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Annihilation Skull Covered in Fungus and Flowers

EPISODE 044: BEAUTY IN ANNIHILATION

Beautiful decay awaits us all in 2018’s sci-fi masterpiece Annihilation, based upon Jeff VanderMeer’s 2014 book series The Southern Reach Trilogy. We cover the first book of the series, along with the film in tandem with the lens of horror. Expect long divergences into biological evolution, well-written female protagonists, and personal foibles.

As the Crawler says, “The shadows of the abyss are like the petals of a monstrous flower that shall blossom within the skull and expand the mind beyond what any man can bear…”

Metamashina Episode 043 Your Name Anime

EPISODE 043: YOUR NAME IN RED STRING

It’s full-on ugly crying for 2016’s Your Name (Kimi No Na Wa) as we enjoy the most romantic and inspiring sci-fi fantasy anime to come out in recent years. We wax poetic on the red string of fate, Japanese vending machines, and youthful indiscretions—all while Shi buys some pants.

WARNING: Heavy salt on the Game of Thrones finale.

EPISODE 042: THE LADYHAWKE DOTH PROTEST

Saddle your horses, folks: this week we adventure into a land of Ren Faire anachronism and murder birds who love Rutger Hauer just as much as we do. We talk 70s psych rock, animal actors, folk fantasy and Isabeau’s agency before answering the most difficult question of them all: would you choose sci-fi dream Roy Batty or dark knight Etienne Navarre?

EPISODE 041 – SECRET PRINCESS, LITTLE GARDEN

Between Misselthwaite Manor and Miss Minchin’s Seminary, we find ourselves talking about two films based on Victorian-era stories by author Frances Hodgson Burnett: “The Secret Garden” & “Little Princess”. A light dash of salt flavors our discussion on heroines and their socialization, 90s woke stereotypes, colonial narratives, gothic romance, and of course, our thirst for John Lynch.

EPISODE 040 – SCHNEEWITTCHEN AND THE SEVEN THIRST TRAPS

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off to salt we go. In this week’s episode, we mine generous quantities of our favorite mineral while breaking down patriarchal beauty norms, domestic labor, and the psychology behind True Love’s First Kiss. Join us on this deep dive into the classic film Snow White, along with two more recent adaptations of the Brothers Grimm tale: Snow White and the Huntsman and Mirror Mirror.

EPISODE 039 – NOT-SO-FINAL FANTASY VII

Continuing our trend of talking about video game characters we’re hornt for, today we walk through the Final Fantasy VII franchise—including 2005’s Advent Children. Tune in for a long-winded discussion about team mom Tifa, hot mess Cloud Strife, and a knock-down, drag-out brawl over Sephiroth’s pirate shirt. Yes, really. 

EPISODE 038 – WHAT WE DO IN CASTLEVANIA

On today’s episode, Lady Valkyrie AKA Mariet wanders into our lair to discuss the hit Netflix series Castlevania and its video game origins. This series puts a stake through our fangirl hearts with its portrayals of crying softbois, undying love and men in too-tight leather pants. We’re not always hot for vampires, but when we are, it’s vamps with flowing locks and estranged relationships with their fathers (no, we’re not just talking about the church).