Episode #120 – The Happening (2008)

What this episode covers

In the driver seat of film podcasts, Fear and Loathing in Cinema sets itself apart with its irreverent blend of pop culture critique, nostalgic deep-dives, and a razor-sharp, at times almost uncomfortably candid, dissection of cinematic relics that were once scorned but now, with the benefit of time, seem worthy of a second look. Hosted by a group of unpredictable yet undeniably insightful voices; Bryan Kluger, a media director with a sharp sense of irony of offensive things; Dan Moran, a lawyer who brings an often absurd legal perspective of the film industry and Kevin Costner; Preston Barta, a film critic with a taste for the heart-warmingly obscure branch of cinema; and Chelsea Nicole, a culture critic who digs into the nuances of social dynamics and horror; Fear and Loathing in Cinema Podcast thrives in that rare space between sincere analysis and gut-busting humor. On Episode No. 120 of Fear and Loathing in Cinema, your favorite trio of podcast botanists; Bryan, Preston, and the valiantly returning Chelsea; strap themselves to a metaphorical tree and brace for the rustling leaves of The Happening, M. Night Shyamalan’s 2008 eco-thriller-slash-botanical-farce that once again raised the eternal cinematic question: What if the wind is trying to kill us? Yes, The Happening; Shyamalan’s first R-rated film and possibly the only movie to feature both a mass extinction event and Mark Wahlberg asking a plastic plant if it means any harm. This is the movie where Mother Nature stages her big revenge, and she’s brought reinforcements: grass, bushes, and ominous breezes. Somewhere in here is a climate change allegory. Or a hot dog commercial. It’s hard to say.