How to Survive

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 295…and what big eyes you have, what big hands you have. Ghostwatch (1992) was broadcast ‘as live’ on BBC 1, on Halloween night in 1992, and saw TV stalwarts Michael Parkinson and Sarah Greene trying to prove the existence of the paranormal by taking a camera crew to ‘the most haunted house in Britain’. While the show documented the Early family’s suffering at the hands of Mr Pipes, the poltergeist, the real story began after the show’s broadcast, where tens of thousands felt duped by its immaculate recreation of 1990s live broadcasting tropes. We break down an underrated shout for the most influential horror movie of all time, discuss a directorial tour-de-force that left a nation unable to trust some of its most beloved presenters, ponder the various reasons for the furore that followed its broadcast and wonder whether Ghostwatch could ever be made today. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: the studio's...completely dark. Just... just blackness. Next time on the main feed, we’re watching Censor (2021), while on the Patreon we’re looking at cult classic Possession (1981).

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 294…and you've made it to the belly of the beast, congratulations, very few come this far. MaXXXine (2024) concludes Ti West’s X trilogy, following Maxine Minx in her journey to Hollywood stardom. But as she’s pursued by a mysterious leather-clad stalker, it’s not long before Maxine’s friends and colleagues start turning up dead. Is Maxine’s bloody past catching up to her, or is something even more sinister at play? We break down an uneven conclusion to a nonetheless excellent horror movie trilogy, the gigawatt star power of Mia Goth, the corrupting influence of various forms of media across fifty years of American history, the dos and don’ts of car surveillance and the potential legality of head-crushing. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Do you know what happened to the last person who tried to kill me? I crushed her fucking head. Next time we journey back to a golden moment in British TV history with Ghostwatch (1992).  

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 293…and I'm sorry, it seems I wore my long legs today. Longlegs (2024) follows FBI agent Lee Harker, who is assigned to the case of a serial killer who is apparently responsible for compelling several patriarchs to murder their families across multiple decades, with the only trace being cryptic letters signed ‘Longlegs’. Can Agent Harker prevent more murders, and will Longlegs’ origins prove to be closer to home than she thinks?  We talk about the horror movie dubbed ‘the scariest film of the decade’, the highs and lows of a film that wants to be both arthouse and popcorn, a creepy character that evokes Old Gregg and Jennifer Coolidge, the importance of getting out of the car and whether investigating your own mum counts as a conflict of interest. Plus, isn’t it annoying when Satan inverts a trend? All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Our prayers protect us from the devil. Next time on the main feed, it’s the concluding part of Ti West’s X trilogy with MaXXXine (2024), while over on the Patreon we’re watching I Saw The TV Glow (2024).  

aka Vermines (2023) It’s episode 292…and are you interested in animals? Infested/Vermines (2023) tells the story of Kaleb, a young man with a passion for selling sneakers and buying bugs. Living in a multicultural melting pot of a tower block, his friendships have become strained following the death of his mother. Can he reconnect with his Jordy, his childhood best friend, and reconcile with his sister Manon? Anything is possible if you move forward with grace and acceptance. Oh, and he also bought a new spider and it’s escaped. Probably fine. We talk about a genuinely horrific set of spiders doing spider-y things, rave about the best bathroom scene since Mandy, pull apart the potential of PPE and wonder whether an armed policeman shouldn’t be more ‘yes and’ in his approach to life. All that, and the question on everybody’s lips - who would survive the spider tower best out of Batman, Spider-Man and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: something that kills that fast is impossible. Next time on the main feed we’re catching up with the 2024 horror on everybody’s pale painted lips: Longlegs (2024).  

