Starship Troopers

This week on Bury Our Bones With Cinema, Ryan Etherington and Simon Keet enlist for a deep dive into Paul Verhoeven’s satirical sci-fi masterpiece, Starship Troopers. Equal parts bombastic action movie and razor-sharp critique of militarism and propaganda, this 1997 cult classic has only grown more relevant with time.

 

Ryan and Simon unpack the film’s deceptively simple surface—a bug-blasting spectacle—and reveal the biting satire hidden beneath. From its intentionally wooden performances to its over-the-top visuals, they explore how Verhoeven used the tropes of war movies to skewer fascist ideologies while still delivering a thrilling, endlessly quotable sci-fi romp.

 

As always, Jimmy Murphy adds another dimension with his original music and sketches, perfectly capturing the chaotic energy of Verhoeven’s universe.

 

Whether you’re a diehard Mobile Infantry recruit or a first-time viewer, this episode will have you shouting “Do your part!” while reaching for the play button. Tune in—and remember: the only good bug is a dead bug!