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Radheyan Simonpillai

@justsayrad

Film Critic at CTV's Your Morning. Pop Culture Columnist at CBC Radio. Contributor: The Guardian, The Globe & Mail and more.

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03.07.2023
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Latest posts by Radheyan Simonpillai @justsayrad

The Oscars 2026 Best Picture Nominees | Your Morning
The Oscars 2026 Best Picture Nominees | Your Morning YouTube video by CTV Your Morning

Hey look. It's the annual CTV's Your Morning Oscars best picture breakdown produced by the indomitable Carolyn Rosseto. youtu.be/dkSpdMutuJk?...

11.03.2026 18:03 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Twisted Yoga: how a search for enlightenment turned into a dangerous cult A shocking new Apple series goes behind the yoga camps where women alleged criminal behaviour from a guru wanted for sexual exploitation charges

Spoke with the filmmakers behind Twisted Yoga, the upcoming AppleTV+ series about how seeking enlightenment turned into trafficking. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

10.03.2026 11:08 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Toronto Film Critics Association Faces Collapse After Allegedly Censoring Indigenous Filmmaker’s Pro-Palestine Speech The mass exodus at the Toronto Film Critics Association is gathering pace after indigenous actress and filmmaker Elle-MΓ‘ijΓ‘ Tailfeathers returned her award trophy following the alleged censorship of her video acceptance speech, which included remarks in support of Palestine.

The mass exodus at the Toronto Film Critics Association is gathering pace after indigenous actress and filmmaker Elle-MΓ‘ijΓ‘ Tailfeathers returned her award trophy following the alleged censorship of her video acceptance speech, which included remarks in support of Palestine.

06.03.2026 16:00 πŸ‘ 282 πŸ” 110 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 8
Elle-MΓ‘ijΓ‘ Tailfeathers is returning her TFCA award best supporting performance in a Canadian film, following the organization's decision to censor her acceptance speech during Monday night's gala. 

Here are excerpts from Elle-MΓ‘ijΓ‘'s email to the TFCA, shared with permission.

"To the membership and executives of the Toronto Film Critics Association;

Firstly, I would like to thank the TFCA for recognizing my performance in Melanie Oates’ beautiful film, Sweet Angel Baby. Playing Toni was one of the highlights of my career and I am deeply proud of that film and all that it offers; especially as a queer Indigenous woman. As a filmmaker, I also have profound respect for the work of film critics so I do not take this recognition lightly.

Regretfully, I am writing to inform you that I will be returning the award due to the TFCA leadership’s choice to censor my words on Palestine. I was unable to attend the gala in Toronto so I sent in an acceptance speech by video. The following statement was removed from the video - When we were shooting Sweet Angel Baby, October 7th happened and it changed everything. I just want to say that my heart continues to be with the people of Palestine who are experiencing this ongoing genocide and thank you to anyone in this industry who’s been brave enough to say anything."

Elle-MΓ‘ijΓ‘ Tailfeathers is returning her TFCA award best supporting performance in a Canadian film, following the organization's decision to censor her acceptance speech during Monday night's gala. Here are excerpts from Elle-MΓ‘ijΓ‘'s email to the TFCA, shared with permission. "To the membership and executives of the Toronto Film Critics Association; Firstly, I would like to thank the TFCA for recognizing my performance in Melanie Oates’ beautiful film, Sweet Angel Baby. Playing Toni was one of the highlights of my career and I am deeply proud of that film and all that it offers; especially as a queer Indigenous woman. As a filmmaker, I also have profound respect for the work of film critics so I do not take this recognition lightly. Regretfully, I am writing to inform you that I will be returning the award due to the TFCA leadership’s choice to censor my words on Palestine. I was unable to attend the gala in Toronto so I sent in an acceptance speech by video. The following statement was removed from the video - When we were shooting Sweet Angel Baby, October 7th happened and it changed everything. I just want to say that my heart continues to be with the people of Palestine who are experiencing this ongoing genocide and thank you to anyone in this industry who’s been brave enough to say anything."

