Beyond The Frame

Ryan Vanderhei, Joe Parente & Heidi Roodvoets

The self improvement podcast for lovers of film and TV! Our favorite fictional movies and tv shows can teach us valuable life lessons. Join Ryan Vanderhei, Joe Parente, and Heidi Roodvoets weekly as they explore the newest and most popular movies and shows and how the lessons they teach us can be applied to our own lives.

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20 episodes
Updated June 17

Episodes20

Newest first

June 17 · 42 min
'Disclosure Day' And The Ethics of Withholding Information
Disclosure Day (2026) asks a simple question: if you found out we weren't alone, would you want to know? In this episode of Beyond the Frame, Joe, Ryan, and Heidi break down Steven Spielberg's latest sci-fi blockbuster — but more importantly, they dig into the question buried beneath the alien footage: how do we determine what's ethical when it comes to withholding information from people? ⚠️ FULL SPOILERS AHEAD. 🎙️ NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK — Subscribe so you don't miss next week's deep dive into 'Toy Story 5'. ABOUT THE SHOW Beyond the Frame is a movie podcast that goes deeper than reviews. Each week, Joe, Ryan, and Heidi unpack the themes, lessons, and life perspectives hiding in the films we watch — because movies aren't just entertainment, they're opportunities to look at ourselves and the world differently. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this show are the opinions of the hosts Ryan Vanderhei, Joe Parente, and Heidi Roodvoets only. Any and all discussion of said television series, films, and books is for the sole purpose of review and criticism that can be categorized under fair use. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
May 26 · 43 min
'I Love Boosters' And The Cultural Significance of Satire
⚠️ Full spoilers ahead. I Love Boosters (2026) might be the most important movie of the year — and in this episode of Beyond the Frame, Joe, Ryan, and Heidi dig into why Boots Riley's wild, color-saturated, satirical fever dream is doing what almost no other filmmaker is brave enough to do: speak truth to power and make you laugh while it lands. Starring Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, Naomi Ackie, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore, I Love Boosters is the second feature from writer-director Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) — a $20 million Neon production that has zero sacred cows and a whole lot to say. We unpack the satire on every level: luxury culture and how badly people want to feel "cool," celebrity worship and the bloviating of perceived geniuses, exploitation of workers, factory labor, and so much more. This episode is a conversation about why satire matters right now — and why filmmakers like Boots Riley, voices like Stephen Colbert, and shows like South Park exist as essential checks on power. 🎙️ NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK — Subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode on The Backrooms. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
May 19 · 40 min
'Obsession' And The Difference Between Love & Infatuation
Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
May 10 · 34 min
'Remarkably Bright Creatures' And The Power of Work Perspective
Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026) is more than a Sally Field movie about an octopus — it's a quiet meditation on work, purpose, and the perspective shift that changes everything. In this episode of Beyond the Frame, we break down the film's biggest hidden lesson: what if work is actually a gift? Sally Field stars as Tova, an elderly widow working night shifts at a local aquarium, where an unlikely bond with Marcellus the octopus (voiced by Alfred Molina) sets her — and a lost young drifter named Cameron (Lewis Pullman) — on a path neither of them expected. Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Shelby Van Pelt and directed by Olivia Newman. If you've ever felt stuck in autopilot, dreaded a Monday, or wondered whether your job actually matters — this one's for you. Spoiler warning: We discuss the full film, including the ending. NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK — Subscribe so you don't miss next week's discussion on the 2026 horror film 'Obsession'! Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
April 30 · 37 min
'I Swear' And Seeing Someone As More Than Their Label
In this episode, we break down I Swear through the three people who changed John Davidson's life: Murray, the friend who didn't need an explanation; Dottie, the woman whose patience never flinched; and Tommy, the boss who saw a worker, not a diagnosis. What unites them isn't training or expertise — it's their willingness to be uncomfortable, and their refusal to let an involuntary action define a person. That's the lesson at the heart of this film, and it's one we think anyone watching could use right now. Who in your life has seen you as more than your label? Have you seen someone else this way? Share your stories, we want to hear them. 💛 Join us next week when we extract life lessons from season 2 of Beef! Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
April 15 · 51 min
'The Drama' And Defining Unconditional Love
SPOILERS! In this episode we break down and discuss the 2026 film 'The Drama' directed by Rob Reiner, and starring Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Alana Haim, and more. We talk in depth about how the film analyzes a soon to be married couple who individually navigate hearing extremely troubling news about their partner and how this process cements their unconditional love for each other. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
April 2 · 44 min
'Stand By Me' And Living In Someone Else's Shadow
SPOILERS! In this video we break down and discuss the 1986 film 'Stand By Me' based on the novel by Stephen King, directed by Rob Reiner, and starring River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O-Connell. We talk in depth about how the film analyzes four young boy's different reactions to living in the shadow of something or someone, which, unfortunately very ironically, is what both Rob Reiner and his son Nick Reiner felt. Rob chose to channel that feeling into his art, and Nick channeled it into something horrific. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
March 30 · 46 min
'Project Hail Mary' And The Definition of Bravery
SPOILERS! In this video we break down and discuss the 2026 sci-fi film ‘Project Hail Mary’ based on the novel by Andy Weir, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller, and James Ortiz. We talk in depth about how bravery is represented in the film through it's three main characters in Ryland Grace, Eva Stratt, and of course... Rocky! Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
