Dark Discussions Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dark Discussions Podcast
The reborn DC Universe unfurled its bright new cape with Superman (2025), a cinematic sunrise announcing the start of a fresh era. Tucked inside that film was a fleeting shimmer of Supergirl herself—just enough to hint that she and her loyal cosmic pup Krypto were about to leap from cameo to center stage. And leap they did: Supergirl (2026) arrived as a starry origin tale for one of DC’s most enduring icons, a heroine who has already lived many lives across movies and a six‑season TV triumph from 2016 to 2021. This newest adventure draws its inspiration—loosely, boldly—from Tom King’s acclaimed and occasionally eyebrow‑raising eight‑issue saga Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
From IMDB comes the tale’s beating heart: “Kara Zor‑El, aka Supergirl, joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice when an unexpected adversary strikes too close to home.” It’s a quest that stretches across the stars, stitched together with equal parts fury, hope, and cosmic dust.
Guided by producers James Gunn and Peter Safran, shaped by newcomer Ana Nogueira’s script, and steered by director Craig Gillespie, Supergirl brings Milly Alcock soaring into the titular role. She’s joined by Jason Momoa swaggering through space as Lobo, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, and a blink‑and‑smile cameo from David Corenswet. Critics were divided, influencers debated, audiences approved—and now your cohosts strap on their jetpacks to explore the latest chapter of the DCU and share what they discovered among the stars.
Once upon a gloriously grim time, a band of fearless amateur filmmakers gathered in the woods and conjured a monster: the Evil Dead film series. Sam Raimi seized the director’s spellbook, Bruce Campbell strapped on his boomstick, and together they unleashed three deliriously chaotic adventures that became cult treasures. As the decades rolled on, Raimi passed the torch to new sorcerers of cinema, each trusted to summon fresh horrors. And now, in 2026, the latest incantation—Evil Dead Burn—has erupted onto theater screens, drawing fans like moths to a demonic flame.
From IMDB comes the tale whispered in the shadows: “After the loss of her husband, a woman seeks solace with her in-laws. As one by one they transform into deadites, she comes to discover that the vows she took in life—survive even in death.” It’s a story stitched with grief, dread, and the kind of family reunion only the Evil Dead could make hilariously horrifying.
Guided by French filmmaker Sébastien Vanicek—whose insect‑infested nightmare Infested (2023) still crawls through viewers’ memories—the film was co-written with his longtime collaborator Florent Bernard. The cast, including Souheila Yacoub, Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, Tandi Wright, Erroll Shand, and Maude Davey, dives headfirst into the carnage. Early watchers whisper that the movie is gloriously gory and savagely brutal, carrying the torch of French Extreme horror straight into American theaters. And now your cohosts, having braved the cinematic bloodbath themselves, return from the darkness to share what they found lurking inside.
Steven Spielberg’s long‑standing obsession with extraterrestrials has practically become its own cinematic signature. From the awe‑struck wonder of Close Encounters of the Third Kind to the tender magic of E.T., from the apocalyptic terror of War of the Worlds to the pulpy alien chaos tucked inside Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, he’s spent decades gazing upward and asking what might be looking back. Now, in 2026, he returns to that cosmic frontier with a new film crafted alongside his longtime collaborator, legendary filmmaker and screenwriter David Koepp.
IMDB offers only a single, enigmatic provocation: “If you found out we weren’t alone—if someone showed you, proved it to you—would that frighten you?” It’s a tease that reveals almost nothing, a whisper of a premise designed to stir curiosity rather than satisfy it. Spielberg has always loved mystery, and here he leans into it fully, letting the question hang in the air like a signal from deep space.
What is clear is the strength of the cast. Emily Blunt anchors the film with what early buzz claims may be the most powerful performance of her career. She’s joined by Spielberg regulars Colman Domingo and Eve Hewson, along with Josh O’Connor, Wyatt Russell, and Colin Firth—who reportedly devours every moment he’s given. With an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has landed as a solid, if not earth‑shattering, box office success in Spielberg’s extraterrestrial canon. And now your co‑hosts dive in, exploring the movie’s mysteries and debating whether the Grays finally step out of the shadows and into a podcast pick.
Liam Neeson has spent the last decade dancing between genres like a seasoned circus performer, trading his gravitas‑laden dramatic roots for the gleeful chaos of action mayhem. One moment he’s growling threats into a flip phone, the next he’s wrestling wolves or popping up in a spoof like The Naked Gun. By 2026, he’s added yet another feather to his already overstuffed cap: horror‑comedy. In Cold Storage, Neeson strides into the fray as if he’s been waiting his whole life to battle a government‑bred fungus with a bad attitude.
According to the tale spun on IMDb, a top‑secret lab misplaces a highly dangerous fungus—because of course it does—and suddenly a retired bioterrorism agent is yanked back into service. He teams up with two plucky young employees of a storage facility to face an enemy that can’t be seen, reasoned with, or politely asked to stay in its containment chamber. It’s part zombie romp, part disaster spectacle, and entirely the sort of bureaucratic blunder that makes you wonder who keeps approving these fictional government budgets.
Guided by director Jonny Campbell and penned by screenwriter‑producer David Koepp, the film pairs Neeson with Joe Keery of Stranger Things fame and Georgina Campbell from Barbarian, plus a delightful appearance by Vanessa Redgrave. Released in just over a thousand theaters—including IMAX, for those who prefer their fungal horrors larger than life—the movie crept into cinemas appropriately on Friday the Thirteenth, February 2026, for a limited run. Now your cohosts dive into this quirky creature feature to share their thoughts, their laughs, and perhaps their newfound fear of refrigerated storage units.
Back in the early 1980s, He‑Man and the Masters of the Universe burst onto TV screens like a cosmic smoothie of sci‑fi lasers, barbarian biceps, and Saturday‑morning sugar rush. It was as if someone took a Heavy Metal magazine, scrubbed off the questionable bits, and handed it to kids with a wink. Mattel’s toy line became a treasure chest of plastic glory, and the franchise grew into a pop‑culture hydra—reboots sprouting everywhere, spin‑offs like She‑Ra galloping into battle, and nostalgia clinging to it all like glitter on a convention floor. Fast‑forward to 2026, when Amazon, MGM Studios, and Mattel teamed up to summon a new big‑screen epic: Masters of the Universe, polished, pricey, and ready to reclaim Eternia’s throne.
IMDB offered a delightfully simple tease: a young Earthling discovers he’s actually the heir to an alien kingdom and must retrieve a magic sword to save his cosmic home. It’s the kind of setup that practically begs for swirling portals, destiny‑laden speeches, and at least one dramatic sword‑raising pose. And naturally, the film delivers all of that with gusto.
Directed by Travis Knight from a script shepherded by Chris Butler and a small fellowship of co‑writers, the movie stars Nicholas Galitzine as He‑Man, flanked by Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin, and Jared Leto—who reportedly chews scenery as Skeletor with the enthusiasm of a Saturday‑morning villain who knows he’s the real star. Critics responded with everything from polite nods to warm smiles, while audiences showered it with glowing praise. Yet even with all that cosmic charm, the film stumbled at the box office in what some have dubbed the year the blockbuster lost its spark. Now your co‑hosts strap on their power swords to explore this latest adventure and share their thoughts.
When the House of Mouse scooped up Lucasfilm and the whole shimmering STAR WARS galaxy, fans practically twirled their lightsabers in delight. At long last, the Skywalker saga would get its final trio of tales, and the universe would stretch outward like a hyperspace jump with no end in sight. Then The Mandalorian swaggered onto the scene, and suddenly everyone had a new space-cowboy obsession—plus a tiny green heart‑stealer soon christened Grogu, who promptly became the galaxy’s smallest cultural supernova. But after The Book of Boba Fett and a wobblier third season of The Mandalorian, the shine began to dull, and even the Skywalker finale left many feeling like they’d stepped on a LEGO brick in the dark.
Still, a question hovered in the air like a hologram: did Grogu—and to a slightly lesser degree his helmeted dad—still hold enough goodwill to charm audiences back into theaters? 2026 was set to answer that cosmic riddle with the first STAR WARS film to hit the big screen in seven years: The Mandalorian and Grogu. IMDB summed it up with a wink of simplicity: once a solitary bounty hunter, Din Djarin now ventures into a fresh adventure with his pint‑sized apprentice, ready to stir up trouble, wonder, and probably a few merchandising opportunities.
Jon Favreau directed the film from a script he crafted alongside Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor, assembling a cast that reunited Pedro Pascal while adding Jeremy Allen White and Sigourney Weaver to the mix. Critics offered everything from polite nods to warm applause, while audiences tended to beam a bit brighter—yet the film still struggled to recoup its hefty budget, falling short of the blockbuster hopes Disney had pinned to it. Now your co‑hosts dive into this star‑studded space romp, sharing their thoughts on whether this latest chapter rekindles the magic or simply drifts among the cosmic dust.
Charlize Theron has never been one to shy away from genre mayhem, and by 2026 she’s practically the patron saint of stylish cinematic chaos. From The Devil’s Advocate to Prometheus to Mad Max: Fury Road, she’s battled demons, aliens, and post‑apocalyptic warlords — so naturally her next move was to wander into the Australian wilderness for Netflix’s APEX. Released on April 24th, 2026, it’s the kind of film where you can practically feel the sunburn and existential dread radiating through the screen, and your cohosts have bravely volunteered to trek through it.
Rotten Tomatoes keeps things succinct: “A grieving woman testing her limits in the Australian wilderness is suddenly ensnared in a deadly game with a ruthless predator.” Which is a polite way of saying, “Charlize Theron goes camping and immediately regrets it.” The setup promises equal parts emotional turmoil and tooth‑and‑claw terror — the cinematic equivalent of a nature retreat brochure that forgets to mention the part where something might try to eat you.
Directed by Baltasar Kormákur and written by Jeremy Robbins, APEX also features Taron Egerton, who apparently decided to steal every scene not nailed down. With a budget floating somewhere between $60–$80M USD, critics have been shrugging in polite confusion while audiences shrug a little harder. Joined by actor Dan Lench of MaXXXine fame, your cohosts dive into this survival‑horror outing and share their thoughts — hopefully without getting metaphorically mauled in the process.
Sometimes a movie comes along that refuses to sit neatly in any one box, and COBWEB (2023) is exactly that kid at the genre lunch table — the one stirring their mashed potatoes while whispering, “I’m totally a horror film… probably.” Is it supernatural? Is it psychological? Is it just your imagination tapping politely on the wall at 3 a.m.? No one seems to know, and your co‑hosts certainly don’t pretend to. They’re just along for the ride, clutching their popcorn and questioning their life choices.
Rotten Tomatoes offers a synopsis that is equal parts spooky and “should we call someone?”: eight‑year‑old Peter keeps hearing a mysterious tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall, which his parents insist is nothing but his imagination. Naturally, as Peter’s fear grows, he begins to suspect that Mom and Dad — played by Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr — might be hiding a terrible secret. And honestly, for a child, what’s more terrifying than realizing your parents might be the real monsters? Forget ghosts; try explaining that at show‑and‑tell.
Directed by Samuel Bodin and written by Chris Thomas Devlin (yes, the same mind behind Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022), the film stars Lizzy Caplan, Cleopatra Coleman, Antony Starr, and young Woody Norman. Critics were split, audiences were slightly kinder, and the box office… well, the box office politely declined, with the movie earning under $8M on a $10M budget. But financial success isn’t everything — sometimes a film is just weird enough, creepy enough, and ambiguous enough to earn a cult following. Your co‑hosts dive into this odd little cinematic riddle and share their thoughts, tapping gently on the walls of the plot to see what answers fall out.
So here it is at last: the sequel, the fourth entry, the cinematic cousin twice removed — 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (2026). Whereas its predecessor strutted into theaters and made off with a tidy profit, The Bone Temple stumbled in, tripped over its own shoelaces, and spilled popcorn everywhere. Whether it was secretly brilliant or just misunderstood, the numbers don’t lie: $58.5M earned on a $63M budget. In Hollywood terms, that’s the equivalent of showing up to a potluck with an empty casserole dish and hoping no one notices. A flop it was.
IMDB offers a plot description so brief it feels like it was written on a Post‑it: “As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.” Short, sweet, and suspiciously vague — like the cinematic equivalent of someone whispering, “Trust me, it’ll make sense later,” while backing slowly into the shadows. But hey, sometimes mystery is part of the charm, or at least part of the marketing.
And was it actually a great film, despite audiences collectively deciding to stay home and alphabetize their spice racks instead? Well, it was directed by Nia DaCosta, working from a script by the ever‑brilliant Alex Garland, which is already a promising cocktail. Jack O’Connell throws himself into a gloriously unhinged role, only to be effortlessly overshadowed by Ralph Fiennes, who returns as the enigmatic doctor and proceeds to act like he’s in a much better movie — which, according to critics, he might have been. Your cohosts dive into this critically adored, commercially ignored entry in the franchise and share their thoughts, with all the enthusiasm of people who definitely did not skip it in theaters.
Sometimes a book-to-film adaptation tiptoes onto the big screen and politely asks for your attention — and then there’s THE HOUSEMAID, which in late 2025 kicked down the door, winked at the audience, and became a runaway hit. What began as a novel marketed squarely to women suddenly transformed into a blockbuster for, well, anyone over 18 with a taste for psychological chaos and Sydney Sweeney giving the camera that “I know something you don’t” stare. Amanda Seyfried joined the party, too, because why not make things even more deliciously unhinged.
IMDB sums it up with admirable restraint: Millie, a struggling young woman, becomes a live‑in maid for a wealthy couple, Nina and Andrew, and promptly finds herself in a mansion stuffed with secrets, manipulation, and psychological games. In other words, it’s less “dust the shelves” and more “try not to get emotionally vaporized by your employers.” The house itself practically deserves its own billing — every hallway feels like it’s whispering, “Turn back now,” but of course Millie does not.
Directed by Paul Feig — yes, the same Paul Feig who gave us Bridesmaids and apparently woke up one day and chose psychological warfare — and written for the screen by Rebecca Sonnenshine, the film also stars Brandon Sklenar as the male lead who may or may not be part of the problem (spoiler: he is). With a modest $35M budget and a swaggering $400M box‑office haul, the movie charmed critics, thrilled audiences, and probably made Freida McFadden, the author of the novel, do a very happy victory lap. Now your cohosts dive into the madness and share their thoughts, hopefully without getting pulled into any dangerous relationship dynamics themselves.
No one has ever accused Mel Gibson of being unable to play an action hero, and HUNTING SEASON (2025) seems determined to underline that point with a thick, permanent marker. This time around, he’s a quiet, off‑the‑grid dad living in a rural town where the most exciting thing should be the annual bake sale. But when his daughter stumbles upon a mysterious, half‑dead woman on their wooded property, the universe apparently decides it’s time to flip the “chaos” switch to ON.
IMDb sums it up with: “When a reclusive survivalist and his daughter rescue a mysterious, wounded woman from a river, they become entangled in a deadly web of violence and revenge, forcing them to confront a brutal criminal to survive.” In other words, it’s your classic tale of “I just wanted to be left alone, but fate delivered a plot twist to my doorstep,” complete with danger, vengeance, and the kind of criminal you definitely don’t invite to Thanksgiving.
Written by Adam Hampton and directed by RJ Collins, the film stars Gibson alongside Sofia Hublitz of OZARK fame and Shelly Hennig from UNFRIENDED. Despite a limited theatrical release, the movie has earned a warm reception from both critics and audiences—proof that sometimes all you need is a grizzled hero, a perilous forest, and a dash of revenge. Your cohosts at Dark Discussions Podcast dive into Gibson’s latest adventure and share their thoughts on this wilderness‑flavored thriller.
For the second week in a row, we find ourselves wading back into the cinematic swamp of “animals who have absolutely had it with humans.” This time, the creature feature du jour is THRASH (2026), a Netflix exclusive that once lounged around Sony’s living room before being scooped up by the streaming giant. It splashed onto VOD on April 10th, 2026, and to the shock of absolutely no one, it feels a bit like déjà vu of CRAWL (2019)—only someone swapped the alligator for sharks, as if playing a very chaotic round of ecological Mad Libs.
According to IMDb, the plot goes something like: “When a Category 5 hurricane decimates a coastal town, the storm surge brings devastation, chaos and something far more frightening: hungry sharks.” In other words, Mother Nature looked at the disaster movie genre and said, “You know what this needs? Teeth.” The film comes courtesy of Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola—yes, the mastermind behind DEAD SNOW and VIOLENT NIGHT—who clearly woke up one morning and chose aquatic violence.
The cast boasts Phoebe Dynevor, Whitney Peak, Djimon Hounsou, Matt Nable, and more brave souls willing to pretend they’re being hunted by CGI fins. Reviews have ranged from “eh” to “please no,” but Netflix has been promoting it with the enthusiasm of a proud parent whose child just ate an entire crayon. Luckily, your cohosts are joined by actor Dan Lench (CIRCLE, MAXXXINE, THE LURKING MAN) to dive into this toothy tempest of nature‑gone‑wild horror.
There exists a surprisingly robust tribe of moviegoers who will cheerfully watch a dozen humans meet their doom on screen but will immediately clutch their pearls if so much as a fictional hamster looks nervous. Humans? Expendable. Animals? Absolutely not. But toss that rulebook out the window the moment the creature in question is the one doing the terrorizing. Suddenly, it’s all popcorn and delighted shrieks. Enter the newest entry in the “animals behaving very, very badly” cinematic universe: the 2026 horror romp PRIMATE.
According to IMDb, the plot is “A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival.” Which is a polite way of saying: paradise goes sideways, things get bitey, and no one is getting their flight fare back. It’s a tidy little summary that tells you everything and nothing at the same time—like a fortune cookie written by someone who really loves creature features.
Directed and co-written by Johannes Roberts—yes, the same mastermind behind 47 Meters Down, the movie that convinced half the planet to avoid the ocean—PRIMATE stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Victoria Wyant, and a cast of humans who presumably regret taking tropical vacations forever. Despite glowing reviews and a box office that shrieked louder than its title character, the film nearly skipped theaters entirely and was destined for a quiet VOD life. The Dark Discussions Podcast crew dives into whether that would’ve been a tragedy, a mercy, or simply the natural order of things when dealing with murderous wildlife on the big screen.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.
The untimely passing of Nicholas Brendon left BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER fans feeling as though a familiar light had flickered unexpectedly. Appearing in nearly every episode, he became a beloved presence — the kind of character who could make you laugh even when the Hellmouth was doing its worst. His charm, warmth, and unmistakable wit made him a fan favorite, and his absence is felt deeply by those who followed his work.
To honor his memory, the award‑nominated Dark Discussions Podcast is turning its attention to one of the most intriguing films in his career: COHERENCE (2013). It’s a movie where a simple dinner party becomes a cosmic puzzle box, and reality behaves like it’s had one too many glasses of wine. IMDB describes it as a night when a passing comet triggers a chain of reality‑bending events among eight unsuspecting friends — a premise that feels tailor‑made for Brendon’s blend of grounded humor and emotional nuance.
Written and directed by James Ward Byrkit, the film stars Brendon alongside Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, Elizabeth Gracen, Hugo Armstrong, and Lauren Maher. Celebrated by critics and audiences alike, this hidden gem is both an actor’s playground and a screenwriter’s delight. Your co‑hosts revisit the film with admiration, exploring its clever twists while paying heartfelt tribute to Nicholas Brendon and the memorable artistry he brought to the screen.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE
Podcasting is usually a harmless hobby—just you, a mic, and the comforting illusion that strangers on the internet care about your opinions. But in the 2026 horror flick KAT CRIME: TALES OF THE OCCULT, podcasting becomes a one‑way ticket to “absolutely not.” Our heroine and her old schoolmate‑turned‑neighbor dive deep into occult crimes, disappearances, and unsolved murders for their show. Naturally, in true horror‑movie fashion, they dig a little too deep. And despite the title, this is no cozy Nancy Drew caper, nor is it a found‑footage gimmick. This is full‑throttle horror with a podcasting garnish.
IMDB sums it up with a flourish: “An aspiring true‑crime YouTuber investigating an occult‑linked disappearance gains exclusive access to a reclusive witch coven—only to discover that belief itself may be the most dangerous weapon of all.” Which is a polite way of saying: curiosity may not kill the cat, but it certainly puts Kat in a very questionable situation.
Written and directed by Jerry Artukovich, the film stars Christina Colgan as Kat, with Kyla Nova stealing scenes as Deana, her partner in podcasting peril. Early reviews have been kind, suggesting this small‑budget chiller might just stand out in the ever‑crowded horror buffet. So the question becomes: does it cast a spell strong enough to rise above the noise? Your Dark Discussions cohosts are ready to press play and find out.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
When a spirited squad of Filipinas flies off to Chile for a bachelorette blowout, the plan is simple: sun on their skin, drinks in hand, and not a single worry beyond which bikini matches the day’s vibe. Unfortunately for them—and delightfully for horror fans—this is no ordinary getaway. The universe has a habit of turning girls’ trips into cautionary tales, and BEST SERVED COLD (2026) is more than ready to stir trouble into the vacation cocktail.
IMDB offers a delightfully blunt teaser: “Two best friends on a food tour in Chile discover a remote resort run by cannibals.” What it politely avoids mentioning is the most important detail: who exactly is being served, and how fast can one run in flip‑flops? The film wastes no time turning culinary curiosity into a full‑blown nightmare, with friendship, fear, and questionable menu items all simmering together.
Directed by Richard Somes, the movie stars Elisse Joson as Gwen, the glowing bride‑to‑be, and Alexa Miro as Moira, her fiercely loyal partner in pre‑wedding mischief. Somes channels the gritty charm of 1970s Filipino exploitation cinema, delivering a tight 90‑minute ride that blends grindhouse grit with a dash of mainstream sheen. Whether it satisfies midnight‑movie cravings while still appealing to broader audiences is exactly what Dark Discussions sets out to explore.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.
Robert Duvall’s passing marks the end of an era for American cinema. Few actors have carved out a career as rich or as enduring: seven Academy Award nominations, a filmography that spans generations, and a legacy built on performances that helped define some of the greatest films ever made. His body of work stands as a testament to a performer who brought quiet intensity and emotional precision to every role, no matter the scale.
While Duvall was not often associated with genre filmmaking, one early entry in his career remains a fascinating outlier: George Lucas’s debut feature, the 1971 stark and enigmatic THX 1138. The film, adapted from Lucas’s student project, unfolds in a sterile 25th‑century dystopia where citizens are known only by alphanumeric codes. Its premise, as summarized by IMDb, follows “a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, [who] rebel against their rigidly controlled society,” setting the stage for a haunting exploration of identity and autonomy.
In this minimalist, oppressive world, Duvall delivers a performance that is both fragile and riveting, portraying a man slowly unraveling under the weight of enforced conformity. Joined by Donald Pleasence and guided by a script co‑written by Lucas and sound‑design pioneer Walter Murch, Duvall anchors the film with a quiet desperation that lingers long after the credits roll. As fans and critics reflect on his extraordinary career, revisiting THX 1138 offers a striking reminder of the depth and versatility that made Robert Duvall one of cinema’s most enduring talents.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.
A family curse is all fun and games until it decides you’re next on the list, which is exactly the kind of cheery scenario DEATH NAME (2026) strolls into. The film leans into that unsettling “no escape” vibe—because apparently moving, praying, or Googling “how to break generational hexes” won’t help you here. Spells fizzle, geography is irrelevant, and denial only works until the curse taps you on the shoulder. It’s a rough setup, but a deliciously eerie one.
According to IMDb, the story follows a young Korean American woman who innocently tries to learn more about her heritage—because what could possibly go wrong with a little cultural curiosity? Quite a lot, as it turns out. The deeper she digs, the more she stirs up a deadly family curse that really should’ve stayed in the attic with the dusty photo albums and that one aunt’s questionable kimchi recipe.
Directed by the single-named and mysteriously stylish Réi, with a screenplay by Regina Kim, the film stars Amy Keum as Sophie Park, supported by Vana Kim, Kevin Woo, and Alice Bang. It’s a lineup that pairs nicely with Korean BBQ, kimchi, and a cold Cass beer—ideal snacks while your co-hosts dive into this new Tubi original and try not to wonder whether their families have been hiding any curses of their own.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.
Few horror novels have embedded themselves in the public imagination quite like Stephen King’s The Shining. A bestseller upon release and still one of King’s most recognizable works, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling. What no one expected, however, was that the notoriously meticulous Stanley Kubrick would take the reins—and bring Jack Nicholson along for the ride. The result is a film that has since carved out its place in cinema history as one of the genre’s towering achievements.
IMDB distills the premise succinctly: “A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter, where a sinister presence influences the father into violence. At the same time, his psychic son sees horrifying forebodings from both the past and the future.” It’s a simple setup, but Kubrick’s execution transformed it into a labyrinth of dread, symbolism, and psychological unraveling that continues to inspire analysis decades later.
That enduring fascination was on full display recently when The Shining was pitted against fourteen other contenders in a listener poll on the Dark Discussions Podcast Facebook group. The film emerged victorious, earning the spotlight for the show’s milestone 700th episode. In celebration, the hosts revisit Kubrick’s icy masterpiece—its legacy, its mysteries, and its place not just in horror, but in the broader canon of American filmmaking.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.
Retro‑cinema may not be full‑blown faux‑grindhouse, but NIGHT OF THE REAPER (2025) absolutely revels in its throwback slasher DNA. This is a film where a masked killer doesn’t just stalk victims—he psychologically toys with them, records the whole ordeal, and then thoughtfully distributes his “content” to the town police chief and local high schoolers like some deranged community‑outreach program. It’s nostalgia, but with extra blood pressure.
IMDb lays out the setup with admirable calm: “College student Deena visits home and is roped into babysitting. The local sheriff is mailed a piece of evidence and is led on a scavenger hunt to reveal the killer of another babysitter.” Translation: Deena’s weekend plans are about to go spectacularly sideways, and the sheriff is stuck playing the world’s least fun escape‑room challenge—one clue at a time, courtesy of a murderer with a flair for arts and crafts.
Directed by Brandon Christensen and co‑written with Ryan Christensen, the film unleashes Jessica Clement, Ryan Robbins, Summer H. Howell, and a handful of other unlucky souls into the path of the Reaper’s escalating theatrics. As the slashing ramps up, survival becomes a group project no one signed up for. Your co‑hosts dive into this fresh slice of retro‑horror mayhem and share exactly what they make of its masked‑man antics.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.
Stranded on a speck of land barely big enough for your own shadow, you find yourself at a lonely lighthouse that seems to breathe with its own moods—sometimes brooding, sometimes whispering, sometimes downright unsettling. But what if the creaking beams and flickering lantern light aren’t the scariest things out there? What if something older, darker, and decidedly supernatural has been waiting in the mist all along? That’s the deliciously eerie setup of Amazon’s brand new 2026 release, BENEATH THE LIGHT, a film that turns isolation into an invitation for the uncanny.
At the heart of the story is Jacob, who accepts a job at this remote lighthouse with the innocent hope of reconnecting with a childhood friend. Instead, he’s greeted by strange happenings that twist his sense of reality and tug at the frayed edges of his memory. As he navigates anxiety, half‑remembered truths, and the creeping sense that the island is watching him, he unexpectedly finds romance—and an even more unexpected connection with the lighthouse’s enigmatic owner. It’s part mystery, part psychological spiral, part tender human story, all wrapped in fog and flickering lantern glow.
The film springs from the mind of writer‑director John Baumgartner, brought to life by a cast that includes Zach Tinker, John Pyper‑Ferguson, and Ana Nicolle Chavez. After charming and spooking its way through the festival circuit—earning glowing praise along the way—it was scooped up by Amazon as a Prime exclusive. Now your co‑hosts dive into this freshly released gem, ready to unravel its secrets, celebrate its surprises, and share exactly what they think lurks beneath the light.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A found‑footage fever dream wrapped in a faux‑documentary bow, THE HEM (2025) drags viewers deep into the heart of Fort Worth, Texas—where the festivals are lively, the locals are chatty, and the abandoned churches apparently come with their own PR restrictions. What begins as a simple “talk to anyone with a pulse” documentary shoot quickly derails the moment the crew utters the wrong three words: haunted. collapsing. church. Suddenly, interviews dry up faster than a Texas creek in August, and the filmmakers find themselves chasing a story no one wants to touch.
IMDb sums it up neatly: “A documentary crew investigates a haunted church on the verge of collapse with one condition: they must be out by dark.” Which, of course, is exactly the kind of condition that guarantees they will not be out by dark. The setup practically begs for shaky cameras, ominous whispers, and at least one moment where someone insists, confidently and incorrectly, that everything is fine.
Written and directed by Tyler Russell and shot on location in Fort Worth, the film features Rani Alowairdi, Terri Merritt Bennett, Ryan Bijan, and a supporting cast who look convincingly terrified to be anywhere near that church. Now that it’s out on streaming, the question becomes whether this entry in the found‑footage canon brings anything fresh to the genre or simply adds another creepy church to the cinematic map. Your co‑hosts dive into the dust, dread, and documentary chaos to share their thoughts.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
With March 2026 already in full swing, the moment feels ripe—if just a touch belated—to cast our eyes toward the cinematic horizon and take stock of what the year promises. The landscape ahead is a sprawling mix of theatrical releases, video‑on‑demand debuts, and those ever‑reliable genre offerings destined to make their first appearance on disc. Looking back, 2025 proved to be an unexpectedly strong year for horror and genre cinema, delivering a surprising number of standout titles and a higher-than-usual concentration of hidden treasures. Yet even with that momentum, 2026 seems poised to outshine its predecessor, with a slate that feels unusually rich, varied, and ambitious. Add to that the return of several acclaimed genre‑leaning television series, and the year begins to look like a feast for fans of the strange, the suspenseful, and the supernatural.
As always, Dark Discussions steps forward to survey the terrain with a blend of curiosity and enthusiasm. Our annual tradition continues: sifting through the release calendar, spotlighting the heavy hitters that will dominate conversations, and shining a light on the quieter, quirkier projects that might otherwise slip beneath the radar. The big studio tentpoles and prestige horror entries naturally demand attention, but part of the thrill lies in discovering the unexpected—the films with modest profiles that may, by December, be the ones we’re still talking about. Genre cinema has a long history of producing masterpieces from the margins, and this year’s lineup suggests that lightning may strike again.
In the months ahead, we’ll be tracking everything from long‑anticipated sequels to bold original visions, from festival darlings to direct‑to‑disc curiosities that could turn out to be genuine revelations. Whether you’re drawn to atmospheric slow burns, creature features, psychological thrillers, or blood‑pumping action‑horror hybrids, 2026 appears ready to deliver something worth savoring. Dark Discussions invites you to join us as we explore what’s coming, what’s promising, and what might just become essential viewing by the time the year draws to a close.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.
Clowns may be the giggling darlings of birthday parties and big tops, but drop them into a horror movie and suddenly the greasepaint feels a lot less whimsical. Pennywise and Art the Clown have already proven that nothing kills childhood nostalgia faster than a toothy grin and a blood-soaked prop. Now joining this illustrious lineage of nightmare fuel is SUPER HAPPY FUN CLOWN (2026), a film whose title sounds like a Saturday‑morning cartoon but whose content absolutely does not.
According to IMDb, the story follows “a battered former wunderkind” who decides that if life won’t give her a spotlight, she’ll carve one out herself—armed with an obsession for clowning, serial killers, and classic movie monsters. It’s a premise that practically begs for chaos, and the film gleefully obliges, turning self‑reinvention into a full‑blown spree of technicolor infamy.
Helmed by Patrick Rea—yes, the same mind behind They Wait in the Dark—and written by Eric Winkler, the film stars Jennifer Seward as the world’s least huggable clown. She’s joined by Nicole Hall, Matt Leisy, and Deborah Madick, whose turn as a mother‑gone‑bad is unsettling enough to make you call your own mom just to check in. Your co‑hosts dive into this freshly unboxed 2026 release and share exactly what they make of its twisted circus.
A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.
As we find ourselves already drifting through the heart of February 2026, the whirlwind of 2025 has slipped quietly into the rearview mirror, leaving behind a year brimming with cinematic curiosities, triumphs, and missteps. With the turning of the calendar comes the perfect moment to cast a thoughtful gaze backward and revisit the many films—both horror and genre-bending—that sought to thrill, unsettle, or simply bewilder us. Dark Discussions and its devoted co-hosts have once again gathered to sift through the shadows, assembling their annual retrospective to determine whether 2025 stood tall as a banner year for genre cinema or faltered under the weight of its own ambitions.
Each co-host curated a personal selection of films worthy of recommendation, resulting in two distinct collections: one devoted to pure horror and another celebrating the broader realms of speculative fiction. From these individual offerings, the team wove together the definitive Dark Discussions lists—carefully balanced, lovingly debated, and reflective of the year’s most memorable achievements. Familiar titles such as SINNERS and FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES naturally claimed their place, yet the lists also shine a light on quieter gems like RED ROOMS and DROP, films that may have slipped beneath the mainstream radar but lingered in the minds of those who discovered them.
But the celebration doesn’t end with the films themselves. Dark Discussions dives deeper, presenting an array of additional highlights: the most striking and disastrous scenes, the reigning scream queens, the breakout performers who emerged from the shadows, and countless other delights that color the tapestry of the year. With this comprehensive wrap-up, the podcast ties a neat bow around 2025, offering listeners not only reflection but also a treasure trove of titles to seek out, savor, and perhaps even fear.
A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.
