week, we’re diving into the theme of enforcing the law in crime-ridden dystopian worlds by dissecting two iconic films: Mad Max (1979) and Dredd (2012). We’ll start with Mad Max , the cult classic that launched a franchise, exploring how it portrays a world descending into chaos where law enforcement is as brutal as the criminals. Then, we’ll move on to Dredd , featuring the comic book antihero of Mega-City One, where the line between justice and vengeance blurs in a dystopia ruled by crime...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 36 min•Season 5Ep. 8
This week, we're joined by film researcher and historian Kevin Lyons to delve into two 70's cult classics: Rollerball (1975) and Death Race 2000 (1975). These films are iconic for their brutal depictions of dystopian societies where violent games are used as tools of control and entertainment. Expect a deep dive into the satire, the car crashes, and the dangerous games that define these movies. We’ll explore how Rollerball critiques the corporatization of sports and society, while Death Race 200...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Season 5Ep. 7
This week, we’re focusing on the powerful themes of uprisings and revolutionaries in dystopian cinema with V for Vendetta (2005) and Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1973). V for Vendetta tells the story of a masked revolutionary who challenges a totalitarian regime and inspires a nation to rise up against tyranny. Meanwhile, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes showcases the explosive rebellion of apes against human oppression, marking a pivotal moment that reshapes the future. Join us as we e...
Feb 10, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 5Ep. 6
This week, we’re once again joined by Mike Muncer to tackle two of the most brutal dystopias ever brought to the screen: A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Battle Royale (2000). These films don’t shy away from the darkest aspects of dystopian society—whether it’s the ultraviolence and psychological manipulation in A Clockwork Orange , or the savage, fight-to-the-death scenario of Battle Royale . We’ll dive into how these movies depict the breakdown of societal norms and the terrifying lengths to whic...
Feb 03, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 5Ep. 5
This week, we're diving into the world of iconic sci-fi novels turned into dystopian films, focusing on Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) and Brave New World (1980). We’ll explore how these legendary books by George Orwell and Aldous Huxley made the leap from the page to the screen, bringing their unsettling visions of the future to life. Nineteen Eighty-Four introduces us to the oppressive world of Big Brother, while Brave New World presents a society controlled through pleasure and conditioning. Joi...
Jan 27, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This week, we’re diving into the dystopian worlds of Fahrenheit 451 (1966) and Equilibrium (2002). We’ll be talking about the chilling practice of book burning, the stylised martial art of Gun-Fu, and the memorable baddies that populate these oppressive futures. In Fahrenheit 451 , we explore a world where knowledge is feared and books are destroyed to suppress free thought. Then, we’ll jump into Equilibrium , where emotions are outlawed, and rebellion is met with high-octane Gun-Fu action. Join...
Jan 20, 2022•1 hr 49 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode of our dystopia series, we’re taking a unique look at how comedy can reveal dystopian realities. We’ll be discussing Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times (1936) and Jacques Tati's Playtime (1967), two films that use humor and satire to critique the increasingly mechanized and alienating modern world. Modern Times showcases the struggles of the common man against the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, while Playtime offers a satirical glimpse into a sterile, overly-technologized...
Jan 13, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new series on dystopian sci-fi. We’re kicking things off with an introduction to the concept of dystopia in cinema and exploring how these dark visions of the future have evolved over time. Our journey begins with Things to Come (1936), a groundbreaking film that laid the foundation for dystopian narratives in sci-fi. We’ll discuss the themes of the movie, its predictions for the future, and how it still resonates with modern audiences. Join us as we emb...
Jan 06, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Denis Villeneuve's Dune is finally here! The long awaited sci-fi blockbuster has arrived at cinemas. We give a spoiler-free review of the film and talk previous adaptations, themes and Sandworms. To hear the second 'spoiler filled' half of our discussion on the film join us on Patreon
Oct 21, 2021•52 min
In a special bonus episode of the podcast we talk to Australian Director Luke Sparke about his latest film Occupation Rainfall (2021). We chat to Luke about the challenges he faced making his latest feature, what life was like on set, and what sci-fi films inspired him. Occupation Rainfall is out at select cinemas and VOD from 09/07/21. 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...
Jul 08, 2021•18 min
In the conclusion episode of our journey through virtual reality in sci-fi cinema, we’re looking back at all we’ve learned and experienced. But that’s not all—we’re also hosting the (now traditional) Journey Through Sci-Fi awards show! We’ll be handing out honors in categories like the 'Not Just A Headset' Award, Best VR Superhero, Most Reality Shattering Moment, and, of course, Best Virtual Reality Film. Join us as we celebrate the highs and lows of virtual reality in cinema and wrap up our epi...
Jul 01, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 18
This week, we're boldly going where no podcast has gone before with a special look at the Star Trek Holodeck. From creating immersive adventures to blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, the Holodeck shows us the incredible potential—and the dangerous pitfalls—of advanced VR technology. We’ll discuss iconic Star Trek episodes that feature the Holodeck, explore the ethical and existential questions it raises, and debate whether the Holodeck could ever become a reality in our world. Join ...
Jun 24, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 17
This week, we're taking a deep dive into the unsettling world of Black Mirror . In this special episode, we explore how Black Mirror has brilliantly portrayed the dangers of virtual realities and the potential dystopian futures they could lead to. From episodes that question the nature of our digital lives to those that blur the lines between reality and virtual existence, Black Mirror forces us to confront some terrifying possibilities. Join us as we analyse key episodes and discuss whether we’...
Jun 17, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 16
This week, James takes Matt on a whistle-stop tour of the fascinating world of Japanese anime, diving into the subgenre of Isekai—where characters are transported to and must survive in alternate realities. We’re focusing on two standout examples of virtual worlds in anime: Sword Art Online (2012) and Summer Wars (2009). In Sword Art Online , players are trapped in a VR game where the stakes are life or death, while in Summer Wars , a digital battle threatens the real world. Visit our website ht...
Jun 10, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 15
This week, we’re diving into the immersive and mind-bending virtual worlds of Ready Player One (2018) and eXistenZ (1999). Both films explore the thrilling and sometimes terrifying possibilities when virtual reality becomes so real, it’s hard to tell where the game ends and life begins. Ready Player One presents a future where people escape to the OASIS, a VR world where anything is possible, while eXistenZ delves into the darker side of gaming, where the line between the game and reality blurs ...
Jun 03, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Season 4Ep. 14
