Time for a Spooky Season preview my gays and ghouls!
The Essentials is an ongoing series exploring my recommendations for a balanced media diet, and what better way to kick-off the start of fall with a little love for one of my favorite podcasts, Horror Queers. Hosted by critics Joe Lipsett and Trace Thurman, Horror Queers records courtesy of the Bloody Disgusting network, and explores horror media through a queer lens. The duo publish multiple episodes each week, ranging from new horror releases to camp classics and everything in between. That means there’s quite a bit of content to look through, and I thought I’d do my queer duty to break down a couple of episodes I think would be a great starting point for a newbie listener.
I hereby present my rundown of the best episodes in the Horror Queers Cinematic Universe:
The Perfection (2019) feat. Mae Shultz
It was Richard Shepard’s The Perfection (2019) that brought me to Horror Queers in the first place: after finishing the Allison Williams-starring flick, I was desperate to consume as much content as I could about this wild ride of a film. I took a random chance on a podcast episode from a show I’d never heard of and in turn got what I would now call the quintessential Horror Queers episode: a patient, open-minded reflection on a piece of horror cinema that broadened my thematic and cultural understanding of the film. Guest Mae Shultz offers personal reflections that add a welcome layer to the critique of the film, making this episode a must-listen for anyone that thinks bugs might be crawling around inside their arms (ifkyk).
Halloween Kills (2021)
I’m a firm believer in listening to movie podcasts when you have never seen the movie or even intend to. I first got into horror because of podcasts; listening to a film synopsis with spoilers gave me confidence to approach films I worried would be more upsetting than cathartic. This tactic allowed me to break into a genre that has brought incredible art into my life, but this same Listen, Don’t Watch approach can also be used for movies you never intend to engage with. Hosts Trace and Joe’s takedown of this Blumhouse blunder is a must-listen for more than their scathing review: the episode is a lively discussion about legacy sequels and what a horror franchise thinks it “owes” its fans. I’ve never seen Halloween Kills, but I frequently come back to this fun and fascinating episode.
Prometheus (2012) feat. My Bloody Judy
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Alien: Covenant (2017) feat. Drew Dietsch
Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017) could have podcasts of their own, but the Queers and their respective guests for this double bill of episodes offer a fantastic dive into Ridley Scott’s two blockbuster musings on creation. Notwithstanding the discussion of one of my favorite characters of all time, David, tune in for Charlize Theron slander and a spot-on alien baby impression.
Funny Games (1997) feat. Justin Nordell
An exploration of violence and identity is expertly dissected by guest Justin Nordell, who brings a distinct point of view and a deep knowledge of director Michael Haneke to this rich, complicated conversation. Purists at ease: the episode goes into both Haneke’s original Austrian release of Funny Games (1997) and the subsequent American remake (2007).
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
I don’t have to tell you twice about Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, but I will take this moment to monologue in my undies about this fantastic entry in the Horror Queers archive. Joe is in his element discussing the film among the canon of erotic thrillers, and Trace’s research on the film’s production will reveal details even the most obsessive fan might not be aware of. Whether you love or hate Kubrick’s final film, there’s something for everyone to get out of this great discussion.
Hard Candy (2005)
Whooo boy, this movie. Elliot Page and Patrick Wilson steal the show in this controversial film, one that had studios scrambling to beat the competition and secure distribution after initial previews. Joe and Trace tee up an incredible conversation about age, innocence, and the ways Page used his career to experiment with gender expression through films like this one. Unlike the other entries on this list, however, I highly recommend actually watching this film before giving the episode a listen: it’s one that deserves to be experienced sans spoilers in all its messy, disturbing, glory so that the podcast discussion enhances your own experience of it.
