It Was A Book First

This week, in the first of two new episodes, Sophie and Rudi discuss “Wicker,” co-directors and co-writers Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson’s film adaptation of Ursula Wills’ 2008 short story “The Wicker Husband.”
The new movie stars Oliva Colman as a fisherwoman who asks a basket weaver, played by Peter Dinklage, to make her a husband out of wicker who looks like Alexander Skarsgard. Elizabeth Debicki, Marli Siu, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Richard E. Grant co-star in this charming and amusing period pieces that’s part fable, part romance novel come to life.
After sharing brief, spoiler-free thoughts on “Wicker” (01:49), they detail “The Wicker Husband’s” unlikely journey from online publication to proper publication (03:45) and, ultimately, a feature-length film from the husband-and-wife directing duo Fischer and Wilson (06:52). They also explore why a short story like this was the perfect starting point to build a more expansive movie.
Then they dive deep into a discussion of the film’s plot and themes (09:48). Throughout their chat, Sophie and Rudi explain why they found “Wicker” so charming, how they were (and weren’t) able to suspend disbelief, what’s so great about the performances from Colman and Skarsgard, and the clever ways “Wicker” packs societal commentary into a weird but thoughtful comedy.
Finally, Sophie makes her Sophie’s Choice pick for which she enjoyed more: Reading “The Wicker Husband” or watching “Wicker” (38:08).
On Friday, we’re back with another new episode to chat about “Klara and the Sun,” director Taika Waititi's disappointing adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel of the same name. The film stars Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Natasha Lyonne and Mia Tharia.
Next week, we’re discussing “Wildwood,” director Travis Knight and Laika Studios’ stop-motion animation adaptation of Colin Meloy’s first novel in his “Wildwood Chronicle” series, which has an all-star voice cast.
It Was A Book First is the podcast about new book-to-screen adaptations. Subscribe now to get new episodes delivered weekly on Wednesdays.
Follow us on Instagram: @itwasabookfirstpod
TikTok: @itwasabookfirst
YouTube: @itwasabookfirstpodcast
Email: itwasabookfirst@gmail.com
Hosts and producers: Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg
Editing: Rudi Greenberg
Social media: Sophie Vershbow
Music: Cliff Blum and John Connelly; music production: Kevin Pons
Logo: Trisha Louise Prieto
Website: Kevin Pfab

This week, writer Ashley Reese (@offbeatorbit) joins Sophie and Rudi to discuss “Carrie,” Prime Video’s new streaming adaptation of Stephen King’s debut horror novel from 1974.
Created by writer-director Mike Flanagan (“The Haunting of Hill House”), the eight-episode series modernizes “Carrie” for a Gen Z audience with Summer H. Howell as the titular teenager with telekinetic powers alongside a cast that includes Flanagan regulars Samantha Sloyan (“Midnight Mass”), Matthew Lillard (“The Life of Chuck”) and Rahul Kohli (“The Rise and Fall of the House of Usher”).
Before discussing “Carrie,” they introduce their guest, discuss the book she’s writing (00:01:38) and ask Ashley why she picked this show for her appearance on the podcast. (00:04:40).
After going around and sharing their spoiler-free thoughts on the series (00:005:30), Sophie gives some history on King’s book, which was rescued from the trash by his wife (00:09:47). Then they discuss other “Carrie” adaptations throughout the years — including Brian De Palma’s Oscar-nominated 1976 film starring Sissy Spacek — before Rudi shares some background on the new series and its creator, Flanagan, a frequent adapter of King (00:15:14).
Next, they discuss the new “Carrie” series and its many changes from both the source material and the 1976 film (00:23:15). Throughout the conversation, they hit on Sloyan’s brilliant turn as Carrie’s mom, Margaret White (00:28:28), how a key early scene is reworked with social media in mind (00:36:00), Alison Thornton’s diabolical performance as the show’s main mean girl Chris Hargensen (00:43:07) and Howell’s winning portrayal of Carrie (00:54:38). Later, they explore how this “Carrie” handles the iconic prom scene and why a new addition to the story nearly ruins the series while also setting up a second season (01:02:19).
Sophie then makes her Sophie’s Choice pick for which she liked better: reading King’s “Carrie,” watching De Palma’s “Carrie” or streaming Flanagan’s “Carrie.” (01:26:46)
Finally, Ashley recommends a classic book that she’d like to see get a new adaptation, which may be happening sooner than she realizes (01:30:35).
Next week, we’re discussing two new film adaptations: director Taika Waititi’s take on Kazuo Ishiguro’s AI robot novel “Klara and the Sun,” starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams; and “Wicker,” an expansion of the Ursula Wills short story “The Wicker Husband,” about a fisherwoman with a wicker husband, starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgard and Peter Dinklage.
It Was A Book First is the podcast about new book-to-screen adaptations. Subscribe now to get new episodes delivered weekly on Wednesdays.
Follow us on Instagram: @itwasabookfirstpod
TikTok: @itwasabookfirst
YouTube: @itwasabookfirstpodcast
Email: itwasabookfirst@gmail.com
Hosts and producers: Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg
Guest: Ashley Reese
Editing: Rudi Greenberg
Social media: Sophie Vershbow
Music: Cliff Blum and John Connelly; music production: Kevin Pons
Logo: Trisha Louise Prieto
Website: Kevin Pfab

