In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica embark on an insightful journey through the animated film * Elio *, which boldly tackles themes of existential loneliness and the quest for belonging through the eyes of an 11-year-old orphan. Voiced by the talented Jonas Kibrab , Elio's desperate plea for extraterrestrial intervention serves as a poignant reflection of the profound isolation many children experience today. The film's ability to weave heavy emotional territory into a family-fr...
Jun 27, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 147
In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica delve into the delightful chaos of * Riviera Revenge *, a romantic comedy that uncovers the hidden secrets of long-term relationships. Inspired by a true story, the film follows 75-year-old Francois, a former military man, who stumbles upon love letters in his attic that reveal his wife Annie's decades-old affair with their close friend, Boris. This shocking discovery transforms their seemingly idyllic life and forces the family to confront bu...
Jun 21, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 146
In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First dives into the chilling depths of * Dangerous Animals *, an Australian psychological horror film that redefines the shark thriller genre. Drawing inspiration from classics like *Jaws* and *Dead Calm*, this film intricately weaves natural horror with psychological tension, delivering a gripping experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The story follows Bruce Tucker, a Gold Coast charter boat operator played chillingly by Jai Courtne...
Jun 20, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 145
In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris & Jessica explore the complex world of love and ambition in *Materialists *, a film that delves into the life of Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson , a professional matchmaker who excels in uniting others while struggling to find her own happiness. At 35 and boasting nine successful marriages under her belt, Lucy's obsession with wealth in her personal life raises intriguing questions about the intersection of love and materialism in today's society. As w...
Jun 19, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 144
In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris & Jessica explore the latest installment in the iconic *Karate Kid* franchise, a film that not only pays homage to its roots but also boldly navigates the complex waters of cultural integration. Since its inception in 1984, the franchise has amassed over $700 million worldwide, and this new chapter might just be its most culturally significant yet. With a unique blend of Eastern and Western martial arts traditions, the film expands its narrative scope...
Jun 11, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 143
In this episode of *Movies First*, we delve into the inspiring true story depicted in *EL47*, a film that chronicles the life of Manola Vital, a bus driver whose courageous actions transformed Barcelona's public transportation landscape during a tumultuous period in Spanish history. Set against the backdrop of the 1950s and 60s, the film highlights the plight of internal migrants, including Vital and his daughter Joanna, as they navigate the challenges of displacement and seek a new life in the ...
Jun 11, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 142
In this episode of *Movies First*, we dive into the chilling world of *Bring Her Back*, the latest horror feature from the Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael, who captivated audiences with their debut film, *Talk to Me*. Set in their native South Australia, this gripping tale follows the harrowing journey of two siblings, Piper, a nearly blind girl, and her older stepbrother Andy, as they navigate the aftermath of their father's tragic death and the looming threat of separation by social serv...
Jun 10, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 141
In this episode of *Movies First*, we dissect the gripping film *Beating Hearts*, a bold reimagining of the classic romantic tragedy that intertwines the themes of love, crime, and class struggle. Set against the backdrop of Northern France from the 1970s to the 1990s, this cinematic journey follows the tumultuous relationship between Jackie, a middle-class girl haunted by her past, and Clotaire, a working-class youth drawn into a world of crime. Their paths cross at school, igniting a passionat...
Jun 04, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 140
In this episode of *Movies First*, we delve into the thought-provoking remake of Disney's beloved classic, *Lilo and Stitch*, exploring its deeper themes of grief and the significance of chosen families in contemporary society. Directed by Dean Fleischer Campbell, known for his Oscar-nominated work on *Marcel the Shell with Shoes On*, this adaptation draws fascinating parallels between its characters' journeys and the universal quest for belonging in a world that often feels unwelcoming. The sta...
Jun 01, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 139
In this episode of *Movies First*, we explore the intense and thought-provoking Australian psychological thriller, *The Surfer*, featuring a captivating performance by Nicolas Cage as a man seeking to reclaim his past by purchasing his childhood clifftop home. As he grapples with financial struggles and an estranged relationship with his teenage son, portrayed by Finn Little, the narrative delves into the complexities of masculinity and belonging against the backdrop of a hostile local surf comm...
