The Next Best Picture Podcast

For Episode 487, I am joined by Lauren LaMagna, Dan Bayer, and Will Mavity as we give our reactions to the lineup for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. For this week's poll question, for the announcement of the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival lineup, we're asking everyone: "Which Films From The 2026 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To?" and reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of Steven Soderbergh's newest film, "The Christophers," where we asked "Which Is Your Favorite Ian McKellen Performance?" We also share our reactions to the trailer for "The Invite," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, subscribing, and supporting us. We hope you enjoy!

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For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson and Dan Bayer join me to discuss "You, Me & Tuscany," starring Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, Lorenzo de Moor, Isabella Ferrari, Aziza Scott, Marco Calvani & Nia Vardalos. Directed by Kat Coiro and written by Ryan Engle, it takes place in Italy and tells the story of a young cook who squats in an abandoned Tuscan villa owned by a man she barely knows, and she meets the owner's cousin. A POC-led American romantic comedy, the film has been saddled with expectations to perform well at the box office so that other similar projects can be greenlit. Is this fair? What is the current state of the rom-com genre for theatrical exhibition? Why isn't Regé-Jean Page a bigger star, and what will become of Halle Bailey's still young and blossoming career? Did we enjoy this film despite its flaws? Please tune in as we discuss the story, comedy, romantic chemistry between the two leads, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy!

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"The Stranger" is a 2025 drama film written and directed by François Ozon, based on Albert Camus's 1942 novel "The Stranger". Benjamin Voisin stars in the lead role of Meursault, alongside Rebecca Marder, Pierre Lottin, Swann Arlaud, and Denis Lavant. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion. Ozon was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in NY, LA, San Francisco, Washington DC, Portland, Indianapolis, Baltimore, with a national expansion to follow from Music Box Films. Thank you, and enjoy!

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"Faces Of Death" is a 2026 American horror film and reimagining of the 1978 film by John Alan Schwartz. Directed by Daniel Goldhaber and co-written with Isa Mazzei, it stars Barbie Ferreira, Dacre Montgomery, Josie Totah, Aaron Holliday, Jermaine Fowler, and Charli XCX. The film premiered at the Beyond Fest in Chicago as a 35mm screening and received positive reviews for its performances and direction. Goldhaber and Mazzei were kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on April 10th from Independent Film Company. Thank you, and enjoy!

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"Exit 8" is a 2025 Japanese mystery psychological horror film directed by Genki Kawamura, who co-wrote the screenplay with Kentaro Hirase, based on the 2023 video game "The Exit 8" developed by Kotake Create. The film had its world premiere in the Midnight Screenings section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received widespread acclaim from critics and has already been a financial success overseas. Kawamura was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on April 10th from NEON. Thank you, and enjoy!

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Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

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