The Fear of God: A Horror Movie Podcast

Our #speakingintongues series covering international language films is nearly to its close, but not before we stop by 18th century rural Austria for a harrowing and emotionally devastating examination of a horror story rooted -- terrifyingly so -- in actual history. THE DEVIL'S BATH is the third film by directors Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz to be covered on the FoG (following Goodnight Mommy and The Lodge). It tells the story of Agnes, newly married, who struggles to navigate her perceived purpose in the world as a wife and (hopefully) a mother. But as her husband's absent affections confuse her and her daily duties overwhelm her and the pressures of the surrounding people oppress her, she begins to slide into what the locals call "the devil's bath" -- or what we might call depression.
In that era, the Catholic church condemned suicide as a mortal and irredeemable sin. People who deeply desired to die but did not wish to be sent to hell found a hideous loophole: they would murder someone (often an innocent child) and then confess the crime so that they could be executed following confession and forgiveness. This "suicide by proxy" is documented more than 400 times in this era and this film leans heavily upon historical record for its story. To help us discuss this potent film, we're joined by friend of the show JR Forasteros and his fellow Don't Split Up podcast host (and new FoGger) Adriana Mezquitti.
Our episode also features a Patron-only segment (with guest Andrew Nelson) discussing DARK, Season 3, Episode 6. The film, although quite heavy, has moments of profound compassion and a deeply centered humanity. It presents for us a rich conversational opportunity that also has the laughter and thoughtful asides you've come to expect from us. We really hope you're safe and well and we hope you enjoy this week's discussion.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
5:05 - Two Questions with Adriana Mezquitti
Patron Only Segment: DARK, Season 3, Episode 6
15:28 - THE DEVIL'S BATH
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We have another bonus interview conversation with you today and it's a great one. SPEED DEMON sits squarely at the intersection of action and horror as a runaway train is taken over by a demonic entity. Now, the only hope is a nun (Katie Cassidy) who is struggling with her faith and personal demons of her own. Filled with compelling characters and a wry sense of humor, Speed Demon also has an undercurrent of heart and hope.
Nathan and Reed got to sit down with director Jon Keeyes and we packed a lot of interview into under 20 minutes, surveying Keeyes early work and the personal themes which compelled him to make this film. We hope you'll check out Speed Demon, in theaters on May 31st, and we hope you enjoy our conversation with director Jon Keeyes.
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We continue our series featuring international language films (#speakingintongues) with a fascinating film which inverts the traditional narrative of Cinderella and explores the story from the perspective of her "ugly stepsister". Far more than merely a clever inversion, THE UGLY STEPSISTER reveals itself to be surprisingly funny, sharply insightful, and fearlessly grotesque. It presents a critique of both perceptions of beauty and the pressures put upon women in a society that treats their desirability as a currency, necessary for survival.
We're joined by returning friend of the show, Dr DeAnna Daniels and new friend of the show Dr Nicole Symmonds to unpack the myriad of ways this film challenges convention and pushes us to rethink our approach to our bodies and their monstrous beauty.
Also featuring a Patron-only segment discussing DARK, Season 3, Episode 5 with returning friend Lindsey Dunn, this is a lively and thoughtful discussion that we really think you'll enjoy.
5:09 - Happy Hour Horror Hangout Announcement (5/31 4 pm EST)
7:22 - Two Questions with Dr Nicole Symmonds
Patron Only Segment: DARK, Season 3, Episode 5
19:55 - THE UGLY STEPSISTER
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We continue our series on international language films this week (#speakingintongues) with a Spanish film that gained significant attention on Netflix a few years ago for its inventive premise and sharp social commentary. THE PLATFORM has a unique and inventive premise. Prisoners are paired on floors of a prison where every day, a platform filled with food descends from the top floor to the bottom. Inmates on the upper floors have plenty to eat, but as each successive floor stuff their face to its filling, the lower floors are left with little more than broken glass and silverware. But when an inmate named Goreng (Ivan Massagué) decides that this system needs to be broken from the inside, a harrowing mission presents itself.
We're joined by friends of the show Andrew Vogel and Suzann Petrongolo, whose independent film HERMAN was featured in our interview series. Together we discuss this film's specific take on human nature and the systems which are constructed to literally pit us against one another.
Also featuring a Patron-only segment discussing DARK, Season 3, episode 4 with Gorey Gamer Matt Murray, this is a thoughtful and vibrant conversation that we really hope you enjoy.
6:24 - Two Questions with Suzann Petrongolo
Patron Only Segment: DARK, Season 3, Episode 4
16:35 - Checking in on HERMAN
23:48 - THE PLATFORM
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We have another fun interview to share with you this week about a recent independent release that quickly caught our attention. AFFECTION tells the story of Ellie (Jessica Rothe) who awakens one night in an unfamiliar bed next to a husband she doesn't recognize (Joseph Cross) and with a daughter she doesn't remember (Julianna Layne). She then begins to experience a cycle of sudden, severe tremors and horrifying disorientations that point to a whole other life. What follows is a wholly surprising scenario of science-fiction, horror, and obsession. It's a twisty thriller rooted in deep emotional resonance and featuring three outstanding performances.
Reed and Vera had the chance to sit down with writer/director BT Meza and special effects supervisor Dan Rebert about their remarkable film that hit theaters May 8th. We hope you'll check it out and we hope you enjoy this interview!
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