Horrorspiria

May and Clinton discuss theme of nationalism through 3 different horror films, exploring how the metaphors are relayed through script, setting, dialogue, and, plot. Starting with Red State in America, they look at the lens of nationalism through South Korea and Iran as well. How do different filmmakers explore xenophobia with horror tropes and what messages can we take away from these films? It is important to listen and analyze the differences between a nationalistic message and a critique of the nation-state itself. In this episode, May and Clinton discuss these aspects as well as Red State, The Wailing, and Under the Shadow.

The episode is currently streaming on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Breaker, PocketCasts, and RadioPublic. 

In our fourth bonus pod, May discusses her favorite film, Donnie Darko. The 2001 film is directed by Richard Kelley. It is an original story written when he was 23. She discusses why it is her favorite film as a special memorial episode to pod-cat, Darko.

The episode is currently streaming on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Breaker, PocketCasts, and RadioPublic.

May and Clinton discuss film distribution within the horror and international markets through Altered Innocence, a niche distribution company specializing in subversive queer films. With special input from renowned film producer, Lisa Thrasher, and information from Altered Innocence's CEO, Frank Jaffe, the current state of film distribution is established and discussed in depth. In this episode, May and Clinton look at the mechanics of film distribution as well as three of Altered Innocence's horror output: A Closer Walk With Thee, The Wild Boys, and Knife + Heart.

May and Clinton discuss the Korean horror wave, touching on its initial history and focusing on three of its most well-known exports. Starting from the very first Korean film screened in America in 2003, the wave was less hyped than its sister cinema from Japan. However, there exists a specific nuance centered around the Korean concept of han that distinguishes Korean horror from other pan-Asian efforts. It also shows as a wave that has no intention of slowing down any time soon. In this episode, May and Clinton discuss these aspects as well as Lady Vengeance, The Host, and Train to Busan.

May and Clinton discuss the horror cinema output of Latin America in the first part of a multi-part mini-series. There are 21 Spanish-speaking countries in the world and 19 of those 21 reside in what is largely considered Latin America. All of the countries, regardless of location, share an intrinsic colonial link to Spain. In this mini-series, we examine the general film industry of each country and the means in which it thrives. In this first part, May and Clinton look at examples from Argentina (Aterrados), Chile (Sangre Eterna), and Colombia (El Paramo). 

In our first bonus pod together, May and Clinton discuss their immediate reactions to Knife + Heart. The 2018 French film is directed by Yann Gonzalez with a score done by M83. It takes place in 1979 Paris where a serial killer is targeting gay porno actors. The episode is broken down into 2 parts for those who don't want spoilers! 

May and special guest, Gabi, discuss the Final Girl trope, a term coined by horror theorist Carol Clover in 1992. The trope involves the final female character in a film left to her own devices to confront the (usually male) killer, especially against the backdrop of her own trauma. Both of them chose two different films to examine in closer detail about how the Final Girl manifests and the codes in its messaging. In this episode, May and Gabi discuss these aspects as well as Black Christmas, Ginger Snaps, The Descent, and Cabin in the Woods.

In our second bonus pod, Clinton discusses one of his favorite horror films, The Last Circus. The 2010 film is directed and written by Álex de la Iglesia. It concerns the dealings of a circus in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. He discusses why it is one of his favorite films as well as the implications of its success and influence.

May and Clinton discuss giallos, an Italian horror movement from the 60s and 70s. It is a thriller-horror genre that includes a myriad of elements from many genres including crime fiction, horror, erotica, and psychological thrillers. While the movement was short-lived, it had a second life in America with the advent of home video entertainment. Since then, the giallo's stylistic trademarks have been ripped off over and over again in the American slasher genre. In this episode, May and Clinton discuss these aspects as well as A Bay of Blood, What Have You Done to Solange?, The Perfume of the Lady in Black, and Deep Red.

In our first bonus pod, May discusses her favorite horror film, A Tale of Two Sisters. The 2003 film is directed by Kim Jee-woon. It is an adaptation of the Joseon Dynasty folktale, Janghwa Hongryeon jeon. She discusses why it is her favorite film as well as the implications of its success and influence.