'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Riffing on 'Oddity,' 'Crossing' and 'Skywalkers'

During my latest appearance on Press Play, we of course discussed Twisters. But let me draw your attention to the other films we reviewed: an Irish horror film, a tender LGBTQ+ drama and a nerve-wracking documentary. Also, I was in the studio with my friend Monica Castillo, who I had never done the show with before. It was a treat! Hear the whole thing down below.

My Interview With Levan Akin, Writer-Director of 'Crossing'

Levan Akin heard a story about a Georgian grandfather who publicly supported his trans grandchild, an uncommon (and, frankly, courageous) act. It made Akin wonder how his own grandparents would have reacted in the same situation. Out of that came his touching new film Crossing. For RogerEbert.com, I talked to the writer-director about researching Istanbul's trans community, his early love of Anne Rice, and that time he almost talked to Madonna. Hope you enjoy.