Titane is a film about human evolution, identity, and connection. This unique film is so much more than you'd imagine. Gabe talks about found family, genderfluidity, and our intimate connection with technology. Kat shares resources for queer youth and other information to make you an even better ally.

Sources in this Episode:
What TITANE is really about | Explained
Titane Prove No One Has a Body
transequality.org


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Titane: Hot Cars and Found Family

Ti West's X (2022) is a fun slasher film featuring sex-positive protagonists trying to make a film, live their lives, and take advantage of their youth. While filming their X-rated film, these X-Factor hot humans encounter evil and gore galore. Gabe unpacks the slasher's themes and amazing filmmaking that seem to parrot very real tension around sexual activity today. There is definitely a generational divide. Kat explains how to help the sex work community. They also provide helpful tips for protesting and other actionable steps to confront the oppressive system we live in. In light of the overturning of Roe V. Wade, we had switched our series to this F*ck the Patriarchy theme, but it's still just as heavy. Channel your rage with us.
Sources in this Episode:
X' (2022): Major Themes and Easter Eggs
Ti West's 'X' Ending Explained: What Happens to Maxine?
X (2022) Movie Review - Striking religious parallelism elevates this thrilling slasher
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Porn Industry in 1970
6 Ways to Support Sex Workers in Your Community | The Anti-Violence Project
Ghoul’s list of resources for Abortion Access, SA, and Intersectional Feminism

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X (2022): The Life We Deserve

Rosemary's Baby is a classic horror film with a large impact on the genre. But does it do more harm than good? This film tells the story of a world without hope or feminism. Gabe discusses how we can't separate art from the artist. Kat explains the need for intersectional feminism.

Sources in this Episode:
Ira Levin's Rosemary's Baby: Patriarchy Without Feminism Is Hell
Rosemary's Baby, Reproductive Rights & Every Day Female Horrors
Roxanne Gay: Confessions of a Bad Feminist

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Rosemary's Baby (1968): In Desperate Need of Feminism

Men (2022) is a new folk horror film that has many viewers confused. Fitting well into our F*ck the Patriarchy series, this film tackles the issue of men. Gabe discusses victim-blaming, domestic abuse, how men be 'men'ing and more. Kat shares helpful makeup tips and how to protect yourself. What are the many forms of abuse?
SPOILERS start at 32:14 Kat's Section starts (spoilers over) at 49:58
If you or someone you know is in danger of domestic abuse, please visit thehotline.org or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Sources in this Episode:
Men ending: Three critics attempt to explain the 2022 movie's twist.
Alex Garland says the ending of Men is whatever you make of it
National Domestic Violence Hotline

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Men (2022): A Green Man is Hard to Find

Black Christmas (1974) is an arguably accidental feminist film that features a pro-choice protagonist. Black Christmas (2019) is intentionally feminist and features a protagonist dealing with updated misogyny. Gabe unpack these good bad girls and if the films did these themes justice. Kat shares resources and information about safe abortions in the light of a doomed Roe V. Wade.
Sources in this Episode:
Jess's Choice: How 'Black Christmas' (1974) Responsibly Addresses Abortion And Bodily Autonomy
Slay, Girls: The Sliding Scale of Feminism in the Black Christmas Films
Lined Lips, Spiked Bats: When You're a Woman It's Always Political
National Network of Abortion Funds

Resources for Abortion Access:
https://abortionfunds.org/
View our curated list here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRNe6HfpeYKvn5pKPsd0UxfLNlPjGCFXZlZi2vyPTdSTD9GI-CQqGi6XMN_qzxHD4yNP5UBKp0vmGCt/pub




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Black Christmas (1974 & 2019): Attempts at Feminist Slashers

What if cismen got pregnant instead? Director Sylvia Ray and Writer/Actor Marco Parra explore this hilarious possibility in their fever-dream short film, Preggers. Airing during the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival ( in the Bloque Dos shorts block, catch this entertaining and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of pregnancy and abortion. Ghouls interview these two creators about their film, inspiration, and more!
Check out the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival: Sunday, May 29 - Sunday, June 5th
PHLAFF.org
Virtual Screening Schedule
Follow our guests:
INSTAGRAM
@SylbiaLee
@MarcoAParra_
@PreggersFilm
SylviaRayDirects.com

Support women's right to choose:
plannedparenthoodaction.org
abortionfunds.org


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Preggers: Bruja Justice and Abortions

Ghouls have made 200 hours of content! Celebrate with us at the Ghoul Awards - featuring clips,  funny behind-the-scenes stories, struggles, and successes. As well as awards for our favorite guests and contributors! 

Here's to 200 more!

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200 Episodes Celebration and Awards Show!

Lake Mungo (2008) is a chilling, depressing film about a young girl who drowned and how her family copes with the loss. Featuring unsettling, pixelated videos and photos of her spirit as well as a few harrowing twists, this film is now a Ghoul's favorite. Gabe discusses the horrors of found footage and explores some fan theories. Kat explains how your brain plays tricks on you, convincing you of ghosts in the darkness and what spiritualism photography is. 

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Lake Mungo (2008): Grief Explored Through Found Footage

Ghouls are talking about the aquatic creature feature, Underwater. Gabe dives into the horrors of being trapped underwater where the environment wants to kill you. She also discusses the dystopian, villainous company that awakens the beasts below. Kat shares their fears of the ocean and tells us about all the monstrous fish just waiting to kill you.

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Underwater (2020): Aquatic Horrors & Lovecraftian Creatures

Turning Red is an endearing coming-of-age, monstrous femme film about learning to love yourself but it is also about the emotional connection between a mother and daughter. Furthermore, it’s about the dual identity of this Asian-Canadian girl. Gabe gets real about her own mixed identity and replies to audience complaints about the film. Kat explores what the Red Panda symbolizes and how trauma is different for everyone. 
Sources in this Episode:
The Symbolism in 'Turning Red,' Explained
adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Nadine Burke Harris TED Talk

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Turning Red (2022): It's Okay to Feel All Your Feels

Blue My Mind is a coming-of-age tale about a young girl finding her tribe, exploring her sexuality, and becoming a mermaid. Gabe discusses trans identity, body dysmorphia, eating disorders and other explored teenage tragedies in this film. Kat shares their personal puberty journey while also diving into the dichotomous identity of the Mermaid-Miranda.
Sources in this Episode:
'Blue My Mind' Review: Promising Coming Of Age Body-Horror Debut
No Sweat Shakespeare
Of Tails and Tempests: Feminine Sexuality and Shakespearean Children's Texts


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Blue My Mind (2018): Growing Mermaid Pains

Live at FanExpo Philadelphia, Ghouls talk about the horrifying film, Fresh. Featuring fun audience stories about their own horrifying dating experiences and Kat's helpful tips to stay safe!

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Fresh (2022): Horrors of Modern Dating LIVE

Ghouls are talking about an unexpected favorite film about a young girl coming of age during the zombie apocalypse. Oh, and she's also a zombie herself. The Girl with All the Gifts is a phenomenal film that'll make you care for the protagonist, question if humanity has used up its time here on Earth, and root for the next generation of life to fight on. This film is made even more impactful by their decision to race swap two very important characters.
Sources in this Episode:


'The Girl with all the Gifts' and Black Girls Destroying the World to Save Themselves

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The Girl with All the Gifts (2016): Coming of Age in the Zombie Apocalypse

Lovecraft Country's Meet Me in Daegu takes a break from the main storyline to introduce a mysterious character from Tic's past, Ji-Ah. Ji-ah is a young Korean woman that Tic meets during the Korean War. And Ji-Ah is a Kumiho, a nine-tailed fox spirit that consumes the souls of men. Gabe talks about how the Kumiho represents Ji-Ah's trauma and how through certain relationships she learns to love and accept herself. Kat shares the folklore history of Kumiho, Kitsune, and Huli jing have been used to categorize women as evil. What differs the Kumiho from most other femme monsters is their intelligence. Also, has an ancient Kitsune been awakened?

Sources in this Episode:
In complex ‘Lovecraft Country’ role, Jamie Chung puts S.F. Korean School lessons to work
Wiki - Kumihos
Japan's 'killing stone' splits in two, releasing superstitions amid the sulphur springs | Japan | The Guardian

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Meet Me in Daegu (Lovecraft Country S1E6): War & Love Make Us Monsters

Ghouls tackle what was a promising film about a pastor's wife discovering her feminine power through a transformation but instead finds a film that fails to deliver any empowerment at all. Instead, this film half-heartedly features a monstrous femme, a problematic couple, and a lot of unnecessary BIPOC deaths. 
Gabe explains the disappointment of the film and why it should know better. Kat shares historic atrocities that were blamed on vampires. 
Sources in this Episode:
Vampires: Real Origins, Legend, and Histories
Other Reviews on Jakob's Wife:
Flickering Myth
The Guardian
Horror Society
Ways to Help:
Documentary on Missing Black Women
Our Black Girls
Native Women's Wilderness
Native Hope

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Jakob's Wife (2021): More Than a Preacher's Wife

Ginger Snaps tells the story of sisters overcoming the challenges of puberty... and becoming a werewolf. On the surface, this film is a fun puberty, b-horror adventure that manages to also highlight the struggles with becoming a woman while entertaining its audience with puns, outrageous characters, and absurd props and gore. Gabe discusses their own desire to be made into a silly monster puppet. Kat explains the real Werewolf Trials that took place long before Witches were burned at the stake. Also, maybe they discuss furries?

