Frank Film Club with Maisie Williams

We visited you lovely lot in Everyman Bristol to watch the sweatiest film of recent years- Challengers (2024)- and record a live podcast with you all. We discuss love triangles, obsession, competition, painfully obvious branding in films, CGI tennis balls in your face, the power of Zendaya’s onscreen presence and the thrilling score. We have a group discussion with our gorgeous audience on who is “the bad guy” and if there was actually any love at all in this “love triangle” film?Starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, Challengers is the high-stakes love triangle tennis drama from Luca Guadagnino.Thanks to the Everyman cinema for hosting us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Never have we done such a 180 whilst recording an episode. Directed by Todd Haynes, we agreed May December is a gripping and technically brilliant film. By the end of the episode, we question whether we should like it so much. The film is inspired by real scandalous events and based off of real victimized people, so does Hollywood really have the right to tell this story? We discuss the DRAMA Todd Haynes brings - the music, those zooms and the sensationalized American-ness of it all. And we get Maisie's perspective on preparing to play real life characters. This episode has been a journey, we hope you enjoy <3May December (2023) stars Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton.Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclubA full transcript of this episode can be found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We buckled ourselves down for a film about shattered masculinity (one of Han's favourite genres) and came away wholly impressed, but conflicted. Why didn't it make most of us cry? What was missing? How can one family have so much tragedy? How did we find ourselves scrutinising male actors' bodies? The double standards! Plus, we discuss the lack of awards recognition and whether actually, that kind of makes sense? There are a lot of questions, but one thing that is UNquestionable, is that this is Zac Efron's career best. Written and directed by Sean Durkin. Starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Lily James and Stanley Simons.Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclubA full transcript of this episode can be found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesdays, we wear pink drop episodes.This week we delve into the MGU (the Mean Girls Universe), and discuss the recent Mean Girls musical adaptation alongside the original. Who else knew Tina Fey’s screenplay is based off a single chapter in a self-help book? We discuss the phenomenal impact of the original film and our first-time viewing experiences. For us, we agree it was the first time we saw girls being truly hilarious on screen. But we question the relatability of the film and the fact that it’s aged terribly. (That cafeteria scene?!?) Tune in to find out what we think the musical DID get right.Mean Girls (2024) stars Reneé Rapp as Regina George and Angourie Rice as lady Heron and was directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr.Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclubA full transcript of this episode can be found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on film club we're discussing this beautiful, perfectly executed and unexpected ghost story from Andrew Haigh. Lead actor Andrew Scott is perfection, Paul Mescal is sublime. Yes, the internet frenzy is deserved. From depicting grief and loneliness, to homophobia in the 80s, we pull out the scenes that impacted us most. We analyse what made the screenplay so unpredictable and original. We also need a hug. All Of Us Strangers was written and directed by Andrew Haigh and stars Andrew Scott, Claire Foy, Paul Mescal and Jamie Bell. The screenplay is based on 'Strangers' by Taichi Yamada.A full transcript of this episode can be found here.Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's episode we're not going to beat around the bush; we really loved Sofia Coppola's Priscilla (2023) and if you listen you’ll find out why. The film follows the perspective of Elvis’s teen wife, a rare autobiographical film that actually gives the time of day to a woman of that generation. Not only is this film completely non-judgemental, but Coppola somehow has a way of making us relate to a woman we have nothing in common with. Would we have been more satisfied ending with an explosion of emotions? Not all of us agree. From that soundtrack, to that age gap, to the Presley family response... we have a lot to unpack. Join us, and then listen to some Dolly Parton.A full transcript of this episode can be found here. Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week our film was chosen by YOU lovely listeners. We asked for an iconic 90s or 00s film and you really delivered. The cult classic Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a film that genuinely keeps on giving, from the gut-wrenching emotional turmoil, to the visual language that was truly ahead of its time. We discuss the sour backstory of the making of this film; whether pushing actors too far and bad working conditions can ever be justified by the great art it resulted in. We’re divided. We look at the unexpected but extraordinary performances from an eccentric Kate Winslet and a heartbreaking Jim Carrey. Oh, and we ask ourselves, would we ever go through the procedure Clementine does?Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 American science fiction romantic drama film directed by Michel Gondry based on Charlie Kaufman's screenplay. Starring Kate Winslet, Jim Carrey, Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood and Mark Ruffalo.A full transcript of this episode can be found here.Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An episode Maisie was dreading… until she actually watched the film. And, well, we couldn't dislike it if we tried. Turns out acting royalty and Harry Potter's production team will always work wonders. This week we discuss everything about the undeniably fun, not too sickly, if a little unmemorable, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory unofficial prequel. We try to imagine other actors in the role of young Wonka, and we look back at our fav Wonka's from the past…A full transcript of this episode can be found here. Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will they/won't they?? Should they/shouldn't they?? This week we discuss Celine Song's phenomenal debut, Past Lives. In a world of explosive franchises comes a quiet original film that entranced us all. We discuss the prep that went into the authentic performances and casting. Plus, Celine Song's lived experiences that led her to write this, and, Maisie receives love life advice from none other than Teo Yoo. Past Lives is produced by A24, directed and written by Celine Song, starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro. A full transcript of this episode can be found here. Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Saltburn week, time to discuss that film that you regret watching with your parents. We are so here for the vulgarity, the Barry, the girlies, the soundtrack and the eyebrow piercings. At times we're a little salty.. is it too predictable? Did the internet ruin it? Listen to find out 💖Saltburn (2023) is written and directed by Emerald Fennell starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan and Richard E Grant. Produced by our fave, LuckyChap Entertainment.A full transcript of this episode can be found here.Keep up to date with us on Instagram, TikTok, Letterboxd and YouTube: @frankfilmclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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: @frankfilmclubA full transcript of this episode can be found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @frankfilmclubA full transcript of this episode can be found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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