The Geek Girl Soup Podcast
14.06: Hidden Gems: The Baby
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Episode notes
This week on Geek Girl Soup, Susan, Kelly, and Cort dive into HBO’s The Baby, an eight-episode dark comedy that’s as creepy as it is hilarious. Imagine a baby that’s not just needy but downright manipulative—controlling, violent, and armed with supernatural powers. Natasha, our reluctant protagonist, literally has this baby dropped into her lap, and what ensues is a chaotic mix of horror, humor, and unexpected character growth. The hosts discuss Natasha’s evolution from a self-absorbed, anti-baby individual into a more compassionate person, all thanks to her bizarre journey with this terrifying infant.
But, before we get to The Baby, the crew kicks things off with some fun pop culture news. Martin Scorsese celebrated his 82nd birthday (still no plans to retire!), and we mark the 40th anniversaries of A Nightmare on Elm Street and Night of the Comet—a zombie flick that Cort fondly describes as “so silly, but so good.” The hosts also chat about the latest updates from the Star Wars galaxy, lamenting yet another canceled project, and marvel at the bizarre replacement: Ice Age 6.
The conversation takes a sharp turn into film festival drama, with a discussion of the Camera Image Film Festival controversy, where its director managed to alienate filmmakers by suggesting that including more female creators could lead to “mediocre films.” Unsurprisingly, the hosts don’t hold back their disdain for such outdated views.
In the recommendation corner, Cort enthusiastically plugs Cross, a gritty new series based on James Patterson’s novels, while Kelly praises Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical crime drama that she insists is a must-watch despite her general dislike of musicals. Susan revisits Mike Flanagan’s Hush, calling it a taut thriller that still holds up.
As the hosts return to The Baby, they dive into the nitty-gritty of its themes, characters, and haunting moments. From its Rosemary’s Baby-esque premise to Natasha’s struggles to escape the baby’s clutches, this show delivers a unique blend of chills and laughs. The trio breaks down the mysterious origins of the baby and speculates on its supernatural powers, particularly how it manipulates people’s memories and perceptions. By the time they hit the show’s chilling conclusion, one thing is clear: this baby isn’t just creepy—it’s downright unsettling.
Looking ahead, the hosts preview next week’s episode, where they’ll discuss Thanksgiving (2023), a gruesome holiday-themed slasher. It’s the perfect watch for anyone looking to add a little blood and mayhem to their turkey-filled weekend.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Welcome and introduction
[00:01:00] Pop culture updates
[00:06:00] Film festival drama
[00:09:00] Recommendations corner
[00:17:00] Discussion: The Baby
[00:30:00] Creepy comparisons and closing thoughts
[00:36:00] What’s next on Geek Girl Soup?
[00:40:00] Susan and Cort discuss the latest episode of From
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Original music by Garrett Thompson
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