Faux‑documentary horror has been lurking around the genre’s basement for years, occasionally creeping upstairs to terrify critics and earn cult‑classic status. Titles like THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES (2007), THE TAKING OF DEBORAH LOGAN (2014), and the ever‑whispered THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (1999) have long held the crown for “films most likely to convince your friend it’s real.” And now, shambling into the spotlight in 2025, comes a new contender with a name that sounds like a farmers’ market gone horribly wrong: STRANGE HARVEST.
According to IMDB, the film follows detectives on the trail of “Mr. Shiny,” a serial killer whose return ushers in a fresh wave of grotesque, possibly cosmic crimes. Because of course—why settle for a run‑of‑the‑mill murderer when you can have one powered by eldritch forces and questionable fashion choices? The premise promises a blend of true‑crime grit and supernatural weirdness, the kind of combo that makes you wonder whether you should turn on a light or just move to a new house entirely.
Written and directed by Stuart Ortiz, STRANGE HARVEST features Peter Zizzo, Terri Apple, and Andy Lauer trying their best to survive both the plot and the documentary‑style lens pointed at them. With reviews already leaning impressively positive, your co‑hosts dive into this unsettling new entry in the genre to see whether it’s a fresh crop worth gathering—or something better left unpicked.
Body horror has always been the unruly cousin at the horror family reunion—the one everyone side‑eyes but can’t stop gossiping about later. David Cronenberg practically built the house this cousin lives in, wallpapered it with viscera, and handed out the keys to generations of filmmakers who gleefully keep the tradition alive. Enter TOGETHER (2025), a film that doesn’t just dip a toe into the subgenre—it cannonballs in, using the human body as both battleground and blunt instrument.
According to IMDb, the story follows Tim and Millie, a couple who decide that moving to the country will fix their relationship—because that always works out well in horror movies. Naturally, instead of fresh air and farmers’ markets, they stumble into an “unnatural force” that threatens not only their love but their very flesh. Nothing says couples therapy like eldritch corruption nibbling at the edges of your anatomy.
Penned and directed by Michael Shanks, TOGETHER stars real‑life spouses Dave Franco and Alison Brie, proving that nothing tests a marriage quite like acting out supernatural bodily doom together. Damon Herriman joins the fun, rounding out a cast that critics have been applauding with gusto. With glowing reviews rolling in, your co‑hosts dive into the film’s squirm‑inducing delights—joined by award‑winning actor Dan Lench, who brings his own flair to the dissection.
A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.
Hello, my lovelies—guess who has crawled back out of the crypt and into your earbuds? That’s right, I’ve returned to the land of podcasting to resurrect the Fishnets and Phantoms Podcast after a hiatus long enough to qualify as its own ghost story. Over a year away, wandering the shadowy realms of Real Life™, but now I’m back to unleash new episodes upon the Dark Discussions News Network once more.
It’s me—podcaster Amy, your horror‑loving hostess who never met a spooky tangent she didn’t adore. I’ve dusted off the mic, lit the ceremonial black candles, and bribed the resident poltergeist to keep quiet while I record. Why? Because I’m finally ready to deliver something deliciously dreadful: a full, fear‑soaked list of the 13 best horror films of 2025.
And let me tell you, 2025 was a wild year for horror. Monsters got weirder, ghosts got sassier, and filmmakers everywhere seemed determined to make sure none of us ever sleep again. I’ve sifted through the jump scares, the psychological spirals, the blood‑splattered artistry, and the “why did I watch this alone at night” regrets to bring you the cream of the creepy crop.
So settle in, dim the lights, and maybe keep a blanket nearby—just in case something decides to tap you on the shoulder while you listen. The countdown is coming, and trust me, these 13 films are worth every shiver.
Pets in horror movies are always a minefield. Audiences will happily watch a dozen hapless humans get yeeted into the void, but the second a golden retriever whimpers ominously, everyone’s suddenly a film critic with strong moral objections. Enter GOOD BOY (2025), a movie that clearly looked at that emotional weak spot and said, “Yes… let’s poke it.”
But instead of serving up another tragic pet casualty, this film flips the script. The star isn’t the doomed sidekick—it’s the dog himself. We experience the creeping dread through the eyes of Indy, a very good boy trying to make sense of the weird, possibly supernatural nonsense infesting his owner’s isolated old house. Think The Conjuring, but with more sniffing and a better protagonist.
IMDB sums it up like this:
“A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.”
Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Alex Cannon, the film proudly features Indy the dog as its leading actor—finally, a performer who doesn’t need CGI to convey raw emotion. Shane Jensen and Arielle Friedman round out the human cast, presumably doing their best to keep up with their four‑legged co-star.
Your co-hosts dive into this canine-centric creep-fest and share their thoughts on whether GOOD BOY earns a treat… or needs to go back outside.
A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.
New Year’s resolutions hit everyone differently. Some people vow to slim down, shake up their love life, chase a new career, or finally finish that long‑abandoned project. Others aim for something a little more fun. Co‑host Mike admitted he’s been sitting on a mountain of genre films he’s never seen, so we figured—why not turn that into our annual tradition? Each co‑host picked a genre title they’d always meant to watch, dove in, and came back ready to talk about it.
This year’s cinematic spread is a wild one: Lucio Fulci’s 1981 Lovecraft‑soaked nightmare The HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY, the 2015 supernatural noir HE NEVER DIED, the 2025 festival‑favorite EDGAR ALLEN POE’S THE OVAL PORTRAIT, HBO Max’s electrifying STRANGER THINGS Season 4, and the scrappy, sci‑fi‑comedy debut from John Carpenter and Dan O’Bannon, DARK STAR.
As we kick off another year of deep dives and dark delights, Dark Discussions wishes all our listeners a fantastic 2026. A special shout‑out goes to our Patreon supporters—new faces and longtime friends alike. We’d love to hear which unseen films you’re planning to tackle this year. Drop us a line at darkdiscussions@aol.com and share your picks.
A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.
Back in 2009, James Cameron made a film that changed the way to make movies. That film was called AVATAR which was nominated for multiple awards and became the top grossing film of all time. After returning to the series in 2022 with AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER, which also became a top 10 box office film of all time, he's back with the third in the series entitled AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (2025).
From IMBD: "Jake and Neytiri's family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges."
The movie brings back the main characters from the prior two films, and the entire Na'vi people, but builds on the world with an introduction to the Ash People (known as the Mangkwan), and their leader. Receiving fabulous reviews from audiences at a whopping 90% approval, your co-hosts take a look at the latest in the AVATAR franchise and give their thoughts.
Pete Davidson, the comedian, actor, and tabloid personality, has become an A-lister having been on Saturday Night Live for years. Now he's breaking out doing standup and films. His latest film is the psychological horror movie, THE HOME (2025).
From IMDB: "Follows Max, who realizes that the residents and caretakers in the retirement home he started working at hide sinister secrets."
THE HOME was directed and co-written by James DeMonaco who wrote and directed the first three THE PURGE films, and wrote the remainder. THE HOME stars Pete Davidson along with Bruce Altman, John Glover, among others. Though receiving mixed reviews, the movie has gained somewhat of a cult following. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.
Twenty-eight years after the Rage virus first tore through the UK, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to the franchise that redefined zombie horror. 28 Years Later picks up on a remote island where survivors have carved out a fragile existence, only to be drawn back into the mainland’s quarantine zone—where secrets fester and the infected aren’t the only threat. With a cast led by Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, the film dives deep into the psychological toll of survival, the ethics of containment, and the terrifying evolution of humanity itself.
Join the crew as we dissect the film’s themes of isolation and resurgence, compare it to its predecessors (28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later), and debate whether this third installment delivers on its legacy—or simply mutates it. We also explore the film’s visual grit, Young Fathers’ haunting score, and the implications of a new trilogy in the making.
So grab your hazmat suit and tune in—because the Rage virus isn’t done with us yet.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.
The Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael, of Australia hit it big with the horror film TALK TO ME (2022). That film received rave reviews, had a mainstream feel, and made a lot of money for its budget at the theaters. Now they are back with their latest horror effort, BRING HER BACK (2025).
From RottenTomatoes: “A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.”
The movie stars in an absolutely fabulous performance by Sally Hawkins, and includes a cast of Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, and Jonah Wren Phillips. Just like TALK TO ME, the film has received rave reviews. And yet, it is more arthouse and most certainly won’t be for everyone. Your co-hosts take a look at the brothers’ follow up film and give their thoughts.
Zombie films seem to have found their place in cinema. After a breakout back in the early 2000’s, an over saturation almost killed off the genre. But one thing is that if you are an independent filmmaker, it is one of the best types of films to attempt. The new film ZOMBIECON, VOL. 1 (2025) is one of them and has received some good buzz.
From IMDB: “A group of cosplaying friends trigger a zombie apocalypse and are forced to traverse a zombie-infested Los Angeles to save their loved one.”
The film is directed by Kyle Valle, and co-written by Valle along with stars Erin Aine and Manny Luke. Besides Aine and Luke, the films cast includes Punkie Johnson, Christian Casillas, Carlo Mendez, and Nichole McAuley. Though having mixed reviews, the film has gained somewhat of a cult following because of its cosplay aspect. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.
The iconic character Red Sonja first appeared as a character called Red Sonya of Rogatino by author Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan. Many years later she appeared as a barbarian warrior in 1973 in Marvel Comics. Today her story continues in the comics by Dynamite and has a dedicated following. A new movie, simply titled RED SONJA (2025), is now out. With a short run at theaters, it is now available to rent.
From RottenTomatoes: “Captured. Chained. Forced to fight for survival. Red Sonja must battle her way through the blood-soaked pits of a tyrant’s empire and rally an army of outcasts to reclaim her freedom and take down Dragan and his ruthless bride, Dark Annisia.
Directed by MJ Bassett and written by Tasha Huo, the international cast includes Matilda Lutz as Red Sonja, and also Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan, and Luca Pasqualino. A passion project by Bassett and Huo, the film has actually received positive reviews for a limited budget epic. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.
Zach Cregger has become a different voice in film. His first big break was the movie BARBARIAN (2022) which had a unique flair to it as it stretched between being grounded (and even message bringing) to over the top grindhouse. Now in 2025 his latest film, WEAPONS, has arrived and is it a great follow up or not?
From IMDB: When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.
WEAPONS is directed and written by Zach Cregger. The cast includes an ensemble cast including Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreidch, and Benedict Wong. With a budget of $38M USD and earned an amazing $268M USD while receiving great reviews. Your co-hosts take a look at Cregger’s latest and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.
Home invasion films can be some of the most frightening movies of the horror genre. When strangers enter your house and then begin to do psychological and physical harm to the residents, it can be a harrowing experience for the audience. There is a new entry to this subgenre called the quite appropriate title of EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE.
From IMDB: “An entrepreneur is attempting to reconnect with his daughter on her Birthday. The party is interrupted and they are taken hostage by two masked female robbers who appear to have real problems with the Patriarchy.”
EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE was directed by Craig Tuohy from his own script. The cast is led by Jaime Winstone and includes Chiara D’Anna, Brad Moore, among others. Receiving mixed reviews, your co-hosts take a stab at the film and give their thoughts.
Animated films seem to be as common as live action movies nowadays. But out of the blue, an immediate classic, brilliant in its own way, appears and transcends animation to just be one of the best films ever made. The Latvian film, FLOW (2024), happens to be one of those movies. Winning best Oscar for animated motion picture and nominated for foreign film as well, FLOW finally reached world audiences in Q1 of 2025 after the awards shows ended.
From IMDB: “Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences.”
FLOW is both an adventure film and a post-apocalyptic movie all in one. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, and written with co-producer Matiss Kaža, the movie was remarkably done on a budget of only 3.5M Euros, during a time many animated films cross over 150M Euros to make. Your co-hosts decided to take a look at this fabulous film, give their thoughts, and praise its wonderful story.
The new big thing! KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (2025) is even more than that. It is a phenomenon and part of the zeitgeist. When it first appeared on Netflix, it was immediately became a thing. This animated movie has catchy songs, a brilliant story, enough originality to not be lost in the mix, and focuses on the new big craze of Far East Asian pop culture.
From IMDB: “A world-renowned K-Pop girl group balance their lives in the spotlight with their secret identities as demon hunters.”
The movie is co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans from the script by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang, and Chris Appelhans, based on the story by Maggie Kang. Though a Netflix original, the movie has become a cash cow for the network. Your co-hosts decided to take a look at all the hype and discuss the movie.
Along with bears, wolves, tigers, and lions, sharks can be known to be man eaters. Films, such as horror and thrillers, have used them quite well to send chills upon people. Should you go in the water again. The new horror film DANGEROUS ANIMALS (2025) take a new spin on the threat of the shark and adds a serial killer into the mix.
From IMDB: “When Zephyr, a savvy and free-spirited surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.”
From the script by Nick Lepard, the film is directed by Sean Byrne (THE LOVED ONE’S, DEVIL’S CANDY). The cast includes Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, Ella Newton, and Josh Houston. Released in the first half of 2025, the movie received good reviews from critics and audiences alike. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Lost on an island, during World War 2, with your sworn enemy? What do you do? Well, the new horror film MONSTER ISLAND (2025) helps answer that question when you are also sharing it with a monster.
IMDB summary: “Set in the Pacific, 1942. A Japanese soldier and a British prisoner of war are stranded on a deserted island, hunted by a deadly creature. Two mortal enemies must come together to survive the unknown.”
After playing the festival circuit in 2024, the movie was released in the United States on Shudder in Q3 of 2025. This “bottle film” was written and directed by Mike Wiluan and stars Dean Fujioka and Callum Woodhouse. Though not noticed by many critics, the film has been promoted on Shudder on its front page. Your co-hosts are joined by actor Dan Lench to discuss this “little” movie.
The Fantastic Four has been brought to theaters multiple times, but each time the films have been critically panned … until now. The new Marvel Studio production, THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, has received fabulous reviews and is Disney’s hope to rebuild the comic book film franchise for their company.
From IMDB: “Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.”
The movie is directed by Game of Thrones veteran, Matt Shakman, and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the Fantastic Four. Though the movie was a big box office success on opening weekend, the movie has dropped dramatically in revenue the follow up weeks since its release on July 25, 2025. You co-hosts take a look at the new film and its prospects as a franchise starter.
Another vampire film has been released to theaters, and this one has received fabulous reviews and become one of the highest profitable movies of 2025. SINNERS, a new film by director and writer Ryan Coogler, has him team up once more with Michael B. Jordan in a starring role.
From IMDB: “Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.”
Besides Michael B. Jordan playing twin brothers in the film, the movie also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Lola Kirke, among many more. It was released at theaters on April 18th, 2025 and now has made its way to HBO Max. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
Dan O’Bannon, the co-screenwriter of ALIEN (1979), once stated (paraphrasing) that nothing is original but writers borrow from others. Well, the new science fiction horror film, ASH (2025), certainly does that. It has a bit of ALIEN, among other science fiction films, as well as the novels and works of Michael Crichton.
From IMDB: “A woman wakes up on a distant planet and finds the crew of her space station viciously killed. Her investigation into what happened sets in motion a terrifying chain of events.”
Ash is the directorial feature length debut of the artist known as Flying Lotus based on a screenplay by Jonni Remmler. The film stars Eiza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul. The film includes science fiction, horror, and techno-thriller elements within it. Getting 71% good reviews by critics while only 54% by audiences, your co-hosts take a look at this highly debated film and give their thoughts.
James Gunn is one of the most prolific and successful screenwriters and directors out there. After bringing the Marvel films, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, to the big screen, he was hired as the head of DC films to set up and bring to life the world of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. After successful products like THE SUICIDE SQUAD (2021) and PEACEMAKER (2022), he’s back with the true kickoff to the DC Universe with SUPERMAN (2025).
From IMDB: “Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.”
The new Superman film stars David Corenswet as the lead with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The aggregate website Rottentomatoes has given it great reviews from both audiences and reviewers alike. Your co-hosts take a look at this big budget beginning to the DC Universe and give their thoughts.
David Cronenberg is one of those great directors that started with B-Movie horror only to become a highly regarded, award winning director. Now at 82, his latest film, THE SHROUDS, was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes. After playing one other festival, it was released at theaters in April 2025. Now it is available on VOD and streaming for all to see.
From IMDB: “Karsh, an innovative businessman and grieving widower, builds a device to connect with the dead inside a burial shroud.”
THE SHROUDS was written and directed by David Cronenberg and has a fabulous international cast including lead Vincent Cassell, Diane Kruger, and Guy Pierce. Receiving good reviews in what critics are calling his most intimate and biographical film, your co-hosts take a look at Cronenberg’s latest.
Writer and director Christopher Landon, the son of legendary actor Michael Landon, has either directed or wrote such films as HAPPY DEATH DAY (2017) and its sequel, along with most of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY franchise films. This year alone, he co-wrote HEART EYES and now has a directorial effort called DROP.
From IMDB: "A widowed mother's first date in years takes a terrifying turn when she's bombarded with anonymous threatening messages on her phone during their upscale dinner, leaving her questioning if her charming date is behind the harassment."
DROP stars Meghann Fahy (THE WHITE LOTUS) and Brandon Sklenar (1923), and received a major theatrical release in April of 2025. Costing $11M USD, it made over $28M USD. Receiving excellent reviews from both critics and audiences alike, your co-hosts take a look at Landon's latest and give their thoughts.
One of the first hit thrillers of 2025 was the film FLIGHT RISK. Taking place in Alaska with a small cast upon an airplane, the movie had a fairly successful box office run against its modest budget.
From IMDB: “A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.”
FLIGHT RISK was directed by actor Mel Gibson, his first since the Oscar nominated HACKSAW RIDGE (2016). The screenplay was written by Jared Rosenberg, and the film stars Michelle Dockery (DOWNTOWN ABBEY), Mark Wahlberg (THE FIGHTER), and Topher Grace (THAT 70’s SHOW). Getting mixed reviews, your co-hosts take a look to see if it was worthy of its box office and if it is considered a hidden gem.
Just a few years ago, Netflix released a handful of intertwined films all titled with the prefix of FEAR STREET. Now in 2025, the have released their latest called FEAR STREET PROM QUEEN. The film, just like the others, are based on stories by R.L. Stine and include the same town of Shadyside, Pennsylvania.
From IMDB: “When the “it” girls competing for prom queen at Shadyside High start to disappear, a gutsy outsider discovers she’s in for one hell of a prom night.”
The film is directed by Matt Palmer, and co-written by him along with Donald McLeary. The film’s cast includes India Fowler, Suzanna Son, Fina Strazza, and Lili Taylor. Receiving negative reviews, your co-hosts take a look and see if they are well deserved.
Joon Ho Bong is probably the most well known Korean director outside his home country of South Korea. His filmography includes some pretty well known movies including MEMORIES OF MURDER (2003), THE HOST (2006), SNOWPIERCER (2013), and PARASITE (2019). His latest film, also English language such as SNOWPIERCER was, is MICKEY 17 (2025).
From IMDB: “During a human expedition to colonize space, Mickey 17, a so-called “expendable” employee, is sent to explore an ice planet.”
The film was directed and written by Bong based off the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. The cast includes Robert Pattinson in another stellar performance and includes Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, and Steven Yeun. Receiving fairly good reviews by all, your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
THE FIX (2025) is a new South African film that was recently released in North America on VOD. But what is it? Is it a horror film, a science fiction thriller, an environmental warning, a dystopian movie, or a superhero origin tale? It's a bunch of things, but I guess it depends on your perspective.
From IMDB: In a future with toxic air, a model takes a drug causing a transformation. She tries reversing it but learns her mutations could save humanity.
The movie is directed and written by Kelsey Egan while starring Grace Van Dien, the daughter of Caspar Van Dien. Though noticed by little review sites, the film has a leading lady that attracts attention. Your co-hosts have decided to take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
The FINAL DESTINATION franchise is one of the older and most successful horror franchises in modern cinema history. Since the very first, the series has extended to now the sixth installment entitled FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES (2025).
From IMDB: Plagued by a recurring violent nightmare, a college student returns home to find the one person who can break the cycle and save her family from the horrific fate that inevitably awaits them.
The film is co-directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein from a script cowritten by Guy Busick, Lori Evans Taylor, and Jon Watts. The movie's cast includes Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, and Rya Kihlstedt. Receiving fabulous reviews and making a ton of money, your co-hosts take a look at the film to see if it worthy of all the love.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
Spiders, bugs, creepy crawlies - they are some of the worst phobias a person can have. The new film, STING (2024), certainly plays into those fears well and may be the reason it has received such fabulous reviews.
From IMDB: "After raising an unnervingly talented spider in secret, 12-year-old Charlotte must face the facts about her pet-and fight for her family's survival-when the once-charming creature rapidly transforms into a giant, flesh-eating monster."
Though primarily filmed in and starring mostly Australian performers, the movie takes place in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. The movie was written and directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. When it appeared on Hulu in late 2024, its word of mouth spread. Your co-hosts take a look at it and give their thoughts.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
"Based on true events" or "Inspired by true events" is not that uncommon for film, especially the thriller and horror genres. The new film, THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN, is one of them. Though completely fictional, it is inspired by the real life Florida serial killer Billy Mansfield.
From Rottentomatoes: "Inspired by a true story, "The Man in the White Van" delves into the eerie underbelly of a seemingly idyllic 1975 Florida town, and follows the harrowing experience of young Annie Williams, a spirited girl whose carefree existence is turned upside down as she becomes stalked by an ominous man in a white van."
The film was directed and co-written by Warren Skeels. The film starts Madison Wolfe, Brec Bassinger, Ali Larter, and Sean Astin. With the help of Ali Larter, Sean Astin, and Giovanni Ribisi (as cinematographer) to independently produce, the movie was picked up by Relativity Media for distribution. It received mixed reviews on release, but is this film truly a hidden gem that everyone must see?
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
Some pretty solid independent horror films are always the surprises each year. A small budget horror film from Connecticut, USA, just arrived entitled CANDLEWOOD, based off local legends.
From IMDB: A mixed family moves from the city to a remote village, buying a house unseen. Unwelcoming locals and a real urban legend threaten their new life as they confront the property's dark history.
Your podcast hosts were able to interview the director, Mike Furhman, along with Kristi Schoonover who had a small part in the film. After its limited theatrical release, it is now available on VOD everywhere.
Legends, myths, and folklore are a perfect place to dig for ideas to bring life to a horror film. But what if you combine such a thing with the gangster and revenge thriller subgenres? That's when you get the brand new Japanese film DEMON CITY (2025) based off a manga and anime.
From IMDB: Framed for his family's murder and left for dead, an ex-hitman will stop at nothing to exact revenge on the masked "demons" who have taken over his city.
Director Seiji Tanaka had his debut film MELANCHOLIC (2018) win multiple awards at festivals like the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Udine Far East Film Festival. His latest stars Toma Ikuta, Masahiro Higashide, and Miou Tanaka. DEMON CITY was released in Q1 of 2025 on Netflix. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
IN THE BEDROOM, the 2001 Oscar nominated motion picture, was given praise by movie critic Roger Ebert as the best film he had seen at Sundance. It is a family drama, but it also is much more than that. Generational, getting old, losing a loved one, and seeing the end of a family line. The movie was ground breaking in many ways and has become a classic.
From IMDB: A New England couple’s college-aged son dates an older woman who has two small children and an unwelcome ex-husband.
The film was directed by Todd Field who also acts. He co-wrote the script with Robert Festinger based off the story KILLINGS by Andre Dubus. The cast is filled with big names including Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, Marisa Tomei, Nick Stahl, and William Mapother. It received fabulous reviews and earned over $40M USD at the box office. Your co-hosts take a look at this classic film and give their thoughts.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
666, the number of the beast. Dark Discussions podcast has reached the 666th episode, and we decided to choose satanic horror as our special milestone episode. And we chose an obscure and yet fabulous 1960 Christopher Lee film entitled THE CITY OF THE DEAD.
From IMDB: A young college student arrives in a sleepy Massachusetts town to research witchcraft; during her stay at an eerie inn, she discovers a startling secret about the town and its inhabitants.
The movie was produced by a small production company, and the film landed up in public domain for years. Fortunately, it has been remastered and is finally available in pristine form. Titled THE CITY OF THE DEAD in the UK, it was released in the states and is known by the alternate title HORROR HOTEL. Your cohosts take a look at this classic film on their 666th episode. Thanks for joining us in our journey.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
The V/H/S found footage film franchise has been a huge success. Cheap to make, bringing in established and up-and-coming talent, both behind the camera and on the pen, the series has made a ton of money and brought us some solid found footage in an anthology format. The latest in the franchise is V/H/S BEYOND (2024) which links together shorts mostly based upon visitors from another planet.
From IMDB: Six bloodcurdling tapes unleash horror in a sci-fi inspired hellscape, pushing the boundaries of fear and suspense.
The talent behind the camera includes Jordan Downey, Jay Cheel, Virat Pal, Justin Martinez, Kate Siegel, and Justin and Christian Long. The film was one of the highest rated in the franchise by critics, and received a release in September 2024 on the streaming service Shudder. Your co-hosts take a look at this film and give their thoughts.
Robots and artificial intelligence seems to be the wave of the future. There have been a number of interesting films discussing such a thing including SUBSERVIENCE (2024) and THE ARTIFICE GIRL (2023). Now the latest in the horror subgenre is COMPANION.
From IMDB: A weekend getaway with friends at a remote cabin turns into chaos after it’s revealed that one of the guests is not what they seem.
Directed and written by Drew Hancock, the film stars Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, among others. The film was released on January 31st, 2025 and has received splendid reviews by both critics and audiences alike. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Holiday films are themselves a subgenre of slasher films. For St. Valentine’s Day, we’ve had a few examples including VALENTINE (2001) and MY BLOODY VALENTINE (1989 and 2009). Now in 2025, we have a brand new one entitled HEART EYES.
From IMDB: For the past several years, the “Heart Eyes Killer” has wreaked havoc on Valentine’s Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe.
The film is directed by Josh Ruben and written by Philip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy. The cast includes Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding. Released on February 7th, 2025, the movie has received phenomenal reviews. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Vampires don't die. Literally. They are still one of, if not the most popular monsters in literature. They have been modified and changed through time as their lore has evolved. The new Mexican horror film, VIOLENT DELIGHTS (2025), focuses on the psychopathic and violent nature of these monsters.
From IMDB: The already rocky relationship of expecting lovers Lizbeth and Javier is put to the test when they become entangled with a disenchanted vampire couple.
The movie was directed and written by Edin Martinez and had done well at festivals. The cast includes Ana Paulina Martinez, Guillermo Zapata, Ernesto Salinas, Jitzel Galicia, Paoola Hernandez, and Olivia Adriana Perez. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.
Stephen King’s THE SKELETON CREW from 1985 was a highly regarded collection of short stories and one novella that he collected together as a major release. The book has had a few of the stories made into film. One of them, THE MONKEY (2025), was just released to theaters only a week or two ago as this is written. After THE MIST, it is possibly the most famous of the tales in the book as the original hardcover had a picture of the drumming monkey toy that the story and movie is about.
From IMDB: When twin brothers Bill and Hal find their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths start. The siblings decide to throw the toy away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years.
The film is directed and written by the highly prolific Osgood Perkins. The film stars Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Colin O’Brien. Receiving positive reviews, the movie has gone on to make back its $10M USD budget and more. Your cohosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Spectacle. That’s what old Hollywood was known for. And the 1972 film THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE was one of those big budget spectaculars with a huge superstar ensemble cast. When disaster movies were “fab” and this one definitely stood out as one of the best.
The last voyage of the wonderful cruise ship the Poseidon sets sail between New York City and Athens. After, it will be retired and decommissioned. While during the last leg of the cruise in the Aegean Sea, it is New Year’s Eve and many of the paying customers are having fun. However, an earthquake underwater creates a tsunami and the ship is in great peril.
The movie’s stars include Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, and Stella Stevens among many more. The film was directed by Ronald Neame and based on the novel by Paul Gallico. Getting fine reviews and making tons of money, the movie was a huge hit. With the recent passing of Gene Hackman, your co-hosts take a look at this classic film in cinema history and give their thoughts.
Post-apocalypse films are usually centered around a zombie apocalypse, a disease epidemic, or the results of a nuclear war. But also a religious apocalypse is as common when it comes the end of the world. The new film AZRAEL (2024) that appeared on Shudder is just that film.
From RottenTomatoes: "In a world in which no one speaks, a mysterious, devout community hunts down a young woman named Azrael (Samara Weaving) who has escaped their imprisonment. Recaptured by its ruthless leaders, she is to be sacrificed to pacify an evil which resides deep within the surrounding wilderness -- but Azrael will stop at nothing to ensure her own freedom and survival."
The film is written by highly acclaimed screenwriter Simon Barrett (YOU'RE NEXT (2011)) and directed by E.L. Katz (CHEAP THRILLS (2013)) while starring Samara Weaving (THE BABYSITTER (2017)). The film has received mixed reviews and is from IFC/Shudder. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Mental health, cluster B, bipolar, and OCD - there are so many types of behavioral health disabilities. The new movie, RED ROOMS (2025), seems to be a film about a man that has been arrested as a potential serial killer. But is it? The movie actually focuses on a person that in no way is involved in the case or the trial or the crime, until she places herself into it.
From RottenTomatoes: "The high-profile case of serial killer Ludovic Chevalier has just gone to trial, and Kelly-Anne is obsessed. When reality blurs with her morbid fantasies, she goes down a dark path to seek the final piece of the puzzle: the missing video of a murdered 13-year-old girl, to whom Kelly-Anne bears a disturbing resemblance."
A Quebec produced French language film, RED ROOMS (2025) is directed and written by Pacal Plante. The film stars Juliette Gariépy as a fashion model named Kelly-Anne in a fabulous performance. The casts also includes Laurie Babin, Maxwell McCabe-Lokos, and Elisabeth Locas. Getting excellent reviews, your co-hosts take a look at this new movie and give their thoughts.
Artificial Intelligence is one of the greatest technologies and is changing the world as we know it. Some scientists are trying incorporate it with robots and even first generational androids. Either way, horror movies have run with the “robot gone bad” scenario. The latest film starring Megan Fox doesn’t disappoint.
From IMDB: Follows a struggling father who purchases a domestic SIM to help care for his house and family, unaware she will gain awareness and turn deadly.
Directed by S.K. Dale (TILL DEATH (2021)) and starring Megan Fox, Michele Morrone, Madeline Zima, and Matilda Firth, the film was cowritten by Will Honley and April Maguire. The movie has received mixed reviews. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
NOSFERATU, the silent film from 1922, is considered one of the most important films of all time. It’s German Expressionism along with the vampire lore of the story has made it a classic. Remade in 1979 by Werner Herzog, and then now in 2024, by Robert Eggers, the new version has gotten quite the acclaim.
From IMDB: A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.
NOSFERATU was also written by director Robert Eggers. The cast includes Bill Skarsgard, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe. The movie has received fine reviews from both critics and audiences alike. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
The latest German film, THE CALENDAR KILLER (2025), is a new addition to the serial killer film. Taking place in Berlin, the movie follows an unknown serial killer that pits a wife and husband to make a choice to kill one or the other.
From IMDB: Klara is going to die today unless she kills her husband instead. The Calendar Killer has given her that impossible choice. When Jules starts his night shift at a safety helpline for lonely women on their way home Klara’s call reaches him.
The film is directed by Adolfo J. Kolmerer from a script by co-written by Sebastian Fitzek and Susanne Schneider. The performers include Luise Heyer, Sabin Tambrea, Friedrich Mucke, and Rainer Bock. Your co-hosts take a look at this early 2025 film and give their thoughts.
Long ago, the Universal Horror film, THE WOLF MAN (1941), was groundbreaking. Turning Long Chaney Jr. into a star, it was gothic, and filled with fortunetellers and the occult, and took place in the atmospheric country of Wales. Now, Leigh Whannell (UPGRAGE (2018)) has directed the reboot for Universal Pictures.
From IMDB: A family at a remote farmhouse is attacked by an unseen animal, but as the night stretches on, the father begins to transform into something unrecognizable.
The movie stars Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, and Matilda Firth. The screenplay is cowritten by Leigh Whannell and Corbett Tuck. The film was released on January 17, 2025 by Universal and Blumhouse. Your cohosts take a look at this new lycanthrope film and give their thoughts.
They say the stunt man gets no respect. Out of all the things that are in movies, they are unrecognized at the Oscars. Many times folks have tried to push for an award and category for the stunt men and women and yet each year it never happens. THE FALL GUY, a film from 2024, actually turns the stuntman into one of the main characters.
From Rotten Tomatoes: “He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?”
THE FALL GUY is directed by former stuntman David Leitch, who is best known for directing JOHN WICK (2014), ATOMIC BLONDE (2017), DEADPOOL 2 (2018), BULLET TRAIN (2022), among others. Written by Drew Pearce and starring Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling, the movie received fantastic reviews from critics and audiences alike. Though it wasn’t the phenomenal box office success the producers had hoped, the movie has gotten a second life on streaming. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
We are already at the end of January in 2025, yet 2024 is now in the rearview mirror. It’s time to take a look at the prior year and go through all the many films that came out that were considered horror and genre films. Dark Discussions and its co-hosts put together their year in review of all that was good and bad in 2024. Was it one of the better years in genre cinema or did it have too many missteps to be one to remember?
Each of your co-hosts put together a list of movies they thought were good enough to recommend. Two lists were procured. This included a list of horror films and a list of other speculative fiction films. Afterwards we then combined those lists and came up with the Dark Discussions definitive lists, in both categories, as best of the year. Some obvious films like HERETIC and NOSFERATU appear but also little known films like EXHUMA and THE KING’S TIDE were too.
