Frank Film Club with Maisie Williams

This week we go on the wild ride that is Poor Things by Yorgos Lanthimos. It’s a real head-scratcher as we try get to the bottom of what it’s all supposed to MEAN?! In the latest from one of our favourite directors, it’s the costume dept that are our true heroes of this film. We discuss the visual effects and production behind this eccentric spectacle, and, the erm, unique accent work. Plus, our favourite listener comments!

Written by Tony McNamara, directed Yorgos Lanthimos, based on the book Poor Things by Alasdair Gray. It stars Emma Stone, Ramy Youssef, Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffulo.

Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclub

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

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It's BAFTA week baby so for this special episode we are honoured to have our first guests of the season be the future of film, aka the five nominees of the Best British Short Film category. Some of our favourite films from last year started out as a short. Over half of the film industry are thought to enter via shorts, yet some – without established industry connections – can find the routes challenging to navigate. We want to hear all about that journey so this week, dialling into our Bristol studio are Abdou Cisse for Festival of Slaps (2023), Dina Mousawi and Elham Ehas for Yellow (2023), Joe Weiland for Gorka (2023), Yasmin Afif for Jellyfish and Lobster (2023) and Simon Woods for Such A Lovely Day (2023). We hear about their individual routes into filmmaking, how each made their film on a shoestring budget and their plans to take their filmmaking to that next level.

This episode is in collaboration with BAFTA.

A full transcript for this episode can be found here.

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It’s been 15 years and the Twi-hards amongst us have been lying low. But now, we emerge. The Twi-naissance is here. To celebrate the anniversary year of Catherine Hardwicke’s Twilight, we force Hannah to watch it for the first time. We discuss the chokehold this series had Lowri and Maisie in as teenagers and the reasons we keep returning to it time and time again. We discuss actor chemistry, easter eggs and the astonishing impact of this franchise.

Plus we hear some HOT takes from our fellow Twi-hard listeners.

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

The Twilight Saga is a series of romance fantasy films based on the book series that grossed over $5.28 billion worldwide. The first installment, Twilight, was released on November 21, 2008. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke Written by Melissa Rosenberg. Starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @frankfilmclub

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

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This episode is brought to you by PROPER snacks, proud makers of PROPERCORN & PROPERCHIPS.

The dust had barely settled on Barbie Land. After multiple watches and months of reflection, we look back at the phenomenon of Greta Gerwig’s 2023 hit Barbie and ask the big questions: Why make Ken the best character? With 45 Mattel films in the works, what does the future of film look like? What will the unstoppable force of Margot Robbie’s production team turn to next? And why the **** was Maisie crying throughout all of it? 

Keep up to date with us on Instagram @frankfilmclub and TikTok @frankfilmclub and Letterboxd @frankfilmclub For more snackable content follow @proper on IG and @propersnacks on TT #doneproperly

Watch the full episode on YouTube @frankfilmclub

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

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We've been laying low these past few months. You film buffs have probably guessed it: we've been silent because we 100% stand with the SAGs + WGAs demands for everyone in this wonderful, but greedy industry. Now that the strikes are over, we are so excited to return to you with a new season and some exciting films!

Watch the full episode on YouTube @frankfilmclub

Join us every Wednesday for your go-to spot for a little bit of laughter, a little bit of fun and some really great movies.

Watch full episodes here.

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Back for one fine bonus episode discussing One Fine Morning (2022) from director Mia Hansen-Løve. This might just be our love story of the year. We dissect the film’s realistic portrayal of womanhood and unusual handling of infidelity and analyse the value of intimacy coordinators in our industry. Plus, Han’s got a special announcement.

Watch the full episode on YouTube @frankfilmclub

In the film, Léa Seydoux is Sandra, a young, widowed mother who juggles her job with caring for her young daughter and elderly father, who suffers from a degenerative illness. Her life is further complicated when she embarks on a passionate affair.

One Fine Morning is now exclusively streaming on MUBI, a curated streaming service dedicated to elevating great cinema from around the globe. This episode is a paid partnership with MUBI. To claim your free 30-day MUBI trial with Frank Film Club please click here: https://mubi.com/frankfilmclub

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Join us for our take on the classic 90’s teen romcom 10 Things I Hate About You, directed by Gil Junger. The film stars Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union & Allison Janney and was the breakout role for the former three actors.

