I Could Just Eat You Up: Cannibalism, Desire and Society in Horror Cinema

Join us for a bloody valentines, exploring one of horror cinema's most taboo characters - the cannibal. Cannibals are perhaps the most abject of all monsters, embodying one of our greatest taboos. The consumption of human flesh shakes our sense of security in the world, exposing the fragility of both our bodies and the structures we live within. From problematic representations of the ‘other’ to the suave cannibals who move amongst us – and even as embodiments of love and desire – these figures invite exploration through the lenses of psychoanalysis, feminism, and queer theory. Psychotherapist and horror lecturer Katie Evans will trace their evolution and reveal what they can teach us about our fears, our politics, our sexuality – and even acceptance. Katie Evans is a private practice therapist and self-confessed horror nerd, giving lectures around the world on topics such as the psychology of horror movies, sexuality in horror and vampires. Her passion for all things spooky began in childhood and continued through her studies in music, film, and media at Liverpool University, before moving into the field of mental health. She holds advanced accreditation in GSRD Therapy (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity) and is a BACP-accredited therapist. Katie has presented at conferences across Europe and has spoken for organizations including The Maudsley, the British Psychological Society, The NHS, LGBT Foundation, and HMPPS, among others. She is also a registered guest lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. An advocate for using pop culture in psychotherapy, Katie previously hosted The Mental Health Monsters Podcast and continues to explore how fictional narratives—especially those from the horror genre—can help us better understand ourselves and the world that we live in.