Movies & Us
Movies & Us is a weekly gathering place filled with conversations about movies, stories, and connection. Our name sums it up: we’re all about movies and the powerful ways we can connect with each other and the world around us. This podcast is about all of us and our shared stories. Join us in conversations about movies and the stories that connect us!
Episodes

Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Worst Person in the World. They wonder if this is a rom-com or not and discuss how this film differs from others in the romance genre. They also dive into the complex characters and reflect on how movies are great at building empathy.
What did you think of The Worst Person in the World? Do you think this is a rom-com?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Saturday Mar 19, 2022
Saturday Mar 19, 2022
Jen and Sarah review Parallel Mothers in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss how the writing, characters, and score subverted their expectations and avoided many familiar tropes. They also dive into how the film thoughtfully weaves together many different themes for the audience to grapple with.
What did you think about Parallel Mothers? What themes stood out to you?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review King Richard. They take a deep dive into the characters, pacing, and plot structure. They also discuss the main themes of this film, how it was made, and how it differs from other biopics.
What did you think of King Richard? What sets this apart from other films in the genre?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Monday Mar 14, 2022
Monday Mar 14, 2022
Jen and Sarah review Belfast in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They unpack the film’s pacing and plot structure and share how they would’ve changed some elements to make a more impactful film. They also discuss its Oscar nominations and how this compares to other critically-acclaimed films.
What did you think of Belfast? How does this compare with this year’s Best Picture contenders?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Saturday Mar 12, 2022
Saturday Mar 12, 2022
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review West Side Story. They discuss this adaptation’s outstanding cinematography and great performances. They also compare it to the 1961 film that received so much critical acclaim.
What did you think of West Side Story? How does this compare to the 1961 film?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Join Jen and Sarah in celebrating the 200th episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. In this episode, they reflect on what SWE has meant to them, the value of infusing whimsy into their lives, and how art can help us connect with others. They also review Sorry to Bother You and Fences—two films that have shaped their lives.
How have you infused whimsy into your day? What films have shaped your life?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Saturday Mar 05, 2022
Saturday Mar 05, 2022
Jen and Sarah review Drive My Car in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss their reactions to the slow-building plot and the themes of grief, connection, and more. They also celebrate the recognition this film has received from the Academy and share their hopes for more people to seek it out.
What did you think of Drive My Car? What themes resonate with you the most?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Tragedy of Macbeth. They delve into the complex characters, gorgeous set design, and powerful performances. They also discuss some of the creative liberties the film takes and how they affect the story as a whole.
What did you think of The Tragedy of Macbeth? How do you think this compares with other adaptations?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Jen and Sarah review CODA in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss its interesting characters, simple plot structure, and heart-warming moments. They also dive into why representation matters and share their hopes for more films that tell the stories of underrepresented groups.
What did you think of CODA? Did the ending work for you?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Spencer. They share their reactions to this film and how it differentiates itself from traditional biopics. They also discuss Kristen Stewart’s performance, along with the writing, score, and cinematography.
What did you think of Spencer? What do you think about the creative liberties the film takes?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.