March 18 · 37 min
'Hoppers' And The Importance of Awe
SPOILERS! In this film breakdown we do an analysis on the 2026 animated movie 'Hoppers' directed by Daniel Chong and starring characters voiced by Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Dave Franco, and many more. We focus our discussion on the big question that the movie raises: What role does nature play in human life? Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
March 11 · 38 min
'The Bride' And The Lengths We Go To For Love
SPOILERS! In this film breakdown we do an analysis on the 2026 fantasy movie 'The Bride' directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, Annette Bening, and more. We focus our discussion on the big question that the movie raises: What lengths are we willing to go to for love? Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
March 4 · 44 min
'Bugonia' And The Question Of Humanity's Survival
On this episode of beyond the frame hosts Ryan Vanderhei, Joe Parente, and Heidi Roodvoets break down and discuss the 2025 film 'Bugonia' directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The film stars an incredible cast consisting of Jesse Plemons, Emma Stone, Aidan Delbis, and more. We focus our discussion on the big question that the movie raises: Are we worth saving? You be the judge. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
February 25 · 34 min
'Frankenstein' And The Definition Of A Monster
On today's episode of Beyond The Frame, hosts Heidi Roodvoets and Ryan Vanderhei breakdown and analyze the theme of defining a monster in the 2025 netflix film 'Frankenstein' directed by Guillermo Del Toro and starring Jacob Elordi, Oscar Issac, Mia Goth, and more. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
February 11 · 39 min
'Hamnet' And Nature's Magical Contradiction
SPOILERS! In this film breakdown we take a look at the 2025 dramatic tragedy film 'Hamnet' and how it beautifully presents nature's magical contradiction to us in a masterfully palpable way by the supremely talented Chloe Zhao led by her two lead actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
January 29 · 39 min
'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' And The Catharsis of Performance
In this episode we break down and discuss the 2025 indie film ‘If I Had Legs I'd Kick You’, the incredibly moving acting performance from Rose Byrne, and how watching someone say and do things that you feel you can't, is a very cathartic experience, which in this film, had to do with motherhood. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
January 19 · 41 min
'28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' And The Power of Belief Systems
On this episode of beyond the frame, hosts Joe Parente and Ryan Vanderhei discuss the 2026 horror film '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' and how it teaches us about the importance, and sometimes danger, of belief systems in society. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
January 17 · 43 min
'The Secret Agent' And The Many Layers Of Corruption
In this episode of Beyond the Frame, the hosts discuss the 2025 Brazillian entry for the academy awards: 'The Secret Agent'. They break down the unique techniques used by the director to bring this 70's story to life, and explore the theme of corruption and how it is handled in the film. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
Nov 22, 2025 · 49 min
'Jay Kelly' And the Risks of Self Reflection
The 2025 Netflix film Jay Kelly boasts a star-studded cast featuring George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Riley Keough, and Billy Crudup, just to name a few. This powerhouse cast is quite fitting, as the film is about actors, specifically the charming and flawed Jay Kelly, played by George Clooney. Ryan and Joe praise the acting and heartfelt humor of the film, ending the episode discussing the art of acting and the challenges of being self-reflective when you may not like the you staring back. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
Nov 15, 2025 · 44 min
'Sentimental Value" And What Makes a Great Work of Art
Join us as we discuss the 2025 Norwegian comedy drama 'Sentimental Value' starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning. This film is directed by Joachim Trier, whose previous film, The Worst Person in the World, was nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature at the 94th Academy Awards. Joe and Ryan gush about this film and why it is their favorite film of 2025. We round out the episode by discussing the oh-so-meaty topic of what makes a great work of art. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
Nov 11, 2025 · 49 min
'Die My Love' And Knowing When It's Time to Let Go
In this episode, we discuss the 2025 indie thriller 'Die My Love' starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. This film, directed by Lynne Ramsay, is based on the 2012 novel Die, My Love by Ariana Harwicz, and it premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Ryan shares the three reasons why he believes leading lady Jennifer Lawrence is getting so much Oscar buzz for her portrayal of Grace, a young mother battling postpartum depression with very little help from her distant husband Jackson, played by Robert Pattinson. Die My Love also stars LaKeith Stanfield and screen legends Sissy Spacek and Nick Nolte. We round out our episode by discussing the theme of knowing when it's time to let go and hearing a personal story related to this theme from our very own Joe Parente. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios
Oct 29, 2025 · 40 min
'It Was Just an Accident' And What it Means to Truly Confess
In this episode, we discuss the 2025 foreign language film 'It Was Just an Accident'. This film is directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi and was this year's Palme d'Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival. Panahi made this film in secret without authorization from the Iranian government. Some of the film's content is based on his own experiences and those of his fellow inmates he met while imprisoned in Evin Prison in Tehran. We round out our discussion by breaking down the penultimate scene of the film and discussing the theme of what it means to make a real, heartfelt confession. Watch Us On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheframenetwork Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheframepod Follow Us On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheframestudios