In this episode of Shelf Criticism, Stephen returns to his trash cinema sweet spot as we wade through the surreal swamp of Tobe Hooper’s Eaten Alive. Crocodiles, scythes, and a cacophony of chaos await as Stephen explores this bizarre 1976 hicksploitation horror. From Judd’s motiveless madness to the film’s infamous censorship history, it’s a fever dream worth interpreting. Delve into the murky depths of nihilism—just don’t blame the croc.