But don’t forget, we also have more lists: Our top and worst scenes, scream queens, breakout star, and anything else you can think of. Dark Discussions wraps up last year in a nice tight bow and gives their listeners a good many films to go out and search for.
The nation of Norway has made a number of disaster movies including THE WAVE (2015) and QUAKE (2018). Both titles are pretty basic but spot on what the disaster is. The latest in what is considered a trilogy from the same producing team is the 2022 film THE BURNING SEA (2022). This one takes place on an oil rig but expands the remote location to include the entire North Sea.
From IMDB: "An oil platform dramatically goes down on the Norwegian coast, and researchers try to find out what happened when they realize this is just the start of something even more serious."
Norway, one of the largest oil producers in the world, is a perfect country to make a film about oil rigs. However, is the movie a message film, or popcorn fun? Critically receiving acceptable reviews while audiences were not as keen, the film was originally released earlier in 2021 but made its American debut in February 2022. Your co-hosts take a look at this latest in the trilogy and give their thoughts.
Australia continues to produce horror films, and like many movies, they can be hit or miss. The horror-thriller from early 2024 entitled YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME (2024) is the latest. After playing the festival circuits, including Tribeca, it had its United States release on Shudder on March 22nd, 2024.
From IMDB: "Patrick, a strange and lonely resident, lives in a mobile home at the back of an isolated trailer park. During a violent storm, a mysterious young woman appears at his door seeking shelter from the elements."
The film was jointly directed by Josiah Allen and Indianna Bell from a script by Indianna Bell. The film stars Brendan Rock, Jordan Cowan, and Elena Carapetis. Though receiving fairly good reviews from critics, audiences were a bit cooler on it. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and see if it lives up to the critics' thought.
With January 2025 underway, it is time to visit what is coming this year to cinemas, video-on-demand platforms, as well as those genre films that are going straight to disc. Also, what's new in video games, television, and genre novels? Last year, 2024 was a heck of a good year and there were a lot of great flicks. This year once again there seems to be a lot of great ones coming. Plus also more superhero flicks. Reboots and remakes and sequels are also arriving too.
Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews once again is back with their look forward to the new year and what seems to interest them most. Some of the more high profile items spoken of include TRON ARES, BALLERINA, ANDOR Season 2, THE MONKEY, and THE HOUSEMAID.
But it doesn't end there. Other items talked about include DAREDEVIL, THE CONJURING LAST RIGHTS, THE BRIDE, and ALIEN EARTH. And then at the very end we list off other films and talk about some of the latest news about movies and genre cinema.
Vampires are one of the most popular movies, but their "cousin", the werewolf, always takes a backseat when it comes to movie monsters. There have been a few great werewolf films over the years, with the occasional hidden gem in-between. Now, late 2024, the film simply titled WEREWOLVES (2024) appeared at theaters.
From IMDB: "Two scientists try to stop a mutation that turns people into werewolves after being touched by a super-moon the year before."
WEREWOLVES was directed by Steven C. Miller, and written for the screen by Matthew Kennedy. The movie stars Frank Grillo, Lou Diamond Phillips, Katrina Law, among others. It was released by Briarcliff Entertainment on December 6, 2024. Receiving mixed reviews, the film was evenly split. We take a look at the movie and give our thoughts.
It's our 650th episode. Over 13 years of podcasting. But even so, we usually don't hit the classics. Yet when we do hit each 50th episode, we do decide to do one. As usual, we put up a poll on our Facebook page, Dark Discussions Podcast, and let you, the listeners and contributors to the Facebook group make the decision. The winner of our poll was 28 DAYS LATER from 2002.
From IMDB: "Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the United Kingdom, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary." The film was directed by Danny Boyle, written by Alex Garland, and starred Cillian Murphy.
Listen to us discuss this classic for one of our most important episodes, the 650th one.
New Year’s resolutions are a big thing for folks. Some want to lose weight, find a spouse, get a new job, work towards completing something; others have goals that they strive for. Co-host Mike said that there are a lot of genre films he hasn’t seen that he wants to get to, so as a New Year’s resolution, why not ask all the co-hosts to see some film they always wanted to see and then discuss. Another year doing so, each co-host chose a genre movie that they had never seen and decided to watch it and give their opinions.
Films we discuss are Lucio Fulci’s 1981 Lovecraftian film THE BEYOND, the 1974 film known as DAN CURTIS' DRACULA starring Jack Palance, Dennis Hopper's neo-noir thriller THE HOT SPOT (1990), and Hammer horror film TO THE DEVIL A DAUGHTER (1976). A wide variety of films they are, but also some important ones too that one of your co-hosts finally got to see.
With all that, Dark Discussions would like to say happy 2025 to all of our listeners and extra mention to our Patreon supporters, both new and old, and hope to hear about some of the films you folks have never seen and plan to in this new year. Email us at darkdiscussions@aol.com and let us know.
We take a different approach to the podcast today with some genre news. Instead of reviewing a film or book, we instead go through some of the news of the past year and discuss in detail some of the most interesting things we've heard. We talk about some upcoming adaptations of Red Sonja, Tomb Raider, Swan Song, among others. News about Lord of the Rings and the James Gunn DC Universe. Listed also are some "sleeper" science fiction films from the past that may have been overlooked. Take a listen and let us know what you feel.
Religious horror has been around forever. Obviously much of it has been related to demons, exorcisms, the devil, and vampires. Much of it has focused upon faith versus nihilism. Well, the new film HERETIC (2024) takes an interesting twist with this subgenre of horror. What if filmmakers decided to pursue more a philosophical approach.
Two Mormon missionaries, young woman Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), have donated their time to knock on doors to spread the word of God as well as promoting their religion. Following up on a lead from a man named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), they leave the downtown area and knock on his door. He welcomes them in, offers them some blueberry pie that his wife has made, and listens to the young ladies and asks follow up questions.
Scott Beck and Bryan Wood, the screenwriters of A QUIET PLACE (2018), both directed and wrote this new psychological horror film. Starring Hugh Grant once again in an expected and fabulous performance, the film is heavy on dialogue allowing actresses Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher to play directly against Grant’s Mr. Reed. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
The new Indian film, SHAITAAN (2024), the Hindi word for demon, follows the home invasion film, but with a twist. The movie is a remake of a 2023 film entitled VASH, oddly starring the same actress Janki Bodiwala. Netflix picked this new version up and released it in March.
When a family of four head to their rural vacation home, they stop at a rest area to grab some food. When the counter clerk can’t take cash, a friendly man in line pays for their meal. Unfortunately the friendly stranger has his eyes upon the teenage daughter. And his kindness soon turns into a nefarious plot.
SHAITAAN stars Janki Bodiwala along with Ajay Devgn, Anngad Raaj, Jyothika, and R. Madhavan as the stranger. The movie has received mixed to low reviews by both critics and audiences alike. However, it has gotten a bit of buzz from horror audiences looking for something different upon an old story line. Your cohosts take a look at this recently released film and gives their thoughts.
So the Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews podcast decided to do an episode on the 2009 movie WATCHMEN but our discussion went a bit long as we discussed the background to the movie, and its source material. So we decided to break it into two episodes. The second is all about the movie itself.
Directed by Zack Snyder, written by David Hayter and Alex Tse, and starring Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Good, Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, was not the success that the studio had hoped. With the usual debate between the fans of the graphic novel and superheroes in general, backlash and praise were both the norm.
Now fifteen years later, the movie has become somewhat of a cult classic. With its fabulous special effects, splendid acting, and changes to the story to make it fit within a movie length, the film, though polarizing, continues to find audiences through streaming. Your cohosts take a look at the film itself and give their thoughts.
Art the clown shocked audiences with the first film in the franchise, TERRIFIER (2018). With its sequel, adding a true “final girl”, and giving Art a back story, the sequel TERRIFIER 2 (2022) became an instant money grosser. Now 2024, TERRIFIER 3, following our hero and villain from the second film, was released in October for the Halloween season.
Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) has been released from a mental health hospital after the trauma of facing Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) and surviving. She has moved in with her aunt, uncle, and cousin while her brother Jonathan (Elliott Fullam) has gone of to college. When true crime podcaster Mia (Alexa Blair Robertson) tries to get interviews with the two, the past comes crashing back leaving no one safe.
Director and writer Damien Leone is back with the latest in the franchise. Costing only $2M USD to make, the film went on to gross $63.9M USD and became one of the highest grossing films that have been released as unrated. The film, with its great reviews, has solidified Art the Clown as a new horror icon. Your cohosts track to the theater and take a look at the new film and give their thoughts.
In this day and age, not all that surprising, there are sequels to multiple films. One of them that was just released is SMILE 2, the sequel to the 2022 original. SMILE was a bigger success than the studio had expected and so they signed director/writer Parker Finn to a film deal and the first to be produced is SMILE 2.
Pop singer Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) is about to go on tour. Its a new beginning for her after a car accident that injured her back and left her boyfriend and actor Paul Hudson (Ray Nicholson) dead. Recovering from drug abuse, no doctor will prescribe her painkillers for her back pain. When she meets up with a drug dealer, he begins freaking out that some sort of entity is following her.
Picking up right where the prior film ended, SMILE 2 follows the same antagonist from the original. Receiving fairly good reviews from critics and audiences alike, the movie almost tripled its $28M USD budget with a profit of close to $110M USD. You cohosts head to the theaters and decide to review the film giving their thoughts.
1975 was the release of Stephen King’s second novel, ‘SALEM’S LOT. It was a huge success. Shortly after the novel was turned into a classic television mini-series (1979), and a sequel (1987), plus a further remake (2004). But Hollywood wasn’t finished yet. The television prequel series CHAPELWAITE (2021) was released. Now finally a third remake has been released straight to VOD on HBO Max.
Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman) returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot as he begins to write a tale about an old dark house entitled the Martsten House which overlooks the town. At the same time two European immigrants set up an antiques store on main street. When a boy disappears, the local police chief begins to suspect that one of the new arrivals may be the perpetrator.
Immediately, the film production and what was screened was mediocre at best. As a result, the movie was shelfed as producers tried to decide what to do with it. But still, some big names were involved with the production. James Wan produced and Gary Dauberman wrote and directed. Your co-hosts take a look at this new adaptation and give their thoughts whether the bad rumors were true.
When Moses parted the Red Sea, it was considered to be an obviously miracle. The ocean and the tides have always been part of sea faring life and have had legends and myths follow them throughout history. A king’s tide is those tides that occur at points throughout the year where they are their highest as the moon, sun, and gravity play a part. The new Canadian film THE KING TIDE popped up on VOD recently to some fairly good reviews. But its title is more a metaphor than part of the interesting plot.
Bobby (Clayne Crawford) is the mayor of the only town on an island off the Atlantic Canadian coast. A small dingy appears by the shore with a young baby in it. He and his wife, having just lost a pregnancy, adopt the girl. When she grows up, she begins to show miraculous powers of healing and fortune. Though Bobby tries to hide this from the community, his mother-in-law thinks otherwise leading to great change upon them all.
The movie is directed by Christian Sparkes from a script from four writers. Besides Clayne Crawford, other stars include Frances Fisher and Lara Jean Chorostecki. The film was originally did the festival circuit in 2023 before a full release in 2024. With very good reviews, the movie had a short lived window of note. Your co-hosts take a look at it and give their thoughts.
The 2016 South Korean film, THE WAILING, showed a number of things about Korea. It included the nation’s feelings of the stamp Japan had left from its occupation of Korea during and prior to World War II. It also showed the superstition of some Koreans and how it still remains years later. The new film, EXHUMA (2024), though much different than THE WAILING has both these aspects within its plot as well.
When a wealthy American family of Korean ancestry believes that medicine will not cure a mysterious illness of their new born, they enlist two “Mu” (or shamans) to get to the bottom of what may be a long lasting curse that has followed the Americans from generation to generation.
The film is written and directed by Jae-hyun Jang and the cast includes superstar Min-sik Choi (OLDBOY 2003) in a very different role than some of his previous. The film was a huge success in its native country and appeared on the television station Shudder for North American audiences. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
Just 20 years ago, Demi Moore was a star. Not only a star, but a superstar. Her latest film, THE SUBSTANCE (2024), is a perfect example of aging and stardom and what can happen to folks as a younger generation appears on the scene. And the old, to remain relevant, try to hang on to their glory days.
Actress Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) has transitioned from award winning actress to becoming a huge television star as she hosts an aerobics show. On her fiftieth birthday, her producer Harvey (Dennis Quaid), lets her go as he decides a new and young starlet is needed. Approached by a company called The Substance, she is offered a chance to create a younger and better version of herself using their experimental medication. Things alas don’t turn out all that well.
The film is directed and written by Coralie Fargeat (REVENGE (2017) and also stars Margaret Qualley. Released to the festival circuit and nominated for the Palme D’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival while winning best screenplay. Released at theaters, the film underperformed, yet still received good reviews by audiences and reviewers alike. Your cohost take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
It's the new thing. And it's called the multiverse. It's the running joke of the televisions series RICK AND MORTY. Where at any point in time, your existence diverts into millions of "you" depending on what you do next. The new movie HOSTILE DIMENSIONS (2024) opens up a door (literally) into existences beyond ours.
When graffiti artist, Emily (Josie Rogers), finds a standalone door in the middle of a cellar of an abandoned building, she opens it and disappears. Two documentary filmmakers along with a college professor decide to find the truth of what happens, hoping to solve a mystery that has gone viral on the internet.
The Scottish film is written and directed by Graham Hughes. Besides Josie Rogers, the cast includes Annabel Logan, Joma West, and Paddy Kondracki. With talking dogs, flying whales, and bronze giants, Emily's dilemma may turn out to be more "supernatural" than one thought. Your co-hosts take a look at this hidden gem and give their thoughts.
A new film from the land of the Irish has arrived to streaming after a short run at the theaters. The new movie is called ODDITY (2024). Does it live up to that name? Well, it isn't as odd as the title says, but it sure is a well received supernatural movie.
Dani Timmis (Carolyn Bracken) is home alone at night as her psychiatrist husband, Ted (Gwilym Lee), is at work. When an ex-patient arrives at her front door, he warns her of a stranger that is in her house. A year later, her clairvoyant twin sister Darcy decides to find out what happened that night when she receives a talisman that may be the key to her answers.
The movie is written and directed by Damian McCarthy. Besides Gwilym Lee and Carolyn Bracken, the movie's cast includes Tadhg Murphy, Caroline Menton, Steve Wall, and Jonathan French. Picked up by IFC and Shudder, the film received a quick release at theaters after getting good reviews from critics. Your podcast hosts take a look at this new movie and give their thoughts.
Detective Comics, better known as DC, has delivered some of the most iconic superhero characters of all time such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and Harley Quinn. In 1986, the first issue of Watchmen appeared which was something altogether different. A violent, transgressive, political, and sexual take on superheroes, the series (now a graphic novel), was troubling to some but loved by others.
The talents behind the graphic novel include write Alan Moore, artist Dave Gibbons, and colorist John Higgins. Since its debut, the popularity with its alternate timeline has only grown as it became a movie simply titled Watchmen, written by David Hayter and Alex Tse, and directed by talented and enigmatic Zack Snyder.
Receiving mixed reviews, the movie may have been before its time as comic book films were just at the cusp of dominating the movie box office. In this first of two episodes, your co-hosts talk about the backstory of source material and the dream of Zack Snyder trying to make what many thought as an impossible source material to adapt into what is now considered a beloved cult film by many.
The ALIEN franchise is one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. ALIEN (1979) and the sequel ALIENS (1986) are two of the best films of all time. Others in the franchise have received fine reviews and have interesting premises. Now, the new movie in the franchise, ALIEN: ROMULUS, has arrived.
Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and her synthetic brother Andy (David Jonsson) work for the company Weyland-Yutani as essentially indentured servants. When Rain's ex-boyfriend suggests a chance to flee to a different planet, Rain and the group head to an abandoned space station in orbit to get the fuel needed. Unfortunately there is a secret onboard that may be the death of them all.
The film is directed by Fede Alvarez and co-written with his film partner Rodo Sayagues. The film takes place between the first two films in the franchise. Receiving decent enough reviews, the movie is the first from Disney and has been a financial success. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
The co-German and American film CUCKOO arrived to theaters in August of 2024. Neon, the film company that has been releasing some fairly interesting films, got it a general release. Small as it is, the film received a bit of buzz from genre fans. But what is the film about? Is it a monster film? A film about cryptozoology? Demons? Aliens? Whatever it is, many reviewers wondered as much as the audiences did.
Synopsis: 17-year-old Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) moves to a resort in the Bavarian Alps with her father, stepmother, and mute half-sister. The resort is managed by the enigmatic Herr König (Dan Stevens). As Gretchen starts working at the resort’s front desk, she encounters strange and unsettling occurrences that may put her life in danger.
The film is written and directed by German filmmaker Tilman Singer. It stars Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, Jessica Henwirk, Marton Csoskas, Jan Bluthardt, and Greta Fernandez. Before its theatrical release, it played at the Berlin International Film Festival, South By Southwest, and Fantasia. Your co-hosts take a look at this odd film and give their thoughts.
M. Night Shyamalan as of 2024 is now hit or miss with his movies. There hasn’t been any further “classics” in his filmography over the last two decades, but he’s had some fairly enjoyable productions. His latest is called TRAP (2024) and has received a large theatrical release from Warner Brothers Pictures.
Riley (Ariel Donoghue) and her dad Cooper (Josh Hartnett) are attending a Lady Raven concert in Philadelphia. When Cooper notices that a very large and present law enforcement attendance, he asks a vendor what’s up. There was a tip that the serial killer known as the Butcher is in attendance. Soon a cat-and-mouse game begins where everyone, including the talent on stage, has to make decisions that will save their own skins as well as others.
Shyamalan directs from a script that he wrote. Besides an absolutely fantastic performance by Josh Hartnett, the film also stars Hayley Mills, Saleka Night Shyamalan, and Alison Pill. With an interesting premise, based off the mixed reviews by audiences and writers alike, the question of its success depends on the individual viewer. Your co-hosts take a look at this recently released theatrical feature and give their thoughts.
Sometimes a horror film is called a “comedy.” But usually they are actually dark comedies, or simply dark drama. Well, the 2022 film THE MENU most certainly has some dark humor in it, but it is definitely a horror film through and through. With its exaggerated caricatures of those in certain social statuses, people are going to get a chuckle. But all in all, the frights do come through.
A well known chef has opened up an exclusive restaurant on a remote island. Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) has been invited to a private dinner there by her boyfriend. The restaurant is filled with various folks from the upper class, new money and old. When Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) begins to serve each course, he brings a story with the food that is specific to each of the attendees. A quiet dinner turns out to be much more.
The film is directed by Mark Mylod based on the script by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, the movie’s cast also includes Nicholas Hoult and John Leguizamo. Having received a theatrical release, the film has garnered fine reviews by both reviewers and audiences members alike. Your co-hosts take a look at this commentary on the class system and people behaving badly and give their thoughts.
Serial killer movies are some of the most frightening films one can see. Whether it is a thriller or a horror film, the unhinged aspect of someone that just doesn’t follow empathy and care for their fellow human being can be pretty horrifying. The new film, LONGLEGS (2024), is another “police” procedural where the FBI has an unknown killer out in the world that endangers everyone.
FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe (IT FOLLOWS)) is a recent grad from training. She’s assigned to the Longlegs killer case because she shows signs of a sixth sense if not true clairvoyance. Longlegs (Nicholas Cage) is somehow convincing or hypnotizing a family member to murder their entire family before killing themselves. Lee begins putting the pieces together while discovering the case is much closer to home than she ever thought.
LONGLEGS is written and directed by Osgood Perkins (THE BLACKCOAT’S DAUGHTER). Besides Nicholas Cage and Maika Monroe, the film co-stars Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt. The film was produced by Nicholas Cage and released to theaters by Neon. Though receiving good reviews from reviewers, audiences seem not to be as keen on the movie. Your co-hosts take a look at the feature and give their thoughts.
Continuous darkness, outer beings, apocalypse. What about dreams and not seeing the reality of things? Recently Argentina has produced some fairly good horror films. A new movie entitled INTO THE ABYSS has appeared with a pretty interesting trailer and a very cool poster. Though releases in its home country in 2022, it finally has made its debut in North America.
In a city of complete shadows, Bannon (Martin Rispau) replays phone messages of a woman talking about the darkness falling. Trying to survive, he hears on walkie-talkie through random survivors that there is daylight with only certain areas pocketed with the darkness. He sets off through the streets and buildings trying to get to the outer edges of the city in hoping to finding deliverance.
INTO THE ABYSS is directed by Matias Xaier Rispau from a screenplay he co-wrote by the ambiguous Boris C. Q. At points the movie has some interesting visual effects including giant Lovecraftian monsters and mutant humanoids. Receiving mixed reviews from the limited number of writers that have seen the film, your co-hosts take a blind look at a random VOD release and give their thoughts.
With companies such as Amazon and Apple creating speakers that one can speak into, you get convenience that one never had before. The 2022 film, KIMI, is just about that. The issue with such devices is that they can also do the opposite. They can spy upon you without you even knowing. So the movie KIMI is a very timely film indeed.
From Rottentomatoes: An agoraphobic tech worker discovers recorded evidence of a violent crime but is met with resistance when she tries to report it. Seeking justice, she must now do the thing she fears the most: she must leave her apartment.
The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh (CONTAGION, TRAFFIC) and written by David Koepp (JURASSIC PARK, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE). The films cast includes Zoe Kravitz, Byron Bowers, and Jaime Camil. Released to VOD on HBO Max, the film holds great reviews from reviewers and mixed thoughts by audiences. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
With the quiet success and profit of the films X (2022) and PEARL (2022), director/screenwriter Ti West is back with his “final” film in the “X Trilogy”. MAXXXINE (2024) picks up a few years later from the events from X and continues following the story of Maxine Minx, now back in Los Angeles and trying to break into “legit” films.
Maxine (Mia Goth), still dealing with what happened during the filming of her adult film in X (2022), tries out and gets the part for a sequel to the popular mainstream horror movie The Puritan. But her past seems to follow her as a mysterious video tape appears at her door with unreleased footage from the movie she had filmed back during the Texas massacre. With some recent murders, the police, her agent, a private investigator, and her friends all get wrapped up into a shocking mystery revolving around Maxine’s past.
Besides Mia Goth, the film stars Kevin Bacon, Michell Monaghan, Elizabeth Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito, among others including Dan Lench. Dark Discussions talks about the film and is joined by Dan as we discuss the film and talk about the movie and Dan’s experiences in this fabulous production.
A QUIET PLACE (2018) and A QUIET PLACE 2 (2020) were two of the very best horror films to come out these last few years. Scary, intense, and suspenseful, they put people on their toes and made a heck of a good time whether you were a horror fan or not. Now, a prequel to the series, with new characters and in a new location, by a new writer/director has come: A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE (2024).
Samira (Lupita Nyong'o) is living at a nursing home with terminal cancer. When Reuben (Alex Wolff), her nurse, says he's set up a trip to Manhattan to watch a play, she agrees because she wants to have true New York style pizza one last time. However, the alien invasion seen in the first two films begins, leaving her and Eric (Joseph Quinn), a college student, lost in the half destroyed city trying to survive.
The movie was written and directed by Michael Samoski who previously made the well received film PIG (2021). The film, shifting from rural America to the largest city in the country, focuses more on the individual stories of its lead characters. Dark Discussions takes a look at this film and gives their thoughts. Does it live up to the greatness of its two predecessors?
Shark movies, there has been a mixed bag. Obviously, Peter Bentley's exciting novel was turned into the classic thriller JAWS (1975). Other films have been great fun like BAIT (2012) and THE MEG (2018). Some have been more serious and pretty solid such as 47 METERS DOWN (2017) and its sequel. And the shark-adjacent film OPEN WATER (2003) was fabulous. Now the new film, UNDER PARIS (2024), has arrived on Netflix focusing on sharks … and more sharks.
Marine researcher, Sophia (Berenice Bejo), while on an expedition in the Pacific focusing on pollution related to shark habitats, watches in horror as her husband and friends all get eaten by the animals. Years later, environmentalists come to her and claim that one of the sharks that she and her crew had tagged on that mission is now in the Seine River and endangering the city.
The movie got some early buzz when it appeared June 5, 2024 on Netflix. Was it because the movie stood above other shark films or was it simply the mass advertisement on the front page of the Netflix app that gave it notice. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and are joined by actor Dan Lench (from such films as MaXXXine (2024) and CIRCLE (2015).
Pride month is wrapping down. So for the last film for our theme month where we are reviewing lesbian arthouse movies, we take a look at the definition of an arthouse film. The movie, ELENORE MAKES LOVE, from 2015, is a short hour long feature with the feel of the type of film that showed daily in New York City during the heyday of black and white erotic films. And yet, like many of them, it presents itself the esoteric and complex arthouse feel that turned erotism into avante-garde or artifice.
From IMDB: A young, tall, blonde, female photographer, Dee (Dee Herlihy), meets a pretty brunette model, Eleanor (Audrey Kovar), in an upscale hotel suite in New York City for a private photo shoot. They soon romantically connect and spend the weekend together in the room. As the film progresses into a non-linear dream-like mix of conversation and making love, it is slowly revealed that the two women have a past together. In the end, that past may be more present than we think. In the different flashbacks, the photographer’s brother (Ryan Balas) tells her that he disapproves of her dating Elenore, while Elenore the model has another lover, a married man, whom she spends time with on the side.
The film was directed and written by Ryan Balas while also starring as Dee’s brother. A cast of only four, the film stars Dee Helihy, Audrey Kovar, Ryan Balas, and Richard Buonagurio. Being shorter in length, and as deeply arthouse as a film can be, the movie has little reviews by press or websites. Your co-hosts, however, decide to take a look at this little film and give their thoughts.
Internet influencers are no longer a new phenomenon. In this day and age, there are so many, and everyone can take a shot of being one. Whether it is cooking, exercise, home repair, music, or gaming, viewers can never find enough of what they are looking for. The horror movie has also shown this before. Whether it is the film GONJIAM: HAUNTED ASYLUM (2018) or FOLLOW HER (2023), social media and the platforms of influencers are an interesting plot device for scary cinema. A new film, BODY MIND SPIRIT (2024), makes this format its own.
Anya (Sarah Bartholomew) inherits her grandmother’s house in California. Bored and without direction, she decides to make her own YouTube channel as a yoga instructor. When she finds her grandmother’s journal, she changes directions and instead follows the “exercises” within it. But is the journal a summoning book for demons, a detailed encyclopedia of witchcraft spells, or just a fun and silly workout for Anya to present for her followers?
The movie was directed by Alex Henes and Matthew Merenda and written along with Topher Hendricks. Besides Sarah Bartholomew in the lead role, the film also stars Madi Bready, Anna Knigge, and Kristi Noory. Your co-hosts take a look at this “found footage” movie and give their thoughts.
Small budget films pop up every so often that get a lot of good buzz. Many don’t necessarily have an original idea, yet they do it a new way. The new film, WHAT YOU WISH FOR (2024), doesn’t much tell you anything from the title, but by the ending of the movie it makes perfect sense.
Ryan (Nick Stahl) heads to Colombia to visit his old culinary arts college buddy, Jack (Brian Groh). His real reason to visit may be more to do with escaping loansharks. When an unfortunate incident happens, Ryan decides to do the private chef’s dinner that Jack was supposed to do. Soon, things turn out a bit different than he had hoped. And what he wished for may not be what he really wanted.
The movie was written and directed by Nicholas Tomnay. Beside Nick Stahl and Brian Groh, the cast includes a great group of performers including Tamsin Topolski, Juan Carlos Messier, Penelope Mitchell, and Randy Vasquez. Your co-hosts take a look at this VOD selection and give their thoughts.
For our theme month where we are reviewing lesbian arthouse movies for pride month, we take a look at a very interesting film about the creator of Wonder Woman and the women in his life. The film is a well received film entitled PROFESSOR MARSTON AND THE WONDER WOMEN (2017)
Professor William Marston (Luke Evans) is a professor at Harvard University with his wife Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall). When student Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote) becomes his assistant, the three become entangled in a love triangle. Using his ideas entitled DISC theory, he begins to live his life that way, as well as invent the character of Wonder Woman following the same hypothesis.
The film is written and directed by Angela Robinson. Since it did not contact the family and estate of Marston, Elizabeth, and Olive, the film is very much fictional about actual individuals. However, is the film any good and does it have compelling plot points to standout? Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Bugs, creepy crawlies, and spiders have always been a human fear. As a result they have made appearances in so many films to scare the heck out of folks. From Shelob in THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2002-2003) to the large spiders from the 2007 film, THE MIST, spiders are alive and well in film. The new French film, INFESTED (2024), has joined the "web".
When a young collector of insects and exotic animals purchases a spider from the Paris black market, he brings it back to his apartment building. Not knowing what type of spider, he becomes careless and the creature escapes. Soon it multiplies, using mammals and people as hosts, resulting in an infestation that will kill them all.
The movie has received excellent reviews. The movie most recently made its debut to the Shudder streaming service where it received a lot of attention. Does the film live up to the word of mouth that has followed it? Your co-hosts take a look at the film to give their thoughts.
Pride month and lesbian arthouse films continues. For our second film in the themed month of the podcast, we take a look at a 2017 release called BECKS (2017).
Rebecca (Lena Hall) is an aspiring folk singer. When her girlfriend has an affair, Rebecca, broke and apartmentless, heads back home to St. Louis to live with her widowed mother, Ann (Christine Lahti). Soon Rebecca gets a music gig at her old friend’s bar where she meets Elyse (Mena Suvari), a married woman who comes to listen to music with her friends. Soon Elyse takes up guitar lessons from Rebecca. And as always, life doesn’t follow the expected past.
The movie stars Lena Hall, Mena Suvari, Christine Lahti, Dan Fogler, and Michael Zegen; a very impressive group of character actors and actresses. The film was co-directed by Daniel Powell and Elizabeth Rohrbaugh and made the festival circuit back in 2017 during its release. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts about the film.
THE PLANET OF THE APES series has become an institution. For whatever reason, audiences get a kick out of seeing intelligent apes taking over the world. With the 2011 reboot film, DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, the series took off once more after being dormant for many years. The fourth film in the reboot, THE KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2024), was recently released to some acclaim.
Intelligent chimpanzee Noa (Owen Teague) sees his village destroyed and his clan taken prisoner by renegade apes. He goes off to save all he can. On his journey, he is joined by Raka (Peter Macon), a Bornean orangutan, and Mae (Freya Allan), a human, and their journey leads them to Proximus (Kevin Durand) who has set up a coastal ape city where Noa's clan may have been taken to.
The film is directed by Wes Ball, written by Josh Friedman, inspired by the novel by Pierre Boulle. Besides Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Peter Macon, and Kevin Durand, the film's cast includes William H. Macy, Dichen Lachman, and Travis Jeffery. Receiving good reviews from critics and audiences alike, your co-hosts take a look at the latest film in the franchise and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews theme month. June has been designated as Pride Month for the LGBT community. So to fit with the month, once again the podcast has decided to review various art house lesbian films as we did last year. To start off with, we are doing something a bit different. Let’s do a fun comedy and mainstream film to begin before we get into the true arthouse. So we start with the Syndey Sweeney superhit ANYONE BUT YOU (2023).
Bea (Sydney Sweeney) meets Ben (Glen Powell) at a Boston coffee shop and they instantly hit it off. After an absolute wonderful date, the two make a mistake causing them to figure to never see each other again. When Ben’s best friends sister is marrying Bea’s sister, the two oddly reconnect. And boy, are they upset with each other. But still, can love overcome a stupid mistake and turn a promising start into a wonderful ending?
The film became a surprise hit and brought both stars to full A-list status. The movie was directed by Will Gluck and includes a cast of folks that includes Dermot Mulroney and Michelle Hurd. The movie was also nominated for “Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release” by GLAAD media. Your cohosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
When THE OMEN (1976) was released, it received very good reviews even if some critics tried to say it was made to profit on the success of the 1973 film, THE EXORCIST. But it itself has become a classic movie and won numerous awards at various award shows. It became a franchise of films, and even had a remake. Now a prequal has appeared entitled THE FIRST OMEN (2024).
In the early 1970’s, American Margaret (Nell Tiger Free) arrives in Rome to become a nun. She meets fellow initiates as she tries to adjust to the rigors of the nunnery she happens to be placed. After some shocking deaths, and an appearance of a strange priest, she begins to doubt if her new home is as safe as she first thought.
The movie is directed by Arkasha Stevenson and written by TIm Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, and Keith Thomas. The feature stars Nell Tiger Free along with Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga, and Bill Nighly. Receiving fairly decent reviews, does the movie live up to the original? Your co-hosts take a look and give their thoughts.
Witches in horror are one of the most interesting monsters. They can be the broomstick and black cauldron type with green skin and pointy hats, or they can be as nefarious as those seen in such films like THE LORDS OF SALEM (2012) and THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE (2016). The new film, BAGHEAD (2024), is another take for this villain that was just released to the streaming station Shudder.
Iris (Freya Allan) hasn't seen her father in years. When he dies, he leaves her an old but impressive tavern that she can either sell or try to make ends meet. After signing the typical lawyer-like paperwork, she moves into the tavern to begin her new life. When a strange man breaks in and offers her money to see the woman in the basement, Iris has to make a decision that may determine whether she lives or dies.
The movie has received mixed reviews both from critics and audiences alike. With his feature length debut, director Alberto Corredor makes an impressively atmospheric movie. The question is, does the script live up to its production values and its impressive cast that includes the "it girl" Freya Allan. Dark Discussions takes a look at this movie with all the buzz and gives their thoughts.