Sources in this Episode:
I was wrong about Ginger Snaps!
History of the Werewolf Legend
Before America Had Witch Trials, Europe Had Werewolf Trials
She-wolf: A Cultural History of Female Werewolves


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Ginger Snaps (2000): Puberty Can be a Real B*tch

Jennifer's Body is an underrated feminist and queer horror film. Ghouls are revisiting the cult classic to see what they missed the first time around. Gabe talks queer representation, toxic relationships, and eating boys to feel better. Kat teaches you the history of succubi and even how to summon a succubus.

Sources in this Episode:
The Monstrous Feminine: Film, Feminism, Psychoanalysis - Barbara Creed
How “Jennifer's Body" Smashed Its Way Through The Male Gaze And Into Queer, Feminist Cult Status
Mythology.net
The Lilith Gallery




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Jennifer's Body (2009): I Was a Teenage Succubus

Don't Look Up is an ugly look into our society rampant with climate change deniers, anti-vaxxers, and flat earthers. Gabe relates entirely too much to the screaming, frustrated astronomers trying to tell everyone the world is ending soon. Kat tells you why the world is ending soon.

Sources in this Episode:
Don’t Look Up captures the madness I see every day

Ways to Help:
March 25 - Fridays For Future
Seven Indigenous climate activists you should know about
COP26: 5 Indigenous Activists & Movements You Should Know About
Indigenous Environmental Network
Take Action — Stop Line 3
Who We Are — Earth Guardians
Queer Nature
Friends of the Earth
Environmental Action
Intersectional Environmentalist


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Don't Look Up (2021): Science Deniers & the End of the World

Unearth tells the story of two feuding families in rural Pennsylvania. At first, a rustic drama but soon the story turns horrific when fracking unearths a quiet evil. Gabe talks about what not to do when making a fracking horror film (including disintegrating babies). Kat explains the horrors of real fracking, the biggest piece being how little we know about the process.

Sources in this Episode:
Unearth 2021 Film Review- Fracking Despair
What is fracking and why is it controversial?
Study suggests hydrofracking is killing farm animals, pets
Dimock, PA: "Ground Zero" In The Fight Over Fracking
Is Fracking a threat to water supplies?
Fossil fuel industry has the largest delegation at the COP26 climate summit

Ways to Help:
March 25 - Fridays For Future
Seven Indigenous climate activists you should know about
COP26: 5 Indigenous Activists & Movements You Should Know About
Indigenous Environmental Network
Take Action — Stop Line 3
Who We Are — Earth Guardians
Queer Nature
Friends of the Earth
Environmental Action
Intersectional Environmentalist

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Unearth (2021): A Fracking Horror Story

Ghouls are journeying into the Shimmer, a land where nature has reclaimed what civilization built. Gabe discusses the film and the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer to unpack the complexities of nature, the language it speaks, and why it'll never care about us. Kat finds out if the film has some truth to its science focusing on Hox Genes and Genetic Drift.
Sources in this Episode:
Annihilation: "Weird" Nature
‘Annihilation’ Is Fiction, but the Science ‘Isn’t Bullshit’: Alex Garland’s Scientific Accuracy, Explained,
Genetic drift (article) | Natural selection | Khan Academy
Other Reviews on Annihilation:
Annihilation review: the most thoughtful science fiction movie since Arrival - The Verge
https://weirdfictionreview.com/2014/02/annihilation-weird-nature/
'Annihilation' Review - Variety
Annihilation review – Natalie Portman thriller leaves a haunting impression | Science fiction and fantasy films | The Guardian
How the Ending of 'Annihilation' Departs From the Book - The Atlantic
Ways to Help:
More than a Feeling: Climate Emotions in Film & TV
Imagine 2200: Climate Fiction for Future Ancestors | Fix
Indigenous Environmental Network
Indigenous Environmental Network – Sacred Land
Why Indigenous Resistance is More Important than Ever - Greenpeace USA
Fresh Banana Leaves - Jessica Hernandez

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