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 291…and would anyone object if I tore this floor out? Arachnophobia (1990) takes us to the sleepy Californian town of Canaima, via the jungle sinkholes of Venezuela, to follow the story of the newly arrived family physician Dr Ross Jennings. When townsfolk begin dropping dead in mysterious circumstances, Jennings suspects foul play of the eight-legged variety, but is it just his Arachnophobia talking? No, as we’ve seen the spider, and it’s been biting and killing people.  Death comes to a Spielberg-inflected sleepy suburbia as we talk about spiders vs. dead mammals, another in a long line of creepy coroners with bad food hygiene, programmes you’d take your phone off the hook for and why an entomologist suddenly becomes a spider-freak. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: A web would indicate an arachnoid presence. Next time on the main feed, it’s Spider season, with creepy-crawly classic Vermines/Infested (2023), meanwhile it’s Shyamalan time on the Patreon with Knock at the Cabin (2023).

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 290…and the Internet and dreams are similar. They're areas where the repressed conscious mind escapes. Paprika (2006) follows its titular dream-based protagonist, and her real-life alter ego Dr Atsuko Chiba, as she administers a futuristic form of therapy using a prototype device called the DC Mini. However, when so-called ‘Dream Terrorists’ steal the devices and use it to run rampant through other people’s dreams with disastrous results, it’s up to Dr Chiba and her motley crue of scientists to find them before it’s too late. We break down the second half of Anime horror/Satoshi Kon/’films that Hollywood sort of remade with just enough changes to avoid a lawsuit’ season (what could this film about a device that allows you to invade other people’s dreams have inspired I wonder?) and discuss the joys and pains of a creative portrayal of limitless dreamspace, characters both paper thin and fatphobic, and rank spices/condiments based on Joe’s usage relative to Ketchup and Mayo. Plus, what would make Chris finally commit to buying a neuralink? All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: The shade of the tree with the flowers that bloom at night is where the residents of darkness rest. The people of daytime are not allowed! Next time on the main feed, it’s Spider season, with creepy-crawly classic Arachnophobia (1990).

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 289…and you're tarnished and filthy. Perfect Blue (1997) follows the story of Mima, a Japanese pop idol who gives up singing at the advice of her management in order to pursue an acting career instead. What follows is a descent into paranoia and doubt as Mima begins to lose track of who she is, all as mysterious murders occur in her vicinity. Part one of Anime Horror/inspiration for legally distinct Hollywood movie season kicks off with a bang, as we discuss an artful treatise on the nature of identity, the often problematic sexualisation of young women in Japanese media, whether truck drivers should be more urgent with braking and well-trodden path of Disney actor to sexually explicit pop star. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: illusions can't come to life. Next time on the main feed, we’re watching another Satoshi Kon staple with Paprika (2006), while it's Red Dot (2021) on the Patreon bonus feed.

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 288…and we have travelled further into space than any humans before us. Aniara (2018) follows a titular ship of evacuees escaping a climate-ravaged Earth as they set out for a new life on Mars. When a collision with some space debris results in the ship losing all control, the Aniara begins to drift further out into deep space. As weeks turn into years, we see isolation, terror and nihilism overwhelm the passengers. Is there any salvation? We reach peak bleak, discuss sex cults and eating algae, break down a painfully resonant allegory for climate nihilism while making the case for radical optimism, and try against all the odds to find a survival method in an unsurvivable situation. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Once the passengers get used to eating algae, we'll go public with the situation. Next time on the main feed, we’re watching Perfect Blue (1997) as part of a season of Anime Horror films. Got a suggestion for great anime horror? Send it our way via our Patreon.

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How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 287…and you mean more to me than any scientific truth. Solaris (1973) sees psychologist Kriss Kelvin dispatched to a space station orbiting the titular planet to see if the skeleton crew’s reports of strange goings on and mysterious 4 metre tall babies are to be believed, or whether it’s a simple case of space madness. While there, he is disturbed by the presence of unexpected ‘guests’ on the station, not least the appearance of his wife Hari, who died a decade earlier. We talk about a Soviet science fiction classic, discuss what it means to be human, whether Solaris is just a planet-sized printer, draw up a cost/benefit analysis of firing antique oak bookshelves into space and finally find out the question on everyone’s lips - can you eat a burger made out of neutrinos? Plus, a heartwarming story about Joe’s young son being obsessed with going to the moon. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Whenever we show pity, we empty our souls. Next time on the main feed it’s more Space Madness with Aniara (2018), while over on the Patreon it’s the turn of Twilight (2008), our monthly bonus film.

