Welcome to a special clip show of Shoot the Hostage, where Dan and Sarah revisit the highs, the lows, and the incredibly bleak mid-points of our true crime films season. Whether you’re a regular listener of a newbie looking for the best true crime movie podcast to binge while hiding from the “water wars,” this episode is the perfect entry point.

We’ve spent the last few months analysing flicks depicting real-life lawbreaking, covering everything from the relentless misery of Snowtown to the questionable Italian accents of House of Gucci. We’ve analysed the psychology of serial killers, discussed gender identity in film, and spent an unhealthy amount of time wondering why Jared Leto decided to play a Gucci heir like he was auditioning for Super Mario Bros.

In this episode, we look back at the stellar work of filmmakers like Patty Jenkins, Ridley Scott and Spike Lee, while giving flowers to Margot Robbie, Hilary Swank and the undisputed king of the season, Paul Walter Hauser. We also touch on Martin Scorses’s filmography, with Sarah offering the glowing endorsement that she likes “about half” of his movies. It’s a criminally packed episode featuring talk of physical media hoarding, South Korean thrillers, and why Clint Eastwood might just be a “frosty old man” making one take movies.

What to expect from the best of true crime movies episode:

• Reaching triple digits triggers a contemplation on legacy versus obsolescence.
• Streaming availability in East Asia leads to a call for virtual private network sponsors.
• Sarah explains her retirement plan involving a VHS store and hoarding water.
• Urine-processing technology becomes a central pillar of a post-society business plan.
• A deep dive into the “subtle” bookends of Ridley Scott, as explained by Dan.
• The shocking revelation that Tom Savini actually created the entire universe.
• A final reminder to rate the show five stars before the AI avatars take over the podcast

We are back on February 9th with Dan's identity season and our first episode is all about a small indie film you may not have heard of called Batman Begins.

Would you like to see the full lineup for season 14? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup when it drops.

Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy.

If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.

Or come find us on social media:

Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

We are committing to our final sentence as we deliver a verdict on our true crime films season. Before we shred the documents, please enjoy this sneak peek regarding our malfeasance-themed recap. We traversed the globe – from desert landscapes to separate nations to investigate these dark stories, making the last eight weeks feel like a life sentence.

Sarah explains how her academic path in behavioural science and shock-value tapes from her youth sparked an interest in true crime cinema. She also explains why she dragged us through the grim streets of Snowtown and the high-stakes fraud of the Wolf of Wall Street.

Whether you’re looking for true crime podcasts or just want to hear us argue about whether Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci is a masterpiece or a total train wreck, this episode has you covered. We give our final verdict on the performances of Margot Robbie, Charlize Theron and even that Zac Efron Ted Bundy movie we can never quite name.

What to expect from the episode:

• The sound of the traditional can opening to begin the show which was definitely a real can.
• A breakdown of the full season lineup from Monster (2003) to the flamboyant House of Gucci.
• Sarah explains how a teenage interest in psychology led to a season full of serial killer cinema.
• Dan reflects on how analytical shields helped him endure the depressing nature of the lineup.
• A look back at our “long road” recording across different countries and how it aged us.
• The ultimate paradox: how one film can be both terrible and a favourite of the season.
• Our traditional wrap show quiz, this time, prepared by Dan.
• Details on how to access the full episode and the new season which begins February 9th.

We shall return!

February 9th sees the beginning of season 14 which Dan gets to choose this time. Be there or be square!

Would you like to see the full lineup for season 14? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup when it drops any day now.

Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

For the epic wrap-up of our journey through true crime films, Sarah finally threw Dan a bone, or rather, “an entire skeleton” by programming The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). We’re diving into the depraved depths of films about stockbrokers to see if director Martin Scorsese created a satirical masterpiece, or just a three-hour recruitment video for “absolute wankers”

Featuring Leonardo DiCaprio’s increasingly insane performance as Jordan Belfort alongside Jonah Hill’s over the shoulder jumper wearing Donnie to Margot Robbie’s “walking red flag” energy, we’re getting under the hood on this one. We explore some of the development process of the production – including the ironic fact that Red Granite Productions was mired in its own controversy around the funding of the Wolf of Wall Street. It is a Jonah Hill we are prepared to stand on as we shout about Martin Scorsese movies, pill-induced chaos, and record-breaking vulgarity.

What to expect from this episode:

• Sarah challenges the depiction of success, debating whether financial wealth is the only motivating factor shown.
• We examine the magical formula of Scorsese’s pacing and his long-term collaboration with editor, Thelma Schoonmaker.
• Discussion about intention and responsibility around filmmaking.
• Tallying of the 579 profanities in the Wolf of Wall Street and speculating which ones belong on the list.
• A look at the “vitamin” dust that sent a lead performer to the hospital after too much inhaling.
• Sarah shares her confusion over why men are fascinated by tattoos of lions and clocks.
• Dan reveals the theme for season 14, which begins 9th

That's a wrap on Sarah's season of true crime movies, but have no fear, for we shall returneth. Put 9th February in your calendar for the start of season 14! A brand new season with a brand new theme chosen by Dan and announced at the end of this episode.

If you would like to find out the full lineup for the next season, sign up to Patreon as a FREE member to see the schedule when it drops, in a few weeks. If you have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-12 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023-2026.

Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy.

If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.

Or come find us on social media:

Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube