Benjamin French
@benchwarmerbenji.bsky.social
Catholic / Humanist / Australian / Cinephile / Cricket and NRL fan.
Reposted by Benjamin French
Here's the WAKE UP DEAD MAN (and, honestly, KNIVES OUT trilogy) take I've been waiting for.
WAKE UP DEAD MAN is about an impossible murder, among other impossible mysteries; it’s also about the sociopolitical implications of two opposing conceptions of Christianity and of Catholicism in particular. In a word, it’s SDG catnip, and I loved it.
In ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ Benoit Blanc goes to church
The third installment in Rian Johnson's murder mystery series offers two contrasting visions of the church—and a reflection on mercy.
uscatholic.org
December 12, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Here's the WAKE UP DEAD MAN (and, honestly, KNIVES OUT trilogy) take I've been waiting for.
Reposted by Benjamin French
Reposted by Benjamin French
Listen very carefully.
"Hate" is a strong word, and it shouldn't be thrown around. Furthermore, I respect varying opinions across the board. I could never bring myself to hate anyone who disliked a certain movie.
That said, if you don't like Paddington 2, we are gonna argue atop a live volcano.
"Hate" is a strong word, and it shouldn't be thrown around. Furthermore, I respect varying opinions across the board. I could never bring myself to hate anyone who disliked a certain movie.
That said, if you don't like Paddington 2, we are gonna argue atop a live volcano.
Ok, I have to ask. What's a movie that if someone doesn't like you'll hate them?
December 4, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Listen very carefully.
"Hate" is a strong word, and it shouldn't be thrown around. Furthermore, I respect varying opinions across the board. I could never bring myself to hate anyone who disliked a certain movie.
That said, if you don't like Paddington 2, we are gonna argue atop a live volcano.
"Hate" is a strong word, and it shouldn't be thrown around. Furthermore, I respect varying opinions across the board. I could never bring myself to hate anyone who disliked a certain movie.
That said, if you don't like Paddington 2, we are gonna argue atop a live volcano.
Reposted by Benjamin French
i’m setting you free. i’m releasing you from the discourse
December 2, 2025 at 1:39 AM
i’m setting you free. i’m releasing you from the discourse
Reposted by Benjamin French
I did not know the Nazi and racist origins of this stupid, ugly word. Learn more: bit.ly/4rqZ0G9
A reminder for those who are not aware: "remigration" is the process of deporting all non-white people from a country. It includes citizens and is, by definition, ethnic cleansing.
And to be clear: this is not fake. I just screenshot it myself.
And to be clear: this is not fake. I just screenshot it myself.
November 29, 2025 at 1:51 PM
I did not know the Nazi and racist origins of this stupid, ugly word. Learn more: bit.ly/4rqZ0G9
Reposted by Benjamin French
"Russia should immediately return all the children it has forcibly transferred from Ukraine and release all the Ukrainian captives it is holding unlawfully."
"Peace deal or no peace deal, such matters are urgent and must be non-negotiable."
#Ukraine #Russia #USA #Incarceration #Military
"Peace deal or no peace deal, such matters are urgent and must be non-negotiable."
#Ukraine #Russia #USA #Incarceration #Military
Ukraine peace plan must not compromise on justice or accountability
Human rights and victims-focused justice must be at the heart of any agreement.
www.amnesty.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
"Russia should immediately return all the children it has forcibly transferred from Ukraine and release all the Ukrainian captives it is holding unlawfully."
"Peace deal or no peace deal, such matters are urgent and must be non-negotiable."
#Ukraine #Russia #USA #Incarceration #Military
"Peace deal or no peace deal, such matters are urgent and must be non-negotiable."
#Ukraine #Russia #USA #Incarceration #Military
Reposted by Benjamin French
One of Pope Francis' final wishes fulfilled:
"Pope Francis died on April 21 aged 88, and his final wish for Gaza's children was that the popemobile should become a mobile health unit, the official Vatican News portal said in May."
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
"Pope Francis died on April 21 aged 88, and his final wish for Gaza's children was that the popemobile should become a mobile health unit, the official Vatican News portal said in May."
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
Popemobile transformed into Gaza mobile children's clinic
The popemobile used by the late pope Francis on his 2014 visit to Bethlehem re-emerged on Tuesday as a mobile children's clinic to be deployed in Gaza.
www.france24.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
One of Pope Francis' final wishes fulfilled:
"Pope Francis died on April 21 aged 88, and his final wish for Gaza's children was that the popemobile should become a mobile health unit, the official Vatican News portal said in May."
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
"Pope Francis died on April 21 aged 88, and his final wish for Gaza's children was that the popemobile should become a mobile health unit, the official Vatican News portal said in May."
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
Reposted by Benjamin French
NEW: ICE’s policy of mass detaining immigrants w pending deportation proceedings has led to an avalanche of rejections in court.
