Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

There’s a month of summer vacation left, which means there’s still time for a good old Canadian road trip. Who’s in the car, where are you going and, most importantly, what audiobook are you listening to? Audiobook enthusiasts Jael Richardson, Arizona O’Neill and Nathan Maharaj share their suggestions with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud.

Film critics Rad Simonpillai and Kristy Puchko, and culture writer Maura Johnston chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about Tom Holland’s latest turn as Spider-Man, the return of Johnny Depp to the Hollywood spotlight after years of scandal and controversy, and the career of musician Glen Hansard who died this week at the age of 56.

It’s not often you hear someone call director Christopher Nolan’s screenwriting “abysmal.” And that’s just one of many critiques translator Emily Wilson had for Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. Her review has caused quite a stir online, partly because Nolan credits her work with helping him write the adaptation. Adam Nayman and Soraya Nadia McDonald join Elamin Abdelmahmoud on Commotion to discuss what Emily Wilson’s gets right and wrong about Christopher Nolan’s work.

Plus, Montreal’s Fantasia Film Festival is considered to be the largest genre festival in North America - and this year it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Elamin is joined by Montreal film critic Justine Smith - who is also one of the festival’s programmers - to briefly look back on the legacy of Fantasia Fest and some of the big Canadian films premiering at the event this year.

The Polygamist is a new Zulu-language show that follows the life of a wealthy married couple in South Africa as they deal with the pressures of infidelity. It’s currently one of Netflix’s most watched shows. You’ll hear why it has captivated audiences around the world and the conversations it has opened up with culture critics Tayo Bero in Lagos, Nigeria and Zanele Mji in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Plus, stand up comedian Mary Beth Barone is known for her dead pan humour, her podcast Ride with comedian Benito Skinner, and her leading role on the college comedy, Overcompensating. Now, her new standup special, Galaxy Brain, is out. Comedian Ashley Ray joins Commotion to discuss if Barone’s Netflix debut lives up to the hype.

With the passing of legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oliver Jones, Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by principal Montreal Jazz Festival programmer Modibo Keita, jazz educator DJ Andy Williams, and Juno-award winning singer Molly Johnson to look back on Oliver Jones’ legacy and where they see it living on in today’s landscape.