In the Wake TV Producers Shayna and Julia get personal about their approach to film criticism—choosing to feel and experience movies viscerally and ephemerally rather than analyzing every frame in the moment.

The Art of Presence in Cinema: In this candid conversation, Shayna and Julia discuss why they prioritize being fully present during screenings—allowing films to wash over them, sitting with the emotions, and letting stories land without immediately dissecting them. It's about honoring the ephemeral nature of cinema: that first watch, those raw reactions, the way a scene makes your heart race or your breath catch before your critical brain kicks in.

Why This Matters: In an age of hot takes and instant analysis, there's power in simply feeling a film first. For critics and audiences alike, especially when engaging with stories about marginalized communities, trauma, or joy, giving yourself permission to experience art without immediate judgment creates space for deeper understanding. Shayna and Julia's approach reminds us that the best film criticism starts with genuine human response—the raw reactions that come before the think pieces.

Watch the full conversation as our producers explore the balance between critical analysis and emotional presence, why visceral responses matter in film criticism, and how they translate those ephemeral moments into meaningful commentary for audiences.
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