The Ghouls explore Immaculate, a psychological horror film that delves into themes of bodily autonomy and the dark side of faith through the story of a nun's involuntary pregnancy. We also tackle the systemic misogyny within the Catholic Church, examining how nuns are marginalized and how the Church’s stance on reproductive rights reflects hypocrisy. Join us as we unpack the chilling connections between this horror narrative and real-world issues surrounding women's rights, control, and abuse...

Late Night with the Devil is a campy horror that cleverly intertwines reality with the supernatural. Join us as we unpack Jack Delroy’s desperate bid for ratings, culminating in a live séance that spirals into chaos. Gabe discusses the film’s bold commentary on media manipulation and our obsession with the occult, drawing parallels to real-life spiritualism. Kat uncovers the mysterious Bohemian Grove, the secretive society that inspired the film’s cult elements, and how its rituals echo in...

Longlegs is a psychological thriller about a supernatural satanic panic killer, who murders without ever touching his victims. From twisted coming-of-age stories to the sinister use of dolls as instruments of control, we examine the cultural obsession with preserving and corrupting girlhood through fear, trauma, and moral panic. We delve into how government investigations mirrored societal anxieties about protecting innocence during the Satanic Panic of the 80s and 90s. --- Support this...

Suspiria (2018) is a haunting exploration of power, control, and the horrors of fascism, set against the backdrop of Cold War-era Berlin in 1977. Gabe discusses the differences in the two films, unpacks the themes of facism and guilt, as well as defines the three mothers and their role in Argento's world. Kat gives us a history lesson to understand the setting of this Suspiria and the motivation for the coven, dancers, and the psychologist. --- Support this podcast:...

Maxxxine is the final neon-soaked chapter of Ti West's trilogy, blending genres influenced by their respective decades. Gabe talks about how sexuality is explored in Ti West's trilogy and gives us a film history lesson on video nasties. Kat talks about the 1980s Satanic Panic craze. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

The Witch is a psychological, folktale horror film that offers us a slow descent into a puritanical satanic panic. A witchy crucible tale that subverts the traditional empowering women narratives we're used to. Gabe shares what they took from the film and why a second watch left them terribly depressed. Kat gives a history lesson on Puritans, what brought them to the New World and what makes them different from the Separatists. --- Support this podcast:...

I Saw the TV Glow is an experimental, horror film that has audiences facing and exploring their identities. A personal tale of gender dysphoria, the film is heartbreaking and bizarre. Gabe talks about Owen's struggles with their identity, zipping yourself back up to conform to society, and why the sad ending isn't an ending at all. Kat talks about the millennial struggle for identity, how a generation raised by TV saw themselves on screen, and that it's not too late to find yourself. ---...

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 talks about the meaning of the monster, the importance of support systems after a traumatic event, and how the film's absentee parents solidify...

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 midwifery. Who gets to decide who the weirdos are? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

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 need to do to avoid such a bleak outcome. Sources in this episode: Heathers: High School is a Black Comedy Youth Suicide -- United States, 1970-...

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 recommend! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

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/the-ghouls-next-door/support

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://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

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. Kat shares ways we can be better before an apocalypse forces our hand. Let's build Disaster Utopias now! Sources in this Episode can be found in...

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 nuclear war, where is the safest place to be during a nuclear...

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/support

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. Both Ghouls discuss the moments of the show that have forever changed them. --- Support this podcast:...

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-ghouls-next-door/support

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 dealing with such things. --- Support this podcast:...

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: James At The End Of Infinity Pool Wasn't The Real James | Screenrant Morality and...

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 ethical concerns. Sources in this Episode: Psychological...

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's role in the role of drug trafficking around the world and how they...

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 Get Out – MEDIA Get Out Fact Sheet Black Trauma vs. Black Horror Jordan Peele’s Get Out Political Horror By Dawn Keetley 6...

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: Jordan Peele’s Us: the big plot twist, explained Why Hands Across America Is So Vital to Jordan Peele's Us ‘Us’ Movie...