ALTOONA, Pa. — Brian Onishi, associate professor of philosophy at Penn State, and Jeff Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and of women's, gender and sexuality studies at Penn State, released a new episode of their podcast, "Horror Joy."
In “Cult Horror: ‘Hereditary’ and ‘Midsommar,’” the hosts delve into cult representations in Ari Aster's popular horror films “Hereditary” (2018) and “Midsommar” (2019). They emphasize the intricate storytelling and thematic parallels between the two films, providing an in-depth analysis of toxic masculinity, folklore, and community care as portrayed in Aster's works.
Onishi and Stoyanoff will discuss the following topics:
- The nature of cult horror
- Family dynamics
- The supposed safe space of the home
- The psychological exploration of grief and trauma within these narratives
- the unsettling allure of cults and how these films reflect broader societal issues.
- Toxic masculinity and horror
The full episode can be accessed on podcast providers or on Red Circle. Learn more about the "Horror Joy" podcast.