Over 25 years ago, the Japanese film, RINGU (1998), led a wave of horror films that took some sort of object and turned it into a talisman. Supernatural evil then begins to haunt or curse teenagers or college co-eds leaving many dead, and the remainder including the survivor girl being unable to ever escape the paranormal blight that follows them forever. The Australian film, TALK TO ME (2023), took the common trope and made it feel fresher than it deserved to be.
Mia (Sophie Wilde) and her friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen) head to a house party where their high school friends have come upon an embalmed hand that can turn spirits corporeal for the person who holds the hand. When Jade's little brother Riley (Joe Bird) wants a try, things turn deadly as a curse leaves Riley injured and forces Mia into a conundrum that could ultimately lead to her death.
Two new filmmakers, brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, directed this surprise A24 hit. Receiving fairly impressive reviews from reviewers while being enjoyed by audiences, the movie made $92M USD at the box office against a budget of $4.5M USD. With its success, the film landed up on many top ten lists of 2023. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL is one of those films that falls within both the Found Footage subcategory and the Cinema Verite subcategories of filmmaking. With its documentary style and its “live” camera shooting, the movie gives us the feel of both before and behind the cameras of a late night television talk show.
Night Owls With Jack Delroy is one of the many, but most successful, variety talk shows that are competing with Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. While beginning to wane in the ratings, Jack (David Dastmalchian) and his team decide to try to make an epic Halloween special including psychics, magicians, and parapsychologists as guests. Unfortunately for everyone involved the supernatural may actually be a real thing.
The movie originally made its premiere in 2023 at the SXSW film festival and received some buzz because of it. Released to theaters on March 22nd, 2024, and then on April 19th, 2024 it arrived to Shudder. Receiving excellent reviews by critics, the Cairnes brothers written and directed film, has also been had positive feedback by audiences too. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.
Frank Herbert’s original 1965 story, DUNE, was an astounding success. It has become one of America’s great novels, and is beloved by science fiction fans. Most certainly apt to fit in with the space opera subset of speculative fiction, the book has been once again recently turned into a two part film series starting with director Denis Villeneuve’s first in the pair DUNE: PART ONE (2021). Now he’s back with the second, DUNE: PART TWO, that has been one of 2024’s biggest successes.
Rather than discuss the intricacies of the story, the movie stars an all-star cast. Timothee Chalamet plays the lead role of Paul Atreides who may or may not be a promised messianic hero. Also in the cast is Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, among many others.
DUNE: PART TWO (2024) received glowing reviews from critics. With its theatrical success, Warner Brothers appears to have green lit the second book in Frank Herbert’s series DUNE: MESSIAH. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.
With a title like MIDNIGHT PEEPSHOW (2024), this latest film from England would spell out grindhouse or midnight movie. Also, once one takes a look, you find out it is actually a horror anthology that has a wraparound story that puts it together. With limited yet positive reviews, does the film live up to its name and its genre or is it a mixed bag like many horror anthologies seem to be.
In a back alley of the London streets there is a mysterious peepshow that caters to a certain group of people. But beyond that, a mysterious website reaches out to the more adventurous type hoping to get them to join, both as the entertainer and the customer. But once one travels down this rabbit hole, will they ever get to change their mind, rethink their choices, or are they doomed to a new life that wasn’t what they expected.
Recently released to VOD, the movie has received six official reviews on Rottentomatoes with all giving it a positive review. Yet audiences have been more mixed with a score at 60%, still positive but not the 100% that the critics have given it. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts. Does it live up to the exploitation title, the horror elements it suggests, and the fact that it is an anthology?
If you haven’t heard of her yet, Syndney Sweeney is possibly the most sought after actress in Hollywood. She had starring roles in shows like EUPHORIA and THE WHITE LOTUS which suddenly made her a big star. With sex appeal and acting chops, and creating her own production company, she’s been able to star in a number of surprise hits such as 2023’s ANYONE BUT YOU. Then with her appearance on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, her hosting gig made her become a meme. Not surprisingly her latest film, IMMACULATE (2024), has arrived in theaters with a bit of a buzz following it.
Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney) heads to Italy to join a nunnery that takes care of those near the end of their life after spending their younger years taking care of the poor and sick. As a Sister, Cecilia learns the ropes and daily routine. One morning, a mysterious happening occurs that causes Cecilia to become the focus of attention to the leadership of the convent. However the strictness and rules of the convent contradict typical healthcare and her own wellbeing causing Cecilia to become concerned. Her unease makes her begin to question if things aren’t what they appear to be.
IMMACULATE may look to be somewhat of a throwback to the nunsploitation of the grindhouse days, but it may actually be more aligned with the French Exteme Horror films of the early 2010’s. Fifty-Five Films, Sweeney’s production company, bought the rights to Andrew Lobel’s screenplay and brought on director Michael Mohan to direct, who she worked with on the film THE VOYEURS (2021). Receiving fairly favorable reviews, your co-hosts take a look at this theatrical release and give their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.
Series synopsis:
Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
Once again, after a long break, I am back to discuss all things esoteric and from the bizarre. This time it is I focus upon science and film and the new gigantic box office sensation DUNE PART TWO (2024).
As stated many times on this podcast, the Greys, the white and hairless aliens, are one of the monsters in the horror and science fiction genre that seem not to get enough screen time in film. In 2022, the Paramount film SIGNIFICANT OTHER alluded to space invaders or some sort of being that may play a prominent role in the movie’s story.
Ruth (Maika Monroe (IT FOLLOWS)) and Harry (Jake Lacy (THE WHITE LOTUS)) head out for a camping trip in the woods of the Northwestern United States. It was supposed to be a romantic time, with Harry even planning something special at an overlook of the Pacific Ocean that means a lot to him. However, the two find the dead body of a deer that is covered with a black substance that doesn’t seem like any type of moss they’ve ever seen.
The film was co-directed and co-written by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. The film received buzz with it starring screamqueen Maika Monroe. As for reviews, the movie has a fair score of 71% by the Rotten Tomatoes meter. With its interesting twist in the middle of the film, and an unexpected ending that oddly works, your co-hosts take a look at the structure of the movie and give their thoughts on the film as a whole.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.
Series synopsis:
Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
The recently released film, MONOLITH (2024), is technically older as it was shown back in 2022. An Australian film, the movie took a slow path before eventually getting a full release. It went from festival to festival before arriving to VOD in January 2024 with a Blu-ray release set for April 2024.
A failed and questionable journalist (Lily Sullivan) has started a podcast to try to rebuild her career. Unlike her prior calling, she has instead focused on the bizarre and unknown to try to get acknowledgment. When an anonymous email is sent to her telling her to get in contact with a woman named Floramae (Ling Cooper Tang), the podcaster heads down a rabbit hole that may lead to a mystery that she may want to investigate.
The movie was written by Lucy Campbell and directed by Matt Vesely. With only Lily Sullivan (EVIL DEAD RISE (2023)) on screen, the movie follows her as she calls and talks to various other characters throughout the world as the puzzling mystery unfolds in front of her. Your co-hosts take a look at this new movie and give their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.
Series synopsis:
Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
The old German legend, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, was an old scary tale told to many of us as children, or it was part of a collection of fairy tales that we read. The South Korean film, THE PIPER (2015), takes the premise of the legend and brings it to the post Korean War era in 1953 as a setup to the movie.
When a father and his young son head to Seoul to find a doctor that will be able to help with the child’s tuberculosis, they stop in a remote rural village for some food and shelter before they continue on their way. When the town’s leader mentions that the village has a rat problem, the father offers to help. He is a piper and says he can get rid of the animals. Offered payment without even asking, the father begins the process, yet while doing so, the piper changes the dynamics of the village and becomes a threat to the town’s leader.
The film was written and directed by Gwang-tae Kim and has received little notice in North America. However, the movie was chosen as a Patreon pick by one of our listeners, and we found it readily available on VOD. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film. Is it a hidden gem? Take a listen and find out.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.
Series synopsis:
Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
The unreliable narrator trope is a common theme in many films. The new horror film, SOMEWHERE QUIET (2024), is a film written and directed Olivia West Lloyd where she wanted to make the film after the “final girl” survives. What would her life be like after escaping or being rescued.
Meg (Jennifer Kim) and her husband Scott (Kentucker Audley) head out to his wealthy families Cape Cod compound in Massachusetts. Kim has just survived a kidnapping attempt and is suffering from stress and PTSD. A time away from the rest of the world may be good for her. While there, Kim meets Scott’s first cousin, Madelin (Marin Ireland), and the three begin to spend a lot of time together. As time goes by, Kim begins to have memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that begin to affect her sanity.
The Cluster A personality can cause one’s mind to see things that don’t exist and believe things that aren’t happening. The movie takes a look at such a person and what they “feel” around their surroundings. Co-star Marin Ireland gives an amazing performance as the eccentric cousin. Receiving great reviews by a handful of critics but negative reviews from audiences, the crew on the podcast take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.
Series synopsis:
Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
Emerald Fennell’s prior film, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (2020), received a lot of note and award nominations. Her latest film came out late 2023. SALTBURN (2023) is another dark thriller in same vein as such films as CRUEL INTENTIONS (1999), THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999), and even classic films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s REBECCA (1938).
Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) comes from humble beginnings. Receiving a scholarship to Oxford, he meets wealthy Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). After Oliver discovers his father’s passing, Felix invites him for the summer to spend with his family at their estate Saltburn. Oliver slowly begins to ingratiate himself with the family, but as secrets begin to be exposed, are the Cattons using Oliver or is Oliver using them?
The film stars Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, and Rosamund Pike in a highly praised performance. SALTBURN, though overlooked by some award ceremonies, the movie received excellent reviews even if the story itself may be somewhat unappealing. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.
Series synopsis:
Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
Gregg Araki, probably best known for THE DOOM GENERATION (1995), though not prolific, he has come out with a number of films of note including MYSTERIOUS SKIN (2004). The script was written by Araki based off a novel of the same name written by author Scott Heim. A Patreon pick from one of our listeners, the podcast takes a look at the film.
Brian Lackey (Brady Corbet), a young man, remembers passing out as a child for unknown reasons. During one of his episodes he sees a shadowy figure staring down at him. When he sees a documentary about alien abductions on televisions, he goes visits a young woman his age that claims she too had been abducted. His discussions with her lead to him searching out Neil McCormick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who appears in photographs with him as a youngster. Does Neil have an answer or is there a bigger story?
The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brady Corbet, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Michelle Trachtenberg, Bill Sage, and Elizabeth Shue. Due to its subject matter, the film received the “dreaded” NC-17 rating. Controversial, the film still received fine reviews from critics including Roger Ebert. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.
Series synopsis:
Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
The “Black List” is the top screenplays that have circulated around Hollywood and producers that have not been purchased or made yet. But the buzz follows them. The new film I.S.S. (2024) is just that. The script by Nick Shafir was finally purchased and made into the movie. Distributed by Bleecker Street, the film debuted at theaters on January 19th, 2024.
Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) joins the International Space Station crew. With 3 Americans, and 3 Russians, the crew are to orbit earth and do research in hopes to help humanity. But soon, a black swan event occurs on earth leaving the two national crews not sure what to do. With friendships, and even the world in danger of ending, the six must decide whether to trust each other and even those from their own home country.
The movie’s cast also includes Chris Messina (DEVIL (2009)), Pilou Asbaek (GAME OF THRONES), John Gallagher (10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (2016)), Masha Mashkova (FOR ALL MANKIND), and Costa Ronin (THE AMERICANS). The direction was done by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. And reviews have generally been positive. Your co-hosts take a look at this recently released film and give their thoughts.
Sometimes Hollywood “royalty” aren’t enough for a film to stand out and become a blockbuster. When you have director Gregory Hoblit, behind such genre films as PRIMAL FEAR (1996) and FREQUENCY (2000), screenwriter Nicholas Kazan behind AT CLOSE RANGE (1986) and REVERSAL OF FORTUNE (1990), and Denzel Washington starring, you’d think the film FALLEN (1998) would be a blockbuster. But it wasn’t. Why?
Synopsis: Detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington) successfully captures serial killer Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas). On the day of his execution, Reese seems to have made peace with Hobbes, shaking hands. But while dying, he appears unrepentant. Days later, copy cat murders begin and drag Hobbes back into a crime wave that may be more than just done by a man.
Besides Denzel Washington, the film’s cast includes John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, James Gandolfini, and Elias Koteas. The movie was released during a wave of supernatural religious thrillers in the 1990’s that were either hit or miss. FALLEN received mixed reviews and left the box office with little success. A Patreon pick from one of our listeners, the podcast crew take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
The podcast decides to try to do something different with our latest episode. Genre movies, books, video games, disc reviews, interviews, anime, art house film – that’s been our regular format. But with 2023 just wrapping up, and almost all of 2024 still to come, we decided to take a look at various films between the two years and recap and deconstruct what we know.
2023 was a pretty mediocre year when it came to genre films. Horror and superhero films were mostly forgettable with the occasional gem that hit it out of the ballpark. We go into depths of some well known films like EVIL DEAD RISE, and some lesser known gems like VENUS and MASTER GARDENER. But we also look back at televisions series like LAST OF US and ONE PIECE too.
Then we take a look at some films and television shows coming in 2024. Will the new ALIEN: ROMULUS take the franchise in a new direction? After Ryan Gosling’s performance in BARBIE and Emily Blunt nominated for an Oscar for her role in OPPENHEIMER, will their new film THE FALL GUY that’s coming be a major hit? Also discussed is how some of the 2024 movies that may not make the Dark Discussions Podcast may actually be picked up on Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews as episodes. Take a listen and enjoy.
We are already half way through January in 2024, yet 2023 is now in the rearview mirror. It’s time to take a look at the prior year and go through all the many films that came out that were considered horror and genre films. Dark Discussions and its co-hosts puts together their review of all that was good and bad in 2023. Was it one of the better years in genre cinema or did it have too many missteps to be remembered?
Each of your co-hosts put together a list of movies they thought were good enough to recommend. Two lists were procured. This included a list of horror films and a list of other speculative fiction films. Afterwards we then combined those lists and came up with the Dark Discussions definitive lists in both categories as best of the year. Some obvious films like MEGAN (M3GAN) and EVIL DEAD RISE appear but also little known films like THE ARTIFICE GIRL and VENUS were too.
Also included are some of our “sometime co-hosts” choices and what they felt were the best of the year. And don’t forget our top and worst scenes, scream queens, breakout star, and anything else you can think of. Dark Discussions wraps up last year in a nice tight bow and gives their listeners a good many films to go out and search for.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
Dennis Paoli some say has written some of the best horror films of all time. His most famous include RE-ANIMATOR (1985) and FROM BEYOND (1986). His work with directors Stuart Gordon have been applauded which also includes DAGON (2001). The three films listed above are all based loosely off of H.P. Lovecraft’s stories. His latest, SUITABLE FLESH (2023), directed by Joe Lynch, was released during Halloween in 2023 with some great reviews.
Psychiatrist Elizabeth Derby (Heather Graham) unexpectedly receives a patient named Asa Waite (Judah Lewis). Troubled and saying he has had experiences of being possessed, he’s the last patient she’d want to break her oath and have an affair with. When a horrific happening occurs at Asa’s house, things begin to spiral and Elizabeth’s sanity may be the price she’ll pay.
The movie was directed by Joe Lynch, known for such cult films as WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END (2007), EVERYLY (2014), and MAYHEM (2017). Besides starring Heather Graham (FROM HELL (2001), KILLING ME SOFTLY (2002)), the movie teams actress Barbara Crampton (RE-ANIMATOR (1985), FROM BEYOND (1986)) with Dennis Paoli. Also Bruce Davison co-stars. Your podcast co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
No one can deny director David Slade hit it out of the ballpark with his 2 initial features, HARD CANDY (2005) and 30 DAYS OF NIGHT (2007). Both were splendid genre films and have become cult classics. Between the years he has directed music videos and television episodes among some other films. Late in 2023 his latest film DARK HARVEST was released during the Halloween season.
In the early 1960’s within a small isolated farming community in Illinois, every Halloween a monster known as Sawtooth Jack rises from the local cornfields. Years ago he entered the local church and cursed the town to with failed crops and hardship. Now, each year, a custom has been set in place. Each Halloween, the teenage boys of the town must hunt Sawtooth Jack before he curses the town once more.
The movie is based on the novel with the same name written by author Norman Partridge. After being held back for a year, the movie was released to digital VOD as the last film by MGM/United Artist before their absorption into the Amazon movie fold. Your co-hosts take a look at David Slade’s “comeback” and give their thoughts on the movie.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
New Year’s resolutions are a big thing for folks. Some want to lose weight, find a spouse, get a new job, work towards completing something; others have goals that they strive for. Co-host Mike said that there are a lot of genre films he hasn’t seen that he wants to get to, so as a New Year’s resolution, why not ask all the co-hosts to see some film they always wanted to see and then discuss. Another year doing so, each co-host chose a genre movie that they had never seen and decided to watch it and give their opinions.
Films we discuss are Lucio Fulci's 1980 Lovecraftian film CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, Ruggero Deodato's 1980 film CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, the 1955 Ray Harryhausen film IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, and the 1988 Tom Holland/Don Mancini classic CHILD'S PLAY. A wide variety of films they are but also some important ones too that one of your co-hosts finally got to see.
With all that, Dark Discussions would like to say happy 2024 to all of our listeners and extra mention to our Patreon supporters, both new and old, and hope to hear about some of the films you folks have never seen and plan to in this new year. Email us at darkdiscussions@aol.com and let us know.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
The Grey aliens have affectively been some of the most frightening monsters in both folklore and film. But unfortunately, for high quality movies in the subgenre, not many stand out. A new film with the title FIRST CONTACT (2023) seemed to be a new entry into the alien monster movie. But when one watches it, the story turns into Cosmic horror too.
When Dr. Ian Bradach (Paul Kandarian) discovers something strange about his property, he does some experiments. Soon he disappears and is presumed dead. When his adult children Casey (Anna Shields) and Dan (James Liddell) come to reclaim his estate, they discover that his studies may have lead to something more; a space-time continuum, and an exact point in time for first contact.
The movie was written and directed by Bruce Wemple. Though only a ninety minute film, the plot examines many lofty topics including dark matter, eldritch horror, nihilism, relativism, and quantum physics. Is an average length film able to give credence to all that it is trying to get across? You co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
Kaiju monsters (also known as dinosaur sized beasts) have been a staple subgenre in the horror movie filmography all the way back to KING KONG (1933). After World War II, the Japanese giant monster movie GODZILLA (1954) appeared and started a franchise that has lasted for almost seventy years. Toho, the studio that brought us Godzilla, has released their latest in the franchise, GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023).
Kamikaze pilot Koichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki) survives the war only to return to Tokyo and finding it in ruins. Trying to survive like the rest of post war Japan, he befriends a young woman, Noriko (Minami Hamabe), and the two along with an orphaned baby girl create a hodge-podge family. Koichi gets a job clearing sea mines. While working with his crew, Godzilla appears and endangers all of Tokyo.
The movie is written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. With a budget of $15M USD, the film has gone on to triple its profit. Some reviewers have stated this may be the best Godzilla movie ever made. Your podcast co-hosts take a look at this latest release in the classic franchise and give their thoughts.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
When Eli Roth hit the horror scene, he made a huge splash. CABIN FEVER (2002) and HOSTEL (2005) were hits. Then in 2007, the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez movie GRINDHOUSE came out with fake trailer added to it making it feel like a true 42nd production. One of those trailers was the remarkable one created by Eli Roth advertising a fake movie called THANKSGIVING. Now sixteen years later, the true movie has been made.
When a Thursday night “Black Friday” sale on Thanksgiving happens in the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, a handful of people are killed from customer violence and the lack of police or security. Over the next year, people are pointing fingers at each other determining who to blame. When the daughter of the store owner of the massacre receives a macabre text message, a serial killer has announced their presence.
The movie is directed by Eli Roth and written by Jeff Rendell based off the original faux-trailer. The movie stars Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, Gina Gershon, Karen Cliche, among others. Getting solid reviews by both critics and audiences alike, two questions remain. One, is the movie actually any good, and two, does it live up to the original faux-trailer. Your co-hosts take a look and give their thoughts.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
In 2017, the Argentina horror film TERRIFIED (2017) was a hidden gem that turned into a surprised hit when it appeared on the streaming service Shudder. The director was Demian Rugna and now in 2023 he has a new film entitled WHEN EVIL LURKS (2023). The movie played at the film festival TIFF and has received splendid reviews. IFC picked up the film and released it through the theaters before it, too, made it to Shudder.
In a world not far in the future, “rottens” have begun popping up. Demons, or some sort of outer being, possesses people who begin to bloat and become deformed. However, one must exorcise them otherwise the evil will spread where folks begin to kill each other or do horrible harm to others. Two brothers, Pedro and Jaime, are stuck in the middle of a new “outbreak” and must figure how to save their families.
The movie has received fairly good reviews. Filled with gore and over the top set pieces, some believe the film could become destined to be a cult classic. The audience is dropped into the middle of this world unaware that things are “different”. Does it work? Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
Cyberpunk? It’s one of the most unique science fiction subgenres. Even though it hasn’t become as popular as space opera or hard science fiction, it has its hardcore fans that have made it remain in the public eye. Japan, alone, it has actually become one of the most popular science fiction story arcs. The movie DREDD (2012), like many American cyberpunk films, was not a box office success, but it has gained an amazing cult following since.
In a dystopian future, the government has put in place judges to keep order in place. When a slum tower block becomes the haven of kingpin Madeline Madrigal (Lena Headey), Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is sent along with rookie Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) to investigate three murders. After the capture of one of Madeline’s lieutenants that could implicate her in the murders, she shuts down the building and Judge Dredd is now fighting for his life.
DREDD was directed by Pete Travis from a script by A-lister Alex Garland who’s known for the novel, THE BEACH, as well as director of EX MACHINA (2015) and ANNIHILATION (2018) as well as the screenwriter for 28 DAYS LATER (2002). The movie was originally released in 3D and shockingly failed at the box office. Receiving great reviews, and paying tribute to the graphic novel that it is based on, your co-hosts take a look at the movie and are joined by special guest actor Dan Lench to discuss the film.
A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.
Sometimes for independent cinema, people are forced to take up many roles to get a film made. Sometimes they are so devoted to the movie, they include themselves in more roles than one specific job because the story has been an idea they’ve had for some time and they are completely invested in the project. Gianna Lutz, the woman behind the new horror film, HANDS OF HELL (2023), not only stars in the film, but also wrote the screenplay and co-directed the work. As of September 2023, the movie has been available everywhere on VOD to watch.
Two serial killers, Bianca (Gianna Lutz) and Zeke (Adam Kitchen), have escaped from the mental institution they have been reprimanded to. As a group of vacationers arrive at a remote retreat, the killers have taken over the facility from the owners and have turned the quiet resort into their headquarters to once again begin their murderous ways.
Not only is the movie a show piece for the talents of Gianna Lutz, but it is also another addition to female roles behind the camera. The movie takes place in Texas not far from the Louisiana border, and brings the cluster b personality once more to the forefront of a non-supernatural horror film. The co-hosts of the podcast take a look at this newly released movie and give their thoughts.
The podcast’s 600th episode has arrived. With its arrival, the team put up a poll on our Facebook group asking listeners to choose the topic. With a choice of 16 movies that the co-hosts came up with, the 1973 classic horror film, THE WICKER MAN, was chosen. “Come. It is time to keep your appointment with the Wicker Man.”
Police officer Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) head’s to Summerisle Island off the Scottish coast when he receives a harrowing letter about a missing girl. On his arrival, he discovers a strange society following a pagan sect. It’s a land very dissimilar to the mainland. May Day and a celebration of sexual freedom, the land is ruled by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). During his search for the missing girl, an ominous conspiracy begins to form around his investigation and his life may be endangered.
The movie also stars A-listers Britt Ekland, Diane Cilento, and Ingrid Pitt. THE WICKER MAN was directed by Robin Hardy and written by Anthony Snell. With its unforgettable ending, the film has become iconic and has been the father of so many more folk horror films including MIDSOMMAR (2019) among others. Your co-hosts take a look at this classic film and give their thoughts.
The novel FRANKENSTEIN OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS was written back in 1818, by Mary Shelley, and since then the story has become one of the most famous stories of all time. And Frankenstein’s Monster is one of the most iconic creatures to ever been created. Films, plays, and spin off novels have been made of it. And in many cases, the story has been used as the basis of other tales. The new movie THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER (2023) is just another example.
Vicaria (Laya DeLeon Hayes) lives with her widower father. Years earlier her mother was murdered in a random shooting and most recently, her brother Chris (Edem Atsu-Swanzy) was killed in a drug related gang hit. Science is Vicaria’s thing, and she has learned how to bring back the dead. Unfortunately, her brother Chris comes back yet isn’t the young man she used to know.
The movie was written and directed as the feature length debut for Bomani J. Story. The film’s cast also includes Denzel Whitaker and Chad Coleman among others. Released earlier in the year in a limited run, the film quickly landed up on VOD and the Shudder television network. Chosen as a contest winning film by listener and podcaster Amy for the Halloween movie discussion, your co-hosts take a look at this new Frankenstein take and give their thoughts on it.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE (2023).
The “little” film EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2022), independently made, but picked up by A24 for distribution, basically out of nowhere became a major hit and also won seven Oscars at the Academy Awards. Part science fiction, part comedy, part family drama, the movie received great reviews while also making a strong box office.
From IMDB: A middle-aged Chinese immigrant is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led.
The movie stars Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jenny Slate, James Hong, Jamie Lee Curtis, and remarkably retired child actor Ke Hy Quan who went on to win the Oscar for best supporting actor. The movie was written and directed by the “Daniels”, Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan after having met at Emerson College in Boston years earlier. Your co-hosts take a look at this film picked as a feature by co-host Eric.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE (2023).
The new film, YOU’RE KILLING ME (2023), is a new play on the home invasion movie. What happens if it isn’t your home, and you are at a party, and a person or people who happen to be there mixing and mingling are the killers. They are already in the house with you. What do you do? And what happens if there is an existential concern that prevents you from even getting help from authorities?
Eden (McKaley Miller) and her friend head to a party on the wealthy side of town. The high school house party is hosted by Barrett (Brice Anthony Heller) who is the son of a congressman. Eden sees an opportunity to schmooze Barrett to get his father to write her a recommendation letter for admission to an exclusive college. When a recent crime suddenly comes to the forefront at the party, Eden must figure a way to let the police know while also saving herself from the killers’ attempts to silence her.
The film stars McKaley Miller in a strong lead performance. Also included in the cast is Anne Heche in one of her last film roles as well as Dermot Mulroney. Co-directed by Beth Hanna and Jerren Launder from a script by Walker Hare and Brad Martocello, the movie has received excellent reviews by film critics. Your co-hosts take a look at this new movie and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE (2023).
Demons have always been a staple in religious horror movies. Christianity and Judaism has been a great area to cultivate stories for entertainment purposes when it comes to scares. One faith, Hinduism, has their share of demonic entities and evil beings that try to corrupt or cause chaos to humanity. The recently released film, IT LIVES INSIDE (2023), takes this to Western audiences that may not be as familiar with the religious texts that discuss these monsters.
Samidha, nicknamed Sam, is a popular high school student who comes from an immigrant family from India. Her mother and she butt heads often over cultural issues and her wish to be the person she wants to be. When an old friend Tamira disappears after Sam and she have a fight, an ancient evil may have been unleashed that will terrorize Sam and those around her.
IT LIVES INSIDE is written and directed by Bishal Dutta and stars Megan Suri as Sam, Neeru Bajwa as Sam’s mother, among a large supporting cast. The film has received mixed reviews by both critics and audiences alike. The film received a strong trailer push though didn’t catch on as distributor Neon had hoped. Your co-hosts take a look at this film and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE (2023).
Social media influencers have taken over the internet. And in many cases, they can make a career out of it or get a jump in their own careers. For example, Justin Bieber became a star because of it, and directors Jon Watts and Fede Alvarez who were discovered on social media. If one searches Instagram, you can find all sorts of influencers including scantily clad models, all the way to travel vloggers. The new Canadian film, INFLUENCER, now on Shudder, shows such a scenario but now in a horror film.
Madison (Emily Tennant), a travel vlogger, model, and advertiser is in Thailand. Her personal life is a wreck, and she doesn’t much seem into her now fulltime job promoting herself, her sponsors, and the vacation spots she journeys to. When she unexpectingly is forced to extend her trip, she meets another young woman, CW (Cassandra Naud), that will show her around. Soon something unexpected happens that may endanger her life.
The film is directed by Kurtis David Hardner and co-written by him and Tesh Guttikonda. Besides Emily Tennant and Cassandra Naud, Sara Canning and Rory J. Saper star as well. Receiving fairly good reviews, the movie focuses on some modern themes like the internet and the small world we live in. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE (2023).
Even if his works as film have been very loosely based off the tales he tells, H.P. Lovecraft has been an inspiration to many filmmakers. His story, THE DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE, originally published in 1933 in WEIRD TALES, a classic magazine during its time, is the basis of the new Spaniard film, VENUS (2023). Directed and co-written by Jaume Balaguero, one of the co-creators of the REC film series, VENUS appeared on VOD in early September 2023.
As an eclipse is about to occur over Madrid, Lucia (Ester Exposito), an exotic dancer, steals a large amount of illegal drugs from the mob. Hurt and on the run, she hides out in the Venus building, a sparsely populated apartment complex that her sister and niece live in. With the mob searching for her outside, she discovers that inside the building she may have something worse that she must escape from.
VENUS not only takes its premise from the Lovecraft story it is loosely based on, but it also has the feel of many other movies as widely distinct as the EVIL DEAD RISE, DRIVE, HEREDITARY, and many others. Your co-hosts take a look at the latest movie from Jaume Balaguero and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE (2023).
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE (2023).
DC movies have received varying degrees of success as each is released and turns into a box office smash or a disappointment. When James Gunn took over as the head of the latest re-boot of the universe of the comicbooks to film, his first project was THE SUICIDE SQUAD (2021), a standalone sequel to the original from 2016.
Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) once more puts together a super villain squad of anti-heroes to infiltrate the Latin American country of Corto Maltese after a coup overthrew the neutral government that now has turned the island nation hostile. The squad is kept in the dark but takes the job as they will get suspended prison terms if the mission is a success. Unfortunately for them, Waller may be as dangerous to their survival as Corto Maltese’s junta.
The movie is another success for James Gunn and gives him a big jump with Warner Brother’s Pictures and their upcoming universe. The film didn’t gross as much as it was hoped as it was released during the middle of the COVID pandemic, but it has generated great reviews and much success after its initial theatrical run. Your co-hosts take a look at this movie and give their thoughts.
Serial killers and demon possession isn’t necessarily an original concept in horror media. But a recently released film on VOD after its initial run at theaters in April 2023 gives an interesting twist to the subgenre. The movie is called NEFARIOUS (2023) and gained a lot of traction early with a large push from social media as well as fans of horror films in general.
Dr. James Martin (Jordan Belfi) is quickly put on the case of serial killer Edward Wayne Brady (Sean Patrick Flanery). It is execution day, and Dr. Martin has studied the case because he has been designated as the psychiatrist to determine whether Brady is mentally cognizant to face execution on death row. Arriving at the prison, he finds a very meek man that has bursts of energy and ire. But Brady claims he is possessed by a demon, and Dr. Martin begins to believe his split personality may be something more.
The movie was co-written/co-directed by Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon. The story is based off a manifesto novel A NEFARIOUS PLOT by Steve Deace. The film received mediocre reviews from critics but gained rave reviews from audiences. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE (2023).
Released originally at the Tribeca Film Festival, the new movie BAD THINGS (2023) made its debut a few months later on the Shudder streaming service. The movie takes place during winter in a remote deserted hotel with only a handful of characters giving it a feel of isolation and emptiness.
Ruth (Gayle Rankin) has inherited an empty hotel from her grandmother. With her mother (Molly Ringwald) and friends giving her different views on what to do with the property, she decides to take a trip to the property and make it a girl’s weekend while itemizing everything and seeing the condition of the building. But as tensions between Ruth and her friends begin to bubble, strange things happen at the hotel that make them believe something or someone else is with them.
The movie is directed by Stewart Thorndike from a script that she wrote. Starring five performers including Hari Nef and Annabelle Dexter-Jones, the movie has been prominently advertised on Shudder’s main screen. Your co-hosts take a look at this latest Shudder original and give their thoughts.
Director Pascal Laugier made a name for himself with his French language film, MARTYRS (2008). Though his career hasn’t taken off for a number of reasons, some of his films still have garnered a cult following by many horror fans. One of them, INCIDENT IN A GHOSTLAND (2018), didn’t generate the amount of talk as MARTYRS, but it definitely was noticed by core fans of the director.
Colleen inherits a home from an aunt. Taking her two daughters, Beth and Vera, with her one night, they move into the remote farm home to begin a new life. But the evening they arrive, the two young teenagers read in the local newspaper of serial killings that have occurred in the local county. Unfortunately, there first day in the house may not be what they had expected.
INCIDENT IN A GHOSTLAND has received mixed reviews for various reasons, including some of its subject matter as well as the twists that the director chose. Though somewhat forgotten by horror fans, the podcast crew have decided to take a look at this interesting movie and give their thoughts.
Finally, years later, the film version of THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER (2023) has been released. Stuck in development hell for over a decade, the idea for such a film has shifted between different stars, directors, writers, and even producers. But somehow Universal got it off the ground, bringing in director Andre Ovredal (THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE (2016) on board.
