HERE BE WITCHES 17 • Suspiria (2018) with Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

In this episode, we’re diving into Luca Guadagnino's remake of a witchy horror classic, Suspiria. 

The basic premise of the 2018 Suspiria is the same: young, naive dancer Suzy (here played by Dakota Johnson, a Guadagnino regular) arrives in late 70s Berlin to audition for the renowned Helena Markos Dance Company. She quickly nabs the lead dancer role in an upcoming performance, impressing the head of the school, Madame Blanc (Tilda Swinton) but her arrival coincides with the disappearance of another dancer. Meanwhile, an inquisitive psychotherapist and a member of the troupe uncover dark and sinister secrets of the dance company. 

Our guest this episode is film critic, writer, programmer and Suspiria-ologist Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (@suspirialex) to discuss the relationship between Fassbinder and Suspiria, dance horror, collectives of women, and the power dynamics between witches. 

***

The Final Girls are a UK-based film collective exploring the intersections of horror film and feminism.

Find out more about our projects here: thefinalgirls.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Follow Anna on @annabdemented and Olivia is on @livihowe