Find our V for Vendetta review here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-01-15T19_09_04-08_00

In this episode of 'A Lost Plot,' hosts Maverick and Avalon delve into the 2019 science fiction film 'Ad Astra,' directed by James Gray. They explore the film's themes of isolation, familial relationships, and the human condition set against the backdrop of space exploration.

They delve into the complex themes and character dynamics of the film, particularly focusing on the relationship between Roy McBride and his father, H. Clifford McBride. They discuss the emotional climax of the film, where Roy confronts his father, who has become consumed by his mission to find intelligent life in space.

The hosts also analyze the film's overarching themes, such as the struggle for meaning in life, the importance of human connections, and the consequences of emotional detachment. They emphasize how Roy's journey mirrors his father's, as he grapples with the choice between pursuing his father's legacy or forging his own path. The episode concludes with a discussion on the film's lasting impact and its place within the broader context of space exploration narratives in cinema.

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Highlights:

0:00 ‘Ad Astra’ Introduction

#adastra #bradpitt #tommyleejones #alostplot #film #filmthoughts #podcast #tothestars #neptune #space #spaceexploration #internalconflict #stoic #storyarc #intelligentlife #roymcbride #hcliffordmcbride #jamesgray

Find our discussion on our rating system here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-01-10T23_10_31-08_00

In this episode, Maverick and Andrew delve into the 2005 film 'V for Vendetta', exploring its themes, character development, and execution. They discuss their initial impressions and ratings, the significance of the opening scene, and the complexities of the main characters, including Evie, V, and Chief Inspector Finch. The conversation highlights the film's symbolism, narrative structure, and the effectiveness of its characters in conveying the overarching message of resistance against tyranny. The conversation critiques the film's messaging, noting its preachiness and lack of nuanced character development, while also acknowledging its cultural impact and legacy.

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Highlights:

0:00 'V for Vendetta' Introduction

4:37 Opening Scene

10:12 Is Evey Hammond Compelling?

19:10 Gordon Deitrich

22:11 Chief Inspector Eric Finch

26:03 V: A Hero or a Villain?

35:50 How V for Vendetta Raises the Stakes

52:58 Themes and Messages of the Film

1:00:14 Lasting Impact

#vforvendetta #eveyhammond #dystopian #dystopianbritain #alostplot #hugoweaving #natalieportman #alanmoore

The new 9 Points Rating System is coming soon!

In this episode, Maverick and his co-hosts Avalon and Andrew discuss the Nine Point Rating System for reviewing films, focusing on the importance of storytelling and character development.

They explore the significance of the opening scene, the necessity of character flaws for growth, and the role of side characters in enhancing the narrative. The conversation emphasizes the need for a critical approach to film analysis while acknowledging the diversity of storytelling across genres. In this segment of the conversation, the participants delve into the intricacies of storytelling, focusing on the roles of protagonists, supporting characters, and villains. They discuss how character motivation is essential for audience engagement and how the presence or absence of supporting characters can shift the weight of the narrative onto the protagonist. The conversation also explores the importance of themes and messages in storytelling, emphasizing that a well-crafted story should leave the audience with something to reflect upon. The participants agree that while multiple themes can exist, a cohesive message enhances the overall impact of the narrative. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of film analysis, focusing on themes, character development, and the impact of plot twists. They discuss the importance of heightened tension in storytelling, the significance of world-shattering loss, and how revelations can shape audience engagement. The dialogue emphasizes the need for character transformation and the nuances of how characters respond to challenges, ultimately shaping the viewer's experience and understanding of the narrative. In this final segment of the podcast, the hosts discuss the closure and denouement of films, focusing on the overall satisfaction of the story's ending and the final image's reflection on character journeys. They delve into the nine points system used for film reviews, debating its applicability across different genres, including romance and horror. The conversation emphasizes the importance of narrative structure and audience engagement, while also considering the need for clarity in the review questions.

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Highlights:

0:00 Introduction

8:28 Do Film Openings Matter?

21:14 Main Character Flaws

30:21 Side Characters

43:43 Main Character's Motive

57:32 The Villain

1:00:52 Themes in Film

1:06:12 Themes Building into a Message

1:10:41 Heightened Tension

1:14:37 Great Loss for the Hero

1:25:26 Transformation of the Hero

1:37:51 Transformation & Character Development

1:44:40 Closure

1:55:31 Purpose of the Rating System

2:08:16 Final Thoughts

#storytelling #alostplot #filmreview #ratingsystem #filmthoughts #cinema #villains #hero #josephcampbell #psychology