Absurd. Via @justsayrad.bsky.social on the hellsite, The Toronto Film Critics Association censored lle-MΓ‘ijΓ‘ Tailfeathers acceptance speech because she mentioned Palestine. Both weird and pathetic!

04.03.2026 22:28 πŸ‘ 48 πŸ” 19 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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a group of people are standing in a dark room with a lantern . ALT: a group of people are standing in a dark room with a lantern .

More grateful than ever that Ryan Coogler secured the ownership rights from WB to Sinners because ...

27.02.2026 13:20 πŸ‘ 22 πŸ” 5 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Scream 7 stabs the franchise to a grisly death The hastily cobbled together installment in the franchise delivers run-of-the-mill slasher fare

For the morning crowd, my review of Scream 7, a movie that can't justify its own existence beyond vacuous nostalgia and paying Neve Campbell what she's worth, or rather what it cost to fire Melissa Barrera. share.google/2iPAJnk7JDvx...

27.02.2026 12:09 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Scream 7 stabs the franchise to a grisly death The hastily cobbled together installment in the franchise delivers run-of-the-mill slasher fare

β€œYou’re lucky you sat the last one out,” Gail Weathers tells Neve Campbell's Sidney in Scream 7, a line that reads like a backhanded jab at what just happened to be the franchise’s biggest box office hit, and also its best sequel since Scream 2. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/83f0ba5...

26.02.2026 19:32 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Robert Duvall. Iconic.

16.02.2026 18:42 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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from @justsayrad.bsky.social over at the bad place: a breaking news report that now doubles as making-of footage for Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie x.com/JustSayRad/s...

15.02.2026 19:39 πŸ‘ 10 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 0
Did Emerald Fennell ruin Wuthering Heights?
Did Emerald Fennell ruin Wuthering Heights? YouTube video by Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Had a blast ripping apart and finding ways to appreciate Emerald Fennel's "Wuthering Heights" and the poutine flavours of Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie with @alisonwillmore.bsky.social @jacksonweaver.bsky.social
& Hanna Flint. youtu.be/8Eua6g0V3-Y?...

youtu.be/8Eua6g0V3-Y?...

14.02.2026 19:00 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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β€˜Full of emotional wisdom’: Guardian writers on the best movie romances you might not have seen For Valentine’s Day, writers picked their favourite lesser-known film love stories – from a dom-sub chamberpiece to a magical teen comedy

Wrote about Tkaronto for the @theguardian.com's Valentine's Day roundup. www.theguardian.com/film/2026/fe...

14.02.2026 18:55 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Crime 101: The star power is so blinding that you might not care to notice how pandering and dimwitted this movie is.

14.02.2026 17:17 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Emily review – sensitive BrontΓ« biopic is a thrillingly unconventional watch Toronto film festival: Sex Education’s Emma Mackey makes for a perfect Emily BrontΓ« in actor turned writer-director Frances O’Connor’s deft drama

For anyone who wants a modern and legitimately sexy take on Wuthering Heights without the Emerald Fennell of it all, please watch Emily, a loose biopic of the author that invokes so much of her storytelling. www.theguardian.com/film/2022/se...

13.02.2026 11:48 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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The fake immigration prank going viral + the legacy of Steve's Music Spotify video

So grateful to @theashleyray.bsky.social and El Jones for bringing the heat on this discussion about the people getting caught by the fake immigration snitchline. open.spotify.com/episode/2OHJ...

13.02.2026 01:25 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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I wonder if they realize we actually do sell poutine at the concession stand in Canada.
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...

12.02.2026 03:26 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Queer romance Montreal, Ma Belle shows the city like never before, and the red carpet belongs to Chappell Roan Spotify video

Today on Commotion: Talking about two Queens, Joan Chen and Chappell Roan.
open.spotify.com/episode/6Puj...

12.02.2026 02:04 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A winter-coated protestor in Minnesota holds a sign that says "All your favorite bands hate fascism!" From the cover of Billy Bragg's single "City of Heroes."

A winter-coated protestor in Minnesota holds a sign that says "All your favorite bands hate fascism!" From the cover of Billy Bragg's single "City of Heroes."

