InSession Film Podcast

On this episode, we discuss our favorite(?) traumatic Disney films and the bold qualities that the studio use to employ in their work! We all remember the feeling of Dumbo and Bambi's mothers, the donkey's in Pinocchio and so many more memorable scenes in the Disney canon. We discuss why these sequences carry weight and what makes them special. Panel: Kristin Battestella, Megan Kearns Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

On this episode, Shadan is joined by Brandon Lewis as we have a postmortem on this year's Oscar season! What are the lessons to take away from the season? What is the state of the industry following the Academy Awards? We have some questions to address as far how the season played out and why it might be a shifting of the tide as we move forward. Visit https://insessionfilm.com/store for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

On this episode, JD and Brendan discuss the new film from the German filmmaker Christian Petzold MIROIRS NO. 3! We are huge fans of Petzold, and that alone intrigued us, but he's back once again with his latest muse Paula Beer. As you could probably guess, MIROIRS NO. 3 has all of the usual Petzold trademarks and great performances, so we had a lot of fun with this one. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, JD and Megan are joined by Ben Miller to discuss Phil Lord and Chris Miller's latest film PROJECT HAIL MARY! The film has opened to incredible reviews and a stellar box office, and while we mostly indulge with high praise, we do offer a few thoughtful questions about the film. Ryan Gosling is incredible and how can you not love Rocky? Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, inspired by Kevin Jacobsen's captivating series of prompts where he asked who you would vote for if the last five Oscar winners (in any particular category) were up against each other, we thought we would do the same but for our InSession Film Awards winners! So it turned into a fun retrospective on our awards winners over the last six years, many of which we still love, but as you may expect, some of our winners may have changed if we had a re-do. We also talk about the incredible box office opening for PROJECT HAIL MARY and we talk about the new trailers for DUNE: PART 3 and SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY! Opening / JD's Approach To Horror (1:14) - Project Hail Mary Box Office (12:43) - Dune and Spider-Man Trailers (23:01) - ISF Awards (52:15) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Episode sponsor: koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Episode sponsor: NordVPN - Get 3 months FREE by clicking here: https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&aff_id=114779 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, Shadan is joined by Christina Jeurling Birro to discuss the 98th Academy Awards and everything that this year's Oscars had to offer! It was quite an extraordinary awards season that was capped off with a pretty good ceremony (despite a few bumps) and some great winners. Visit https://insessionfilm.com/store for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

On this episode, Brendan and Megan break down the A24 horror film UNDERTONE! There's been a lot of talk about the film's terrifying sound design, and how it gets under your skin in a unique and effective way. But also, there's equally been some fascination conversation over its themes and bizarre twists. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, JD is joined by Joey Gentile to discuss the 98th Academy Awards! The ceremony itself was really great, there were a few surprises and overall lots to celebrate with SINNERS and ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER combining for 10 Oscars on the night! - 98th Academy Awards (6:15) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Episode sponsor: koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Episode sponsor: libsyn.com - Get 2 months FREE with the code: ISF Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we discuss the great Guillermo del Toro and his recent work, including FRANKENSTEIN, CRIMSON PEAK and THE SHAPE OF WATER! Panel: Kristin Battestella, Megan Kearns Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

On this episode, JD and Megan break down Maggie Gyllenhaal's latest film THE BRIDE! The conversation around the film has been understandably polarized, but we are grateful for the ambitious swings the film takes. The setup to the film is kind of wild, some of it makes no sense at all, and yet we had a bunch of fun with it. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, JD and Brendan discuss Pixar's latest film HOPPERS! Pixar last decade or so has been all over the place in terms of quality and audience reception, but this seems to be one of Pixar's better efforts of late. But there is one key element that we debate quite heavily in this conversation. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, Shadan is joined by Mark Johnson to discuss their final predictions to the 98th Academy Awards happening this weekend! We've been debating and dissecting awards season for months now, and it's finally here. The Oscars are upon us and it's time to make our final predictions! Visit https://insessionfilm.com/store for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

