In this episode Andrea and Alex deep-dive into John Carpenter’s cult-classic exploring the ways that materialism, Marxism, and maximalism have driven us to the edge of consumption. Check out our Class of 2024 merch! Artwork by the incredible Candice Purwin. REQUIRED READING They Live. Dir. John Carpenter, 1988. EXTRA CREDIT “Eight O’Clock in the Mo…

James Wan’s blockbuster horror offering The Conjuring thrilled audiences and created a cinematic universe but for Andrea and Alex it left an icky feeling that has nothing to do with demonic possession. By investigating the politics, means and ideology behind the film, they’ll uncover the true villains behind this narrative. Check out our Class of 2…

For this very special back-to-school episode, Andrea and Alex are joined by the one and only Stacie Ponder to dig into the depths of Luca Guadagnino’s remake of Dario Argento’s classic. From the dance of politics to the dance of sexuality, there’s more under the floorboards of the Markos Dance Academy than meets the eye. For more Stacie, check out …

Pack your bags and leave your conception of the social fabric that binds us behind because we’re going to two private islands in this episode! From the darkness of Dr. Moreau’s experiments to John Hammond’s capitalist enterprise, these journeys into the human desire for control rarely end well for anyone involved. REQUIRED READING Island of Lost So…

Pack your bags and your partner because this episode leaves the comforts of civilized society far behind. In this episode we unpack the need for serenity, the heritage of toxic masculinity, and why a bear might actually make a great boyfriend. REQUIRED READING Eden Lake. Dir. James Watkins, 2008. Backcountry. Dir. Adam MacDonald, 2014. EXTRA CREDIT…

Whether you’re ascending or descending, spiritual journeys through the afterlife are never easy. In this episode, Andrea and Alex tackle two films that share some overlapping tendencies but deviate in unexpected ways. REQUIRED READING Angel Heart. Dir. Alan Parker, 1987. Jacob’s Ladder. Dir Adrian Lyne, 1990. EXTRA CREDIT Satanic Feminism: Per Faxn…

Coming to you live from Salem Horror Fest, Andrea and Alex prowl the darkest corners of RKO’s cult classic Cat People. From the themes of immigration and assimilation to the parallels of sex and power, we uncover how Jacques Tourneur and Val Lewton’s dark vision of 1940s America remains a prescient warning. REQUIRED READING Cat People. Dir. Jacques…

In this episode, Andrea and Alex investigate how multiple characters are perceived and perceive Michael Mann’s entry into the Hannibal Lec(k)tor cinematic universe. From cops to killers and the humanity in between, these cuts go deep. REQUIRED READING Manhunter. Dir. Michael Mann, 1986. EXTRA CREDIT How Thomas Harris defined a genre and created fic…

We’re packing our bags to hop onto our broomsticks for our annual trip to SALEM HORROR FEST 2024 – and you’re invited! Listen in for important info, dates, and highlights! Buy your tickets here! LISTEN Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As”By Andrea Subissati and Alexandra West

From the depths of Warner Bros archives, Ken Russell’s infamous film The Devils has been resurrected (ish) once more! Andrea and Alex take this opportunity to dive into the politics, contractions, and naughtiness present within one of the most controversial cult films ever made. REQUIRED READING The Devils. Dir. Ken Russell, 1971. EXTRA CREDIT Ars …

It’s time to look back before we scream forward! Join Andrea and Alex for horror and non-horror faves and a game that will decide their fate for 2024. Alex’s Horror/Horror Adjacent Faves 1. Red Rooms (dir. Pascal Plante) 2. Godzilla Minus One (dir. Takashi Yamazaki) 3. Talk to Me (dir. Danny and Michael Phillippou) 4. The Curse (TV, created by Nath…

Andrea and Alex delve into the murky depths of Nicolas Roeg’s classic to uncover the film’s themes of mysticism, misogyny and the ethics of mourning. Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft REQUIRED READING Don’t Look Now. Dir. Nicolas Roeg, 1973. EXTRA CREDIT Daphne du Maurier’s short story. The Year of Magical Thinking. Joan Didion’…

