Kermode & Mayo’s Take
Episodes
SHRINK THE BOX: Mitch and Cam - Modern Family
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between personality types: Feeler or Dealer. Plus why Mitch is so desperate to be one of the crowd and Cam wants to stand outside of it...
Aisling Bea & Lara McDonnell, No Hard Feelings, Nimona & Asteroid City
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Work experience with Kenneth Branagh. A guardian angel dance troupe. The Simon Mayo cameo that could have been. This week’s episode features an inte...
SHRINK THE BOX: Wendy Byrde - Ozark
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What does infidelity say about a marriage? How can honesty in the face of money laundering keep a family together, and what sort of mother is Wendy? W...
Andy & Barbara Muschietti, The Flash, Extraction 2 & Pretty Red Dress
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sibling disagreements on set. Making sense of the DC universe. The legend that is Michael Keaton. This week’s episode features an interview with dir...
SHRINK THE BOX: Ghosts - Mike Cooper
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With special guest Kiell Smith-Bynoe who plays Mike in hit BBC comedy ‘Ghosts’. Ben and Sasha ask: is sharing your partner with a group of ghosts ...
Kelvin Harrison Jr. & Lucy Boynton, Chevalier, Medusa Deluxe & Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Violin-offs. A fresh interpretation of Marie Antoinette. Simon Mayo, a fashionista? This week’s episode features an interview with actors Kelvin Har...
SHRINK THE BOX: Seinfeld - George Costanza
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What’s an anxious ruminator? What happens when self-blame is a way of life and how stationery can be lethal? We learn that there’s a little bit of...
Reality, Rob Savage, The Boogeyman, Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Simon interviews director Rob Savage about his latest release, 'The Boogeyman’. Mark reviews, ‘Reality’ - which depicts the unauthorized rele...
SHRINK THE BOX: Happy Valley - Catherine Cawood
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How anger can be a force for good, are we misusing the word ‘trigger’ and what happens when a birthday party turns into a domestic. We deep dive i...
Master Gardener, Hypnotic, The Gallows Pole, Shane Meadows + Sophie McShera
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special live version of the show from Union Chapel in Islington, Mark reviews, ‘Master Gardener’ - a film which follows a horticulturist d...
SHRINK THE BOX: Schitt’s Creek - David and Alexis Rose
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Sasha break down how the Schitt’s Creek siblings are fuelled differently, the different flavours of wine, and why quality time with the ones...
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Fast X, Beau Is Afraid, Louis Leterrier
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark reviews, ‘Fast X’ - Dom Toretto and his family are back again to confront the most lethal opponent that they've ever faced; ‘Are You There ...
SHRINK THE BOX: The White Lotus - Tanya McQuoid
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Sasha ask why do some people behave like big babies (and why is it more obvious in wealthy people); why can trying to hold on to someone mean ...
Plan 75, Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, Book Club: The Next Chapter, Summer Preview
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark and Simon look ahead to what to look out for this summer! Mark reviews ‘Book Club: The Next Chapter’ – the sequel of four best friends who ...
SHRINK THE BOX: Better Call Saul - Jimmy McGill
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben & Sash explore what makes a successful confidence trickster, and how Jimmy McGill is full of contradictions: criminal and yet kind. Plus, how it’...
Ari Aster, Return to Seoul, Blue Kaftan and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Director of Hereditary and Midsommar, Ari Aster, joins Mark and Simon to discuss his new film ‘Beau is Afraid’. He explains how doing press isn’...
SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Bailey Smith and Sasha Bates delve into the Shrink the Box emails to answer questions, discuss new character suggestions and pick each other’s b...
Penelope Wilton, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Little Richard: I Am Everything, Polite Society & Top 10 including Pope's Exorcist
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Penelope Wilton talks about the logistics of filming The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and what it was like working alongside Jim Broadbent. Foll...
