Meg Shields

Based in the Pacific North West, Meg enjoys long scrambles on cliff faces and cozying up with a good piece of 1960s eurotrash. As a senior contributor at FSR, Meg's objective is to spread the good word about the best of sleaze, genre, and practical effects.
cinema in the age of streaming

Where Does “Cinema” Happen in the Age of Streaming?

By Meg Shields 

The pandemic has intensified concerns that streaming poses a threat to the cinematic experience. Here’s a video essay explaining why.

Slither

The Genuinely Horrifying Horror Comedy of ‘Slither’

By Meg Shields 

James Gunn’s directorial debut is as repulsive as it is underrated.

Horror Streaming March 2021

All the Horror You Need to Stream in March 2021

By Meg Shields 

Wondering what’s good, gory, and gothic in streaming this month? We’ve got you covered.

Jidlo Food Jan Švankmajer

The Morbid Delights of Jan Švankmajer’s ‘Food’

By Meg Shields 

It’s a real gut-buster. In more ways than one. Here’s a video essay on the absurdist short film’s tonal tightrope walk.

Police Story Jackie Chan Mall Pole Stunt

How They Shot the Explosive Pole Jump Stunt in ‘Police Story’

By Meg Shields 

A stunt so nice they showed it thrice. Here’s the story behind Jackie Chan’s legendary leap.

Nate Milton Cassini Short Film

Identifying With Space Probes: The Cosmic Solitude of ‘Cassini’

By Meg Shields 

Here’s a short animated film about loneliness, unlikely company, and the quiet beauty of a solitary space probe.

Full Metal Jacket Stanley Kubrick takes

Stanley Kubrick and the Rationale Behind Incessant Takes

By Meg Shields 

Some directors say “we got it” when they do not, in fact, “got it.” Those directors are not Stanley Kubrick.

Miss Juneteenth women in film 2020

How Women Took Up Space in the Movies of 2020

By Meg Shields 

Watch a video essay about the female-led films that defined cinema last year.

X Rating

The Brief and Scandalous History of the X Rating

By Meg Shields 

What was its purpose and why was it so infamous? Let’s sneak a peek, shall we?