When a Russian ship sets sale from Varna, Bulgaria to London, England, strange things begin to happen to the captain and crew. Members of the crew die violent deaths, others disappear, and some even say they saw a "demon" on board. Soon they wonder what really is in the cargo that they are carrying with them.
The movie is based on the seventh chapter of the Bram Stoker novel, DRACULA (1897), entitled The Captain's Log. Though based off the novel, the liberties to the source material are so immense, some wonder if it really is a Dracula tale at all. Meeting up at the Dark Discussions Podcast yearly meetup in Mystic, CT, the podcast crew (and guests) give their thoughts on the movie.
One room. Just one room. Horror and thriller movies have used the technique often. It makes a film almost like a stage play where actors and actresses can shine. The new Shutter exclusive release, BROOKLYN 45 (2023), most certainly does this. There are only a handful of performers and truly one and only one room for 95% of the film.
A group of friends, both military veterans and intelligence employees, meet up at the end of World War II for a dinner set up by their friend and leader Lieutenant Colonel Clive Hockstatter. Though it is time to celebrate as the war has ended, Hockstatter’s wife recently took her own life. Soon, the Lieutenant Colonel has let his guests know he has another intention for the invite that is more than dinner and reminiscing.
Highly successful independent filmmaker Ted Geoghegan is back as writer/director for this new supernatural horror movie. The film stars a number of fine actors in an ensemble cast including genre favorite Jeremy Holm. Your co-hosts take a look at the recently released thriller and give their thoughts.
What is the definition of a legend? Well, Paul Schrader fits the bill. Though not known for his horror films, much of his work is dark and is considered in the thriller genre. Whether directing or writing, or both, much of his work is considered some of film history’s best. His ability to show the human psyche is unmatched. The latest film by him, MASTER GARDENER (2023), was released on May 19th, 2023.
Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton) is the head gardener of the famous Haverhill Estate’s Gracewood Gardens owned by its dowager, Norma Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver). Norma decides to bring back her last blood relative, Maya Core (Quintessa Swindell), to the property to work with Narvel and his team so she could one day inherit the mansion and garden and keep it within the family. When Maya gets in trouble, Narvel decides to help the young woman, bringing back a very dark past that he has tried to move on from.
The cast includes Joel Edgerton in an amazing performance taken from the script written by director/writer Paul Schrader. The supporting cast includes Sigourney Weaver and Quintessa Swindell in very important roles. The movie, though not a major release by Hollywood standards, has received excellent reviews from critics. Even from such a prominent talent as Schrader, the film seems to have been overlooked by audiences. Your co-hosts take a look at director’s latest and gives their thoughts.
Legal thrillers have been a staple of Hollywood films for decades. Long before the rating system and when film was black and white, they dominated theaters. In 2007, the film MICHAEL CLAYTON became a big hit. It was more a character study than just a legal thriller, and it included such topics as business corruption, mental illness, and family drama too.
Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is a lawyer for a big New York City law firm. Rather than being a partner, he’s called a cleaner or a janitor, someone that cleans up the messes of the firm’s top clients. When lawyer, Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) has a breakdown and may expose the corruption of client U-North, U-North’s internal council, Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton), has to make a rash decision. In the meantime, Michael has to find Arthur, saving their case, and try to clean up the mess.
The film received seven Academy Award nominations including a win for Tilda Swinton for Best Supporting Actress. The movie was directed and written by Tony Gilroy and included in the cast Ken Howard, Sydney Pollack, and Denis O’Hare. Receiving amazing reviews, and considered a masterpiece, the movie went on to make $93M USD. Your cohosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Anthology television shows have been quite popular over the years. With the TWILIGHT ZONE, ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS, and THE OUTER LIMITS, the genre has been around for years. HBO’s MASTERS OF HORROR was one that pushed the limits. An unlikely successor to these shows was BLACK MIRROR. It eventually was picked up by Netflix after British television ended its run. Now on Season 6, the show has picked up right where it left off.
Season 6 includes the episodes JOAN IS AWFUL, LOCH HENRY, BEYOND THE SEA, MAZEY DAY, and DEMON 79. Each is completely different than the prior and have a mix of comedy, horror, darkness, and sadness. One even if a throwback to grindhouse cinema from the 1970’s.
Actors include Salma Hayek, Annie Murphy, John Hannah, Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Mara. Show creator and co-showrunner Charlie Brooker is the primary writer of the episodes. You co-hosts take a look at this five episode season of television and give their thoughts.
Killer children has been a staple in horror films since cinema began. Also, telepathy and other mental powers has been a common trope too in movie history. The latest supernatural thriller from Norway entitled THE INNOCENTS (2022) joins both these horror subgenres together and gives a new spin on the malevolence of a young unformed mind with powers they cannot control.
From Wikipedia: “Lonely young girl Ida and her older sister Anna have moved into an apartment with their parents. Anna suffers from nonverbal autism, Ida having to take responsibility for her. One day Ida meets Ben and the two strike up a friendship. Strange things begin to happen after the two explore the apartment complex's basement. Somehow Anna seems to be able to form a spiritual connection with another girl named Aisha who lives nearby. Soon Anna begins to speak again.”
Starring a very young cast from Norway, the film was directed and written by Eskil Vogt, who gained some notice for his debut film THELMA from 2017. THE INNOCENTS has been reviewed by over a hundred English language critics who have generally given it a very positive review. Your co-hosts take a look at this film and give their critique.
On episode 585 of the podcast, we reviewed and discussed the new horror film FOLLOW HER (2023). All of us felt the film was a hidden gem and definitely a movie everyone should watch. With its twists and turns, a second watch is as good a first as things that were missed are not clearly seen. For this episode we were lucky to get actress/screenwriter Dani Barker and director Sylvia Caminer to join us and discuss their fantastic movie.
From IMDB: “An aspiring actress responds to a mysterious classified ad and find herself trapped in her new boss’s twisted revenge fantasy.”
Though the IMDB blurb is slight on information, the movie is so much more as it focuses on social media influencers, one’s internal conscious, as well as family relationships and how those create online content may actually create nothing at all. Your co-hosts ask our guests a lot of great questions and learn more about the film and filmmaking in general.
Back in the early 2000’s, the big horror genre that everyone was talking about was the French Extreme cinema. Basically it was an over-the-top subgenre of horror film that was called back the shocking days of drive-in cinema but with more realistic and less grindhouse in its approach. One of these films became an instant classic. That film was called INSIDE (2007).
Sarah (Alysson Paradis) was in an awful car accident that leaves her a widow. Pregnant and all alone, she keeps busy with her office job and her home chores. On Christmas Eve, she doesn’t accept either her mother’s or her boss’s offers to spend the holiday with either. While police are busy with city riots, a woman knocks on her door asking to use the phone. When Sarah refuses using the excuse that her husband is sleeping, the woman says that she knows he is dead.
The film also stars French legend Beatrice Dalle. Co-directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo off a script by Bastillo, the film received rave reviews for those who could endure it. A patreon pick by listeners, your co-hosts take a look at this cult classic and gives their thoughts.
We may be a week late as life happens, but we are back. For our fourth lesbian arthouse film during Pride Month of June, Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews takes a look at the drama ANATOMY OF A LOVE SEEN (2014). A movie where a film takes place within a film.
Zoe (Sharon Hinnendael) and Mal (Jill Evyn) are two popular actresses who star in a new film together. Playing lesbian lovers, the two actually fall in love while filming their sex scene. Unfortunately their relationship ends horribly. When the two are called back once more to film the TV edit of the movie, they are forced to face each other after no contact for months.
The film was written, directed, and co-stars prolific director Marina Rice Bader. Also included in the cast is Constance Brenneman as Anne, the producer of the film within the film. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
Terry Gilliam has been a very “confusing” director. His films are sometimes called inaccessible. Whether it is TIME BANDITS (1981), BRAZIL (1985), or FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1998), his work is very distinct. In 1995, his film 12 MONKEYS did have his various traits and also was a well received science fiction film with originality.
In apocalyptic 2035, where people live underground, prisoner James Cole (Bruce Willis) is sent to the surface for samples so a cure for a pandemic that killed most of humanity. Scientists however have a plan. They are able to send people back to the past so to see if they can stop the disease itself. When James heads back to 1996, he discovers that a group of environmental terrorists called 12 Monkeys may be the culprit.
Directed by Gilliam, the screenplay was written by duo, David and Janet Peoples, based off a French short film LA JATEE by Chris Marker. The cast includes Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, David Morse, Christopher Plummer, and Madeleine Stowe. Your co-hosts take a look at this very interesting film and give their thoughts.
One does being one of the greatest directors of all time mean? Either way, it can be safe to say that the impact that Wes Craven had on movie cinema qualifies him as one of the best ever. In 1996, his film, SCREAM, became an incredible hit and many folks feel it is one of the greatest films of all time (more than just a horror film). After Craven’s passing, the franchise has continued with SCREAM 5 (2022) and SCREAM 6 (2023).
Sisters Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) have been targeted by the next group of psychos that have decided to take on the identity of the Ghostface killer. With a group of new characters and many old, the mystery of who the new murders are begins a new chapter in the franchise.
The two new SCREAM films were co-written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, and co-directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Guy Busick. Veteran performers Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, David Arquette, and Hayden Panettiere return while being joined by a new group of 20-somethings. Your co-hosts take a look at the two latest in the franchise and give their thoughts.
On June 12th, 2023, actor Treat Williams passed away in Vermont in a motorcycle accident. He had been a Hollywood mainstay having been a supporting actor in many big budget films. At times he was a leading man as well, and in 1998 he starred in the horror film DEEP RISING. Dark Discussions has decided to pay tribute to his life by reviewing the film.
Captain John Finnegan (Treat Williams) leads a crew that takes on whatever job is needed. When a group of mercenaries hire him, he founds out that their target is an ocean liner. On the cruise ship, Trillian (Famke Janssen), a guest on the boat, is arrested by the crew for pickpocketing. When a mysterious creature attacks the ocean liner, Trillian, a handful of survivors, and the mercenaries try their best to survive.
DEEP RISING, though a critical flop, has gained a large cult following over the years. Written and directed by the prolific Stephen Sommers, the movie was an opportunity to allow Williams and Janssen a chance to become A-list starts. Though their careers didn’t advance as much as some thought, they both have had a long and lustrous career. Rest in peace, Treat Williams. Your co-hosts give their thoughts.
For our third lesbian arthouse film during Pride Month of June, Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews searches for the obscure and foreign. NUDE AREA (2014), a film from the Netherlands, is a curious piece of art as it has no dialogue at all. None. And yet as a moving picture, it captures a very poignant idea that the director/screenwriter wanted.
Naomi (Sammy Boonstra) one day sees a Fama (Imaan Hammam) on the train. She anamoured by the girl. Shy, Naomi is unable to approach her. Instead she follows her discovering where she lives and what gym and spa she attends. Soon she interjects herself into Fama’s life, and the two young women learn more about each other.
NUDE AREA was written and directed by Urszula Antoniak. The film paints a picture of the two leads, while the lack of dialogue intentionally makes the viewer wonder if it much of the film is simply Naomi’s fantasy. Barely noticed by critics, the film’s nudity and its LGBTQ topic may have attracted both midnight movie and arthouse fans alike. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
World War 2 films were the thing back in the day, but recently they have become more modern with their action, adventure, and pulp style. The latest from director Peter Thorwarth who directed the vampire film BLOOD RED SKY has the tone of a Quentin Tarantino film, while playing straight with its over the top action.
Heinrich, a decorated Wehrmacht soldier, is captured by the Waffen-SS after abandoning his battalion during the last days of World War 2. When they hang him, a farm girl rescues him and the two of them discover that the Waffen-SS are now occupying her town looking for stolen gold.
The movie was picked up by Netflix and released May 26, 2023. Getting impressive reviews from both audiences and critics, the movie has garnered somewhat of a cult following. Joined by actor Dan Lench, your co-hosts discuss this latest action thriller.
For our second lesbian arthouse film during Pride Month of June, Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews has decided to look at one of the more popular films in the genre. DISOBEDIENCE (2017) was noted by many critics in its initial release as a potential award winner during the year’s end. Though it wasn’t nominated much nor win many, the film was critically praised by both audiences and critics alike.
Ronit (Rachel Weisz) is a fashion photographer in Manhattan. During a shoot, she gets a call that her estranged father, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, has passed away in her home city of London, England. When she returns for the funeral and will, she reconnects with her old friends now married, Dovid (Alessandro Nivola) and Esti (Rachel McAdams). Now an outcast to the community, Ronit must deal with the mixed reactions of her return as well as a past that still haunts her.
DISOBEDIENCE was directed by Chilean director Sebastian Lelio and co-written by screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz. The script is based of the novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman. Produced by Rachel Weisz as a passion project, the film like many great films is mostly elapsed from public knowledge except by film lovers. Your cohosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
Social media and online influencers have changed the world for the worst and the better. You have talented folks able to show their talents to the world, contact people from all over instantaneously, and entertainment at your finger tips. But the dark side of the internet has shown through as well. The new film, FOLLOW ME (2023), takes a look at the darker side of things that could occur.
Jess Peters (Dani Barker) is an inspiring actress, living off her favors coin, while doing fetish videos on-line for money and “likes”. After mistakenly releasing four seconds of video of one of her “clients”, she has to make a decision that will affect her life in ways she will never know.
The film also stars Luke Cook as well as Dani Barker who wrote the screenplay for the film. The movie is directed by veteran Sylvia Caminer. With its positive reviews, the movie is getting a bit of notice. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
Welcome to Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews theme month. June has been designated as Pride Month for the LGBT community. So to fit with the month, once again the podcast has decided to review various art house lesbian films as we did last year. To start off, we discuss the 2017 film ALLURE.
Laura (Evan Rachel Wood) works as a home cleaning service for her father and his company. While starting a new client in a wealthy home, she meets a 16 year old girl named Eva (Julia Sarah Stone). Eva quickly becomes interested in the alternative-dressed and interesting woman that Laura is. Soon a bond happens between the two. But one wonders what Laura’s true intentions are.
The film is directed and written as a team by Carlos and Jason Sanchez. The cast also includes Denis O’Hare and Maxim Roy. The movie is a Canadian production that originally was released at TIFF in 2017 before going wide (to VOD) in Q2 2018. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film that is as much arthouse as it is grindhouse.
Podcasting on: Evil Dead Rise. News of the weird, Orca's attack, Bees! and Ruby Slippers.
Earlier in 2023, the film MEGAN (2023) arrived to theaters. The movie was about an artificial intelligence (AI) robot/toy that began to make its own decisions that turned it into a murderous monster. The science fiction subgenre including AI is suddenly “fresh” with the subject lately in the news. The latest movie to be released about the subject is THE ARTIFICE GIRL (2023) that’s getting some notice.
Law enforcement Deena (Sinda Nichols) and Amos (David Girard) think they have found an anonymous social media vigilante. They bring in Gareth (Franklin Ritch) to question him about his work and some online activity he’s been a part of. When a little girl named Cherry (Tatum Matthews) seems to be a pawn in a pedophile sting, Deena is determined to find the girl and bring justice.
Besides starring as Gareth, THE ARTIFICE GIRL is directed and written by Franklin Ritch. Also appearing is Lance Henriksen in maybe his largest and important role since the 1990’s. The film appears to be a science fiction thriller but changes topics as the movie goes along. Your co-hosts take a look at this little film and give their thoughts.
Vampire films are probably as common to find at the bottom of the well on any streaming service as zombie films. What’s original with them? Not much, right? But sometimes a new idea is added to the lore and makes them stand out just a bit more than others. The new Hulu film, BLOOD (2023), is one of those movies that does things just a little differently to make it feel somewhat original.
Jess (Michelle Monaghan) is a divorce mom with two young children. A nurse that’s a recovering addict, Jess has had to struggle trying to keep custody of her daughter and son. When they move back home to the farm Jess inherited from her aunt, her two children head out to the fields and discover a dried up old pond with a mysterious tree sitting in its center.
Brad Anderson, director of such films as SESSION 9 (2001) and THE MACHINEST (2004), directs from a script by Will Honley. Receiving a limited release before its streaming run began, the movie has received mix to average reviews from both critics and viewers alike. Your cohosts take a look at this new movie and give their thoughts.
The timeloop film isn’t nothing new. One of the most famous is the comedy GROUNDHOG DAY (1993), but the horror and sci-fi genres have had a number of well received films with many now considered modern classics such as EDGE OF TOMORROW (2014), LOOPER (2012), and HAPPY DEATH DAY (2017). Another such film, stuck in COVID limbo, was released to Hulu in 2021 called BOSS LEVEL.
When former black ops soldier Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo) wakes up to an assassination attempt, he suddenly finds himself in a timeloop. Trying to reach his son and his ex-wife scientist Jemma Wells (Naomi Watts), he has to relieve day after day as more and more assassins appear to his future self. Now Roy discovers there may a bigger secret that could result in the end of the world leaving him as a reluctant hero.
The movie is directed by Joe Carnahan who previously did THE GREY (2011) and NARC (2002). The film stars Frank Grillo, Naomi Watts, but also Mel Gibson and Michelle Yeoh. Most critics enjoyed this film that some viewers say is an unknown hidden gem. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
The heist film isn’t anything new in the subgenre of thrillers and crime films. The movie, SEXY BEAST (2000), came out at a time when films such as PULP FICTION (1994) changed the landscape of movies where midnight movies became mainstream and B-movies became classy. SEXY BEAST took this new type of throwback filmmaking techniques and put it straight on top of the heist movie.
Gal Dove (Ray Winstone) and his wife DeeDee (Amanda Redman) along with another couple retired to the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Unfortunately being a former safe cracker for the British mob, can he really retire? Without notice, Don Logan (Ben Kingsley) arrives at Gal’s home to get him to join in one last heist set up by crime boss Teddy Bass (Ian McShane). Does Gal have any options or is he forced to do the job?
The movie is directed by non-prolific yet highly regarded director Jonathan Glazer. The movie star Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane, Amanda Redman, along with Cavan Kendall, Julianne White, and James Fox. Receiving amazing reviews and even noticed at awards ceremonies, SEXY BEAST is considered by some as one of the best thrillers in the last 25 years. A Patreon pick by one of our listeners, your co-hosts take a look at this amazing film.
Back in 2013, the EVIL DEAD franchise was rebooted with the film EVIL DEAD (2013). The movie was very polarizing with fans and critics loving it or hating it. Now in 2023, the next film in the series was released, EVIL DEAD RISE (2023). This one seems to be getting acclaim consistently without the black-and-white feelings of the prior.
Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) and her husband have separated. Alone with her three children, her sister Beth (Lily Sullivan) has returned home from a music tour as a guitar technician. Pregnant and without money, Ellie accepts her with love and wishes her to stay. When an earthquake hits the Los Angeles area, a hole in the parking garage opens allowing her children to find a copy of the Book of the Dead in an old bank vault. Things get worse from there.
Produced once again by Rob Tapert and executive produced by Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell,, this latest edition of the series has a new director and screenwriter, Lee Cronin, who did the exceptional horror film THE HOLE IN THE GROUND back in 2019. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest movie to star the deadites and gives their thoughts.
Demon and religious horror has always been a solid subgenre in horror. Such films as INSIDIOUS (2010), THE EVIL DEAD (1981), THE EXORCIST (1973), and THE OMEN (1976) are just a number of some of the best in the subgenre, and all very different. The new horror film, THE OFFERING (2023), was just released on VOD to fairly strong reviews. Does it live up to other movies in the subgenre?
When Arthur (Nick Blood) and his wife Claire (Emily Wiseman) visit his Hasidic Jewish father at his funeral home business in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. After leaving suddenly some years ago and marrying a gentile woman, Arthur and his father have had a falling out. But his rekindling of the relationship may have a hidden agenda as he hopes to get money from his father to help pay the bills. But while visiting, the body of a deceased man arrives at the funeral home with a very dark secret.
The movie was directed by British director Oliver Park based off a screenplay and story by Hank Hoffman and Jonathan Yunger. The cast includes Allan Corduner and Paul Kaye (GAME OF THRONES) and recently became available on the streaming service Hulu. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts on the story.
Director John Francis Daley, known for the spectacular film GAME NIGHT (2018), joins up with co-director Jonathan Goldstein to direct the new fantasy film, DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES (2023). The movie is based on the book and game franchise, DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS. It’s a reboot of an old film series that didn’t live up to expectations.
The bard, Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine), and his barbarian friend, Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez), head out to find the Tablet of Reawakening, which will allow Edgin to bring his wife back from the dead. With the help of a tiefling druid, a wizard, and a paladin, their adventure leads them to the caverns with dragons, and fighting a group of undead wizards.
The movie has received fantastic reviews both from critics and audiences alike. The cast also includes Hugh Grant, Justice Smith, Rege-Jean Page, Daisy Head, and Sophia Lillis. There is already talk of a sequel and a televisions series, with some critics calling it similar to the Marvel films. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
The independent horror film, THEY WAIT IN THE DARK (2023), has been getting some rave reviews including a write up in the New York Times. Director Patrick Rea is no rookie when it comes to horror films. He’s directed some fine films in the genre this last decade including NAILBITER (2013), ARBOR DEMON (2016), and I AM LISA (2020).
THEY WAIT IN THE DARK as stated on IMDB: Amy (Sarah McGuire), a young woman is on the run with her young son Adrian (Patrick McGee) from her abusive ex-girlfriend. When the past rises up to haunt them, they must confront the forces threatening them from both outside and in.
Patrick Rea joins the podcast to discuss his latest film. As the IMBD description suggests, the film is both a thriller as a Cluster B personality chases our protagonists across state while inside their hiding place a supernatural presence may be even more threatening than the main antagonist. Listen in and hear what Rea says about his latest slow burn horror film.
Director Patrick Rae has been directed a number of horror films including two that have been reviewed by Dark Discussions Podcast. Now in 2023, his latest film, THEY WAIT IN THE DARK (2023), showed up on VOD with positive reviews coming from such well known publications as the New York Times.
Amy (Sarah McGuire) is a troubled woman carrying demons from her past. Now she is on the run with her son from her ex Judith (Laurie Catherine Winkel). When she returns to her abandoned childhood home, she decides to hide out hoping to have escaped Judith and her physical abuse. Soon, however, as Judith begins to zero in on her location, Amy’s own personal sins may have come to back for revenge.
The movie was written as well as directed by Patrick Rae. Starring Sarah McGuire and Laurie Catherine Winkel in performances that were written to ooze the inner demons each woman feels and fears. Your co-hosts take a look at this film and give their thoughts.
Throwback grindhouse horror films are one of the most successful types of films that independent filmmakers are making nowadays. With the glossiness of theatrical releases, and screenplays feeling generic, the old school drive-in film that has been all but forgotten by bigger studios has left a lot of filmmakers an opportunity to standout. The new horror film CANDY LAND (2023) has received buzz and received great reviews from even large publications like the New York Times and Los Angeles Times.
“Lot Lizards” Sadie (Sam Quartin), Riley (Eden Brolin), Liv (Virginia Rand), and gigilo Levi (Owen Campbell) all work at a grimy truck stop. Fortunately for them they are mostly left alone by Sheriff Rex (William Baldwin). When innocent girl Remy (Olivia Luccardi) leaves a strict religious group, she lands up being helped by the young working women. But then a dead body is found in the motel’s public bathroom leaving everyone to believe a serial killer may be among their midst.
CANDY LAND is written and directed by John Swab. Starring a cast of well known genre actors and actresses, the film is lead by Olivia Luccardi (IT FOLLOWS) in a key part that changes the lives of all the other characters in the movie. Receiving very good reviews by critics everywhere, your co-hosts take a look at this modern take on a subgenre of horror films that has been under represented in modern cinema.
In early 2022, the Ti West film, X, was released to rave reviews. With its grindhouse experience, and throwback feel, the move brought horror and midnight movie fans back to the old 42nd Street theaters that used to pocket New York City and Times Square. To the surprise of many, a follow up film, that was filmed at the same time as X was announced entitled PEARL (2022).
Pearl, the antagonist of X (2022), played by Mia Goth, has her origin story now. The film is about Pearl’s life on her immigrant German family’s farm. We see that Pearl is wishing to escape and be in movies. But unfortunately her life as a teenager is violent and unstable as we see her do things that normal teenagers would never do.
PEARL stars Mia Goth in what some say is a career defining performance. Also starring are Emma Jenkins-Purro, Tandi Wright, Matthews Sunderland, among others. Filmed for the relatively low price of $1M USD, the movie went on to make ten times the box office. Rated as highly as its predecessor by critics, your co-hosts now take a look at this little film and give their thoughts.
Long time actress and comedian Elizabeth Banks entered the directing ranks with PITCH PERFECT 2 (2015) followed by the reboot of CHARLIE’S ANGLES (2019). Both films received mixed reactions by audiences and also critics. Her latest COCAINE BEAR (2023) also has had mixed reactions from both critics and audiences alike however it has received some note for its very eclectic style.
When a drug smuggler drops a shipment of cocaine out of a flying airplane over the Georgia wilderness, he mistakenly knocks himself unconscious while disembarking the plane. The results leave a dead smuggler and bags of cocaine lost in the forest. Soon a group of nature lovers, forest rangers, European tourists, police officers, children playing hooky, St. Louis drug smugglers, a concerned mother, and a group of teenage criminals all ironically meet up in the state park only to find out that a local black bear has ingested some of the illegal substances and gone violently mad.
On her third try, Elizabeth Banks may have established herself as much of a director as she is an actress and comedian. The movie includes the final role of Ray Liotta (and it is dedicated to him). The film was released on February 24th, 2023 with a budget of $35M USD. The film has gone on to make $66.5M USD and earned itself a cult following. Your co-hosts take a look at this curious film and give their thoughts on what sounds like an absurd movie.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
It all started in 1986 with the novella THE HELLBOUND HEART (part of a horror anthology NIGHT VISIONS VOLUME 3) written by English author Clive Barker. The story soon became a movie in 1987 leading to multiple films in the franchise, introducing horror fans to the cenobite demons, the puzzle box talisman known as the Lemarchand Configuration, and the main cenobite nicknamed Pinhead. Now a new movie has arrived in the franchise. Some say it is a reboot. Either way HELLRAISER (2022) was released on Hulu for Halloween 2022 on October 7th.
Recovering addicts Riley (Odessa A’zion) and her boyfriend Trevor (Drew Starkey) decide to rob a warehouse in a remote section of their city. When they find a strange puzzle box, Riley’s brother Matt (Brandon Flynn) suddenly disappears leading Riley to believe that the box is actually some sort of talisman. Riley and Trevor research the owner of the warehouse that they stole the item from. Hoping to find her brother, Riley, joined by Trevor and their friends, head to an abandoned mansion owned by the missing billionaire Roland Voight (Goran Visnjic).
The movie was directed by David Bruckner, well known for the incredibly reviewed Netflix original THE RITUAL (2017). The screenplay for HELLRAISER was written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski, best known for their horror films SIREN (2016) and Bruckner’s other film THE NIGHT HOUSE (2020). HELLRAISER (2022) has received fairly good reviews and some say it may be the best in the franchise. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and are joined by fabulous Hollywood actor Dan Lench in the discussion.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
Robert Eggers of New Hampshire is one of the most talked about genre directors on the internet. With his A24 distributed movie debut, THE WITCH (2015), he immediately went became the “director everyone must watch”. After THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019), his latest, THE NORTHMAN (2022), arrived to theaters on April 22, 2022 to critical acclaim.
In AD 895, young prince Amleth (Alexander Skarsgard) watches his father (Ethan Hawke) be murdered by the boy’s uncle (Claes Bang). His mother (Nicole Kidman) is taken prisoner and the wife of his uncle, the new king. Fleeing he eventually becomes intentionally enslaved by his uncle in hopes to get vengeance for his father and mother.
The film stars Alexander Skarsgard in a role that could lead to stardom. With its supporting cast that includes award winning actress Nicole Kidman, along with Ethan Hawke and Anya Taylor-Joy, the film received critical acclaim from critics everywhere. Dark Discussions takes a look at Eggers latest film and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
M. Night Shyamalan burst on the scene with THE SIXTH SENSE (1999), and though he has had a number of “misses”, he’s had numerous successful films too including SIGNS (2002) and SPLIT (2016). Though known as a director, he also has done much of the screenwriting for his films too. His latest, KNOCK AT THE CABIN (2023), an adaptation of a novel, he did co-screenwrite the script.
When Wen (Kristen Cui) goes on vacation with her two fathers, she meets Leonard (Dave Bautista) while outside their cabin collecting grasshoppers. Though friendly, he is a stranger, and young children aren’t supposed to talk to strangers. After Leonard says he is here for bad reasons, she runs inside to tell her family, and what seems to be a home invasion film turns into so much more.
The film stars Dave Bautista in a career defining role. Also in the movie are Rupert Grint, Jonathan Groff, and Ben Aldridge. Receiving mixed reviews and faltering at the box office, it did reach number one at the box office its first week. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film by Shyamalan and give their thoughts.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
After his controversial chapter in the ALIEN film franchise, ALIEN 3 (1992), David Fincher went on a spree of some seriously remarkable films. With a few minor films, he had a run of classics such as SEVEN (1995), THE GAME (1997), FIGHT CLUB (1999), ZODIAC (2007), THE SOCIAL NETWORK (2010) and GONE GIRL (2014). His THE GAME, though a minor success at the box office, was a powerful example of the type of thrillers he would become known for.
Nicholas Van Orton is a very successful investment banker that lives in the San Francisco area. To many he appears to be a selfish and fairly aloof man, but he has carried personal demons from his childhood that haunt his adult life. At his birthday, his estranged brother gives him a gift to a LARP from a mysterious company called Consumer Recreation Services. Soon, his life seems to become exciting but for all the wrong reasons.
THE GAME stars one of the top leading men of its era, Michael Douglas, at the top of his game (no pun intended). The cast includes Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger, along with James Rebhorn and Carroll Baker. With a budget of $70M USD, the film went on to gross $109.4M USD. Just like FIGHT CLUB, THE GAME originally received fixed reviews before being re-evaluated and becoming a classic. Your co-hosts take a look at this spectacular thriller and give their thoughts.
Found footage horror films were the big craze a few years back, and the new film SKINAMARINK (2023) takes a little from those films but is its distinct thing. Noted on such websites as IMDB as an experimental horror film, the movie has gotten some note by critics and actually had a theatrical run that was quite successful for its small budget.
Two young children, a boy and a girl, from a one parent home find their father missing when they wake up in the middle of the night. Searching the home, weird things begin to occur. Windows disappear, doors vanish, and strange voices call to them. As they search the home, one wonders if there may be an evil entity that is now among them.
After doing many shorts on his YouTube channel, Canadian Kyle Edward Ball has now debuted his feature length debut (also written by him). The film was made on a budget of $15,000 while its theatrical run made over $2M USD. Critically the film is getting fantastic views yet audiences are much less kind. Your co-hosts take a look at this newly released film on the Shudder channel and give their thoughts.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
COVID-19 hit the world pretty hard in many ways. With the large initial deaths that occurred, and then the lockdowns, paranoia, and even the politicisation of the disease, the entire world lived in fear that left many folks never recovering. The new Peacock film, SICK (2023), popped up in early January that takes place right in the middle of the pandemic.
College students Parker (Gideon Adlon) and her friend Miri (Beth Million) head out to Parker’s family remote summer home to quarantine together while they take a needed break for studies. While sunbathing on the lake dock, Parker gets anonymous texts that begin to creep her out. As the evening begins to settle on the quaint property, a strange car pulls into the driveway and the two young woman feel something is not right.
The movie is the latest film co-written by Kevin Williamson known for such things as SCREAM (1996), DAWSON’S CREEK, and THE FOLLOWING. The movie was directed by John Hyams known for BLACK SUMMER, ALONE (2020), and Z NATION. Your co-hosts are joined by actor Dan Lench (CIRCLE (2015)) to discuss this well received movie, their experiences with COVID, and how the film fits into the pandemic itself.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
Arriving at theaters during the summer of 2022, the science fiction horror film NOPE came out as one of the many “big” summer movies. This was the third effort by director/writer Jordan Peele. And like his other two films, it was unlike them as well.
The Haywood family owns a ranch out in Agua Dulce, California remote and distant from town. They work with Hollywood offering their horses for film and television production. When the patriarch of the family dies from a coin that falls from the sky, Otis (Daniel Kaluuya) and his sister Emerald (Keke Palmer) think that their valley may actually be a home to a alien spaceship.
Jordan Peele wrote the screenplay along with directing the film. Besides Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer, the film also starts Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea, and Keith David. The film received generally positive reviews by critics but mixed reviews from audiences. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and discuss their thoughts about it.
Welcome to Horrorphilia Jason’s best of the year show. After scores of new horror releases watched over the year, I’ve narrowed it down to my favorite 30. Also, I’ll have a few honorable mentions and some hidden gems recommended.
With the HBO Max television series THE LAST OF US just arriving for viewership, fungi is now the new start to the apocalypse. Mushrooms, cordyceps, and spores somehow infect a person and then the world ends. The 2021 horror film, THE SPORE, has a very interesting concept for sure a scenario.
From IMDB: “The lives of ten strangers intersect through a terrifying chain of events as a mutating fungus begins to spread through a small town wiping out everyone that comes into contact with it.”
The film was directed and written by Matt Cunningham starring a cast of mostly unknowns. At its release the movie received many accolades for its fantastic special effects and its haunting music reminding many of classic horror films. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts on the story as well.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
The first big horror film of 2023 came out in January. Usually January is a dumping ground for films that producers think will fail, but not Jason Blum. MEGAN (2023), also known as MEGAN, appeared at US theaters on January 6th, 2023 and immediately became a hit.
