In this comprehensive review of the year in film, Tray Epps explores the trends, triumphs, and disappointments of 2025. He presents a definitive list of the top 10 films that are expected to resonate for years to come, while also addressing notable disappointments in filmmaking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling, the emotional depth of cinema, and the evolving landscape of the film industry.


Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

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My Top 10 Films of 2025

In this episode of East of Everywhere, Tray Epps explores the concept of filial piety in traditional East Asian society, contrasting it with Western individualism. The discussion delves into the philosophy of Confucianism, the importance of family harmony, and the evolving nature of filial duties in modern times. Tray reflects on the cultural tensions between personal freedom and familial obligations, inviting listeners to share their own experiences.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

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Exploring 2026's Most Anticipated Films

In this episode of Required Watching, I dive into the fascinating role of food in cinema, focusing on films like 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' and 'Chef.'


I explore how food serves as a metaphor for emotions, relationships, and character development, highlighting its universal appeal and emotional depth. Join me as I examine scenes where food acts as a stand-in for unspoken words, showcasing its power in storytelling.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

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▶️ Website [https://requiredwatching.com]

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Food's Role in Emotional Storytelling 

In this conversation, Tray Epps discusses the film 'American Fiction,' a satirical exploration of race, identity, and the media's portrayal of Black narratives. He highlights the film's critique of the publishing industry's obsession with stereotypical stories and the pressures faced by Black creatives. Epps shares personal reflections on authenticity in storytelling and the complexities of representation in film, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives.


Chapters


00:00 Introduction to American Fiction

02:39 Satire and Stereotypes in Black Narratives

05:00 Personal Reflections on Authenticity and Experience

07:52 The Impact of Representation in Film


Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week [Youtube.com/requiredwatching]: 

▶️ Website [https://requiredwatching.com]

▶️ Twitter/X [https://twitter.com/requiredwatch]

▶️ Instagram [https://instagram.com/requiredwatch]

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American Fiction

Today on Required Watching, Tray breaks down the impact and legacy of the documentary The Problem with Apu, a film that forced Hollywood to confront its long-ignored issues around representation and stereotyping — especially for South Asian communities.


This episode explores what the documentary got right, why it sparked such a seismic conversation, and what every filmmaker should learn from its fallout.







🎬 

Episode Highlights



 * Why The Problem with Apu became a cultural turning point
 * How one animated character shaped real-world stereotypes
 * The ripple effect the doc had on casting, voice acting, and authenticity
 * Why intention doesn’t erase harm — and what filmmakers must consider
 * The parallels with Black representation and Tray’s own lived experiences
 * The importance of acknowledging how media can be weaponised
 * Why representation in voice acting deserves the same scrutiny as live-action roles
 * How documentaries can spark change even when studios ignore criticism



Filmmaking Insights



 * Representation is not optional — it shapes how entire groups are seen.
 * Creative responsibility extends behind the camera, especially in writing, performance, and casting.
 * Voice acting matters — authenticity doesn’t stop at the face on screen.
 * Media has consequences, intended or not.
 * Documentary storytelling can shift culture more than some blockbuster films.



⭐

Leave a Review & Join the Giveaway



Subscribe to Required Watching and leave a 5-star review (podcast) or comment (YouTube) telling us your favourite film. Each entry counts toward the monthly giveaway.




Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week [Youtube.com/requiredwatching]: 

▶️ Website [https://requiredwatching.com]

▶️ Twitter/X [https://twitter.com/requiredwatch]

▶️ Instagram [https://instagram.com/requiredwatch]

▶️ Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/requiredwatch]

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The Problem with Apu – Representation, Stereotypes & Filmmaker Responsibility

Tray Epps dissects Kill—the train-bound action film that weaponizes violence as narrative. We explore how evolving fight choreography, crushing foley work, and immersive camerawork turn every bruise and heartbeat into story. Drawing connections to The Raid, Oldboy, and RRR, this episode shows filmmakers how to harness rhythm, emotion, and consequence in genre cinema. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts—and pick up full show notes and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com.

Thanks for listening to Required Watching!

Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives.

🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter

🐦 Follow on social: @RequiredWatching on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok

🎥 Watch the videos: youtube.com/RequiredWatching

💖 Support the show: become a patron at patreon.com/requiredwatching for early access, behind-the-scenes, and exclusive Q&As.


