'It Was Just an Accident' And What it Means to Truly Confess
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.
--------
40:16
--------
40:16
'Steve' And Giving When You're Already On Empty
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.
--------
49:11
--------
49:11
'Tron: Ares' And The Weight of Legacy
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?
--------
38:56
--------
38:56
'The Lost Bus' And The Value Of Altruism In Society
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, it would be a MUCH better place. Would you consider yourself an altruistic person?
--------
46:47
--------
46:47
'The Smashing Machine' And What It Really Means To Have Someone's Back
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 is expressed in the movie.
The self improvement podcast for lovers of film and TV! Our favorite fictional movies and tv shows can teach us valuable life lessons. Join Ryan Vanderhei, Joe Parente, and Heidi Roodvoets weekly as they explore the newest and most popular movies and shows and how the lessons they teach us can be applied to our own lives.
Brasil