It Follows is a unique, dwelling horror film that delves into the abrupt loss of innocence after an assault. While it can be seen as a cautionary tale about STIs, its themes run much deeper. Gabe talks about MC Jay's loss of innocence, reflects on the lingering monster of trauma, and deconstructs the myth that this is a film about an STI demon. Kat…

The Craft is an unapologetically dark film where four teen girls live out a powerful fantasy of retribution and justice. Gabe fans over the power of witchcraft, found families, and outlets for societal rage. We call for justice for Nancy and try to tap into the four corners of the world. Kat gives a history lesson on women, witchcraft, and midwifer…

Heathers is a dark comedy film that, through satire, challenges high school politics, social hierarchies, and the illusion of teenage depth. Gabe dives into this cult classic to unpack the weight of social hierarchies in school that mimic the big world outside. Kat gives us some background on why the teens in this film are so broken and what we nee…

Talk to Me is a supernatural, psychological horror film is a gut-wrenching, emotional film that explores the horrors of a teenage life for Gen Z. Gabe talks about the film's brilliant approach to a delicate subject - addiction. Kat educates on the impact of loss and grief on the growing mind. Talk to Me is a Ghouls favorite in horror. Highly recomm…

Bodies, Bodies, Bodies is a dark horror comedy that tests friendships and one’s flimsy perception of self. Gabe talks about the woes of Gen Z culture, connection, and community. Kat explores the way youth and wealth can negatively impact your capacity for love, honesty, and trust. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/th…

Assassination Nation is a bloody, intense thriller that mirrors a modern-day witch hunt, tackling head-on the chaos and hysteria fueled by sexism, social media, and toxic American ideals. The Ghouls unpack some of the themes addressed in the film as well as confront the issue of the way the film is packaged. --- Support this podcast: https://podcas…

Last of Us is an emotionally charged drama, set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal outbreak, that masterfully intertwines elements of horror and heartfelt storytelling.Gabe explains the horrors of the cordyceps fungus that inspired the game and show's villain. They also talk about the brilliant storytelling that has us in our feels. Ka…

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 ho…

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 t…

Midnight 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. B…

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…

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…

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 Jam…

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 d…

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 Blaxploit…

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…

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 i…

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…

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 Th…

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 s…

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/support…

Crawl 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.…

Meg 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/support…

The 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 dangero…

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…

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-gh…

Cocaine 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.s…

James Wan's Malignant is a truly unique film with creative imagery, a troublesome plot, and unforgettable stunts. This episode is ripe with spoilers because it's quite difficult to understand the story without knowing the truth. Ghouls discuss the "twist" ending, the hilarious stunts, and what they think would've made it even better. --- Support th…

Insidious is a fun franchise of dreamwalkers, demons, and hereditary trauma. The Ghouls discuss all 5 films, the good, the bad, and the hideous (looking at you Insidious 3). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

Though the Ghouls have strong, negative feelings about the Warrens, the films have been a fun watch for them as horror lovers. Ghouls discuss the three Conjuring films, the real cases of the Warrens (both covered and not covered in the films), and why giving the Warrens a film make-over is a bad look. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.sp…

The Ghouls walk you through the first 9 Saw movies, the traps that haunt their nightmares, and who their least favorite proteges are. We sorted, or attempted to, the storyline of the franchise. Some of Jigsaw's victims make sense while others feel like a low blow. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-doo…

The Saw Franchise is an important thread in the fabric of horror history. Known for the elaborate, gory, and challenging traps, Saw will leave an ache in your bones. The Ghouls have never been so aware of their individual body parts before. In this first part of our Saw coverage, the Ghouls start to question the motives and the holier-than-thou mes…

The Paranormal Activity franchise holds a special place in the Ghouls' hearts. The first film revived the Found Footage sub-genre (Gabe's favorite) and the films often promised creative jump scares and a slow burn. However, in trying to expand the universe the films began answering questions we never asked while never addressing plot holes or quest…

Final Destination is one of the Ghouls' favorite series! What happens when you beat Death only to have them return with vengeance? With some of the most memorable and creative deaths in the horror genre, the series is a fun slasher with a faceless villain. Did these people really ruin Death's plan or was this all a part of Death's twisted game? ---…

The Alien Franchise is what we like to refer to as Listen-to-Women the film because if only any of the other characters did just that, we'd avoid this sticky, acid, chest-bursting mess. Ghouls are talking about the entire Alien franchise (sans AVP, already covered in our Predator episode), yes even Alien^3. Why won't they let Ripley die? --- Suppor…