In this episode Andrea and Alex delve into some truly long-term relationships and their lasting implications. From ageless vampires to hipster gentrification, sometimes loving someone “forever and ever” isn’t as fun as it seems. Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft REQUIRED READING The Hunger. Dir. Tony Scott, 1983. Only Lovers Lef…

We all float down here… or we’ll lose our minds trying to make sense of Andy Muschietti’s blockbuster horror films based on Stephen King’s classic novel. In this episode, Andrea and Alex investigate the depths of Derry’s sewer system, summer holidays and sexual awakenings. Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft REQUIRED READING It Ch…

What kind of person could you live with? Barbet Shroeder’s paranoid erotic thriller seeks to answer that question and more as it delves into queer fear, sexual conservatism, property rights and female intimacy. Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft If you’re Toronto, catch Alex’s lecture on Brexit in the modern British horror film o…

From economic disruptors to controlling techbro exes, the unseeable has been used as a metaphor in a variety of ways. In this episode, Andrea and Alex look back at H.G. Wells’ original text, James Whale’s Universal classic and how #MeToo created a new kind of monster. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING The Invisible Man. Dir. James Whale, 1933. The …

Dust off the telepods and put your swatters away – it’s time for our thoughts about a short story, an iconic original film, and an even better remake to mingle molecules in an all-new episode. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING The Fly. Dir. Kurt Neumann, 1958. The Fly. Dir. David Cronenberg, 1986. EXTRA CREDIT “The Fly” By George Langelann. The ori…

In this episode we look at the origins of the original “Good Guy.” From his place in the history of toys to his ties to masculinity to the anxiety around 1980s family structures, we go deep with Chucky to find out what makes him kill. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING Child’s Play. Dir. Tom Holland, 1988. EXTRA CREDIT The History of Creepy Dolls. A…

We’re back on our old stomping grounds of Salem Horror Fest to plow the fertile fields of themes and metaphors to unearth why the British folk horror classic, The Blood on Satan’s Claw, left us feeling so icky. From teens and occultism to PSAs and power, we dig deep. Tickets for Alex’s Brexit lecture on Tues May 2 are available now! Become a Patron…

In this episode we look at what happens when an American experiment crash lands in the British countryside. By looking at the state of England after two World Wars, a crisis of masculinity and humanity’s shaky grasp on scientific responsibility, Andrea and Alex uncover what is truly driving innovation and our need to win. Salem Horror Fest Info Bec…

Mind the roads this time of year because we’re covering Rob Reiner’s iconic film that delves into the murky territories brought to light when your saviour is also your #1 fan. We cover romance novels, toxic fandom, addiction, and more so buckle up! And make sure you know where the Dom Pérignon is kept. Fack’s Instagram: @facultyofhorror Salem Horro…

We cast one last glance at a year with a lot of horror highs. Featuring our best of 2022, things we can’t live without, our top 10 horror movies of all time, and, of course, some bloopers. Become a Patron! EXTRA CREDIT Alex’s Best of 2022 1. Nope 2. Barbarian 3. Prey 4. Orphan: First Kill 5. Men 6. Slash/Back 7. Fresh 8. Scream 9. What We Do in the…

We’re live from Toronto to celebrate our 10th anniversary! This episode revisits the films of our first-ever episode to explore whether our opinions on two horror classics have changed. We dig into the evolution of slashers and the conservative monsters that came to life during a wave of social change while we try to find the sherry. Thank you to e…

Lock your doors and check your windows because some uninvited guests are on their way. In this episode, Andrea and Alex explore the origins and hyperbole around the home invasion sub-genre and why there may be more to fear than those trying to break in. Become a Patron! Class of 2022 Merch is here! Get our limited edition design with art by Laura H…

Andrea and Alex cross the pond to revisit Danny Boyle’s post-apocalyptic film that brought the zombie genre back to (un)life. From virology to bodily autonomy to Brexit, there’s a lot to chew on. Become a Patron! Class of 2022 Merch is here! Get our limited edition design with art by Laura Hokstad on whatever TeePublic can print it on. Toronto Live…