Watch the full episode on YouTube @frankfilmclub

Mixing up the structure a little, in addition to our discussion on the history and casting of the film, we’ll also give you our unsolicited '10 things we hate about 10 Things I Hate About You' list.

This will be our last episode for a little while. We have loved getting together to discuss all the films in this series and your involvement on our socials. Keep up to date with us on Instagram and TikTok @frankfilmclub. See you soon!

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

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This week, we discuss The Wonder (2022), directed by Sebastián Lelio and based on the novel by Emma Donoghue. Set shortly after the Great Famine, it follows an English nurse sent to a rural Irish village to observe a young 'fasting girl', who is seemingly able to miraculously survive without eating.

Hannah, Maisie and Lowri chat about the power of storytelling and the hold it has over people’s lives - a prominent theme in the film. And they, of course, discuss the magnificent performances of Florence Pugh and Niamh Algar.

Trigger warning - this episode discusses eating disorders, so if this is not the right episode for you, please check out some of our other episodes.

Join us next week for our final episode in a little while, where we will be watching the ultimate classic '10 Things I Hate About You’. It is available to watch on Disney+ and to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Google Play.

You can find a full transcript of this episode here.

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This week, we are discussing the romantic-horror Bones and All (2022), directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on the 2015 novel of the same name. The film stars Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet as a pair of young cannibals who flee together on a road trip across the country and develop feelings for each other.

In this episode, Hannah, Maisie and Lowri share their hilarious cinema experiences when watching the film. We chat about the casting, Timothée’s first producer credit and what themes cannibalism might represent in the film.

Join us next week for The Wonder (2022), directed by Sebastián Lelio. It is available to watch on Netflix.

A full transcript of the episode can be found here.

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In this episode we talk about She Said (2022), written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz and directed by Maria Schrader. It stars Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan. Based on the book of the same title by reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, it follows their New York Times investigation that exposed Harvey Weinstein’s history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women.

We discuss the making of the film and take a stark look at the film industry, its history and the Me Too movement.

Please note, the episode does include conversations about abuse and sexual assault. If this isn't the right episode for you to listen to, please take a look at the other episodes that we have available.

https://safeline.org.uk/

https://www.thehavens.org.uk/

https://www.timesupuk.org

https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/sexual-harassment-at-work-law/

Next week we are discussing Bones & All (2022). It is available to watch in the UK on Amazon Prime, Google Play and Apple TV.

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

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In this episode, we are looking at the Netflix film, The Swimmers (2022). Directed by Sally El Hosaini, the film tells the true story of sisters, Yusra and Sara Mardini, who fled Syria before going on to compete at the Rio Olympic Games. It stars Nathalie Issa, Manal Issa, Matthias Schweighofer, Ahmed Mared & James Floyd.

We discuss how the rights to the film were acquired and how the real sisters were involved in the making of the film, creating commercial work for wider audiences, the casting and music of the project and how they balanced the harrowing scenes with uplifting moments.

You can learn more and support Sara Mardini here:

https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/2019/05/02/refugee-volunteer-prisoner-sarah-mardini-and-europe-s-hardening-line-migration

https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/profile/sara-mardini

Join us next week when we’ll be discussing She Said (2022), directed by Maria Schrader. She Said is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube and is still in a select few cinemas.

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the fictional retelling of Marilyn Monroe/Norma Jean’s life in the 2022 film 'Blonde', which was written for screen and directed by Andrew Dominik. The film stars Ana de Armas, who has been nominated for an Academy Award & a BAFTA for the role.

It’s a tough conversation, similar to the film. We discuss the ethics of this type of storytelling and try to understand Dominik’s intention with the film.

*Please note, the episode does include conversations about abuse, sexual assault, graphic abortions and miscarriage, and which all might be triggering. If this isn't the right episode for you to listen to, please take a look at the other episodes that we have available*

Next week, we are discussing The Swimmers (2022), available to watch on Netflix.

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

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In this episode, we are looking at the fashion classic The Devil Wears Prada (2006). Directed by David Frankel, the film was written by Aline Brosh McKenna, and adapted from Lauren Weisberger novel. It stars Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci.

We discuss the similarities and differences between the film and fashion industries and take a personality test to find out which character we are most like from The Devil Wears Prada.

Join us next week when we’ll be discussing Blonde (2021), written and directed by Andrew Dominik. Blonde is available to watch on Netflix.

A full transcript of the episode can be found here.