May 30, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 139
In this episode of *Movies First*, we dive into the transformative narrative of *The Wedding Banquet*, a remake that brilliantly reinterprets Ang Lee's 1993 classic. This film intricately weaves themes of marriage, family, and cultural identity, presenting a fresh perspective on modern relationships amid the complexities of IVF struggles and immigration challenges. The story centers around Jingle and Lee, portrayed by Kelly Marie Tran and Lily Gladstone, who face the emotional turmoil of fertili...
May 29, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 137
In this episode of *Movies First*, we dissect the latest installment of the iconic *Mission Impossible* franchise, *The Final Reckoning* , which has grossed over $4 billion across eight films. Despite the thrilling stunts and breathtaking visuals—like Tom Chris soaring in biplanes over South Africa and diving into the depths of the Bering Sea—the film struggles under the weight of a bloated storyline that leaves audiences wanting more. We explore how the film attempts to blend the intimate espio...
May 23, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode of *Movies First*, we delve into the gripping world of *La cocina*, a film that exposes the hidden realities behind the kitchen doors of our favorite restaurants. The narrative unfolds in a high-pressure environment where missing money, illegal workers, and romantic entanglements create a volatile atmosphere that will make you reconsider your next dining experience. Drawing from his own past as a dishwasher in London, the director crafts a story that is both personal and universa...
May 21, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode of *Movies First*, we explore the heartwarming yet poignant film *The Penguin Lessons*, set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1976 Buenos Aires, where a military coup looms ominously. The narrative follows Tom Michelle, played by the charming Steve Coogan, as he navigates his role as a new English teacher at the prestigious St. George's College. The strict headmaster, Timothy Buckle, portrayed by Jonathan Price, enforces rigid rules that challenge Michelle’s unconventional appro...
May 20, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode of *Movies First*, we delve into the inspiring true story depicted in *The Salt Path*, which follows the extraordinary journey of Rainer and Mothwin as they navigate the depths of despair and emerge with newfound resilience. After losing their home, facing a terminal diagnosis, and suffering financial ruin all within a week, this couple's tale challenges our perceptions of strength and hope. The episode paints a vivid picture of their life on a farm in Wales, a sanctuary they bui...
May 19, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode of *Movies First*, we dive into Marvel's groundbreaking film *Thunderbolts*, which boldly places mental health at the forefront of its superhero narrative. As we explore the character of Yelena, played by Florence Pugh, we discuss her profound struggles with purposelessness and how this reflects a larger shift in the portrayal of psychological issues in mainstream entertainment. The film introduces Bob, a seemingly ordinary individual whose journey from despair to empowerment ser...
May 16, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex delves into the captivating biopic *Monsieur Asnavour*, which chronicles the life of the legendary French-Armenian singer-songwriter Charles Aznavour. With a rich musical backdrop featuring both his iconic hits and lesser-known tracks, the film offers an intimate glimpse into Aznavour's journey from a troubled childhood to international stardom. We explore his early years, marked by resilience and creativity, as his family sheltered those persecuted during...
May 14, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode of *Movies First*, we explore the gripping thriller *The Correspondent*, which chronicles the harrowing experience of journalist Peter Greste during his 400-day imprisonment in Egypt. What begins as a routine Christmas assignment for Al Jazeera quickly spirals into a nightmare as Greste faces trumped-up charges that threaten to erase his career and freedom. We discuss the chilling implications of the Egyptian authorities' actions, which effectively criminalize journalism itself, ...
May 08, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex delves into the hauntingly atmospheric French film *Misericordia*, a psychological drama that unfolds in a quaint village rocked by the death of its beloved baker, Jean Pierre Rigal. This pivotal event sets off a series of revelations that peel back the layers of relationships and tensions within this close-knit community, where residents share an unusual habit of staying awake through the night. The narrative centers around Jeremy Pastor, portrayed with p...
May 07, 2025•6 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode of *Movies First*, we dive into the provocative German film *Hysteria*, a gripping exploration of historical trauma and cultural identity. Directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, this film boldly confronts the tragic 1993 arson attacks that claimed five Turkish lives, transforming it into a narrative that questions the ownership of storytelling itself. We discuss the innovative approach of Turkish German filmmaker Yigit, who uses real refugees as extras in a recreation that ignites ...