In this special bonus episode, Sophie and Rudi discuss “You Can See Everything,” Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s mind-bending new documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes that follows her and fiancee Billy Evans in the days leading up to her prison sentence. The less said about the movie before you see it the better, so go see it before listening if you haven’t already.
Because this is still an adaptation podcast, before discussing “You Can See Everything,” Rudi shares his thoughts on “Whalefall,” a new film adaptation of the 2023 Daniel Kraus survival thriller novel, which stars Austin Abrams and Josh Brolin. (00:01:55)
The conversation on A24’s “You Can See Everything” (00:06:20) begins with Sophie sharing why she finds Holmes (already the subject of the HBO documentary “The Inventor” and the Hulu series “The Dropout,” starring Amanda Seyfried) so fascinating. She also explains how reading John Carreyrou’s book about Theranos, “Bad Blood,” unlocked her passion for nonfiction books. (00:08:33)
Rudi then talks about why he’s such a big fan of Fielder’s work and gives a primer on his TV shows — “Nathan For You,” “The Rehearsal" and “The Curse” — and shares a quote from a 2017 interview he did with Fielder for The Washington Post. (00:14:19) Then he explains why Oppenheim’s stylistic approach to documentary (as seen in “Renn Faire” and “Spermworld”) made him a perfect collaborator for this project. (00:20:34)
From there, Sophie and Rudi get deep into spoilers for “You Can See Everything.” (00:23:34) Throughout their discussion, they explain why they found this movie so thrilling, whether or not this changes their opinion of Holmes, why Fielder and Oppenheim are able to take this film into places you wouldn’t expect, and how the entire experience left them questioning reality and the nature of documentary filmmaking. They also discuss the film’s awards chances, the questions it poses but doesn’t answer, and how “You Can See Everything” explores adaptation in fascinating ways.
Next week, we’re talking about “Carrie” writer-director Mike Flanagan’s reimagining of Stephen King’s first horror novel from 1974. The Prime Video series stars Summer H. Howell, Samantha Sloyan and Matthew Lillard.
It Was A Book First is the podcast about new book-to-screen adaptations. Subscribe now to get new episodes delivered weekly on Wednesdays.
Follow us on Instagram: @itwasabookfirstpod
TikTok: @itwasabookfirst
YouTube: @itwasabookfirstpodcast
Email: itwasabookfirst@gmail.com
Hosts and producers: Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg
Editing: Rudi Greenberg
Social media: Sophie Vershbow
Music: Cliff Blum and John Connelly; music production: Kevin Pons
Logo: Trisha Louise Prieto
Website: Kevin Pfab

