What makes a horror movie “Catholic”? That’s what hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless ask on this week’s special Halloween episode of “Jesuitical.” They’re joined by Ryan Duns, S.J., a professor and theologian at Marquette University. Known for his love of scary movies, Father Ryan is the author of Theology of Horror: The Hidden Depths of Popular Films. Together, they discuss the Catholic fascination and taboo around horror. (Spoiler alert! The second half of this conversation reveals some plot points from “The Exorcist,” “Obsession” and “Sinners.”)
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
4:33 Interview with Fr. Ryan Duns, S.J.
4:55 Addressing the clown in the room
6:33 Why horror films should be taken seriously
9:42 The best way to experience horror films
14:11 Gratuity of horror movies
19:09 The supernatural in horror movies
21:51 The Exorcist
32:02 Obsession
41:00 Sinners
54:01 Outro
Links from the show:
- About Ryan Duns, S.J.
- ‘Father Fright’ reveals top five horror flick picks for 2026
- Marquette Bookshelf: ‘Theology of Horror: The Hidden Depths of Popular Films’
- ‘The Exorcist,’ as a work of art, fostered an understanding of Catholic theology.
- ‘Sinners’: a tale of temptation and transcendence
- Faith and Fine Wine: A Jesuit Pilgrimage to Italy
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