Films for Today

Does ordinary life have an underlying narrative? | "Dazed and Confused" (1993)

Following last week's discussions about enjoying things vicariously through cinema, this week's episode focuses on what some have called the greatest hangout movie of all

Do you know how to chill? | "A Summer's Tale" (1996)

In light of recent discussions about the burden of (supposed) human intelligence, this week's episode contemplates the impact of optimisation tactics in the search for lo

Will AI kill us all? | "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991)

As the development of AI continues to accelerate, this week's episode attempts to identify the deeper roots of humanity's proclivity for self-endangerment via automation

Sbould you get divorced? | "Is This Thing On?" (2025)

Following recent discussions about the art of articulating feelings and emotions in adult relationships, this week's episode centres on Bradley Cooper's recent dramedy, I

Where is God? | "Through a Glass Darkly" (1961)

Featuring a couple of rather obscure symbols and plot points that films discussed in previous weeks have also used, Ingmar Bergman's 1961 existential drama is at the cent

How far-reaching is everyday irresponsibility? | The Ice Storm (1997)

This week's episode consolidates on recent discussions about the symbolism of house design and ignoring looming psychological baggage by examining such ideas through the

What is the true value of the soul? | "Angel Heart" (1987)

After we examined a different Alan Parker film also focused on the soul a few week's ago, this week's episode centres on his 1987 crime thriller, Angel Heart, and carries

Should we fear "the end"? | "The Life of Chuck" (2024)

Following some recent (rather austere) contemplations on the idea of passing things forward through time, this week's episode takes the conversation into slightly more po

Are we destined to be cheated? | "Touki Bouki" (1973)

Following last week's (unrelated) discussions about the concept of deception and films with identical bookends, this week's episode had to centre on Djibril Diop Mambéty'

What is the true power of fiction? | "The Odyssey" (2026) d. Christopher Nolan

Being a true film for today in many more ways than one, Christopher Nolan's newest box office hit, The Odyssey, is the focus of this week's episode, igniting contemplatio

Is there a meaningful distinction between moderate and extreme desire? | "Obsession" (2026) d. Curry Barker

This week's episode is a well-overdue examination of Curry Barker's theatrical debut, Obsession, which reignites discussions from earlier this year about the potentially

What is the future of AI filmmaking? | OMNI “HYPERPHANTASIA” International AI Film Festival w/ Aryeh Sternberg & Travis Rice

In this week's episode, we sit down with the with the founders of the OMNI International AI Film Festival, to discuss all the pressing issues central to current debates c

Is life invariably predictable? | "The Commitments" (1991) d. Alan Parker

Following last week's discussions about the elusiveness of certain political ideas, this week's episode contemplates the tension between the experience of socioeconomics

How should we conserve? | WALL·E (2008) d. Andrew Stanton

Films for Today returns this week with a refreshed discussion about the seemingly thin line between progressivism and conservatism through an examination of Pixar's 2008

Can we break free of deviance? | "Catch Me if You Can" (2002) d. Steven Spielberg

Building on recent discussions of authenticity in storytelling and relationships, this week's episode examines Steven Spielberg's depiction of the infamously dishonest Am

Should storytellers strive for authenticity? | "Blue Heron" (2025) d. Sophy Romvari w/ Sophy Romvari

In this week's special episode we are joined by writer-director Sophy Romvari to discuss her new film, Blue Heron, and its explorations of therapy, fiction and personal s

What does evolution have in store for modern man? | "Jurassic Park" (1993) d. Steven Spielberg

Following recent conversations about the dangers of the archetypal meek masculine neglecting its shadow, this week's episode introduces the concept of the inner primeval

Can you outgrow evil? | "Forbidden Planet" (1956) d. Fred M. Wilcox

In consolidating on last week's discussions, specifically those about the colossal consequences of an un-integrated shadow, this week's episode dives deeper into the them

What does it take to be a real man? | "Little Shop of Horrors" (1986) d. Frank Oz

In light of the ongoing cultural conversation regarding the crisis of masculinity, this week's episode builds on last week's discussion about 'nice guys' and violence by

Is violence ever justifiable? | "Tyrannosaur" (2011) d. Paddy Considine

Following last week's discussions on the complexities of applied piety, this week's episode contemplates the apparent limits on human grace and forgiveness through the le