Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – "The Top Five Performances of 2024. Plus: The Amy Adams Hall of Fame and ‘Nightbitch.’"

Release Date: December 16, 2024

In this episode of The Big Picture, hosted by Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins from The Ringer, the panel delves deep into the standout performances of 2024, dedicates a segment to Amy Adams' illustrious career, and discusses her latest film, ‘Nightbitch’.

1. Introduction to Top Five Performances

The episode kicks off with Sean Fennessey introducing the theme: ranking the top five performances of the year. Joined by regular contributors Rob Mahoney and Joanna Robinson, the panel expresses excitement about dissecting both beloved and underappreciated roles.

Sean Fennessey [02:45]:
"This is a podcast for the every woman. Like to think that's how I feel as well. I'm very excited because, you know, I've been wanting to talk about Amy Adams."

2. Top Five Performances of 2024

a. Austin Butler in Dune II

Rob Mahoney nominates Austin Butler for his mesmerizing role in Dune II.

Rob Mahoney [05:09]:
"If you lick a knife in a movie, you are on my list. Austin Butler for Dune II honestly stole the show..."

The panel praises Butler's ability to outshine in a film laden with heavyweight performances, highlighting his "absolute freak" persona that captivated audiences.

b. Lupita Nyong'o in A Quiet Place: Day One and The Wild Robot

Sean Fennessey commends Lupita Nyong'o for her dual performances in both A Quiet Place: Day One and The Wild Robot, emphasizing her versatility and depth.

Sean Fennessey [08:21]:
"Lupita Nyong'o is fantastic as a woman in hospice at the end of the world and her performance as a robot in 'The Wild Robot' showcases her incredible range..."

c. Colman Domingo in Sing Sing

Joanna Robinson highlights Colman Domingo's standout performance in Sing Sing, noting his ability to anchor a film alongside non-professional actors.

Joanna Robinson [31:42]:
"Colman Domingo is one of our great actors currently working, and he does this stunningly in Sing Sing..."

d. Denzel Washington in Heretic

Denzel Washington's role in Heretic is lauded for its complexity and his portrayal of a character teetering between charm and menace.

Todd McShay [12:54]:
"Denzel Washington brings a culmination of his 'I'm a piece of shit' era, making his performance in 'Heretic' both chilling and captivating."

e. Josh O'Connor in Challengers

Sean Fennessey elevates Josh O'Connor for his compelling portrayal in Challengers, describing it as an "undeniable performance."

Sean Fennessey [29:58]:
"Josh O'Connor in Challengers has done something remarkable with just a smirk and a sweat, delivering an irrepressible performance."

3. Honorable Mentions

The hosts acknowledge several other noteworthy performances:

• Joan Chen in a coming-of-age film, praised for her delicate balance between humor and emotional depth.
• Emma Corrin in Deadpool and Wolverine, commended for her physicality and commitment to her roles.
• Marianne Jean Baptiste in Hard Truths, recognized for her fearless portrayal of a bitter and frustrated woman.
• Lupita Nyong'o and Colman Domingo receive additional nods for their roles in supporting films.

4. The Amy Adams Hall of Fame

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Amy Adams, exploring her career trajectory, range, and recent performances.

Sean Fennessey [65:53]:
"Amy Adams has some real home run stuff. To talk about her as if she's just strikes and gutters, that's not the reality of the situation."

Joanna Robinson [65:32]:
"Amy Adams is not one of those actors who can do everything. She's always Amy Adams, in fact."

The panel discusses Adams' impressive filmography, her ability to consistently deliver strong performances, and the challenges she faces in Hollywood as she navigates roles beyond her well-known archetypes.

Todd McShay [66:41]:
"She's in a very intense five-year rut now, which I think ‘Nightbitch’ kind of pulls her out of, because I think she's very good in this film."

5. ‘Nightbitch’ – Amy Adams' Latest Film

The discussion shifts to ‘Nightbitch’, Amy Adams' new project that has garnered mixed feelings among the hosts.

Todd McShay [44:13]:
"This movie stars Amy Adams and Scott MacNairy, and it's about a woman coping with managing her life while living almost entirely with a two-year-old."

Joanna Robinson [45:15]:
"I loved to see this film because it made me think of 'Tully', the Charlize Theron movie, which was similarly educational."

While some praise the film's honest depiction of motherhood and Adams' commitment, others critique its genre elements and narrative choices.

Sean Fennessey [47:49]:
"Amy Adams is going for it, and this movie is almost scared to go for it to the extent that she is."

Joanna Robinson [56:57]:
"The happy ending with fantasy elements doesn't quite land for me, but I appreciate the film's existence."

The hosts explore the film's portrayal of the challenges of early motherhood, the use of metaphorical elements, and Adams' raw performance.

Todd McShay [62:57]:
"The stage of raising a two or three-year-old is so challenging, and this movie captures that with such honesty."

6. Conclusion and Future Discussions

Wrapping up, the panel touches on upcoming topics, including a conversation with director Pablo Lorraine about his film Maria, the third installment of his trilogy about influential women of the late 20th century.

Todd McShay [137:50]:
"We have an incredible body of work with Amy Adams. Thank you so much. Let's go now to my conversation with Pablo Lorraine..."

Notable Quotes

• Sean Fennessey [05:09]:
  "If you lick a knife in a movie, you are on my list."

• Joanna Robinson [31:42]:
  "Colman Domingo is one of our great actors currently working, and he does this stunningly in Sing Sing..."

• Todd McShay [66:41]:
  "She's in a very intense five-year rut now, which I think ‘Nightbitch’ kind of pulls her out of, because I think she's very good in this film."

• Sean Fennessey [47:49]:
  "Amy Adams is going for it, and this movie is almost scared to go for it to the extent that she is."

Final Thoughts

The episode offers a comprehensive look at the year's standout performances, with a special emphasis on Amy Adams' contributions to cinema. While celebrating her achievements, the hosts also critically assess her recent projects, providing listeners with a balanced perspective on her career trajectory.

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for the upcoming discussion with Pablo Lorraine, which promises to delve into the intricacies of portraying iconic women in film.

Thank you for tuning into The Big Picture. Make sure to subscribe for more insightful conversations about the movies you need to see.