Penn State Altoona Faculty Podcast Examines 'Master' Film's Academic Horror

The podcast episode unpacks how the 2022 film uses horror to expose power dynamics and racism in higher education.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A recent episode of the 'Horror Joy' podcast, hosted by Penn State Altoona faculty members, delves into the intersection of horror and academia through an analysis of Mariama Diallo's 2022 film 'Master.' The discussion, featuring academics from the University of Toronto and New York University, highlights how horror can effectively expose the subtle and overt power dynamics at play in university settings, including issues of racism, gaslighting, and the pursuit of tenure.

Why it matters

The increasing focus on academic horror reflects a broader cultural conversation about systemic inequalities and the pressures within educational institutions. By framing these issues within a horror narrative, filmmakers and academics can engage audiences in a way that might be less accessible through traditional analytical approaches, prompting deeper reflection on the anxieties embedded within higher education.

The details

The podcast episode unpacks how 'Master' centers on Gail Bishop, the first Black master at the fictional Ancaster University, and Jasmine, a first-year Black student. Their experiences, alongside a professor vying for tenure, expose both explicit racism and the more insidious 'academic violence' that can permeate campus life. The discussion also explores how canonical texts can be utilized as tools for maintaining power structures within the classroom, and how academic evaluation can be weaponized, leading to experiences of gaslighting and the undermining of students' intellectual contributions.

  • The 'Horror Joy' podcast episode on 'Master' was recently released.

The players

Brian Onishi

A Penn State Altoona faculty member and co-host of the 'Horror Joy' podcast.

Jeff Stoyanoff

A Penn State Altoona faculty member and co-host of the 'Horror Joy' podcast.

S. Trimble

A faculty member at the University of Toronto who participated in the 'Horror Joy' podcast episode.

Joe Vallese

A faculty member at New York University who participated in the 'Horror Joy' podcast episode.

Mariama Diallo

The director of the 2022 film 'Master'.

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What they’re saying

“The intersection of horror and academia isn't a new concept, but its increasing prominence in film and critical discussion signals a growing awareness of the anxieties embedded within higher education.”

— Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff, Co-hosts of the 'Horror Joy' podcast (Horror Joy)

What’s next

The podcast episode's discussion of 'Master' and the broader themes of academic horror suggest that this genre will continue to expand, with filmmakers and academics exploring issues such as student debt, the precariousness of adjunct faculty positions, and the commodification of education.

The takeaway

Academic horror provides a unique lens through which to examine the complex power dynamics, systemic inequalities, and emotional pressures that permeate higher education. By framing these issues within a horror narrative, the genre allows for a deeper exploration and understanding of the anxieties embedded within academic institutions.