We are back with another episode of Dashboard Discourse and this week we are fully in our witch era. If you have been looking for a podcast that examines current pop culture, debates problematic authors and creators, and reviews one the most anticipated horror comedies of the year, you found it. In this episode we play a full round of Smash or Pass: Witches Edition, covering everyone from the og witch Maleficent and the Disney Channel classics to Hermione Granger, the Sanderson sisters, Sabrina Spellman, and everything in between. We also get into the witchy adjacent staples: tarot, crystals, astrology, covens, Mercury Retrograde, and yes, the Etsy witch discourse.

Then it is time for the main event. We are reviewing Forbidden Fruits, the comedy horror directorial debut from Meredith Alloy and produced by Diablo Cody, the mind behind Jennifer's Body. Set in a Dallas mall at a store called Free Eden, the film follows a coven of young women navigating girlhood, power, and contains some genuinely campy gore. We break down the performances, the fashion inspo, the single location storytelling, mall culture nostalgia, the twist we may or may not have seen coming, and why this movie is absolutely made for the girls.

Media and People of Interest Mentioned in this Episode:

Forbidden Fruits

Mona Lisa Smile

Dead Poets Society

Kiki's Delivery Service

Practical Magic

The Craft

Hocus Pocus

Halloweentown

Twitches

Wizards of Waverly Place

Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Bewitched

Harry Potter

Wicked

Stardust

The Love Witch

The Witches

The Chronicles of Narnia

The Golden Compass

Freaky Friday

American Horror Story: Coven

Haunting of Hill House

Haunting of Bly Manor

You

The Pitt

Jennifer's Body

Carrie

Mean Girls

Clueless

Riverdale

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Hadestown

SNL

Two Broke Chicks (podcast)

Diablo Cody

Meredith Alloy

Lily Reinhart

Lola Tung

Victoria Pedretti

Emma Chamberlain

Alexandra Shipp

Mike Flanagan

M. Night Shyamalan

Jordan Peele

Neil Gaiman

Roald Dahl

JK Rowling

Jane Wickline

Hayley Williams

Harry Styles

Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

In this episode, we went to the theater for Ready or Not 2, the follow-up to the cult-favorite horror-comedy Ready or Not that leans all the way into chaos, gore, and over-the-top storytelling. Going in, our expectations are mixed. Some early film critic reactions are uncertain, and we’re not quite sure if the sequel can live up to the original’s glory. But sometimes, all you really want is a movie that knows exactly what it is.
We break down whether Ready or Not 2 delivers on its promise, from its commitment to the bit to its campy tone, brutal visuals, and crowd-pleasing moments. From jump scares to gallons of very fake "catsup" blood, we talk about what makes this kind of theatrical experience so fun and why it hits differently on the big screen compared to watching at home.
Beyond the movie itself, we dive into a bigger conversation about the current state of the film industry. Why are movies disappearing from theaters so quickly? Are streaming platforms hurting long-term success for certain genres? And what does it mean for mid-budget films, fantasy, and original storytelling when everything is expected to perform instantly?
We also touch on recent watches, including Dead Poets Society, Anniversary, and If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You, while reflecting on how we engage with media in this season of life — from intentional viewing habits to the shift away from physical media and shared theater experiences.
Whether you’re here for the horror, the humor, or the industry conversation, this episode covers everything from chaotic fun at the movies to thoughtful discussion about where film culture is headed next. Buckle up, we have thoughts!

