What are we doing here so late, late at night?

Food for the Worm is about horror films and what they say about the people who can’t look away.

Do you want my money?

At this point, a subscription is essentially a donation to support the work. It does take me quite a lot of time, energy, and brain power to make this newsletter happen, and I appreciate any support in fueling that journey. For more of my thoughts on publishing, writing for money, and the speed with which these essays are put out, see this post.

Who are these so-called worms?

Why horror?

“Horror movies provide a secret history of modern times.” - David J. Skal

In the late 1920s and into the ‘30s, much to the surprise of film critics who predicted the Depression would inspire people to buy tickets for comedies and feel good films as distractions, horror movies had their first American heyday.

Decade after decade since, we have proven that when it comes to cinema, we don’t run from our fear — we lean in.

Despite retaining a notable presence in the American* film lexicon and providing a critical lens into the fear that often shapes our decisions and lives, horror films have received little to no critical analysis. This is a shame.

Fear, like love, is a determining factor in our lives. It shapes the way we dream, the way we act, who we spend time with (and who we don’t); it shapes politics and social movements; it drives us to madness and toward deep interior parts of ourselves, where, ironically, we might find unexpected connection with each other. Buried within every made-for-profit B-rate slasher flick, arthouse Giallo, or new age A24 release, there is something to learn about the way we live.

“I have always loved to use fear, to take it and comprehend it and make it work and consolidate a situation where I was afraid and take it whole and work from there.”

-Shirley Jackson

*Generally, the films covered on FFTW are U.S. or North American horror films, or had a release in those regions. Recommendations for non-U.S. horror writing always welcome.

Why can’t I feel my hands?

What hands…

Why subscribe?

Because, Casey, I want to know who I’m looking at.