Gut Punch: A Beneficial Shock! Podcast

About Gut Punch: A Beneficial Shock! Podcast

Gut Punch is a podcast from Beneficial Shock! - the fully illustrated movie magazine. In each episode hosts Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr select a significant scene from a movie and discuss - in detail - why it hits hard. We explore the emotional impact of these 'moments' while digging into the film's themes from varied perspectives, on occasion inviting special guests to participate or offer up their own 'Gut Punch' scenes of choice .

Publisher

Gabrieljsolomons

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Jun 2025

Latest episode

15 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Episode 16: Sirāt (Oliver Laxe, 2025)

   In this episode of Gut Punch, Gabriel and Tom head into the Moroccan desert as a father and son embark on a journey to find a missing daughter with the help of a ramshackle group of ravers. With an immersive soundtrack and vibrant visuals, Sirāt isn't just a road movie; it’s a quest for connection in a divided world - so strap yourself in, cos' it's gonna be a bumpy ride! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Banter 02:44 Film Overview and Initial Impressions 05:24 Exploring the Film's Themes and Soundtrack 08:09 Synopsis of Sirat's Plot 10:38 Character Dynamics and Journey 13:18 Philosophical Underpinnings and Visual Symbolism 16:12 Cinematic Influences and Comparisons 19:12 Authenticity in Casting and Characterization 24:30 Exploring the Unusual: The Freaks Connection 25:42 Outsiders and Kinship: The Role of Luis 27:51 Found Family: Connections in Unlikely Places 29:33 Gut Punch Moments: The Emotional Core of the Film 34:08 The Journey into the Unknown: Off-Roading and Trust 36:55 Tragedy Strikes: The Loss of Innocence 40:33 Stripped Down: The Void and Loss of Identity 45:33 Crossing the Minefield: A Walk of Faith 49:21 The Symbolism of Death and Dance 51:41 Living in the Moment: Music and Dance 52:47 Surrendering to Experience: Crossing the Minefield 56:37 Hope vs. Despair: The Ending's Interpretation 01:01:10 The Craft of Sirat: Visuals and Soundtrack Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

2. 

   29 May 2026

   Episode 15: Climax (Gaspar Noé) with Deep Cuts Horror Trivia

   In this episode of GutPunch, Gabriel and Tom are joined by Ciara and Chris Wylie from Deep Cuts Horror Trivia to discuss their passion for horror movies, their community-building activities in Chicago and to analyze Gaspar Noé's provocative 2018 film Climax. We explore the film's themes of community breakdown, unpack the many nods Noé makes to other classic horror films and look at the stylistic choices made to create an unnerving and destabilising viewing experience that isn't for the feint of heart! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gut Punch Podcast and Guests 02:00 Building a Horror Community in Chicago 05:49 The Role of Trivia in Fostering Connections 07:54 Exploring a Love for Horror Movies 11:48 Defining Horror: Climax and Its Genre 15:53 The Cinematic Experience of Climax 19:43 Thematic Elements of Community and Isolation 23:45 The Psychological Horror of Climax 29:52 Exploring Character Perspectives in Climax 36:10 The Role of Selva: A Choreographer's Journey 44:24 Themes of Life, Death, and Collective Existence 46:48 Gut Punch Moments: The Horror of Climax 58:14 The Provocative Nature of Noé's Work 01:01:38 The Breakdown of Social Structures 01:05:02 Drugs and Their Impact on Reality 01:09:57 The Dance of Chaos and Control 01:14:54 The Lasting Impact of Climax Credits: Find Deep Cuts Horror Trivia on Instagram: @deepcutshorrortrivia Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

3. 

