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 […]
Episode 72: Longlegs
With the most impressive viral marketing campaign since Skinamarink, Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs was a sensation long before anyone even knew Nicolas Cage was involved. We discuss the good and the bad of this fascinating and ambitious film and wonder if it ever had a chance of living up to the hype. Also includes discussions of Twisters (2024), Messiah of Evil (1973) and […]
Episode 71: Bigfoot & Friends
He’s big, he’s hairy and he lives in the woods. No it’s not another Russell Crowe movie; it’s Bigfoot, Sasquatch, the yeti, yowie, and more. We discuss some of the hairy forest-dweller’s onscreen appearances, and what we’ve learned about Bigfoot’s (and similar monsters’) place in the pop culture canon. Includes discussions of A Quiet Place: Day […]
Episode 70: The Exorcism
Was anyone asking for another exorcism-based horror movie starring Russell Crowe? Well, we got one anyway! This time it’s a bit meta with a personal connection to a certain venerated classic. We take a look at Crowe’s latest foray into the horror genre and wonder if the exorcism sub-genre is all dried up. Plus some […]