The Mazi Project - https://themaziproject.com

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This episode we’re sitting down to discuss the wild ride that is Triangle Of Sadness. Triangle Of Sadness was directed by Ruben Östlund, stars Woody Harrelson, Charlbi Dean, Harris Dickenson, Dolly De Leon and Zlatko Buric and won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2022.

The story follows model couple, Yaya and Carl, through 3 very different worlds in 3 acts - their lives and relationship in the fashion industry, on a gifted luxury yacht holiday that goes sour and marooned on a seemingly deserted island.

Join us to learn about where the film came from and evolved and most importantly, how Ruben Östlund created that infamous puke fest.

Next week on the podcast, we’ll be discussing the absolute CLASSIC 'The Devil Wears Prada' which you can watch now on Amazon Prime & Disney+.

A full transcription of this episode can be found here.

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In this episode, Hannah, Maisie & Lowri unpack all 9 relationships featured in Love, Actually (2003) and debate which will be hailed the Most Toxic and the Most Wholesome.

Love, Actually was written and directed by Richard Curtis and stars Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy and Rowan Atkinson.

Next week we’ll be taking a short Christmas break, but join us on January 11 where we’ll be back to discuss Triangle of Sadness (2022), directed by Ruben Östlund, currently available to watch in cinemas.

A transcript of this episode can be found here.

Merry Christmas!

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This episode we are talking about Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinhert.

This surreal tale follows Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh), a laundromat owner who is being audited by the IRS following her tax return. Dodging divorce papers from her husband, Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), and failing to connect with her daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu-Joy Wang), Evelyn is swept up in an insane adventure, in which she alone can save the world by exploring other universes connecting with the alternate lives she could have led.

In this episode, we try to unravel how they made such an impactful action film on a freakishly small budget.

Next week, we’ll be getting into the Christmas spirit and discussing Love Actually (2003), written and directed by Richard Curtis, available to stream on Amazon Prime.

Please find the episode transcription here.

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In this episode, we’re talking about Boiling Point (2021) with its brilliant director, Philip Barantini. Boiling Point stars Stephen Graham and Vinette Robinson and was nominated for 4 BAFTAs and won 4 BIFAs.

The story follows head chef, Andy Jones (Graham), on a busy night in his restaurant while he balances endless personal and professional crises that threaten to destroy everything he's worked for. And it’s all one shot. We talk about Phil’s own experiences as a head chef and how he used them to construct the story. With the recent announcement of Boiling Point being turned into a series, we find out how this film is being adapted for TV.

Next week we’ll be discussing Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) directed by Daniel Kwan, available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Episode transcript is available here.

If you found any of the themes discussed in this episode distressing or triggering, please see support lines for mental health here and substance abuse here.

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We’re back! Join Maisie, Lowri & Hannah for the first episode back after our summer break. The club is kicking off with a major talking point from the last few months - Don’t Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde.

We have a juicy and in-depth conversation about the film, trying to steer away from the goss and focus on breaking down what it took to make the film and the results of the filmmaking process. We discuss the casting and whether the themes of the film connect with how it was marketed.

Don’t Worry Darling is available to watch in UK cinemas.

Next week please join us for our episode on Boiling Point (2021) where we will be joined by the director Phil Barantini. Boiling Point is available to watch on Netflix.

The episode transcript is available here.

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Welcome to Frank Film Club!

The club for lovers and makers of Film. From shots and dialogue to casting and score, we unpack little-known indies, box office smashes, documentaries, foreign language and everything in between.

Hosted by Actor Maisie Williams, Casting Director Hannah Marie Williams, and Filmmaker Lowri Roberts, come and join us as we navigate the mad world of Film.

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We have a very special bonus episode, we are chatting with Ninja Thyberg about her incredible directorial feature debut - Pleasure (2021). The film stars Sofia Kappel in her breakout performance, alongside Revika Reustle and Evelyn Claire.

The film follows Bella Cherry who arrives in Los Angeles from Sweden with dreams of becoming an adult film star. But she soon learns that fame won't come easy as she harnesses her ambition and cunning to rise to the top of this mesmerizing and singular world.

In this episode we chat with Ninja about casting, creating a safe set and working with adult entertainers.

Pleasure (2021) is now available to watch on Mubi.

Stay tuned for Season 4!

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It’s the last episode of the series, we’re talking about Fresh (2022), directed by first time filmmaker Mimi Cave. Later in the episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Daisy Edgar-Jones, who plays the lead role of Noa alongside Sebastian Stan and Jonica I. Gibbs.