On this episode, with the 98th Academy Awards taking place this weekend, we talked about the top 5 things we want to see at this year's Oscars! Whether it be the awards themselves, the ceremony or anything in-between, we discuss our hopes and what could make the Oscars memorable. We also delve into our Pixar Draft results from last week, and dive into the box office numbers for both HOPPERS and Maggie Gyllenhaal's THE BRIDE! As we do, there's also some conversation around Pixar itself and the discourse around THE BRIDE! and why Warner Bros.' gamble was worth it. - Pixar Draft Results (2:15) - Hoppers Box Office / Pixar Talk (6:01) - The Bride! Box Office & Discourse (32:43) - 2026 Oscars Wishlist (47:02) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Episode sponsor: koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we discuss the Richard Attenborough musical film adaptation of A CHORUS LINE! It's been a divisive movie throughout the years, and maybe it doesn't all work as a movie, but there's plenty to it as an adaptation that is quite compelling. Panel: Kristin Battestella, Amy Thomasson Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

In this episode, Shadan is joined by Gerald of The Awards Garage to discuss this year's Actor Awards! We saw some big surprises and have three acting categories that are completely up in the air now. It also means Best Picture is a big race as well going into the Oscars. Visit https://insessionfilm.com/store for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

On this episode, JD and Brendan dive into Zak HIlditch's new(ish) zombie film WE BURY THE DEAD, starring an incredible Daisy Ridley! We're a little late to the party here, but the premise here is quite fascinating and the film uses a buffet of zombie lore to establish something unique. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, inspired by HOPPERS jumping into theaters this weekend, we did our Pixar Movie Draft! Pixar's top-end filmography is about as good as it gets, with some of the very best animated movies ever made. This was a competitive and very fun conversation. We also talk about Paramount buying Warner Bros. and why we think it's a very bad move for the industry. And with the Actor Awards happening over the weekend, we wanted to give some thoughts on the current Oscars race. - No Scream 7 (2:52) - Paramount / Warner Bros. (9:18) - Oscars Race (44:20) - Pixar Draft (1:13:14) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Episode sponsor: 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE - Follow us on social media for your chance to win a FREE digital code! Episode sponsor: THE RUNNING MAN - Follow us on social media for your chance to win a FREE Blu-ray! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we discuss some of our favorite vampire movies and why it's one of the best subgenre's in horror! From NOSFERATU to DRACULA to SINNERS, there are so many great vampire movies that not only make for great thrills, but often it's full of incredible queer subtext and eroticism that make them even more captivating. Panel: Kristin Battestella, Megan Kearns Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

In this episode, Shadan is joined by Zak Ahmed and Robin Write to break down this year's BAFTA awards and the stirring discourse that sprouted in the ceremony's aftermath! There is plenty to talk about regarding the winners and how many categories feel even more up in the air now, but we of course had to also address the show's controversy as well. Visit https://insessionfilm.com/store for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, inspired by SCREAM 7 hitting theaters this weekend, we discuss our favorite horror movie kills! The horror genre is full of all kinds of death and carnage, featuring some of the most gnarly thrills that cinema has to offer, and we thought it would be fun to parse though the best sequences that define horror film. JD also opens the show by talking about the Olympics, USA Hockey, Miracle and some of the fallout from the Gold Medal game. Plus, we update our Gore Verbinski ranking from a few week's ago. - Olympics / Hockey / Miracle (0:59) - Gore Verbinski / Pirates Trilogy (35:10) - Top 5 Horror Movie Kills (59:11) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Visit episode sponsor: koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, JD and Erica discuss Michael Mann, oh I'm sorry, I mean Bart Layton's new film CRIME 101! Starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, Layton deeply leans into his inner Mann to deliver a captivating crime thriller. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we discuss our favorite live-action Disney films! Understandably most might think of their animated canon first, but Disney has a surprisingly great variety of live-action films that we love just as much and we had a great time parsing through the films that resonate the most with us. Panel: Megan Kearns, Zita Short Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

In this episode, Shadan is joined by Doug Jamieson to discuss their final predictions to the 2026 BAFTA's! Are all the major categories locked up? Could HAMNET surprise with these awards being on their home turf? We talk about all this and more with our winner predictions. We also spend a few moments discussing last weekend's Indie Spirit Award winners! Where to watch every Oscar nominee: https://insessionfilm.com/chasing-the-gold-how-to-watch-almost-every-2026-oscar-nominee/ Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

