Film Exploder

Even if you've not watched the film, start the episode to get spoiler-free insights to decide if you want to see it or hear the film's walkthrough. In this episode, Barry and Taylor dig into The Substance, a 2024 body horror that explores a disturbing, sci-fi concept of what happens when society’s obsession with beauty and youth goes too far. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film takes a dark turn as characters face the terrifying consequences of pursuing physical perfection through a mysterious, cutting-edge treatment. Taylor and Barry unpack the film’s eerie take on self-destruction, fame, and the consequences of tampering with nature and how the film’s chilling climax reflects on our obsession with youth.

In this episode, Barry and Taylor unravel Strange Darling, a psychological thriller that starts as a chase between a young woman and a man but quickly becomes something much darker and more complex. The movie twists expectations with its non-linear storytelling, keeping you on your toes. As the duo dives into the film’s tense cat-and-mouse dynamic, they break down the movie’s unsettling mood and the cryptic clues sprinkled throughout, giving viewers much to chew on. Even if you've not watched the movie, start the episode to get spoiler-free insights on the film to decide if you want to watch it or not. This one’s for fans of thrillers that don't play by the usual rules.

In this episode, Barry and Taylor dive into Infinity Chamber, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that explores the limits of consciousness. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows Frank, a man trapped in a high-tech prison where an AI controls his every move and thought. The duo discuss the film's intriguing premise, and three theories that lay out the various possibilities that explain the ending and the metaphors in the film. Even if you've not watched the movie, join the episode for spoiler-free opening which helps you decide if you want to watch the film.

In this episode, Barry and Taylor tackle two intense thrillers — Sanctuary and 10x10. They break down Sanctuary, a tense two-hander that turns a manipulative power struggle into an unsettling mind game. The duo dive into the psychological warfare between a woman and her wealthy client, who’s trying to end their twisted arrangement. But things aren’t as simple as they seem, and the layers of manipulation keep building. Then, they shift gears to 10x10, where a kidnapping spirals into a battle of wits and survival. As the captor, played by Luke Evans, locks a woman in a small room with plans to extract a hidden truth, Barry and Taylor debate just how far both films push their characters into psychological and physical extremes. As always, start the episode to get spoiler free inputs on if you should watch or skip the film. It’s a double-feature episode with plenty of suspense and mind games to go around. 00:00-Introduction 6:05-Sanctuary 25:35-10x10 45:00-Other Recomendation

In this episode, Barry and Taylor dig into the 2024 film Cuckoo, the eerie thriller set in the Bavarian Alps. They dive into the unsettling story of Gretchen, who discovers disturbing secrets about her new stepfamily and the creepy resort they’ve moved into. The pair unpack Cuckoo’s unique mix of body horror, mind-bending suspense and the connection to the actual Cuckoo bird. Even if you've not watched the film, start the episode to get spoiler-free insights on if you should watch or skip Cuckoo.

In this episode, Taylor and Barry dive into the dark world of Speak No Evil, the chilling thriller the 2024 Hollywood is based out of. The story follows a family’s visit to their new friends house, but what starts as a quiet weekend getaway turns disturbingly sinister. In the episode, we'll let you know non-spoilery information about the movie so you can decide if you want to watch it. As Taylor and Barry explore the film's tension, psychological horror, and eerie social dynamics, they also talk about social obligations of our everyday lives which is the theme of the movie. Tune in as they break it all down!

In this episode, Taylor and Barry shake things up with a game where they go head-to-head recommending their favorite investigative thrillers. But here’s the twist—AI gets to play judge! That’s right, ChatGPT steps into the role of Siskel and Ebert, rating their picks and determining the winner. Expect some surprising choices, a bit of friendly rivalry, and of course, 10 great films for you to walk away with! This episode is spoiler free! Further reading from Barry and Taylor: https://www.thisisbarry.com/ https://www.taylorholmes.com/

In this episode, Taylor and Barry dig into the 2024 creepy thriller Longlegs. Join them as they explore the twisted tale of an FBI agent hunting a serial killer with a strange connection to the supernatural. As they break down the eerie plot and unsettling atmosphere, you'll get answers to the most pressing questions the film raises, well, most of them. Even if you've not watched the film, check out the episode and we give you non-spoiler pointers on if you should watch the film or not, after which you can choose to pause and get back. Further reading from Barry and Taylor: https://www.thisisbarry.com/ https://taylorholmes.com/2024/08/15/osgood-perkins-lays-waste-with-longlegs/

