New episode out now! We watched the original Swedish film adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2009), based on the 2005 book by Stieg Larsson.

We talk about the extremely dark and jarring themes that are present throughout the story, praise the excellent acting, and discuss how the content is adapted from the book to the film.

We compare the intentions, behaviors, and decisions of Mikael and Lisbeth, debate the socioeconomics of being a serial killer and how being a rich man helps one get away with it, and wonder how realistic the portrayal of hacking is.

We also really, really abhor the patriarchy, and discuss the different levels of misogynist hate and how it manifests in the film.

Katy was overjoyed by the amount of archives, Carrie loves an impressive eyebrow, Maddy is a sucker for a well-adapted book, and Mack gets disappointed by hacker names.

We also talk about huge dips in the happiness index, fighting for depressing Oscar roles, and American vs. Swedish jail systems. We cover SpongeBob memes, dead face actors, American Girl dolls, and O’Brien family facts.

There are multiple revelations within—This. Episode. Has. Everything! Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

#podcast#mystery#mysteries#TheGirlWithTheDragonTattoo#StiegLarsson#SwedishFilm#ManSomHatarKvinnor#mmbsn

TW: Rape, incestual rape, rape by government appointed guardian, Nazis, antisemitism, serial killing of marginalized women, serial killing of Jewish women, corpse mutilation, domestic abuse, patricide, United States prison industrial complex, death by suicide, misogyny

New episode out now! We cover one of Hollywood’s most famous noir films, Double Indemnity (1944).

We pick apart the moral quandaries and decisions of the main characters, discuss the banter inherent in these types of films, and debate whether or not certain acts took place offscreen.

We talk about how the people in these movies seem to fall in love extremely quickly, wonder exactly when Neff created the insurance fraud scheme in his mind, call out the racial stereotyping, and *someone* laments the continued presence of Raymond Chandler in our podcast.

We compare this movie to a few other films we’ve covered, comment on the sheer amount of cigarette action, and reveal who the actual coolest person in the movie is.

Katy is a big fan of a short tie with a high pant, Carrie loves a dictaphone, Maddy thinks that crab mouth parts are incredible, and Mack tells a story about searching for a house.

We debate whether lighting a match is code for something, admire actuarial tables, try to decide if we would live in a house where we knew a death had just happened, and appreciate the loosening of relationship deal-breakers since the 1940s.

We also talk about autocannibalism, how phone numbers worked, old Hollywood bloopers, and the price of real estate. Give it a listen to hear us all try at least one accent!

#podcast#mystery#DoubleIndemnity#1940s#OldHollywood#noir#1940smovies

TW: Hollywood Hays Code morals, death by suicide, age difference in ambiguous relationship, infidelity, racism

New episode out now! We cover Paul Feig’s A Simple Favor (2018), a modern-day thriller starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively.

We dissect the wild twists and turns taken, think that the sapphic undertones were really not that “under,” debate the characters’ shifting motivations and loyalties, and decide that no one in this film is all that healthy, mentally.

We also talk about the depictions of modern motherhood and the stereotype of a “mommy” clique, delve into the characters’ previous trauma, and get distracted by shoes.

We think the costumes are essential (especially Blake Lively’s), love an adaptive antagonist, get skeeved out by some choices, and discuss the bits of Paul Feig’s vibe that appear in the film.

Katy gets confused by symbology, Carrie sabotages herself, Maddy creates some cool and hip lyrics, and Mack makes an astute connection to a previous film we covered.

We also clear up some misconceptions about the term “house poor,” get confused about names and cars, spot some convenient product placement, and reveal we all took very expressive notes.

Listen to hear more of our thoughts about interior decorating, LEGO prices, repurposed Midwestern castles, toy storage, and more! Give it a listen wherever you get your podcasts!

#podcast#mystery#ASimpleFavor#PaulFeig#AnnaKendrick#BlakeLively#HenryGolding

TW: Drowning murder, sororicide, incest, infant death in utero, motherhood discussions, religious upbringing trauma, vehicular fatalities, death by suicide

New episode out now! We watched Bong Joon Ho’s Memories of Murder (2003), a cult crime movie often considered one of the best East Asian films ever made.

We get right into the main characters, discussing how they are not good at their jobs and start out morally and ethically terrible, rightfully being called out by the community.