SHRINK THE BOX: Shrink the Inbox
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Sasha delve into the Shrink the Box emails to answer questions, discuss new character suggestions and pick each other’s brains. This week: ...
Rachel Weisz and Alice Birch, Dead Ringers, Evil Dead Rise & How To Blow Up A Pipeline
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Weisz and Alice Birch discuss remaking David Cronenberg's chiller ‘Dead Ringers’ and the importance of depictions of birth on screen. Super...
SHRINK THE BOX: Succession - Shiv Roy
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Siobhan Roy has it all: a high flying career, a man who adores her, and a private jet at her disposal. And still it’s not enough. This week we expl...
Nicholas Hoult, Renfield, One Fine Morning, Obsession
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Super subs Rhianna Dhillon and Anna Bogutskaya stand in whilst Mark and Simon are away. Nicholas Hoult talks to Rhianna about taking center stage as D...
SHRINK THE BOX: Friends - Ross & Monica Geller
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We look at the Geller siblings: Ross and Monica. We explore why Monica said “If I could choose my parents, I’d choose yours” to her brother and...
Mia Hansen-Løve, Lola, Godland, & Air
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Prolific French director Mia Hansen- Løve speaks to Simon about her deeply personal new film ‘One Fine Morning’ - and how it was inspired by her ...
Bonus Episode: Best Road Trip Films (brought to you by heycar)
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks to heycar – this bonus episode is all about the best road trip films out there. Mark fills us in on his notorious road trips of the past, inc...
SHRINK THE BOX: Killing Eve - Eve Polastri
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Thrills, state secrets, and international assassins. Eve Polastri has always been wanted to be a MI6 spy. When she stumbles across Villanelle, she get...
Emily Watson, God’s Creatures, Dungeons & Dragons, and Law of Tehran
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Watson stars alongside Paul Mescal in new psychological drama ‘God’s Creatures’. She joins Simon and Mark in the studio to talk about what...
SHRINK THE BOX: Bloodlines - Danny Rayburn
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Meet the Rayburn’s. They are upstanding pillars of the community, hugely admired, and entirely dysfunctional. We delve into why Danny is actually t...
Keanu Reeves, Chad Stahelski, Infinity Pool, The Beasts & John Wick: Chapter 4
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Keanu and Chad tell Simon about the most difficult stunts to film in the latest John Wick installment in a fascinating interview. Mark reviews the ne...
SHRINK THE BOX: I May Destroy You - Arabella Essiedu
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Black, British and kind of famous, Michaela Coel’s Arabella colours outside of the lines; misses deadlines, and, can’t *quite* remember what happe...
Daveed Diggs, Pearl, Rye Lane, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, 80 for Brady & Extrapolations
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Multifaceted Daveed Diggs tells Simon how his role as Marshall Zucker in the start studded ‘Extrapolations’ was deeply personal. Mark reviews...
SHRINK THE BOX: Wandavision - Wanda Maximoff
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Transporting viewers to the idyllic, suburban world of Westview, New Jersey, but all is not how it seems. Despite her otherworldly powers, Wanda exper...
Andy Serkis, Luther: The Fallen Sun, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, Scream VI, & Champions
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Serkis tells Simon about playing his darkest role yet, and why he decided to take on the challenge. Mark reviews the new horror/slasher take on ...
SHRINK THE BOX: Mad Men - Don Draper
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Advertising sells - and Don Draper knows how to sell it better than anyone: a product, the American dream, and even himself. We look at why the ad-me...
Michael B. Jordan, Creed III, Close, Project Wolf Hunting and Electric Malady
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael B. Jordan talks about his directorial debut – he discusses how he feels about Danielle Deadwyler missing out at the Oscars, and working with...
SHRINK THE BOX: Fleabag - Fleabag
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Falling in love with a priest - whilst being deathly afraid of intimacy? What’s that about? Join us as we delve into the world of Phoebe Waller-Bri...
