The Babadook-dook-dook with Tommy Metz III
12/16/24 • 58 min
What happens when fear isn’t just in the shadows, but in the walls of your own home? When the weight of loss becomes a creature you can see, hear, and—perhaps worst of all—cannot escape?
This week, Mandy invites filmmaker, podcaster, and friend Tommy Metz III back to unpack one of the most unsettling films of the last decade: The Babadook.
Mandy and Tommy explore the architecture of horror itself, evaluating how Jennifer Kent’s 2014 cult classic reshaped the genre. From the film’s muted color palette to its sound design, they unpack how the movie doesn’t just tell a bedtime story—it feels like one.
What if the Babadook isn’t just a monster, but an author, a symbol of a mother’s unresolved trauma? Tommy presents a theory that might just make you rethink every frame of the film, complete with exhibits and photographic evidence. Mandy recounts her own nightmares, her love-hate relationship with creepy children’s books, and her newfound obsession with the film’s unsettling layers.
And what about this for unexpected twists: How did a shadowy, top-hat-wearing figure become a queer icon? Yes, you read that right. The Babadook’s journey from psychological horror to internet meme is a subplot worthy of its own deep dive.
Links & Notes
- Find Tommy on All The Feelings
- The Babadook on streaming platforms
- Photos referenced during the episode
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Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
What happens when fear isn’t just in the shadows, but in the walls of your own home? When the weight of loss becomes a creature you can see, hear, and—perhaps worst of all—cannot escape?
This week, Mandy invites filmmaker, podcaster, and friend Tommy Metz III back to unpack one of the most unsettling films of the last decade: The Babadook.
Mandy and Tommy explore the architecture of horror itself, evaluating how Jennifer Kent’s 2014 cult classic reshaped the genre. From the film’s muted color palette to its sound design, they unpack how the movie doesn’t just tell a bedtime story—it feels like one.
What if the Babadook isn’t just a monster, but an author, a symbol of a mother’s unresolved trauma? Tommy presents a theory that might just make you rethink every frame of the film, complete with exhibits and photographic evidence. Mandy recounts her own nightmares, her love-hate relationship with creepy children’s books, and her newfound obsession with the film’s unsettling layers.
And what about this for unexpected twists: How did a shadowy, top-hat-wearing figure become a queer icon? Yes, you read that right. The Babadook’s journey from psychological horror to internet meme is a subplot worthy of its own deep dive.
Links & Notes
- Find Tommy on All The Feelings
- The Babadook on streaming platforms
- Photos referenced during the episode
---
Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
Previous Episode
A Love Letter to Star Trek: Deconstructing The Orville with Matthew Fox
Mandy Kaplan embarks on a cosmic quest to decode the enigmatic realms of sci-fi aboard the USS Orville, captained by the comedic stylings of Seth MacFarlane, with Matthew Fox, host of Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics.
This isn't a show that's obsessed with warp speeds or phaser frequencies. Instead, Matthew sees science fiction as a mirror reflecting the complexities of our own world, a lens through which to examine ethics, humanity, and the very fabric of consciousness.
Mandy sets off with The Orville, a show she initially dismissed as "frat-boy humor," and discovers the surprising depth beneath the surface. Together, they explore pivotal episodes: "About a Girl," a poignant exploration of gender identity and cultural relativism, and "Mad Idolatry," a sharp critique of religious fervor and its potential for manipulation. The Orville is a space adventure and a philosophical thought experiment wrapped in witty banter and surprising emotional resonance.
Links & Notes
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Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
Next Episode
A Court of Thorns and Roses with Dana Ogle
Dive deep into the swirling vortex of nerddom with Mandy and Dana as they dissect the wildly popular A Court of Thorns and Roses. Mandy grapples with the thorny intricacies of faerie lore, romanticy, and the age-old question: just how does one maintain hygiene in a pre-modern, magically infused realm?
Dana, the seasoned reader and fantasy aficionado, acts as Mandy's Virgil, guiding her through the labyrinthine world of Sarah J. Maas's prose. They explore the surprising parallels to Beauty and the Beast, the allure of world-building (even when it leaves you scratching your head), and the irresistible pull of a good, old-fashioned, fairy-fueled romance.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever wondered about the finer points of faerie etiquette, the power of BookTok, or the enduring appeal of a story that blends romance, fantasy, and just a touch of good old-fashioned gore. You might even learn a thing or two about Taylor Swift along the way. Trust us, it's more connected than you think.
Links & Notes
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Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
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