
Last Podcast On The Left
"It's drama turned up to 15 because the stakes are life and death. And you're adding maybe a supernatural element, but that's what, to me, when horror reds at its best." — Marcus Parks
"It's like the fucking it was like the cutting to the victim where it was such a punch in the fucking God." — Ben Gissel
"The whole movie is definitely about family. Also got to show massive props to whoever got lit on fire. They were really engulfing that person." — Henry Zsebik
The hosts begin by discussing the film "Hereditary," acknowledging its divisive reception. They explore the film's thematic depth, touching on familial trauma, the supernatural, and the powerful performance by Toni Collette. The conversation highlights how horror can serve as a vehicle for exploring profound emotional and psychological themes, often blurring the lines between drama and genre. The experience of watching the film, including the choice of consumption methods like edibles and snacks at a cinema, is also shared, adding a layer of personal reflection to the analysis.
Further into the discussion, the hosts dissect specific scenes and narrative choices in "Hereditary," including the film's use of religious and occult lore, particularly referencing King Paimon and ancient grimoires. They analyze the film's visual storytelling and intentionality, noting how subtle details and homages to other horror classics, such as "The Shining," contribute to its overall impact. The conversation also broadens to discuss other horror films, including "Upgrade," "Hotel Artemis," and various franchises like "Critters" and "Puppet Master," evaluating their merits and impact on the genre.
The episode concludes with a broader reflection on the current state of the horror genre and the film industry. The hosts discuss the increasing prevalence of "tentpole" horror films, the challenges of maintaining originality, and the trend of overly planned cinematic universes. They express a deep appreciation for horror as a bastion of independent filmmaking, citing its capacity for original ideas and creative risks, and reaffirm their personal love for the genre, even in its less conventional forms.