Cartoonist and editor Sammy Harkham, author of the recent and critically acclaimed graphic novel Blood of the Virgin, joins hosts Harry and Daniel to discuss the 1973 cult classic horror film, Messiah of Evil, co-directed by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz. A 70s era stylized West Coast horror, the movie has acquired a cult following and is credited as one of the conceptual forbearers of the modern zombie film.

They discuss the movie's aesthetic successes in spite of, or perhaps because of, its extremely limited budget. They explore themes of the tension between community and identity, the banality of emotionless evil, and argue some Jewish readings of the film's conception of its Messianic ideas.

Purchase Sammy's Book

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Messiah of Evil Movie Trailer

Messiah of Evil on IMDb

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Writer and critic Matthew Specktor, author of the new novel The Golden Hour, joins hosts Harry and Daniel to discuss Joseph Losey’s haunting 1976 film Mr. Klein. Set in Nazi-occupied France during the lead-up to the infamous Vel d’Hiv roundup of Jews, the film follows Alain Delon as an art dealer who becomes ensnared in a chilling case of mistaken identity with another man who may be Jewish—and may not even exist.

Together, they first talk about real life cases of mistaken identities of their lives. Then the trio move on to explore the film’s Kafkaesque tone, its eerie resonance with contemporary concerns about identity and complicity, and how Mr. Klein confronts France’s legacy of antisemitism and historical erasure.

With the episode’s release coinciding with Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, we hope you’ll find added connection to the day and think of those lost.

Purchase Matthew's new book, The Golden Hour

Follow Matthew Specktor on Instagram

Mr Klein Movie Trailer

Mr Klein on IMDb

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Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products

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Just in time for Passover, hosts Harry and Daniel are joined by Stephanie Butnick—creator of Golda, the Jewish culture guide—for a spirited conversation about The Prince of Egypt (1998), DreamWorks’ dazzling and dramatic take on the Exodus story.

The trio dives into the film’s stunning animation, unforgettable music, and deeply Jewish themes, while also paying tribute to the late, great Val Kilmer—who voiced both Moses and God (talk about range!).

Along the way, they unpack midrashic moments, sibling rivalry, and why this animated epic remains a Seder-season staple for so many Jewish households. Cue the plagues, and press play.

The Prince of Egypt on IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120794/

The Prince of Egypt Trailer - https://youtu.be/SsGcttNUi9c

Golda Guide - https://www.goldaguide.com/

Stephanie Butnick on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sbutnick/

Connect with Jews on Film online:

Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod