Ep 5. Killer Creatures

In the fifth episode of Eli Roth's History of Horror, titled "Killer Creatures," the focus shifts to the terrifying creatures that have haunted horror fans for decades. With insights from horror icons such as John Landis, Alexandre Aja, and Joe Dante, the episode explores the origins of popular monsters such as zombies, werewolves, and vampires, as well as the evolution of newer creatures like the Xenomorph from Alien and the terrifying clown Pennywise from It.

The episode begins by examining the archetype of the monster, which has existed in myths and legends for centuries. Horror filmmaker Roger Corman describes how monsters were often used as a metaphor for societal fears and anxieties, such as the atomic bombs of the Cold War era. The episode then dives into the history of zombies, tracing their roots back to Haitian voodoo and their rise to mainstream popularity in George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Horror historian David J. Skal explains how the concept of the zombie has evolved over time, from the slow, lumbering undead to the faster, more agile zombies seen in modern horror films.

Next, the episode explores the mythology of werewolves and their connection to the full moon. Filmmaker John Landis, who directed the horror-comedy classic An American Werewolf in London, discusses the challenges of creating a convincing werewolf transformation on screen. The episode also explores the subgenre of "werewolf women," which often involves female protagonists being bitten and transformed into werewolves themselves.

The show then turns its attention to vampires, which have been a staple of horror fiction for over a century. The origins of the vampire legend are explored, from Bram Stoker's Dracula to the more romanticized versions seen in the Twilight series. Horror author Anne Rice shares her thoughts on the enduring appeal of vampires and their ability to serve as metaphors for sexuality and forbidden desires.

The episode also explores more recent horror creatures, such as the Xenomorph from the Alien franchise and the terrifying clown Pennywise from It. The Xenomorph, designed by artist H.R. Giger, is dissected by filmmaker Alexandre Aja, who discusses its unique combination of biological and technological elements. Meanwhile, author and screenwriter Max Landis delves into the psychology of Pennywise, who preys on the fears of his victims in order to terrorize them.

Throughout the episode, Eli Roth provides insights and commentary on the various monsters and their impact on the horror genre. He also discusses how different filmmakers have used these creatures to explore different themes, such as Romero's use of zombies to comment on consumerism and societal decay. The episode culminates in a discussion of the enduring popularity of monster movies, with horror filmmakers and fans alike still drawn to these creatures of the night.

Overall, "Killer Creatures" is a fascinating look at the history and mythology behind some of horror's most iconic creatures. With a mix of expert analysis and interviews with horror legends, the episode provides a compelling overview of the scary, creepy, and downright terrifying monsters that keep us coming back to horror films again and again.