Neo-Paganism in The Black Demon

Cinematic Spoilers Ahead!

 Wow, it's been awhile. I've been vacationing in Ireland and laid up with COVID for two weeks. But here I return with my dear friend, Chat GPT v.3.5 I've asked Chat to examine the giant shark film The Black Demon and  "Expand on neo-pagan undertones, particularly the protagonist's family gathering in a circle to pray to the Azetec weather god.

Chat felt that:

Certainly, the inclusion of a family gathering to pray to the Aztec weather god in "The Black Demon" adds a significant layer of neo-pagan undertones to the film's narrative. This scene not only serves as a symbolic moment within the story but also highlights the connection between characters, their ancestral beliefs, and the primal forces of nature. Here's an expanded exploration of this aspect: 

 **Cultural and Ancestral Connection:** The family's gathering to pray to the Aztec weather god reflects a connection to ancient cultural and ancestral beliefs. By incorporating neo-pagan elements, the film emphasizes the characters' ties to their heritage and the importance of preserving and honoring these traditions. 

 **Reverence for Nature:** Neo-pagan beliefs often center around a deep reverence for nature and its elements. The act of praying to a weather god underscores the characters' acknowledgment of nature's power and their desire to seek its favor. This not only adds depth to their spiritual practices but also highlights the primal relationship humans have with the natural world. 

 **Harmony and Balance:** Neo-paganism often emphasizes the idea of balance and harmony between humans and nature. The act of gathering as a family to collectively offer prayers aligns with this concept, illustrating a desire for a harmonious coexistence with the natural world and its forces. 

 **Connection to Inner Selves: ** Neo-pagan beliefs frequently encourage individuals to connect with their inner selves and embrace their true natures. The family's prayer ritual could be interpreted as a moment of introspection, where characters align themselves with the rhythms of nature and confront their inner desires, fears, and hopes. 

**Transcendence of Time:** Neo-paganism often challenges linear perceptions of time and instead views existence as cyclical. The use of ancient rituals and gods in the film can symbolize the cyclical nature of human experience, suggesting that the struggles and beliefs of the past continue to shape the present. 

 **Conflict with Modernity:** The inclusion of neo-pagan undertones can also serve as a commentary on the clash between modernity and traditional belief systems. In a world dominated by technology and secularism, the family's practice of ancient rituals highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to contemporary norms. 

 Incorporating the family's prayer to the Aztec weather god not only deepens the film's exploration of neo-pagan undertones but also enriches its themes of connection, spirituality, and humanity's relationship with the natural world. This scene becomes a focal point where the characters' actions reflect a broader exploration of ancient belief systems, primal instincts, and the enduring significance of tradition in a rapidly changing world.

A sequel is rumored in the works. This time, when the Aztec weather god sends another big shark, the family fights back by cutting out the hearts of their neighbors on an obsidian altar in order to appease the surly deity.