“Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect.” This simple, yet expansive idea frames the timely new release, The Substance, a hyper-stylized modern fairy tale that heavily satirizes Hollywood and the beauty industry. Nick and Sophia thoroughly break down this wildly thrilling body horror award winner from Cannes, including: Demi Moore’s daring performance, the gruesome prosthetic and makeup effects, the meaning behind its many movie references, and its continued awards potential. If you haven’t seen the film yet (we definitely recommend finding a packed screening), there’s a spoiler warning mid-episode (22:54) in case you decide to revisit later.

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

More content including updated nomination predictions @ oscarwild.squarespace.com

Now that all of the Big Five film festivals (Berlin, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, and Venice) have ended and handed out their awards, it’s time for Sophia and Nick to recap how their premieres will influence the rest of awards season. Listen as they discuss initial reactions from Venice, Telluride (18:31), and TIFF (37:21), and preview some releases coming at the New York Film Festival (46:21). Afterwards, they answer some fun listener questions related to buzzy performances and their chances at competing on Survivor, older films that would pair well with recent releases, and some category specific possibilities, like in Screenplay or Picture. If you’re curious about what audiences think of Anora, Conclave, Saturday Night, The End, Nightbitch, The Brutalist, Maria, Hard Truths, or The Last Showgirl (with Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis), or want to learn more about these movies, then this is the episode for you!

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @oscarwildpod

Follow Sophia @sophia_cim

Follow Nick @sauerkraut27

More content including updated nomination predictions @ oscarwild.squarespace.com

Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Even though the yearly transition from the dog days of summer into sweater weather always feels too abrupt, it also means that there’s an exciting crop of new releases on its way! To talk about over 40 of these movies headed to the big screen and on streaming, Nick and Sophia are joined by Benjamin VanHoose, @People’s Associate Editor, Movies. Listen as they highlight blockbusters and indie films alike being released in September, October (27:34), November (44:42), and December (1:04:50). Are you a fan of horror? Then The Substance, Heretic, or Nosferatu might be for you. Looking for a family night at the theater? Check out showtimes for The Wild Robot, Transformers One, Moana 2, or Mufasa: The Lion King. Let us know what your most anticipated movie of the fall is!

Follow Benjamin at https://people.com/author/benjamin-vanhoose/ or on Instagram @benjamin_vanhoose and Twitter @BenVanHoose

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @oscarwildpod

Follow Nick @sauerkraut27

Follow Sophia @sophia_cim

Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich