Sisters and the Stars

In this episode, Olivia gives her review of the documentary El Tren y La Península, by Sky Richards and Andreas Kruger Foncerrado from Mexico! Released in 2023, this documentary is about the controversy of building the “Maya Train” through the Yucatan Peninsula and Mayan territory. Olivia discusses the beautiful contrasting shots, very effective use of sound, and the exploitation of Mayan culture for tourism. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

Which movie are Olivia and Emily rooting for Best Picture?? Hint: it’s definitely not Oppenheimer, and surprisingly not Barbie. Listen in as Olivia and Emily talk about the drama surrounding this year’s Oscars and predict the winners from the following categories:Best ActorBest Supporting ActorBest ActressBest Supporting ActressBest Animated FilmCinematographyCostumeDirectingFilm EditingBest International FilmMakeup & HairstylingMusic (Original Score)Music (Original Song)Adapted ScreenplayOriginal ScreenplayBest PictureJump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

Emily and her dad praise this film as they discuss society’s obsession with survival stories, how this movie amazingly didn’t need to give us any heroes, and the power of not over sensationalizing. Wait till the end to hear their dad’s own survival (ish) story on a mountain.In this last episode with Emily and their dad, they talk about the film Society of the Snow, directed by J.A. Bayona, starring Enzo Vogrincic, Matías Recalt, Agustín Pardella, and Esteban Kukuriczka, released in December 2023. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

Will this movie become a Christmas rewatch? Emily and her dad discuss how this film beautifully captured the complexity of human nature, the power of empathy, and the duality of the elders teaching the youth and the youth teaching the elders. In this episode, Emily is joined again by their dad as they discuss the film The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne, starring Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, released in October 2023.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

Emily and Olivia’s dad finally makes an appearance! Listen as Emily and her dad, Dr. Jim Paruk (author of “Loon Lessons” and avid fan of the book “The Boys in the Boat”), talk about their love for the story, how the movie didn’t over-sensationalize, the cinematography, character development, and how the beginning and end can make or break a movie… and how this one broke it. In this episode, Emily is joined by their dad as they discuss the film Boys in the Boat, directed by George Clooney, starring Callum Turner, Joel Edgerton, and Hadley Robinson, released in December 2023. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

Did this movie successfully portray Snow’s origin story? Listen as Olivia and Emily dig into why this film wasn’t a standout, the difficulties of book-to-movie adaptations, how the pacing and directing were off, and why prequels are so intriguing. In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, directed by Denis Villeneuve, starring Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Viola Davis, and Peter Dinklage, released in November 2023. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film Dune directed by Denis Villeneuve, starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Oscar Isaac released in 2021. Liv and Em dig into the stunning aesthetics, the disconnect to the story and how that leads to underwhelming performances, and the comparison between Avatar and Ender’s Game to Dune, and can we get rid of the white savior complex soon? Please??Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily jump over to the world of television to discuss Season 2 of the popular TV show Heartstopper directed by Euros Lyn, starring Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, and Olivia Coleman. Olivia and Emily dig into their love for this show, Charlie and Nick’s coming out journeys, how this show is for all the queers, and when and why we cried. Delve back into 10th grade health class as Liv and Em talk about consent and the responsibility of film to recondition the societal norm and change our fantasy of romance to a healthier version.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