Eternal Sunshine is the big daddy of all Mind-Job / Mind-Bending movies. In this episode, Taylor and Barry make the film linear for you to make things super clear. Join them as they take a deep dive into the plot and discuss all the chaos in the film revolving persona, memory, grief, forgiveness, love and more. Even if you've not watched the film, you can check out the episode till the point where we give you non-spoilery information about the movie after which you can pause and get back. Further reading from Barry and Taylor https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind-2004-movie-plot-ending-explained/ https://taylorholmes.com/2018/10/08/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind-walkthrough-and-explanation/

In this episode, Taylor and Barry jump into the chaotic, trippy world of Infinity Pool. Things get weird fast when a couple’s luxury vacation takes a dark turn, leading to some seriously twisted events involving cloning, crime, and no consequences. As the hosts debate the twisted choices made by the characters and the strange society they stumble upon, you’ll be left questioning where you’d draw the line. Buckle up for a deep dive into one of the most mind-bending movies out there! Further reading from Barry and Taylor: Infinity Pool Explained by This Is Barry Infinity Pool Dissected and Explained by Taylor Holmes

In this episode, Taylor and Barry take on the 2015 film Circle. With 50 strangers trapped in a room and forced to make life-or-death decisions, they dig into the mind games and moral dilemmas that unfold. As they break down the characters’ choices and strategies, you’ll find yourself wondering what you’d do in the same situation. Whether you've watched Circle or are just curious about its twists, this episode will get you thinking. Watch out for Spoilers. Further reading from Barry and Taylor Circle movie explained - This Is Barry Circle movie analysis - Taylor Holmes

In this episode, Taylor and Barry delve into Alex Garland's Civil War, set in a present-day America torn apart by internal conflict. The film unfolds from the perspective of journalists documenting the chaos, highlighting the harsh reality that there are no winners in war. Join Taylor and Barry as they bring clarity to the film's complex narrative and themes, drawing on insights from Garland to explore the human cost of civil strife. As always, watch out for spoilers! Further reading from Barry and Taylor https://www.thisisbarry.com/ https://taylorholmes.com/

In this episode, Taylor and Barry dive into the haunting plot of Personal Shopper. They analyze the journey of Maureen, a personal shopper in Paris who is also a medium, as she attempts to contact her deceased twin brother. Join them as they unravel the eerie and suspenseful narrative, exploring the film's themes of grief, identity, and the supernatural, while discussing the twists and turns that make this movie an awesome psychological thriller. As always, watch out for spoilers.

In this episode, Taylor and Barry go head-to-head in recommending supernatural movies, but with a twist — they can't agree on what counts as "supernatural". Join them as they debate and defend their film picks, challenging each other's definitions and discussing the most eerie and thought-provoking aspects of their choices. You don't have to worry about any film spoilers in this one! For film analysis and discussions check out: https://www.thisisbarry.com/ https://taylorholmes.com/

In this episode, Taylor and Barry explore the intricate plot of "Decision to Leave," examining the enigmatic relationship between detective Hae-jun and the mysterious Seo-rae. Join them as they delve into the film's rich narrative, uncovering themes of obsession, guilt, and the blurred lines between duty and desire, while piecing together the puzzle of this gripping "romantic" thriller. As always, beware of spoilers!

In this episode, Taylor and Barry explode Alex Garland's Ex Machina, analyzing the twisted dynamics between Caleb, Nathan, and the AI, Ava. Join them as they explore the moral ambiguities, power struggles, and the chilling implications of creating conscious machines as they unravel the intricate layers of deception and manipulation. As always, beware of spoilers. Further reading from Barry and Taylor Ex Machina explained by This Is Barry Taylor Holmes's explanation and review of Ex Machina

In this episode of Film Exploder, hosts Taylor and Barry take a deep analytical dive into the 2022 dark comedy-thriller, The Menu, that offers a deliciously twisted narrative which blends culinary artistry with psychological tension. Join the duo as they dissect the film’s intricate plot, exploring the underlying themes of obsession, class struggle, and the price of artistic perfection. As always, watch out for spoilers. Further reading from Barry and Taylor The Menu explained by This Is Barry The Menu analysis by Taylor Holmes

In this episode Taylor and Barry explode the movie It Comes At Night and all of its chaos to arrive at what possibly might have happened. Join them as they thoroughly explore the plot and its characters, untangling the complex narrative. As always, watch out for spoilers.

