*Edit * The phrase “elevated horror” is a marketing term that describes films that are seen as artistic, or thematically complex. However every movie, horror or otherwise, is open to individual interpretation based on the viewers personal experience, emotional reactions, cultural background, and analytical frameworks. All interpretations are subjective, regardless of labels like “elevated”. That’s the beauty, cinema offers space to explore complex issues that are often inaccessible or marginalized in everyday conversation.
I had high hopes for this podcast episode critiquing one of my favourite films, John Carpenter’s The Thing, but what I got was 25 minutes of screeching anecdotes and forced humor that wore thin fast. It’s not compulsory to try and be funny.
Once they finally arrived at discussing the film, the only real commentary offered was admiration for Kurt Russell’s stalwart ruggedness and, yes, his hair. While certainly iconic, it’s hardly the meat of a rich, layered film like The Thing. The rest was a shallow string of observations, frequently interrupted by more shrill laughter.
There was a brief moment, a mention of the film’s hauntingly stark landscape, that could’ve been a gateway into exploring its stunning cinematography. But alas, they moved right past it. Similarly, the phrase “man vs self” was tossed out with no further exploration, missing a golden opportunity to unpack the film’s deeper Freudian undercurrents and psychological dread.
Ultimately, the episode felt more like background noise than thoughtful analysis. Exhausting, superficial, and a real letdown for anyone who came hoping for genuine insight into a genre masterpiece.
Next I’m going to listen to their analysis of another favourite, Welcome to the Dollhouse. Honestly, I don’t know if I dare.
