#573 – Society (1989)

In episode 573 of *Straight Chilling: Horror Movie Review*, host Bob and guests Randeezy, Juice, and Ed Larson dive into the 1989 cult horror film *Society*, a bizarre, grotesque satire of elite decadence and body horror. The hosts, particularly Ed and Randeezy, express deep affection for the film’s chaotic energy, absurdity, and over-the-top practical effects—especially those by the legendary Screaming Mad George. Despite its flaws in logic, pacing, and narrative coherence, the crew unanimously praises *Society* as a wildly entertaining, intentionally ridiculous experience that critiques the wealthy through surreal, dreamlike horror. The discussion explores themes of class envy, identity, and the grotesque normalization of incest and cannibalism within a privileged society. The episode also features a lively Rotten Tomatoes trivia segment, where the hosts guess the film’s 69% critic score and 60% audience score, followed by a humorous 'Cooter of the Week' segment judging the film’s characters for their deviance and arrogance. The show wraps with personal watch lists, including *Lurker*, *Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen*, and *DTF St. Louis*, and a hot dog debate that spirals into existential dread and self-loathing. Key takeaways include: 1) *Society* thrives not as a coherent horror film but as a surreal, satirical fever dream rooted in 80s excess; 2) The film’s power lies in its practical effects and unapologetic absurdity, making it a cult classic despite its flaws; 3) The movie’s critique of the elite is most effective when viewed through the lens of a disillusioned insider, not an outsider; 4) The Rotten Tomatoes score (69%) reflects its cult status and polarizing nature; 5) The hosts advocate for a remake of *Society* to reflect modern class tensions, though they acknowledge the original’s unique charm is hard to replicate. The overall tone is ecstatically positive, celebrating the film’s audacity and entertainment value.