The Before Trilogy

Is love real, or a socially accepted form of delusion? Is there such a thing as chemistry, or are random encounters only perceived as meaningful connections through the lens of expectation and memory? Is romance a choice, or written in the unalterable script of our destiny? As Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise (1995) turns 30, Elena and Manuela revisit the Before Trilogy, completed by Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013). This ill-fated episode, re-recorded and delayed, ends with a brief reflection on Nouvelle Vague (2025), Linklater’s film of the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s À bout de souffle (1960).

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode was also recorded with video and can be watched for free on Spotify.