In Episode 39 of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Clare and Masha delve into the supposedly-fair society of Arcadia, the Dutch-Belgian series from Walter Presents. Our discussion looks at the flaws with the score-based system of citizenship in the show, and how it reflects ideas around meritocracy, with reference to Michael Sandel's The Tyranny of Merit. We also look at the way in which subconscious bias plays into opportunity, and talk about some of the ideas in Boys Don't Try by Matt Pinkett and Mark Roberts. We consider what happens when a society ties worth into a cost-benefit analysis for the state, with particular reference to the treatment of the disabled and those who rely on the safety net of a benefits system. We also discuss how societal systems and constraints may not always apply to those with privilege. We compare the current treatment of immigrants and asylum-seekers in the UK with the systems of exile in place in Arcadia. We also look at the depiction of neurodiversity and disability in the show, in comparison with the treatment of vulnerable people in British society. If you enjoy this episode, please don't forget to rate and review. You can find us on social media @dystopianfictioncurrentaffairs, including signing up to our newsletter on Substack. Please be aware that our book references may include affiliate links.
This episode we are exploring the world of The Pod Generation, a 2023 film about artificial wombs. CW: this episode includes discussion of death-in-pregnancy and suicide. Inspired by the discussion surrounding the ultimately-fake news reports that a Chinese company had developed a robot with a uterus, we look at the pros and cons of such a technology, the benefits that it might bring women and people with uteruses, as well as those who cannot conceive naturally, and the challenges that make the womb-pod science fiction for the time being. We also consider the societal impact of a two-tier maternity system and the dangers of handing power over pregnancies to corporations. We look at how the film suggests gestation in a pod might effect the involvement of both parents, particularly fathers, in the process of pregnancy, and how this might change attitudes to the provision of childcare. We explore some of the other elements of the world of The Pod Generation, not least the commodification of the natural world. We look at the benefits and dangers posed by replacing human therapists with AI, reflecting on recent issues in the news. And we discuss a future without state-regulated education. If you enjoy this episode, please do rate and review it. You can contact us with your own thoughts via our social media or on our website.
In episode 37 of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Clare and Masha are delving into the 1953 novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. We start looking at censorship and book-banning, including the worrying spread of pressure-groups from the US to the UK. We consider Bradbury's presentation of books as symbols for free-thinking and intellectual rigour, and its link with the theme of happiness at the cost of liberty in 20th C dystopian novels, in particular Huxley's Brave New World. We explore the value of challenging media, and the nature of media consumption. Masha gives an overview of the latest research into the impact of screen-time and social media, and how it contributes to diminishing concentration, anxiety, and limitation to broad-mindedness. In particular, we look at the importance of third-spaces and human relationship, especially communities for free-thinking and debate, and the way in which conversation like those we have on the podcasts can create better thinking and work against apathy. If you enjoy this episode, please do rate and review. You can join in the conversation via Instagram, Bluesky, Substack, or through our website. *These notes contain affiliate links. Buying books using these links supports us and your local bookshop.
Episode 36 takes us to the desert planet of Arrakis for our discussion of Dune, with particular reference to the 2021/2024 films as well as Frank Herbert's books. Our themes centre on the depiction of colonial power and imperialism, with particular reference to messiah figures, the 'white saviour', and religious messaging for political gain. We also look at Dune as early cli-fi, the environmental messaging of co-existing with the natural world, and the impact of capitalism on the environment. We reference a number of pieces of literary criticism in this episode, and we recommend reading the following to complement our thoughts: Durrani, Harris. Dune’s Not a White Savior Narrative. But It’s Complicated. | by Haris Durrani List, Julia. "Call Me a Protestant": Liberal Christianity, Individualism, and the Messiah in "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Dune", and "Lord of Light" on JSTOR Parkerson, Ronny. SEMANTICS, GENERAL SEMANTICS, AND ECOLOGY IN FRANK HERBERT'S DUNE on JSTOR Ramos, Dino-Ray. Let's Talk About 'Dune' And The Representation Of People Of Color In Sci-Fi And Genre Films - DIASPORA Senior, William A. “Frank Herbert’s Prescience: ‘Dune’ and the Modern World.” Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts 17, no. 4 (68) (2007): 317–20. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44809216. If you enjoy this episode, please do rate and review. You can find out more about what we do on our website.