The Barbenheimer hype doesn’t stop. Olivia and Emily continue to discuss the influence these two films have on society and dish out more nuggets to chew on, such as why Barbie is NOT anti-man, how you can love a message but still not like a movie, and the variety of ways you can reclaim power. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh. Listen to Olivia and Emily’s hot take on why this film didn’t land for them. They discuss the alpha male energy, their disappointment in the reinforced stereotypes of women, and the lack of clarity and direction of the story. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, and Will Ferrell.Olivia and Emily dig into gender stereotype swapping, the pros and cons of the campy style, how it’s not anti-man, and of course, clothes and body image.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film Asteroid City, directed by Wes Anderson, starring Jason Shwartzmann, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Adrien Brody, and Edward Norton. Olivia and Emily discuss the beautiful ambiguity of story and meaning, music motifs, Wes Anderson’s cinematography, and how Asteroid City connects all of humanity in our search for a greater meaning. Bonus: A surprise acting history lesson from Emily.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily talk about the hype surrounding the release of “Barbenheimer,” aka “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Olivia and Emily discuss their nerves for “Barbie” from a woman's perspective due to the loaded topics that surround the infamous doll, the quick changes that must occur between viewings of both movies, and finally, is “Oppenheimer” Oscar bait?Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse, directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, starring Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, and Jason Shwartzmann. Olivia and Emily dig into our opinions of what makes a good sequel, the overdue diversity, the incredible voice acting, and how these films revolutionize the industry and are our favorite superhero movies.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily talk about their preference on artistic films over escapist films. Also hear them discuss how films build empathy, the ethics of the film industry, and if "Shrek" could be considered a cult-classic. And of course, this episode isn't short of good ol' sister bantah! Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, listen to Olivia and Emily’s initial reactions to the 2023 Oscar Nominations. Hear their thoughts and opinions on the nominees and their predictions for categories such as Best Actor and Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and of course, Best Picture. Challenge: count how many times Emily says “Alas” in the episode.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film The Banshees of Inisherin, directed by Martin McDonagh, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, and Barry Keoghan. Olivia and Emily dig into the importance of location and valuing kindness, how the animals added humanity, the unnerving music, and the question: what does it mean to live a good life?Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film Avatar: The Way of Water, directed by James Cameron, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet.In this film, Olivia and Emily discuss the lackluster connection with the caricatured kids, how the dialogue TOLD instead of SHOWED, escapism vs. realism, white savior complex, and how James Cameron is turning the Avatar movies into TV show episodes. Wait to the end to hear Liv and Em’s philosophy on what makes a great film! Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Olivia and Emily discuss the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, directed by Ryan Coogler, starring Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta, Angela Bassett, and Lupita Nyong’o.Olivia and Emily dig into the misrepresentation of the Mayan culture and Olivia’s personal experience, the scientific faults of the Talokanil, and how the world grieves for Chadwick Boseman. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film The Wonder directed by Sebastián Lelio, starring Florence Pugh, Kíla Lord Cassidy, and Tom Burke.Olivia and Emily dig into whether or not the fourth wall break aided or took away from the story, humanity's obsession with finding the extraordinary, and their love for the cinematography, the acting, and the intellectual stimulus.As a bonus, get a mini scientific lesson on the principle of “Occam’s Razor.”Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film The Menu directed by Mark Mylod, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Fiennes, and Nicholas Hoult.Olivia and Emily discuss the humorous resemblance to Chef’s Table, expertise culture, capitalism, and romanticism of suffering artists.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film Blonde directed by Andrew Dominik, starring Ana de Armas, Adrien Brody, Xavier Samuel, and Bobby Cannavale. Olivia and Emily discuss the re-objectification of Marilyn Monroe in this film by how the male gaze dominates the shots, how the art obscures the story, and how being blonde is one of the only characteristics we learn about Marilyn Monroe. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film Don’t Worry Darling directed by Olivia Wilde, starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, and Chris Pine. Olivia and Emily dig into the lazy world building, the drama of casting Harry Styles, and Florence Pugh’s heroic attempt of out-acting a bad script. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film The Woman King directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, and John Boyega. Olivia and Emily dig into how this film surprised them in many ways: from the interesting use of language, the unexpected levity, choice of villain, and should it have been a limited series?Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film Top Gun: Maverick, directed by Joseph Kosinski, starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, and Jon Hamm.Olivia and Emily dig into Miles Teller’s mustache, toxic masculinity, the romance, and how the movie could have gone deeper. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film The Tragedy of Macbeth, directed by Joel Coen, starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. Released December 25, 2021.Olivia and Emily dig into an Oscar worthy set, the incredible witches, new interpretations of the story, and Emily’s Ross hypothesis.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film Passing, directed by Rebecca Hall, starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga. Released October 27, 2021. Olivia and Emily dig into the metaphoric use of the film being in black and white, colorism, Irene and Claire’s complex characters, and Olivia and Emily’s completely opposite interpretations of the end. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film Encanto, directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush, original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, starring Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, and John Leguizamo. Released November 24, 2021.Olivia and Emily dig into diversity, issues with movie-musicals, and the desperate need for the world to discuss mental health. Listen till the end to hear these two sisters go off about their favorite animated films. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film The Lost Daughter, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, starring Olivia Coleman, Dakota Johnson, and Jessie Buckley. Released December 17, 2021.Emily and Olivia talk about the non-judgmental storytelling, titles and their expectations, and share their female perspective on the untold side of motherhood. Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film Don’t Look Up, directed by Adam McKay, starring Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, Mark Rylance, Timothée Chalamet, and Jonah Hill. Released December 5, 2021. Emily and Olivia dig into the quirky film style, characteristics of human nature (politics, media, tribalization), another powerful Peter, and how justice is served in the end. Bonus: catch a glimpse into the Paruk sister’s glossary of made-up words and idioms.Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the film The Power of the Dog, directed by Jane Campion, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Jesse Plemons. Released November 17, 2021. Emily and Olivia dig into the sibling dynamics, the epic banjo scene, questions of masculinity, and the glorious scenery of *cough cough* Montana?Jump into the conversation: Instagram: @sistersandthestarsYoutube: @sisterandthestarsEmail: [email protected]