Faculty of Horror

Spring has sprung so it’s time to get into the greenhouse! In this episode, Alex and Andrea investigate the differences between mother and caretaker, the privilege of home upkeep, and why yuppies love windchimes.  More content over on our Patreon!   REQUIRED READING The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. Dir. Curtis Hanson, 1992.    EXTRA […]

Published: 30 April 2025

Log on to this episode where we go deep with the film adaptation of the cult video game Detention. From totalitarianism in Taiwan and beyond, the ghosts of our past often have dire warnings about our present and future that we should heed.  More content over on our Patreon!   Catch us LIVE at Salem Horror […]

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Join us as we delve into the lineage and legacy of Tod Browning’s pre-code horror classic. From the morality police to representation of disability to community building through murder, we discuss why Freaks remains a unique and unrepeatable entry in the horror canon. More content over on our Patreon!   REQUIRED READING Freaks. Dir. Tod Browning, 1932.    […]

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

Andrea and Alex run down their favourite horror films from 2024, share what they’re looking forward to this year and go head-to-head in trivia for Fack supremacy.  Join our Patreon community!   LISTEN Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As”

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

Join us as we breakdown the isolated families of David Cronenberg’s The Brood. From family structures to the legalese of it all, we investigate why and how we cling to each other.  Last chance for our Class of 2024 merch! Artwork by the incredible Candice Purwin.   REQUIRED READING The Brood. Dir. David Cronenberg, 1979.    EXTRA CREDIT Cronenberg […]

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2024

Christmas came early for the profs this year, with an advance screening to Robert Eggers’ hotly anticipated adaptation of Nosferatu! We recorded our immediate reaction at the cinema for our Patreon, but we wanted to spread the good cheer for the film’s wide release. Hear our raw reactions – but beware spoilers if you don’t […]

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

In this episode Andrea and Alex deep-dive into John Carpenter’s cult-classic exploring the ways that materialism, Marxism, and maximalism have driven us to the edge of consumption.  Check out our Class of 2024 merch! Artwork by the incredible Candice Purwin.   REQUIRED READING They Live. Dir. John Carpenter, 1988.   EXTRA CREDIT “Eight O’Clock in the Morning.” […]

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

James Wan’s blockbuster horror offering The Conjuring thrilled audiences and created a cinematic universe but for Andrea and Alex it left an icky feeling that has nothing to do with demonic possession. By investigating the politics, means and ideology behind the film, they’ll uncover the true villains behind this narrative.  Check out our Class of 2024 […]

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

For this very special back-to-school episode, Andrea and Alex are joined by the one and only Stacie Ponder to dig into the depths of Luca Guadagnino’s remake of Dario Argento’s classic. From the dance of politics to the dance of sexuality, there’s more under the floorboards of the Markos Dance Academy than meets the eye. […]

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2024

Pack your bags and leave your conception of the social fabric that binds us behind because we’re going to two private islands in this episode! From the darkness of Dr. Moreau’s experiments to John Hammond’s capitalist enterprise, these journeys into the human desire for control rarely end well for anyone involved. REQUIRED READING Island […]

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024

Pack your bags and your partner because this episode leaves the comforts of civilized society far behind. In this episode we unpack the need for serenity, the heritage of toxic masculinity, and why a bear might actually make a great boyfriend. REQUIRED READING Eden Lake. Dir. James Watkins, 2008. Backcountry. Dir. Adam MacDonald, 2014. […]

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

Whether you’re ascending or descending, spiritual journeys through the afterlife are never easy. In this episode, Andrea and Alex tackle two films that share some overlapping tendencies but deviate in unexpected ways. REQUIRED READING Angel Heart. Dir. Alan Parker, 1987. Jacob’s Ladder. Dir Adrian Lyne, 1990. EXTRA CREDIT Satanic Feminism: Per Faxneld’s book about […]

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

Coming to you live from Salem Horror Fest, Andrea and Alex prowl the darkest corners of RKO’s cult classic Cat People. From the themes of immigration and assimilation to the parallels of sex and power, we uncover how Jacques Tourneur and Val Lewton’s dark vision of 1940s America remains a prescient warning. REQUIRED READING Cat People. […]

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2024

In this episode, Andrea and Alex investigate how multiple characters are perceived and perceive Michael Mann’s entry into the Hannibal Lec(k)tor cinematic universe. From cops to killers and the humanity in between, these cuts go deep. REQUIRED READING Manhunter. Dir. Michael Mann, 1986. EXTRA CREDIT How Thomas Harris defined a genre and created […]

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2024

We’re packing our bags to hop onto our broomsticks for our annual trip to SALEM HORROR FEST 2024 – and you’re invited!Listen in for important info, dates, and highlights! Buy your tickets here! LISTEN Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As”

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2024

From the depths of Warner Bros archives, Ken Russell’s infamous film The Devils has been resurrected (ish) once more! Andrea and Alex take this opportunity to dive into the politics, contractions, and naughtiness present within one of the most controversial cult films ever made. REQUIRED READING The Devils. Dir. Ken Russell, 1971. […]

