This week in the FoG we revive a fan-favorite series that's been requested for years now. In 2019, largely in solidarity with our American immigrant neighbors, we covered a series of international language films we called Speaking in Tongues. The first two volumes came out in rather quick succession, but now -- seven years later -- we kick off volume three with the debut feature film from Academy Award winning director Guillermo del Toro. CRONOS tells the simple fable of Jesus Gris, a grandfather and antiques dealer who stumbles upon a strange device which clasps and cuts into his hand. Soon, Gris begins to change in ways he can't explain, setting him down a grotesque path of pain and gruesome transformation.

We're joined by friend of the show and fellow film critic Thomas Manning to unpack this tightly constructed gem, which showcases both the early filmmaking talents and thematic interests of the landmark director.

Also featuring a discussion with fellow podcast co-host (of the podcast 1ofmystories) Lindsey Dunn about the first episode of DARK, Season 3. We covered Dark Seasons 1 & 2 in our original Speaking in Tongues series. We're excited to be revisiting this series and we really hope you enjoy this kickoff episode!

Patron Only Segment: DARK, Season 3, Episode 1

7:55 - CRONOS

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We conclude our mini-series of adaptations from last year based upon the work of Stephen King with the film that many Constant Readers have been waiting to see for decades. THE LONG WALK was famously the first novel King ever wrote (although not the first he published) and fans have been curious about an adaptation for years. Francis Lawrence (of the Hunger Games films) stepped in to adapt this bleak and deeply humanistic examination of men putting themselves on the line for a grueling walk in which only one of them can emerge the winner.

Starring David Jonsson, Cooper Hoffman, and Mark Hamill as the villainous voice driving each of the participants towards inevitable doom with the promise of untold riches, The Long Walk is a blistering portrait of the ways in which we surrender ourselves to systems literally designed to destroy us. It's also an occasionally disarming picture of the way shared trauma can bond a community, and how friendships can be forged when we see those around us as more than merely a number.

We're joined by friends of the show Joe George and Kate Micham for a thoughtful and open dialogue about the limits of endurance and the stubborn persistence of hope and love. Also featuring a Patron-only WHATCHA segment, this is one we really hope you enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To

8:37 - THE LONG WALK

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have a bonus interview episode for you this week that is a ton of fun. We last welcomed writer/director Pierre Tsigaridis to the show when we discussed his film Traumatika. We welcome him back now to discuss his upcoming film, FRANKIE, MANIAC WOMAN, which hits theaters on April 24th. Co-written with Dina Silva, who stars in the film, Frankie, Maniac Woman tells the blisteringly funny and gore-soaked tale of Francis Ramirez (you can call her Frankie) who has aspirations of being a singer-songwriter in LA. But when she is bombarded by childhood trauma, internalized misogyny, and industry body-shaming she reaches her ultra-violent breaking point.

The film is fearless, presenting a parade of violence with almost gleeful abandon. But amidst its jaw-dropping extremities is a remarkable undercurrent of hysterical comedy and a disarming thread of emotional depth as Frankie battles her conflicting impulses, hopes, and ambitions. Silva's performance is volcanic, creating a truly unique character that is simultaneously endearing and intimidating. And it's all anchored by the steady directorial hand (and supporting performance) from Tsigaridis.

Our conversation with them about this film is full of laughter, just like the film they've made, and with an equally surprising amount of vulnerable heart. It's a film that took us by surprise and we think will do the same for you. So, check your local listings for Frankie, Maniac Woman on April 24th and enjoy this chat we had with Pierre and Dina!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.