Why horror? Hostel and Hostel Part II: Genius and Abjection

This week we discuss Eli Roth's Hostel and Hostel: Part II, exploring the films' subversive take on class, power, and the "Elite Hunting Club" where rich predators torture unsuspecting travelers. From Paxton’s revenge in the first film to Beth’s brutal escape in the second, we unpack horror’s cultural commentary, touching on the abject, dehumanization, and real-world parallels like the depravity of Diddy and Jeffrey Epstein. We also reflect on Eli Roth's genius, humor, and how much we both enjoyed these films. Both films feel like special gifts to horror film fans. Shannon shares her unpopular take that Hostel Part III is not that bad.

Links:

Hostel IMDB:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450278/

Hostel: Part II IMDB:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0498353/

 

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Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers

Producer: Tim Rogers

Editor: Mitch Silver