Fresh is social thriller with elements of comedy following the horrors of dating in the modern world. When Noa meets the charming and endearing Steve at a supermarket, she thinks she has finally lucked out in the world of swiping and catfishing. However, when she is invited to go on a holiday with him, their trip slowly turns into the stuff of nightmares.

In this episode we chat with Daisy about the social messages of the film, the filming process and her approach to accents.

Fresh is available to watch on Disney +.That’s it for series 3, thank you so much for listening.

We’ll be back very soon with some bonus episodes and series 4.

Episode transcript available here.

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This week we are chatting about cult comedy What We Do In The Shadows (2014) - starring, written and directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement.

Shot in a mockumentary style, it follows a group of vampire flatmates as they navigate mundane aspects of life in the modern world. Their attempts to pay rent, keeping up the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs and overcoming flatmate conflicts are hilariously disastrous.

In this episode we discuss Taika’s journey as a filmmaker, how the film was funded and its rise from a struggling indie to a popular American series.

What We Do In The Shadows is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Next week is our final episode of Series 3! Join us for a special episode on Fresh (2022) directed by Mimi Cave. We will joined by special guest, Daisy Edgar-Jones, who stars in the film alongside Sebastian Stan and Jonica I. Gibbs. Fresh is available to watch on Disney+.

Episode transcript available here.

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We have a really special one for you this week! We are discussing CODA (2021), directed by Sian Heder and have a very special guest - Troy Kotsur who played Frank Rossi in the film. Troy won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his performance in the film, and made history as the first ever deaf actor to win an Oscar. CODA also stars Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin and Daniel Durant.

The film follows Ruby, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), who is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby is torn between pursuing her passion of singing at college and her fear of abandoning her parents.

In this episode we discuss deaf culture, accessibility in film and Troy’s aspirations of directing.

CODA is available to watch on Apple TV.

Next week we are chatting about the indie comedy classic What We Do In The Shadows (2014) written, directed by and starring Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. What We Do In The Shadows is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Episode transcript available here.

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This week we are chatting about the Oscar and BAFTA winning documentary Summer of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021) directed by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson.

During the same summer as Woodstock, a different music festival took place 100 miles away. More than 300,000 people attended the summer concert series known as the Harlem Cultural Festival. It was filmed, but after that summer, the footage sat in a basement for 50 years. Only now has that footage been shown to the world.

In this episode we discuss the erasure of history, how the unseen footage came to be found and how the performances brought up different subject matters.

Summer of Soul (2021) is available to watch on Disney +.

Next week we’ll be looking at the Oscar winning film CODA (2021), directed by Sian Heder. We will also be joined by Troy Kotsur, who won Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards for his performance in this film. CODA is available to watch on Apple TV.

Transcript available here.

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This week we are throwing it back to the ultimate classic - 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film stars Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood and William Sylvester.

Set over thousands of years, the Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars. After their discovery on Earth generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer.

In this episode we discuss the ambiguity of the film, its legacy after five decades and the manually crafted visual effects.

2001: A Space Odyssey is available to purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube and Google Play Movies.

Next week we’ll be discussing the Oscar and BAFTA winning documentary feature Summer of Soul (2021) directed by Ahmir Thompson aka Questlove. Summer of Soul is available to watch on Disney+.

Transcript available here.

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We are thrilled to be chatting about the psychological horror, Censor (2021) this week. Later in the episode, we are joined by Prano Bailey-Bond, the director and co-writer of the film.

After viewing a strangely familiar video nasty, Enid, a film censor, sets out to solve the past mystery of her sister’s disappearance, embarking on a quest that dissolves the line between fiction and reality. We discuss female representation in the horror genre, going from short to feature and what actually happened at the end of this film?!

Censor is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Next week, we’ll be throwing it back to the classic 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) directed by Stanley Kubrick. It is available to purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube and Google Play Movies.

Transcript available here.

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This week we are diving into the noughties dance classic, Save The Last Dance (2001), directed by Thomas Carter. The film stars Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, Kerry Washington and Bianca Lawson. We chat about the songs in the film with music veteran, Mitchell Leib, who produced the soundtrack.

The film follows Sara, who moves to Chicago to live with her father after the sudden death of her mother. One of the few white people at her new school, Sara forms a relationship with Derek, a black teen from the South Side, where they bond over dance.

