Movies In Focus – Details, episodes & analysis

Scott Martin, Michael Jai White, Charlotte Kirk and Stephanie Beran join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss their new film, Exit Protocol. 

Interviewed separately, these conversations offer thoughtful insights into the production of Exit Protocol, creative decisions, and the collaborative energy that shaped the film.

It’s an interesting look at bringing the Dolph Lundgren film to the screen as each of the guests share their perspectives on filmmaking, working with the ensemble and what sets Exit Protocol apart from other action thrillers.

James Badge Dale (13 Hours, The Standoff At Sparrow Creek) and Michael Mando (Better Call Saul, Spider-Man) join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about their roles in John Swab’s latest film, King Ivory. 

Swab’s drug thriller explores the dangerous world of fentanyl trafficking in the U.S., offering a gritty glimpse into a society fighting for survival.

In this interview, Dale and Mando discuss the challenges of portraying characters caught in the crossfire of the opioid crisis, what it was like working under Swab’s direction and the personal impact of bringing the tale to the screen. 

If you’re looking for insight into how real-world issues shape movies, then this is an episode for you.

Oh, and we also talk quite a bit about my physical media collection that was lurking behind me on our Zoom call. It would seem that I might have committed to hosting movie night on Friday!

n this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast, writer-director Bill Fishman talks about his sun-soaked comedy Waltzing With Brando - the true story of Marlon Brando’s quest to build an eco-paradise in Tahiti, brilliantly brought to life by Billy Zane’s note-perfect and layered performance.

Fishman, known for celebrating quirky real-life tales, discusses how Waltzing With Brando sidesteps weighty drama in favour of breezy high jinks and zesty energy, with Jon Heder playing the straight man as Bernard Judge, Brando’s bewildered architect. Together, they recreate iconic Brando moments in a relaxed, 'holiday of a film' that feels as playful and unpredictable as its subject.

Fishman also reminisces about working with Monkee, Michael Nesmith on the '80s cult classic Tapeheads and how working with 'The Nez' shaped his approach to storytelling.

This conversation is a must for anyone fascinated by Brando, behind-the-scenes tales, and the pure enjoyment of an unhurried cinematic romp.

Read the Movies In Focus review of Waltzing With Brando

Solomon Gray, writer and director of the quietly unsettling horror film, We're Not Safe Here, joins the Movies In Focuspodcast for an in-depth conversation.

We're Not Safe Here is deft little chiller that is notable for its ability to get under your skin with subtle psychological horror rather than cheap shocks.

Solomon discusses the inspirations behind the film, the creative challenges of crafting a slow-burn thriller, and the emotional depths explored through the nuanced performances of Hayley McFarland and Sharmita Bhattacharya.

Fans of intelligent, atmospheric genre cinema won’t want to miss this insightful chat.

Read the Movies In Focus review of We're Not Safe Here

Director M.J. Bassett and actor Matilda Lutz join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about their new fantasy adventure film, Red Sonja.

The movie brings the cult comic-book character back to the screen, and as noted in the Movies In Focus review, it’s a bold reimagining that puts Lutz front and centre as the sword-wielding warrior. Her performance as Red Sonja grounds the film and gives real weight to a character that’s had a complicated history in cinema.

M.J. Bassett’s career has always explored genre storytelling, from action to horror, and here she tackles the challenge of reviving a legendary figure with fresh energy. Together, they’ve crafted a film that blends classic fantasy with modern sensibilities.

In this conversation, they discuss the process of bringing Red Sonja to life, the character’s enduring appeal, and what audiences can expect when they step back into her world.

Actress and filmmaker, Megan Tremethick joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss her acclaimed low-budget epic, The Reign Of Queen Ginnarra (read the Movies In Focus review). Megan explores the inspiration behind the Roger Corman-esque film and how she ended up bringing the enigmatic queen to life on screen. 

Megan also discusses her journey as a filmmaker, her approach to storytelling, and what drives her passion for cinema. Whether you’re a fan of low-budget genre films or just love hearing about the artistic and creative process, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you enjoyed this interview with Megan  - and like her work - then you can support the Kickstarter campaign for Mr. Whispers, a 90s-inspired horror film that plunges you into a nightmarish tale of VHS-era dread and mystery.

Discover more information Mr. Whispers. 

Ernesto Díaz Espinoza, the filmmaker behind the stylish and brutal new thriller Diablo joins this latest episode of the Movies In Focus podcast.

Espinoza has been flying the flag for genre cinema in Chile for nearly 20 years—serving up everything from hard-hitting martial arts action to offbeat exploitation throwbacks. With Diablo, he’s crafted something lean, atmospheric, and incredibly well acted. Think Man on Fire by way of Terminator 2.

We discuss making Diablo, working with actors like Scott Adkins, and delivering an old-school film with limited resources.

If you like stylish and punchy action movies, you’ll want to hear this.

Film scholar and returning guest James Kenney has a knack for uncovering lost and forgotten cinematic treasures. You can listen to episodes 18 and 32 of the Movies In Focus podcast to learn about his headline-making work on Peter Bogdanovich’s Squirrels To The Nuts and the rediscovery of the original version of the Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas film, God’s Daughter.

James now returns to discuss his latest find: Brian De Palma’s ‘lost’ film script, Ambrose Chapel. The now-published screenplay features an introductory essay from James, which examines De Palma’s fascinating and stylish career as a master of suspense.

Written by De Palma in the 1990s between Carlito’s Way and Mission: Impossible, audiences can finally catch sight of De Palma’s 'screwball noir'. Virtual reality, mind control, and De Palma’s famed voyeurism are the order of the day for this Hitchcock-inspired, Mexico City-set thriller. James digs into the origins of Ambrose Chapel, exploring how it fits within many of De Palma’s signature themes.

The conversation takes a broader look at De Palma’s legendary career, tracing his evolution as a filmmaker and examining how Ambrose Chapel fits into the director’s cinematic legacy - ultimately offering a look at one of Hollywood’s most misunderstood auteurs.

AMBROSE CHAPEL - A screenplay by Brian De Palma is out now from Sticking Place Books

www.stickingplacebooks.com

Acclaimed horror author Adam Cesare joins this bite-sized episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about the recording breaking film adaptation of his novel Clown In A Cornfield.

Known for his mastery of slasher thrills and sharp social commentary, Adam Cesare's book - and its film adaptation - charts the chilling story of Kettle Springs-a town divided and terrorised by the homicidal killer clown, Frendo.

Adam explores the transformation of this bloody, original tale from page to screen, discusses the challenges and creative choices behind adapting a young adult horror novel that balances gore, suspense and small-town tensions.

Short films are difficult. It’s easy to tell a story across 90 minutes or a couple of hours, where plot and characterisation can expand and grow. However, it takes real skill to deliver something short, punchy (and more importantly) narratively cohesive within a couple of minutes. This takes us nicely along to Dakota Stone, a new short from director Sherice Griffiths and writer Alfie Scattergood (aka Paul Knight).

Clocking-in at just nine minutes, the film features professional dancer, choreographer, and star of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Nancy Xu as an ass-kicking ‘fixer’. Offering-up action and characterisation, Dakota Stone is an entertaining little flick that works well within its own confines, while also feeling like an amuse-bouche to a much larger story.

Sherice Griffiths, Alfie Scattergood and Nancy Xu joined the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about Dakota Stone. During the course of the conversation, they discuss how the project came together, the logistics of making a short film in a limited timeframe - as well as teasing the future of the Dakota Stone character in a larger format.