Tangent #2: When The Nice Guy Is The Monster

In this Lacuna Tangent, Remy Renard and E. Donohue explore Obsession (2026), a psychological horror film that asks a simple question: who is the real monster?Using the film as a jumping-off point, we explore how horror can challenge our assumptions about violence, control, and the "nice guy" archetype. We unpack the symbolism behind the film's protagonist, Bear, discuss obsession disguised as love, and examine why the most visibly frightening character isn't necessarily the story's true monster.Along the way, the conversation connects modern horror to folklore, the "man versus bear" debate, selkie mythology, and the unsettling ways stories reveal that monstrosity is often rooted not in appearance, but in the desire to control another person's autonomy.Topics DiscussedObsession (2026) Horror and psychological horror The "nice guy" archetype Obsession versus love Consent and autonomy in horror The "man versus bear" conversation Visual versus moral monstrosity Selkie folklore Symbolism in horror films Performance analysis of Inde NavarretteResources & ReferencesObsession (2026), directed by Curry Barker Selkie folklore of Ireland, Scotland, and Isle of Man"Man versus Bear" online discussionAbout What Lives in the LacunaHosted by author and humanities omnivore Remy Renard and author and professional horticulturist E. Donohue, What Lives in the Lacuna explores folklore, horror, fantasy, literature, mythology, and the stories that shape how we understand humanity and ourselves. Through full-length episodes and shorter Lacuna Tangents, we blend literary analysis, folklore, science, and pop culture to uncover what lives beneath the surface.About the HostsRemy Renard is the author of The Florilegium Cycle, an Appalachian dark fantasy romance series set in Lorewood, a town where monsters are ordinary, folklore is real, and every story leaves its mark. Drawing on a background in the humanities, education, and storytelling, she explores the intersections of literature, philosophy, folklore, and pop culture.E. Donohue is a professional horticulturist and author of many works of creative non-fiction about ecology and our connection to the natural world. She is also the aspiring author of The Raun Cycle, a historic grounded fantasy trilogy set on the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland and England at the time of the Roman invasion. Drawing on a background of ecology, anthropology, and creative writing, as well as a lifetime study of folklore, she explores the science and archeology behind the magic of folklore.Connect with UsPodcast IG: @whatlivesinthelacunaPodcast TikTok: @whatlivesinthelacunaRemy Renardwww.remyrenard.comIG: @remy.in.the.wildTikTok: @remy.in.the.wildE. Donohuewww.edonohueauthor.com/IG: @e.donohuewriterTikTok: @edonohuestoryteller