Media mentioned in this episode:
Ready or Not 2
Ready or Not
Dead Poets Society
If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You
Anniversary
My Lady Jane
Sinners
Hamnet
Dead Poets Society
Mona Lisa Smile
Frankenstein
Bride of Frankenstein
Oppenheimer
Barbie
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
The Pitt
Harry Potter
Game of Thrones
The Hobbit
James Bond
Frankenstein
Spider-Man
Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

In this episode, we discuss the latest theatrical release Project Hail Mary (or at least everything we can say about it for right now without spoiling it.) We give you our early reactions and expectations to why this story already feels like it could be a major moment for sci-fi on screen. Whether you’ve read the book or are going in completely blind, we’re unpacking what makes this movie so special and why believe it is deserving of so much attention.
Before the movie review we have a brief yet comprehensive chat on the Academy’s 2026 Oscar Awards. From confusing upsets to long-standing patterns in who actually wins, we’re breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and why some of these results feel frustrating in a way that goes deeper than just “your fave lost.” We cover everything from a historic cinematography win and why it matters to campaign narratives, and why not everything is about Timothee Chalamet.

Media & People of Interest Mentioned in this Episode:
Moonlight
La La Land
Oppenheimer
Parasite
Get Out
Avatar
Frankenstein
The Color Purple
The Banshees of Inisherin
The Martian
This Is Us
Project Hail Mary
The Odyssey
Interstellar
The Hunger Games
Dark Matter
The Echo Wife
Weapons
Hamnet
Sinners
One Battle After Another
Killers of the Flower Moon
Green Book
The Help
Marty Supreme
Wakanda Forever
Turning Point
Barbie
Ryan Coogler
Paul Thomas Anderson
Amy Madigan
Michael B. Jordan
Delroy Lindo
Timothee Chalamet
Misty Copeland
Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

In this episode, we take on AMC’s Screen Unseen, the mystery movie experience where you walk into the theater with no idea what you’re about to watch. For a discounted ticket (or your A-List membership), you’re signing up for a completely blind viewing. It could be anything from a buzzy upcoming release to something totally off your radar.
We break down the thrill (and slight anxiety) of going in blind, the online theories and Reddit guesses leading up to showtime, and what makes Screen Unseen such a fun, albeit risky, way to experience movies. From debating potential picks to reading the subtle clues in the trailers before the reveal, this episode captures the full rollercoaster of the mystery movie night experience.
Once the credits roll, we chat about the film itself, which for this week was (drumroll please...) “Slanted”! This movie is about a high schooler who wants to be white in order to fit in with her peers. It blends dark comedy, social commentary, and light horror elements. We unpack its ambitious premise, exploring themes of race, identity, and societal pressure, and debate whether the film fully commits to its bold ideas or holds itself back.
You’ll hear our thoughts on the film’s tone, performances, and storytelling choices, including its background details, unexpected humor, and moments that feel either intentionally absurd or unintentionally uneven. We also discuss where the movie succeeds, where it falls short, and why its concept feels stronger than its execution.
Whether you’re a Screen Unseen regular, someone who loves taking risks on mystery movies, or just curious about what it’s like to watch a film completely blind, this bonus episode gives you a front-row seat to the experience. Join us for our unfiltered reactions, a few chaotic guesses, and a conversation about a movie that’s equal parts intriguing and frustrating. Hit play to join the Dashboard Discourse.
Media mentioned in this episode:
Tow
Slanted
Forbidden Fruits
The Drama
My Dead Friend Zoe
The Substance
Carrie
Mean Girls
Sex Lives of College Girls
Never Have I Ever
Undertone
Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

In this episode, we review “The Bride!”, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s absolutely chaotic and visually bold reimagining of the Frankenstein story. From its theatrical storytelling style to its strange tonal shifts, we unpack what makes this film feels both mesmerizing and confusing at the same time.

We discuss Jessie Buckley’s captivating performance as the Bride, Christian Bale’s unexpectedly handsome (maybe not creepy enough) monster, and the film’s layered themes of identity and female rage. Along the way, we debate whether the movie’s fragmented narrative is a deliberate artistic choice or simply difficult to follow, and explore how this gothic horror film plays with the unique time periods, narration, and Mary Shelley’s original mythology.

As always, the conversation includes bonus movie-themed chit chat. In this episode, we talk about Pixar’s Hoppers, the experience of seeing films in IMAX, why theater seats might matter more than you think, and AMC’s screen unseen.

Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile wondering if The Bride! is worth seeing, or simply curious about our cheeky new podcast, join us for our unfiltered reactions, a few chaotic tangents, and a conversation about one of the year’s most unusual movie experiences. Hit play to join the Dashboard Discourse.

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Media mentioned in this episode:

• The Bride!
• The Lost Daughter
• The Kindergarten Teacher
• Mona Lisa Smil
• Wuthering Heights
• Frankenstein
• Lisa Frankenstein
• Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstei
• Hoppers
• The Mitchells vs. the Machines
• The Wild Robot
• Flow
• Bluey
• Toy Story franchise
• How to Train Your Dragon
• Wicked
• Plot Twist Podcast
• Red Queen series
• The School for Good and Evil series

Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

In this episode, we discuss the comedy thriller How to Make a Killing, unpacking its tangled web of wealth and family drama while asking a bigger question: Does the film actually deliver on the tension it promises? And maybe more importantly, is this the kind of work we expect to see from a24?
We explore Glen Powell's and Margaret Qualley's performances, discuss the film’s pacing and twists, and debate whether its plot beats and storytelling choices heighten the suspense or hold it back. We also compare the film to other stories that explore the themes of mystery, power, and unreliable characters, including Saltburn, Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, and And Then There Were None.
As always, the conversation includes bonus movie-themed chit chat. In this episode, we chat about our favorite movie snacks and childhood theater memories, and why the magic of seeing a film at AMC Theatres feels so special.
Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile, someone who loves to know if a movie is worth seeing, or just curious about our cheeky new podcast, join us for our unfiltered takes, a few side tangents, and a celebration of cinema in all its messy, entertaining glory. Hit play to join the Dashboard Discourse.

Connect with us:

• ⁠Substack⁠

• ⁠Instagram⁠

• ⁠Youtube⁠

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Media mentioned in this episode:
And Then There Were None
Fast & Furious franchise
Gone Girl
Hamnet
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Lisa Frankenstein
Maggie Gyllenhaal (Director)
May December
Midwinter Break
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Murder Mystery
Nosferatu
Project Hail Mary
Saltburn
Sharp Objects
Sinners
That '70s Show
The Office
The Sex Lives of College Girls
Your Monster
Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

Discover how Emerald Fennell’s bold decision to cast a white actor as Heathcliff sparks a long-standing debate about race and representation in classic stories.

We break down the cultural implications of erasing or altering racial identities in adaptations and why the choices filmmakers make matter more than ever. You'll hear candid takes on the importance of authenticity, the influence of social media on perception, and the challenge of balancing artistic liberty with respect for original works.

Why does who stars in these films matter in shaping broader cultural narratives? Whether you’re a die hard cinephile, a fan of literary adaptations, or simply curious about our cheeky new podcast, this episode invites you into a thoughtful and unfiltered conversation.

Join us for our unfiltered, nuanced opinions and a deep dive into the intersections of art and identity. Perfect for viewers eager to understand the bigger picture behind whats playing on the silver screen. Hit play to join the Dashboard Discourse!

Connect with us:

• Substack

• Instagram

• Youtube

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Media mentioned in this episode:

• Wuthering Heights (Book)
• “Wuthering Heights” (Movie)
• Primate
• Nope
• IT (2017 version)
• Poltergeist
• The Shining
• Saltburn
• Promising Young Woman
• Bad Cinderella
• Parasite
• Zero to Well Read Podcast
• The Odyssey
• The Winter’s Promise
• Hamnet
• Bridgerton
• Heated Rivalry
• The Kissing Booth
• Gypsy Rose
• Uglies
• Twilight
• The Caterbury Tales
• Jane Eyre
• Wicked
• Sinners
• Steal Like an Artist

Thanks for listening, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about.

Join Jess and Grace, two proud AMC A-listers on their way to the movies. Hop in the car where we chat about life, the digital zeitgeist, and of course, our thoughts on the latest on the silver screen.

Let us be your DD.

Find us on Substack.