Transcribed - Published: 29 February 2024

It’s time to look back before we scream forward! Join Andrea and Alex for horror and non-horror faves and a game that will decide their fate for 2024. Alex’s Horror/Horror Adjacent Faves 1. Red Rooms (dir. Pascal Plante) 2. Godzilla Minus One (dir. Takashi Yamazaki) 3. Talk to Me (dir. Danny and […]

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2024

Andrea and Alex delve into the murky depths of Nicolas Roeg’s classic to uncover the film’s themes of mysticism, misogyny and the ethics of mourning. Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft REQUIRED READING Don’t Look Now. Dir. Nicolas Roeg, 1973. EXTRA CREDIT Daphne du Maurier’s short story. The Year of Magical […]

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2023

In this episode Andrea and Alex delve into some truly long-term relationships and their lasting implications. From ageless vampires to hipster gentrification, sometimes loving someone “forever and ever” isn’t as fun as it seems. Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft REQUIRED READING The Hunger. Dir. Tony Scott, 1983. Only Lovers Left Alive. Dir. Jim Jarmusch, […]

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2023

We all float down here… or we’ll lose our minds trying to make sense of Andy Muschietti’s blockbuster horror films based on Stephen King’s classic novel. In this episode, Andrea and Alex investigate the depths of Derry’s sewer system, summer holidays and sexual awakenings. Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft REQUIRED READING It […]

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2023

What kind of person could you live with? Barbet Shroeder’s paranoid erotic thriller seeks to answer that question and more as it delves into queer fear, sexual conservatism, property rights and female intimacy. Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft If you’re Toronto, catch Alex’s lecture on Brexit in the modern British horror film […]

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2023

From economic disruptors to controlling techbro exes, the unseeable has been used as a metaphor in a variety of ways. In this episode, Andrea and Alex look back at H.G. Wells’ original text, James Whale’s Universal classic and how #MeToo created a new kind of monster. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING The Invisible […]

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2023

Dust off the telepods and put your swatters away – it’s time for our thoughts about a short story, an iconic original film, and an even better remake to mingle molecules in an all-new episode. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING The Fly. Dir. Kurt Neumann, 1958. The Fly. Dir. David Cronenberg, 1986. […]

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2023

In this episode we look at the origins of the original “Good Guy.” From his place in the history of toys to his ties to masculinity to the anxiety around 1980s family structures, we go deep with Chucky to find out what makes him kill. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING Child’s Play. Dir. […]

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2023

We’re back on our old stomping grounds of Salem Horror Fest to plow the fertile fields of themes and metaphors to unearth why the British folk horror classic, The Blood on Satan’s Claw, left us feeling so icky. From teens and occultism to PSAs and power, we dig deep. Tickets for Alex’s Brexit lecture […]

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2023

In this episode we look at what happens when an American experiment crash lands in the British countryside. By looking at the state of England after two World Wars, a crisis of masculinity and humanity’s shaky grasp on scientific responsibility, Andrea and Alex uncover what is truly driving innovation and our need to win. Salem […]

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2023

Mind the roads this time of year because we’re covering Rob Reiner’s iconic film that delves into the murky territories brought to light when your saviour is also your #1 fan. We cover romance novels, toxic fandom, addiction, and more so buckle up! And make sure you know where the Dom Pérignon is kept. […]

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2023

We cast one last glance at a year with a lot of horror highs. Featuring our best of 2022, things we can’t live without, our top 10 horror movies of all time, and, of course, some bloopers. Become a Patron! EXTRA CREDIT Alex’s Best of 2022 1. Nope 2. Barbarian 3. Prey 4. […]

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2023

After some spectacular “pre-lash” (preemptive backlash) from the online community, Paul Feig’s all-women Ghostbusters has finally hit the screens. Alex and Andrea take a break from their summer sabbaticals to reflect on their love of the original films, what this reboot means to them in terms of representation and why safety lights are for dudes. REQUIRED READING […]

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2023

We’re live from Toronto to celebrate our 10th anniversary! This episode revisits the films of our first-ever episode to explore whether our opinions on two horror classics have changed. We dig into the evolution of slashers and the conservative monsters that came to life during a wave of social change while we try to find […]

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2022

Lock your doors and check your windows because some uninvited guests are on their way. In this episode, Andrea and Alex explore the origins and hyperbole around the home invasion sub-genre and why there may be more to fear than those trying to break in. Become a Patron! Class of 2022 Merch is […]

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2022

Andrea and Alex cross the pond to revisit Danny Boyle’s post-apocalyptic film that brought the zombie genre back to (un)life. From virology to bodily autonomy to Brexit, there’s a lot to chew on. Become a Patron! Class of 2022 Merch is here! Get our limited edition design with art by Laura Hokstad on […]