Hugh Jackman, Cocaine Bear, What’s Love Got To Do With It, The Independent, Broker
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Simon speaks to Hugh Jackman about how filming ‘The Son’ changed him as a parent, plus he talks about reprising his role as Wolverine! Mark review...
SHRINK THE BOX: The Wire - Omar Little
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Omar is only Barack Obama's favourite fictional character of all time. And perhaps ours too? We find out why we're on the side of the gun-toting, dus...
Michael Douglas, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, The Son & Nostalgia
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Simon speaks to Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas about the return of Ant-Man - Michael recommends the best way to watch his new film... Mark reviews ...
SHRINK THE BOX: The Queen's Gambit - Beth Harmon
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The often enigmatic chess genius that is Beth Harmon - is the Queen of this week’s episode. Ben and Sasha explore why Beth feels so compelled to cl...
Danielle Deadwyler, Women Talking, Epic Tails, Blue Jean, & Magic Mike’s Last Dance
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We learn about the making of ‘Till’, and what Danielle thinks about the Awards. Mark reviews ‘Women Talking’ - a harrowing American drama abou...
SHRINK THE BOX: Breaking Bad - Walter White
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sliding on their gloves, and stepping into their Hazmat suits, Ben and Sasha distil one of TV’s most infamous characters: The mighty Heisenburg. On...
Brendan Fraser, Darren Aronofsky, The Whale, Knock at the Cabin, EO, & Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Telegraph critic Robbie Collin stands in for Simon this week as he’s unwell. Mark reviews ‘EO,’ Jerzy Skolimowski’s harrowing new film about a...
SHRINK THE BOX: The Sopranos - Tony Soprano
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Unravelling the complex (and surprisingly endearing) layers of the OG mobster: Mr Tony Soprano, all roads lead to New Jersey on the first episode of S...
Shrink The Box, Plane, Unwelcome, All The Beauty and The Bloodshed, & The Fabelmans
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why Tony Soprano's therapist stuck with him? Simon and Mark chat with friend of the show, actor/comedian Ben Bailey Smith, and psychothe...
Cate Blanchett, Babylon, Holy Spider, More Than Ever & Alice Darling
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cate Blanchett is the star of ‘Tár’ and is tipped to win big at the awards this year; in this episode you’ll hear Cate talk to Simon about th...
Sam Mendes, Empire of Light, Enys Men, Tár & M3gan
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Would Empire of Light have happened if Olivia Colman hadn’t said yes to playing Hilary? Director and writer, Sam Mendes CBE, chats to Simon in thi...
Mary McCartney, Till, If These Walls Could Sing, Piggy & A Man Called Otto
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney, Mary McCartney, joins Ben and Anna to give us a glimpse of what went down in the world-famous Abbey Road Studi...
BEST OF 2022, TOM HANKS AND MARIANA TREVINO, OBITUARY
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark and Simon take a look at the best bits of Kermode and Mayo’s Take this year including highlights from Rowan Atkinson, Jeff Goldblum, Charlotte ...
Daniel Craig and Rian Jonson, The Pale Blue Eye, The Enforcer, I Wanna Dance with Somebody & Corsage
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Detective Benoit Blanc is back!! Simon sits down with Daniel Craig, and director Rian Johnson to chat all things ‘Glass Onion: A Knives out Mystery,...
Avatar: The Way of Water, The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute, The Unofficial Science of Home Alone & Le Pupille
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It took three years and cost 250 million dollars to make ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, and Mark has some strong feelings on the film... Mark also re...
Jerry Bruckheimer, Nocebo, The Silent Twins, Rimini, & Anonymous Club
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is it like to work with Tom Cruise? The legendary Hollywood producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, pays us a visit to tell all and to speak to Simon about ...
Gary Oldman, Slow Horses, White Noise, Nil By Mouth, Tori & Lokita, & Violent Night
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why eating nineteen bowls of noodles helped Gary Oldman get into character for Jackson Lamb – he joins Mark and Simon in the studio, fully in charac...