   28 Apr 2026

   Episode 14: Carrie (1976) with film-maker Tim Rogg

   In this episode of Gut Punch, host Gabriel Solomons and co-host Tom Puhr welcome back film-maker Tim Rogg to discuss Brian De Palma's supernatural horror masterpiece Carrie. 50 years after its initial release, we look at the enduring popularity and relevance of the film, exploring the film's cultural significance, discussing De Palma's unique film-making techniques and selecting our own Gut Punch moments that have contributed to Carrie's status as a timeless horror classic. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:04 Film Recommendations and Recent Viewings 05:53 Exploring 'Carrie': A Classic Horror Film 13:33 Brian De Palma's Directorial Techniques 21:42 Brian De Palma's Unique Directorial Style 23:12 Thematic Elements of 'Carrie' and Female Empowerment 24:39 The Complexity of Bullying and Isolation 26:04 The Messiness of Puberty and Coming of Age 27:26 Religious Undertones and Moral Lessons 29:20 Contrasting Female Characters and Their Motivations 30:59 The Impact of Cinematic Techniques on Storytelling 32:39 The Role of Humor in Horror 34:20 The Battle for Carrie's Soul 35:04 The Symbolism of Blood and Sin 35:47 Parental Influence and Rebellion 36:52 The Indiscriminate Nature of Revenge 38:27 The Final Realization and Emotional Climax 47:29 The Emotional Turmoil of Carrie 49:41 Cinematic Techniques and Their Impact 51:04 Personal Connections to the Film 54:21 The Relevance of Carrie Today 58:23 Documentary Aspects of Film 01:01:42 The 70s: A Golden Era for Cinema Credits: More about Tim Rogg here: https://timrogg.com/ - and you can follow the analogue revolution on instagram @nondigitalcinema Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

4. 

   24 Mar 2026

   Episode 13: Sunset Boulevard (1950) with Pamela Hutchinson

   In this episode of Gut Punch, we unlock the dark, poetic depths of Hollywood's obsession with youth, fame and success as film historian and critic Pamela Hutchinson reveals the haunting genius of the Billy Wilder's classic film noir Sunset Boulevard. If you've ever wondered how Hollywood’s glamorous facade masks soul-crushing decline and madness, this episode dives deep into one of Billy Wilder’s most iconic films—full of secrets, hidden cameos, and profound insights into cinematic history. Pamela Hutchinson is a respected film critic, historian, and author, known for her expertise in silent cinema and women in cinema. With regular contributions to prominent publications like The Guardian and Sight and Sound, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Pamela's latest book, The Curse of Queen Kelly (published March 2026 by Sticking Place Books) is a detailed film history book exploring the chaotic production of the 1929 silent film Queen Kelly, starring Gloria Swanson and directed by Erich von Stroheim. Chapter List 00:00 Introduction to Gut Punch Podcast 02:21 Guest Introduction: Pamela Hutchinson 03:05 Pamela's Journey into Film 06:40 The Impact of Silent Films 08:23 Writing About Film: Pamela's First Book 10:42 Exploring The Red Shoes 14:14 Introducing Sunset Boulevard 15:55 First Impressions of Sunset Boulevard 19:50 The Gothic Elements in Sunset Boulevard 21:41 Changing Perspectives on Sunset Boulevard 24:03 The Poignancy of Aging in Film 26:30 Gloria Swanson: A Star's Resurgence and Risks 28:55 Cameos and Self-Referentiality in Sunset Boulevard 33:17 Film Noir: A Complex Classification 39:09 The Interplay of Characters and Themes 45:03 Madness, Emasculation, and the Cost of Fame 49:30 The Emotional Impact of Norma Desmond 52:01 Cecil B. DeMille's Sympathy and Industry Dynamics 54:53 The Curse of Queen Kelly and Its Backstory 01:00:52 Researching the Ill-Fated Film Queen Kelly 01:05:09 The Journey of Writing and Resilience Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

5. 

