It’s the biggest movie of the year and we rounded up a group of Barbie girls together to talk about what we loved and what we didn’t enjoy about Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster film.

The film has been divisive in many communities but it also has been lauded by critics and audience members. We approach the many controversies such as whether the monologue is trite, whether children have been allowed to watch it and more. 

This week’s guests included Gabi Zietsman, Khensani Mohlatlole and Ayesha Kaprey. From Ryan Gosling’s Ken to America Ferrera’s speech to the logic behind Barbie Land, we discuss it all. 

Synopsis: Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colourful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBk4NYhWNMM 

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crushingonpodcast.com 

This week on the podcast, we spoke to Gabe Gabriel, the writer and star of the new film Runs in the Family. Gabe has been working in the industry for many years as a writer, actor and director. We spoke to him about his experiences, his relationship with his father who directs the film, and the experiences of queer people in the film industry. 

Currently screening at the Durban International Film Festival, Runs in the Family tells the story of a father who takes his transgender son on a road trip across the country in order to rescue his son’s long-lost mother from a rehab clinic. The film is directed by Ian Gabriel (Four Corners) and stars Gabe Gabriel, Ace Bhatti and Diaan Lawrenson.

Clip: https://youtu.be/JN5oEXGWRSs 

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crushingonpodcast.com 

There is a large selection of top blockbusters currently in cinemas and choosing what to watch can be a chore. We spoke to editor and journalist Theolin Tembo who has seen every film that is currently on the circuit. 

Whether you want to watch something with the kids, feel like an action movie, or are ready for your next superhero fix, there is something for everyone. We discuss The Little Mermaid, Super Mario Bros, The Elementals, Guardians of the Galaxy 3, The Flash, Fast X, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and more. 

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The Afrikaans romantic comedy is a film favourite in South Africa. We have seen as countless couples have fallen in love despite the odds. The genre is so popular that it consistently tops the most-watched local films list. However, the genre has also been mostly white. 

But things are changing, especially in the new KykNet and Showmax film, Strooi. Featuring an Asian-African leading man played by Jefferson Jīnlòng Lan, opposite an Afrikaans leading lady played by Izette Blignaut. This week on the podcast we were joined by the two stars of Strooi to discuss the film, diversifying the genre, romantic comedies and more. 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=256ok9YrFtQ

Synopsis: The story revolves around Madelaine, a charming farm girl and school photographer from Dewetsdorp. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her car breaks down in Gauteng, leading to a chance encounter with a handsome stranger.

Watch it here: https://now.dstv.com/catchup/video/IS20_100449782

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crushingonpodcast.com 

Never Have I Ever has consistently been one of the most popular series on Netflix. This week on the episode we delve into the fourth and final season of the series. Returning to the podcast are Faatimah Essack and Leanne Phillipson to talk about what worked, what didn’t work, our favourite character arcs, and why we love this show so much. 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IemUKB4kCWM

In season 4, Devi is facing her final year of high school and has to deal with applying to colleges, her relationship with Ben (and others) as well as her friends and family. 

You can watch Never Have I Ever on Netflix here: ⁠https://www.netflix.com/title/80179190
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In this week’s episode, we are exploring the Star Wars universe with Nadia Darries, the co-writer and co-director of Aau’s Song, the final episode of season 2 of Star Wars Visions. 

We spoke about navigating the world of animation as a woman of colour, how Aau’s Song represents a generation of South Africans finding the courage to use their voice, and the path they took to work with Lucasfilm and Disney. 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSXqU92cymY 

Synopsis: It follows Aau, a young girl whose singing voice seemingly activates the planet's corrupted kyber crystals (much to her loving but overprotective father's chagrin). But despite Aau's devotion to her father, she cannot deny her destiny.
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Many of us struggle with anxiety and it permeates through every part of our lives. Ari Aster’s new film Beau is Afraid tells the story of one man’s journey through the darkest recesses of his mind. We were joined by filmmakers Stephen Nagel and Dean Ravell from BTG Productions to discuss the film, the themes and what emotions it brought up in us. 

Please note that this episode contains spoilers for Beau Is Afraid.

Beau is Afraid is available to watch at cinemas.

Synopsis: From writer-director Ari Aster comes a delirious journey into the unknown from one of the most inventive cinematic minds working today: the story of a man who sets out to visit his mother and discovers a world of malevolent forces and unseen eyes tracking his every move. Dense with meaning and aimed squarely at confronting the emotional chaos and collective uncertainty of our present day, Beau is Afraid follows one man’s odyssey through the depths of the end of history, finding horror and humour at every turn.
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Modeling is one of the most sought out-of careers and the one that tends to be fictionalized most often. Today we are chatting to South African model Lisa-Marie Jaftha, who went from local campaigns to living in New York City and being a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. 

We spoke about her journey, the highlights, the tough times, and what she misses most about home. 

You can follow along with Lisa-Marie’s journey on her Instagram. 

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, find out more at crushingonpodcast.com 

Caryn’s recommendations: 

• Rye Lane (Disney+)

• Yellowjackets S2 (Showmax)