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.

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.

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 attack, and if the rich are already building VaultTec-like bunkers in anticipation of a coming war.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Personal Identity in Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool | Horror Obsessive

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 Infections: Brandon Cronenberg on Possessor | Roger Ebert

On Possessor, Data Mining, and Labor Alienation | Medium

'Possessor' Review: Identity Theft as Nihilist Nightmare | Slant Magazine

White Audiences Are Obsessed With Black Martyrdom | Electric Literature

Neuralink brain chip's first human patient. How does it work? | About That

20th WCP: Ethical Assessment of Implantable Brain Chips

Researchers grapple with the ethics of testing brain implants | Science | AAAS

What Is Data Mining? A Beginner’s Guide (2022)

Amazon's empire of surveillance

The Ethics of Data Mining

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 use their power to oppress.

Sources in this Episode:

They Cloned Tyrone Director Juel Taylor Uncovers the Easter Eggs in They Cloned Tyrone | Netflixed Tyrone’ Ending Explained: What Do the Clones Represent? - Decider

What Is Blaxploitation: The Essential Guide To The Subgenre

Food Deserts

The INFAMOUS “Black” McDonald’s commercials

Director Juel Taylor Uncovers the Easter Eggs in They Cloned Tyrone | Netflix

The Truths and Symbolisms in “They Cloned Tyrone” | by ASUS BUTTERFLY

They Cloned Tyrone' Director Juel Taylor on His Favorite Conspiracies and Winning Over Erykah Badu

How ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ Transforms Racial Archetypes into Unlikely Heroes

A Tangled Web: A History of CIA Complicity in Drug International Trafficking -- Institute for Policy Studies

The Politics of Heroin in Southeast Asia

What We Really Know About the CIA and Crack

THE CIA-CONTRA-CRACK COCAINE CONTROVERSY: A REVIEW OF THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT'S INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS

MANAGING A NIGHTMARE - How the CIA Watched Over the Destruction of Gary Webb | The Intercept | By Ryan Devereaux

Reaganomics and Its Implications for African-American Family Life

Reaganomics: The Impact On Black Economic Mobility