The Fly was released in 1986 and quickly became director David Cronenberg's most successful film, lending itself to a far more mainstream narrative in spite of some serious body horror elements, especially along the back half of the film. Jeff Goldblum was still on the rise and was by no means a bankable leading man, so it was something of a risk when producer Stuart Cornfeld hired him to carry the film. To boot, David Cronenberg had been tapped to direct Total Recall for Dino de Laurentiis and was unable to take The Fly when producer Mel Brook called (yes, that Mel Brooks), and it was only through a series of both interesting and unfortunate circumstances that the stars aligned and Cronenberg was later brought on to direct. Geena Davis plays the lead supporting role, and was, in fact, Jeff Goldblum's real-life girlfriend at the time, which helps to explain the immediate and intense chemistry the two share throughout the movie. While heavy on the gore in the second half of the film, The Fly is still a superbly-rich narrative filled with empathy for the main character's unfortunate degradation. The tone is simultaneously somber and thrilling, and Jeff Goldblum's intensely physical performance is one for the ages. Quite simply, The Fly is David Cronenberg's masterpiece. Find out why in this episode of Esoterica Cinema with Jason Peters and Ryan Seybold.

Jason Peters takes a no-spoiler look at Yorgos Lanthimos' most recent film, Kinds of Kindness with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons

Jason & Ryan analyze the harrowing depiction of an utterly broken relationship that is Possession.

Brian Yuzna's film Society took a long time to find distribution in the US, and disappeared from theaters just as quickly as it arrived. Thankfully, with the advent of VHS, the film was able to find its eventual audience in the 90's and 00's. Featuring solid direction from Brain Yuzna, solid 80's acting from Billy Warlock, and some of the best practical effects ever committed to celluloid thanks to fx maestro Screaming Mad George and his talented team, Society may not be a film for everyone, but it's one you won't soon forget. #cultmovies #cultclassic #moviereview #society #brianyuzna #screamingmadgeorge

#poorthings #emmastone #filmcritic #yorgoslanthimos Yorgos Lanthimos has been making films for 15 years, now. And just when you think you've got him figured out, he finds new and creative ways to surprise you. Poor Things is easily his most successful film of all time - certainly financially and arguably creatively - and Emma Stone delivers an incredible, physical performance every bit worthy of her Oscar win. Where do you fall on this admittedly bizarre film? Feel free to reach out to esotericacinema@gmail.com and let us know what you think, and enjoy this episode of Esoterica Cinema!

Join Ryan as he reviews Atomic Blonde starring Charlize Theron

The Wachowski's Speed Racer was released in 2008 to horrible reviews and an even worse box office performance. But as time has progressed, a small but vocal contingent has gone on to reappraise the film, claiming that it was misunderstood at the time of its release. On this episode "Speed Racer (2008)", you get both sides of the argument as Jason found it a groan-inducing, cheesy bore while Ryan could get enough of the flashy visuals and eye candy. Where do you fall on this debate? Feel free to send in a comment and let us know what you think, and enjoy this feisty episode of Esoterica Cinema!

Join Ryan Seybold as he quickly breaks down why you need to see the hilarious new film Hundreds of Beavers from writer/director Mike Cheslik. Made for a modest budget of $150,000, Hundreds of Beavers features mad-dash capers and non-stop sight gags. Google describes Hundreds of Beavers as: A drunken applejack salesman must go from zero to hero and become North America's greatest fur trapper by defeating hundreds of beavers. Enjoy Ryan's review-in-brief and then go see this howlingly funny movie! #hundredsofbeavers #comedymovies #comedyfilms