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Published on:

3rd Feb 2026

Enemy Of The State - In A Nutshell

Enemy of the State (1998)

Marc’s Pick

PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it

A spoiler-free breakdown of the late ’90s conspiracy thriller Enemy of the State, centred on surveillance, power, and the fragility of everyday life in a data-driven world.

An exploration of the film’s tone, pace, and thematic focus touching on paranoia, loss of privacy, institutional control, and how technology reshapes trust and identity.

A look at how the movie blends chase-thriller momentum with political tension, and how its depiction of surveillance turns ordinary spaces into sources of unease.

By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this mix of tension, escalation, and technological anxiety belongs on your watchlist.

PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen it

What Did You Miss?

The details beneath the surface from how information replaces physical force as the main threat, to the way framing and perspective keep danger just out of sight.

Moments that gain new weight on reflection, including the use of off-screen action, overlapping systems, and constant motion to create a sense of pressure and inevitability.

A deeper look at how the film examines surveillance, accountability, and the balance between security and freedom, themes that feel increasingly relevant with time.


Paul’s Facts of the Day

A standout set of facts and trivia, including:

Connections to earlier surveillance cinema

How real-world technology influenced the script

Production choices shaped by rapidly changing tech

Behind-the-scenes decisions that reinforced the film’s sense of scale and urgency


Hate It or Rate It?

Marc, Darren & Paul submit their scores and Enemy of the State takes its place in the Legend League.


PART 3 – Listener Lounge

Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs, the Question of the Week and of course… the reveal of next week’s movie.


Listen Now

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View the Legend League

Every movie we’ve featured and rated on the podcast

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View the Listener League

See how listeners rated the movies they chose

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Join the conversation

🎙️ Voice message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

📧 Email: hello@moviesinanutshell.com


Socials

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Hosts

Marc Farquhar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar


Darren Horne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne


Paul Day

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23


Music

Main Theme: BreakzStudios

Music Bed: ProtoFunk – Kevin MacLeod

(All music licensed under Creative Commons)

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About the Podcast

Movies In A Nutshell
Make better movie choices spoiler-free | Get more from movies you've seen
Movies In A Nutshell helps you confidently decide what to watch — without spoilers — and discover what you've missed in the movies you’ve seen.

Join us every week as we break down a single film to give you everything you need to make a confident, spoiler-free decision. From tone and style to themes, comparisons, and context, you’ll quickly understand what the movie is really about 'in a nutshell'.

Already seen it? We go further. We reveal the things you might’ve missed, even if you’ve watched it many times before. From details hiding in plain sight and behind-the-scenes facts to hidden meanings and lesser-known stories that’ll impress your friends.

Hosted by three lifelong movie fans Marc Farquhar, Darren Horne and Paul Day, Movies In A Nutshell is made for casual viewers and cinephiles alike. Whether you’re scrolling for something to watch tonight or revisiting an old favourite, we help you watch smarter, without telling you what to think.

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Get more from every movie.

About your host

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Marc Farquhar

Co-founder of Movies In A Nutshell, Marc is a former heavy metal frontman turned podcaster with over 8 years experience behind the mic. He is also an established paddle boarding coach, a husband and a father.