When it comes to Stanley Kubrick, there’s just no way of really understanding just what all of his films might have been subtly inferring—the guy was a directorial genius. 2001: A Space Odyssey alone is worth years and years of studying (the true Kubrick cinephiles know!). And in this latest 9-part not-your-average documentary directed by Rodney Ascher, you’ll learn about some pretty heavy-hitting theories thought up by some obsessed Kubrick scholars who’ve been speculating since the first time they saw The Shining in theaters 30 years ago.

There are many underlying themes that have been otherwise overlooked in The Shining (like down to the very posters hanging in the hotel room) that have to do with A) Kubrick quite possibly having something to do with the United States government’s fake rendition of the Apollo moon landing, B) maybe the whole horror film really is just a metaphor for the Holocaust, and let’s not forget C) how secretly pissed Stephen King must have been to learn Kubrick was totally disregarding his story altogether almost purposefully, just because you know, he could.

The commentators are enjoyable to listen to as they speculate, and at times the footage of their conversations are pretty funny. And who knows, really? I mean, the movie creates a world within itself because none of this could ever be proven factually. But there’s no doubt after seeing Room 237 you’ll be left wondering about The Shining‘s horror that’s just oh so lovable and gory (not to mention, Jack Nicholson in his prime).

(photo via Room 237 Movie)