Story Secrets - What The Predator Gets Wrong About Autism

Story Secrets - What The Predator Gets Wrong About Autism

Author: Fr. Roderick Vonhögen April 7, 2025 Duration: 15:28

The other day I watched The Predator—not the classic one with Schwarzenegger, but the confusing 2018 sequel that somehow ended up in my Netflix queue. The film tries to tackle neurodiversity, with a young autistic boy at the heart of the story. Tries... and mostly fails.

The kid is smart, often overwhelmed, and largely misunderstood by the adults around him. And yes, the film hints that his autism makes him special—even evolutionary. But in the end, he's reduced to a narrative device. A MacGuffin. It feels tacked on and shallow.

It made me reflect on my own writing. In my fantasy novel, there's a young deaf character named Brendan. He's the brother of my main character, Tighe. And after watching The Predator, I realized just how important it is to get his role right. Not just for the plot. But for who he is.

Here’s what I’m aiming for:

  • Brendan’s deafness isn’t a gimmick.

  • His difference makes him essential to the resolution.

  • The story wouldn’t work without him.

  • He brings a unique strength, not a weakness.

Representation matters. But only when it’s meaningful.

🎧 Curious to hear how a gory alien movie made me rethink character development in my novel? Tune in to the full episode.


Ever notice how a great film or television show can linger in your mind long after the credits roll? There’s often something more happening beneath the surface, a resonance that feels almost spiritual. Story Secrets is where we pull on those threads. Hosted by Fr. Roderick Vonhögen, this podcast sits at a unique crossroads, weaving together discussions on faith, popular culture, and pure entertainment. Each episode takes a familiar story-whether from a beloved movie, a gripping TV series, or even a timeless tale-and gently uncovers the themes of meaning, purpose, and humanity hidden within. You won’t find dry lectures here; instead, Fr. Roderick brings a conversational and insightful perspective, revealing how narratives we enjoy in our leisure time can unexpectedly illuminate deeper questions about life, virtue, and connection. It’s for anyone who loves a good story and has ever wondered why it sticks with them. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful friend for a coffee after seeing a fantastic film, where the conversation naturally drifts from plot points to the profound. You’ll come away with a richer appreciation for the craft of storytelling and, perhaps, a new lens through which to view your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Story Secrets
Podcast Episodes
Story Secrets - Cooking Monsters and Exorcising Spirits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:32
Editing my footage from the Elfia fantasy fair feels like stepping into a time machine. It’s freezing outside, but watching those warm, sunny September days again? Pure joy. Events like these are more than just fun—they…
Story Secrets - Review Of The Movie 'Carry-On' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:55
Not so long ago, my friends recommended a movie that had been sitting on my Netflix homepage forever: Carry On. At the time, I scrolled past it, thinking, Eh, maybe later. But when they described it as a non-stop, old-sc…
Story Secrets - Is Mara Jade Finally Coming to Star Wars Canon? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:31
When Disney took over Star Wars, they wiped out the entire Expanded Universe, leaving fans heartbroken. Years of novels, comics, and games—gone, or rather, rebranded as Legends. While some elements have slowly crept back…
Story Secrets - "Fantasy Helps Us Discover Our Own World" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:22
It’s Fantasy Friday, and I’ve got two things for you: an inspiring interview with fantasy author and illustrator Robin Rozendal and an update on my own fantasy novel. Meet Robin Rozendal: I met Robin at the Fantasy Festi…
Story Secrets - Severance Season 2: Does It Live Up to the Hype? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:55
If you’ve been holding your breath for Severance Season 2, exhale—it’s here, and it’s absolutely worth the wait. I’m Father Roderick, a priest and a geek, and today I’m diving into why this mind-bending series is still o…
Story Secrets - Fantastic Four & the Rise of Retro Heroes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:43
You’ve probably heard the talk: "Superhero fatigue is real." With some recent Marvel and DC projects underperforming, it's easy to see why. But hold on—there’s a fresh wave of superhero content that might just change the…
Story Secrets - Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot: What We Know So Far [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:07
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is making a comeback. No, this isn’t just another reboot announcement—we actually have some fresh details about the new series, and they’re worth talking about. The big news? Sarah Michelle Gella…
Story Secrets - "We Needed Children’s Books To Recover" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:19
Some stories stay with you long after you close the book. Some characters feel so real that their struggles, triumphs, and losses affect you deeply—even if they’re entirely fictional. I recently spoke with authors Anaïd…