In this episode, we dive into Gregg Araki’s Totally Fucked Up (1993), the raw, DIY cornerstone of his Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy. Blurring the lines between documentary-style confessional and narrative chaos, the film follows a group of queer teens navigating love, alienation, and survival in early ’90s Los Angeles. We unpack its fragmented structure, its unfiltered portrayal of youth on the margins, and the way Araki captures both the aimlessness and urgency of adolescence. From grainy camcorder intimacy to punk-fueled rebellion, we explore how Totally Fucked Up remains a defiant, vulnerable time capsule of Gen X disillusionment

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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In this episode, we unpack the cult classic Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990), a quirky, melancholic tale of identity, abandonment, and small-town myth-making. We follow the story of Dinky Bossetti, played by a young Winona Ryder, as she navigates her outsider status in anticipation of the return of the town’s elusive hometown hero, Roxy Carmichael. Is Roxy a savior, a symbol, or just a ghost of what never was? We’ll explore how the film blends teenage alienation with adult disillusionment, examine its portrayal of 90s-era femininity and longing, and ask whether Roxy Carmichael ever really needed to come home at all.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in July 2025.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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In this episode, we unravel the haunting psychological labyrinth of Jacob’s Ladder (1990), a film that blends horror, trauma, and existential dread into a singular cinematic experience. Directed by Adrian Lyne and starring Tim Robbins, this cult classic follows Vietnam veteran Jacob Singer as he grapples with disturbing visions, shifting realities, and the unraveling of his own identity.

We explore the film’s layered narrative structure, its eerie depiction of PTSD and grief, and its deep spiritual undertones rooted in mysticism, paranoia, and death. From its nightmarish imagery to its lasting influence on psychological horror and pop culture, Jacob’s Ladder is more than a film—it’s a descent into the fragile human psyche.

Join us as we dig into the symbolism, production history, and legacy of this unforgettable journey between life and death.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com

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In this episode, we’re diving into Loser (2000), the offbeat teen dramedy that tried to flip the college rom-com formula on its head. Directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless, Fast Times at Ridgemont High) and starring Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari, Loser tells the story of Paul Tannek — a socially awkward but good-hearted guy navigating life at NYU, unrequited crushes, and toxic roommates. We’ll unpack the film’s portrayal of early 2000s youth culture, discuss its awkward charm and missed opportunities, and explore how it fits into Heckerling’s broader filmography. Was Loser misunderstood at the time, or is it just that — a cinematic misfit that never quite found its crowd? Tune in as we revisit this quirky underdog story and see how it holds up 25 years later

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com

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On today's episode, we're cutting off our hair and going on the run, but standing for justice, damn it, as we revisit the underseen and IMO underrated 80s classic that is The Legend of Billie Jean (1985).

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com

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On today's episode, we're heading out to the desert and fighting for our lives against a family of bloodthirsty cannibals as we dive into The Hills Have Eyes (1977). This movie was written and directed by the one and only Mr. Wes Craven.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com

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In this episode, we dive into the body-swapping chaos of Freaky Friday (2003), the Disney teen comedy that gave us peak Lindsay Lohan, a guitar-shredding garage band, and Jamie Lee Curtis in one of her most unexpectedly hilarious roles. We unpack the film’s themes of mother-daughter tension, identity, and empathy—plus, why this version of Freaky Friday still resonates over two decades later. From fortune cookies to Freaky Friday’s punk rock attitude, join us as we revisit the movie that turned a family feud into a full-blown identity crisis… with killer soundtrack vibes.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.