Gemma (Allison Willaims) works as an engineer and programmer at a toy company. She’s on a deadline to upgrade their number one toy to be priced cheaper so it can compete against a competitor’s rip-off. When her sister and brother-in-law die in a car accident, her niece Cady (Violet McGraw) comes to live with her. Though Gemma has no idea what to do with her niece, she has a project at work for a new robotic companion that she’s named Megan (Amie Donald) that may be able to give Cady companionship.
The movie is co-produced by Jason Blum and James Wan. Based on a story by James Wan and Akela Cooper (MALIGNANT), the screenplay was written by Cooper and directed by Gerard Johnstone. Critics have praised the movie and audiences have given it good reviews. With a budget of $12M USD, the movie has grossed over $131M USD. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
Co-host Mike has said “Don’t ever bet against James Cameron.” And based off his success rate bringing in the box office, no one should. In 2009, AVATAR became one of the most acclaimed and biggest movies in cinematic history. Years later, in 2022, the sequel, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER, was finally released at Christmas time, and in a matter of weeks it surpassed TOP GUN: MAVERICK (2022) as the top grossing fil of the year. And it also became one of the biggest grossing films of all time too.
So could a film that came out thirteen years ago spark excitement once more after such a long delay for the sequel. As stated, yes, it can. The movie has received fabulous reviews from critics and moviegoers have gone in droves to see it. At the time of this podcast, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER had dominated the box office for six full weeks and was still going strong.
Does the film live up to the hype? Is it a great sequel to its fabulous predecessor? And can the movie turn what was a fine science fiction film into a franchise that would be remembered like other franchises like STAR WARS, STAR TREK, and THE PLANET OF THE APES. Only time will tell, but your co-hosts take a look at this latest film and give their thoughts.
We are already 1/12th into 2023 and some good films have come out. However, let's reflect. Did last year start out with a bang or a whimper? Dark Discussions puts together their review of all that was good and bad in 2022. Included was the consideration of dozens of different films that were worthy enough to be considered as a top 10 movie for genre and horror films.
Each of your co-hosts put together a list of movies they thought were good enough to be seen by audiences. This included both a list of horror films and a list of other speculative fiction films. Afterwards we then combined those lists and came up with Dark Discussions definitive lists of the best of 2022. Some obvious films like BARBARIAN and TERRIFIER 2 appear but also little known films like SPEAK NO EVIL, and YOU WON'T BE ALONE were considered.
Also included are some of our "sometime co-hosts" choices and what they felt were the best of the year. And don’t forget our top and worst scenes, scream queens, breakout star, and anything else you can think of. Dark Discussions wraps up last year in a nice tight bow and gives their listeners a good many films to go out and search for.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series on LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
It’s been two and a half years since the wonderful actress Kelly Preston has passed away. Back when it happened, Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews had planned a tribute for her, recording episodes on some of her movies. The first recorded TWINS (1988) we recorded and it is in the backlog for future release. However, we also recorded one on her movie SPELLBINDER (1988) which is what we are releasing first.
When Jeff (Timothy Daly) and his friend Derek (Rick Rossovich) see a young lady Miranda (Kelly Preston) being hit by a man in a parking lot, Jeff stops the attack and offers Miranda a place to stay. Soon the two fall in love. Miranda’s past and the man that attacked her are related to her childhood and a group of people who she says dabble in the occult. Jeff, the good man he is, promises to keep her safe from any reprisals from the group. Will the two be able to just live a normal life and be left alone?
The film was directed by Janet Greek, known for her work on the television series BABYLON 5. The screenplay was written by Tracy Torme known for his work on Saturday Night Live, CARNIVALE, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, and FIRE IN THE SKY (1993). Your co-hosts take a look at this hidden gem of a horror film and give their thoughts while paying tribute to the beautiful actress Kelly Preston who left us all too soon.
Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series on LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.
English director Simon Rumley is known for his fabulous dark thriller films which include RED WHITE & BLUE (2010), THE LIVING AND THE DEAD (2006), FASHIONISTA (2016), JOHNNY FRANK GARRETT’S LAST WORD (2016), among others. He has won awards at many festivals and has had his films includes as part of Fangoria’s top horror films of all time. Now he has his first novel coming out later in 2023 entitled THE WOBBLE CLUB.
Synopsis: Gill and Brolly are two South Londoners that are both obese. Their weight has actually become their intentional focus of life. When a life changing moment happens for Brolly, he suggest they go on a diet and change their lifestyle. Unfortunately Gill has no interest in joining him. So behind her back he goes on a diet. But when one’s identity is their weight, and mental illness and personal demons weigh upon their mind, love unexpectedly takes a possible tragic and horrid turn.
Dark Discussions has focused a number of their podcasts on Rumley’s many films and discussed the very interesting topics that his movies seem to allude to. With the upcoming release of his book and the ending of a Indiegogo campaign, your co-hosts read a review copy of the book and bring Simon on to discuss his new project.
New Year’s resolutions are a big thing for folks. Some want to lose weight, find a spouse, get a new job, work towards completing something; others have goals that they strive for. Co-host Mike said that there are a lot of genre films he hasn’t seen that he wants to get to, so as a New Year’s resolution, why not ask all the co-hosts to see some film they always wanted to see and then discuss. Another year doing so, each co-host chose a genre movie that they had never seen and decided to watch it and give their opinions.
Films we discuss are Boris Karloff’s THE OLD DARK HOUSE (1932), THE BAD SEED (1956), ALLIGATOR (1980), and TRAIN TO BUSAN (2016). A wide variety of films they are but also some important ones too that one of your co-hosts finally got to see.
With all that, Dark Discussions would like to say happy 2023 to all our listeners and patreon supporters, both new and old, and hope to hear some of the films you folks have never seen and plan to in this new year. Email us and let us know.
In 2021, the film duo of Jamison M. LoCascio and Adam Ambrosio gave the independent film community one of the most impressive horror debuts in these last few years with the movie KNOW FEAR (2021). With the release of that film, the duo went on to make a second feature, switching it up, and doing an anthology film entitled HOW DARK THEY PREY (2022).
HOW DARK THEY PREY is a movie encompassing four dark tales about the haunting nature of man and the unknown around us all. The sinister themes are presented through the eyes of soldiers in the European theater of World War II; a duo of alien investigators running an online social media site who meet a family that actually believes in abductions; the underground work of deviants within the occult; and what happens when a psychopathic killer decides to kidnap and torture his victims.
The film stars a group of talented newcomers and up-and-comers. Filmed in the towns and forests of New Jersey, the movie became available in Q3 of 2022 on almost all VOD services and rental sites. Your co-hosts take a look at this new horror anthology and are joined by the filmmakers themselves.
Nihilism is defined many ways but the most appropriate definition for the new film SPEAK NO EVIL (2022) is life is meaningless. This Danish film with its very dark story actually premiered at the 38th Sundance Film Festival. Directed by well known Danish actor Christian Tafdrup, the film shocked audiences but received fabulous reviews from critics.
Danish family Bjorn (Morten Burian) and Louise (Sidsel Siem Koch) head on vacation with their young daughter to Tuscany for vacation. There they meet Dutch family Patrick (Fedja van Huet) and Karin (Karina Smulders) and their mute son while becoming fast friends. After returning home, they receive a letter from their new friends inviting them to the Netherlands for their next trip. After a bit of discussion, Bjorn and Louise decide to go.
SPEAK NO EVIL appeared VOD on the television network Shudder not long ago and had social media talking. How much would you take before deciding it was time to leave the home of your hosts? SPEAK NO EVIL is a shocking and horrific film. Your co-hosts take a look at it and try to decide if a well made film that is this appalling deserves accolades.
Not often is there a film that comes around like 2017’s THREE BILLBOARS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. Some feel the movie is almost perfect. It was nominated for many awards, won a whole lot, and will probably be remembered more so than the films it competed against.
Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) is a grieving mother. A year prior her daughter was raped and murdered and there has been no leads. Outside her town, she decides to rent three billboards calling out the local sheriff and his officers for their stalled investigation.
The film is directed and written by Martin McDonagh in a career defining masterpiece. Starring Frances McDormand in a award winning performance, the movie also stars Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Peter Dinklage, Abbie Cornish, and Samara Weaving in a large ensemble cast. Your co-hosts take a look at their latest picture to reminisce on and give their thoughts.
Actress Beverly D’Angelo was one of the stars the beloved Christmas movie NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989). Now she’s back in the new horror comedy VIOLENT NIGHT (2022) where Santa Claus is real and he actually has to interact with people that aren’t so nice.
Santa Claus (David Harbour) is disillusioned that people just aren’t in the festive spirit anymore. Children just want money and video games he feels. When he lands his sleigh upon the Lightstone estate in Greenwich, Connecticut to leave presents, he interrupts a robbery that puts him into a spot where he has to not only defend himself but also a little girl and her family from vicious killers.
Best known for the DEAD SNOW franchise, VIOLENT NIGHT is directed by Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola. The script is co-written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the writers for the SONIC THE HEDGEHOG movies. The film stars David Harbour and Beverly D’Angelo, but also John Leguizamo too. Your co-hosts take a look at this theatrical release from Universal Pictures and gives their thoughts.
Independent film can surprise you, especially horror films. Maybe low budget, maybe by new talent, maybe never picked up by a distributor. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t pretty fantastic films. Peter Szewczyk, the director of the 2021 film BEHEMOTH, worked with George Lucas credited with working on visual effects on AVATAR (2009) and HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2 (2011), among other films. Co-writing BEHEMOTH with Derrick Ligas, the movie surprised many horror fans.
Joshua Riverton (Josh Eisenberg) decides to become a whistleblower for a company that has not been friendly to the world. Soon he finds out that doing so may lead to more than just government and corporation retribution. With the loss of his family, and bringing his friends into his predicament, he may have unleashed horrible things that will not only destroy his life but also save his prior employer from any consequences.
BEHEMOTH stars Josh Eisenberg, Jennifer Churchich, Richard Wagner, Angela Nicholas, among others. Released late in 2021 to video streaming services, the film was barely noticed by movie reviewers. But with its intriguing poster, the film got notice from many horror fans. Your co-hosts take a look at this year old movie and give their thoughts.
Director, actor, and screenwriter, Ti West, has been around for a bit working on horror and mumblecore films. He’s appeared as an actor in YOU’RE NEXT (2011), he directed the found footage thriller THE SACRAMENT (2013), and did the sequel CABIN FEVER 2: SPRING FEVER (2009). In 2022, he’s had success where his two latest films including the slasher film X (2022) was picked up and distributed by A24.
In 1979, a group of adult movie filmmakers rent a building on a Texas farm. Their plan is to film their latest movie for the booming pornographic industry. Worried that their profession could upset the farmers, they don’t tell the owners of the property their real purpose of being there. How would rural homeowners feel about a production that will include sex scenes performed on their property? What will happen if the farmers find out?
The movie stars Brittany Snow, Jenna Ortega, Scott Mescudi, Martin Henderson, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure, and Mia Goth plaing two roles. Ti West both wrote and directed the movie. Released on March 18th, 2022 in the USA, on a one million dollar budget, the film grossed $14.8M USD. The faux-grindhouse film received excellent reviews from both critics and audiences alike. A prequel since has been released. Dark Discussions takes a look at this throwback film and gives their thoughts.
Shane Black has many successes, especially with screenwriting. Some of his best known are LETHAL WEAPON, THE MONSTER SQUAD, and PREDATOR (all 1987), as well as IRON MAN 3 (2013). His sense of humor and his apt work on action scenes has given many of his scripts great praise. But he has directed too including our latest choice to discuss on Cinema A La Carte, KISS KISS BANG BANG (2005).
From Bing: “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a 2005 American neo-noir mystery black comedy action thriller film written and directed by Shane Black, and starring Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, and Corbin Bernsen. The script is partially based on the Brett Halliday novel Bodies Are Where You Find Them, and interprets the classic hardboiled literary genre in a tongue-in-cheek fashion. The film was produced by Joel Silver, with Susan Levin and Steve Richards as executive producers.”
With its eclectic cast and Shane Black’s fingers on the script and direction, the neo-noir received excellent reviews on Rottentomatoes. Though a minor film in many involved in the movie, it helped jump each of their careers and has become a cult favorite. Your co-hosts take a look at Mike’s choice to discuss. We give our thoughts and talk about the satire about Hollywood that Black’s script focuses on.
Originally appearing in the horror anthology film ALL HALLOW’S EVE (2013), Art the Clown has since stormed into cult status as a potential horror icon. For his first feature length film, TERRIFIER (2016), the movie surprised most people with its over the top gore and became a cult classic. Now, he has returned in TERRIFIER 2, a Halloween release that had a budget of $250,000 USD and went on to earn $11.5M USD.
Art the Clown proves he more than just a person dressed as a clown. Returning from the dead, he begins his journey through the town where Sienna (Lauren LaVera) and Jonathan (Elliott Fullam), a sister and brother, begin to prepare for Halloween. Soon Jonathan finds a link to his father, an artist who has now passed, with Art. Sienna unaware of the connection. Meets up with her friends only to find out Art may be on the hunt for her.
The movie is directed and written by Damien Leone and Art the Clown is played once more by David Howard Thornton. Though released unrated due to the excessive violence, the movie still appeared in many films and has allowed a third in the franchise to be green lit. Your co-hosts take a look at this indy horror film and give their thoughts.
Back in 1988, the role playing game, CYBERPUNK, was created by Mike Pondsmith. Since then the game has gone onto much success. Just in December 2020, a video game called CYBERPUNK 2077 was based off the original game and has had tremendous success on video consoles. Now a long anticipated television series, CYBERPUNK: EDGERUNNERS (2022), created in the style of Japanese anime has arrived to Netflix.
When high school student David and his mother, in the wrong place at the wrong time, are hurt during an assassination attempt, David is left without parental care. While on the subway he meets Lucy, a netrunner and petty thief, who brings him into the world of crime. Soon he joins her crew and the group of cyberpunks and mercenaries try some high risk robberies that may be more dangerous than they thought.
Cyberpunk, the subgenre, has been one of the most popular science fiction genres to ever exist. It was popularized by the stories of such authors as Philip K. Dick and William Gibson. CYBERPUNK: EDGERUNNERS (2022) brings the world created by Mike Pondsmith and the follow-up video game to life. Your co-hosts binge watched the Netflix series so they could give you their thoughts on the show.
Sometimes the best films are those that are lower profile, cost minimal money, and appear out of nowhere. The new Lionsgate film FALL (2022) is the latest movie that shows quality filmmaking against a smaller budget yet looking like it was a mainstream big budget release.
When Becky (Grace Currey) and her husband Dan (Mason Gooding) are joined by their good friend Shiloh (Virginia Gardner) to do rock climbing on the side of a mountain, a tragedy occurs leaving Becky mentally destroyed. A year later, Shiloh gets Becky to climb one of the largest structures in the world, the decommissioned 2,000 foot B67 TV tower. Will Becky face her fears or will more tragedy occur?
The movie is directed by Scott Mann and co-written with Jonathan Frank. With its small budget of $3M USD, the film’s box office was close to $19M USD. The small cast, besides its stars, also includes Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Released on August 12, 2022 at theaters, the movie received fabulous reviews by most critics and audiences alike. Dark Discussions takes a look at this “little” film and gives their thoughts.
Like many folks, after a few misses, he leveled out and was able to work on some other films including BLUE STEEL (1990) and a film he directed as well, BAD MOON (1996). BAD MOON was noticeable because of the subgenre of being a werewolf film. It also starred Mariel Hemingway giving it some star power at the time.
When a horrible animal attack in Nepal kills photo-journalist Ted Harrison’s (Michael Pare) girlfriend, he returns to the states living in a RV in the middle of nowhere. His sister Janet (Mariel Hemmingway) convinces him to move his RV to her driveway so he won’t be alone. Soon horrible animal attacks occur in the vicinity leading to a horrible discovery that may lead to a deep dark secret.
BAD MOON received mixed reviews in its initial release but soon became a midnight film of note. In a subgenre of horror film that is grossly overlooked, werewolf movies, the film has gained a cult following. BAD MOON is a patreon pick from one of the podcast’s many listeners. Your co-hosts give their thoughts on this interesting movie.
Though the Taiwanese film, THE SADNESS, arrived at theaters in Taiwan in 2021, the movie reached North American audiences on May 12, 2022 through the streaming service Shudder. Oddly the film was written and directed by a native Canadian, Rob Jabbaz, the movie is in the nation’s native Cantonese language and subtitled or dubbed for all other nations.
Jim and Kat are a young couple living in the big city of Taipei during the epidemic virus Alvin that has been sweeping the nation. Similar to COVID-19, people are told to be careful and stay in place whenever possible. However, a variant of the virus causes people to go insane and begin murderous rampages throughout the city. Jim and Kat try their best to find each other during day one of what seems to be an apocalypse.
THE SADNESS (2022) is in the frame of the “hate virus” version of the zombie film. Receiving excellent reviews, the movie is also noted for its intense violence and depravity. Not unfamiliar with Taiwanese zombie movies (ZOMBIE 108 (2012) and ZOMBIE FIGHT CLUB (2014)), the sex-and-violence genre has flourished in Taiwan. Dark Discussions takes a look at this kinetic film.
The early October 2022 horror film, SMILE, appeared with little star power. Though Sosie Bacon, the daughter of Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, stars in the movie, besides her famous parents, the movie had no recognizable names or stars. However, with a strong marketing pitch and released by Paramount Pictures, the movie became a huge success at the box office as well as critics and fans alike.
Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), a survivor of an abusive mother, puts her entire life into her work to cope with her own personal demons. When a frightening encounter with a new disturbed patient occurs, she goes on a journey to understand what happened. But soon real demons begin to threaten her. Is she going insane or is has some demonic presence begun to follow her.
Though receiving strong word of mouth, the movie has been compared to IT FOLLOWS (2014), RINGU (1998), THE RING (2002), and TRUTH OR DARE (2018), the movie has enough original to let it have its own vibe. Disturbing and also focusing on suicide, the movie has become a sensation during Halloween earning over $200 million USD on a budget under $17 Million USD. Your co-hosts take a look at this very interesting film.
Evil ends tonight! That was the catch phrase of the second film in the David Gordon Green trilogy for the latest reboot of the Halloween film franchise. This trilogy takes up with understanding only the original 1978 film would be used in continuity. With the latest, HALLOWEEN ENDS (2022), the series begins its wrap up. Is it really the end? Whether it is or not, this is the film that is the finale of the last films. A few years after the Michael Myers’ rampage of 2018, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her granddaughter Allyson Nelson (Andi Matichak) have settled down into as normal a suburban life they can. When loner, Corey (Rohan Campbell), and Allyson find each other and begin to date, will the terror of Michael Myers once again return this coming Halloween night? Directed by David Gordon Green, the movie was co-written by him along with Paul Brad Logan, Chris Bernier, and Danny McBride. The film brings back Kyle Richards, Will Patton, and even Nick Castle (the original Michael Myers) makes a cameo. Unfortunately for many, the critical response was not as highly anticipated as folks had hoped. Dark Discussions Podcast takes a look at the movie and sees if concerns were warranted.
As Disney digs further and further into the backlog of the Marvel properties that they purchased back in 2009, they’ve released shows about such characters as Black Panther, She-Hulk, and Moon Knight. As Halloween approaches in 2022, a one shot television special appeared on Disney+ called WEREWOLF BY NIGHT based off the comic book that first appeared in 1972. Using the old Universal Monster Movie production values, the show brought back nostalgia for what was a brand new episode in the Marvel Universe. With the death of Ulysses Bloodstone, five monster hunters are called to the Bloodstone estate in hopes to find one of them worthy enough to inherit the talisman known as the Bloodstone. The powerful weapon would make them more powerful than most of the monsters they would be hunting. But there is a wrinkle. To claim the Bloodstone, the five must not only fight a monster, but they also may have fight each other. Directed by Michael Giacchino and written by Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron, the show stars Gael Garcia Bernal, Laura Donnelly, among others. The episode premiered October 7, 2022 in preparation for Halloween. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting inclusion to the Marvel Universe and the reintroduction to beloved characters from the past within the comic canon.
It is the 550th episode of the Dark Discussions Podcast and as usual, we choose a "tent pole" film to discuss. Like before, we placed a poll on the Facebook group where anyone could go vote for twelve different films for us to discuss (chosen each by our co-hosts). With a close down-to-the-wire race, the winner was co-host Mike's choice - INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978) When health inspector Matthew’s (Donald Sutherland) co-worker Elizabeth (Brooke Adams) feels her fiancé seems different, the two discover a strange parasitic flower that they feel may be part of the problem. As they join with their friends, the group begin to piece together things. And as they work through the mystery, a wave of hysteria seems to sweep across their home city of San Francisco. Considered a classic and one of the best remakes in film history, the movie brings an all-star cast that includes Donald Sutherland, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy, Veronica Cartwright, and Brooke Adams. Cameos from the original film include Don Siegel (the director of the 1956 movie) and leading man Kevin McCarthy. The movie is directed by Philip Kaufman and written by W.D. Richter based off the original novel The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney. Listen to the crew discuss this fantastic film
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
Written and directed by Zach Cregger, the new film, BARBARIAN (2022), was released on September 9th, 2022 to general US audiences. The movie received very favorable reviews by critics and went on to gross $35.8M USD against a budget of $4M USD. With an interesting premise of a double booked AirBNB, the movie turns into something much different as it enters its second act. Tess (Georgina Campbell) is in Detroit for a job interview. When she arrives at her AirBNB, not only is she surprised that the neighborhood is rundown, but the house is already occupied by Keith (Bill Skarsgard). With a convention in town and no rooms available anywhere, Tess has to decide whether to stay and share this home with a complete stranger or drive scores of miles away and try to find a room. The movie is split into numerous acts, including a flashback, and even changes perspectives of leads. With a very dark mystery of the house, as well as the unknown backgrounds of the lead characters, the film leaves a dread that makes one ponder where the story will go. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very interesting film which includes Justin Long and Richard Brake in the cast and gives their thoughts.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
The 2009 film ORPHAN was an unexpected success. With both critics and moviegoers alike, the movie received favorable notice by most. When it was announced that the new film OPHAN: FIRST KILL (2022) had arrived at theaters (and streaming), people were a bit surprised because not only was it a follow up film, but it was a prequel as well. The actress that starred in the original film, Isabelle Fuhrman, was now a 25 year old woman so how could she play the role now. So how could a prequel work and what was it’s plot? Tricia (Julia Stiles) and Allen (Rossif Sutherland) are still trying to survive the disappearance of their daughter years ago. When suddenly a diplomatic envoy lets them know that Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) had been found, she comes back to live with them in their wealthy Connecticut suburb. Tricia begins to suspect that Esther may not be who she is, and as the mystery of Esther’s past becomes the focus for Tricia, things begin to spiral out of control. OPHAN: FIRST KILL was directed by William Brent Bell based off a screenplay by David Coggeshall. Isabelle Fuhrman returns in the role that she made iconic over a decade ago. Critics were positive with this follow movie and gave it remarkably unexpected positive thoughts. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
South Korean films are known for their length. THE CALL (2020) is one that falls just below the two hour mark. The film is a remake of the English language film THE CALLER (2011) that received mixed reviews. The remake however based off the limited reviews on Rottentomatoes gives it 100% out of 12 reviews. When 28-year-old Seo-yeon Kim heads out to the countryside to visit her ill and estranged mother, she unfortunately loses her cellphone. At the homestead, she finds an old cordless phone. When a anguished woman calls and says she’s held prisoner by her own mother, Seo-yeon begins to find out secrets in her mother’s house as well as secrets from her own family’s past. The film is written and directed by Chung-hyun Lee, based off the original script from the 2011 film written by Sergio Casci. The film stars actresses Shin-hye Park, Jong-seo Jeon, and Sung-ryung Kim. With its interesting plot using a feature seen in other films, the story has enough originality to make it stand out. Your co-hosts discuss this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
Slasher films are one of the staples of the horror film genre. And the latest movie, BODIES BODIES BODIES (2022), adds some hip and new things to the subgenre that may point directly to Generation Z and their ilk. Starring a lot of up-and-comers and including Pete Davidson, the movie is the latest from the distributor A24 known for such classics as FIRST REFORMED (2018) and MIDSOMMAR (2019). Anytime is a great time for a house party. When a group of friends decide to have a “hurricane” party to wait out a storm, host David (Pete Davidson) invites a group of friends over to party it up. When they decide to play the murder-in-the-dark game Bodies Bodies Bodies, one of them is brutally murdered resulting in the rest becoming suspicious of the rest. Soon the body count rises and the party-goers have to make decisions that will determine if they live or die. The film was written by Sarah DeLappe from a story by Kristen Roupenian. The script was brought to film by director Halina Reijn and stars Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, along with breakout star Rachel Sennott. Receiving very positive critical responses, the movie may have already become a cult classic. Listen to your co-hosts while live-in-person in Mystic, Connecticut discuss this latest slasher film.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
In 2021, the Netflix horror film, https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/dark-discussions-podcast-episode-483-the-block-island-sound-2021/ (THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND), was released and it got very strong reviews by critics with a 90% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website. It portrays itself as a supernatural thriller but based off what we see, it throws in a large science fiction aspect that turns the film into something quite different than most folks may have thought when watching the trailer. The film was written and directed by Rhode Island native brothers Matthew and Kevin McManus while starring their sister Michaela McManus. But this isn’t from your regular indy directors. The McManus brothers have worked on such programs as COBRA KAI and AMERICAN VANDAL. After reviewing the film on https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/dark-discussions-podcast-episode-483-the-block-island-sound-2021/ (Episode 483) of the podcast, your crew reached out to the filmmakers and Matthew McManus came on and joined us answering all our questions about one of Dark Discussions top horror films of 2021; the film is one that fits into co-host Phil’s wheelhouse actually. Though the interview was recorded in Q4 of 2021, after some editing work for sound quality, the interview is finally able to be released and hopefully give move people awareness to one awesome film.
A weekly discussion of the Marvel and Disney+ television series, She-Hulk – Attorney at Law.
David Warner was one of the most prolific actors in movies these last sixty years. For horror and thrillers, many know him for the role of Keith Jennings in the classic horror film, THE OMEN (1976). He was a lead actor at times but was able to carve out a career as a character actor, and in many cases very unlike the good guy he played in THE OMEN. His performance in the cult classic film TIME AFTER TIME (1979) cannot be forgotten. In the year 1893 London, the author of the novel THE TIME MACHINE, H.G. Wells (Malcolm McDowell), has actually created a time machine. While showing it to his friends including Dr. John Leslie Stevenson (David Warner), the police arrive saying that the doctor is actually the notorious Jack the Ripper. Fleeing into the future, H.G. Wells must follow Stevenson and stop his murderous ways. The movie stars Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, and Mary Steenburgen. The film became a cult classic as it played often back in the early days of HBO. David Warner, on July 24th, 2022 passed away at the age of eighty years old. Dark Discussions pays tribute to the marvelous actor and discuss TIME AFTER TIME.
The Macedonian film, YOU WON’T BE ALONE (2022), made its film premiere at Sundance 2022 where it got much notice. The film, having a ensemble cast, including Noomi Rapace, was picked up by Focus Features and released through VOD (and a limited theater run) in April. Most certainly arthouse, the movie is considered a horror film with its violent creature transformations and the inclusion of a witch. Nevena (Sara Klimoska) was promised to the witch Maria (Anamaria Marinca) as a baby by her mother. Her mother hides her in a cave, but on Nevena’s sixteenth birthday, the witch comes back and takes her by force. Feral and having no social life these last fifteen years, Nevena has to learn on her own what it is to be both a witch and a human if she is to survive. With over 100+ reviews on the Rottentomatoes website, the film has a strong 93% approval. The movie is directed and written by Goran Stolevski, as his full-length motion picture directorial debut. The cast includes Sara Klimoska, Anamaria Marinca, Alice Englert, Carloto Cotta, and Noomi Rapace. Dark Discussions takes a look at this foreign language film and gives their thoughts.
Faux-documentaries such as THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (1999) fall into found footage as well. There have been many of both (or a combination of both) since due to their inexpensive ability to film and produce. The 2021 film HOWARD’S MILL is one of the latest that actually got some notice with its well presented format. A plot of abandoned farmland in Tennessee called Howard’s Mill has been used as a picnic or hobbiest dream. Quite, peaceful, and beautiful landscape, one hobbyist and his wife bring their metal detectors to search for lost “treasure”. When the wife goes missing, he is suspected in her disappearance. Soon, a the documentary crew looking into her loss discover that the farmland has also been a place of multiple disappearances in the last 100 years. The faux-documentary was co-written and directed by Kaiser Whitmire and Shannon Houchins. The movie stars Josefina M. Boneo, Mark Cabus, and Jeremy Childs. The film is available for VOD rental and on video channels such as TUBI. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
MISERY (1990) was the perfect film for Hollywood. The movie is an adaptation of a Stephen King novel, the film was directed by one of Hollywood’s top directors at the time (Rob Reiner), the screenplay was written by legend William Goldman, and the film starred acting legend James Caan. With James Caan’s passing, the podcast has decided to pay tribute to the actor by discussing this classic horror film. When novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) finishes his latest manuscript, while driving the winter roads of Colorado, he loses control of his Mustang and crashes into a ditch. Nurse Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) rescues him. While being taken cared of at Wilkes’ home, Sheldon waits patiently for the winter snow to melt so an ambulance can take him to the local hospital. Unfortunately, Annie has different plans. The film also stars Kathy Bates in her award winning performance of the unhinged Annie Wilkes. The cast includes Richard Farnsworth, Lauren Bacall, and Frances Sternhagen. The film was an instant classic and is considered one of the best horror films of the 1990’s. Dark Discussions pays tribute to James Caan and gives their thoughts on the movie.
It’s hard to believe that the now classic horror flick SINISTER (2012) is over a decade old. The film put together director and co-screenwriter Scott Derrickson, co-screenwriter C. Robert Cargill, and actors Ethan Hawke and James Ransone together for what would not be the only time. Now in 2022, their new film has come out and has received good reviews. The movie, THE BLACK PHONE (2022), based off a short story by Joe Hill, was released to theaters in late June, 2022. Finn and his younger sister Gwen live with their widower father. For a year, their home town outside Denver, Colorado has been plagued by a child abductor given the name “The Grabber” by the press. When Finn’s friend disappears, people fear the worse. Soon, the town is in panic as children keep disappearing to never return. The movie has received fine reviews, including a four out of four star from the Roger Ebert website. Scott Derrickson left doing the latest Dr. Strange film to pull this remarkably solid horror film together. Dark Discussions takes a look at this period piece (that takes place in 1978) and gives their thoughts.
Sometimes a film gets a bit of buzz simply because of its outrageous premise. But that doesn’t mean the film doesn’t work. The new Hulu original, FRESH (2022), is most certainly one of those bizarre films that seems to be one thing but turns into something completely different than one would think. Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is a twenty-something that just can’t seem to find love. She starts using dating apps and has many blind dates but most turn out to be completely awful. Then one day while she’s grocery shopping, she meets Steve (Sebastian Stan) who seems to be everything she’s ever wanted in a guy. After hitting it off quite well, the two head to his vacation home. While enjoying their time together, something drastic happens that will change her life. The film is directed by Mimi Cave form a script by Lauryn Kahn. Besides starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan, the film’s cast includes Jonica T. Gibbs and Charlotte Le Bon. Dark Discussions takes a look at this generally positively reviewed film and gives their thoughts.
To wrap up Pride month and the theme of lesbian arthouse films, we end with the highest profile of the four, AMMONITE (2020). Starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, the film is based on two extremely important and real women in the field of paleontology. The movie however is a complete fictional account where the screenwriter supposes a “what-if” about the two, and had they been lesbian and what that relationship would be like. In the 1840’s, Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) is a self-taught paleontologist, running her family’s store on the English coast selling fossils she finds and categorizes. Geologist Roderick Murchison (James McArdle) and his wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan) arrive, where the husband leaves Charlotte in attendance with Mary so to have her learn more about fossils and sciences. Soon the two’s class differences are overlooked and they begin a torrid affair. The film is directed and written from a completely fictional story by English director Francis Lee. Both actresses were praised for their performances with Kate Winslet especially getting high regard. With its completely fictional story, slow pacing, and little focus on the women’s fossil work, the film received lukewarm reviews by critics. Your co-hosts take a look at this period piece and give their thoughts.
Zombie films are most certainly nothing original. Whether “fast zombies” or “slow zombies”, whether “virus zombies” or the undead, the market has been saturated with them. However, a few prominent one have appeared recently. One of them is VIRUS-32 (2022) from Uruguay. The question does it do enough new to make it stand out. When it is her weekend to take care of her daughter, Iris (Paula Silva) has to bring her to work. As a security guard at a massive workout and activity center, she lets her daughter play basketball in one of the indoor ball courts while she does her rounds. Soon out on the street, people begin to go violent and attack and kill innocent bystanders. As Iris, her daughter, and a man named Luis (Daniel Hendler) try to survive, the infected begin to break in. The movie is directed by and from a story by Gustavo Hernandez. The screenplay is written by Juma Fodde. The movie was released to the television station Shudder during Q2 of 2022, only a short time after its initial release in its home country. Dark Discussions takes a look at the latest in the zombie genre and gives their thoughts.