   21 Feb 2026

   Episode 12: Up (2009) with Jim Quail

   In this episode of Gut Punch, hosts Gabriel and Tom welcome Jim Quail from the creative studio 'Dorothy' - a Liverpool based design studio, known for their intricate, pop-culture-inspired prints, games and art. T hey discuss Pixar's 2009 film Up, arguably one of their most emotionally resonant and enduring creations. Jim shares insights into his creative process, the importance of cultural influences, and how nostalgia shapes our understanding of art and film. They discuss how the film resonates differently across generations, emphasizing the importance of experiences over material possessions, the value of friendships, and the profound impact of storytelling in animation. The discussion highlights how personal experiences shape our understanding of the film's themes, particularly regarding love, loss, and the journey of life. Chapter List: Introduction and Welcome 0:02: Hosts Gabriel and Tom introduce the episode and guest Jim Quayle. About Dorothy2:26: Jim discusses the origins and philosophy of his designstudio, Dorothy. Nerd Culture and Fan Art6:38: The conversation explores the appeal of niche interests and fan art. Film and Graphic Design9:05: Jim talks about how films influence his graphic designwork. The Power of Community18:43: Discussion on the creative energy that comes from working in a community. Choosing Pixar's Up27:38: Jim reveals why he chose Up as his gut punch film. The Emotional Impact of Up34:15: The hosts and Jim discuss the emotional resonance of thefilm. Themes of Friendship and Adventure46:22: Exploration of the film's themes of friendship andunexpected adventures. The Gut Punch Moment50:3: Jim shares his personal gut punch moment from the film. Reflections on Life and Legacy52:54: The conversation turns to the film's messages about lifeand legacy. Closing Thoughts and Goodbye74:34: Final thoughts and goodbyes from the hosts and guest. Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

6. 

   19 Dec 2025

   Episode 11: The Holdovers (Alexander Payne, 2024)

   In this special festive episode of Gut Punch, hosts Gabriel Solomons and Tom Puhr discuss Alexander Payne's 2024 yuletide gem 'The Holdovers'. Keeping to the 'seasonal' themes of strife, loneliness and redemption - this throwback to the heady days of character driven 1970s cinema, is warm, cuddly and spiky; finding a wonderful balance of humor and pathos. The conversation saunters its way toward Gabriel and Tom's Gut Punch moments, ultimately concluding that The Holdovers possesses all the ingredients needed for a Christmas classic - destined to become a staple must-watch movie for years to come. Chapter List 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:06 Exploring 'The Holdovers' as a Christmas Classic 06:20 Character Analysis: Paul Hunnam and Angus Tully 10:43 Themes of Isolation and Connection 16:12 Stylistic Choices and 70s Film Influence 23:05 The Emotional Impact of the Film 30:04 The Journey of Character Development 36:50 Defining Identity Through Work 39:57 The Importance of Details in Storytelling 44:21 Symbolism of Objects and Connections 48:30 The Complexity of Relationships 54:30 Gift-Giving and Personal Connections 56:11 Gut Punch Moments in Film 01:02:58 Character Arcs and Narrative Structure 01:08:26 Thematic Resonance in Media Choices Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

7. 

   29 Nov 2025

   Episode 10: One Battle After Another (2025)

   In this episode of Gut Punch, host Gabriel Solomons and co-host Tom Puhr discuss P.T. Anderson's new film One Battle After Another, exploring its themes, character dynamics, and seamless blend of humor and drama. The conversation highlights the importance of family relationships, generational shifts in activism, and the film's political undertones, ultimately emphasizing the significance of empathy and connection in a divided world. Chapter List 00:00 Current Events and Community Response 02:46 P.T. Anderson's New Film: Initial Reactions 05:46 Exploring Themes and Cinematic Techniques 08:44 Character Analysis and Performances 11:46 Balancing Humor and Drama 14:43 Cinematic Influences and Comparisons 17:46 Social Commentary and Political Undertones 20:47 Thematic Depth: Family and Relationships 23:34 Visual Style and Technical Mastery 35:21 Exploring Themes of Race and Privilege 38:38 The Role of the White Middle-Aged Man 41:03 Generational Shifts in Activism 48:31 The Continuity of Struggle 50:35 Complexity of Relationships and Identity 53:45 Empathy Beyond Blood Relations 01:00:12 Cinematic Techniques: Car Chases and Tension 01:09:00 Cinematic Brilliance and Memorable Shots 01:13:31 The Nature of Evil and Corporate Death 01:19:21 Harmonics and Emotional Connections in Film 01:24:28 Anderson's Evolving Directorial Style 01:29:07 The Exhilaration of Moviegoing Experiences 01:34:23 Closing Comments Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

8. 

   26 Sept 2025

   Episode 9: Pride (2014) with Molly Lipson

   In this episode of Gut Punch, host Gabriel Solomons and co-host Tom Puhr welcome Molly Lipson, a filmmaker, writer and founder of 'Short Stuff' - an independent publication providing dedicated coverage of short films. Together we delve into the powerful themes of solidarity and unity depicted in the 2014 film Pride. Join us as we explore how the movie beautifully portrays the alliance between the LGBTQ+ community and striking miners in 1980s Britain. Through heartfelt storytelling and compelling characters, Pride showcases the strength found in standing together against adversity. Tune in to discover the inspiring lessons of courage, empathy, and collective action that resonate beyond the screen. Chapter List 00:00 Introduction to Gut Punch Podcast 01:10 Weather Talk and Guest Introduction 03:37 Introducing Molly Lipsum and Short Stuff 04:17 The Birth of Short Stuff 08:44 The Importance of Short Films 10:18 Short Films as a Stepping Stone 13:43 Commercials vs. Short Films 16:40 The Evolution of Content Creation 19:49 Building a Community Around Short Films 25:10 Choosing What to Feature on Short Stuff 31:06 Empowering Marginalized Voices in Film 34:08 The Film 'Pride' and Its Significance 47:02 Activism and Personal Journeys 52:23 Community, Solidarity and Overcoming Divisions 53:38 Exploring the Cast and Characters 55:01 Character Arcs and Their Significance 58:23 The Emotional Impact of Key Scenes 59:12 Active Solidarity and Its Importance 01:08:34 The Role of Media in Activism 01:10:35 The Importance of Community and Connection Credits: More about 'Short Stuff' here: https://www.short-stuff.com/ - and you can follow them on instagram https://www.instagram.com/shortstuff.film/ Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

9. 

   12 Sept 2025

   Episode 8: Goodfellas (1990) with film-maker Tim Rogg

   In this episode of Gut Punch, host Gabriel Solomons and co-host Tom Puhr welcome filmmaker Tim Rogg to discuss Martin Scorcese's classic gangster epic 'Goodfellas'. Beyond discussing key scenes, character dynamics and the importance of maintaining a human touch in filmmaking, they explore themes of authenticity in storytelling, the art of short filmmaking, and the evolution of the film industry in the face of AI technology. Chapters: 00:47 - Introductions 02:42 - Meet the Filmmaker: Tim Rogg 03:39 - Exploring The Doll's House 09:38 - The Journey of a Filmmaker 17:48 - Diving into Goodfellas 37:45 - The Iconic Copacabana Scene 41:10 - Exploring Iconic Moments in Goodfellas 44:18 - Character Dynamics and Tension 51:06 - The Craft of Filmmaking: Editing and Rhythm 55:09 - The Role of Music in Storytelling 59:47 - Breaking the Fourth Wall: Audience Engagement 01:04:46 - The Female Perspective: Karen's Voiceover 01:08:57 - Authenticity in Filmmaking: A Movement Against AI Credits: More about Tim Rogg here: https://timrogg.com/ - and you can follow the analogue revolution on instagram @nondigitalcinema Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

10. 

    12 Aug 2025

    Episode 7: Night of the Living Dead (1968) with Aaron Christensen

    In this episode, host Gabriel Solomons and co-host Tom Purr welcome guest Aaron Christensen (Chicago-based actor/writer and host of the podcast ‘Horror 101 with Dr. AC') to discuss George A. Romero's classic, Night of the Living Dead. We delve into personal connections to horror, the evolution of 'zombies' in popular culture, and the cultural significance of a film widely considered to have single-handedly invented a subgenre. We unpick the film's shocking ending, which serves as a powerful commentary on societal issues and the nature of humanity. The discussion highlights the emotional weight of character deaths, the impact of race and identity within the horror genre and the legacy of Night of the Living Dead’s public domain status, which allowed it to reach a wider audience and solidify its place in cinematic history. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to Gut Punch Podcast 02:43 Guest Introduction and Horror Trivia Night 05:22 The Importance of Horror in Personal Life 08:11 Exploring the Impact of Horror Films 11:25 Night of the Living Dead: A Milestone in Horror 14:01 First Impressions of Night of the Living Dead 16:25 The Evolution of Horror Films 19:17 The Complexity of Night of the Living Dead 21:26 Sociopolitical Commentary in Horror 23:41 The Relevance of Horror Across Decades 26:35 Synopsis of Night of the Living Dead 30:23 The Evolution of Modern Horror 33:14 Human Nature Under Pressure 35:17 Media Influence and Authenticity 37:03 The Impact of Gut Punch Moments 45:58 Racial Dynamics in Horror 50:06 The True Monsters: Humanity vs. Zombies 01:03:57 Classic Horror Meets Realism 01:06:57 Character Dynamics and Moral Ambiguity 01:09:36 Human Reactions to Crisis Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

11. 

    25 Jul 2025

    Episode 6: American Movie (1999) and The Lighthouse (2019)

    In this episode Gabriel and Tom discuss Chris Smith's hysterically poignant documentaryAmerican Movie and Robert Eggers's woozy psych-horror The Lighthouse. We open the episode with our movie recommendations of the previous week which includes a long, old-person rant about why the recent Jurassic Park: Rebirth will never match up to Spielberg's original and how, no matter who jumps aboard as director, these tent-pole franchises are always set on a downward trajectory of diminishing (creative) returns. Timecodes: Unfortunately we don't have timecodes for this episode. Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Phomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

12. 

    8 Jul 2025

    Episode 5: Children of Men (2006) with Walt Hickey

    In This episode Gabriel and Tom welcome data journalist and author Walt Hickey to discuss a seminal scene from Alfonso Cuarón's dystopian thriller Children of Men . Walt is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and author of the 2024 book 'You Are What You Watch: How Movies and TV Affect Everything' which explains the power of entertainment to change our biology, our beliefs, how we see ourselves, and how nations gain power. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to Gut Punch Podcast and Guest Walt Hickey 02:39 Walt Hickey's Background and Data Journalism 05:41 The Impact of Movies on Society 08:26 Exploring the Concept of Gut Punch Moments in Film 11:09 Children of Men: A Deep Dive into Themes and Moments 14:09 The Significance of the Ceasefire Scene 17:00 Religious Themes and Symbolism in Children of Men 19:48 Clive Owen's Role and the Everyman Archetype 37:20 Modern Nativity: A Reflection on Chaos and Refugees 39:37 Religious Imagery and Symbolism in Film 42:11 Faith vs. Chance: The Heart of Humanity 45:36 The Flawed Hero: A Journey of Sacrifice 49:24 The Role of Cinematography in Storytelling 51:55 Symbolism of Objects: Shoes and Their Meaning 57:50 The Impact of Violence: A Reflection on Humanity Credits: Gut Punch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Intro music by Ruben Solomons

13. 

    8 Jul 2025

    Episode 4: The Iron Giant (1999) and Saint Maud (2020)

    In this episode Gabriel and Tom discuss Brad Bird's animated sci-fi classic The iron Giant and Rose Glass's psychological horror Saint Maud. We open the episode with our movie recommendations of the previous week which includes 2013's Final Destination 5 and Paul Verhoeven's original crowd-pleaser Total Recall. Chat turns to film franchises as 'Happy Meals' and the simple pleasures of revisiting classic early 90s sci-fi. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 07:41 Recent Movie Experiences and Recommendations 16:43 Exploring 'The Iron Giant' and Its Themes 27:32 The Theme of Loneliness and Connection 34:41 Exploring the Iron Giant's Innocence 36:50 The Psychological Depth of Saint Maud 43:53 Religious Experience vs. Neurological Disorder 51:56 The Body as a Stage: Juxtaposition in Saint Maud 01:01:27 Parallels Between Two Distinct Films Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Phomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

14. 

