Join us as we discuss the 2025 Norwegian comedy drama 'Sentimental Value' starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning. This film is directed by Joachim Trier, whose previous film, The Worst Person in the World, was nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature at the 94th Academy Awards. Joe and Ryan gush about this film and why it is their favorite film of 2025. We round out the episode by discussing the oh-so-meaty topic of what makes a great work of art.

In this episode, we discuss the 2025 indie thriller 'Die My Love' starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. This film, directed by Lynne Ramsay, is based on the 2012 novel Die, My Love by Ariana Harwicz, and it premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Ryan shares the three reasons why he believes leading lady Jennifer Lawrence is getting so much Oscar buzz for her portrayal of Grace, a young mother battling postpartum depression with very little help from her distant husband Jackson, played by Robert Pattinson. Die My Love also stars LaKeith Stanfield and screen legends Sissy Spacek and Nick Nolte. We round out our episode by discussing the theme of knowing when it's time to let go and hearing a personal story related to this theme from our very own Joe Parente.

In this episode, we discuss the 2025 foreign language film 'It Was Just an Accident'. This film is directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi and was this year's Palme d'Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival. Panahi made this film in secret without authorization from the Iranian government. Some of the film's content is based on his own experiences and those of his fellow inmates he met while imprisoned in Evin Prison in Tehran. We round out our discussion by breaking down the penultimate scene of the film and discussing the theme of what it means to make a real, heartfelt confession.

In this episode we give our movie review of the 2025 hidden gem 'Steve' out now on Netflix. The film stars an extraordinary cast led by Cillian Murphy, Jay Lycurgo, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson. It is based on the 2023 novella written by author Max Porter. It is a heartwarming story about love, passion, commitment, mental health, and so much more. We break down the film's cinematography, production design, performances, music, and storytelling. And we round out our discussion by breaking down the theme of giving when you're on empty and how it is expressed in the film.

In this episode, we discuss the 2025 Disney film Tron: Ares directed by Joachim Rønning (Bourne Identity) and starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jeff Bridges. We break down the film's thematic message of legacy, and how it is both a source of motivation and a weight for characters Eve Kim (Greta Lee) and Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters). Hosts Ryan Vanderhei and Heidi Roodvoets discuss if they feel a sense of legacy in their own lives and how that affects the way they live. Do you have a legacy to live up to?

In this episode, we discuss the 2025 Apple TV film The Lost Bus directed by Paul Greengrass (Bourne Identity) and starring Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, and Yul Vasquez. We break down the important thematic messaging in the movie of altruism, and how lead characters Kevin McKay and Mary Ludwig put the lives of 22 children above themselves. If the world had more people like Kevin and Mary, the world would be a MUCH better place.

Would you consider yourself an altruistic person? Let us know in the comments!

In this episode of beyond the frame hosts Joe, Ryan, and Heidi, discuss the 2025 A24 indie film 'The Smashing Machine' directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Ryan Bader. We give our honest reviews, reactions, and thoughts on the performances and craftsmanship of the film. We also break down the theme of what it really means to have someone's back and how that theme is expressed in the movie.

A film analysis and movie breakdown of the 2012 film 'The Master'. In this episode we explore the question the master asks us: Is it possible to live life without a master? Paul Thomas Anderson's magnum opus is an extraordinary cinematic achievement that explores human struggle, belief, cultism, and so much more.