Join Taylor and Barry as they explode and analyze the movie Her. While they assumed this was an easy episode, the movie walkthrough proves just the opposite as they find themselves talking through endless threads of possibilities, philosophies and theories before they take on that ending. As always, beware of spoilers. Further reading from Barry and Taylor Analysis of Her by This Is Barry

Join Taylor and Barry as the two take a deep dive into The Zone Of Interest, a film about Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig building a dream life for their family adjacent to the Auschwitz concentration camp. As the duo explode the movie, they go into the book and therefore the history of the world to talk about all the cyclic atrocities that humans commit on their species endlessly.

This week Taylor and Barry go at each other in a game of recommendations. Join them as they try to draw from their hats unique time loop movies (the kind where a person is stuck living the same moments over and over again). Regardless of who wins, you will walk away with at least 6 great recommendations for time loop movies. This is a spoiler free episode! Further articles from Barry and Taylor: Every Timeloop Movie by This Is Barry THINC - Movies Explained

In this episode Taylor and Barry dissect the film Monkey Man. While on the surface it is an action movie, there are layers of Indian mythology woven into the fabric of the film that's worth understanding to appreciate the film better. As always, there are spoilers, so be prepared.

Join Taylor and Barry in their longest episode yet wrestling the movie Enemy to the ground. This film is super complicated and you'll walk away with a lot of great theories including a definite explanation to the plot and that creepy ending! As always, watch out for spoilers. Further articles from Barry and Taylor: https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/enemy-2013-movie-plot-ending-explained/ https://taylorholmes.com/2018/08/23/an-enemy-movie-review-discussion-and-maybe-an-explanation/

In this episode Taylor and Barry take a deep-dive into the film No One Will Save You. Join them to go through various theories and arguments about the intentionally hazy ending. You'll walk away from this episodes with answers for sure! Warning as always, there are plenty of spoilers. Further articles from Barry and Taylor https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/no-one-will-save-you-ending-explained-full-plot-analysis/ https://taylorholmes.com/2023/09/24/why-no-one-will-save-you-is-worth-a-watch/

In this episode, Taylor and Barry take a deep dive into the multiple layers of The Platform both literally and metaphorically. They take you through the various meanings of the movie, the characters, and what it all meant in the end. As always, beware of spoilers. Further articles from Barry and Taylor https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/the-platform-movie-ending-explained-2019-netflix-film/ https://taylorholmes.com/2020/03/22/netflix-movie-the-platform-dissected-and-explained/

This week Taylor and Barry take a break from exploding a single film and instead have a showdown. Each of them pick and recommend movies shot in a single location. Films like these are awesome because the focus goes heavily to the script. This has got to be the funniest scoring one could use. The hope is that the listeners walk away with 10 good movies to watch. No spoilers in this episode 🙂 Further articles from Barry and Taylor: https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/amazing-movies-filmed-in-a-single-location/ https://taylorholmes.com/?s=closed+box

Join Barry and Taylor in this episode where they take a deep dive into the 2020 film Black Bear. You'll walk away with 3 theories and one leading explanation of the plot and ending of the movie. As always, spoiler warning! Further articles from Barry and Taylor https://taylorholmes.com/2020/12/06/what-the-hell-was-that-black-bear-ending/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/black-bear-movie-explained-plot-ending/

In this episode Taylor interviews the director of the film Brightwood to gain insights on everything from plot, ending analysis, shooting, sets, location, post-production, and more. As always, beware of spoilers! Further Reading: https://taylorholmes.com/2023/11/12/brightwood-movie-suggestion-and-crazy-ending-explained/

In this episode, Barry and Taylor deconstruct one of the coolest romantic - mind-job movies with an insane ending. Join them as they unpack the complexities of the film and debate out that ending. As always, beware of spoilers! Barry and Taylor's Articles: https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/the-one-i-love-movie-ending-explained/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/the-one-i-love-plot-explained/ https://taylorholmes.com/2014/10/07/the-one-i-love-reviewed-and-explained/

In this episode Barry and Taylor explode, unpack and reassemble Nolan's Sci-Fi masterpiece, Inception. Join them as they battle out the film theories, totems, synchronized kicks dream layers and more. As always, beware of spoilers! Barry and Taylor's Articles: https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/inception-2010-movie-plot-ending-explained/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/christopher-nolans-inception-was-the-ending-a-dream-or-reality/ https://taylorholmes.com/2010/07/20/7-layers-of-inception/ https://taylorholmes.com/2010/08/02/inception-totems-explanation/ https://taylorholmes.com/2010/08/11/10-inception-questions/

In this episode Taylor and Barry take on one of the most complex pieces of cinema that didn't make a lot of noise but is definitely worth the watch. The duo have got plenty of theories around what's going on in this mind-bender for you to choose from. As always, beware, spoilers.

