Cult Fiction: a film and culture podcast where two friends re-examine one of Hollywood’s lesser known works. We deep dive, try to be a little funny, and gently (or not-so-gently) peel back the layers on each film we discuss. Every first and third Wednesda
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss dead babies and fecal matter as they review Danny Boyle's TRAINSPOTTING. Andy almost forgets why we have the podcast and Stephanie explains why we like Danny Boyle. Plus, this movie is giving such Leo energy.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss girl gangs and Shakespeare as they review Jack Hill's SWITCHBLADE SISTERS. Andy doesn't believe any one in the cast is in high school and Stephanie makes up a drink that will hurt you.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss cringe humor and underwear as they review Bruce McCulloch's SUPERSTAR. Andy forgets which Belushi is dead and Stephanie sends her twins to boarding school. Plus: Sister Christian fixes everything!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss ghost shenanigans and radio as they review John Carpenter's THE FOG. Andy points out the most disgusting close captioning ever and Stephanie gives a lecture on Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Plus: new segment and a cocktail!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss puppet operas, on screen dicks, and How I Met Your Mother as they review Nicholas Stoller's FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. Andy counts how many assholes we have on the cast and Stephanie defends Muppets in Space. Plus: Bill Hader, Paul Rudd, and Jack McBrayer are charming.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss ghosts, Catholics, and snot marbles as they review Guillermo del Toro's THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE. Andy has a crush on Ron Pearlman and Stephanie might want to fuck a fish man? Plus: is this a crossover episode?!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss glam rock and Ewan's cock as they review Todd Haynes's VELVET GOLDMINE. Andy only talks about Bowie 17 million times and Stephanie tries to be respectful of the dead. Plus: the best gay movie quadruple feature lineup.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss leg lamps, getting your children guns, and decoder rings as they review Bob Clark's A CHRISTMAS STORY. Andy reveals that this movie is in the Library of Congress; Stephanie retells her soap story. Plus: let's treat women bad and make Peking Duck a surprise!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss metaverses and fart jokes as they review Kevin Smith's JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK. Andy creams over Hollywood critiques and Stephanie wants to steal Silent Bob's thief moves. Plus: Stephanie has a husband!! Reading Recommendations: _The Not-So-Silent Friendship of Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith by New York Times
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss dead wives, atheism, and Hugh Jackman's decreasing amount of hair as they review Darren Aronofsky's THE FOUNTAIN. Andy draws a really long chord from Aronofsky to Tick Tick Boom and Stephanie immediately shits on it. Plus: Stephanie's thoughts on bathtub sex.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss lizard people and drugs as they review Terry Gilliam's FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS. Andy fanboys and Stephanie invents a new game - it looks like Riff Raff if… Plus, did you know who Johnny Depp's best friend is?
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss post 9/11 comedy and 100% good boys as they review Adam McKay's ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGANDY. Andy reminisces about his teen years and Stephanie shares that NASA doesn't know how periods work. Plus: Stephanie's butt touched Kevin Bacon's butt via the transitive property.Reading Recommendations: More than Just Men: Women in the Newsroom
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Doordash and incels as they review Ben Stiller's THE CABLE GUY. Andy reveals he has been to Medieval Times too many times and Stephanie takes it there. Plus: why cell phone stores are the worst.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Barney the Dinosaur and vegan hot dogs as they review Danny DeVito's DEATH TO SMOOCHY. Andy marvels at how disappointed he was in Danny's Devito's directing and Stephanie loves an Irish Mafia Mommy, Tommy. Plus: a peek into children's media. Reading Rec: The Unbearable Blandness of Barney, a Review of I Love You, You Hate Me Watching Rec: Kidding, starring Jim Carrey, available on Paramount Plus
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss portals under passenger seats as they review Goran Dukić's WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY. Andy has ennui and Stephanie starts a cult turf war. Obviously, a good part of the episode is spent mooning over Tom Waits. PLUS: The return of Stephanie's dream interpretations, brought to you by Carls Jr.! Reading Recommendations: Etgar Karat's "Kneller's Happy Campers"
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss theatre and improv as they review Christopher Guest's WAITING FOR GUFFMAN. Andy discusses mockumentaries and Guest's crew of actors and Stephanie goes to Steak and Shake. Plus: did you know that this movie has three ways to do the Kevin Bacon game in one? Because Stephanie didn't.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Netflix Christmas Trash as they review Alex Zamm's A CHRISTMAS PRINCE. Andy wonders how many people Rudy has killed and Stephanie HAD to bring up Die Hard (against her better judgment). Plus: Andy is mad that all Romanians don't look like Vampires.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Chicago, rock and roll, and cocaine as they review John Landis's THE BLUES BROTHERS. Andy hates on the director and Stephanie shits on the Catholic Church. We're on a mission from God.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss blonde twinks and baby Jim Carrey as they review Julien Temple's EARTH GIRLS ARE EASY. Andy pines for Rocky Horror Picture Show and Stephanie needs a Valium (or five). Plus: a live reading of Julie Brown's lyrics. Reading Rec: Earth Girls are Easy Watching Rec: Angelyne, on Peacock
