Malignant's Gabriel Is a Horror Monster for the Ages

On the latest episode of the Messed Up Movies Podcast, Griffey and Alex dove headfirst into the wild, wonderfully bonkers world of James Wan’s Malignant. If you’re a fan of outrageous twists, over-the-top set pieces, and unapologetically fun horror, this episode—and movie—is for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV284ksMRLo

A Tribute to VHS-Era Madness

Griffey and Alex kicked things off by praising Malignant as a “true love letter to batshit crazy VHS 80s movies.” From its giallo-inspired aesthetics to its jaw-dropping insanity, this film is a stylistic fever dream that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original. “It’s beautiful, it’s insane, and the music is incredible,” Griffey declared, dubbing Malignant his favorite James Wan creation to date.

James Wan: The Master of Horror and… Cheating?

The hosts didn’t just gush about Wan’s genius; they also dissected why he might be the most underappreciated horror director of our time. With hits like Saw, The Conjuring, and Insidious, Wan has shaped modern horror—and occasionally bent its rules. Griffey called him a “classic horror movie cheater,” citing moments of narrative sleight of hand that keep audiences guessing but don’t always hold up to scrutiny. Still, as Alex noted, “Do you care? No. It’s too much fun.”

Gabriel: Horror’s Next Icon

Of course, no discussion of Malignant would be complete without unpacking its biggest shock: Gabriel, the parasitic twin living in the back of Madison’s skull. Griffey and Alex reveled in the audacity of Gabriel’s reveal, from his twisted backstory to his face-melting, bone-crunching rampage. “One of the coolest horror monsters of the last 10–15 years,” Griffey said, pointing to Gabriel’s jailbreak sequence as a highlight: “A 15-minute symphony of mayhem that’s more action-packed than most horror films dare to be.”

The Flaws That Don’t Matter

While the hosts had their fair share of nitpicks (we’re looking at you, impossibly large attic lair), they agreed that Malignant’s flaws only added to its charm. “This is a carnival ride of a movie,” Alex said. “It’s not about deep logic—it’s about having a blast.”

Final Verdict

Griffey and Alex closed the episode by celebrating Malignant as a perfect example of why horror is thriving today. It’s outrageous, thrilling, and unapologetically fun—a movie that embraces its absurdity while delivering jaw-dropping moments at every turn. Whether you’re watching for the insane plot, the inventive kills, or the sheer audacity of Gabriel, Malignant is a must-watch for fans of messed-up movies.

🎙️ Catch the full episode of the Messed Up Movies Podcast on your favorite platform to hear Griffey and Alex break down every crazy moment of Malignant. Don’t forget to follow us on Patreon for exclusive content, vote for future episodes, and support the show!