In this episode, Barry and Taylor unpack the A24 film Talk To Me, it's gory details, and answer some of the pressing questions the film leaves us with. As always, heads up, the episode has spoilers. Further Reading - Taylor and Barry's articles: https://taylorholmes.com/2023/08/06/unraveling-the-haunting-mysteries-of-talk-to-me/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/talk-to-me-explained-ending-and-every-question-answered/

In this Episode Taylor and Barry take a break from exploding films and turn to recommendations of non-mainstream mind-job / mind-bending movies. So you can be sure you aren't getting Shutter Island or Fight Club as a recommendation 😃 Unlike the other episodes, this one is fully spoiler-free and you don't have to have watched any of the films being discussed. Taylor's 5 (https://taylorholmes.com/): Coherence Remainder The Innocents Buster's Mal Heart Speak No Evil Barry's 5 (https://www.thisisbarry.com/): A Scanner Darkly The One I Love The House Of the Disappeared Archive The Fare Special Mention: H0US3

Taylor and Barry take on one of the more complex storytelling we've seen in the past 15 years. In this Episode they break down Denis Villeneuve's Arrival from two angles - the non-linearity and aspect of the alien language. As always, there's a ton of spoilers so watch the film before you jump into this episode. Barry and Taylor's Articles: https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/arrival-2016-movie-plot-ending-explained/ https://taylorholmes.com/2016/11/12/movie-arrival-explained-interview-eric-heisserer/

In this episode, Taylor and Barry take on one of the most bizarre films, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer by Yorgos Lanthimos. The hosting duo take you through solid plot analysis which are canon and based on what the cast and crew have stated in multiple interviews. This will help you sleep at night, promise. As always, this episode has plenty of spoilers so watch the film before you hear the podcast. Barry and Taylor's Articles: https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/the-killing-of-a-sacred-deer-ending-explained/ https://taylorholmes.com/2017/12/18/the-killing-of-a-sacred-deer-discussed-and-explained/

Taylor and Barry are back with another episode where they breakdown the 2018 film Doctor Sleep which is the sequel to 1980's The Shining. The two take you through both the stories and contrast them against the books written by Stephen King. They also put to rest the age old question about Jack and his shine. Remember there's plenty of spoilers for both films, so make sure you watch the films before you hear this episode. Barry and Taylor's Articles: https://taylorholmes.com/2024/01/30/the-shining-meets-dr-sleep-meets-film-exploder/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/the-shining-explained-simply-plot-and-ending/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/doctor-sleep-plot-and-ending-explained/

Barry and Taylor are back and in this episode they breakdown the 2023 French film Anatomy Of A Fall. Still continuing to stumble through podcasting, they take you through the plot and the three theories around what actually happened in this story. As always, this episode is filled with spoilers for the film, so do watch the film before going into the podcast! Barry and Taylor's Articles: https://taylorholmes.com/2023/11/06/unraveling-the-mysteries-of-the-movie-anatomy-of-a-fall/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/anatomy-of-a-fall-ending-explained-what-really-happened/

Taylor and Barry are back and this time they break down the film Eileen based on a book by the same name. Join them as they continue to stumble through podcasting and debate the two leading theories to help understand and appreciate the 2023 movie Eileen. This is full of spoilers so watch the movie before you hear the episode! Barry and Taylor's Articles: https://taylorholmes.com/2024/01/08/anne-hathaway-and-thomasin-mckenzie-movie-eileen-ending-is-crazy/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/eileen-movie-explained-ending-was-rebecca-real/

Join Taylor and Barry as they take you on a spoiler-filled wild ride through the world of the movie 'Men.' Together, they'll unravel the film's eccentricities and chaos, trying to make sense of what on earth that movie was all about! In this episode, witness Taylor and Barry bumble through their first podcast as they dive headfirst into the quirks and mysteries of 'Men'. Whether you're a movie buff or just love a good dose of cinematic chaos, this episode promises to be an entertaining journey through the enigmatic world of 'Men.' So, hop on board and enjoy the ride with Taylor and Barry! Taylor and Barry's Articles: https://taylorholmes.com/2022/06/02/is-the-movie-men-unhinged-or-perfectly-sane/ https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/men-movie-explained-full-plot-and-ending/