Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Great Movies We Missed" Episode Summary

Release Date: January 6, 2025

In the episode titled "Great Movies We Missed," NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour team delves into a selection of standout films from 2024 that didn’t receive their own dedicated episodes. Hosts Aisha Harris and Glenn Weldon, alongside esteemed guests NPR film critic Bob Mondello and writer and critic Walter Chow, each present a favorite film, providing insightful commentary and engaging discussions. This detailed summary captures the essence of their conversations, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and the unique perspectives each film offers.

Introduction to the Episode

• Aisha Harris (00:20): "We covered dozens of new movies in 2024. Some we loved, some we didn’t, and everything in between."

• Glenn Weldon (00:27): "And there are always a few favorites that we didn’t get a chance to talk about. Here’s where we remedy that."

The episode focuses on recommending exceptional movies from 2024 that slipped under the radar, ensuring that listeners are informed about quality films they might have missed.

Glenn Weldon’s Pick: The Last Stop in Yuma County

Overview:

• Budget & Production: Made for approximately $1 million in 20 days.
• Genre: Neo-noir indie film set in the 1970s.
• Setting: A desolate highway in Yuma County, Arizona.

Plot Synopsis: The story begins with a salesman arriving at the last gas station in Yuma County, only to find it out of gas. As he waits for the fuel truck, the diner next door opens, attracting a group of individuals in similar predicaments, including a pair of desperate bank robbers.

Key Discussion Points:

• Premise & Execution: Glenn praises the film’s tight premise, comparing it to classic plays like Petrified Forest and highlighting its ability to escalate tension humorously and darkly.

  • Glenn Weldon (04:10): "It sounds like Petrified Forest."

  • Bob Mondello (04:12): "Exactly."

• Directorial Flair: Francis Gallupi’s direction balances idiosyncrasy without feeling forced, maintaining viewer curiosity.

• Cinematography & Tension: The use of camera angles to build suspense, such as watching characters from the parking lot to maintain tension until a pivotal moment.

  • Glenn Weldon (04:27): "We stay in the parking lot, but the camera pivots away... Suddenly, we’re the lookout."

Notable Quote:

• Glenn Weldon (05:38): "Can we just admire that premise for a second? That's a play premise. Like, that's bus stop kind of thing."

Conclusion: A must-watch for neo-noir enthusiasts, The Last Stop in Yuma County is available for rent or purchase on various VOD platforms.

Bob Mondello’s Pick: The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Overview:

• Director: Mohammad Rasul, an Iranian filmmaker known for his critical stance against Iran’s government.
• Background: Shot secretly in Iran; Rasul faced imprisonment, leading to his exile post-filming.
• Accolades: Premiered at Cannes and selected as Germany’s submission for the International Feature Oscar.

Plot Synopsis: The film centers on an investigating judge in Iraq who anticipates a positive impact on his family but quickly finds himself entangled in morally complex situations, including signing death warrants without the opportunity to discern their righteousness.

Key Discussion Points:

• Production Challenges: Rasul’s ability to create the film under oppressive conditions, overseeing a project while being absent physically.

  • Aisha Harris (07:26): "He couldn’t be there with the actors when they were in a lot of the places they were."

• Thematic Depth: The narrative mirrors the sociopolitical climate in Iran, integrating actual footage of the Women Life Freedom protests in Tehran to heighten urgency and realism.

  • Bob Mondello (07:26): "The characters are forever reacting to actual events in Tehran."

• Emotional Impact & Craftsmanship: The film’s tightening tension and its ability to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Notable Quote:

• Bob Mondello (08:48): "It's like a vice getting tighter and tighter and tighter, and it's just amazing. It’s easily one of the best I’ve seen this year."

Conclusion: The Seed of the Sacred Fig stands out as a profound political thriller and is currently in select theaters with plans for a wider release.

Walter Chow’s Pick: Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World

Overview:

• Director: Radu Judah, a Romanian filmmaker recognized for his provocative storytelling.
• Genre: Satirical drama exploring gig culture and societal desensitization.
• Streaming Platform: Available on Mubi and various VOD services.

Plot Synopsis: The film follows Angela, a gig worker juggling multiple jobs, including Uber driving and being a production assistant. Her coping mechanism involves creating TikToks as her alter ego, Bobata, who embodies toxic behaviors akin to public figures like Andrew Tate. The narrative examines the consequences of her actions and the broader implications of corporate capitalism.

Key Discussion Points:

• Social Commentary: The film critiques gig culture, performative desensitization, and corporate exploitation, reflecting broader societal issues.

  • Walter Chow (10:25): "It's about all of us. It's about the gig culture. It's about rage."

• Character Development: Angela’s struggle and her dual identity highlight the personal toll of modern economic pressures.

• Narrative Structure: At 2 hours and 45 minutes, the film employs a non-traditional, mood-driven approach to convey anger and frustration.

  • Glenn Weldon (12:00): "It is a mood piece. And the mood, as you referred to, is the mood in question is anger."

Notable Quote:

• Walter Chow (13:35): "It's just how we live today."

Conclusion: Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World offers a gritty, unflinching look at contemporary societal issues, making it a compelling watch despite its challenging length.

Aisha Harris’s Pick: Good One

Overview:

• Director: India Donaldson, making her feature directorial debut.
• Genre: Intense drama with underlying big ideas.
• Availability: Streaming on VOD platforms.

Plot Synopsis: The narrative centers on Sam (Lily Coleas), who embarks on a hiking trip in the Catskills with her father, Chris (James Legro), and his best friend, Matt (Danny McCarthy). As the trip progresses, underlying tensions and complex family dynamics emerge, culminating in a shocking third-act twist that redefines the entire storyline.

Key Discussion Points:

• Character Depth: The film explores generational divides, familial relationships, and personal growth through understated performances and minimal dialogue.

  • Aisha Harris (16:23): "It's about what happens to a feeling of safety, a kid’s feeling of safety, being cared for."

• Directorial Choices: Donaldson uses breadcrumb storytelling and subtle narrative clues to build towards a profound and unexpected climax.

• Emotional Resonance: The film delivers a powerful emotional impact without overplaying its themes, leaving viewers deeply affected.

  • Walter Chow (17:34): "There’s a key moment where she says, you know, she wants to talk about something... it’s all so hard right now."

Notable Quote:

• Glenn Weldon (18:40): "It’s a film of all of these that I think lingers longest."

Conclusion: Good One emerges as a gripping, emotionally charged film that combines simplicity with profound thematic exploration, making it a standout addition to the conversation of 2024’s notable releases.

Closing Remarks

The hosts and guests of Pop Culture Happy Hour wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to share their favorite overlooked films from 2024, fostering a community-driven exploration of cinema. They also promote Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus, offering a sponsor-free experience to support the show.

Aisha Harris (19:05): "For those of you at home, let us know what your favorite movies are that we may have missed."

Final Thoughts: This episode serves as a curated guide to some of 2024’s hidden cinematic gems, providing listeners with thoughtful recommendations and critical analyses. Whether you’re seeking neo-noir suspense, political thrillers, social satires, or emotionally resonant dramas, "Great Movies We Missed" offers a diverse array of films worth exploring.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Romel Wood, Hafsa Fathoma, and Liz Metzger
• Edited by: Mike Katsiff
• Supervising Producer: Jessica Reedy
• Theme Music: Hello Kamen

Availability: Listen to the full episode on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour and join the conversation on Facebook and Letterboxd.