Until next time, keep watching—and keep creating.

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Kill – Violence as Storytelling & Fight Choreography Bible

Tray Epps dissects Bottoms, Emma Seligman’s razor-sharp, bloodiest teen satire. We unpack how heightened absurdity, messy queer protagonists, and raw fight choreography carry emotional weight without a single set-piece feeling gratuitous. Learn how this film walks the tightrope between meta-comedy and genuine stakes, and why it’s a must-study for any filmmaker pushing genre boundaries. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Full show notes and resources at requiredwatching.com.

Thanks for listening to Required Watching!

Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives.

🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter

🐦 Follow on social: @RequiredWatching on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok

🎥 Watch the videos: youtube.com/RequiredWatching

💖 Support the show: become a patron at patreon.com/requiredwatching for early access, behind-the-scenes, and exclusive Q&As.


Until next time, keep watching—and keep creating.

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Bottoms – Queer Chaos & Fight-Scene Storytelling

Tray Epps explores Martin Scorsese’s cult classic The King of Comedy—the original parasocial horror story. We discuss Rupert Pupkin’s delusional quest for fame, Jerry Lewis’s poignant straight-man role, and how this film foresaw our current influencer culture.

Episode Highlights:

– Scorsese’s use of silence and dread to build tension

– Robert De Niro’s portrayal of ambition vs. delusion

– Satire on celebrity obsession long before social media

– Takeaways for storytellers on character, tone, and satire

Whether you’re editing your next short or mapping out your feature, this breakdown offers cinematic insights you won’t want to miss. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and visit requiredwatching.com for full show notes, timestamps, and exclusive filmmaker resources.

Thanks for listening to Required Watching!

Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives.

🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter

🐦 Follow on social: @RequiredWatching on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok

🎥 Watch the videos: youtube.com/RequiredWatching

💖 Support the show: become a patron at patreon.com/requiredwatching for early access, behind-the-scenes, and exclusive Q&As.


Until next time, keep watching—and keep creating.

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The King of Comedy – Parasocial Horror & Fame Satire

This episode explores why 'Rush Hour' endures as a beloved film 25 years after its release, dissecting the dynamic partnership between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The video delves into how the film combines action and comedy, the smart pacing, and its respectful handling of cultural differences. It discusses the director's role in creating a movie with perfect balance, the chemistry between the stars, and the film's lasting impact on the buddy cop genre. Concluding with a call for viewers to rewatch the film with a critical eye, the episode emphasizes 'Rush Hour' as essential viewing for understanding action comedies.

00:00 Introduction: Is Rush Hour a Buddy Cop Classic?

00:18 The Dynamic Duo: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker

00:56 Balancing Act: Action and Comedy

01:33 Smart Pacing and Editing

01:56 Cultural Exploration and Respect

02:34 Director's Touch and Film Structure

03:01 Legacy and Impact

03:26 Conclusion: Why Rush Hour is Required Watching



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Rush Hour: Buddy Cop Dynamics and Cultural Exchange

This isn’t about Iron Man. It’s about what happens when the biggest film franchise in the world chooses nostalgia over risk, legacy over originality, and comfort over challenge.

In this raw and personal episode, Tray Epps breaks down what RDJ’s return to the MCU really signals:

 * Disney’s ongoing shift away from originality toward safer, proven IP
 * The erasure of newer creative voices in favor of familiar icons
 * The unspoken moral inconsistencies behind casting decisions
 * And why the art of superhero cinema may be quietly dying

We also touch on:

 * Jonathan Majors and the uncomfortable optics of replacement
 * The moral posturing Disney tries to maintain (and where it fails)
 * Why it’s time to give new talent real chances — and real redemption

This isn’t a hot take. It’s a call for accountability, nuance, and better storytelling — on screen and off.

🎤 New episodes coming soon with filmmaker Kate Driver and more.

🎥 Subscribe and stay tuned for deeper dives into film, culture, and the future of media.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Are we watching the MCU reset or collapse?

Should we separate the art from the artist — or hold studios to a higher standard?

Let’s talk: @RequiredWatching on socials or drop a YouTube comment.

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Robert Downey Jr. Returns to the MCU — But At What Cost?

Required Watching is a podcast where we watch the essential films from the lists of cinematic influencers/filmmakers and look at them through the lens of learning about filmmaking and how to move forward.