    23 Jun 2025

    Episode 1: Punch-Drunk Love (2002) and Midnight Run (1988)

    In This episode Gabriel and Tom discuss powerful scenes from Paul Thomas Anderson's romatic dramedy Punch-Drunk Love and Martin Brest's unlikely screwball 'bromance' Midnight Run. As usual we kick things off with a brief chat about our respective watch-weeks, flagging some recommended films, before diving headlong into our Gut Punch movie moments. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 02:38 Movie Week Highlights 05:23 Exploring Wes Anderson's 'The Phoenician Scheme' 07:58 The Safdie Brothers' Impact 10:46 Diving into 'Punch Drunk Love' 13:35 Analyzing Barry's Emotional Turmoil 16:05 The Significance of Barry's Breakdown 18:59 Stylistic Choices in 'Punch Drunk Love' 21:35 The Complexity of Adam Sandler's Performance 24:36 Themes of Self-Discovery and Emotional Growth 27:46 Exploring Emotional Extremes in Film 31:33 The Impact of Character Relationships 36:18 The Road Trip Narrative and Its Significance 42:35 The Power of Silence and Subtlety 46:55 Contrasting Journeys: Punch Drunk Love vs. MidnightRun 55:01 Conclusion and Reflections on Film Credits: Gut Punch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons

15. 

    17 Jun 2025

    Episode 3: Toni Erdmann (2016) and Tully (2018)

    In this episode Gabriel and Tom discuss Maren Ade's German cringe-comedyToni Erdmann and Jason Reitman's coming of middle-age dramedy Tully. We open the episode with our movie recommendations of the previous week which includes Geo Copolla's The Last Showgirl and Ryan Cooglers Sinners. Chat turns to ageing starlets, disjointed scripts and Chicago dust storms before turning to our chosen Gut Punch movie moments. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction 12:08 Exploring Tony Erdman: A Father-Daughter Dynamic 24:03 The Emotional Climax: The Hug in the Park 39:36 Conclusion and Reflections on Tully 43:33 Exploring the Unofficial Trilogy of Jason Reitman 48:02 The Struggles of Motherhood in Tully 56:24 The Twist: A Deeper Look at Tully 01:08:20 The Role of Water and Mermaids in Tully 01:20:46 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Credits: Gutpunch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Phomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons This podcast uses film clips for educational purposes (and not for commercial gain) under the fair use section of copyright law.

16. 

    17 Jun 2025

    Episode 2: Full Metal Jacket (1987) and The Mist (2007)

    In This episode Gabriel and Tom discuss powerful scenes from Stanley Kubrick's visceral anti-war movie Full Metal Jacket and Frank Darabont's claustrophobic monster-mashup The Mist. As usual we kick things off with a brief chat about our respective watch-weeks, flagging some recommended films, before diving headlong into our Gut Punch movie moments. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to Gut Punch Podcast 05:11 Movie Recommendations and Discussions 10:52 Exploring Full Metal Jacket 31:01 Impact of Full Metal Jacket's Themes 38:18 Exploring Cinematic Techniques in Film 39:06 The Impact of 'The Mist' and Its Shock Ending 40:04 Audience Reactions and Memorable Theater Experiences 41:27 Thematic Elements of Fear and Human Nature 44:11 The Role of Fear in Human Behavior 46:11 The Heart-Wrenching Climax of 'The Mist' 48:16 Comparing Endings: Film vs. Novella 49:55 Symbolism in Cinematic Shots 51:19 Pessimism in Horror and Its Historical Context 53:53 The Evolution of Characters Under Pressure 01:01:17 The Emotional Impact of 'The Mist' and Its Legacy Credits: Gut Punch is brought to you by Beneficial Shock! Magazine. Visit us at www.beneficialshock.com Hosted by Gabriel Solomons and Thomas Puhr Music by Ruben Solomons

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

35

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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