Cinematic Doctrine

Melvin Benson

Welcome to Cinematic Doctrine, a non-spoiler Christian Movie Podcast where we sit at the table of Cinema and eat. Sometimes we dine on popular cuisine, other times we savor a cult classic!

  • 1 hour 15 minutes
    Significant Other - w/ Janecka Olen on Al(ien)pine Divorce

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Scream Queen Podcast: Podcast // Instagram // TikTok // BlueSky 

    Janecka Olen, creator and host of the Scream Queen Podcast, joins Melvin to discuss a criminally underseen, economically paced sci-fi thriller that's stuck in streaming jail: Significant Other! This 2022 film is loaded with surprises, including an emotional depth seldom seen in "invasion"-type movies. But, is it really an invasion film? It's a lot of things. Tune in and find out! 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:32:25 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here! 
    • Talking about Janecka's goals, from building her podcast & Instagram, getting her screenplay made, and her work on "The Horror Community's Ep****n List".
    • Janecka loves outdoorsing, and the general fears that come with it kick off Significant Other.
    • Yeah, but... what genre is Significant Other?
    • How opposites are exhibited through the film, including land & sea.
    • Talking various twists and turns, of which there are SEVERAL.
    • Significant Other draws from a lot of films, but one of those choices doesn't sit right with Melvin.
    • Janecka, "The interesting thing about [Significant Other]... is the emotional aspect."
    • The ending is a bit strange, so the two ponder what its saying about relationships.

    Recommendations:

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    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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    8 April 2026, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    undertone - dumbest movie of the decade?

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION:

    Kathryn joins Melvin to talk a surprise horror hit of 2026, undertone! This spooky flick has been helmed "the scariest movie you'll ever hear" by Collider, but is that actually true? Also, what's with all the catholic imagery? And does everything gel well together, or would this have been better as a short-film? 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:30:31 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • Kathryn, "I bet you this movie was written and directed by a man."
    • Melvin, "Well, there's a really good short film in there."
    • There's a lot in undertone, but a lot of it is done much better in other movies, so Melvin lists a few and explains how.
    • Pacing, and the film's sense of time, is really off.
    • Kathryn enjoyed Nina Kiri's performance, and is curious to see what she does next after otherwise carrying this film on her own.
    • As a podcasting hobbyist, Melvin complains about how undertone does podcasting.
    • Is the movie dumb? Discuss.
    • What does the antagonistic force in undertone have to do with sound?
    • Melvin, "There's better movies out there. Watch those instead!"
    • Talking about the ending... I guess...

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
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    1 April 2026, 8:00 am
  • 47 minutes 3 seconds
    Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey - On Kids Movies

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    PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 

    Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss the latest Patreon-Picked movie, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey! The two finish out March with a family film about talking animals and giving trust a chance!

    Topics:

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes of Kathryn & Melvin discussing the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer, their interest levels, and where they are with their relationship to the MCU. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
    • First things first: the movie is humane to its animal "actors", and the two reflect on that.
    • The cinematography is top notch.
    • Melvin gets distracted by Disney and... Mormons?
    • It's undeniable; anyone watching will catch themselves smiling. A lot.
    • Talking about why Kids/Family movies are kinda interesting, and mentioning a few that the podcast has covered.
    • Learning to trust others, and learning to care about what others care for.
    • There isn't a lot to say about the ending, but its definitely cute.

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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    25 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    The Fly (1986) - w/ Horror Hour with the Hannas on Fragile Bodies, Men, and Stomachs

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Horror Hour with the Hannas: Podcast // Instagram // TikTok // YouTube 

    Welcome to Twin Peaks: Podcast // Instagram

    Hannah & Matt Hanna from Hour Hour with the Hannas join Melvin to discuss one of David Cronenberg's most loved pictures; The Fly! From its brisk pacing to dense themes, the three get into the grotesque ins-and-outs of this vile, visual treat! 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:50:27 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • Hannah & Matt talk about their varied catalog of episodes and their relationship with the horror genre.
    • Positivity all around; Hannah, Matt, and Melvin loved The Fly!
    • Matt fell in love with The Fly, and it reminded him why he loves movies in the first place.
    • Hannah explores why she stepped away from The Fly feeling... giddy?
    • The film leaves Melvin profoundly emotional by the time the credits roll.
    • Getting into the specifics of the film's gender politics, man's relationship with his legacy, and Stathis.
    • Intimacy demands vulnerability, and vulnerability is often rejected by men through insecurities.
    • Reacting to the absolutely bonkers ending.
    • Discussing that one scene where Stathis shows a sort of respectful kindness to Ronni, and why that felt like a strange yet extremely important moment in the story.

