Episode 96: Eddington This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang rides into the dust and disinformation of Ari Aster’s 2025 neo-Western Eddington. Set during the upheaval of 2020, the film pits Joaquin Phoenix’s stoic, conspiracy-prone sheriff Joe Cross against Pedro Pascal’s pragmatic mayor Ted Garcia in a small New Mexico town splintered by mask mandates, social media warfare, and secrets. Craig sounds the warning in Producer’s Notes (9:59), rallying the posse to get ready; Alain draws the map of conflict in the Beauclair Synopsis (20:57), threading the political grievance, personal betrayal, and escalating paranoia. Chris then steps into Philosopher’s Corner (41:16), tuning into the film’s narrative pulse. At The Round Table (54:36), the gang debates whether Eddington mirrors our fractured moment or indulges in fever dreams, before Reviews (1:28:46) and Mailbag (1:37:54) bring listener dispatches from the divide. As always, we tackle the philosophical and non-philosophical standoffs within, as every showdown leaves a mark. 🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Ameri-cana Pale Ale by Vacay Brew Company (Calgary, AB)
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1:47:25
Philosophy In Film - 095 - Sinners
Episode 95: Sinners This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang steps into the blood-soaked confessional of Ryan Coogler’s 2025 thriller, Sinners. Nestled in the indie-crime-vampire-redemption-gangster genre, the film follows Eli Morgan, a disgraced pastor-turned-defense attorney, as he’s pulled into the moral murk of faith, failure, and a client who might not be entirely human. Craig hacks away at Producer’s Notes (9:37) with only slight collateral damage, while Alain cracks open the Book of Beauclair (21:04) to lay out Eli’s twilight descent. Chris then lights a candle for Philosopher’s Corner (47:20), tuning into the film’s musical language, where brooding jazz and sacred overtones echo themes of guilt, redemption, and longing. At the Round Table (53:10), the gang debates whether Sinners bites into something meaningful or just bares its fangs, before Reviews (1:43:22) and Mailbag (1:55:35) offer closing testimony from the congregation. As always, we reflect on the philosophical and non-philosophical burdens carried through the film’s long dark night, because even the damned listen close. 🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Irish Red Ale by Sea Change Brewing (Edmonton, AB)
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Philosophy In Film - 094 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Episode 94: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Our long journey through Middle-earth reaches its end as the gang takes on the towering finale of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy: The Return of the King. Craig lights the beacons with Producer’s Notes (8:03), rallying the realm for the final leg of our quest. Alain draws his sword for the Beauclair Synopsis (20:22), charting the last stand against darkness with Aragorn’s path to the throne and Frodo’s climb toward Mount Doom. Chris raises the light of Eärendil in Philosopher’s Corner (47:28), exploring the steadfast, selfless resolve of Aragorn, whose enduring hope inspires unity and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The Black Gate then opens for a hearty discussion at The Round Table (1:00:16), before Reviews (1:54:04) and Mailbag (2:05:41) make the final climb in this epic and enduring saga. As always, we reflect on the philosophical and non-philosophical burdens carried along the film’s long road—because even at the end of all things, there’s still light to be found. 🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Turning Tides Hazy IPA by Ale Architect X Bent Stick Brewing Co. X Cabin Brewing Co. (All three from Edmonton, AB)
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2:15:42
Philosophy In Film - 093 - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The battle for Middle-earth rages on as Philosophy in Film journeys into The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. This episode delves into the shifting alliances, moral dilemmas, and heroic struggles that define the second chapter of Peter Jackson’s legendary trilogy. Craig sounds the Horn of Helm’s Deep with Producer’s Notes (9:02), while Alain embarks on a perilous march through Synopsis Pass (19:35), charting the intertwined fates of Frodo, Aragorn, and the fractured Fellowship. Chris then lights the way in Philosopher’s Corner (42:38), exploring Sam’s rally of resilience, perseverance, and the fight for a better world. The Round Table (50:34) charges headfirst into the film’s depiction of war, corruption, and perseverance, before Reviews (1:48:24) and #Mailbag (1:58:28) bring messages from the realm of listeners. As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie—because when all hope seems lost, sometimes the smallest light can guide the way. TWO Featured Beers by Born Brewing Co. (Calgary, Alberta) 1 - Early Dawn Earl Grey Pale Ale 2 - Chasing Daylight Black IPA Sponsor this episode: Magic Mind - www.magicmind.com/pif20 Use CODE: PIF20 at checkout to receive 20% off any 1-time purchase, or 48% off your first subscription!
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Philosophy In Film - 092 - Anora
The gang at Philosophy in Film embarks on a wild ride with Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning dark comedy, Anora. This episode explores the intricate narrative of Anora Mikheeva, a Brooklyn-based sex worker portrayed by Mikey Madison, whose impulsive marriage to Vanya Zakharov, the son of a Russian oligarch, leads to unforeseen challenges when his family intervenes. Craig reveals his impulsivity as he proposes with Producer’s Notes (7:39), setting the stage for Alain’s 4-carat Beauclair Synopsis (22:18), where he lays out the twists and turns of Anora’s high-stakes journey. Chris then steers Philosopher’s Corner (37:50), examining the transactional and emotional dynamics at play, and what they reveal about power, autonomy, and human connection. The Round Table (49:04) dives into Baker’s sharp social critique while wrestling with the film’s treatment of morally murky characters. Then, in Reviews (1:37:56) and Mailbag (1:50:26), we sort through listener thoughts and reactions before cashing out for the night. As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie—because in a world of high rollers and low morals, nothing comes without a cost. Featured Beer: Easy Lover Blonde Ale by Manual Labour Beer Co. (Sherwood Park, Alberta) Sponsor this episode: Magic Mind - www.magicmind.com/pif20 Use CODE: PIF20 at checkout to receive 20% off any 1-time purchase, or 48% off your first subscription!
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