For Pride Month, the podcast continues our review of lesbian arthouse films. With a lot of these films, we’ve discovered that many are more than just an LGBT arthouse film. They are dramas, coming-of-age, crime, and in our latest, a thriller. The British film, THE ADORED (2012), is most certainly a thriller in all ways even though the lead characters may be LGBTQ. Francesca (Laura Martin-Simpson) is a well known photographer. For her latest subject is the aspiring model Maia (Ione Butler). At Francesca’s remote Welsh manor home, the two discuss, shoot, and build a friendship. However, as Francesca misreads Maia’s comments and actions, the two women begin to come at odds with each other. Soon their once working relationship turns into much more. The film was co-directed by Carl Medland and Amarjeet Singh with a screenplay by Jody Medland. Laura Martin-Simpson shines as Francesca in a cast that includes her co-star Ione Butler plus Jake Maskall. Your co-hosts take a look at this film and give their thoughts.
It all started back in 1990 when the novel, JURASSIC PARK, written by the great author Michael Crichton, was released. When the movie was released, screenplay written by Michael Crichton and David Koepp and directed by Steven Spielberg, the whole world were introduced to one of the biggest franchises of all time. Now on the sixth installment of the movie franchise, 2022 is the release of JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION to the world. Now that dinosaurs have escaped into the world, the environment may be in danger and the dinosaurs have to integrate into modern life. But there’s nefarious things going on; pouching and corporate greed. When formerly extinct giant locusts begin to destroy crops and food supplies, a group of scientists have to come together and try to save the world. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the director of JURRASSIC WORLD, is back for this latest installment. The film stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum reprising their former roles. The film has made millions and is a theatrical success. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest film in the Jurassic franchise and gives their thoughts.
Television actors and actresses have transitioned to film roles quite successfully at times. One way to start is to do independent cinema. And to be noticed, sometimes it is best to be daring and courageous in the roles you choose. Dianna Agron, after her run on the TV series GLEE, got notice for her role in BARE (2015). The role was a co-starring performance alongside BOARDWALK EMPIRE actress, Paz de la Huerta. Sarah (Dianna Agron) is a young girl living in a small town in Nevada. She feels ennui as she spends time with her longtime boyfriend, her high school friends, and working her boring job. When she visits the closed business of her father (who died some years ago), she finds Pepper, a worldly and free-spirited woman, that had broken in to crash on the couch. Soon the two begin a friendship that will change Sarah forever. The film was written and directed by Natalia Leite (M.F.A. (2017)) and played numerous festivals including Tribeca among others. The film got buzz more so for the first-time nudity from Dianna Agron but also got notice from the arthouse crowd too. Your co-hosts take a look at this movie during our June Pride month and give their thoughts.
The passing of Ray Liotta was most certainly unexpected. He was sixty-seven years old and had been having a career rejuvenation with roles both in television and movies. His meteoric rise to fame was the 1990 Martin Scorsese film GOODFELLAS. Soon after he was one of Hollywood’s most recognizable names. In 2003, award winning director James Mangold gave him a co-starring role in his film IDENTITY. When a group of travelers get caught in a torrential rainstorm in the remote area of Nevada, each lands up at a broken down motel to spend the night. Unfortunately, an accident occurs leading to one person at deaths door. To add to the drama, a police officer traveling with a violent murderer has to spend the night as well. Unfortunately patrons begin to die making each wonder who is the culprit. Besides Ray Liotta, the film stars John Cusack, Rebecca De Mornay, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes, John C. McGinley, Jake Busey, Alfred Molina, and Pruitt Taylor Vince. IDENTITY, gaining great reviews on its initial release, has slowly grown a cult following with its many twists and turns. Dark Discussions Podcast takes a look at the movie and pays tribute to acting great, Ray Liotta.
Welcome to Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews theme month. June has been designated as Pride Month for the LGBT community. So to fit with the month, once again the podcast has decided to review various art house lesbian films as we did last year. To start off, we discuss the 2021 film RIDE OR DIE. When Rei commits a crime for Nanae, a woman in an abusive relationship, the two head out to avoid consequences. Soon we discover that the two have known each other since childhood. Rei has an unhealthy infatuation about Nanae and is willing to throw her entire life away. Nanae, on the other hand, is a very damaged woman who carries personal demons with her that have shattered her inner soul. The film is directed by veteran director Ryichi Hiroki. Written for the screen by Nami Sakkawa, the story is based on the manga by Ching Nakamura. Starring Kiko Mizuhara and Honami Sato in unforgiving roles, the movie has received mixed to positive reviews by critics and audiences alike. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film that is as much arthouse as it is grindhouse.
Scary old manor houses and doors to another world; that’s the theme of many horror films. Even authors such as H.P. Lovecraft focused his tales upon such menaces. The new joint Irish/Belgian film, THE CELLAR (2022), popped up on the television station Shudder as VOD on April 15th, 2022. With its haunted house theme and a possible door to hell, the movie was a throwback to the 1970’s films. Keira Woods (Elisha Cuthbert) and her family move to the Irish countryside for a new job as social media agents. The home purchased is a giant manor home that was got on the cheap. With its mysterious fully furnished rooms and its bizarre history, things begin to happen that may be more than just simple creaks of an old settling house. Canadian actress Elisha Cuthbert stars as the mother/wife of the family. The cast includes Eoin Macken and Abby Fitz. Irish director Brendan Muldowney also wrote the screenplay. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.
Australian actress Teresa Palmer has made a great career playing horror and genre films. Her starring roles include the movies RESTRAINT (2008), WARM BODIES (2013), LIGHTS OUT (2016), and BERLIN SYNDROME (2017). She also was the lead for the well received television series A DISCOVERY OF WITHCES that just ended its run this year. Now she’s starring in the new film THE TWIN (2022). When Rachel (Teresa Palmer) and Anthony (Steven Cree) have a car accident, one of their twin sons Nathan (Tristan Ruggeri) dies. As grief holds its ugly cloud over the family, they decide to move back to Anthony’s home of Finland. As they try to make a new life for themselves, Elliot, their other son, says that Nathan has returned to them. Soon strange things begin to occur around their new house. Shot in Finland and Estonia, the movie was directed Taneli Mustonen and co-written by him and producer Aleksi Hyvarinen. The cast also includes Barbar Marten. The movie made its debut in North America on the television channel Shudder May 6th, 2022. Dark Discussions takes a look at this highly anticipated film and give their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
H.P. Lovecraft being adapted to the big screen has been mixed to say the least. And in many cases, such movies are part of his “universe” he created rather than based off any specific story that he has written. The movie THE DEEP ONES (2021) appeared late last year and got some notice with its title alone – about a group of monsters that appeared or were mentioned in numerous tales of his. Alex and Petri are on vacation for some good old relaxation. The property they are renting is owned by Russell Marsh, a local mover-and-shaker that runs a small colony of the beach town that the couple vacations in. When a mysterious woman warns the couple about a mysterious cult, Alex especially becomes concerned when changes begin to happen with Petri’s behavior. The film is written and directed by long time indy horror filmmaker Chad Ferrin. THE DEEP ONES stars Gina La Piana, Johann Urb, Robert Miano, Silvia Spross, Jackie Debatin, and Kelli Maroney. Dark Discussions takes a look at this midnight movie and gives their thoughts on this Lovecraft adaptation.
Period piece horror films can be tough. Especially when the film isn’t by a large production company. The film, THE CURSED (2022), originally premiered at Sundance in 2021. With a very positive response, the filmmakers updated the score, returned many of the practical effects, changed the films title, and smoothed out the CGI. A year from its film festival premiere, the movie received a theatrical (if limited release) with some success. In 1882, a group of Romany gypsies return to their property in a small village of France to settle. The local village elders lead by Seamus Laurent aren’t happy. With the gypsies having proof of ownership of the land, mercenaries are sent to frighten them away. Unfortunately things go wrong, many die, and a gypsy woman sets a curse upon the village until justice has been received. THE CURSED seems to have been missed by many. Now, however, it has been released to VOD for rental and purchase. The movie was written and directed by Sean Ellis (THE BROKEN (2008)) and stars Boyd Holbrook (THE PREDATOR (2018)). The movie was filmed entirely on location in France. Dark Discussions Podcast takes a look at this new movie and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
When extraterrestrial contact mixes with a commune environment, what usually occurs isn’t considered healthy. The commune usually turns into something more, specifically a cult. Individuality and freedoms fade away and connection with family and old friends dissolves. The new film, COSMIC DAWN (2022) from Canada, gives us a tale that is both a science fiction story of first contact but also the harm of what cults may be. Aurora (Camille Rowe) has fled from an alien abduction cult four years earlier. When she was a child her mother disappeared where she believed the woman was abducted by the greys. As she got older, she found a group of similar folk led by Elyse (Antonia Zegers) and soon fell into their sect. After tragic events, she was able to escape but is still haunted by both them and the fear of being once more found. Director Jefferson Moneo also wrote the film. The cast includes Camille Rowe, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Antonia Zegers, Joshua Burge, Miho Suzuki, and Philip Granger. Released earlier this year, the Dark Discussions crew decided to take a look at the movie and give their thoughts and discuss the film’s many topics.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
Sometimes some of the most frightful and dreadful stories happen in real life. We've seen it with such things as the riots in cities, the war in Ukraine, and the Jeffrey Epstein crimes. The latest film, THE SCARY OF SIXTY-FIRST (2022), takes the former and builds a tale around a horrific crime that shocked not only a city but the world. Noelle (Madeline Quinn) and Addie (Betsey Brown) find a new apartment in Manhattan that would be convenient for both their work and social life. When a mysterious woman (Dasha Nekrasova) appears, she tells Noelle how her new residence was a sex dungeon for some of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. While the woman and Noelle research the property, Addie begins to behave oddly until finally the three young women must face a possibly dark presence besides the apartments dark history. The movie stars two of the film makers. Dasha Nekrasova directs the movie while co-writing it with Madeline Quinn. Released on VOD through Shudder, the film originally played at festivals where it won some awards. The Dark Discussions co-hosts take a look at this independent film and give their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
The 2021 Canadian science fiction horror film, COME TRUE, went much unnoticed during its initial release. With its very generic title, the movie didn’t necessarily bring much attention to streamers. With a premise about dreams, the story focuses on their meaning and the philosophy around it. Sara (Julia Sarah Stone) is a high school senior who runs away from home. Needing income she applies for a sleep study in which she wear’s an EKG and an odd device on her head. When she starts having vivid nightmares and a seizure, she begins to worry that the scientists are looking for something much more abnormal than a normal night’s sleep. COME TRUE is directed and written by newcomer Anthony Scott Burns. The cast stars mostly unknowns including Julia Sarah Stone, Landon Liboiron, Carlee Ryski, and Christopher Heatherington. Having been well received by critics, guest co-host, actor Dan Lench, chose the film for what turns out to be a very interesting discussion of a polarizing film.
Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.
Survival films aren’t necessarily the most popular genre but many of them are highly remembered. Whether it was such cinema as THE GRAY (2011), THE REVENANT (2015), or CAST AWAY (2000), many are considered classic cinema and highly regarded. In 1997, the movie THE EDGE, written by David Mamet and directed by Lee Tamahori, oddly slipped through the cracks when first released. Charles Morse (Anthony Hopkins) goes with his supermodel wife Mickey (Elle Macpherson) for a photoshoot in the remote areas of Alaska. When photographer Bob Green (Alec Baldwin) wants better photos, they head off on a small plane to a local guide. Unfortunately their plane crashes leaving Charles, Bob, and Bob’s assistant Stephen (Harold Perrineau) stranded. Soon, a Kodiak bear is on their trail and the three must fight for survival. Besides Anthonly Hopkins and Alec Baldwin in the leading roles, the film’s cast includes Elle Macpherson, L.Q. Jones, Harold Perrineau and Bart the Bear. The film, chosen by co-host Eric, was almost a topic for the Dark Discussions Podcast before being chosen for discussion here on the Cinema A La Carte podcast. Take a listen and hear what your co-hosts feel about a highly underappreciated movie.
March of 2022, film fans lost a legend in William Hurt. His passing came as a surprise at the age of 72 since he kept his illness with cancer to himself. He starred in many important films during his career including winning awards for his performances. The movie, BODY HEAT (1981), made many stars. Not only was it Kathleen Turner’s first major role, but it made William Hurt a leading man. It also was the directorial debut of Lawrence Kasdan. Ned Racine (William Hurt), a two bit lawyer, happens upon the beautiful Matty Walker (Kathleen Turner) one night and immediately falls for her. There’s one catch unfortunately. She’s married. But that doesn’t deter Ned. Soon their relationship turns more passionate than he ever thought. Not discouraged by the situation, Ned along with Matty come up with a plan that could lead them to their own marital bliss. Yet there is a catch. The film received fantastic reviews where iconic reviewer Roger Ebert listed it as one of the best films in movie history. The movie launched the careers of both Kathleen Turner and William Hurt and made Lawrence Kasdan one of the most successful directors the following decades. Dark Discussions pays tribute to one of films great actors and take a look at one of William Hurt’s best films.
Welcome to Cortana's Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone. Series synopsis: Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game 'Halo'.
Vampire films have changed throughout the years. From the dapper debutante to the gothic monster to the dreamy love interest to the feral beast, the “monster” has had many turns in books and movies. In the 2021 German film, BLOOD RED SKY, the movie turns vampires into feral beasts but with a twist that the condition is a disease. When Nadja (Peri Baumeister) and her son Elias (Carl Anton Koch) head out on an overnight flight from Germany to New York to see a specialist that can cure Nadja of a mysterious condition, the jet plane they are traveling on is hijacked by a group of ruthless men who have a secret agenda that none of the travelers know about. When something goes wrong, and one of the hijackers acts unhinged, Nadja must do something she hoped to never do to save her son from danger. The film was debuted in July of 2021 on Netflix. Starring a cast of mostly foreign actors, the movie played well on the network and found a strong following. Joined by the actor Dan Lench, who suggested the film for review, the Dark Discussions podcast gives their thoughts on the movie.
Frank Herbert’s original 1965 story, DUNE, was an astounding success. It has become one of America’s great novels, and is beloved by science fiction fans. More part of the space opera subset of stories, the book has been turned into two adaptations including a TV mini-series and a movie by David Lynch. Now, director Denis Villeneuve’s first part in a two film series was released in October 2021 to both HBO Max and theaters. Rather than discuss the intricacies of the story, the movie stars an all-star cast of performers. Timothee Chalamet plays the lead role of Paul Atreides who may or may not be a promised messianic hero. Also in the cast is Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, among many others. DUNE: PART ONE (2021) received glowing reviews from critics. With its success both on streaming and at theaters, Warner Brothers immediately green lit the second part in the two movie series. If success follows the second film, one wonders if a new franchise in the Dune universe will expand to others stories in the books that Frank Herbert wrote. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to Cortana's Communiques: The Halo Podcast, a weekly podcast to discuss each episode of the Paramount+ televisions series based off the XBOX video game franchise, HALO. This introduction tells you all you need to know about us and how you can listen.
Small foreign films seem to appear out of nowhere at times. Some do get a little buzz. And when the filmmakers decide to use English as the language of the choice, these movies even get more notice. The small film, A PERFECT ENEMY, jointly produced by France, Spain, and Germany, while having an international cast which includes Polish and South African performers, has English as the spoken language of the picture, getting it to a wider audience. Polish architect Jeremy (Tomasz Kot) lost his wife years ago when she suddenly disappeared. Weighing heavily upon him ever since, he’s focused his life upon his work. While waiting for his flight at the airport, a mysterious girl named Texel (Athena Strates) begins to show interest in him. When her topics begin to sound somewhat unhinged, Jeremy begins to wonder if Texel is more than she says she is. The film is directed by Kike Maillo and written by Cristina Clemente, Kike Maillo, and Fernando Navarro. Found wherever VOD movies are found, the film is readily available to view including free on some paid services. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
The journey of finding oneself can be a very stressful, a very long, and even a sad journey. Behavioral health can even be an issue for those who seem to have all their sh*t together. Even popular people have their so called “demons” or damage. The knew indy film that IMDB calls a horror comedy, KING KNIGHT (2022), follows a group of such folk who seem to be just that … lost. From IMDB: Thorn and Willow appear to have it all as the revered high priest and priestess of a coven of new age witches. But a secret from Thorn's past throws their lives into turmoil and sends them on a trippy, hilarious journey. The film is the latest from director Richard Bates, Jr. who is probably best known for his 2012 film EXCISION. KING KNIGHT stars Matthew Gray Gubler (CRIMINAL MINDS) and Angela Sarafyan (Westworld). After doing the festival circuit, the movie was released everywhere in Q1 of 2022 getting some decent buzz by those critics who saw it. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
The 1974 horror film, THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE, is arguably one of the most iconic psychological thrillers of all time. It is considered a classic film in this day and age. The movie had a supporting character breakout in the iconic villain Leatherface. Since its original release there has been numerous sequels and even remakes. Now in 2022, the latest in the series, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2022), was dropped on Netflix. Lila and her sister Melody follow their friends, Dante and Ruth, travel to an old deserted town that has been bought up by Dante. His plans are to make it a commune and home to similar progressive thinking people. When Dante discovers a handful of people that still live in the town, he tries to evict them which leads to a chain reaction that sets off a murder spree reminiscent to the one from the original film in the franchise. The movie is directed by David Blue Garcia from a script by Chris Thomas Devlin. Fede Alvarez, the director of EVIL DEAD (2013), produces. The film brings back the iconic characters of both Leatherface and Sally Hardesty from the original 1974 movie. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new movie and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to A Discovery of Witches, Demons, and Vampires Podcast – A weekly discussion of the Sky One, Now TV, Shudder, and Sundance television series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES based on the ALL SOULS trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. Series synopsis: Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses the old tome Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he’s a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.
Welcome to Jason Unleashed Episode #02, a scene by scene review of Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022). The film is better than a lot of people give it credit for. Maybe i can convince you to appreciate it a little more, or at least entertain you for the next hour or so. Thanks again for listening and join my Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyBloodyPodcast (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyBloodyPodcast)
High school angst films were the big thing back in the day. They still hold some power in today's world. Some of the most memorable are films like CLUELESS (1995), JAWBREAKER (1999), or MEAN GIRLS (2004). One of the biggest cult films of them all, HEATHERS, came out in 1989. With its social dystopia along with its dreamlike results took Generation X by storm. Though a failure at the box office, the movie became a success on video tape. Veronica (Winona Ryder) goes to Westerburg High School in Sherwood, Ohio. When she is accepted into the popular clique Heathers lead by Heather Chandler (Kim Walker), she thinks she’s finally find her identity. When she discovers that being a Heather isn’t all what its was built up to, she finds solace in J.D. Dean (Christian Slater), an outsider rebel who gives her hope. Soon the two of them start going down a dark path that leads to worse things than high school politics. The movie was directed by Michael Lehmann and written by Daniel Waters. Besides Christian Slater and Winona Ryder, the film co-stars Shannen Doherty, Kim Waters, and Lisanne Falk. The movie helped jettison Slater, Ryder, and Doherty to stardom, and laid out the way future high school films would be made. Dark Discussions takes a look at this Patreon pick and gives their thoughts on this cult classic.
It's been a while, but Amy is back to discuss the best horror films of last year. The group is eclectic but all fantastic films that everyone should see.
Welcome to A Discovery of Witches, Demons, and Vampires Podcast – A weekly discussion of the Sky One, Now TV, Shudder, and Sundance television series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES based on the ALL SOULS trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. Series synopsis: Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses the old tome Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he’s a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.
The video game series, RESIDENT EVIL, may be one of the if not the most popular horror video game franchise of all time. Having eight official games, plus a number of spinoffs, the series has been one of the video game maker Capcom’s biggest sellers. Soon a movie franchise was born starring Milla Jovovich which at first followed the game story line but soon later completely left its source material. In Q4 of 2021, the new film RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY promised to get back to the origin of the story (as a prequel). Claire Redfield (Kaya Scodelario) returns to Raccoon City to rekindle her relationship with her brother Chris (Robbie Amell) as well as to dig into their history as orphans. When residents begin to start acting strangely and the Umbrella Corporation, the biggest city’s employer, locks down the city. Claire, among the local police force, are locked in and have to find out what is going on and how to get out. The film is directed and written by Johannes Roberts, known for such films as 47 METERS DOWN (2017), 47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED (2019) and THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT (2018). The film stars Kaya Scodelario, Tom Hooper, Neal McDonough, Avan Jogia, among others. Dark Discussions Podcast takes a look at this new film in the series franchise and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to A Discovery of Witches, Demons, and Vampires Podcast – A weekly discussion of the Sky One, Now TV, Shudder, and Sundance television series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES based on the ALL SOULS trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. Series synopsis: Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses the old tome Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he’s a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.
Nubile young co-eds; a crazy man with a knife, machete, or axe; young people stuck in a location they can’t get out from. That’s the generic slasher film. Starting with old giallos from Europe to the hey day of the 1980’s, slashers have been a staple within the horror movie fanbase. With a few interesting slasher from 2021 including INITIATION, the subgenre has made somewhat of a comeback. The latest, STUDENT BODY, just came out on February 8th, 2022 wherever one can stream films. Jane (Montse Hernandez) is a brilliant student that doesn’t apply herself. Most of her clique in high school lead by Merritt (Cheyenne Haynes) are drifting through school. Her teacher, Mr. Aunspach (Christian Camargo), sees something in Janet. When he tries to get her to forget those that are “holding her back,” she feels cornered. Soon a chain reaction causes people to get fired, lives are ruined, and a sledgehammer maniac comes after Janet and her friends. The film also stars Harley Quinn Smith, Austin Zajur, and Anthony Keyvan. In a duel role, the movie is directed and written by Lee Ann Kurr. With little press behind the movie, and reviews found only through internet searches, Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews takes a look at the production and gives their thoughts on the film.
Stage productions, especially musicals, have been turned into very successful movies. CHICAGO (2002) is a perfect example of that. Well, one such production was a wink-and-a-nod to horror and science fiction of yesteryear and was turned into a movie in 1975. That film, ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, unfortunately was received all not that well during its immediate release. But a 20th Century Fox executive had the idea to turn it into a midnight movie. And from there, it became an instant hit and now is considered a classic film. One night when a young couple, Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), get lost in a thunder storm, they head to a remote castle for help. Invited in by Riff Raff (Richard O’Brien), they meet the castle’s owner, Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). Unfortunately for Brad and Janet, the “good” doctor may have plans for the young couple which includes more than simply using the telephone. The musical stage show was written by co-star Richard O’Brien and brought to the screen by him along with director Jim Sharman. The film’s cast included many from the original stage show including Tim Curry in the iconic role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. With the film’s fan interaction during midnight screenings, the movie has become a cult classic and is considered an important film by the National Film Registry and the Library of Congress. Dark Discussions takes a look at this Patreon pick by listener Holly and gives their thoughts about the film and its significance.
Welcome to Jason Unleashed Episode #01. Hororrphilia Jason's Top 30 Horror Films of 2022. I countdown my top 30 favorite horror films of last year, plus honorable mentions, hidden gems, my thoughts on the year as a whole, and more! Download, or stream and enjoy! Thanks for listening and join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/266761753481290 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/266761753481290) Show Notes Night House Ending Explained: https://screenrant.com/night-house-ending-explained/ (https://screenrant.com/night-house-ending-explained/) Broadcast Signal Intrusion Ending Explained: https://tinyurl.com/muxcerv4 (https://tinyurl.com/muxcerv4)
Welcome to A Discovery of Witches, Demons, and Vampires Podcast – A weekly discussion of the Sky One, Now TV, Shudder, and Sundance television series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES based on the ALL SOULS trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. Series synopsis: Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses the old tome Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he’s a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.
We are already 1/12th into 2022 and some good films have come out. Yet did last year start out with a bang or a whimper? Dark Discussions puts together their review of all that was good and bad in 2021. Included is the consideration of dozens of different films that were worthy enough to be considered as a top 10 film for genre and horror films. Each of your co-hosts put together a list of movies they thought were good enough to be seen by audiences. This included both a list of horror films and a list of other speculative fiction films. Afterwards we then combined those lists and came up with Dark Discussions definitive lists of the best of 2021. Some obvious films like A QUIET PLACE 2 and MALIGNANT appear but also little known films like TILL DEATH, KNOW FEAR, and THE VIGIL were considered. Also included are some of our listener choices and what they felt were the best of the year. And don’t forget our top and worst scenes, scream queens, breakout star, and anything else you can think of. Dark Discussions wraps up last year in a nice tight bow and gives their listeners a good many films to go out and search for.
Welcome to A Discovery of Witches, Demons, and Vampires Podcast – A weekly discussion of the Sky One, Now TV, Shudder, and Sundance television series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES based on the ALL SOULS trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. Series synopsis: Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses the old tome Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he’s a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.
Independent cinema (or low budget film if you prefer) can surprise movie goers whenever they take a chance to view the film. With its small cast and limited set pieces, such a film has to have a great script, fine cinematography, and a great cast. Late in 2021, the film VAL, with its very appealing poster art and interesting trailer, may not have gotten the buzz it had hoped, but as an example of a “small film,” it was most certainly one to take a look at. Fin (Zachary Mooren) is running from the police after a crime that occurred earlier in the morning. When he escapes into the home of Val (Misha Reeves), he discovers that she’s a high priced escort that may have enough money for him to escape his pursuers. Recovering from a wound, Fin ascertains that Val may not be a damsel-in-distress, but instead someone that is willing to toy with him for reasons he’d soon find out. VAL is a late 2021 release directed by Aaron Fradkin. The director co-wrote the script with Victoria Fratz. The movie stars with strong performances from both Misha Reeves and Zachary Mooren. With its fine script, interesting color and set pieces, and fine filmmaking all around, Dark Discussions Podcast decided to take a look at this little seen film and give their thoughts.
Welcome to A Discovery of Witches, Demons, and Vampires Podcast – A weekly discussion of the Sky One, Now TV, Shudder, and Sundance television series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES based on the ALL SOULS trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. Series synopsis: Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses the old tome Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he’s a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.
Welcome to A Discovery of Witches, Demons, and Vampires Podcast – A weekly discussion of the Sky One, Now TV, Shudder, and Sundance television series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES based on the ALL SOULS trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. Series synopsis: Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses the old tome Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he’s a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.
New Year’s resolutions are a big thing for folks. Some want to lose weight, find a spouse, get a new job, work towards completing something; others have goals that they strive for. Co-host Mike said that there are a lot of genre films he hasn’t seen that he wants to get to, so as a New Year’s resolution, why not ask all the co-hosts to see some film they always wanted to see and then discuss. Another year doing so, each co-host chose a genre movie that they had never seen and decided to watch it and give their opinions. Films we discuss are THE INNOCENTS (1961), TARANTULA (1955), BLOW OUT (1981), and RABID (1977). A wide variety of films they are but also some important ones too that one of your co-hosts finally got to see. With all that, Dark Discussions would like to say happy 2022 to all our listeners and patreon supporters, both new and old, and hope to hear some of the films you folks have never seen and plan to in this new year. Email us and let us know.
Welcome to A Discovery of Witches, Demons, and Vampires Podcast – A weekly discussion of the Sky One, Now TV, Shudder, and Sundance television series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES based on the ALL SOULS trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. Series synopsis: Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses the old tome Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he’s a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.
Urban legends are numerous. Many include deaths of people but others include monsters and creatures from the unknown. The Canadian film, THE TOLL (2021), distributed by Lionsgate, is another in the line of movies that use a “real” or script-created legend that will haunt the characters involved in the film. When Cami (Jordan Hayes) flies from the American west coast to the Midwest to visit her father, she gets picked up by Spencer (Max Topplin), a driver for a transportation service, for the long ride to her dad’s home. When the two of them get lost on a remote road in the middle of a forest, they suddenly find themselves in danger by a mythical monster called the Tollman that seems to be attracted to death. After a 2020 festival run, Lionsgate released the movie in Q1 of 2021 both on VOD and physical media. The movie was written and directed by relative unknown Michael Nader and has received positive reviews on such websites as Rottentomatoes. On the suggestion of co-host Eric, the crew take a look at this Canadian movie and give their thoughts.
On volume 032 of Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews, the podcast reviewed the film EYE WITHOUT A FACE (2021). All of your co-hosts felt the film was a hidden gem after watching it. After releasing the episode, folks linked to the film retweeted the episode on social media including Tara Violet Niami, the cinematographer for the movie. Directly from her website: “Tara Violet Niami is an award-winning photographer and cinematographer from LA. She is a dual citizen in the US & UK. Tara has an MFA from American Film Institute Conservatory in Cinematography and a BFA in photography at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.” The interesting thing about EYE WITHOUT A FACE, it is a film that has various different types of camera shots including those that are static. Shots that are very unlike most movies. The “EYE” is the camera on a computer. After contacting her, Tara Violet has joined the podcast to discuss further about EYE WITHOUT A FACE including behind-the-scenes topics but also plot details.
David Bruckner is one of today’s modern breakout genre directors. His participation in such films as V/H/S (2012), SOUTHBOUND (2015), the spin off film SIREN (2016), and finally THE RITUAL (2017). He’s now the filmmaker for the latest HELLRAISER (2022) film, but now in 2021, he’s released a new film entitled THE NIGHT HOUSE. School teacher Beth (Rebecca Hall) is a widow left alone at a beautiful lake front house that her architecture husband left her. Mourning the loss of her spouse, she begins to breakdown from loneliness, loss, and sadness. Soon she begins to believe the property is haunted as strange phenomena happen around her. As summer break begins, she begins to discover dark secrets about her husband. But even worse, her own dark history begins to encompass her. After directing the now classic horror film THE RITUAL, David Bruckner’s latest film some say may be as good as that film. THE NIGHT HOUSE has a very strong performance by English actress Rebecca Hall. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts on whether or not it deserves the praise that it is getting.
Like a lot of films, FATMAN (2020) was another one that got treated badly because of the COVID pandemic. Originally made to be a full theatrical film to be seen everywhere and anywhere, it got relegated to a limited release and then a November 2020 “straight-to-VOD” to release afterwards. Though written and directed by lesser known brothers Eshom and Ian Nelms, the film has two strong leads in Mel Gibson and Walton Goggins. When Billy Wenan (Chance Hurstfield) receives coal from Santa (Mel Gibson), he becomes tilted and searches out “fixer” and hitman, Jonathan Miller (Walton Goggins), to get vengeance on Santa. Miller has had his own troubles with Santa and agrees immediately on the work. As this occurs, Santa has his own troubles. More than 50% of children are now receiving coal, and he’s running out of money to continue his work. Seeing this opportunity, the U.S. government and its military branch propose a solution. In a fantastic performance, Mel Gibson brings to the screen a pessimistic version of Santa struggling with the world he sees today. However, in a screen stealing performance, Walton Goggins plays the unhinged and yet miserable hit man chasing his own childhood demons. Dark Discussions takes a look at this future cult classic and gives their thoughts.
In 2018 director David Gordon Green re-invented Michael Myers and the Halloween film franchise with his direct sequel to the John Carpenter 1978 film entitled also HALLOWEEN (2018). After its success, the film turned into a first in a new three film series. This year 2021, the sequel, HALLOWEEN KILLS (2021), appeared in October after a year pushback because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), her daughter (Judy Greer), and granddaughter (Andi Matichak) survive Michael Myers (Nick Castle) rampage, Laurie lands up in the hospital with Deputy Frank Hawkins (Will Patton) who also survived the gruesome attack. The now adult Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall) decides to lead a group of town folk in ending Michael Myers deadly assault of Haddonfield. The latest film brings back characters that haven’t been seen since the original film in the series. Besides Jamie Lee Curtis, the film stars Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, Anthony Michael Hall, and brings back Kyle Richards to reprise her role as Lindsey Wallace. Dark Discussions Podcast takes a look at this latest film in the franchise and gives their thoughts.
When the television series BLACK SUMMER (2019) hit Netflix, the zombie apocalypse theme got a great refresh. Zombies had begun to feel stale but BLACK SUMMER was an intense show that felt like you were right in the action with its interesting camera dynamics. With COVID-19 hitting, a production for a second season seemed in flux. Co-host Mike even felt a second season may not even be needed and worried it would not hold up to Season One. But not surprising, in 2021, BLACK SUMMER Season Two appeared. Dark Discussions had some prior knowledge as we interviewed showrunner John Hyams in 2020 for his movie https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/dark-discussions-podcast-episode-458-alone-2020/ (ALONE (2020)) where he told us Season Two was back in production (his interview with us was on location actually). Dark Discussions Podcast once again were able to interview John Hyams about this amazing Season Two of BLACK SUMMER. He gives us an insight of the characters, the techniques used to film, the motivations of the lead protagonists/antagonists, and so much more. Co-host Philip was even able to ask if Taylor Swift could get a cameo in Season Three (she’s good friends with lead actress Jaime King and also godmother to her son.) Get ready for an awesome interview with one of today’s best talents.
When Fox was bought out by Disney, there were a good many films that landed up in limbo. Some of them were pretty big named movies like THE CALL OF THE WILD (2020) starring Harrison Ford which would go on to have some critical success. But others like the horror film, THE EMPTY MAN (2020), had no major stars nor was it a conventional supernatural thriller. It was an odd ball of a film with arthouse undertones as well as little that gave it mainstream curiosity. A former police officer, James Lasombra (James Badge Dale), grieves the death of his wife and son who died in a car accident. When his friend’s daughter goes missing, he agrees to “take on the case” and try to find out what happened. His discoveries lead to an urban legend called the Empty Man – a supernatural being that will seek out any who calls its name. As he digs deeper into the mystery, he finds out that a local institute may actually be a cover for a mysterious cult. The film was released in October 2020, which seems fine for a horror film and Halloween, but in the middle of COVID, it drew little audiences. The marketing for the movie also focused on the urban legend of the Empty Man which left many viewers confused after watching it. Dark Discussions takes a look at this much maligned film that’s slowly being re-evaluated as a possible masterpiece.