We talk about the journeys the detectives go through and how the country and city cultures clash, discuss the aspects of masculinity the film depicts, hit on the many parallels we saw between Korean and American culture, and figure this is more a slice of life/culture of crime-solving film rather than a straight detective story.

We also consider the fact that it is the first non-English language film we’ve covered, wonder if some of the aspects went over our heads because of an unfamiliarity with both Korean culture and 1980’s Korean history, and talk about the visual style of the film such as desaturated colors and impactful composition.

Katy severely misremembers Stand By Me, Carrie shares product placement theories, Maddy teaches us how the Swiss lightly curse, and Mack remembers a psychological study about bullying.

We get terrified of killers in fields, believe America is a Western ideal but a bad reality, get infuriated by sexism in the police force, and wonder about the real life case this is based on.

We also talk about getting old, medical consent, cool chase scenes, great adages, and generalizations about men. Listen to the very end for a post credit surprise!

#podcast#mystery#mysteries#MemoriesOfMurder#BongJoonHo

TW: Rape, murder, abuse of developmentally disabled individuals, police brutality both past and present, abuse, torture and coercion, militarization of police, school shootings, abuse by Christian leaders, emergency amputation, authoritarian military politics

New episode out now! We watched the season four episode of Inspector George Gently, “Gently Upside Down”.

We discuss how this show feels a little different than other period British mystery shows, and how it handles tough subjects in what seems to be a more realistic manner.

We talk about the differences between Gently and Bacchus, and how those different strengths and weaknesses allow them to work together successfully as a team while still clashing occasionally.

We also cover the timeless quality of English architecture, discuss 1960s attitudes towards class, age, and gender, and wonder if Bacchus is a viewer substitute who jumps on all the red herrings.

Katy brings up the Beatles twice, Carrie reminisces about school seating, Maddy thinks everyone should dance, and Mack brings up a disturbing detail from a Transformers movie.

We spend some time debating if hiding a murder is prohibitively expensive, wonder if checking run time when someone confesses is cheating, and expound on the collective universal love for the Shrek franchise.

We also cover multiple Mr. Rochesters, legal history, Gretna Green, and more! Give it a listen and you’ll also learn who is really behind Batman’s mask!

#podcast#mystery#acorntv
#GeorgeGently
#InspectorGeorgeGently#britishtv#bbc

TW: Inappropriate student/teacher relationships, statutory rape, teen pregnancy, domestic abuse, child abuse

New episode out now! We cover 1963’s Charade and discuss this “absolute whirlwind” of a movie.

We get right into the multiple mysteries and twists involved, and try to figure out the timelines of all the identity reveals. (So many identity reveals).

We discuss our issues with the age gap between Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, and wonder if calling it out in the script was the right move even if they’re both charming.

We also discuss her character’s levels of naivete, love the costumes and production design, marvel at the specific dialogue and banter, and think the ‘60s was just a wild time.

Katy is bad at math, Carrie has Opinions about skincare, Maddy cannot trust her memory, and Mack is afraid of subway tunnels.

We talk about volatile collector markets, forget that drugs exist, wonder if we would trick a child for $2 million dollars, and love us some built-in shelving. We also cover Batman facts, realistic fight scenes, eyebrow acting, and awkward elevators. Give it a listen wherever you get your podcasts!

TW: Age gap romance, veteran amputee discussion, WWII prisoners of war, Nazis

#podcast#mystery#charade#CaryGrant#AudreyHepburn#1960s#1960sFilm

New episode out now! We cover the complicated world of obsessive Victorian magicians in 2006’s The Prestige, and beware–spoilers abound!

This movie is wild and we get right into it by trying to unravel the many layers and timelines of this mystery-adjacent film. We talk about the themes of obsession, sacrifice, class, and of course magic while wondering if the addition of a sci-fi element muddles the mystery a little.

We also try to decide if all of the main characters are sociopaths, mull over the concept of magic vs science, think the acting is appropriately intense, and get into a slight philosophical debate about the nature of cloning, souls, and consciousness.

Katy squeezes in some London knowledge to the surprise of no one, Carrie gets jealous of handwriting, Maddy wants all the magic wands, and Mack has a get-rich plan for his clones.

We also talk about other Victorian stage acts, wonder if we’ve ever been to Colorado Springs, agree that electricity is scary, and get surprised by Andy Serkis. Give it a go and remember, always listen to Michael Caine! Enjoy!

