#i'm so bad at 'weird' horror films or like metaphors i have no idea what it was trying to say

[skateamini]

Oh, I've never watched Nosferatu, do you recommend it? I know Robert Eggers is working on a remake and I love his films (I recommend The Witch and The Lighthouse). And, wow, the first link you typed is very close to what I imagined when I read Villa Di Bestiarii. I see the vampire playing the piano, desolate and heartbroken (does he have a heart?) The music is full of emotions, I don't know what to feel.

And I have to say: I love cannibalism as a metaphor for love, and even though it's not just a metaphor, Hoseok swallowing Taehyung's heart was… Everything.

What about All Of Them Dreams? I have to admit, I'm a little scared of the idea of ghosts. There is a very good film about grief and it involves the presence of a "ghost" full of meanings, maybe you should check it out, the name is A Ghost Story.

I actually did not see the remake I shared, as it was recommended by a lecturer of mine from college. The original is a classic! I am looking forward to the remake, Robert Eggers is incredible. Every single film he has made has inspired me! The pacing and hidden horror of the VVitch and the Lighthouse somewhat inspired Villa di Bestiarii. The Northman influenced some of my latter writing of Howl.

Your point about cannibalism as a metaphor...so true. Hannibal in the TV show and movies come to mind. Have you seen "Bones and All"? Genuinely one of my favourite horror romance films ever now. If you have any recommendations along these themes, send them my way. It's a weirdly specific kind of genre. I hate that sometimes I feel like Villa di Bestiarii is so niche that it's hard finding a real book with as many tropes rolled together.

The swallowing heart concept I hold very dear to me. I'm not sure where my idea came from exactly, but carnal love always has vaguely cannibalistic metaphors in music. In particular, I was influenced by the 80's new wave band Echo and the Bunnymen's songs "The Killing Moon" and "Nocturnal Me". The former is like a gay vampire story and the latter of which yearns for an all-consuming eternal romance that includes the lines "Take me Internally". Both songs are so weirdly gothic and queer despite the band having no intention of making it that way. (Too bad!). It's an aspect of the story I think about still as I think about their future together - the power Hoseok now holds, and over Taehyung, something that will remain until one or both of them dies. Until then, Taehyung now "worships" Hoseok. His actions of cutting out the heart of a demon/god/alien with immense power cultivated over thousands of years of sacrifices and eating it means that he now holds all bindings within his fragile human body. Yet, by taking possession of Taehyung's soul, he can actually set him free. It's very dark yet their undying love for each other counteracts the terrifying aspect of this. Fun!

I also incorporated cannibalism into "Howl" - due to food scarcity the animal hybrids are not above eating dead human soldiers. Very different approach. This culminates in a kind of weird and fucked up twist later.

Thank you for the film recommendation! I will check it out.

I will be honest about "All of Them Dreams" - it's very grim, and features my somewhat more agnostic take on the afterlife as something beyond our understanding, rather than dictated by comforts. It is inspired by traditional folk and pagan rituals too in its depiction. It's grim, and about unfulfilled dreams, but at the same time the ending will be hopeful. It might be best to read it once it is completed for this reason, or if it is not your cup of tea not to read it at all, I understand!

[politedemon]

just went to see men (the film) and it certainly sets the record for most times i've said 'what the fuck' out loud in a cinema