Summary of Ep. 2545 - Our New Film Is So Good Hollywood Is Panicked. Watch.

Overview of The Daily Wire Episode 2545

Ben Shapiro promotes The Confession, a new film he wrote, and argues that its reviews reveal political bias in Hollywood. The episode then ranges across free speech, immigration, AI, economic policy, foreign affairs, and divisions within the U.S. political parties, with interviews from Alliance for a Better Future CEO Janet Kelly and Fox News host Brian Kilmeade.

The Confession and Hollywood Reviews

Shapiro describes The Confession as a Christian, anti-communist drama set largely in a prison. The film stars Rob Lowe, James Franco, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Brad Dourif, Richard Brake, and Emile Hirsch, and was directed by Václav Marhoul.

Early praise cited by Shapiro highlights the film’s religious and philosophical themes, performances, and stark visual style. He also points to more mixed reviews from The Hollywood Reporter and Slate, arguing that their critics acknowledge the film’s craft while signaling hostility toward its conservative politics. He compares the reception to the critical response to The Passion of the Christ and says conservative filmmakers face ideological barriers in Hollywood.

Free Speech and Western Political Culture

Shapiro argues that Western countries are increasingly willing to restrict speech while tolerating political or social disorder. He cites the criminal case against French novelist Michel Houellebecq over remarks about Islam, saying his comments should be protected as political opinion.

He also condemns students who threw objects at Joe and Hunter Biden during their departure from Trinity College in Dublin, despite his own strong opposition to Joe Biden’s presidency. Shapiro presents the incident, along with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s comments about security risks in partnership with China, as signs of weakening Western confidence and shared values.

AI, Data Centers, and Public Trust

In an interview, Janet Kelly argues that Americans want both innovation and stronger safeguards for AI. She says that 91% of Americans surveyed believe more should be done to make AI safer, and that 93% oppose chatbots discussing sex or suicide with children.

Kelly favors targeted protections for children and national security while warning against shutting down AI infrastructure. She says AI could drive advances in medicine and business, but tech companies need to build public trust by improving safety and explaining the technology’s benefits. She also cautions that AI is likely to become a major political issue in 2028.

Shapiro criticizes opposition to a proposed Maryland data center on a long-vacant mall site, arguing that activists misrepresent its environmental effects and that blocking it could cost the area jobs and tax revenue. He also claims that a China-linked socialist organization helped amplify the campaign against the project.

Economic Policy and Political Divisions

Shapiro characterizes progressive politics as a long-term effort to weaken free markets. He discusses proposals to restrict data centers, freeze electricity rates in Texas, and give nonprofits an early opportunity to buy certain New York City properties. He argues these policies could discourage investment and private ownership.

Shapiro and Kilmeade also discuss divisions within both parties and the difficulty of governing through narrow majorities. Kilmeade says political leaders should be willing to compromise on issues such as immigration and Social Security. Shapiro agrees that a system designed to require broad consensus cannot deliver every policy goal, and that promising otherwise can leave voters disillusioned.

Foreign Affairs and National Security

The episode includes discussion of alleged Iran-linked plots in Europe and the United States, Egypt’s designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, and disagreements over how the West should respond to China, Russia, and Iran. Shapiro argues that Western governments are inconsistent in confronting authoritarian or extremist threats.

Kilmeade describes Russia as a serious geopolitical threat and argues that NATO expansion reflected Eastern European countries’ desire for security and freedom. He and Shapiro also debate U.S. policy toward Iran and the role of Vice President JD Vance in the administration’s divisions over the conflict.

Main Takeaways

• Shapiro presents The Confession as a serious, faith-centered film and frames its reviews as evidence of ideological bias in Hollywood.
• Kelly says voters want AI to advance while remaining safe, especially for children and national security.
• Shapiro warns that opposition to data centers and other infrastructure could harm investment and local economic growth.
• Kilmeade emphasizes compromise and political leadership as ways to address polarization and rebuild shared purpose.
• The episode repeatedly argues that Western institutions are losing confidence in free speech, free markets, and their ability to defend common values.

Promotions and Calls to Action

Shapiro invites listeners to watch The Confession through Daily Wire membership or a one-night theatrical screening. The episode also includes sponsored promotions for Legacybox, ZipRecruiter, and Trust & Will.