May 02, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode of *Movies First*, we delve into the intricate layers of *The Accountant 2*, a thrilling sequel that expertly combines high-stakes action with moments of unexpected humor. Ben Affleck returns as Christian Wolf, a neurodivergent antihero whose mathematical genius is matched only by his combat skills. We explore the complexities of his character, highlighting his emotional reserve and the challenges he faces in personal relationships, particularly with his estranged brother, Braxto...
Apr 27, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode of *Movies First*, we take a deep dive into the action-packed film *The Accountant 2*, featuring Ben Affleck as Christian Wolf, a neurodivergent character who redefines the role of an action hero. The discussion focuses on how the film flips traditional narratives, showcasing Christian's mathematical prowess as a superpower in both accounting and combat. The contrasting dynamics between Christian and his brother Braxton, played by Jon Bernthal, highlight the tension between logic...
Apr 27, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode, we explore the powerful narrative of the Oscar-nominated film, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," directed by Mohammad Rasulov. This gripping story reveals how art can become a form of resistance against oppressive regimes, as Rasulov filmed it in secret while living in exile. We discuss the film's metaphor of the sacred fig tree, the impact of personal freedoms being suffocated, and the chilling family dynamics that reflect broader political tensions. Join us as we delve into the em...
Apr 25, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this thrilling episode of *Movies First*, Alex dives into the psychological rollercoaster that is *Drop*, a film that transforms an elegant evening into a nightmare of manipulation and fear. At the heart of the story is Violet, a widowed psychologist grappling with the aftermath of domestic violence, who finally agrees to meet Henry, a photographer, at a chic Chicago restaurant. But what begins as a hopeful date quickly spirals into terror when Violet starts receiving ominous text messages—kn...
Apr 22, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this captivating episode of *Movies First*, the team delves into the genre-defying film *Sinners*, a masterful blend of period drama, blues music, and Southern Gothic horror. Set in 1932 Mississippi, the narrative follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, portrayed by the talented Michael B. Jordan, as they return home after tumultuous experiences working for Al Capone and serving in World War I. Their arrival, accompanied by bootlegged liquor and a desire to open a juke joint, sets the stage fo...
Apr 20, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this gripping episode of First on Film & Entertainment, host Alex First is joined by critics Sandy Kaye, Peter Chris, and Greg King as they dive into two thought-provoking films: *Warfare* and *Drop*. The discussion begins with *Warfare*, a harrowing portrayal of a Navy SEAL mission gone awry in Iraq. The panel praises Alex Garland's direction, highlighting the film's intense realism and emotional depth, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Sandy shares her surprise at how much...
Apr 20, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this gripping episode of *Movies First*, the team explores Alex Garland's latest film, *Warfare*, a raw and unflinching portrayal of a real military incident that unfolded on November 19, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq. The narrative centers on a group of Navy SEALs, supported by Iraqi scouts and Marines, who embark on what is supposed to be a routine surveillance mission in Al Qaeda-controlled territory. However, the operation quickly spirals into chaos, challenging the soldiers in ways they never an...
Apr 10, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this exciting episode of *Movies First*, the team dives into the ambitious adaptation of the world's best-selling video game, *Minecraft*, featuring the comedic talents of Jack Black and the charismatic Jason Momoa. The film transforms the abstract, blocky world of the game into a live-action adventure, centering on Steve, played by Black, who dreams of becoming a miner. This relatable character grounds the fantastical narrative, which cleverly incorporates magical artifacts like the orb of d...
Apr 08, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this poignant episode of *Movies First*, the team delves into the harrowing historical narrative presented in the film *Small Things Like These*, which shines a light on the Magdalene Laundries of Ireland, where over 30,000 women were confined between 1922 and 1996. Cillian Murphy delivers a powerful performance as Bill Furlong, a coal merchant whose past as the child of an unmarried mother informs his moral awakening as he uncovers the injustices surrounding him in 1985 Ireland. Listeners wi...
Apr 07, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this thought-provoking episode of *Movies First*, the team delves into Paul Schrader's latest film, *O Canada*, a complex exploration of mortality and truth that intertwines the talents of Richard Gere and Jacob Elordi. The film's unique structure features a documentary filmmaker, Leonard Fife, portrayed by Gere, who unravels his life’s secrets on his deathbed, all while his wife, played by Uma Thurman, bears witness to the confessions that reveal a lifetime of lies and betrayals. Listeners w...
Mar 31, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 19
