The Brood (1979) with Dr. Carly Trask-Kuchta, M.A., Psy.D.

In this episode of The Horrors of Love we will discuss David Cronenberg’s 1979 psychological body horror The Brood.

This is, if I had to choose, my favorite film by Cronenberg if not one of my all-time favorite films period. I sleep with a poster of it above my bed. It tells the story of a separated couple and their child and the strange, new age psychotherapy being prescribed to the mother, played masterfully by Samathan Eggers. The would-be mad scientist administering this treatment is portrayed by English film icon Oliver Reed.

In order to analyze the kinds of love haphazardly displayed in this film -- parental love, marital love, self love and so on -- I thought it was important to bring in an expert who loves the film as much as I do. Our guest for this episode also happens to be my best friend, my sister in life if not by blood, and an adoring wife and mother. More to the point, she is the Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Director of Training at a community mental health center in Connecticut. I cannot imagine a more suitable guest to discuss this absolutely enrapturing film, welcome Dr. Carly Trask-Kuchta M.A., Psy.D.!

I’m so happy about the conversation we had – Carly brings so much amazing insight into the film and all the little easter eggs Cronenberg has hidden for us.

Thank you for listening to Horrors of Love! You can find us on Instagram at @horrorsoflove.