On this episode, JD and Brendan discuss Gore Verbinski's new film GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE! Starring a really fun Sam Rockwell and always underrated Haley Lu Richardson, the film is brazen with its satire and darkly very humorous. But its messaging on AI is striking and quite clever. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, JD and Brendan discuss Emerald Fennell's latest film WUTHERING HEIGHTS! As it has been with Fennell, this film has been quite polarizing and given her approach to the material, it's quite understanding why fans of the book would find it off-putting. But she does have cinematic flair that's undeniable. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, Megan Kearns fills in for JD as we discuss our Top 5 epic romance movies! With Valentine's Day over the weekend, we wanted to linger in the spirit of love by talking about the cinematic romances that have resonated the most with us. We also discuss the sad passing of the legendary Robert Duvall and heartbreaking death of James Van Der Beek. - Opening Banter (0:30) - Robert Duvall / James Van Der Beek (2:34) - Top 5 Epic Romance Movies (10:53) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Visit episode sponsor: koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we discuss our favorite movies and performances from the great Dutch actress Carice van Houten! She's had a fascinating career and some extremely notable roles in GAME OF THRONES, BLACK BOOK and BLACK BUTTERFLIES especially. We dig into those and much more in this conversation. Panel: Kristin Battestella, Jaylan Salah Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

On this episode, JD and Megan discuss the French animated LITTLE AMÉLIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAIN! Oscar-nominated and featuring the most striking visuals, this little gem of a movie is really beautiful and poignant, even if it's at times ambitious to a fault. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

In this episode, Shadan and Erica discuss this year's DGA awards winners and where we stand regarding the Oscars race! Does SINNERS still have a chance? What about HAMNET? Or is it just ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER's to lose? We also spend a few moments discussing what we've seen lately and some movies we're looking forward to in the next couple of weeks! Where to watch every Oscar nominee: https://insessionfilm.com/chasing-the-gold-how-to-watch-almost-every-2026-oscar-nominee/ Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, we dive into some Gore Verbinski as we rank his ten feature films, from MOUSE HUNT all the way to A CURE FOR WELLNESS! Not all of his films work, but his ambitious vision has always been something we've admired. We also discuss Sam Raimi's EVIL DEAD trilogy as we recently revisited those movies in prep for last week's draft and we offer up a few thoughts on last weekend's Super Bowl/Halftime Show. Also, a surprise teaser for the new CLIFF BOOTH movie! - Opening Banter (0:30) - Super Bowl / Halftime Show / SB Trailers (2:02) - Poll Results (29:15) - Evil Dead Trilogy (32:30) - Gore Verbinski Ranking (1;05:19) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Visit episode sponsor: koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we discuss our favorite Disney animated films and why some of their boldest, more sophisticated films come from a different era! Even if some of their new movies are still pretty good too. Panel: Kristin Battestella, Megan Kearns Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

On this episode, Shadan is joined by our own Will Bjarnar and Megan Loucks to recap this year's Sundance Film Festival! The festival featured plenty of strong films, but a select few stood out as truly spectacular and we spotlight those in a big way. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

On this episode, we discuss Sam Raimi's new film SEND HELP, starring a phenomenal Rachel McAdams! Raimi's horror sensibilities are back in a big way with this tense, darkly funny survival thriller that also has a surprisingly poignant message given the times. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, we dive into a Sam Raimi movie draft, breaking down and discussing one of the most inventive directors in modern cinema. From EVIL DEAD to SPIDER-MAN to his new film SEND HELP, Raimi's style and legacy is unforgettable. We also talk about the recent passing of comedic legend Catherine O'Hara and we also revisit one of our all-time favorite scores from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END as one cue has been trending on social media recently! - Opening Banter / Send Help Box Office (0:30) - Catherine O'Hara (11:55) - Hans Zimmer 's Pirates Score (21:38) - The Way of the Wind Update (37:04) - Sam Raimi Draft (55:48) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Episode sponsor: ANACONDA (2025) - Follow us on social media for your chance to win a FREE digital code! Visit episode sponsor: koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we discuss our favorite Rob Reiner films and talk about why he was special filmmaker! One that we will miss very much. Panel: Megan Kearns, Amy Thomasson Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

In this episode, Shadan and guest Kenny Miles break down the 2026 BAFTA nominations, digging into the year's biggest surprises, snubs, and front-runners. We spend time on major contenders like Sinners, One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, and Hamnet, discussing why these films connected with voters and what their nominations say about the current state of the race. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki #oscars #awards #baftaawards #nominations #OscarPredictions

