Cult Cinema Circle

By Jesse Krempel

Have you ever wondered to yourself why a specific film is considered by many to be a “cult film”? Have you ever wondered why a particular film has the fans and legacy that it does?

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FAQs about Cult Cinema Circle:

How many episodes does Cult Cinema Circle have?

The podcast currently has 192 episodes available.

Cult Cinema Circle episodes:

September 02, 2025 What I Watched - August 2025
On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in August 2025.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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35min
August 27, 2025 Nowhere (1997) with special guest Rocco T. Thompson
“It’s Armageddon Day. The day the world’s supposed to end”

On today’s episode, we’re closing out our coverage of the Gregg Araki’s Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy by covering the final film in that trilogy, Nowhere (1997).

Joining me for this episode is my buddy and critic extraordinaire, Rocco T. Thompson. Tune in to hear us talk about this fabulous movie and why it’s still relevant to this day.

Article Referenced:
Cover Story: Going ‘Nowhere’ Fast With Gregg Araki, Kerosene Jones, Wussy Vol 12, October 13th, 2023

CLICK HERE

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Read Articles Written By Rocco at Authory

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1h 57min
August 20, 2025 The Doom Generation (1995) with special guest Bobby Master
This week, we dive into Gregg Araki’s The Doom Generation (1995), a neon-soaked, blood-splattered road movie that’s equal parts satire, nightmare, and Gen X fever dream. Following the nihilistic trio of Jordan, Amy, and Xavier as they spiral through a world of violence, sex, and black humor, Araki crafts a brutal portrait of lost youth at the edge of America’s cultural meltdown.

We unpack the film’s shocking violence, its biting commentary on consumerism and morality, and how it fits within Araki’s “Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy.” From its campy dialogue to its disturbing finale, we ask: is The Doom Generation pure provocation, or does it reveal something deeper about identity, alienation, and the rage of a generation?

If you’re ready to confront a film that MTV once called “the first true Gen X movie,” buckle up—this ride is messy, grotesque, and unforgettable.

Show E-Mail: [email protected]

Follow Bobby on Instagram

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1h 42min
August 13, 2025 Totally Fucked Up (1993)
In this episode, we dive into Gregg Araki’s Totally Fucked Up (1993), the raw, DIY cornerstone of his Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy. Blurring the lines between documentary-style confessional and narrative chaos, the film follows a group of queer teens navigating love, alienation, and survival in early ’90s Los Angeles. We unpack its fragmented structure, its unfiltered portrayal of youth on the margins, and the way Araki captures both the aimlessness and urgency of adolescence. From grainy camcorder intimacy to punk-fueled rebellion, we explore how Totally Fucked Up remains a defiant, vulnerable time capsule of Gen X disillusionment

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: [email protected]

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51min
August 06, 2025 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)
In this episode, we unpack the cult classic Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990), a quirky, melancholic tale of identity, abandonment, and small-town myth-making. We follow the story of Dinky Bossetti, played by a young Winona Ryder, as she navigates her outsider status in anticipation of the return of the town’s elusive hometown hero, Roxy Carmichael. Is Roxy a savior, a symbol, or just a ghost of what never was? We’ll explore how the film blends teenage alienation with adult disillusionment, examine its portrayal of 90s-era femininity and longing, and ask whether Roxy Carmichael ever really needed to come home at all.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: [email protected]
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1h 21min
August 03, 2025 What I Watched - July 2025
On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in July 2025.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: [email protected]
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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34min
July 30, 2025 Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
In this episode, we unravel the haunting psychological labyrinth of Jacob’s Ladder (1990), a film that blends horror, trauma, and existential dread into a singular cinematic experience. Directed by Adrian Lyne and starring Tim Robbins, this cult classic follows Vietnam veteran Jacob Singer as he grapples with disturbing visions, shifting realities, and the unraveling of his own identity.

We explore the film’s layered narrative structure, its eerie depiction of PTSD and grief, and its deep spiritual undertones rooted in mysticism, paranoia, and death. From its nightmarish imagery to its lasting influence on psychological horror and pop culture, Jacob’s Ladder is more than a film—it’s a descent into the fragile human psyche.

Join us as we dig into the symbolism, production history, and legacy of this unforgettable journey between life and death.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: [email protected]
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1h 15min
July 23, 2025 Loser (2000)
In this episode, we’re diving into Loser (2000), the offbeat teen dramedy that tried to flip the college rom-com formula on its head. Directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless, Fast Times at Ridgemont High) and starring Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari, Loser tells the story of Paul Tannek — a socially awkward but good-hearted guy navigating life at NYU, unrequited crushes, and toxic roommates. We’ll unpack the film’s portrayal of early 2000s youth culture, discuss its awkward charm and missed opportunities, and explore how it fits into Heckerling’s broader filmography. Was Loser misunderstood at the time, or is it just that — a cinematic misfit that never quite found its crowd? Tune in as we revisit this quirky underdog story and see how it holds up 25 years later

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: [email protected]
Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57min
July 16, 2025 The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)
On today's episode, we're cutting off our hair and going on the run, but standing for justice, damn it, as we revisit the underseen and IMO underrated 80s classic that is The Legend of Billie Jean (1985).

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: [email protected]
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1h 4min
July 09, 2025 The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
On today's episode, we're heading out to the desert and fighting for our lives against a family of bloodthirsty cannibals as we dive into The Hills Have Eyes (1977). This movie was written and directed by the one and only Mr. Wes Craven.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
----
Show E-Mail: [email protected]
Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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54min

FAQs about Cult Cinema Circle:

How many episodes does Cult Cinema Circle have?

The podcast currently has 192 episodes available.

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