Spooky Bitch Gang are proud to co-present a rare screening of Ken Russell’s 1971 masterpiece, The Devils with Static Vision. Friends of the pod Static Vision present their latest film festival Goodbye, Pink Flamingo, a three-day, single-screen event showcasing a global selection of groundbreaking queer, punk, feminist and DIY cinema, curated as a tribute to […]
Episode 82: Nosferatu Triple Feature
F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu went from unauthorised Dracula adaptation to one of the sacred texts of horror. We look at the 100-year-old masterpiece and the remakes by Werner Herzog and Robert Eggers, investigating the context and themes of each one. Nosferatu‘s vision of vampirism is as eternal as war, plague, paranoia and death itself. Also includes discussions of Oddity (2024), Black Cab (2024) and Cure (1997).
Episode 81: Psycho Biddies
It’s hard out here for a biddy! We’re taking a look at movies featuring older woman going psycho. Known also as hagsploitation, these movies may have a problematic view of women, but in hindsight do they reveal something empowering? Includes discussions of Strange Darling (2024), Witches (2024), Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), Strait-Jacket (1964), Fanatic a.k.a. Die, Die My Darling! (1965), Flesh Feast (1970), What’s the Matter with Helen (1971), Serial Mom (1994) and […]
Episode 80: Heretic
A24’s latest contribution to the horror genre is the dialogue-heavy, slightly bonkers Heretic. We discuss the Hugh Grant-starring film’s unique takes on religion, pop culture and gender. Also includes discussions of Fear the Spotlight (video game, 2024), MadS (2024) and more.
Episode 79: Scarecrows
CONTENT WARNING: Contains references to childhood sexual assault The scarecrow seems to be a horror icon on the surface, but this oddball’s repertoire is inconsistent and relatively small. We take a look at scarecrows in a selection of horror movies and wonder why the spooky straw man seems to lack a clear identity. Includes discussions […]
Episode 78: The Substance
How did this gross, cartoonish body horror movie ending up being one of the year’s major film events? We discuss all the silliness and viscera of The Substance, unpacking its satirical intent and feminist themes. Does its stylisation get in the way of its characters? Does its message get lost in melt movie goo? Plus Two […]
Episode 77: Hammer Horror
Take a trip back in time to the heyday of the iconic British production company Hammer Film Productions. Between the mid-50s and the early 70s, Hammer left an indelible mark on horror, with hits that were sexy, lurid, gothic and campy. We take a look at the lasting impact and sometimes questionable politics of a […]
Episode 76: Speak No Evil Double Feature
Subtitle haters and subtitle lovers are at odds over the new James McAvoy vehicle Speak No Evil, a remake of a film that in some circles is already a minor classic. We unpack the pitch black satire of both, very different versions of Speak No Evil. Also includes discussions of Something in the Water (2024) and Strange Darling (2024).
Episode 75: Pregnancy & Motherhood
In this episode, we take a look at movies that explore all the ins and outs of bearing a child. Turns out the beginnings of life might be not-so-secretly horrifying. What commentary can horror movies offer on pregnancy, abortion and motherhood itself? Includes discussions of In a Violent Nature (2024), Blink Twice (2024), The Phantom of the Opera (1925), The Suckling (1990), Inside (2007), Prevenge (2016), Baby Ruby (2022), Birth/Rebirth (2023), The […]
Episode 74: Alien: Romulus
Everyone is talking about the latest instalment in the Alien franchise. How does the classic Alien formula of popcorn action plus compelling characters fare in this new iteration? Is Alien: Romulus a return to form or a sad attempt at recapturing the magic? Also includes discussions of The Coffee Table (2024), Woman in the Dunes (1964) and Kidnapping in the […]
Episode 73: White People Got Stuck Where? Part 2
Once again, we’re taking a look at the rich tapestry of movies that is white people getting stuck places. Going from microgenre to macrogenre, it feels like these movie are unavoidable and this time we’ve got some bangers. Where did they get stuck and where will they get stuck next? Includes discussions of Trap (2024), The Coffee Table (2024), Lord […]