With 21 years of hindsight, we look back at some of the problematic areas of the story, and talk in depth with Mitchell about the production of a music soundtrack that holds its weight for over two decades.

Save The Last Dance is available to watch on Netflix UK.

Next week, we will be looking at Censor (2021), directed by Prano Bailey-Bond. Censor is currently streaming on Mubi and Amazon UK.

Transcript available here.

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We have a special one this week, we’re discussing The Phantom Of The Open (2022) and were very lucky to chat to the director, Craig Roberts. The film stars Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins and Rhys Ifans.

It’s based on a true story about Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, who managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship. Qualifying in 1976, Maurice subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.In this episode, we chat about adapting a biographical script and bouncing back from failure, both in the personal and professional realms.

The Phantom Of The Open is currently available to watch in UK cinemas.

Next week we are throwing it back to the early noughties and are having a look at Save The Last Dance (2001). We’re also going to be joined by soundtrack producer Mitchell Leib, to discuss the role of music in films. Save The Last Dance is available to watch on Netflix.

Transcript available here.

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This week we dip our toes into the DC Universe talking about The Batman (2022). Directed by Matt Reeves, the film stars Robert Pattinson as the Batman, Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, Paul Dano as the Riddler and Colin Farrell as the Penguin.

When the Riddler, a sadistic serial killer, begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city’s hidden corruption and question his family’s involvement.

This is a fun one indeed, causing a fair bit of division in opinion amongst us all. We discuss the evolution of the Batman franchise, bold casting choices and costumes.

The Batman is currently available to watch in UK cinemas.

Next week, we will be taking a look at The Phantom of the Open (2021), where we are so excited to be joined by the director - Craig Roberts. The Phantom of the Open is available to watch in UK cinemas.

Transcript available here.

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This week, we are so excited to be talking about Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut - The Lost Daughter (2021). We are joined by two of the incredible producers of the film, Osnat Handelsman-Keren and Talia Kleinhendler.

The Lost Daughter stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley who both play Leda at different stages of her life. A middle-aged Leda arrives for a quiet holiday on a Greek island, but things take a menacing turn when she encounters a family whose brash presence proves unsettling, at times even threatening. When a seemingly meaningless event occurs, Leda is overwhelmed by memories of the difficult, unconventional choices she made as a mother and their consequences for herself and her family.

In this episode, we discuss the lack representations of difficult motherhood and the need for more female decision-makers in film.

The Lost Daughter is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Next week we are dipping our toes into the DC Universe to talk about The Batman (2022), starring Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano and Andy Serkis. The Batman is currently available to watch in UK cinemas.

Transcript available here.

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We’ve got a juicy one for you this week! We’re diving further into Sean Baker’s repertoire, looking at his latest film Red Rocket (2021).

Red Rocket stars Simon Rex as washed up porn star, Mikey Saber, who returns to his hometown in Texas City. He twists the arm of his ex-lover, who is technically still his wife, in order to stay with her until he can get his life back on track. As chaos ensues, Mikey meets seventeen year-old Strawberry, who he believes could be the next big thing in the world of adult entertainment, and incidentally his ticket to success.

We’re incredibly excited to be chatting with Simon Rex, who just won Best Male Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards for his performance in the film! We discuss how he approached a character with such questionable morals, as well as his feelings of imposter syndrome despite being an actor in the industry for three decades.

Red Rocket is currently available to watch in UK cinemas.

Next week, we’ll be looking at Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, starring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and Dakota Johnson. The Lost Daughter is available to stream on Netflix (UK).

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We're back! To kick off Series 3 and in honour of International Women’s Day we are launching with the classic film Bend It Like Beckham (2002)! Directed by Gurinder Chadha, the film stars Parminder Nagra as Jess, Keira Knightley as Jules, Archie Panjabi as Pinky and Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Joe.

Set in London, the film follows Jess as she navigates her ambitions to play professional football against her Indian Sikh cultural heritage. For ‘In The Club’ we were very lucky to speak to Kaljit Atwal, a professional football freestyler who coincidentally also travelled to America from the UK on a football scholarship!

In this episode, we discuss the nostalgia of the film, as well as its representation of Asian culture and women in mainstream media. We also examine some of the more problematic areas of the film…hindsight is 20/20 right?

Bend It Like Beckham is available to stream on Amazon Prime (UK), Apple TV and Disney+.