More than 220 judges — including 23 Trump appointees — have called it an illegal distortion of long-settled law. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
More than 220 judges — including 23 Trump appointees — have called it an illegal distortion of long-settled law. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
November 28, 2025 at 12:06 PM
NEW: ICE’s policy of mass detaining immigrants w pending deportation proceedings has led to an avalanche of rejections in court.
More than 220 judges — including 23 Trump appointees — have called it an illegal distortion of long-settled law. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
More than 220 judges — including 23 Trump appointees — have called it an illegal distortion of long-settled law. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Benjamin French
Last week we saw something remarkable: the Church raising its public voice with unusual strength in the arenas of public policy and culture.
Under Leo XIV, the Church’s public voice rings with new strength
[U.S. bishops speak out powerfully on immigration; Pope Leo XIV meets with cinema world representatives]
greydanus.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Last week we saw something remarkable: the Church raising its public voice with unusual strength in the arenas of public policy and culture.
Reposted by Benjamin French
The only writing on WAKE UP DEAD MAN I can’t wait to read is by @decentfilms.bsky.social. No pressure or anything, pal.
November 21, 2025 at 4:04 AM
The only writing on WAKE UP DEAD MAN I can’t wait to read is by @decentfilms.bsky.social. No pressure or anything, pal.
Reposted by Benjamin French
Well, I met the Pope and thanked him for supporting Palestine. ❤️
November 15, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Well, I met the Pope and thanked him for supporting Palestine. ❤️
Reposted by Benjamin French
“Nothing in the world can be compared to the human face. It is a land one can never tire of exploring. There is no greater experience…than to witness the expression of a sensitive face under the mysterious power of inspiration. To see it animated from inside, and turning into poetry.”
-Carl Dreyer
-Carl Dreyer
October 29, 2025 at 6:40 AM
“Nothing in the world can be compared to the human face. It is a land one can never tire of exploring. There is no greater experience…than to witness the expression of a sensitive face under the mysterious power of inspiration. To see it animated from inside, and turning into poetry.”
-Carl Dreyer
-Carl Dreyer
Reposted by Benjamin French
Some inspiring words on cinema in the streaming era from the Pope.
Yes, THAT Pope.
Yes, THAT Pope.
November 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Some inspiring words on cinema in the streaming era from the Pope.
Yes, THAT Pope.
Yes, THAT Pope.
Reposted by Benjamin French
It makes perfect sense that the first Muslim mayor of New York City would be a nice Catholic boy.
November 12, 2025 at 8:22 PM
It makes perfect sense that the first Muslim mayor of New York City would be a nice Catholic boy.
Reposted by Benjamin French
“A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today.” (Pope Leo XIV)
“The way of salvation is the way of love—and, in particular, there is no salvation apart from love for the poor and vulnerable: the hungry, the sick, prisoners, immigrants and refugees, and all who are excluded or marginalized.” From my homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Saint John Lateran, living water, and love of the poor and vulnerable
[Homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, 2025]
greydanus.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:54 PM
“A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today.” (Pope Leo XIV)
Reposted by Benjamin French
Why? In God’s name, why?
If this story has been accurately reported, no American can feel anything but shame, unless what they feel is irrational, nationalistic bigotry. Those are your choices. Pick one.
If this story has been accurately reported, no American can feel anything but shame, unless what they feel is irrational, nationalistic bigotry. Those are your choices. Pick one.
He fought the Taliban alongside US troops. He followed all our immigration laws. The US is paying him back with prison time.
Mohammad Ali Dadfar is the father of four children and has no criminal record. ICE won't say why he's being held in a Missouri prison.
thesestories.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Why? In God’s name, why?
If this story has been accurately reported, no American can feel anything but shame, unless what they feel is irrational, nationalistic bigotry. Those are your choices. Pick one.
If this story has been accurately reported, no American can feel anything but shame, unless what they feel is irrational, nationalistic bigotry. Those are your choices. Pick one.
Reposted by Benjamin French
New today:
"At its core, HIGH NOON is a parable about civic abandonment, the inherent danger in waiting for the moment to act & discovering that no one will stand beside you—a quality which makes it an apt tale for our current political moment."
- Riley Womack
(🎨 by @studioralston.bsky.social)
"At its core, HIGH NOON is a parable about civic abandonment, the inherent danger in waiting for the moment to act & discovering that no one will stand beside you—a quality which makes it an apt tale for our current political moment."
- Riley Womack
(🎨 by @studioralston.bsky.social)
High Noon (1952): Wait Along, Wait Along…
At its core, High Noon is a parable about civic abandonment, the inherent danger in waiting for the moment to act and discovering that no one will stand beside you.
www.brightwalldarkroom.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:53 PM
New today:
"At its core, HIGH NOON is a parable about civic abandonment, the inherent danger in waiting for the moment to act & discovering that no one will stand beside you—a quality which makes it an apt tale for our current political moment."
