Ghouls Next Door

Oct 30 2024 291 ep. 61 mins 165

Ghouls Next Door Podcast artwork

Award-winning media literacy podcast from a horror lens. Gabe & Kat discuss real-life influences on our cinematic fears every Wednesday. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

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Late Night with the Devil (2024): Cults, Conspiracies, and Celebrity Secrets

Oct 30 2024 50 mins

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 m

Longlegs (2024): Satanic Panic, Government Hysteria, and Horror in Girlhood

Oct 23 2024 47 mins

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

Suspiria (2018): Witchcraft, Dance, and Post-WWII Germany

Oct 16 2024 44 mins

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

Maxxxine (2024): A Neon Drenched Video Nasty

Oct 09 2024 38 mins

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 (2015): A Folklore of Fanaticism and Family

Oct 02 2024 66 mins

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

I Saw the TV Glow (2024): A Tale of Transition

Sep 04 2024 70 mins

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 fo

It Follows (2014): The Many Faces of the Monster

Aug 21 2024 61 mins

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 th

The Craft (1996): Teen Girl Justice, Sisterhood, and Witchcraft

Aug 10 2024 61 mins

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 weir

Heathers (1988): A Dark Comedy for Dark Times

Jul 24 2024 77 mins

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 outc

Talk to Me (2023): Addicted to Possession

Jul 10 2024 71 mins

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 podca