On this episode, we break down DEAD MAN'S WIRE, Gus Van Sant's gripping new film based on the real-life 1977 Tony Kiritsis hostage standoff. We dive into Van Sant's restrained direction, the film's slow-burn tension, and how it uses true crime to explore the fight for justice, corruption, and the violence baked into American spectacle. Does it say anything about America's appetite for real-time trauma as entertainment? It's trying to, but does it get there? That's the real question. While we wish the film was more impactful thematically, DEAD MAN'S WIRE fits wonderfully within Gus Van Sant's career — from his fascination with outsiders to his continued interest in moral ambiguity and systems of power. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, JD and Brendan discuss Mascha Schilinski's ambitious and remarkable sophomore effort in SOUND OF FALLING! Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, Shadan Larki joins JD to discuss this year's Oscar nominations (and the Oscars philosophically) and we do a Best Actress nominees draft as we consider the nominees from the 2020s! - Opening Banter (0:30) - 2026 Oscar Nominations (6:54) - Best Actress Draft (59:17) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Visit episode sponsor: koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we discuss our favorite female horror directors and some films that we highly recommend everyone checking out! Panel: Kristin Battestella, Megan Kearns Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

On this episode, Shadan is joined by Amanda Spears to discuss the Oscar nominations for the 98th Academy Awards! SINNERS broke records. Some films surprised. Others were snubbed. We break it all down in this conversation. Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, we discuss our most anticipated movies of 2026! JD also provides a new Stingray update and we dive into a few of our expectations for this year's Oscar nominations. - Opening Banter / ISF Awards Recap (0:30) - Stingray Update (8:30) - Oscar Nominations (25:44) - Top 5 Most Anticipated Movies (1:51:45) Visit insessionfilm.dashery.com to support the show with InSession Film merch! Episode sponsor: ROOFMAN - Follow us on social media for your chance to win a FREE Blu-ray! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, JD and Megan discuss Nia DaCosta's incredible new film 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE! Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, Shadan is joined by Robert Licuria to discuss their final Oscar nomination predictions for the 2026 Academy Awards! Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @ShadanLarki | @eRockReviews

On this episode, inspired by WICKED's success over the last two years, we dive into our favorite whimsical musicals that we would recommend! Panel: Kristin Battestella, Amy Thomasson Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, for Part 2 of our InSession Film Awards, we discuss our Top 10 movies of 2025! It was a great year for cinema and we had a really fun discussion counting down the very best that cinema had to offer at the movies this last year. Don't miss Part 1 where we discuss the best acting, direction, cinematography, overlooked movies and more from film in 2025: https://youtu.be/J8APNZ2CZBo Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Visit this episode's sponsor: https://koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF26 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, we feature our 13th annual InSession Film Awards! We discuss the very best that 2025 had to offer in terms of surprises, overlooked movies, the best acting performances, and so much more when it comes to the film year. - Individual Awards (7:28) - Best Movie Discovery (49:14) - Best Surprise Actor/Actress (56:29) - Best Surprise Movie (1:09:16) - Best Overlooked Movie (1:23:41) - Best Opening/ Closing Scene (1:35:36) - Best Use of Song (1:50:35) - Best Original Score (1:59:13) - Best Animated Movie (2:07:07) - Best International Film (2:14:33) - Best Documentary (2:20:50) - Best Cinematography (2:29:02) - Best Adapted Screenplay (2:38:33) - Best Original Screenplay (2:48:31) - Best Director (2:53:48) - Best Supporting Actress (3:08:00) - Best Supporting Actor (3:16:44) - Best Actress (3:27:08) - Best Actor (3:38:20) Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Visit this episode's sponsor: https://koffeekult.com - Get 15% OFF with the code: ISF25 Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! https://insessionfilm.com/subscribe Follow us on Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, we take a look at David Cronenberg's 1979 film THE BROOD and his 2025 film THE SHROUDS! Both films are unique and personal to Cronenberg, and we have fun diving into why that makes them compelling. Panel: Kristin Battestella, Megan Kearns, Jaylan Salah Visit insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on your podcast app of choice! insessionfilm.com/subscribe

On this episode, JD and Brendan discuss Kaouther Ben Hania's heartbreaking new film THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB! Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

On this episode, JD and Brendan discuss Kristin Stewart's incredible directorial debut THE CHRONOLOGY OF WATER, starring a phenomenal Imogen Poots! Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become a Member today to get exclusive bonus content! Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy