Hereditary and the Gender Politics of Satanist Films
One of the most talked about films of the year has been Hereditary: an American horror film, starring Toni Collette, which tells the story of a woman’s descent into depression and madness after the death of a member of her family. This descent culminates – as it often does – with ghosts, seances, and a satanic cult.
The film continues the noble tradition of satanist films, a sub-genre of horror film which flips the traditional gender dynamic: rather than existing merely as the fleeing victim, women become the aggressors, positioning themselves as witches and sorceresses.
To discuss all things Satan this Thursday morning, I’m joined by Emma Westwood, co-host of the film show Plato’s Cave on 3RRR 102.7FM, and author of upcoming book The Fly, a analysis of the David Cronenberg film of the same name, published by Auteur Publishing.