Emma Thompson, Matilda the Musical, Bones and All, She Said & Pinocchio
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The monstrous Miss Trunchbull is played by Dame Emma Thompson in the new musical film ‘Matilda the Musical’ - Simon talks to Dame Emma about this ...
Paul Mescal, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Menu, Aftersun and Armageddon Time
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon speaks to actor Paul Mescal about his new film ‘Aftersun.’ Mark reviews black comedy horror film ‘The Menu,’ starring Anya Taylor-Joy, N...
Florence Pugh, Sebastián Lelio, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Crown, No Bears, A Bunch of Amateurs
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Bailey Smith speaks to writer/director Sebastián Lelio and actor Florence Pugh about their haunting new film ‘The Wonder.’ Mark reviews the m...
Aimee Lou Wood, Lena Dunham, Living, Terrifier 2, Queer for Fear
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark and Simon are LIVE from Indigo at the O2 in Greenwich, and are joined by special guests Aimee Lou Wood (to discuss her new film ‘Living’ in w...
Harris Dickinson, Triangle of Sadness, The Wonder, Bros, Barbarian
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Simon speaks to rising British star Harris Dickinson about his role as a male model in ‘Triangle of Sadness’. Mark reviews new horror fi...
Martin McDonagh, Black Adam, Decision to Leave, Matriarch, The Banshees of Inisherin
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Simon speaks to the prolific British-Irish playwright and filmmaker Martin McDonagh about his new irreverent dark comedy ‘The Banshees of ...
Emma Mackey, Frances O'Connor, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Emily, Halloween Ends and All Quiet on the Western Front
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Simon speaks to Emma Mackey about her role as Emily Bronte in ‘Emily’ and the writer and director of the film Francs O’Connor. Mark re...
Sally Hawkins, The Bear, Amsterdam, Vengeance and The Lost King
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Simon speaks to one of Britian’s finest acting talents Sally Hawkins about her new film ‘The Lost King.’ Mark reviews the culinary sma...
Christian Bale, Smile, The Woman King, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris and Flux Gourmet
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Simon sits down with screen legend Christian Bale to discuss his role in David O. Russell’s latest film ‘Amsterdam.’ Mark reviews Pete...
Charlotte Rampling, Blonde, Don’t Worry Darling, Catherine Called Birdy and Juniper
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Simon and Mark are joined in the studio by the extraordinary Charlotte Rampling to discuss her new film ‘Juniper’. Mark reviews the high...
Introducing…This Is History: A Dynasty To Die For, with Dan Jones
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Power, greed, religion and sex: historian Dan Jones brings the drama of medieval history alive through compelling stories, larger-than-life characters...
Pam Grier, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Pinocchio, and Jackie Brown
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Simon speaks to the iconic American actress Pam Grier about the 25th anniversary of ‘Jackie Brown’. Mark reviews Disney+ live action ‘...
Johnny Flynn, See How They Run, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Crimes of the Future and The Score
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was recorded before the announcement of the passing of HRH Elizabeth II. This week Simon speaks to the multitalented Poet, Musician, a...
Timothy Spall, It Snows in Benidorm, The Forgiven, Blackbird and Three Thousand Years of Longing
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Mark are back from their cruise and joined by very special guest Timothy Spall to discuss his new drama ‘It Snows in Benidorm’. Mark rev...
The Best of TAKE 2, Part I: Volume A
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Mark are on the final week of their cruise, so this week covers all the highlights from their Take 2 episodes so far, bringing you the best ...
Hugh Bonneville, Bad Sisters, House of the Dragon, My Old School and Fisherman’s Friends: One and All
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Robbie Collin and Rhianna Dhillon as they stand in while Mark and Simon are on their annual cruise. Rhianna speaks to national treasure Hugh Bon...
