Digest

The episode delves into M. Night Shyamalan's film "Old", focusing on its themes of aging and time. The hosts discuss their personal connections to the film, particularly the feeling of accelerated aging during the pandemic. They also critique the film's pacing, dialogue, and portrayal of women. The hosts highlight the film's exploration of regret, true connections, and the fleeting nature of life. They also discuss the film's twist ending and its lack of emotional impact. The episode concludes with a review of audience reactions to the film, including both positive and negative reviews. Paul Sheer, who auditioned for the film, shares his perspective on the casting and the film's overall weirdness. He also discusses his thoughts on why he didn't get the part, suggesting that he wasn't weird enough for the film's tone. The hosts also discuss the film's connection to the Twilight Zone and the TV show "Lost", highlighting its mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements. They also explore the film's themes of corporate greed and the exploitation of human subjects for medical research, comparing it to the "Black Mirror" episode "San Junipero" for its exploration of regret and true connections. The episode concludes with a discussion of the film's overall impact and its potential as a good afternoon watch.

Outlines

00:00:00

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00:01:14

How Did This Get Made: Old

This Chapter introduces the episode's topic: a discussion of M. Night Shyamalan's film "Old". The hosts, Paul Sheer, Jason Manzookus, and June Dianne Rayfield, welcome listeners and introduce the film's premise: a family on vacation at a private beach where they begin to age rapidly.

00:01:59

Personal Connections to Aging

This Chapter explores the hosts' personal connections to the film's themes of aging. June shares how she felt seen by the film's portrayal of aging and its effects on the senses. Paul discusses his audition for the film and his experience with the pandemic, which he feels has accelerated the aging process.

00:03:25

Lost Adjacent

This Chapter delves into the film's similarities to the TV show "Lost". The hosts discuss the film's mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements, comparing it to the themes and tropes of "Lost". Paul shares his audition experience and his initial confusion about the film's premise.

00:05:32

Critical Analysis of Old

This Chapter presents the hosts' critical analysis of "Old". They discuss their mixed feelings about the film, acknowledging its strong Twilight Zone vibes and good performances but criticizing its excessive length and lack of emotional depth. They also discuss the film's portrayal of mental illness and its problematic representation of women.

00:08:53

The Pandemic and Time

This Chapter explores the film's connection to the pandemic. June shares how she connected to the film's theme of time being robbed due to the pandemic and its impact on her life. She also discusses the film's exploration of regret and true connections.

00:11:03

Audition Insights

This Chapter focuses on Paul's audition experience for "Old". He shares his thoughts on why he didn't get the part, suggesting that he wasn't weird enough for the film's tone. He also discusses the film's casting choices and the overall weirdness of the characters.

01:02:00

Review of Old

This Chapter delves into the hosts' review of "Old", discussing their mixed feelings about the film and its emotional impact. Paul, who auditioned for the film, shares his perspective on the casting and the film's overall weirdness. The hosts also discuss the film's connection to the Twilight Zone and the TV show "Lost", highlighting its mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements. They also explore the film's themes of corporate greed and the exploitation of human subjects for medical research, comparing it to the "Black Mirror" episode "San Junipero" for its exploration of regret and true connections. The episode concludes with a discussion of the film's overall impact and its potential as a good afternoon watch.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the main themes explored in M. Night Shyamalan's film "Old"?

  The film explores themes of aging, time, regret, true connections, and the fleeting nature of life. It also touches on the unsettling nature of the film's premise and the moral quandary of medical research.

• How do the hosts connect their personal experiences to the film's themes?

  The hosts discuss how the pandemic has accelerated the aging process and its impact on their lives. They also share their personal feelings about aging and the film's portrayal of its effects on the senses.

• What are the hosts' criticisms of the film?

  The hosts criticize the film's excessive length, its clunky dialogue, and its problematic portrayal of women. They also find the film's twist ending to be unsatisfying and lacking in emotional impact.

• What is the film's connection to the Twilight Zone?

  The hosts compare "Old" to the Twilight Zone for its unsettling and thought-provoking themes, particularly its exploration of the supernatural and the human condition.

• What is the film's connection to the TV show "Lost"?

  The hosts discuss the film's mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements, comparing it to the themes and tropes of "Lost". They also highlight the film's exploration of a mysterious island and its supernatural occurrences.

• How does the film portray mental illness?

  The hosts discuss the film's portrayal of mental illness, criticizing its simplistic and stereotypical representation. They also question the film's handling of the relationship between mental illness and violence.

• What is the film's connection to Big Pharma?

  The film explores the themes of corporate greed and the exploitation of human subjects for medical research. The hosts discuss the film's portrayal of a pharmaceutical company conducting unethical experiments on unsuspecting individuals.

• What is the film's connection to the "Black Mirror" episode "San Junipero"?

  The hosts compare "Old" to "San Junipero" for its exploration of regret and true connections. They also discuss the film's themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life.

• What is the film's connection to the TV show "Fantasy Island"?

  The hosts compare "Old" to "Fantasy Island" for its exploration of the supernatural and its themes of wish fulfillment. They also discuss the film's mysterious island setting and its unexpected twists and turns.

• What are the hosts' overall opinions on the film?

  The hosts have mixed feelings about the film. They acknowledge its strong Twilight Zone vibes and good performances but criticize its excessive length and lack of emotional depth. They also discuss the film's problematic portrayal of women and its unsatisfying twist ending.

Show Notes