One year ago today, Movies In A Nutshell started as a simple idea.

Since then, it’s grown into something we genuinely didn’t expect shaped by the movies we’ve covered, the conversations we’ve had, and the listeners who’ve stuck with us along the way.

To mark our first birthday, we’re doing something a little different.

This bonus episode steps away from the usual format for a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at the show itself how it started, how it’s changed, and where it might be heading next.

1. How the podcast began and how quickly the first year disappeared
2. The moments that genuinely surprised us
3. Episodes that connected more than we expected
4. Why different types of episodes resonate in different ways
5. How each host approaches movie choices and what that means for the show
6. The jokes, tangents and running gags that accidentally became part of the podcast
7. What we’ve learned from doing this every week
8. And what Movies In A Nutshell might look like as we head into Year Two

If you’ve been listening since the start, this one’s for you.

If you’re new, it’s the perfect snapshot of what Movies In A Nutshell is really about.

Do you have a favourite episode?

Was there a moment that stuck with you?

How did you first discover the podcast?

Get in touch and let us know — we’ll share listener responses in future episodes.

https://2ly.link/24tPI

Thank you!

Marc, Darren and Paul

https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Is The Devil Wears Prada really just about fashion?

In this episode of Movies In A Nutshell, we give you everything you need to decide whether this iconic film belongs on your watchlist and all without spoilers. Then we unbox it to reveal the things you have missed even if you've seen it many times.

This episode might make you look at the movie very differently.

Darren’s Pick

A spoiler-free breakdown of a workplace drama often dismissed as a fashion film — but one that has remained culturally relevant for nearly two decades.

An exploration of the film’s tone, structure and character journey — focusing on ambition, power, identity, pressure and personal change within a high-demand professional world.

A look at how the story is framed through an outsider’s perspective, why its themes resonate far beyond the fashion industry, and how its ideas connect with other “cost of greatness” films.

By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this blend of sharp dialogue, character-driven storytelling and workplace drama belongs on your watchlist.

The details beneath the surface — from shifting power dynamics and mentor figures to subtle visual cues that chart the protagonist’s transformation.

Moments that land very differently on rewatch, how relationships evolve under pressure, and why the film’s ending is often misunderstood.

A closer look at how ambition is framed, how success is defined, and what the film suggests about personal growth versus personal cost.

A standout set of facts and trivia, including:

1. Record-breaking costume budgets and award recognition
2. Casting choices and character decisions that shaped the film
3. Behind-the-scenes production stories and on-set dynamics
4. Real-world inspirations behind key characters
5. Why the film continues to influence pop culture years later

Marc, Darren & Paul submit their scores — and The Devil Wears Prada takes its place in the Legend League.

Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs — plus a Question of the Week inspired by the film’s themes of ambition, identity and success.

And of course… the reveal of next week’s movie.

https://2ly.link/24tPI

https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell

See how listeners rated the movies they chose

https://linkly.link/2Bi9l

Every movie we’ve featured and rated on the podcast

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

🎙️ Voice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

📧 Email:

In this episode:

PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it

A spoiler-free breakdown of one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made — a movie that blends action, philosophy and cyberpunk style into a story about reality, control and waking up.

An exploration of the film’s tone, world-building and central ideas — focusing on identity, free will, conformity, belief and the systems that quietly shape our lives.

A look at why The Matrix felt revolutionary on release, how its concepts go far beyond surface-level action, and why its core questions still resonate decades later.

By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this blend of sci-fi action, mind-bending ideas and philosophical storytelling belongs on your watchlist.

PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen it

What Did You Miss?

The details beneath the surface — from visual cues and repeated motifs to the way the film reinforces its ideas through colour, framing and character choices.

Moments that land very differently on rewatch, subtle world-building that often goes unnoticed, and how much of the film’s meaning is communicated without dialogue.

A deeper look at how the movie quietly challenges comfort, certainty and the idea of accepting reality as it’s presented to you.

A standout set of facts and trivia, including:

1. How the film’s visual style changed action cinema overnight
2. Innovative techniques that became industry standards
3. Behind-the-scenes production challenges and breakthroughs
4. Casting choices that could have completely altered the film
5. Why The Matrix continues to influence movies, games and pop culture today

Hate It or Rate It?

Marc, Darren & Paul submit their scores — and The Matrix takes its place in the Legend League.

PART 3 – Listener Lounge

Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs — plus a Question of the Week inspired by the film’s ideas around truth, choice and perception.

And of course… the reveal of next week’s movie.

Listen Now:

https://2ly.link/24tPI

Join our SubReddit:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesInANutshell

See how listeners rated the movies they chose

https://linkly.link/2Bi9l

Every movie we’ve featured and rated on the podcast

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

Voice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: hello@moviesinanutshell.com

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