Ryan Coogler’s 'Sinners' is one of the best, boldest movies of the year.Schmear and Sena Adjei dive in rapturously, starting with their big-picture impressions and in-theater experiences. They break down Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s creative partnership, the film’s development, and then go deep on the filmmaking, performances, standout scenes, and major themes.They wrap with thoughts on the film’s reception and box office, the current state of Black horror, what’s next for Coogler—and three films each to watch if you’re craving more of 'Sinners.'Host: Gabriel FriebergGuest: Sena AdjeiProducer: Pavlo MelnykMusic: Justin FriedmanWATCH ON YOUTUBEYouTubeFOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIALetterboxdInstagramTikTok
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1:20:03
76 - 'The Last of Us' S2 E1, A24's 'Warfare'
'The Last of Us' is BACK...but is it any good?Schmear is joined by Sena Adjei to break down the Pedro Pascal-led series, reflecting on the highs and lows of Season 1 before diving into the S2 premiere, "Future Days." They talk about new cast members like Kaitlyn Dever and Catherine O’Hara, why Sena’s underwhelmed so far, and whether they’re emotionally in for the long haul.Then, Schmear links up with Dan Monaghan of Reel Takes to dissect 'Warfare'—Alex Garland’s explosive, hotly debated follow-up to 'Civil War,' co-directed with Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza. They unpack the film’s big ideas, the discourse it’s sparked, and why 'Warfare' stands out as a raw, boots-on-the-ground war story—before sharing their top picks from the “war is hell” canon.Host: Gabriel FriebergGuest: Sena Adjei, Dan Monaghan Producer: Pavlo MelnykMusic: Justin FriedmanWATCH ON YOUTUBEYouTubeFOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIALetterboxdInstagramTikTok
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1:00:27
75 - 'The Pitt' Finale with Whitaker and Javadi (!) and 'The Studio' E3 and E4
'The Pitt,' which wrapped up last night, is one of the best shows of 2025, and joining the SchmearCast are two of its amazing stars, Gerran Howell (Dennis Whitaker) and Shabana Azeez (Victoria Javadi)!!First up, Jesse Aaronson returns to break down episodes 3 and 4 of 'The Studio.' Schmear and Jesse re-engineer their expectations for the sitcom before diving into "The Note" and "The Missing Reel" and discussing the guest cameos from Anthony Mackie, Zac Efron, and Olivia Wilde. Then Gerran Howell (Whitaker) unpacks that powerful scene with Dr. Robby in Episode 14 and how Noah Wyle served as an amazing mentor. Howell talks the importance of great sneakers on set and what Day 1 living with Trinity Santos (Isa Briones) looks like.After that, Schmear and Shabana Azeez discuss the background of her brilliant, precocious character "Victoria Javadi" and what drives her. Azeez also answers who cracked her up most on set, the biggest differences in healthcare in the USA vs. Australia, and her favorite 'The Pitt' moment.Host: Gabriel FriebergGuest: Jesse Aaronson, Gerran Howell, Shabana AzeezProducer: Pavlo MelnykMusic: Justin FriedmanWATCH ON YOUTUBEYouTubeFOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIALetterboxdInstagramTikTok
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1:03:48
74 - 'The White Lotus' Finale - S3 E8 - "Amor Fati"
'White Lotus' S3 comes to an explosive, divisive close.Schmear and Alison Sivitz (Bald Ann Dowd) reunite one last time to break down the action-packed 90-minute finale, “Amor Fati.” Schmear defends the episode overall before the two dive into the twists and turns. Alison makes a bold 180 on Saxon Ratliff, while Schmear praises the fateful, artful Lachlan scene. They unpack the climactic ending and the moments that fell short.The episode wraps with final thoughts on the season, theory-brained fandom, and predictions for White Lotus S4—both thematic and literal.Host: Gabriel FriebergGuest: Alison SivitzProducer: Pavlo MelnykMusic: Justin FriedmanWATCH ON YOUTUBEYouTubeFOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIALetterboxdInstagramTikTok
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1:13:59
73 - 'The White Lotus' S3 E7 - "Killer Instincts"
In 'The White Lotus’s' penultimate episode, “Killer Instincts,” this roller coaster season barrels ahead with a sharp focus on the nature of violence.Schmear and Alison Sivitz return to break it all down (2:05)—Rick’s cockamamie Bangkok scheme (10:39), the ladies on the warpath (14:47), and the monastery misadventure (17:50). Schmear casts a wary eye on Mook, while Alison unpacks her complicated feelings about Saxon and Chelsea (25:20). After analyzing the eventful nights for multiple characters, they wrap with bold predictions for the finale (41:10).Host: Gabriel FriebergGuest: Alison SivitzProducer: Pavlo MelnykMusic: Justin FriedmanWATCH ON YOUTUBEYouTubeFOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIALetterboxdInstagramTikTok
"Unpacking the Hype, Elevating the Unknown." The Schmear Hunter reviews and breaks down the best and latest across movies, TV, and more. Expect riveting conversations, discerning analysis, and curated opinions. Watch better, scroll less, ace dinner parties.
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