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

    Social Links: 

    18 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 16 seconds
    Scream 7 - Kalshi, MetaAI, and Israel Controversy

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Kathryn & Melvin discuss the latest ghostface outing, Scream 7! Overwhelmed with controversy, this hugely popular modern slasher franchise brings back its original final girl, Sydney Prescott, in an attempt to salvage its reputation. Did it pay off? Is the whodunnit of it all still good? What's the meta commentary this time around? What about the boycott? We get into it all; tune in now! 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:19:54 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • Giving an overview of the Scream franchise, something the Cinematic Doctrine podcast hasn't formally covered on the podcast.
    • Scream as a franchise isn't usually all that gory, but Scream 7 pushes those boundaries. Kat isn't about it.
    • There is no sense of time or space in the film, and, frankly, that's the least of its problems.
    • Scream as a franchise at its best is smart, and at its worst is a little strange. But here, its worst is downright stupid.
    • Melvin explores why a lot of fans were "boycotting" the movie; partnerships with Kalshi, MetaAI, and the firing of Melissa Barrera.
    • How Hal Lindsey's book The Late Great Planet Earth continues to damage the Western Christian understanding of Israel/Palestine relations, the Scriptures, and now... the Scream franchise?
    • How Scream 7 really stretched the patience of its audience, and how it has the worst ghostface unmasking.

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

    Social Links: 

    11 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 24 minutes
    Bugonia - Rich People Blame You

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Bugonia, Yorgos Lanthimos' latest bizarre feature! Is this more accessible than any of his previous flicks? What's up with all the Bees? Is Emma Stone an alien, or are rich people just from another planet? There's a LOT to unpack here, so tune in! 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:38:13 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • Bugonia is more of a dramatic-satire than comedic-satire, despite its marketing implying otherwise.
    • As he does, Melvin begins with something he likes; the acting!
    • Kathryn, "[Bugonia] plays with what it means to be privileged enough to not have to worry about anything anymore and what it looks like for people who are forced to worry about everything."
    • Mostly, Melvin stepped away from Bugonia with negativity.
    • Talkin' bees and what the word "bugonia" means, and the Old Testament "Creation Mandate".
    • Talking about Don, colony collapse disorder, and getting into the ending.
    • It's common in beekeeping to replace the queen. Why isn't that mentioned through this allegory?
    • A call for the wealthy to be kind to the oppressed.

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

    Social Links: 

    4 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    Misericordia - Life After Death (and also Mushrooms)

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    PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 

    Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-selected movie, Misericordia! This foreign drama/dark-comedy from Alain Guiraudie offers a lot to talk about: Fall vibes, yearning, secrets, and plenty of small town conflict. Also, mushrooms!

    Topics:

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing Movies or art-pieces that become rally-cries for fandoms and garner 10/10 reviews in "support" of those projects, and how this makes Melvin go, "Hmmm..." (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
    • The setting of the film, a Fall French countryside, is stunning.
    • The film is cozy and even-keeled, but it also has a dash of the grotesque.
    • Melvin hasn't watched a lot of Queer cinema and that's largely due to the genre often included a bit more sexuality in it than other genres.
    • Someone watching movies outside their comfort zone can sometimes help bring a broader understanding to that person's outlook.
    • How we interpret the mushroom as a symbol.
    • Talking about love, justice, and living.
    • Getting into the ending, discussing its abruptness, and closing thoughts.
    • The importance of forgiveness and mercy when expressed and experienced in the right direction, as opposed to from merely observers.