TW: Racism, suicide, death by drowning, exploitation of disabled people including the blind, voluntary self-mutilation, sociopaths, classism, animal death

#podcast#mystery#ThePrestige#HughJackman#ChristianBale#ScarlettJohansson#RebeccaHall#MichaelCaine#ChristopherNolan

New episode out now! We’re back to our regular schedule with a dive into the world of Disney animation, covering 1986’s The Great Mouse Detective.

We learn how it adapts a children’s book which in turn mirrored Sherlock Holmes, wonder at the world-building of mice parallels to human monarchies and war, and don’t really understand the rules concerning which animals get to talk.

We also discuss the state of Disney animation in the ‘80s leading to the disjointed development of this movie in particular, as well as how the animators felt about it. Most of us agree that the songs don’t really slap, but we all fully agree that Vincent Price gives a masterful villain performance.

Katy makes guesses about the history of the British monarchy, Carrie establishes the roots of a childhood fear, Maddy is only interested in mouse capitalism, and Mack gives us all a passionate lecture.

We also debate if this movie is the beginning of Skynet, discuss the awful ways cartoons villainize fat people, wonder why we assign gender to types of animals, and realize that taxes are a shortcut for evil in kids movies.

Listen to hear us talk about drag queens, octopus eyes, harmful princess culture, and babysitter stories! Enjoy!

TW: Monarchies, fatphobia, capitalist systems causing harm

#podcast#mystery#mysteries#TheGreatMouseDetective#disney#DisneyAnimation#1980s#1980sDisney#SherlockHolmes
#BasilOfBakerStreet#cartoons

Special episode out now! We watched the new Rian Johnson whodunit Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, starring Daniel Craig as the gentleman detective Benoit Blanc!

We discuss how Johnson both pays homage to the Agatha Christie of it all while also making unconventional and surprising choices, as well as wonder whether it’s really a sequel or if it was forced to be called so by Hollywood expectations. We talk about how the pattern you think you can see is not what unfolds, examine Blanc’s relationship with the people he’s helping, and debate whether he’s become a bit manic in lockdown.

We also discuss the depiction of the tech genius billionaire, how being rich does not equal being smart, how money influences choices for all the characters, and debate whether the comeuppance for the murderer was satisfying for all of us. We rave about the acting and how it felt like they were having a blast, praise the costuming choices, and just love the overall design of the movie.

Katy shows off some Beatles knowledge, Carrie drops some amazing cameo facts, Maddy compares Blanc to a Muppet, and Mack is too immature for brussel sprouts.

We also get into nightmare AI clowns, pandemic mask shorthand, and bathing suit inspirations. Spoilers abound, so we DO recommend you watch the movie before listening! Enjoy!

#podcast#mystery#GlassOnion
#GlassOnionAKnivesOutMystery#DanielCraig#JanelleMonae#EdwardNorton#KateHudson#KathrynHahn#LeslieOdomJr#DaveBautista#MadelynCline#JessicaHenwick#RianJohnson#netflix

Extra special episode out now! For this year’s holiday treat, Quizmaster Mack designed a whole game show for us to play! We play four different games, each one tied to our podcast in some way.

We confront how often we veer off topic, test our knowledge of Florida Man, see if we can tell what’s been subtly changed in a plot synopsis, and guess weird facts about properties we will probably never cover.

Katy realizes she talks about the World’s Fair a lot, Carrie got away with mispronunciation, Maddy is a dehydrated queen, and Mack airs some grievances.

We also learn what is technically north of Florida, why paleontologists lick things, and how Mary-Kate and Ashley always travel.

Listen to hear Mack being a clever (and tricksy) game-maker, who bet on the fact that we don’t listen to each other well or retain information-and won! And after the games, we have a familiar Casemas treat! Enjoy, and happy holidays!

#podcast#mystery#mmbsn#gameshow#christmas
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Show Notes: 

The music used within the games is all by Kevin MacLeod.
Happy Happy Game Show, The Show Must Be Go, Corncob, Quirky Dog, Aunt Tagonist, Scheming Weasel, and Running Fanfare Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

(Spoiler alert!) Mack immediately forgot the last game was double points and only counted single ones. The outcome is the same either way, but the true point count is Maddy with 16, Carrie with 26, and Katy with 30.