Kermode & Mayo’s Take Summer Holiday Highlights of the year so far
Aug 28, 2025
This week, the hosts bring a nostalgic look back at the year's cinematic highlights, sharing laughs along with insights. They dive into notable films like 'Bring Her Back' and 'The Ballad of Wallis Island,' while dissecting themes of grief and horror. A fascinating discussion on music and memory showcases a poignant film set in 1930s Mississippi. They also critique various works, exploring greed and character dynamics, and wrap up with a review of the impactful series 'Adolescence,' highlighting its relevance to contemporary issues.
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Making 'The Narrow Road' From Personal Ties
- Justin Kurzel shared that The Narrow Road To The Deep North was influenced by personal connections and Richard Flanagan’s Booker-winning novel.
- He described Dorigo Evans’s arc from an affair to a POW who must choose life and death on the Burma Railway.
Careful Portrayal Preserves Memory
- Kurzel emphasises discussing sensitive wartime scenes openly with Japanese actors to ensure accurate portrayal and comfort.
- He sees the series as preserving memory and prompting intergenerational conversations about history.
When A Gag Can’t Sustain A Feature
- Mark summarises Death of a Unicorn as a one-idea riff stretched thin into a feature, with gore played for shock rather than depth.
- He criticises weak creature effects and a smug tone that undermines the film.
