Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water feels eerily relevant as we brace for a second Trump presidency. Set in a Cold War-era America steeped in paranoia, oppression, and cruelty, the film critiques the illusion of “greatness” that MAGA rhetoric glorifies. Through characters like Elisa, Giles, Zelda, and the Amphibian Man—people existing on society’s margins—it celebrates empathy, connection, and resistance against authoritarianism.

In Alien: Romulus, the latest chapter of the iconic franchise, themes of corporate greed, bodily autonomy, and systemic oppression take center stage. From Rain’s desperate fight for freedom to Andy’s struggle for personhood, we explore how the film critiques unchecked capitalism and its dehumanizing effects. With connections to real-world issues like exploitation, "othering," and post-Roe anxieties, the story challenges us to reflect on what truly makes someone human. Dive into our analysis of the movie’s gripping narrative, horrifying twists, and the questions it raises about identity, morality, and survival.

Ghouls explore The Substance, a satirical body horror film that critiques society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Through the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, we examine the devastating impact of external validation on identity, the pressures of pretty privilege, and the pervasive stigma against aging women. From Hollywood’s unrealistic standards to personal reflections on gender norms, we dive deep into how societal expectations shape self-worth. Featuring parallels to real-life stories and media, we unpack the emotional and physical toll of chasing impossible ideals.

When Evil Lurks is a brutal Argentinian horror film blending supernatural terror with real-life issues of faith, isolation, and environmental contamination. Follow along as Ghouls review how Demián Rugna’s tale of demonic possession taps into Argentina’s struggle with pesticide exposure, exploring how folklore and cultural fears bring a chilling depth to the film’s relentless horror.

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 within religious institutions.

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 the eerie world of Jack Delroy’s Night Owls.

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.

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.