JJ and Steve travel back to 1995. That time when landlines were ubiquitous and had yet surrendered to the internet, cell phones and texting. Although Landline is from 2017, it feels like a close relative to the mid-90s indie film scene that was bursting onto the festival circuit at the time.

Landline has an amazing cast: Jenny Slate, Jay Duplass, John Turturro, Edie Falco, and a true standout performance from Abby Quinn. Unfortunately they are given a script that fails to commit to fully being a comedy or a tragedy. Instead it straddles the fence and never fully commits to either side and exists in that painful and awkward space between. JJ and Steve discuss the awkwardness of not knowing whether to grin or cringe, because laughing or crying would be too strong a reaction.

Is this film for you? Within the first 15 minutes of this episode you will know whether you will push play, or keep scrolling.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast!

Learn how to support The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!