This week, Vulture TV critic Roxana Hadadi and Washington Post editor Thomas Floyd join Sophie and Rudi to discuss “East of Eden,” Netflix’s limited series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic 1952 novel. The streaming show, created by Zoe Kazan, features an ensemble cast that includes Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee and Ciarán Hinds.
Before introducing their guests, Sophie and Rudi share some exciting news: It Was A Book First was nominated for the Best Book Podcast award at next month’s ASTRA Podcast Awards! (00:01:40)
Roxana and Thomas then join the show to discuss “East of Eden,” which they both have written about. (00:04:49) Roxana recapped each episode of the series and interviewed stars Martha Plimpton and Hoon Lee for Vulture. (00:07:06) Thomas toured the Library of Congress with Zoe Kazan and Florence Pugh for a Washington Post feature. (00:07:54)
They go around and share their general thoughts on the Netflix adaptation, which they all enjoyed (00:12:17) before Sophie shares some history behind Steinbeck’s novel (00:23:52) and Rudi details the team behind the limited series (00:28:00).
From there, the hosts and their guests dive deep into dissecting “East of Eden,” with Sophie and Roxana pointing out changes from the book as they go. They start by discussing Florence Pugh’s award-worthy performance as Cathy Ames. They explore what makes Cathy such an inscrutable character, whether or not she’s been remade for the series as a Don Draper-like figure and the choice to center her for much of this adaptation. (00:31:35)
Then they shift their focus, much like the series does, to Christopher Abbott as Adam Trask, and their differing reactions to his subdued performance, which they agree gets better as the show goes on. (00:52:43) That leads to a discussion of Mike Faist as Adam’s brother, Charles Trask, and his relationship to Cathy (00:59:18).
Talk shifts to Hoon Lee, whose tender turn as Adam’s servant Lee acts as the heart of “East of Eden” and introduces the concept of timshel. (01:05:54) They also explain why the choice to leave out much of the Hamilton family (represented by Ciarán Hinds as Sam) was smart and why the last two episodes featuring the Trask boys Cal (Joseph Zada) and Aaron (Joe Anders) feel a bit rushed. (01:16:28) Thomas also shares his thoughts on Elia Kazan’s 1955 film “East of Eden,” which only adapts the end of the novel. (01:18:24)
As they wrap the discussion, Sophie reveals her Sophie’s Choice pick for which she enjoyed more: reading Steinbeck or watching the Netflix series. (01:24:58)
Finally, Thomas and Roxana share their picks for books they’d like to see get adapted into a series or film: Thomas wants a new take on Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five;” Roxana wants to see someone take on Mark Z. Danielewski's “House of Leaves.” (01:26:45)
Next week, we’re discussing another streaming series: “Carrie” writer-director Mike Flanagan’s reimagining of Stephen King’s first horror novel from 1974. The Prime Video series stars Summer H. Howell, Samantha Sloyan and Matthew Lillard.
Later this week, keep an eye on our podcast feed for a bonus episode about a movie that’s not based on a book but is based on reality (sort of): “You Can See Everything,” Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s incredible documentary on Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. Rudi will also briefly discuss the new film adaptation of survival thriller “Whalefall,” which stars Austin Abrams and is based on the book by novelist Daniel Kraus.
It Was A Book First is the podcast about new book-to-screen adaptations. Subscribe now to get new episodes delivered weekly on Wednesdays.
Follow us on Instagram: @itwasabookfirstpod
TikTok: @itwasabookfirst
YouTube: @itwasabookfirstpodcast
Email: itwasabookfirst@gmail.com
Hosts and producers: Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg
Guests: Roxana Hadadi and Thomas Floyd
Editing: Rudi Greenberg
Social media: Sophie Vershbow
Music: Cliff Blum and John Connelly; music production: Kevin Pons
Logo: Trisha Louise Prieto
Website: Kevin Pfab

This week, Alison Sivitz, also known as Bald Ann Dowd, joins Sophie and Rudi to discuss “Other Mommy,” a new Jessica Chastain horror movie based on Josh Malerman’s 2024 novel “Incidents Around the House.” The film, which debuted at No. 1 at the box office over the weekend, follows a seven-year-old girl named Bella who is haunted by a supernatural entity that looks like her mother.
After introducing their guest and briefly discussing the real Ann Dowd and “The Testaments” (01:36), everyone shares their general thoughts on the film, which they found disappointing compared to the movie’s trailer that ran before “The Odyssey.” (02:35)
Sophie then gives some background on the book and its author before (05:57) Rudi shares some details on the film, which stars the Academy Award-winning Chastain in a dual role as Bella’s mom and the titular Other Mommy, along with Jay Duplass (“Sterling Point”) as Bella’s “Daddo” and Arabella Olivia Clark as Bella. Dichen Lachman (“Severance”), Arian Moayed (“Succession”) and Karen Allen (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”) round out the cast. A collaboration between Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, “Other Mommy” was directed by Rob Savage (“Host”) and adapted by screenwriter Nathan Elston (“Succession”). (07:32)
This time, Rudi read the book and Sophie did not, so as they walk through the plot, he points out the differences, of which there are many, including collapsing several characters, cutting monologues and softening some of the book’s darker points (09:59). Throughout the discussion, Sophie, Rudi and Ali highlight the ridiculousness of “Other Mommy” (both the movie and the entity), why they found the movie funnier than it is scary and how it completely botches the book’s superior ending. They also spend some time theorizing how it could have been better (38:00) and why, unlike many adaptations they’ve covered on the podcast, this one isn’t quite bound by the same devoted, built-in audience expectations of other books. (42:00)
Rudi then reveals his Rudi’s Choice pick for which he liked better: reading “Incidents Around the House” or watching “Other Mommy.” (44:54)
Finally, Ali shares her pick for a book she’d like to see get adapted for the screen: Lena Dunham’s recent memoir “Famesick.” (51:07)
Next week, we’re discussing “East of Eden,” Netflix’s limited series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic 1952 novel. The series, created by Zoe Kazan, features an ensemble cast that includes Florence Pugh, Christopher Abott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee and Ciarán Hinds.
It Was A Book First is the podcast about new book-to-screen adaptations. Subscribe now to get new episodes delivered weekly on Wednesdays.
Follow us on Instagram: @itwasabookfirstpod
TikTok: @itwasabookfirst
YouTube: @itwasabookfirstpodcast
Email: itwasabookfirst@gmail.com
Hosts and producers: Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg
Guest: Alison Sivitz
Editing: Rudi Greenberg
Social media: Sophie Vershbow
Music: Cliff Blum and John Connelly; music production: Kevin Pons
Logo: Trisha Louise Prieto
Website: Kevin Pfab