Next week, we’ll be discussing Red Rocket (2021) directed by Sean Baker. We’ll be chatting to the star, Simon Rex, who just won the Best Male Lead Spirit Award for his performance in the film! Red Rocket will be available to watch in UK cinemas from 11 March, 2022.

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We have a juicy bonus episode for you! We’ve chosen Shiva Baby (2020) - Emma Seligman’s debut feature film. It’s a brilliant comedy set within a shiva - a Jewish mourning ritual. Danielle, played by Rachel Sennott, joins her parents at a shiva where she has an awkward encounter with her sugar daddy and her ex-girlfriend. And to top it off, we were lucky enough to speak with both Emma Seligman and Rachel Sennott! 

In this episode, we discuss how the Shiva Baby feature film grew from a short film directed by Emma while at college, as well as Rachel’s epic goal-setting regimen and their working relationship together!

Shiva Baby is available to watch on Amazon Prime (UK) and will be released for streaming on MUBI 11 June, 2022.

Season 3 will be launching March 9! We are so excited to discuss 12 new films with you.

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It's the season finale! We thought we'd go out with an all-time favourite, we're talking about Little Miss Sunshine (2006) directed by Valarie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (power couple). If you don't already know the story, it's about a family of colourful characters as they pile into an old van and travel across the country to California for their daughter, Olive, to compete in a beauty pageant. If you haven't seen it - you're in for a real treat. If you have, put it on anyway, it's the perfect way to start the new year! We talk about the characters, the making of it and how this has become the ultimate indie film. Enjoy!

Little Miss Sunshine is available to watch on Disney+, Amazon Prime (UK) & YouTube Don't worry, we'll be back soon!

We've got plans for series 3 and some bonus episodes in between. Head over to @frankfilmclub on Instagram to stay up to date with when they will be.

We also want to hear from you! What did you like/not like about these series? What do you want to hear more/less of? Tell us what you think by emailing [email protected]

See you soon!

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It's Christmas week! We've chosen Tangerine (2015) directed by Sean Baker as our Christmas film. Perhaps not the most festive but it's certainly entertaining. And we couldn't quite bring ourselves to analyse The Holiday. Tangerine is the story of sex worker, Sin-Dee and her best friend, Alexandra, as they track down Sin-Dee's boyfriend/pimp in Santa Monica & Highland, LA, after hearing that he cheated on her while she was in jail. It's a brilliant film and with a making-of story to match.

Tangerine is available to watch on Amazon Prime (UK)

To be included in future 'In The Club' sections follow us on @frankfilmclub and watch out for our requests for thoughts and questions on the films we watch. Alternatively, email us on [email protected].

Next week we're taking a little Christmas break so the next episode will be out on Wednesday 5th January 2022.

Next episode's film: Little Miss Sunshine (2006) directed by Valarie Faris and Jonothan Dayton - Season Finale!!

Little Miss Sunshine is available to watch on Disney+, Amazon Prime (UK) & YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking about Zola (2020) directed by Janicza Bravo. "Y’all wanna hear a story about why me & this bitch here fell out? It’s kind of long but full of suspense.” If you haven't already seen this film then go over to a streaming site and watch it. Based on a series of Tweets, this pretty-much-true story is about a waitress who gets seduced into a trip to Florida to do some dancing but it turns out to be something very different. Even if you haven't seen the film yet, we hope our chats excite you enough to add it to your list. Enjoy!

Zola is available to watch on AppleTV & YouTube.

To be included in future 'In The Club' sections follow us on @frankfilmclub and watch out for our requests for thoughts and questions on the films we watch.

Next week's episode: Tangerine (2015) directed by Sean Baker

Tangerine is available to watch on Amazon Prime (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking about Promising Young Woman (2020) written and directed by Emerald Fennell. It's a story about a young woman haunted by a tragedy in her past as she takes revenge on the predatory men who fall into her trap. We discuss genre, our society and much more. This film won a lot of awards and had a lot of hype last year so we have been very excited to watch and chat about it. It was great to hear some of your thoughts on it too, keep the film reviews coming - we love 'em!

To be included in next week's 'In The Club' follow us on @frankfilmclub and watch out for our requests for thoughts and questions on the films we watch.