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2022

Andrea and Alex evoke the spectre of Death in their analysis of James Wong’s turn of the century ode to vibes. From risk society to the abject, Final Destination has a plan for everyone. Become a Patron! Class of 2022 Merch is here! Get our limited edition design with art by Laura Hokstad […]

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2022

The elite are literally a different breed in Brian Yuzna’s cult classic film about the perils of popularity and privilege. In this episode, Andrea and Alex dive into the mystique that surrounds the wealthy and explore why they need the rest of us to survive. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING Society. Dir. Brian […]

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2022

Using two popular examples, Andrea and Alex look at the collision between the horror and superhero genres. From conservative leanings to taboo-breaking stories, we explore two films that deviate from the norm (and occasionally, their own source material) to embark in two very different directions. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING Blade. Dir. […]

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Time to take a break from the ol’ Ludwig Van and join us at the Korova Milkbar for a trip into the near dystopian future of A Clockwork Orange. From our Pavlovian responses, to patient care and British Literature, we’ll slooshy what Kubrick’s film has to offer. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING A […]

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2022

Time to walk the halls of the terrifying Hill House with Andrea and Alex as they explore what it means to be haunted, gender dynamics in times of duress and why it’s hard to remake a classic. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING The Haunting. Dir. Robert Wise, 1963. EXTRA CREDIT Shirley […]

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2022

In this episode, Andrea and Alex explore two different yet eerily similar films that came out of Japan in 2001. The conversation covers where history, humanity and community end, exploring what is left in its wake and the new limitations of imagining the future. CW: Suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free […]

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2022

Whether you call them Hagsploitation, Psycho-Biddy or just plain Elder Horror, growing old is a scary prospect and horror has mined those depths to great effect. Andrea and Alex dive into the murky waters of gender and aging, the burden of care and whether the cycle can be broken. Become a Patron! […]

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2022

It’s that time of year where we look back at our horror and non-horror faves from the last year and have a bit of fun while we’re at it. Become a Patron! EXTRA CREDIT Alex’s Best of Horror Dexter: New Blood Titane Censor Caveat Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched Yellowjackets Midnight Mass Malignant […]

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2022

Do you like scary movies? Because Wes Craven’s Scream sure does! In this episode, Andrea and Alex tackle the game-changing film, discussing its origins, impact and legacy. Class of 2021 Merch is here! Original art by Slutfocate Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING Scream. Dir. Wes Craven, 1996. EXTRA CREDIT The 1990s Teen […]

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2021

Do you want listen to an episode about Torture Porn? Well, you’re in luck! Andrea and Alex dive into the 2000s to look at the phenomenon of Torture Porn; what preceded it, what it meant, and where we can potentially place it in our collective imagination. Class of 2021 Merch is here! Original art […]

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2021

Live from Salem Horror Fest, our 100th episode on George A. Romero’s The Crazies sees us tackling small-town life, biology, the Vietnam War, health care and our own podcasting mortality. Plus, a very special Cameo! Class of 2021 Merch is here! Original art by Slutfocate Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING The Crazies. […]

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2021

The table is set, the wine is poured and the time has come to take your seat at the table as we delve into Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation. From a history of dinner parties to the dynamics of grief, we’re serving up a once in a lifetime, four-course meal of analysis. Class of 2021 Merch […]

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2021

Sweets for the sweet! We’re still on our annual August hiatus but we accidentally said “Candyman” five times and resurrected a commentary we recorded for our Patreon back in 2019. Whoops!Listen in to whet your appetite for Nia DaCosta’s reimagining this weekend! Become a Patron! Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As”

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2021

Call your bank and pack the moving truck because we’re uprooting everything we think we know about home ownership. From the Lutz’ mortgage with Devil to the skeletons in the Freelings’ closet (and backyard), Andrea and Alex unearth what lies beyond and beneath the white picket fences of American suburbia. Become a Patron! […]

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2021

The fog of Victorian London settles on Alex and Andrea as they dive into “Ripperology”: the facts, fiction and shadow cast by Jack the Ripper over our culture. By examining how the figure is depicted in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lodger and The Hughes Brothers’ From Hell, we can begin to untangle the history of more […]

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2021

If you go down in the woods today You’re sure of a big surprise Andrea and Alex leave the comforts of modernity and go back to nature to discover what humanity has left behind through our obsessions with cryptids and conspiracy theories. From our fascination with humanity’s evolution to our need to colonize, we have […]

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2021

In this episode, we delve into the murky waters of intimate relationships, nuclear families, and revolutionary theatre practices with Andrej Zulawski’s Possession. From the film’s almost instant cult-status to its rocky release, we look at what has made Possession one of the great filmic break-ups and breakthroughs of the late 20th century. Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING […]

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2021

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY! Andrea and Alex got unreasonably excited about the new Mortal Kombat movie, so we recorded our pre-and post-movie impressions in an all-new Fack Flash. The full episode is available to all tiers of our Patreon! Join now and gain access to the full episode, plus even more perks and extras.Become a Patron! […]

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2021