Performance Anxiety

In this especially deep episode, Maren and Alex discuss a performance that transcends its political constraints, what art can and can’t do, and ask if Cleopatra is a Kween. Read more

We’re back with our second season! Maren and Alex analyse the phenomenal popularity of Pedro Pascal, ask how he is and isn’t a leading man, and nearly revive the term… Read more

In this special bumper edition, Alex and Maren discuss the Academy Awards; where they came from, what the 2023 ceremony represents today, and what kind of films the Academy may… Read more

Now pay attention. Alex and Maren analyse the Bond films as a genre, speculate how Bond “will return” and ask What Would Barbara Broccoli Do? Read more

Maren and Alex discuss what puts a film in the anti-war genre, gorgeously confusing cinematography and why Timothée Chalamet couldn’t have been in this film. Read more

Alex and Maren discuss what makes a performance Oscar-worthy, what it means to be cancelled, and why Cate Blanchett is an alien queen.  Read more

In this special taster minisode Maren and Alex discuss Freud, the uncanny and comedians as actors – all within 6 minutes. Read more

Maren and Alex talk about biopics, analyse the difference between screen presence and a performer’s real life qualities, and show why only Whitney Houston should sing One Moment in Time. Read more

Alex and Maren discuss James Cameron’s love of hubris, the need for humanity in a performance and Kate Winslet’s mouth.  Read more

Maren and Alex discuss Emma Corrin’s performance as a non-binary person in the new Netflix adaptation of Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022), and wonder “why is the past so cold?”  Read more

Why did Billy Eichner’s gay romcom Bros (2022) underperform at the box office? Should gay roles only be played by gay actors? And what’s all this got to do with… Read more

Maren Thom and Alex Dale introduce themselves and the podcast before analysing Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson’s performance in Black Adam. Read more