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It’s episode 286…and I will make the land desolate so that your enemies who settle it shall be appalled by it. Mad God (2021) is the singular vision of Phil Tippett, the stop motion genius behind Star Wars’ AT-ATs and RoboCop’s ED-209. Over the course of 30 years he slowly created what some believe to be his opus–Mad God–a nightmarish film with very little clear story, but an awful lot of grotesque imagery. We talk about a film that is both an impressive technical exercise and a hollow procession of misery, the nauseating levels of skill required to produce it, whether we’d be sad if Gromit died and whether the individual behind dozens of screens showing a babbling baby’s face should give more thought to workplace safety. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Your land shall become a desolation and your cities a ruin. Next month, we’re watching a couple of ‘Space Madness’ films - Solaris (1972) and Aniara (2018).

It’s episode 285! And I’d rather kill myself than work here. Stopmotion (2024) tells the story of Ella, a Stopmotion Artist, who is pouring her heart and soul into creating something truly outstanding. Stepping out from her Stopmotion Artist mother’s shadow, Ella is tempted by opportunities to be a Stopmotion Artist at an advertising agency, urged to slow her down her Stopmotion Artist lifestyle - but it may just be too little too late. We talk about the productivity-gains that come from slowing down; the commercial impact of using rotten meat girls to advertise your products; and thoughts of Nick Park sharing a hovel with Wallace and Gromit. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Next time on Patreon.com/howtosurvivepod, it’s The Green Knight!

It's Episode 284 and congratulations to Emma Jones in Monkeys Running the Zoo III. Candyman (1992) tells the story of Helen, a grad-student investigating urban legends - or more specifically one urban legend about 'Candyman' - a hook-handed slasher who appears if you say his name five times in a mirror - and promptly disembowels you. Not much of an incentive to summon him overall, but what a premise! We talk about correct police procedures; optimal concussion care; and rubbish foreplay - all before alighting on one major question: how would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: We're going to Disneyland! Find more episodes at patreon.com/howtosurvivepod.  See you next month!

It's Episode 283 and congratulations to Repeat Repeat in Monkeys Running the Zoo III.   When Evil Lurks (2023) tells the story of brothers Pedro and Jaime. When a neighbour in their rural town comes down with a case of Demonic Possession, they begin a series of increasingly desperate (and ill-advised) methods to contain the monster before it can wreak havoc.   We talk about inadequate public health messaging; the wonders of modern technology; and the benefits of keeping a low profile.   Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Evil loves children. And children love evil.   Next up: Deadstream (2022) over at Patreon.com/howtosurvivepod

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.   It's episode 282...and a shower and a change of clothes wouldn't hurt.   Shin Godzilla (2016) serves as a rebooting of the classic Japan-set Godzilla movies in the modern day. When a gigantic monster emerges from the sea, the slow-moving cogs of Japan's bureaucratic machinery begin to turn, but in the face of a walking natural disaster and threats of international military action, can a crack team of weirdos band together to save the day?   We discuss a kaiju movie through as seen through the eyes of incompetent politicians, monsters of scale with atomic scales, put forward two opposing views on the fun and frustrations of seeing political machinations rather than a big dinosaur and discuss turning the world's biggest frozen lizard into a tourist attraction.   All of which leads to one question: How would you survive?   Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: There is no precedent.   Next time, if you're a Patreon, it's February's bonus pick with Dog Soldiers (2002), otherwise we'll be back in a few weeks' time for Godzilla Minus One (2023).

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.   It's episode 281...and I'M GONNA BE A STAR AND THE WHOLE WORLD'S GONNA KNOW MY NAME!   Pearl (2022) tells the story of Pearl - a young woman who is unhappily stuck on the family farm while her husband is away at war. Pearl dreams of life as a dancer in the pictures, but must overcome a forebearing mother, ailing father, societal barriers and her own unsettled outlook. We talk about the best way to escape a lumbering axe-wielder, weigh up the risks of germ-loads; and wonder when it's time to just leave.   All of which leads to one question: How would you survive?   Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: What did I do? What is wrong with me? Please just tell me so I can get better.

It's Boxing Day (ish), and that can only mean one thing...These broads would hump the Leaning Tower of Pisa if they could get up there!   Black Christmas (1974) tells the story of a sorority house beset by threatening phone calls in the days before Christmas break. When one of their number go missing, it's a race against time to find her, and the person responsible, but perhaps they should be looking closer to home?   We talk about a film that serves as the origin of the slasher genre and the on-screen debut of a classic horror trope, a set of brilliantly written characters and surprisingly thoughtful politics, critique the performance of incompetent police and share stories of sharing drinking vessels.   All of which leads to one question: How would you survive?   Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: I wouldn't wear this to have my liver out!   This film was chosen by two of our lovely patrons - Steve Thone and Clyde Griffiths. If you want to help us decide the films we cover, head to Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod and sign up to unlock bonus episodes, early access and more!   Our next episode, on Pearl, will be out very soon, as we continue to play catch up.   Get in touch! HowtoSurviveShow@gmail.com

A quick note - our Boxing Day podcast on Black Christmas, and our episode Pearl, will unfortunately be a bit delayed due to illness. Sorry about that.   How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.   It's Christmas Eve, and that can only mean one thing...I thought everything was fine until I saw you last night. Then I knew there must be something between us, even if it's only an ocean.   An Affair To Remember (1957) tells the story of a classic swooning romance between Nickie and Terry, star-crossed lovers who fall in love on a cruise ship and agree to meet at the Empire State Building in 6 months time to be together. But, as we all know, the path to true love is not always straightforward, and one should always look both ways before crossing it.   We break down a romantic drama classic, discuss the exercise regimes of 1950s men, talk about gangplanks, jaywalking and creepy kids, and advise against spiking the camera if you hope to have a long career in film.   All of which leads to one question: How would you survive?   This film was chosen by one of our lovely patrons - Rosie PK. If you want to help us decide the films we cover, head to Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod and sign up to unlock bonus episodes, early access and more!   Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Anything can happen, don't you think?   Get in touch! HowtoSurviveShow@gmail.com

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more. It's episode 280...and whoever we contacted, they followed us. Talk To Me (2023) follows Mia, a teenager struggling to move on following the overdose-related death of her mother. When her school friends discover how to summon spirits using a mysterious embalmed hand, Mia becomes obsessed with contacting the dead, and even allowing them to take possession of her. What could go wrong? Let us in and hear us talk about the apparent fully-formed arrival of another modern horror classic, discuss a complex navigation of grief and trauma through the medium of head-smashing and eyeball-plucking, ponder whether all drugs definitely contain rat poison, and scrutinise the security policy of Australian hospitals. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: I have this recurring where I'm looking in the mirror and my reflection is gone. Like I don't exist. Next time…it’s Chriiiiiiistmaaaaassss…

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.   It's episode 279...and do you believe there is a part of yourself, deep inside in your mind, with things you don't want other people to see?   The Cell (2000) follows the FBI as they pursue nefarious serial killer Carl Rudolph Stargher, who imprisons his victims in glass prisons that will gradually fill with water. When Stargher's capture leaves him comatose, special agent Peter Novak turns to a team of scientists using experimental technology to enter the minds of their subjects. Can child psychologist Catherine Deane invade Stargher's mind and successfully uncover the location of his final victim? Or will she herself become a victim of Stargher's nightmarish mindscape?   We talk about a surprising and underrated gem, break down the interesting career of Tarsem Singh and his artistic points of reference, ask whether Christopher Nolan may have seen the film when drafting early versions of Inception and wonder if the FBI should or shouldn't make use of the experimental brain-diving technology they've discovered.   All of which leads to one question: How would you survive?   Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Mocky-Lock is a pain in the ass.   Next time we're catching up with one of the most talked about horror films of 2023 - Talk to Me.