Jennifer's Body (2009): Episode 22

In this episode, I take a critical lens to Jennifer’s Body (2009) with guest Grim Thrall, examining how the film reclaims horror tropes to explore themes of female autonomy, societal objectification, and the commodification of violence against women. Often misunderstood upon release, Diablo Cody’s screenplay now stands as a biting (and blood-soaked) commentary on adolescence, desire, and betrayal.

We draw connections between the film’s narrative and the real-life murder of Elyse Pahler, whose death was allegedly cited as inspiration for the film. Elyse’s case—marked by ritualistic violence, misogyny, and media sensationalism—mirrors the exploitation and erasure that Jennifer’s Body critiques through its subversive storytelling.

Guest Info: Grum Thrall on social media platforms.

https://grimthrall.com/

Sources:

https://cdn.wickedhorror.com/features/is-jennifers-body-based-on-a-true-story/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1131734/