TRIGGER WARNING: mention of sexual abuse, suicide, murder and violence. If any of this content does affect you, please contact www.womensaid.org.uk or www.supportline.org.uk

Next week's episode: Zola (2020) directed by Janicza Bravo

Zola is available to watch on AppleTV & YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking about The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020) written and directed by the wonderful Radha Blank. Radha, a woman of many talents, also stars in the film and it's loosely based on her own life story as she becomes a rapper at age 40. If you haven't seen this film yet... go and watch it! It's hilarious, brutally honest and it's got a great soundtrack. Enjoy!

The Forty-Year-Old-Version is available to watch on Netflix (UK)

Next week's episode: Promising Young Woman (2020) directed by Emerald Fennell

Promising Young Woman is available to watch on Amazon Prime (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us this week to talk about Celine Sciamma's new film Petite Maman (2021). A story about an 8-year-old girl, Nelly, who meets a girl her age as she's building a treehouse in the woods. The girl turns out to be Nelly's mother but at a younger age. It's a mother/daughter tale like we've never seen before and to top it off, we got to talk to Céline Sciamma herself! We tried to keep our cool.

Petite Maman is currently available to watch in UK cinemas and will be available to stream on MUBI from 18th February.

Next week's episode: The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020) directed by Radha Blank

The Forty-Year-Old-Version is available to watch on Netflix (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're talking about Sound of Metal (2019) directed by Darius Marder. It's a story about a heavy metal drummer, Ruben played by Riz Ahmed, who begins to rapidly lose his hearing. It's an incredible film and the stories behind making it made are pretty incredible too. We chat to one of the producers of the film, Sacha Ben Harroche, about the process of getting the film made... what a journey. Come and join the club!

Sound of Metal is available to watch on Amazon Prime (UK)

Next week's episode: Petite Maman (2021) directed by Celine Sciamma (who we'll be speaking to in the episode)

Petite Maman is coming out in UK cinemas on 19th November... this week! Go and give it a watch - it's worth it. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maisie is introducing us to the world of Studio Ghibli this week! We're watching Ponyo (2008) directed by Hayao Miyazaki. If you haven't watched much anime before, then this is a great place to start, if you have, then why not give it a re-watch? It's a feast for the eyes. We chat about the brilliant female characters, the environment and whether it should be watched with subtitles or dubbed. We also had Jake Cunningham from the Ghibliotheque podcast come on to chat with us about Ponyo and all things Ghibli. Enjoy!

Ponyo is available to watch on Netflix (UK)

Next episode's film: Sound of Metal (2019) directed by Darius Marder

Sound of Metal is available to watch on Amazon Prime (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking about Limbo (2020), a British indie film written and directed by Ben Sharrock. It's a story about a Syrian musician, Omar, who is seeking asylum in the UK on a (very cold) Scottish island. He and his three housemates take cultural awareness classes and wait in a near-empty house for their asylum claims to be processed. We chat about the deadpan humour, the characters and the unexpected 'Friends' cameo. We were also lucky enough to ask Amir El-Masry, who plays Omar, some questions about his time preparing for the role and shooting the film. It sounded like a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Limbo is available to watch on MUBI

Next episode's film: Ponyo (2008) directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Ponyo is available to watch on Netflix (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's nearly Halloween! So time for some horror. We're talking about Midsommar (2019) written and directed by Ari Aster. We discuss genre (is this even a horror?!), A24 and much more. We answer questions from you guys and we also have our first ever In The Club guest... Florence Pugh! We were lucky enough to ask her some questions about the filming process, which sounds like it was pretty bonkers. Enjoy!

Trigger warner: mention of suicides.

To be involved in future audience questions for In The Club, make sure you follow us on @frankfilmclub on Instagram and keep an eye out for our call for thoughts and questions on our upcoming films.

Midsommar is available to watch on Netflix (UK)

Next episode's film: Limbo (2020) directed by Ben Sharrock

Limbo is available to watch on MUBI

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode of series 2 is here! Maisie is hosting this week and we're chatting about the one and only Legally Blonde (2001) directed by Robert Luketic. It was recently the film's 20th anniversary so it only felt right. We chat about how the film was, in many ways, ahead of its time and overall, just a great watch. In our new In The Club section, we discuss some thoughts from you guys!

To be involved in our next In The Club, make sure you follow us on @frankfilmclub on Instagram and keep an eye out for our call for thoughts and questions on our upcoming films.

Legally Blonde is available to watch on Netflix (UK)

Next episode's film: Midsommar (2019) directed by Ari Aster

Midsommar is available to watch on Netflix (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.