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Lord of the Rings and old white ladies as they review John Boorman's EXCALIBUR. Andy talks mosquito bite sex scenes and Stephanie discloses aspects of the director's will. Plus: a watching rec! Watching Recommendations: Cursed, on Netflix
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Home Alone and revenge plots as they review Jeremy Saulnier's BLUE RUIN. Andy discusses the career of Saulnier and Stephanie does it in one. Plus: Toxic Avenger news!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss hotel ballrooms and 1984 as they review DEATH RACE 2000. Andy swoons over Roger Corman and Stephanie calls out political satire. Plus: nakkies blur!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss six fingered men and gentle masculinity as they review Rob Reiner's THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Andy reviews adventure as a genre and Stephanie shares Mandy Patinkin's motivation. Plus: Andre the Giant is the sweetest human, and Cary Elwes is America's sexual awakening, and Stephanie is not excited for the next movie. Reading Recommendations: THE PRINCESS BRIDE by William Goldman
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss phone sex and PonyFlans as they review Jamie Travis's FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL. Andy coins the phrase “sex comedy frosting” and Stephanie misses rom coms. Plus: Stephanie quits after Andy makes a bad pun.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie wax on and wax off philosophic about the nature of 80's sports movies in all their problematic wonder. Join us in a rumination on nostalgia, toxic masculinity, performative racism and the crane kick - the greatest stupid finishing move of all time.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss what it means to be human as they review Ridley Scott's BLADE RUNNER. Andy discusses the multiple versions and Stephanie struggles with her new found identity as a Ridley Scott fanboy. Reading Recommendations: DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP, by Philip K Dick
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss ape trauma and puppets as they review (the importance of) Spike Jonze's BEING JOHN MALKOVICH. Andy compares it to GET OUT and Stephanie compares it to WILLY WONKA. Plus: puppet sex?
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss moon Nazis and revisionist culture as they review Timo Vuorensola's IRON SKY. Andy comments on how those Nazis look damn sharp and Stephanie has a Rita Repulsa moment. Plus: the worst drinking game.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss the more serious side of the crypt and Armenian genocide as they review Terry George's THE PROMISE. Andy gives a history lesson and Stephanie talks about color themes. Plus: a star-studded cast and a great script.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss motorcycles and Lake Minnetonka as they review Albert Magnoli's PURPLE RAIN. Andy knows the password and Stephanie has champagne glass opinions. Plus: we are in person now!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! In this surprise holiday episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Santa kinkd and alcoholism as they review Terry Zwigoff's BAD SANTA. Andy runs down a cast list of almost Santas and Stephanie talks about Lorelai Gilmore. Plus: the whitest Christmas tradition!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss musical themes and morality as they review Michael Ritchie's THE FANTASTICKS. Andy Fan Boys over Joel Grey and Stephanie talks circuses. Plus: Teller! Reading Recommendations: The Romancers by Edmond Rostand
isode, Andy and Stephanie discuss framing devices and other old movie tropes as they review Charles Laughton's THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. Andy talks prayer methods and Stephanie has a whole thing about Biblical fruit. Plus: we both geek out over camera work. Reading rec: "Was the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden really an apple?"
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Anamanics and the Hoover Dam as they review Mike Judge's BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD DO AMERICA. Andy explains urinals and Stephanie breaks the seal on the V word. Plus: the first ever Letterkenny reference. Reading Recommendations: “That Joke isn't Funny Anymore” ArtForum article on how Beavis and Butthead, and those who took it too seriously, are how we ended up *waves hand* here.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss nonverbal aliens as they review Tim Burton's MARS ATTACKS! Andy relays childhood fears, Stephanie stands for alien sex workers. Plus, Andy refuses to live in a world where Jack Skellington has a penis.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss vampires (again) as they review Robert Rodriguez's FROM DUSK TIL DAWN. Andy talks dick guns, Stephanie shares a bond with Selma Hayak, and there's a special Casa Blanca Moment. Reading Recommendations: Everything Quentin Tarantino Really Thinks About Violence in Movies (The Atlantic)
A special anniversary of releasing episodes/ part two of Halloween in July (the better alternative). Before there was anything, we recorded some warm up episodes we never thought would see the light of day. Oops. Sorry, past selves. Here it is: HOCUS POCUS.
A special anniversary of releasing episodes/ part one of Halloween in July (the better alternative). Before there was anything, we recorded some warm up episodes we never thought would see the light of day. Oops. Sorry, past selves. Here it is: CORALINE.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss drag and flip flops as they review THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT. Andy talks Rocky Horror, Stephanie kabooms, and both trash talk the dancing. Reading Recommendations: “Trixie Mattel Breaks Down the History of "Drag" on them., an online publication of all things queer
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss nose licking and bad CGI as they review Graham Baker's BEOWULF. Andy instrumentalizes rock anthems and Seinfeld themes, Stephanie discusses representations of Grendel's mother in art, and both wonder about guillotines. Reading Recommendations: GRENDEL, by John Gardner
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss 3D chess, karaoke, and hell as they review Martin McDonagh's IN BRUGES. Andy lauds the movie's writing, Stephanie wonders which Colin it is, and they both think that maaaaaybe Brendan Gleason has a death kink. Reading Recommendations: IF CHINS COULD KILL, Bruce Campbell
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Ted Hughes and 50's nostalgia as they review Brad Byrd's THE IRON GIANT. Andy talks Bill Clinton, Stephanie gives a mini-dissertation on the Red Panic/Space Race in children's literature, and they both have a crush on Dean. Reading Recommendations: ARIEL, by Sylvia Plath (sure fine okay also THE IRON GIANT, by Ted Hughes)
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss the Pythons, Man of la Macha, and wasted film as they review Terry Gilliam's The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Andy hates Robin Williams for once, Stephanie gets up to make a sammich, and they both hate this movie. Reading Recommendations: Big Fish, by David Wallace
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Gaimanisms, folklore, and the Hensons as they review Dave McKean's MIRRORMASK. Andy gushes about McKean, Stephanie slips into the dark like a dark, unnoticeable slippy thing, and they both love the Very Useful Book. Reading Recommendations: National Geographic Article on the Death of Circuses and its counterargument by the Smithsonian
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Reaganomics and the garbage fire of 2021 as they review John Carpenter's THEY LIVE. Andy talks the art of black and white, Stephanie talks marketing, and they both are here to chew bubblegum and kick ass. Reading Recommendations: CAPITALIST REALISM, by Mark Fisher, an examination of hopelessness in the face of consumerism through pop-culture (from Children of Men to Wall-E), politics, and education.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Carl's Jr. and ACAB as they review SUPER TROOPERS. Andy discusses syrup logistics, Stephanie gives a feminist reading for something new and different, and they both are mad at a misuse of Wonder Woman. Reading Recommendations: The End of Policing by Alex Vitale - on the dramatic growth of police departments, and why present reform measures will not end police assaults and killing of unarmed Black people
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss opera aliens and Trope Salads as they review Luc Besson's THE FIFTH ELEMENT. Andy tries to defend it, Stephanie points out the classism of this universe, and they both agree that THE MUMMY is the same movie but better. Plus, The Diva dance scene
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss body snatching and Animorphs as they review Robert Rodriguez's THE FACULTY. Andy references THE THING so often you can make it a drinking game, Stephanie gives a mini-primer on Southern accents and paper-cutter pranks, and they both swoon over Robert Kurtzman's work.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss time travel, science, and morality and as they review Shane Carruth's Primer. Andy dazzles with his discussion of film editing, Stephanie talks about Biblical names, and they both get more than a little confused. Reading Recommendations: The Astronaut's Wives Club, by Lily Koppel (incorrectly called “First Wives Club” in the episode, which is also a novel and a movie) Pale Blue Dot, by Carl Sagan
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss yet another vampire movie (but this time, make it philosophical) as they review Abel Ferrara's The Addiction. Andy fan girls over Walken again, Stephanie is very glad she didn't see this in her goth phase, and they both are ready for a break from vampire movies. Reading Recommendations: NO EXIT, by Jean-Paul Sartre
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Christmas trees, puppets, and nostalgia as they review Joe Dante's Gremlins. Andy drools over Pheobe Cates, Stephanie rolls her eyes, and they both hate the first ten minutes of the movie. Reading Recommendations: “Krampuslauf”, a short story by Holly Black