Episode 35 centres on the 2013 film Snowpiercer, another Bong Joon Ho film to follow Mickey 17, with some reference to the 2020 4-season show. We discuss the context of hubristic attempts to maintain global capitalism while preventing global heating, and compare the life-raft train with other post-apocalyptic sanctuaries. We look at the depiction of class and social mobility depicted in the film, with particular reference to Minister Mason's (Tilda Swinton) shoe-and-hat speech. We consider the metaphor of economic inequality in the film in the face of global inequality and resource apartheid, with reference to Mikaela Loach's It's Not That Radical. We allude to the data presented by The Equality Trust and in Michael Sandel's Justice. We probe the argument that the train is a closed ecosystem, and compare it to the world as ecosystem, and how resource abuse sits alongside global inequity. In particular, we look at Wilford's argument that he is simulating natural selection to control the train's population, with reference to historical attempts at population planning policy. We pay particular attention to the way in which revolution is depicted in the film, including the idea of revolution as beneficial to the authoritarian leader when that leader is able to manipulate the attempt. Masha shares the theory that links Snowpiercer to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and we provide our interpretations of the film's ending: hopeful for humanity, hopeful for the earth, or just hopeful for the polar bear! If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to rate and review. You can find out more about what we do on Substack, Bluesky, Instagram, and our website.
In episode 34 of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Clare and Masha discuss the 2024 Bong Joon Ho film, Mickey 17. Building on our conversation about Pantheon in episode 33, we discuss the science and ethics of cloning, and the nature of personhood and consciousness. We look at the film's depiction of colonialism, late-stage capitalism, and mission-leader Marshall as a composite of populist leaders, evangelical preachers, and tech bros. We consider the nature of intelligence in the form of the so-called Creepers, anthropocentrism, and principles of first contact in science fiction. If you enjoy this episode, please do rate and review it wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Instagram and Bluesky, or check out our website. We reference a couple of our recent Substack posts in this episode, too, and you can find them here and sign up to receive our fortnightly newsletter.
This episode of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs is discussing the Netflix animated sci-fi series Pantheon. This fantastic and somewhat neglected show is well worth a watch, with its fascinating exploration of Uploaded Intelligence, in which human brains are transferred to the Cloud as digital data. In our analysis, we consider the nature of personhood and corporeality, and whether the brain is sufficient to recreate the individual. We consider the ideas around corporate ownership of digital entities created from human beings, and the nature of existence in a digital world that is yet ultimately restricted by physical servers. We also question the premise that separating human beings from the physical world would reduce our impact on the planet. We look into the ethics of cloning, the clone as individual apart from their source DNA, and whether trauma is necessary for achieving human potential. In our discussion of the role of epigenetics we reference the work of Robert Plomin and the case for genetic determinism. We discuss one of the central questions posed in the show: are Uploaded Intelligences alive, and, if so, what is the ethics of destroying them with a virus? As well as the biological definition of being alive, we consider the emphasis placed on communication and self-presentation in our concepts of personhood. Clare makes reference to the novel The Quiet by Barnaby Martin and its ideas around the nature of communication between humans. We also critique possible elements of Western suprematism and ableism in the show, as well as the potential for an idea such as UI to create a two tier hierarchy between humans and their uploaded siblings, or an increased likelihood in a novel form of enslavement of UIs by the corporations that host them. We ask whether the positive view of UI creating a world in which UBI has been made possible by the work-potential of UIs is plausible. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review. You can follow us on Substack, Instagram, and Bluesky, and find out more by visiting our website.
In this fortnight's episode of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Clare and Masha are discussing the 2002 film Minority Report, with reference to the Philip K Dick short story on which it was based. We chose to return to this particular film in response to the recent news of the UK's (since renamed) 'Homicide Prediction Programme' and one of our key themes is crime prevention. We talk extensively about the ethics of crime prediction, particularly as presented in the film. We also discuss free will, returning to Robert Sapolsky's work as a reference point. We wrestle with the paradox of punishing people for a crime they are prevented from committing, with some discussion of 'conspiracy to...' crimes in the UK. Among our discussions, we look at the film's depiction of 2054, and how far it is playing out in 2025. Particular areas of concern include the dominance of advertising and surveillance, including the irony of product placement in the film itself! If you enjoy this episode, please rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to future episodes. We also have a Substack, and you can find us on Instagram and Bluesky. If you'd like to get in touch, you can find all the contact details on our website.
