The Descent Horror Show

Chapter 10: Under the Shadow

This week we look into Babak Anvari's Under the Shadow. The movie explores the effects of the cultural revolution in Iran and how a mother has to now face her past. The film combines the mythology of the jinn and history of Iran to make a film that critiques sexism while providing some scares and good tension. I hope enjoy this round of The Descent! Artwork by Christopher Shy

Chapter 9: Pink and Blue

Huge trigger warning for talk about sexual assault (SA) Time to take another look at the R*pe Revenge genre. In this episode I take some time to analyze Revenge (2017), directed by Coralie Fargeat. This french r*pe revenge movie is one of the few if not only movie in the genre to not show the SA. The genre has mostly been written and directed by men, and in the past decade we've been having more women and queer men behind the lens. How does this affect the narrative and how the movie is shot? I dive deep into the movie and break down key scenes that analyze gendered power relations within the movie and how this diverges from movies like Last House on the Left (1972) or  I Spit on Your Grave (1978). I hope you all enjoy my breakdown of the movie and please consider other articles written on the genre. Especially those written by women.  https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3586210/eyes-history-rape-revenge-films-importance-female-directors/ [https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3586210/eyes-history-rape-revenge-films-importance-female-directors/] Join me for another episode next week when I cover Under the Shadow (2016).  My first full deep dive episode this semester on a movie written and directed by a man, but does a great job exploring gendered issues in Iran in the 1980's. You can follow the show on Instagram @thedescent_horrorshow Artwork by Adam Stothard for the Second Sight Films Limited Edition https://twitter.com/adstothard?lang=en [https://twitter.com/adstothard?lang=en]

Chapter 8: A Bad Book

This time we talk about The Babadook (2014) by Jennifer Kent. The Australian horror movie left an impact on me with its meditation of death and suppression of trauma. The movie challenges medicating to solve deeper issues, the avoidance of dealing with traumatic experiences and the idea that trauma is something we can just overcome or put “behind us”. While there may very well be people that may describe as having overcome their trauma, trauma is something we live with and must navigate in our own unique way, it demands to be acknowledged. The horror is how trauma can manifest and how it can be passed on if unchecked. I hope you all enjoy the discussion and my analysis of the movie. Books referenced in the podcast include: "Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence - from domestic abuse to political terror" by Judith Herman. "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel Van Der Kolk. "The Deepest Well: Healing the long-term effects of childhood adversity" by Nadine Burke Harris. Follow the show’s Instagram at @thedescent_horrorshow.  Artwork by @muffinpines  Ending song by Pissi Myles - Babashook  Article on how the Babadook became a queer icon by The Guardian

Chapter 6: An End

Hello to anyone listening or has supported this show in any way. This is the last "official" show of the semester and I am bring back my friend Elaina as a guest as we cover 1974's Black Christmas. Spoiler warning!* I do get into the most recent remake of Black Christmas (2019). I want to thank everyone who has listened and even if this the last episode of the semester and year I will continue this little project. If I get accepted again for Titan Radio next semester you can expect regular more structured episodes. Until then I'll be continuing to cover the horror movies I watch on Instagram and have an episode or two before the next semester starts. Happy late holidays everyone and looking forward to a new year! Notes: Artwork from the Scream Factory blu ray release by Joel Robinson @joelrobinsonart

Chapter 5: A Multiplicity of Horrors

Going solo in this episode but I hope everyone still enjoys it. I'm covering several movies I've watched these past couple months including My Bloody Valentine (1981), The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999), The Stepford Wives (1975), Tumbbad (2018), and Better Watch Out (2017). I close it off with some talk about my personal sensitivity and in general and the possibility of trigger warnings in horror. What do y'all think? Next Saturday will be Nov. 2 but we'll still be celebrating. It'll be Dia de los Muertos, and I'll be highlighting Shock Culture (2019) and Vuelven (2017) along with some of my favorite memories from Halloween and some halloween inspired music. Thanks again to everyone who listens!