I was on CBC radio's Commotion this morning talking about protest music with pal @vishkhanna.bsky.social and guest host @justsayrad.bsky.social. (My @slate.com piece on the same subject is coming out later today.)
Listen here: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

10.02.2026 17:40 πŸ‘ 14 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
How Bad Bunny used joy as an 'active act of protest'
How Bad Bunny used joy as an 'active act of protest' YouTube video by Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

When responding to MAGA, claiming Bad Bunny as American ain't the clapback we intend it to be says @rosaclemente. Listen to this fascinating take on the Super Bowl halftime performance. youtu.be/BGsmhEmJdFw?...

10.02.2026 12:38 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Bad Bunny climbing electrical poles, while the lights in the audience flicker, to perform El Apagon, a song about blackouts (and gentrification) in Puerto Rico. There are levels to this shit.

09.02.2026 12:32 πŸ‘ 6 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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This how everyone in Toronto is feeling Super Bowl morning.

08.02.2026 16:09 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Spent the afternoon yesterday talking about Bad Bunny, his appeal, why his music matters, the MAGA hate and why I hope he makes room during his Superbowl performance for songs like El ApagΓ³n. Listen to my CBC radio pop culture column here: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

07.02.2026 13:46 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Charli XCX's The Moment 'investigates cringe'
Charli XCX's The Moment 'investigates cringe' YouTube video by Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Today on Commotion, we got into Charli XCX's The Moment and the moment Tate McRae is having. youtu.be/vRgNSFVFD_I?...

06.02.2026 23:05 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Bidding War: New Movie From β€˜My Old Ass’ Filmmaker Megan Park Ignites Hollywood Interest (Exclusive) LuckyChap is attached to produce the project that has studios and streamers throwing their hats in the ring.

1) Great to see a bidding war for the kind of comedy that rarely gets released in theatres anymore. (So please let one of the real studios win.)

2) Even better to see a Canadian (super-talented Megan Park) at the centre of it.

www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...

02.02.2026 20:07 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Send Help says a lot about misogyny and women's rage
Send Help says a lot about misogyny and women's rage YouTube video by Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Had a fun chat about Send Help with some superstars on Commotion yesterday. youtu.be/nqlM_NuKgW0?...

31.01.2026 14:31 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Heard criticism last night about Send Help making the Rachel McAdams character unhinged. Let's just say this movie isn't going to pander the way that The Housemaid did, and makes room for Gone Girl levels of discomfort.

29.01.2026 15:22 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Nan Goldin Speaks Out on Art Gallery of Ontario’s Halted Acquisition β€œIt’s chilling that this censorship plays out especially regarding Palestine, the great exception to free speech,” Goldin told Hyperallergic.

"I worry about how many other people are experiencing this kind of censorship without it being reported." - Nan Goldin
hyperallergic.com/nan-goldin-s...

28.01.2026 20:27 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/art-...

26.01.2026 17:13 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
ASAP Rocky sounds off on The Culture of Hip Hop, Akademiks, Beef w Drake, ASAP Relly snitchin on him
ASAP Rocky sounds off on The Culture of Hip Hop, Akademiks, Beef w Drake, ASAP Relly snitchin on him YouTube video by DJ Akademiks

This A$AP Rocky interview is so fascinating because:
-He calls out AKademik's bias repeatedly
-He expresses regret that Drake's BM caught strays in their beef
-He calls out male insecurity and double standards when it comes to relationship history. youtu.be/dni3W4b2qmk?...

25.01.2026 15:52 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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F.B.I. Agent Who Tried to Investigate ICE Officer in Shooting Resigns

Breaking NYT:

The FBI agent who sought to investigate the federal immigration officer who fatally shot Renee Good has resigned from the bureau, according to two people familiar with the matter, after leadership pressured her to discontinue a civil rights inquiry into the officer.

23.01.2026 23:15 πŸ‘ 17633 πŸ” 7662 πŸ’¬ 528 πŸ“Œ 415

Great point. Wish I had the room to fit that in.

23.01.2026 22:08 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0