Jordan Peele, Nope, Eiffel, Five Days at Memorial and Blind Ambition
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Anna Bogutskaya and Rufus Jones as they fill in while Mark and Simon are on their annual cruise. Rufus speaks to the genius director behind ‘G...
Alicia Vikander Bullet Train, Irma Vep, The Harder They Come (reissue)
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Mark talk to Oscar winning Swedish actress Alicia Vikander about her new role in the highly meta series ‘Irma Vep’ - created by Olivier ...
Ron Howard, DC League of Super-Pets, Hit the Road, Thirteen Lives, Fire of Love
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon talks to legendary Hollywood director and actor Ron Howard, about his new biographical survival film ‘Thirteen Lives’ - starring Viggo Morte...
Daisy Edgar-Jones, Where the Crawdads Sing, Notre Dame on Fire, She Will, Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck In Time
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon talks to actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, of ‘Normal People’ fame, who stars in ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ - the new film adaptation of Number...
Sheridan Smith, The Railway Children Return, McEnroe, The Gray Man, The Good Boss
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon talks to Bafta winning British actor Sheridan Smith OBE on what it was like to be a part of ‘The Railway Children Return.’ Mark reviews Ryan...
Taron Egerton, Thor: Love and Thunder, Brian and Charles, Black Bird, Futura
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon interviews actor and singer Taron Egerton best known for his work in the ‘Kingsman Franchise,’ and ‘Rocketman’ about his role in Apple T...
Minions: The Rise of Gru, Nitram, and Tigers
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark reviews ‘Minions: Rise of Gru’, ‘Nitram’ - about a young man who develops an unexpected friendship with an older and isolated heiress, an...
Rowan Atkinson, Elvis, The Black Phone, Man vs. Bee, and Wings of Desire
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark and Simon are joined in the studio by comedic genius Rowan Atkinson to chat about his new comedy Netflix series ‘Man vs, Bee.’ Mark reviews t...
Tom Hanks, Lightyear, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Everything Went Fine, and Spiderhead
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon speaks to the one and only Tom Hanks about his role as Colonel Tom Parker in ‘Elvis’. Mark reviews ‘Lightyear’ – the story of a young ...
Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic World: Dominion, Swan Song, All My Friends Hate Me, Reel Britannia
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon speaks to screen legend, and fan of the show Jeff Goldblum about reprising his role as Dr. Ian Malcom in Jurassic World Dominion. Mark reviews n...
Danny Boyle, Men, Pistol, The Midwich Cuckoos
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon speaks to renowned filmmaker, producer, and writer Danny Boyle to discuss his new Disney+ series ‘Pistol.’ Mark reviews folk horror ‘Men...
Rory Kinnear, Top Gun Maverick, Stranger Things and Bob’s Burgers
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark and Simon are live from the Union Chapel, Islington, London! They’re joined by friend of the show Sanjeev Bhaskar, and Rory Kinnear who is star...
Miles Teller, Benediction, Emergency, The Innocents
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of Kermode and Mayo’s Take, Mark and Simon are joined in the studio by Tom Cruise’s co-star Miles Teller to discuss his lat...
Everything Everywhere All at Once, Gaspar Noé, The Essex Serpent
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of Kermode and Mayo’s Take, Mark and Simon are joined in the studio by Argentinian screenwriter, director, and auteur Gaspar ...
Introducing: Extra Takes and Take Two
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Once a week with us not enough for you? We have great news - in addition to our regular episodes every Friday, join Kermode & Mayo’s Extra Takes to ...
The one with Tom Hiddleston, Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Cabaret
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode of Kermode and Mayo's Take, Mark and Simon are joined by Tom Hiddleston who talks about his role in The Essex Serpent. Mark revi...
Introducing Kermode & Mayo’s Take
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The new home of Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo. Coming early May 2022. Film reviews, TV reviews, and all your conversation around movie and non-movi...