Episode 408 - Spring

·1 hr 37 min·5 clips

Three friends dissect the 2014 horror romance 'Spring,' a film one host calls his second-least favorite from the directors—yet still likes quite a bit.

In this episode of Film Seizure, hosts Jason Oliver, Geoff Arbuckle, and Chuck Moore review the 2014 film 'Spring,' directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. Jason introduces it as an under-seen horror film and the first of Benson and Moorhead's movies covered on the podcast. He notes it's his second-least favorite of their five films but still likes it for its weirdness and interesting concepts. The hosts discuss the directors' filmography, including 'Resolution,' 'The Endless,' 'Synchronic,' and 'Something in the Dirt,' as well as their work on Marvel shows like 'Moon Knight' and 'Loki.' They delve into 'Spring's' plot, following Evan, a young man who flees to Italy after his mother's death and a bar fight, where he meets Louisa, a mysterious woman with a secret. The hosts analyze the film's genre-blending, calling it a mix of horror, romance, and existential drama with Lovecraftian elements. They praise the realistic dialogue and chemistry between the leads, played by Lou Taylor Pucci and Nadia Hilker. Key scenes discussed include the initial meeting, the 'frowny face' syringe, and the revelation of Louisa's 20-year cycle where she must get pregnant to metamorphosize. The hosts explore themes of love, mortality, and rebirth, noting how the film suggests love could turn Louisa human. They debate the ambiguous ending, where Vesuvius erupts as the couple shares a moment, leaving their fate open. The episode also touches on supporting characters like Angelo the farmer and the running joke of 'Shitty Carl.' The hosts recommend the film for its sweetness and philosophical depth, comparing it to 'Shape of Water' and 'Before Sunrise.' They conclude by mentioning upcoming episodes and other films.

As heard by us

A horror-romance conversation at its best when it studies Evan's awkward, believable need to connect.

Film Seizure's discussion of Spring approaches the 2014 horror film as a romance first, using its strange premise to make ordinary courtship feel more exposed.

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Why you'd press play

Press play when you want a horror romance found in awkward stories, rough early-twenties edges, and one very funny Tommy call.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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