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

    Social Links: 

    25 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 48 minutes 43 seconds
    Bottle Rocket - Talking Wes Anderson

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Bottle Rocket, Wes Anderson's first feature-length film! The vibes are cozy and the dramedy is light, and the two get into discussions about classism (go figure!), easy-to-watch films, and what it is about Wes Anderson that makes him so mainstream. 

    Topics: 

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Darren Aronofsky's AI-Slop studio "Primordial Soup" which specializes in producing "stories" and "art" through AI programs (LLMs and AGIs a la Chat-GPT and Midjourney) and how this endeavor is actually anti-art. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
    • Kathryn has stated that Bottle Rocket is her favorite Wes Anderson movie. Is this still true?
    • It's nice to watch a Wes Anderson movie where he isn't overly controlling everything.
    • Talking classism, adulthood, maturity, & empathy.
    • Melvin isn't so sure he likes Wes Anderson's movies as much as everyone else, and he spends some time thinking what it is others see in them.
    • Talking about Dignan, Anthony, and the unique characters therein.
    • The climax of the film feels like a great representation of what Wes Anderson does best.

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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    18 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 53 minutes 18 seconds
    Iron Lung - Is Cosmic Horror Hope-core?

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Shirleon joins Melvin to talk about Markiplier's Iron Lung movie! Is it like the game? Is it claustrophobic? Is it spooky-scary? The game is about 45-minutes whereas the movie is a little over 2-hours... is it bloated? Tune in and find out! 

    Topics:

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes talking about the vibes around Chris Pratt, if he's as popular as Hollywood thinks he is, what the financials of his latest features tell us, and where we think he's going next. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
    • Setting the groundwork for the Iron Lung game so we can talk the Iron Lung movie.
    • Both Shirleon & Melvin liked the movie, and the two chat about what worked for them.
    • The film succeeded in making Shirleon feel very claustrophobic.
    • Why is cosmic horror or weird fiction so difficult in film?
    • Melvin feels Iron Lung showcases Markiplier's talent as a writer/director.
    • Why do we think people love stories that contain such a degree of hopelessness?
    • Some specifics about the ending are a bit confusing, but Melvin doesn't feel it detracts from the experience.
    • Shirleon chats about the creature.
    • In terms of filmmaking, what's next for Markiplier?

    Recommendations: 

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

    Social Links: 

    11 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Stranger Things S5 - Canon Fanfiction

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    TV-Show Discussion: 

    Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Stranger Things Season 5! Was it worth the 9-year adventure? How was it in theaters? Is there a secret 9th episode? The two discuss it all, from the insanely large cast of characters to #ConformityGate! 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:32:13 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • It's so nice that Stranger Things is actually over during a time where fiction seems never-ending.
    • Kathryn and Melvin went to the theater for the finale. For Melvin, it was great. For Kathryn... well...
    • Melvin, "It is probably the worst season of Stranger Things."
    • Why couldn't it land the plane?
    • Offering rewrites because that's what podcasts do!
    • So... why does Stranger Things avoid killing major characters?
    • Talking #ConformityGate.
    • Mel, "Good coming-of-age [stories have] consequences."

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

    Social Links: 

    4 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 8 minutes
    Priest - happy new year i guess

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    PATREON PARTY PLEASER: 

    This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 

    Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize Priest, a forgotten feature from 2011. Loosely based upon a Manhwa of the same name, the two explore some of the neat ideas stuck beneath this unfocused, Syfy-original-like flick. And yes, it starts with a lore dump because of course it does. 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:22:34 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • Priest feels like it should have come out in the early 2000s.
    • Comparing vampire lore.
    • Melvin feels Paul Bettany isn't a leading man, but he has criticisms over the entire casting of Priest.
    • Discussing the vampire design.
    • Priest can't go a few minutes without making mistakes.
    • It's infrequent but occasionally the movie has some cool sci-fi visuals.
    • Shirleon, "It's got good bones."
    • Further vampire-lore conversations.
    • When an ending promises spectacle but pulls the rug out from under you.

    Recommendations:

    Support the show

    Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

    • Early access to uncut episodes 
    • Vote on a movie/show we review 
    • One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

    Social Links: 

    28 January 2026, 9:00 am
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