- Riley Womack
(🎨 by @studioralston.bsky.social)
"At its core, HIGH NOON is a parable about civic abandonment, the inherent danger in waiting for the moment to act & discovering that no one will stand beside you—a quality which makes it an apt tale for our current political moment."
- Riley Womack
(🎨 by @studioralston.bsky.social)
Reposted by Benjamin French
“The way of salvation is the way of love—and, in particular, there is no salvation apart from love for the poor and vulnerable: the hungry, the sick, prisoners, immigrants and refugees, and all who are excluded or marginalized.” From my homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Saint John Lateran, living water, and love of the poor and vulnerable
[Homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, 2025]
greydanus.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
“The way of salvation is the way of love—and, in particular, there is no salvation apart from love for the poor and vulnerable: the hungry, the sick, prisoners, immigrants and refugees, and all who are excluded or marginalized.” From my homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Reposted by Benjamin French
PREDATOR: BADLANDS has pretty much every single thing I want in a movie.
a stuffed animal that says it was delicious on the bottom
ALT: a stuffed animal that says it was delicious on the bottom
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:02 AM
PREDATOR: BADLANDS has pretty much every single thing I want in a movie.
Reposted by Benjamin French
If we don’t hold them accountable, we become this ourselves. There’s no third option.
40 men Trump sent to CECOT tell the NYT they were beaten, tortured, and sexually assaulted. The details are worse than you can imagine.
We can’t let them get away with this. Miller and the other architects of this sadism need to go to prison.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/w...
We can’t let them get away with this. Miller and the other architects of this sadism need to go to prison.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/w...
‘You Are All Terrorists’: Four Months in a Salvadoran Prison
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:35 AM
If we don’t hold them accountable, we become this ourselves. There’s no third option.
Reposted by Benjamin French
"A team of independent forensic analysts examined their testimony. The experts called it consistent and credible, saying most of the acts described met the United Nations’ definition of torture."
In our name, with our tax dollars.
Trump II is an indelible stain on our national honor.
In our name, with our tax dollars.
Trump II is an indelible stain on our national honor.
Don't look away. Under Trump the United States is a state that tortures and disappears www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/w...
‘You Are All Terrorists’: Four Months in a Salvadoran Prison
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:01 PM
"A team of independent forensic analysts examined their testimony. The experts called it consistent and credible, saying most of the acts described met the United Nations’ definition of torture."
In our name, with our tax dollars.
Trump II is an indelible stain on our national honor.
In our name, with our tax dollars.
Trump II is an indelible stain on our national honor.
Reposted by Benjamin French
"Pope Leo said Scripture emphasizes the question that will be posed at the end of the world:
'How did you receive the foreigner, did you receive him and welcome him, or not? I think there is a deep reflection that needs to be made about what is happening'..."
chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv...
'How did you receive the foreigner, did you receive him and welcome him, or not? I think there is a deep reflection that needs to be made about what is happening'..."
chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv...
Pope Leo calls for ‘deep reflection’ about treatment of detained migrants in U.S.
“Many people who have lived for years and years and years, never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what is going on right now,” Chicago-born pope says.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:02 AM
"Pope Leo said Scripture emphasizes the question that will be posed at the end of the world:
'How did you receive the foreigner, did you receive him and welcome him, or not? I think there is a deep reflection that needs to be made about what is happening'..."
chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv...
'How did you receive the foreigner, did you receive him and welcome him, or not? I think there is a deep reflection that needs to be made about what is happening'..."
chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv...
Reposted by Benjamin French
"Steven Spielberg’s WEST SIDE STORY is a a true musical, with brass-cracking orchestration; colors so anodyne they whisper, so blaring they shout; voices that soar and temporize and stay. Within seconds, it necessitates its own existence."
It's Almost Like Praying | West Side Story (2021)
Steven Spielberg’s 'West Side Story' is a a true musical, with brass-cracking orchestration; colors so anodyne they whisper, so blaring they shout; voices that soar and temporize and stay.
www.brightwalldarkroom.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:24 AM
"Steven Spielberg’s WEST SIDE STORY is a a true musical, with brass-cracking orchestration; colors so anodyne they whisper, so blaring they shout; voices that soar and temporize and stay. Within seconds, it necessitates its own existence."
Reposted by Benjamin French
You can't make this up.
November 1, 2025 at 4:31 PM
You can't make this up.
Reposted by Benjamin French
Happy Halloween! I wrote about the role of the Great Pumpkin over the years in Linus’s complicated relationship with religion in Peanuts, and what it tells us about Charles Schulz’s own religious views.
‘Peanuts’: The Great Pumpkin, God, and toxic faith
[Happy Halloween!]
greydanus.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Happy Halloween! I wrote about the role of the Great Pumpkin over the years in Linus’s complicated relationship with religion in Peanuts, and what it tells us about Charles Schulz’s own religious views.