The Force of Obsession: How Star Wars Took Over Our Lives
- S1E1
- 1:38:16
- March 27th 2025
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far too obsessed… we were just normal film lovers. Then Star Wars happened. From epic lightsaber duels in the school playground to heated debates over whether The Force Awakens was a worthy sequel, this is how George Lucas and his cinematic empire ruined us. Katy defends The Force Awakens. Miles stands by The Empire Strikes Back. And somewhere in the middle, we argue about Jar Jar Binks.
The Films That Ruined Us
Has a film ever ruined your life? Have you ever emerged from the cinema so obsessed with the movie you’ve just seen that it’s scarred you, positively or negatively? Filmmaker Miles Watts and culture queen Katy Cowan dive into the movies that have made the deepest impact on their lives (not Deep Impact) for better or worse, from kids’ films to violent horror, and examine in nauseating detail why these particular movies have ruined them.
Miles Watts is a filmmaker, writer, and director with a passion for cult cinema and storytelling. Best known for his work on indie horror-comedies like Zomblogalypse, Miles has spent years crafting narratives that blend humour with the macabre. As co-host of The Films That Ruined Us, he dives deep into the movies that shaped, scarred, and obsessed him, bringing a filmmaker’s perspective to the cinematic chaos.
Katy Cowan is a journalist, writer, and founder of Creative Boom, one of the UK’s leading online magazines for creatives. With a deep love for storytelling and a sharp eye for culture, Katy has spent her career championing artists, designers, and filmmakers. A lifelong cinephile, she brings her signature wit and insight to The Films That Ruined Us, unpacking the movies that left a lasting (and sometimes traumatic) impact.