The Crowded Room (2023) - Episodes 6-10

The Odyssey (2026)

In this episode of the It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] celebrate Tom Holland Summer with the first of two July 2026 releases: Christopher Nolan’s much-anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey! The epic mythological action blockbuster stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, John Leguizamo, Samantha Morton, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Himseh Patel, Benny Safdie, Elliot Page, James Remar, Mia Goth, Logan Marshall-Green, Travis Scott, Corey Hawkins, and Bill Irwin.  In the episode, they talk about the loaded star cast filled with impressive actors across the board. There’s discussion about Nolan’s choices for the adaptation, how the movie reflects his career, and where the movie sits amongst his best work. There’s also a brief discussion about box office, awards pushes, and the potential legacy of the movie.  In two weeks, Alex and Manish are back to dive into Tom’s return to the MCU in Spider-Man: Brand New Day! Check back in to see how this movie continues Peter Parker’s journey and his future in the MCU!  Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].

The Odyssey Hype and Spider-Man: Brand New Day Theories

In this episode of the It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] break down the intense hype for Tom’s July double header: The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day! Alex and Manish first dive deep into Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the epic The Odyssey: the gargantuan and accomplished cast, the various online reactions, and speculations for the box office reception. Next, they talk about Tom’s return to Peter Parker. There’s some talk about new trailers, fan theories, and what surprises may lay in store for Peter and for the audience. They also take a look back at all of Tom’s past projects that have been covered on the show with a surprise game of trivia! In two weeks, Alex and Manish will finally discuss the biggest movie of the summer: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey! Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].

Romeo and Juliet (2024 West End Production)

In this episode of the It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] are traveling to fair Verona to discuss Tom’s return to the West End as Romeo in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The production was directed by Jamie Lloyd and was sold out for its entire three-month run. Franceca Amewudah-Rivers stars alongside Tom as Juliet, with Freema Agyeman, Michael Balogun, Joshua-Alexander Williams, Tomiwa Edun, and Mia Jerome in support.  In the episode, they talk about Tom’s return to the stage, and how his movie star career might have affected his live theatre talents. The minimalist staging of the show, a trademark of director Jamie Lloyd, is thoroughly interrogated, and the episode also details how this classic text has been adapted and reinterpreted many times, considering how this production compares to the classic cinematic versions.  In two weeks, Alex and Manish are back to share their excitement and expectations for Tom’s big July 2026, with the imminent releases of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Tom’s return to the MCU in Spider-Man: Brand New Day!  Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].

The Crowded Room (2023) - Episodes 6-10

In this episode of the It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] continue their coverage of Apple TV+’s limited series The Crowded Room, with a discussion of the final five episodes of the series. They dive into the overlapping storytelling and courtroom chaos of the controversial second half of the series, where the plot thickens with more legal procedural tension, fractured character arcs, and creative choices that leave viewers questioning authenticity. Alex and Manish unpack how the series struggles under its own ambitions to blend sensationalism with sincerity, and why certain characterizations—like Emmy Rossum's troubled mother or the prosecutor Carmen Ejogo—miss the mark in delivering nuanced portrayals of trauma and systemic bias. They describe the key moments where the show either hits a nerve or falls flat—especially Tom Holland's compelling performance as multiple alters and how the trauma barn sequences challenge the audience's suspension of disbelief. Also discussed, the narrative's shaky grasp on DID as a diagnosis; the courtroom strategies; the questionable handling of race and mental health; and the missed opportunities for authenticity that could elevate the story beyond a sensationalized case. Plus, they reflect on the show's broader implications, the creative liberties taken, and how The Crowded Room fits into the legacy of legal and psychological dramas like Philadelphia and Silence of the Lambs, as well as, of course, Taylor Swift’s discography.  In two weeks, Alex and Manish are traveling to the West End for an in depth discussion of Tom Holland’s 2024 return to live theater in Romeo and Juliet. Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].

The Crowded Room (2023) - Episodes 1-5

In this episode of the It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] enter darker psychological-thriller territory with Apple TV+’s limited series The Crowded Room. Covering the first five episodes — “Exodus,” “Sanctuary,” “Murder,” “London,” and “Saviour” — the hosts unpack Holland’s performance as Danny Sullivan, a young man arrested after a shooting in 1979 New York, whose story unfolds through interviews with investigator Rya Goodwin, played by Amanda Seyfried. The conversation digs into the show’s mystery-box structure, its shifting timelines, and how effectively the first half builds suspense around Danny’s past, Ariana, Yitzhak, Candy, Marlin, and the “Ghost House.” The hosts also discuss whether the series works as a showcase for Holland outside of blockbuster filmmaking, how his vulnerability shapes Danny, and whether the show’s slow-burn approach is emotionally gripping or frustratingly drawn out. Along the way, they consider the series’ heavy subject matter, its depiction of trauma and memory, the supporting work from Amanda Seyfried, Emmy Rossum, Sasha Lane, and Lior Raz, and the complicated ethics of turning material inspired by The Minds of Billy Milligan into prestige television. The episode also looks at the broader critical divide around the series, which received notably mixed-to-negative reviews from critics despite a more favorable audience response. In two weeks, Alex and Manish will return with the second half of their coverage of Apple TV+’s The Crowded Room (Episode 6-10). Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].