In our 31st episode of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs we return to the 2006 classic dystopian film, V for Vendetta, directed by the Wachowskis and based on Alan Moore's graphic novel. We explore the film's depiction of the rise of Fascism in the form of Sutler's Norsefire party, elected and granted authoritarian powers in response to fabricated fears and manufactured bio-terrorism. We discuss the role of democracy in permitting dictatorship to take hold, and the way that citizens are culpable in allowing injustices to continue unchecked at the hands of their governments. We consider the ethic's of V's vigilantism, his obsession with vengeance and parallels with the Count of Monte Cristo, and whether his actions are effective and justifiable, especially Evey's incarceration. Our particular focus is the power of symbol and story for the effectiveness of V's call to arms, and how we might learn from the messages around change and protest that the film offers. If you enjoy this episode, please do rate and review us. You can get in touch with your ideas about V for Vendetta and with suggestions for future episodes via our website, Instagram, or Bluesky. You can also sign up for our newsletter on Substack.
In Episode 30, Masha and Clare are talking about the mysterious and important show that is Severance. While not providing any answers to the many questions posed by the show's complex narrative, we do our best to unpick the ethical implications of the premise: what if a brain-chip could offer the ultimate work-life balance? As well as discussing ideas around memory and self, we look at the way Severance parodies and amplifies the worst of workplace existence and corporate power. If you have your own theories about the mysteries in Severance, message us on Instagram or via our website. We'd love to hear from you!
In Episode 29 of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Masha and Clare are discussing the 2011 film In Time, and its concept of 'Darwinian Capitalism'. We look at the metaphor of 'time is money' as made literal in the film. We look at the nature of wealth disparity and how wealth redistribution functions as a step within systemic change. We discuss the ethics of Will and Sylvia's 'Robin Hood' tactics and the theme of billionaires' wealth as 'stolen' money/time. We talk about immortality and eternal youth, within a in which most must die so that some may live. And we critique the premise that constantly running is the better way to live. If you enjoy what we do, consider checking out our website or following us on Instagram.
Masha and Clare are back with Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, and our new season kicks off with an episode on Wicked, specifically the 2024 film, with reference to the current political situation in the USA and UK. In this episode, we discuss the eradication of the Animals as a metaphor for marginalized peoples. We explore the othering and eventual persecution of Elphaba. We look at the presentation of disability in the character of Nessarose, and metaphorically in that of Elphaba. We talk about the power of educational systems for indoctrination. And we consider how to be an Elphaba, not a Glinda, in the fight against injustice.
In Episode 27 of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Masha and Clare discuss the 1976 film Logan's Run, and its themes of aging, societal control, hedonism, AI, and the nature of freedom. We draw contrasts with other depictions of the allegory of Plato's cave, the apparent rejection of 1960s culture in favour of more conservative values, and the vision of a response to ecological crisis and resource scarcity. We also chat about the futuristic aesthetic, the bizarre costuming, and the synth soundtrack, not to mention the many cats. In this episode, Clare references this fascinating article by Diver, Pulverenti, and Roberts (2023) in the Liverpool Law Review. She also recommends the novel The Lost Cause by Cory Doctorow. Do let us know your thoughts, and consider rating and reviewing if you enjoy this podcast! You can also follow us on Instagram or Substack.
In this post-US election episode, Clare Coombe and Masha Yakovleva are talking about the 2006 Mike Judge comedy film, Idiocracy, called by some 'a documentary' and others (ie. Masha) 'the worst film I've ever seen'. This film imagines a future in which intelligence has been bred out of the human race, with chaotic social and political consequences. In our discussion, we critique the use of stereotypes and depiction of lower social-economic classes in terms of stupidity and hedonism, and how this might impact our discourse on Trump's election victory. We look at the satire on a society in which anti-intellectualism and inane television and film are thriving. We consider the depiction of consumerism and the power of corporate monopolies. We parallel the use of manipulation and misinformation with the situation in US politics. We also look at the film's depiction of homophobia and misogyny, and how these speak to a negative attitude to education. In this episode we referred to the following resources: Men and white people vote differently based on education Poorer voters flocked to Trump — and other data points from the election https://jacknicastro.substack.com/p/thoughts-on-idiocracy-2006 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u8_fp1TtJE If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on Instagram or Substack.
In our Halloween special, and 25th episode, Clare and Masha are discussing the 2000 film American Psycho and the 1991 novel by Brett Easton Ellis on which it was based. In our analysis, we approach American Psycho as a dystopia in which Patrick Bateman represents the everyman of 1980s Wall Street, and his construction of his identity is mimetic and post-modern, just like the complex genre of the film and novel. We discuss the allegations of that the film is misogynistic, on the one hand, and the claims for its feminism on another. We consider the place of constructed and empty concepts of masculinity, and the modern equivalent among followers of Trump, widely featured in the text, and Andrew Tate or his ilk. We consider the film's critique of consumerism with respect to aesthetics, music, restaurants, and political views. We also look at the nature of the text as satire and its use of parody. Among other secondary sources, the following were of particular influence on our ideas: Eldridge, David. “The Generic American Psycho.” Journal of American Studies 42, no. 1 (2008): 19–33. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40464237. Moore, Casey. “We’re Not Through Yet: The Patrick Bateman Debate.” The Comparatist 36 (2012): 226–47. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26237305. Rogers, Martin. “Video Nasties and the Monstrous Bodies of ‘American Psycho.’” Literature/Film Quarterly 39, no. 3 (2011): 231–44. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43798793. Schoene, Berthold. “SERIAL MASCULINITY: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND OEDIPAL VIOLENCE IN BRET EASTON ELLIS’S ‘AMERICAN PSYCHO.’” Modern Fiction Studies 54, no. 2 (2008): 378–97. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26287627. If you enjoy this episode, do consider following us on Instagram or Substack.
In Episode 24 of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Clare Coombe and Masha Yakovleva are discussing Society of the Snow [La Sociedad de la Nieve], the 2023 film dramatizing the events of the Uruguayan plane crash of 1972 and the subsequent survival of 18 victims in the Andes. We also make comparisons with the 1993 film Alive. Our themes include surviving in inhospitable landscapes, including reliance on anthropophagy, the consumption of the flesh of the dead. We discuss the responsibilities of rescue services and the survival strategies of the individuals. We talk about human resilience, teamwork, friendship between men, and mutual support in the face of extreme trauma. We also consider the role of faith and religion in the survival of the crash victims. We discuss the ethics of survival and wider attitudes to anthropophagy, colonialist impact on the taboo of cannibalism, and the rights of the dead, with particular focus on the place of consent in the case of the deceased. If you enjoy this episode, please do follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our fortnightly Substack newsletter.
In Episode 23 of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Clare Coombe and Masha Yakovleva are discussing the 2023 film, The End We Start From, starring Jodie Comer. Our discussion explores flooding and the climate crisis, and how prevalent these issues already are, especially in the global south, but also worsening in Europe and some parts of Britain. We talk crisis response, prevention, and the need for more beavers. We look at the depiction of motherhood, family, and women's friendships. We talk about societal responsibility, the role of the state, and abnegating responsibility. Let us know your thoughts about the ethics of the choices Jodie Comer's character makes, Joel Fry's character and how he reacts to trauma, and the depiction of the commune. You can contact us on Instagram and might like to sign up to our fortnightly Substack!
In Episode 22, Clare and Masha are discussing the amazing 1997 film, Gattaca. In our conversation we look at the science and ethics of gene editing, including the advocacy for an update in the law to eliminate hereditary disease. We explore the fascinating theories of genetics and the impact on us of our DNA, with particular reference to Robert Plomin's book, Blueprint, as well as passing reference to Robert Sapolsky's work on free-will. We link this with ideas of meritocracy and social mobility, and cite ideas and statistics from Michael Sandel's books, Justice and The Tyranny of Merit. If you have ideas to add to our discussion, please do contact us. You can find all our links in the link-tree on our Instagram.
In Episode 21 of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, Clare and Masha are discussing the miniseries Last Light. We focus on responses to the climate crisis, the difference between eco-activism and eco-terrorism, the role of disruption and violence in social justice and driving change, and how we can bring about an end to fossil fuels. In this episode, Masha talks about Alain de Botton on the media. Clare quotes Mikaela Loach discussing the hero narrative in climate activism and Hannah Ritchie's positive vision of change in Not the End of the World. We also reference a number of articles on the efficacy of disruptive action, including Damien Gayle in the Guardian, Hanan Badr in the Diplomatic Courier, and Kevin A Young & Laura Thomas-Walters in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. If you enjoy this episode, please do rate and review. We'd also love to hear from you, and you can message us via Instagram.
In our 20th episode, Masha and Clare are discussing the 2019 film Joker, looking at its presentation of societal impact on mental health, its depiction of the consequences of wealth disparity, and how it reflects ableism in our society. In this episode, we draw on some of the ideas in Daraiseh and Booker's 2020 article: 'Jokes from Underground: The Disintegration of the Bourgeois Subject and the Progress of Capitalist Modernization from Dostoevsky to Todd Phillips’s Joker'. We critique some of the arguments in Justin Edgar's 2019 article: 'Joker makes great disability art by letting its hero bite back'. We also use the definition of the neoliberal creed from Monbiot/Hutchison's The Invisible Doctrine, and statistics on wealth inequality from The Equality Trust. If you have enjoyed this episode of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs, you may also like our fortnightly Substack.