Glamor It Blonde.

Trace and I have covered a lot of ground for Pride Month 2020: we dug into the history of gay slashers, praised the importance of Clive Barker, and tackled contemporary politics with the history of police vs the queer community. Those were all fairly male-centric texts, however, so we wanted to address a lesbian text to wrap up the month.

Enter Andrew Fleming‘s 1996 film, The Craft. Led by a powerhouse foursome, the film is vital to a generation of women, queers and burgeoning witches who connect with its message about magic, friendship and outsider status.

In the film, new-to-LA transfer Sarah (Robin Tunney) is betrayed by football hottie Chris (Skeet Ulrich) and befriended by a coven of witches – shy Bonnie (Neve Campbell), hip Rochelle (Rachel True) and dangerous Nancy (Fairuza Balk). Together the girls invoke the power of Manon to cure their teenage woes, but as their powers grow, so too does the danger. Can Sarah survive the threat posed by her new friends?

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Episode 79 – The Craft

For our final episode of Pride Month, we’re calling the corners and invoking the spirit of Manon. That’s right: it’s time to discuss Andrew Fleming’s 1996 ode to female friendships and the dangers of all-consuming power.

Joining the boys is Joe’s horror bestie, Valeska Griffiths, who unpacks why this film is so important for female and/or queer horror fans. We discuss the film’s nostalgic value, its pop culture impact, and question the way race and sexual assault is handled (Christine Taylor deserved worse!). This also leads to speculation about the forthcoming remake, the need for female horror creatives and the distinction between “bitchy” and “mean” girls.

Plus: wise cracks about snake wranglers, Trace’s affinity for Charmed, Hot Topic, and whether Robin Tunney looks better bald or in a green wig.

Cross out The Craft!

Coming up on Wednesday: We’re kicking off July with a bang! Just in time for July 4th festivities, we’re diving into I Know What You Did Last Summer and Helen Shivers’ iconic chase scene.

– Joe & Trace

P.S.  Check out this month’s article on 2016’s queer baiting indie slasher Pitchfork. You can find all of our editorials here. 

P.P.S. Subscribe to our Patreon to access bonus episodes! We just wrapped up Creature Features month with episodes on Deep Rising, Arachnophobia and an audio commentary on Snakes on a Plane. And coming out Wednesday – to coincide with IKWYDLS – we’re dropping our audio commentary on the terrible 1998 sequel, I Still Know…