Is Nosferatu a cautionary tale about repression, or an empowering story of feminine defiance? Let’s dive into this gothic nightmare and uncover the terrifying truths behind the fiction.

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a chilling reflection of historical oppression, medical horror, and the fear of feminine autonomy. The film’s eerie atmosphere, psychological terror, and feminist themes connect directly to the real-life history of how women were controlled, misdiagnosed, and silenced in the 19th century.

The Ghouls explore Nosferatu through both film analysis and historical context—examining how the gothic horror of Count Orlok reflects societal fears of independent women, medical oppression, and patriarchal control. From Ellen’s supernatural descent to the real-world horrors of hysteria diagnoses, forced medical treatments, and the suppression of female autonomy, Nosferatu becomes a terrifying metaphor for historical and systemic abuse.

Ghouls break down the emotional depth and trauma explored in Your Monster (2024), highlighting themes of childhood neglect, feminine rage, and trauma responses like fawning. We dive into how Laura’s emotional repression—stemming from both physical and emotional neglect in childhood—shapes her adult life, relationships, and health. The film subtly explores how neglect, especially in Latine communities, goes beyond the physical and deeply affects emotional well-being, often manifesting as chronic illness. Laura's experiences reflect how people-pleasing and fawning behaviors become survival mechanisms when one's emotional needs are constantly dismissed.

We also examine how societal structures like capitalism exacerbate childhood neglect, forcing parents into difficult situations where emotional care is neglected. Through Laura’s journey, Your Monster reveals the profound effects of generational trauma, microaggressions, and the systemic forces that limit the expression of emotional needs. In addition to the exploration of emotional neglect, the film gives voice to Latine anger, showcasing how Laura’s repressed rage becomes a form of empowerment and healing. This is a story about confronting the monsters inside, healing from trauma, and seeking self-empowerment in a world that often tells marginalized groups they don’t have permission to be angry.

Lisa Frankenstein is a darkly comedic, neon-soaked horror film set in the late 80s, penned by Diablo Cody and directed by Zelda Williams. It explores Lisa’s journey from grief-stricken teen to self-assured misfit as she accidentally resurrects her Victorian crush and navigates a chaotic world filled with small-town gossip, body parts, and dark humor.

Ghouls Next Door unpack this delightful mashup of camp, gore, and heart. Dive into our discussion about the film’s unique blend of comedy, grief, and 80s nostalgia, as well as how it stacks up against other iconic horror comedies like Heathers and Jennifer’s Body. Perfect for fans of unconventional storytelling, horror enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a quirky, heartfelt tale with a side of gore!