470: Actor Alexej Manvelov — On His Standout Performance as Akram in 'Dept. Q' and His Remarkable Journey
We’re thrilled to welcome actor Alexej Manvelov to the show. His standout portrayal of Akram in Netflix’s hit Dept. Q has made the character one of this season’s most acclaimed and beloved. In Scott Frank’s adaptation of the bestselling novels, Manvelov plays Akram, a former Syrian police officer and refugee who joins Edinburgh’s cold-case unit alongside Detective Carl Mørck (Matthew Goode). His subtle, magnetic performance has made Akram both a fan favorite and a critical standout. Manvelov shares with Christina how he built the role, the choices behind key scenes, and his remarkable personal journey — from growing up in the Soviet Union to immigrating to Sweden at age ten, and pursuing his acting dreams while working night shifts. With acclaimed roles in Top Dog and Chernobyl, his turn in Dept. Q cements Manvelov as one of today’s most captivating screen talents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
23 Jun 39min
468: Best Films of the Decade (So Far!) with Guest Ryan McQuade
On this episode, Christina is joined by writer and critic Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) for the fun (and difficult!) exercise of ranking their favorite films of the decade so far, from 2020 through 2024. Tune in for passionate picks, tough calls, unexpected choices, a few controversial rankings, and plenty of love for the movies that have defined these first five years! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13 Jun 1h 33min
467: A Conversation with Tony Gilroy — Andor Season 2, Revolution, and the Forces & Choices That Drive Us
Creator of Andor and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, The Bourne films) joins Christina for a wide-ranging conversation about the groundbreaking Star Wars prequel series — a show that’s as politically urgent as it is thrilling. With the second and final season now complete, they look back at the creative journey. They explore the big themes at the heart of Andor: found family, sacrifice, fascism, moral ambiguity, and the question of why good people do bad things. Plus: how the politics of Andor resonate in today’s world, what it’s like working within the Disney machine, and the creative complexities behind bringing such an ambitious story to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5 Jun 38min
Episode 466: And That’s a Wrap: Cannes 2025 with guest Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch
Joining Christina is film critic and writer Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch as they wrap up the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. From what it was like covering this year’s festival, to the Palme d’Or winners, major Neon and MUBI acquisitions, standout titles from Joachim Trier and Spike Lee, The Secret Agent, The History of Sound, and more—this episode dives into all the unforgettable moments that made this edition one for the books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 Mai 1h 7min
465: Dispatch 5 from Cannes 2025. Interview: Stellan Skarsgård (‘Sentimental Value’)
In this special dispatch from the Croisette, Christina is joined by the brilliant and effortlessly cool Stellan Skarsgård, starring in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value—a strong Palme d’Or contender at this year’s festival. Skarsgård plays Gustav, a once-renowned director who tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter by casting her in his comeback film. They discuss Sentimental Value, the state of cinema and the world, why Skarsgård often chooses Norwegian films over Swedish ones, the importance of good catering—and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 Mai 13min
464: Dispatch 4 from Cannes 2025: The Phoenician Scheme, Pillion, Urchin & The Chronology of Water. Guest John Bleasdale, critic & author
Christina is joined by critic and author John Bleasdale (The Magic Hours: The Films and Hidden Life of Terrence Malick) for a new dispatch from the Croisette. They dive into some of the most talked-about titles at the festival, including The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson, Pillion starring Alexander Skarsgård, and two films directed by actors: Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water and Harris Dickinson’s Urchin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
19 Mai 38min
463: Dispatch 3 from Cannes 2025: Eddington, The Plague, Sound of Falling & Mission: Impossible with Ryan McQuade
🎬 Dispatch 3 from Cannes 2025Christina is joined once again by Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) for a new dispatch from the Croisette. They dive into some of the festival’s buzziest titles so far, including Ari Aster’s Eddington, The Plague, Sound of Falling. Plus, thoughts on the latest Mission: Impossible. In other news: Pop Culture Confidential which was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 90 Pop Culture Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/pop_culture_podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
17 Mai 31min
