Barry Hardiman

Joelle Monique, filmmaker and pop culture critic, shares film reactions and reading picks. Barry Hardiman, NPR investigations editor, offers film commentary and book recommendations. They dive into Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride, praise Jessie Buckley’s performance, debate the film’s messy-yet-delightful tone, compare cinematic influences, and highlight choreography, feminist retelling, and standout cast moments.

Barry Hardiman, a Senior Editor on NPR's Investigations team, joins to unpack Guillermo del Toro's reimagining of Frankenstein. They explore the film's stunning visuals and dark themes of creation, life, and societal rejection. Barry draws parallels between the monster's plight and modern anxieties around technology and AI. The discussion also touches on Jacob Elordi's powerful performance, the film's shifts from the original novel, and its contemporary relevance to parenting and class. They close with personal recommendations that spark joy.