Ghouls Next Door
A media-literacy podcast from a horror lens, exploring the unique and raw way society and culture influence film and media. We review media and discuss the history and psychology behind our fears. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support
Episodes
Fallout is an ambitious, gore-filled, comedic adaptation of the popular post-apocalyptic video game franchise. What Fallout and our world have in common is endless human suffering, a hatred for communism, manipulative and controlling governments, and war, which never changes.
Gabe compares the two worlds and histories. And they dive into all the horrifying experiments of VaultTec. Kat tells us what to do in the event of a nucl...
The Fall of the House of Usher is a gory, vicious story that sees the end of a villainous family line, the Ushers. Gabe explains many of the Edgar Allan Poe references. They also unpack some of the lines in the show that criticizes the wealthy. Kat shares about the real Ushers, the Sackler family behind the Opioid Epidemic in America.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/supportMidnight Mass is a slow-burn horror series exploring the impact of spirituality, our place in the universe, and the horrors that we face when religion is contorted and weaponized. Gabe talks about how this is a personal story for Flanagan and shares their own personal history with religion. Kat talks about the inevitability and inequity of death. Both Ghouls discuss the moments of the show that have forever changed them.
--- Sup...The Haunting of Bly Manor is a slow-burn, creeping horror show that critiques classism, softly embraces queer love, and haunts its audience with tragedy. Gabe discusses the overall theme memory plays in the show and how this is a love story more than a ghost story. Kat talks about why people want to be remembered when they die and how to assure you will be.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-gh...Haunting of Hill House is a supernatural horror series that explores the impact of grief and mental illness under the guise of a haunted house story. Gabe dives into the characters: how the Crain children represent a stage of grief, their experience with the magical realism of the haunted house, and events in their childhood shaped their lives. Kat discusses the impact of trauma and grief on young minds and how you can help a child...
Brandon Cronenberg's Infinity Pool is a compelling science fiction film that scrutinizes the opulent lifestyle of the 1%, delving into their sinister nature of overindulgence. Gabe discusses the lifestyles of the rich and the famous and more importantly, why this film leaves much to be desired. Kat shares tools so you can be a better human than James, the main character was.
Sources in this Episode:
Possessor is a gripping sci-fi horror movie that intertwines an existential identity crisis with a chilling undertone of commentary on the issues of data mining, surveillance and labor alienation. gabe unpacks the film's themes by dabbling into a little Marxism and also highlights a very real issue within the first scene of the film. Kat explains data mining and other technological advances that raise alarms when it comes to et...
They Cloned Tyrone is a loud, absurd, and charming sci-fi film that's equal parts blaxploitation, social commentary, and confirmed conspiracy theories. Following three unlikely heroes as they uncover a government conspiracy that weaponizes cultural staples and stereotypes against them. Gabe unpacks the harmful stereotypes and the power of Blaxploitation films. Kat gives an in-depth history lesson about the government and CIA...
Get Out is a film that effectively blends horror, comedy, and social commentary into a genuinely brilliant horror film. Gabe discusses the way Peele showcases Black history and trauma without being traumatic. Kat unpacks the harm of white liberals and performative activism.
Sources in this Episode:
Get Out Explained: Symbols, Satire & Social Horror | The Take
Jordan Peele's Us is a film intentionally titled, because it is a critique of us. It is gluttonous with its imagery and commentary, overflowing with context, history, and scoldings. The Ghouls do their best to unpack the many themes addressed in this fun horror film from classism, identity, Hands Across America, dance, and access to care.
Sources in this Episode:
Stepford Wives, Matrix, Pleasantville, and Don’t Worry Darling (before it even existed), wrapped up in an impactful and dark bow. Culture Shock is a science fiction horror film that leans a bit more into non-fiction, addressing the many layers of horror surrounding Immigration. Ghouls unpack the horrors of immigration, ICE in America, and America's history of destabilizing countries.
Sources in this Episode:
Don't Worry Darling is a beautifully shot film with an ending that solidifies it as the Stepford Wives' negligible step child. Ghouls share what happens in the film, the big twist, and why we're left wanting more or even something else altogether. Can love and the Patriarchy coexist?
Sources in this Episode:
‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Review: A Drama That’s Accidentally a Comedy | Arts | The Harvard Crimson
Anaconda (1997) is a fun creature feature with an interesting cast. A team of National Geographic documentarians find themselves in the clutches of an evil poacher, oh and also there are snakes here. Gabe gives us a glimpse into the making of these gigantic foes and other fun film things. Kat tells us how to survive a snake attack and shares some super fun facts about the big snakes too.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcas...The Grey is an emotional film that has men facing their mortality. Fighting against the elements and a natural enemy, these men stranded in the Alaskan wilderness learn what's important to them. How can you survive a wolf attack?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/supportCrawl is a home invasion film with a twist, the intruders are gators and your house is being flooded by a Category 5 hurricane! Gabe is shares the true Floridian things about this film (as a Floridian themselves). Kat tells us the difference between gators and crocs; and what to do to survive an attack.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/supportMeg 2 is a wild ride where prehistoric aquatic beasts make people their tasty lunch. Ghouls discuss this fun film and what the real Megaladons were like. Kat gives us a rundown of the world's deadliest sharks and what to do if you're attacked by one.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/supportThe Birds (1963) is a classic creature feature with an even more terrifying backstory and making-of. Ghouls discuss this sleepy film, the potential themes, and the interesting approach to storytelling. Gabe also explores the real horror of the film: Hitchcock's unhealthy obsession and torture of Tippi Hedren. Kat shares facts about the most dangerous birds and if we should be afraid of birds. Gabe even gives us a taste of a fun...
Beast starring Idris Elba is a suspenseful, family-driven story where one father fights to protect his family while another (furry and vicious) father fights to avenge the loss of his own. An expected film with heartfelt moments, Ghouls unpack this sleeper film. Kat shares what to do when you encounter a lion and also, maybe some things you shouldn't do. (Thanks WikiHow!)
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify....Slotherhouse is an absurd new horror film that follows a killer sloth in a sorority. It is exactly as you imagine it is. Ghouls talk about where it hits and misses. Kat shares fun, unexpected facts about sloths. Do they have the capacity to kill? The answer might surprise you!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/supportCocaine Bear is a quirky, dark comedy that charmed the Ghouls. Full of memorable characters, a villain you root for, and some helpful tips to survive a bear attack. Ghouls talk about the film and Kat shares some instructions on how to know when a bear means business and what to do in the event they do.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/supportPopular Podcasts
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