Thumb War

The final season of Stranger Things is over — but the chaos behind it might be even more fascinating.

In this episode of Thumb War, we break down “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger

Things 5”, the Netflix documentary that pulls back the curtain on the most ambitious (and stressful) production of the series.

From starting Season 5 without a finished script, to massive practical sets, exhausted showrunners, crew members holding the entire production together, and the internet losing its mind over ChatGPT in the writers’ room, this doc raises as many questions as it answers.

Is the behind-the-scenes story more compelling than the finale itself? Did the Duffer Brothers try to please everyone — and end up pleasing no one? And why does the Upside Down feel less like a place and more like a logistical nightmare?

We dig into what worked, what didn’t, and why One Last Adventure might be the most honest look at Stranger Things yet.

Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

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The Oscar nominations dropped — unfortunately, so did everything else.
We talk awards season reactions, missing movies, flu recovery, a late-night ER visit, and why sometimes real life completely derails movie discourse.

It’s not polished.
It’s not organized.
It’s extremely honest.

Full Patreon chaos on Thumb War.

Like, subscribe, and let us know what you think.

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We’re heading back to Westeros.

On this episode of Thumb War, we review the premiere of HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest Game of Thrones prequel based on George R. R. Martin’s Dunk & Egg stories. We talk first impressions, performances, tone, and whether this stripped-down take on Westeros is a smart pivot—or a missed opportunity.

Is this the Thrones comeback fans have been waiting for? Or just another spinoff riding on legacy?

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James Cameron doubles down with Avatar: Fire and Ash, delivering jaw-dropping visuals, new Na’vi factions, and a full-on 3D assault on the senses.

On Thumb War, JD and Rachel debate whether Fire and Ash is the strongest Avatar yet, or proof that the franchise might finally be testing its limits. From villainous tribes and uneasy alliances to spiritual world-building and technological obsession, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and why you absolutely need to see this one in theaters.

Spoilers ahead. Eyeballs may need a recovery day.

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The Housemaid (2025) Is Trashy, Twisty, and Kind of a Blast

This week on Thumb War, JD and Rachel review The Housemaid (2025), the glossy erotic thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Directed by Paul Feig and based on the novel by Frieda McFadden, it’s packed with twists, bad decisions, and big “turn your brain off” energy.

Is it smart? Not really.
Is it entertaining? Absolutely.

We spoil everything, debate the logic (or lack thereof), compare it to classic 90s thrillers, and agree on one thing: this movie knows exactly what it is.

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