The Predator franchise is full of fun action-packed slashers. The first one stars one of the Ghouls' favorite final girls, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The films that follow are a mix of fun and why did this get made? We unpack each of the films (including Alien vs. Predator). We watched them so you don't have to! --- Support this podcast: https://podcas…

The Cyberpunk franchise is one that highlights countercultural antiheroes trapped in a dehumanizing high-tech future. Kat talks about the history of the Cyberpunk world and explains the bleak picture of the video game. Gabe discusses the sad and too-real characters of the mini-series, Edgerunners and their complicated relationship with tech, health…

Dune is an expansive science fiction world created by Frank Herbert with characters, societies, and tropes intended to reflect real-world issues. Ghouls are joined by Dune fan, Mike Levitt who tells them what the book is about, what happens in the film, what doesn't happen in the film, and why we should care about Dune at all. --- Support this podc…

Star Trek is a story of perseverance, hope, and potential. This show has a robust history that has shaken the television landscape in a variety of ways. What does a future with free healthcare, different species, and the potential to have anything made in an instant do to humanity? Ghouls are joined by Trekspert, Kennedy Allen of Women at Warp, and…

The Expanse is a phenomenal work of science fiction that highlights the resilience and power of people against all odds. This is a show that is as close to scientifically accurate as we can get and features some truly impressive science, language, and history. Ghouls invite mythologist and transmedia creator, Li Sumpter (@MythMediaStudios) to talk …

American Psycho is a brilliantly satirical and comical view of the toxicity of consumerism and masculinity. Bateman is an absurd villain that's remarkably not too far from the truth. Gabe discusses the outrageous villain and Kat explores the science of wealth's impact on our brains. Sources in this Episode: American Psycho: A Message on Consumerism…

Severance is a horrifying examination of America's corporate culture and the predatory power of those corporations. What does it mean to separate yourself from your "work" self, to remove yourself from any accountability for your actions at work, and to become a corporate slave? Through the pandemic, we've seen a rise in worker power that has affor…

The Platform is an unsubtle and disgusting film that confronts our acceptance of our toxic and abusive systems of power. It addresses in a terribly unsubtle way the false promises of trickle-down economics. And more importantly, leaves us with a hope for the future, one in which the children of tomorrow can break the system. Sources in this Episode…

The Mist exposes the horrors of a society without control. It pitches the inevitable descent into madness and corruption. Author of the short story Stephen King and director Frank Darabont spin a tale that proves the real monsters are your neighbors, not the otherworld demons outside the windows. But what if this assumption about our society, one t…

Nia DaCosta's Candyman is a sequel to the 90’s folklore villain. The film is creative with its storytelling, handling pain and grief with care. The tale transforms into a way for this community to put a word to their pain. It is no longer about a villain terrorizing an already vulnerable community but instead, something to point to, to separate the…

Swarm is an exploration of the mentally damaging toll obsession and fandom can have on a person. More than that though, it is ultimately a story about the human need for connection and acceptance. Gabe discusses the series' creative approach to an unreliable narrator we're all rooting for. Kat explains the human brain's need for connection and comm…

Skinamarink is a bizarre and disquieting film about interpreting the darkness with a young mind. The experimental film has many interpretations and in that, unifies its viewers to feel that special brand of fear from our youths. Gabe explains some of those theories and how the film successfully scares the pants off of you. Kat discusses childhood f…

Steven Universe is a phenomenal show covering many issues and experiences while promoting compassion, growth, and freedom of expression. Though it is still very much a children's show, it is one of the few programs out there that covers trauma, identity, and other challenges in a healthy and empathetic way. Gabe reviews each Crystal Gem's unique jo…

M3GAN is a surprisingly heartfelt film about grief, loss, and AI. When Gemma leaves a grieving Cady in the hands of her robot companion, M3GAN, she may be doing more harm than she ever intended. The Ghouls explore how the film surprised them and became something much more than they were expecting. Gabe examines the film's critical eye toward parent…

Wednesday follows the moody character, Wednesday Addams during her formative years as a teen sleuth. Jenna Ortega plays the angsty Addams and expands the character we’ve seen many times before. Finally able to embrace their mixed-Latiné heritage, the show lightly touches on the potential. At times, viewers can feel seen in the show in a variety of …