Christopher Smith is one of the best genre directors out there. And yet not many folks know of him or who he is. His list of films consist of some genre’s top work including CREEP (2004), SEVERANCE (2006), BLACK DEATH (2010), DETOUR (2016), and his masterpiece TRIANGLE (2009). Now in 2021, he has a new film entitled THE BANISHING (2021) found on Shudder. When an Anglican priest, his wife Marianne (Jessica Brown Findlay), and her child move into a new home to service a community, a dark secret begins to present itself to Marianne as she begins to explore the large manor. Soon a strange man (Sean Harris) appears warning of corruption and dangers that sound more insane than possible. Eventually Marianne discovers that things aren’t what they seem and a dark past may come back to endanger them all. THE BANISHING stars DOWNTOWN ABBEY star Jessica Brown Findlay in a showcase role. Also in the cast includes John Heffernan, Sean Harris, and Jon Lynch. Receiving mixed reviews, the movie has been promoted strongly by Shudder. Your co-hosts take a look at the latest genre film by the underappreciated Christopher Smith.
After a long hiatus, the V/H/S franchise of films is back with a new installment. Some say it is a reboot while others say it is a sequel, but either way, as an anthology film, with stories not necessarily related, it doesn’t matter all that much. The new film had some of its talent taken away as they went off and were hired to direct the new Hellraiser film and the new Scream film, but others are back including Simon Barrett and Timo Tjahjanto. The new movie entitled V/H/S/94 has four new stories and some new talent too. First is the wrap around story entitled Holy Hell (written and directed by Jennifer Reeder) about a swat team that enters what appears to be a building owned by a suicide cult. Next up is Storm Drain (written and directed by Chloe Okuno). The next tale is by Simon Barrett entitled The Empty Wake. Following is Timo Tjahjanto’s story entitled The Subject, and the last story is called Terror (written and directed by Ryan Prows). The film has been getting excellent reviews from critics and has a huge fan base that was excited to hear of the latest in the franchise. The movie appears on Shudder right now for all subscribers. Dark Discussions Podcast takes a look at this new movie and gives their thoughts on each part of the anthology.
Sion Sono has made some very weird films. One of Japan’s most interesting and prolific directors, he’s known for both gonzo films and oddities. Even his most audience friendly films are still very much considered “weird cinema” too many. His latest movie, PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND (2021), is a mix of English language and Japanese starring Nick Cage in what he says “might be the wildest movie I ever made.” When a bank robbery in Japan goes bad, Hero (Nicolas Cage) is thrown in jail for life. During his incarceration, a nuclear accident turns much of Japan into a wasteland simply known as the “ghostlands.” When The Governor (Bill Moseley) of the Samurai Town has one of his granddaughters go missing, he makes a deal with Hero. You find and rescue her, you go free. Considered a mix of weird western and horror film, PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Besides Nicholas Cage, the movie stars Bill Moseley, Nick Cassavetes, Sofia Boutella, Tak Sakaguchi, Yuzuka Nakaya, among others. The screenplay was written by actors Aaron Hendry and Reza Sixo Safai. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very unusual movie and gives their thoughts.
Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg is best known for his grindhouse and midnight movies back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, but as his career has evolved, he has become known as an award winning director for his dramas and thrillers as well. In 2005, his movie A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE stunned audiences with his real world implications. Based off the graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke, the movie received nominations for Best Adapted Screen Play (by Josh Olson) at the Oscars. Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is happily married to attorney Edie Stall (Maria Bello). He’s the owner of a local diner and has two beautiful children. When two on-the-run killers attempt to rob his restaurant, Tom is labeled a hero by local media as he saves his employees from a possible massacre. When a strange group of men appear in town, Tom and his family’s life are turned upside down. Who are these men and what do they want? The film stars Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, and William Hurt in an Oscar nominated performance. As a commentary on the violent nature of humanity and even on Hollywood’s and Cronenberg’s own knack for aggression in film, the movie is a reflection on all of us and as a society that seems to fetishizes our own violent nature. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
Consumerism and insincerity – so-called mindful companies and those who purchase from them have become one of the biggest hypocrisies in today’s world. When a company pretends to support all the “just” causes and consumers purchase their products to feel good about themselves, it can kind of make one roll their eyes. The new Canadian horror-comedy SLAXX (2021) takes a poke at this phenomenon. Libby (Romane Denis) gets a job at her favorite clothing store, Canadian Cotton Clothiers. On her first day, she’s part of the crew to work overnight to help set up the release of the company’s new unisex jeans. When the employees find out they are locked in and can’t get out, soon the death count rises. Libby and her companions must find out who is killing them and a way to survive the night. The film is directed by Elza Kephart and is co-written by her along with Patricia Gomez. The film stars Romane Denis along with Brett Donahue, Sehar Bhojani, among others. A Shudder original, this movie turns out to be a humorous commentary on the insincerity of how many company’s work. Dark Discussions takes a look at this movie and gives their thoughts.
IndieSCREAM Halloween Spectacular Prepare for a week of screens and screams! American Media Society, Inc. is proud to present IndieSCREAM, an online film festival featuring the works of horror filmmakers from around the globe. Featuring over 50 films airing over the course of a week, IndieScream will feature exclusive premieres, special guests, and an opportunity to interact with independent filmmakers who live and breathe horror films through a series of audience Q+A's. Get your popcorn ready and secure your tickets now! Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews interviews the folks behind the festival and also the filmmakers that are participating.
The COVID-19 pandemic has obviously caused a lot of issues with the world. In the new film SHELTER IN PLACE (2021), it becomes the focal point of why our characters happen to be where they are. The stress of the unknown, the isolation, and even the fear of possibly dying from something that is unseen is definitely one scary thing. When newly married couple Sara (Tatjana Marjanovic) and John (Brendan Hines) head off to their honeymoon in Los Angeles, a COVID outbreak forces them to shelter in place at their hotel. With only a maid and the desk manager working, Sara and John begin to become stir crazy. The days carry on slowly and there is only so much the couple can do for fun. While their patience with each other grows, the couple discovers that there may be a disturbing aspect with their residence that they hadn’t seen when they checked in. The film is co-directed and co-written by Chris Beyrooty and Connor Martin. Besides our two leads, the film also stars Ola Kaminska and Kevin Daniels as the hotel help in very pivotal roles. Dark Discussions takes a look at this indy horror film and gives their thoughts.
Flash Gordon, the character, was created back in the 1930’s specifically as a space opera. Space opera is the old science fiction that takes place in outer space but doesn’t necessarily follow the knowledge behind the science. George Lucas brought it all back in the 1970’s with STAR WARS (1977). With it being a huge subgenre once more, in 1980 the film FLASH GORDON as the next big budget film to set off a franchise. New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon (Sam J. Jones), during space Emperor Ming’s (Max von Sydow) invasion of Earth, flies a space rocket with travel agent Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) and scientist Hans Zarkov (Topol) to Ming’s palace where they are captured. With the help of Princess Aura (Ornella Muti) and others, Flash escapes and tries to start an intergalactic rebellion to free all those oppressed by Ming. Produced by Dino De Laurentiis, directed by Mike Hodges, and written by Lorenzo Semple, Jr., based off Alex Raymond’s iconic character, the movie gained much press as the band Queen joined as the main composer along with Howard Blake. Released world wide, the film’s retro look and strange story gained it mediocre reviews. Yet years later fans found the film and gave it the rightful cult following that it has. Your co-hosts discuss this wonderful film.
Director Chad Stahelski worked with Keanu Reeves on the MATRIX (1999) as a stunt coordinator for that film. When screenwriter Derek Kolstad wrote the screenplay for a film about a bounty hunter that included crazy action set pieces, Stahelski thought of Reeves to play the lead role. That film became JOHN WICK (2014) and the beginning of an iconic character and franchise. John Wick, who’s wife died from illness, retires from bounty hunting to try to deal with his loss. When a beagle puppy arrives as a gift from his late wife, he begins to find peace in his life. However, when robbers break in and take everything that’s left in his world, he returns to his prior life, searching for revenge and vengeance and once more find peace in this crazy world. Keanu Reeves returned to superstardom after being cast in the film. The movie also stars Willem Dafoe, John Leuizamo, Ian McShane, Alfie Allen, and Michael Nyqvist. JOHN WICK reviewed fantastic reviews and became a surprising money maker leading to the movie becoming a franchise. A Patreon movie pick, Dark Discussions takes a look at the film that started it all and gives their thoughts.
Women in horror are essential. Some actresses especially have made a career for themselves from this subgenre of cinema. But recently a lot of women have become also directors and writers for films. In one such case, the 2018 film MARLA had a woman that directs, writes, and stars in the film. Lisa van Dam-Bates took the reigns to showcase her talents. Marla (Lisa van Dam-Bates) is a young woman who works as a cocktail waitress at a local pub. Her boyfriend, Jake (Johnnie Ware), works the bar and does the accounting for the establishment. Being a normal sexually active couple, an old doctor friend of hers offers to give her an IUD free of charge. Her boyfriend seems suspicious and soon Marla’s life begins to spiral out of control as unexpected consequences do appear. The movie stars Lisa van Dam-Bates, Johnnie Ware, Katie Hemming, Palmer Chase, and Jason Stange as Dr. Lourdes. After a two year festival run where it had the title MARLA MAE, the movie received a VOD release in 2018. Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews takes a look at this film that should appeal to both thriller fans as well as midnight movie auteurs.
The word Gaia means the goddess of Earth in the Greek mythos, also known as Terra in the Roman mythos. The new South African horror film, GAIA (2021), obviously references the planet we live on, but its title is very much an enigma. The movie is most certainly a film that focuses on nature, but it is much more than that. Park rangers, Gabi (Monique Rockman) and Winston (Anthony Oseyemi), are tasked to change the digital memory cards of the various cameras that are set up within the Tsitsikamma forest. When Gabi’s drone is incapacitated, she goes off to get it. When unfortunate circumstances separates her from Winston, she is found by a father and son survivor duo who take her back to their cabin. When she arrives there, she discovers the forest has a secret that she would never have fathomed of. Jaco Bouwer directs and Tertius Kapp wrote GAIA. Partly in English and partly in Afrikaans, the movie digs deep into the health of the earth, what may exist out deep in remote forests, and how the loss of a loved one can change one’s life completely. Besides starring Monique Rockman and Anthony Oseyemi, Carel Nel and Alex Van Dyk play the father and son survivalists. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
Technology has changed things tremendously, especially the internet. Social media has allowed folks to connect with each other unlike never before. However, hacking has become prevalent as well. Personal data and bank accounts need constant protection. But what about those little cameras on one’s laptop? What happens when they are hacked and folks are able to watch you when you are unaware? The new movie EYE WITHOUT A FACE (2021) uncomfortably portrays this. Henry (Dakota Shapiro), a young agoraphobic man, lives in a house he inherited from his father. Help to pay the property tax, he has let his friend Eric (Luke Cook), an inspiring actor, move in with him. During Henry’s quiet days at home, he has hacked into the webcams of various women that live in his home city of Los Angeles. While watching them during their private moments, he suspects one of them to be a possible serial killer. Director Ramin Niami also wrote the script for the film. Along with Dakota hapiro and Luke Cook, the film stars Vlada Verevko, Rebecca Berg, and Ashley Elyse Rogers. With its very modern topics, the film is most certainly interesting as it confronts computer crimes, women’s privacy, mental illness, and parental abuse. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
James Wan is one of today’s most celebrated horror and genre directors. He was a the creator or co-creator of such horror franchises as INSIDIOUS, SAW, and THE CONJURING universe. Many of these films are considered iconic films of the genre. Now in 2021, he has directed a new horror film entitled MALIGNANT (2021) that has been released simultaneously to theaters and HBO Max. Madison (Annabelle Wallis) is married, pregnant, and seems to live the American dream. But when her husband become abusive, her life turns upside down. She begins to have visions of an intruder who is out hunting what appear to be random people within her hometown, Seattle, Washington. When a deep secret about her past is revealed, the murderer, she discovers, may be someone that she has known all her life. Unlike many of his other films being written by director/writer Leigh Whannell, MALIGNANT’s script is written by Akela Cooper. The movie starts Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, and George Young. Music is composed by long time collaborator Joseph Bishara. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very strange and intense film and gives their thoughts.
Lincoln Child is one of today’s best selling authors. His set of novels based off the special ops private eye Jack Reacher have been some of the favorite books by thriller and mystery fans. In 2012, Tom Cruise was able to star and produce the feature motion picture, JACK REACHER, based off the first book in the series, ONE SHOT (2005). The film was directed and written by long time Cruise collaborator Christopher McQuarrie. When a serial killer shots five people dead in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a mysterious former Army military police officer shows up named Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise). When the district attorney, Alex Rodin (Richard Jenkins), seeks the death penalty, his daughter Helen (Rosamund Pike) feels something is suspicious. Soon Jack Reacher joins up with Helen and the two begin to unravel a much larger conspiracy. Jack Reacher is another in a long line of films that were pushed back due to real life crimes that seemed to mirror the plot of the movie. When the film finally was released, it made less than expected but received legs and made a boat load of money world wide. The film stars Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Robert Duval, Werner Herzog, and David Oyelowo in a strong ensemble cast. Your co-hosts take a look at this well received film and give their thoughts.
After some unfortunate violence in the real world, the film, THE HUNT (2020), was pulled from Blumhouse’s future releases. It stayed in limbo for a bit, before reappearing on their theatrical release schedule for March 2020. Unfortunately it was the very week that COVID-19 became the pandemic that it was, and as a result, the movie tanked at the box office. Finally after an off and on release schedule on VOD, the film arrived to HBO Max where folks could finally take a look at the controversy behind the film and judge for themselves. After a group of privileged elites discussing on text the murdering of so-called online “deplorables”, the conversation mistakenly is leaked and goes viral. After their careers are ruined and all are cancelled, they decide to kidnap the Twitter trolls that brought them down. The hostages are brought to a remote location where they must fight for their lives if they want to survive. THE HUNT was directed by Craig Zobel (Z FOR ZACHARIAH (2015)) and written by Nick Cuse and Damon Lindelof. In its ensemble cast, the stars include Betty Gilpin, Hillary Swank, Emma Roberts, and Amy Madigan. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and are joined by actor Dan Lench (CIRCLE (2015)).
Grindhouse sometimes refers to B-movies filled with blood and boobs, bad acting and papier-mâché monsters. But even if they don’t have all those ingredients, they can still be over the top silliness. Many times in a good way. The new movie, STAY OUT OF THE ATTIC (2021), even has an alternate title STAY OUT OF THE F*CKING ATTIC. Arriving on Shudder earlier this year, the movie got a lot of buzz because of that alternate title. Albert (Ryan Francis), an ex-con, owns a moving company. Giving a second chance to other parolees, his company is hired by Vern Mueller (Michael Flynn), an elderly German immigrant that has a manor that requires Albert’s services. As the movers begin to pack up this immense house, they discover a horrible secret that could lead to all of their deaths. Though the film played the festival circuit in 2020 the movie was released to all audiences in the USA on March 11th, 2021. The film is directed and co-written by newcomer Jerren Lauder in a film that is so over the top, it would have fit nicely back in the Times Square and 42nd Street run of bizarre cinema from the 1970’s and early 80’s. Dark Discussions takes a look at this curious midnight movie and give their thoughts.
Your podcast hosts take a look at a small film from the UK. The movie, MEDUSA (2021), and its title may be a bit of a misnomer. The monster, Medusa, one of a group of creatures called gorgons, are from Greek and Roman mythos from years gone by. But as a creature, she has been used in many forms in film and literature since. For this movie, we have a young woman, Carly (Megan Purvis), living in a traveling trailer park, along other women who are prostitutes. At one time leaving this life, she fell back into it, and unfortunately has become once again depended on hard drugs like heroine. When she is sent to meet a “john”, the man has a snake that bites Carly. As the days go by she begins to notice something sinister happening to her body and her life. The movie is directed by someone simply named Mathew B.C. but the movie is produced by British producer Scott Jeffrey who is known for funding many low budget horror films. The film stars Megan Purvis in a strong role requiring much screen time. Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews take a look at this very interesting film.
Based off the short story by Clive Barker, The Forbidden, the 1992 film, CANDYMAN, made a surprising impact on horror films. As the new wave of flashy slasher films were about to flood the market in the nineties, CANDYMAN was a bit different. A slow brooding film placed in the housing projects of Chicago, its iconic monster played by Tony Todd turned him into a star and made a franchise that still lives today. In 2021, a follow up sequel also called CANDYMAN has arrived to very good reviews. With its updates to the legend of Candyman while still following the general “rules” that the original conceived, critics even more so than fans have given positive reviews to the direction this new film has gone. The film stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (WATCHMEN) and Teyonah Parris (WANDAVISION). Nia DaCosta directs based on a screenplay co-written with Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld. Only at theaters at the time of this writing, the movie has grossed double its budget. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.
Well, the year 2021 seems to be the year that Nicholas Cage has returned to the zeitgeist. Earlier this year he appeared in the well received potential cult classic film WILLY’S WONDERLAND. Now a few months later, his latest movie, PIG (2021), brings him once again to the forefront. It has been one of the most highly rated films critically this year. With over 213 reviews from mainstream press, PIG has a 97% approval rating. And audiences ratings are not that far behind. Robin Feld (Nicholas Cage), a rural truffle forager, lives in a shack alone but with his trusty pig who helps identify locations of the buried fungi. Amir (Alex Wolff), a truffle dealer from Seattle, collects and pays Robin and others for their gatherings. He sells the expensive commodities to exclusive restaurants in the city. When one night Robin is attacked by intruders and his pig is stolen, he sets out with Amir to find his beloved pet. And the two men on the way may find out more about themselves. The film is the directorial debut of Michael Sarnoski and co-written with Vanessa Block. Having been filmed two years ago but traveling through the festival circuit since, the movie officially received its United States release July 16th, 2021. Your co-hosts take a look at this amazing movie and give their feelings on its meaning about life, love, loss, and healing.
Dark Discussions Podcast has made it to Episode 500. After ten and a half years, numerous side podcasts, and becoming a network, the original has persisted on and finally arrives to a giant milestone. After posting a poll on facebook with over 24 classic and cult classic genre films, listeners and members have chosen the film for us to discuss. That film is LIFEFORCE (1985), directed by Tobe Hooper (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE) and co-written by Dan O’Bannon (ALIEN). When a joint US/UK shuttle called the Churchill visits Halley’s Comet, they discover a UFO in the comet’s coma. Inside appear to be human sized dead bat creatures. But the crew also finds three humanoids that resemble human beings, alive, but in stasis. When rescuers board the Churchill they discover the ship is internally immolated with all the crew dead. Returning to Earth, they bring the three humanoids back to the British Space Research Center. However the female humanoid awakens. After escaping into the city of London, panic sets in. This Cannon Studio production had big talent behind it including Tobe Hooper and Dan O’Bannon. But also composer Henry Mancini and special effects artist John Dykstra were added. With a big budget and a great cast including the who’s who of British characters actors of the time including Frank Finlay, the movie initially received mixed reviews and was considered a box office failure. Now years later, the film has begun to grow with praise and expanded from just being a cult classic. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting vampire film and gives their thoughts.
Hi, Its a few days late because ... whatever, Episode Includes News of the miscellany, and 5 reviews, on Blood Red Sky, Aftermath, A Quiet Place 2, Suicide Squad 2 and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Welcome once again to another addition of the Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews Podcast. In this latest episode we were happy to be able to interview the filmmakers behind the great 2020 horror film, ANYTHING FOR JACKSON. Joining us is screenwriter Keith Cooper and director Justin G. Dyck where they answered some unanswered questions we had. The Dark Discussions News Network rated the film the second best horror film of 2020. Afterwards, your co-hosts discuss a number of topics including the state of cinemas, the usage of trailers by marketing departments, as well as talk about such films as A QUIET PLACE PART 2 (2021), AWOL (2017), DON’T TELL A SOUL (2021).
M. Night Shyamalan’s career has spanned decades now and during that time he’s created some of the best genre cinema there is. With his latest film, OLD (2021), he once again delves into existential matters such as each individual’s mortality. Rather an original story, he takes the tale from the French cult graphic novel, Sandcastle, by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters. Groups of wealthy families head to an exclusive resort. While there, the hotel host suggests a beautiful and private beach for each to visit. While there, enjoying the beautiful scenery, one of their numbers dies. For unknown reasons they soon discover they aren’t able to leave the location for help. But as they try to devise how to get out, something more terrible begins to fall upon each and everyone of them. The movie stars a number of fairly well known character actors as well as up-and-comers such as Alex Wolff, Abbey Lee, Rufus Sewell, among others. Cinematography was done by Michael Giolakis who’s known for such films as IT FOLLOWS (2015), US (2019), and SPLIT (2016). Dark Discussions takes a look at this critically lukewarm film and gives their thought.
When a movie is adapted from a novel, one can bet that the book is probably an interesting read. In the case of D. Eric Maikranz, his novel The Reincarnationist Papers has been adapted into a brand new movie entitled INFINITE (2021) starring Mark Wahlberg, directed by Antoine Fuqua, and adapted to the screen by Ian Shorr and Todd Stein. With its interesting premise, it isn’t surprising that it received attention from film producers. The synopsis of the book from D. Eric Maikranz’s website: Evan Michaels struggles with being different, with having the complete memories of two other people who lived sequentially before him. He fights loneliness and believes he is unique until he meets Poppy. She recognizes his struggle because she is like him, except that she is much older, remembering seven consecutive lives. But there is something else she must share with Evan -- she is a member of the secretive Cognomina. They are, in effect, immortals -- compiling experiences and skills over lifetimes into near superhuman abilities that they have used to drive history over centuries. The author joins your co-hosts to discuss his novel. Some of the interesting topics are the long journey from book to movie. Further discussions include the interesting aspects of the various characters and their journey through time. Among many more things. For further information, check out https://ericmaikranz.com/ (D. Eric Maikranz’s website) for his news letter and his entire catalog. Find the movie https://www.paramountplus.com/ (INFINITE at Paramount+).
Russian science fiction horror films and shows have had a resurgence lately. With 2020’s SPUTNIK and the television show TO THE LAKE, the European nation has recently shown some solid directing, performers, and writers. Now, in 2021, another new movie has been released everywhere. Its title is simply entitled THE SUPERDEEP. Scientist Anna Fedorova (Milena Radulovic) is recruited in 1984 by the Soviet military to help in a rescue mission that’s eight miles deep in the ground. When she and the crew arrive, they find that many of the staff of the underground facility have already been evacuated. One survivor says that deep below is their interpretation of hell. The Colonel leading the expedition is not alarmed. He orders a continuation of the so-called rescue mission. When the group reaches their destination, they discover that areas of the underground establishment have been sealed off for contaminant purposes. A rescue mission suddenly turns into an investigation. The film is the feature length debut for Arseny Syuhin against a script that he wrote. Starring a group of well known Russian actors, the movie has been receiving mixed reviews. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very interesting film and gives their thoughts.
With COVID shutting down cinemas and forcing major Hollywood films to push back their theatrical date later and later, some companies decided to release their movies on VOD platforms. Others actually gave up on the theatrical release and instead sold their films to other companies. Paramount which had numerous films ready to go, decided to sell off some of their movies, one was the big budget science fiction film THE TOMORROW WAR (2021) starring Chris Pratt. Amazon bought it for a reported $200M USD and released it to their platform on July 2nd, 2021. Family man and biology teacher Dan Forester (Chris Pratt) is suddenly drafted into a new world militia after soldiers from the future arrive to warn of a future alien invasion. With a group of non-soldiers, he is transported into the future where he finds that humanity has been decimated by a white invading monster named the Whitespikes. Though edging just at the outskirts of a true horror film, the movie is more a big budget blockbuster in the mode of JURASSIC WORLD (2015) or SAN ANDREAS (2015). Besides Chris Pratt, the film’s cast includes Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, among others. Chris McKay, known for THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (2017), directs from a screenplay by Zach Dean. Dark Discussions takes a look at this spectacle film and gives their thoughts.
Psychological thrillers and crime novels have become a staple of Sweden. With such books as the Millennium series along with many more novels following its success, Sweden has been a hot bed for suspense. Many of these stories have been turned into movies. But also other films are from original material such as the new movie RED DOT which debuted to North American audiences early Q1 on Netflix. David (Anastasios Soulis) and Nadja (Nanna Blondell) decide to take a camping trip to view the northern lights to rekindle their failing marriage. After getting into an uncomfortable fender bender with some locals, they set up their tent in the wilderness. When a red laser pointer shines upon their tent’s canvas, the married couple think it is a prank by some troublemakers. Soon however they are running for their lives. RED DOT is directed by Alain Darborg from a script co-written with Per Dickson. With Nanna Blondell now appearing in the Marvel film BLACK WIDOW (2021), RED DOT has suddenly gained extra attention from audiences. Dark Discussions takes a look at this thriller set in the winter months and gives their thoughts.
A small working class town; neighborhoods surrounding a local power plant; an environment far from the nuclear family and the American dream. Such is the backdrop of the new psychological thriller, DON’T TELL A SOUL (2021). Joey (Jack Dylan Grazer) and his older brother Matt (Fionn Whitehead) live alone with their sickly mother Carol (Mena Suvari). With little money or savings, Matt has an idea to rob the home of a local woman with dementia. When the job is done, the two bump into a security guard (Rainn Wilson). While trying to escape, they run through a forest where an accident occurs. Joey must make a decision: should he follow his conscious and get help or remain silent so neither he nor his big brother are arrested for the robbery. The movie first played the festival circuit in 2020 before being released to general audiences in early 2021. The movie is written and directed by Alex McAulay and weaves a tale of three people who may not be the individuals they say they happen to be. Receiving generally positive reviews, Dark Discussions takes a look at this very intriguing film and gives their thoughts.
Megan Fox is a well known celebrity that has been in a number of big budget films like TRANSFORMERS (2007) and TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (2014). Many times she’s been typecast due to her extremely objective beauty. But recently she has reinvented herself and has been in a few well received films such as 2020’s ROGUE. Now her latest film TILL DEATH has been getting a lot of buzz. Emma (Megan Fox) and her husband Mark (Eoin Macken) have had a bit of a rocky marriage recently. On their anniversary, they head out for a nice dinner and an eventual trip to their lake house. When something horribly unexpected happens, Emma has to fight for her life. The movie is the feature film debut of director S. K. Dale, filmed from a script by screenwriter Jason Carvey. Megan Fox takes on a very demanding role that has her in almost every scene of the movie. Does she show that she’s more than a Hollywood celebrity and possibly one of today’s best actresses? Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
One of the biggest directors over the last forty years is also one of the least prolific. Michael Mann has been synonymous with thrillers, sometimes shockingly violent and most certainly very stylish. Even prior to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991), he had already directed Hannibal Lector in the adaptation MANHUNTER (1986) of Thomas Harris’ novel, Red Dragon. However, one of his most effective films was surprising movie COLLATERAL from 2004. Max (Jamie Foxx) is an LA cab driver with big dreams of one day owning a limousine service. When a well-dressed man named Vincent (Tom Cruise) enters his taxi, Max is asked to drive around the city to five different locations. While waiting for Vincent to return after the first stop, an unexpected incident occurs that turns a routine night of work into a struggle to stay alive. The movie stars Tom Cruise in what some say is one of his most iconic performances. Jamie Foxx also received a nomination for Supporting Actor. Included in the cast is Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Bruce McGill, Peter Berg, and Javier Bardem. Your co-hosts take a look at this remarkable film and give their thoughts.
Summertime for young people is the time to have fun, enjoy being out of school, and finding love. Part of Pride Month, Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews takes a look at 2015's THE SUMMER OF SANGAILĖ, a film from Lithuania that, like our other art house film discussions this month, tackles much more than its themed lesbian relationship. Austė (Aistė Diržiūė) is a 17 year old girl that Sangailė (Julija Steponaityte) meets at a festival air show. When Austė lets her new acquaintance know that she works at the local cafeteria, Sangailė visits her there. Soon their budding friendship turns into something more. Austė learns that Sangailė has personal demons that are haunting her. During their time together, Austė begins to bring out Sangailė’s inner self hoping to give her the confidence to achieve her dreams. The movie is directed and written by Alantė Kavaitė. With its beautiful photography and wonderful performances, Lithuania submitted the picture to the Academy Awards as a potential movie for the Best Foreign Film award. Actress Aistė Diržiūė was also given a European Shooting Stars award (along with such individuals as Maisie Williams (GAME OF THRONES)). Your co-hosts take a look this lesbian art house film during Pride Month and give their thoughts.
Pretty co-eds are one of the staples of horror films. Also girl dormitories, sororities, and even girl sports teams. The new film, SÉANCE (2021), follows some of these tropes. It is an obvious love letter to films of the past with slasher elements, ghostly hallways, a possible final girl, and things just not being as they appear. Séance The all girls prestigious high school, Edelvine Academy, gets a new student named Camille (Suki Waterhouse). She is assigned the old bedroom of a former student that died in mysterious circumstances. When lights begin to flicker and a faint presence moves among the shadows, Camille and the girls of her dorm wing begin to think the ghost of a former student that died years before is making its existence known. SÉANCE is the directorial debut of the prolific and talented genre screenwriter, Simon Barrett. Barrett’s writing of such films as THE GUEST (2014), YOU’RE NEXT (2011), and A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE (2010) has made him a staple among horror fans. Now with his first film as a director, does SÉANCE live up to those great films that he wrote? Dark Discussions takes a look at SÉANCE and gives their thoughts.
“Freedom is a Human Right” says the trailer for the 2011 film CIRCUMSTANCE. A movie with an LGBTQ theme yet it is much more. When basic rights are taken away from people, and a power structure controls how you should act and how you should think, then what is one’s quality of life? The movie looks at this phenomenon through the eyes of one family. Atafeh and her friend Shireen are young women living in the Tehran, Iran. While in public, the two follow the morality laws of the nation while also wearing the required hijab. But privately at home, Atafeh and her family are much more liberal. They play music, drink alcohol, and do things not unfamiliar in Western homes. But when Atafeh’s brother Mahran arrives home from a drug rehabilitation clinic, Atafeh and her family’s daily life changes vastly. The movie is written and directed by New York City filmmaker Maryam Keshavarz with an internation cast of Persian speaking actors and actresses. Appearing at Sundance, the movie received impressive reviews by critics. You co-hosts continuing their Pride Month themed films discuss the movie and give their thoughts.
THE CONJURING from 2013 was one of the most successful ghost story horror films in a long time. Not only did it get respect from both horror fans and critics alike, but the movie spun off to its own universe. Since then, spin off movies such as THE NUN (2018) and ANNABELLE (2014) have happened, where ANNABELLE became its own film series. Now in 2021, THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT (also known as THE CONJURING 3) has arrived. In 1981, young Connecticut man Arne Johnson (Ruairi O’Connor) murders his fiancé’s boss. After being arrested, the Warrens (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) tell the defense attorney that Arne was possessed by a demon when he committed the atrocious act. With most not believing such a story, the Warrens go out and investigate the crime discovering that another murder up in Danvers, Massachusetts may be related. Soon their worries may indeed be true. THE CONJURING 3 is the first film in the movie franchise that does not have James Wan directing. Instead Michael Chaves takes the helm directing a script by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. Though the franchise is well known for its quality, this third installment received mixed to positive reviews by critics. Dark Discussions takes a look at the film and gives their opinion.
This episode contains news of the miscellany, worms with metal jaws, blacker than black fish, and a review of The Stylist.
1971 was a very turbulent time. As the babyboomer generation began to flex their muscles, different ways of life began to grind together like two stones rather than fit together like two puzzle pieces. But at least discussions happened, even if a bit tense. The 2015 French film, SUMMERTIME, takes a look at the time period through the lens of two young women trying to find themselves. When young lesbian Delphine (Izïa Higelin) leaves her family farm for a job in Paris, she meets a young women’s lib activist named Carole (Cécile de France (HIGH TENSION, THE HEREAFTER)). When Delphine brings out Carole’s sexuality, the two begin a torrid relationship that suddenly is interrupted when Delphine must return to her family farm due to a family illness. Being 1971, and the cultural shock between city and rural life, can their relationship last with so many obstacles?
Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews continues the theme for Pride Month with the second in a series of four lesbian arthouse films. The movie is written and directed by Catherine Corsini and also stars Noémie Lvovsky as Delphine’s mother. Cinematographer Jeanne Lapoirie does fantastic work with the film’s rural and farm set pieces. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
Time travel films are an interesting lot. It’s been a trope that has been used all the way back to H.G. Wells’ novel, THE TIME MACHINE. Some of the most popular include BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985) and LOOPER (2012) just to name two of them. But there have been many indy type films that used it as a plot. One recent one is VOLITION (2020) coming out of Canada. James Odin (Adrian Glynn McMorran) has the ability of clairvoyance, ESP, or the ability to use quantum physics to his advantage. As a result, the local mob has always been friendly with him since whatever he does have, James seems to help them get around any police investigation. When the mob boss hands him a bunch of stolen diamonds to help fence, a vision warns him that something isn’t right.
The film is directed by Tony Dean Smith and includes Magda Apanowicz and John Cassini in the cast. Though unseen by many genre fans, the movie has an outstanding rottentomatoes score. Your co-hosts, on the recommendation of Eric, take a look at one of his favorite genre films of 2020.
Welcome to Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews theme month. June has been designated as Pride Month for the LGBT community. So to fit with the month, once again the podcast has decided to review various art house lesbian films as we did last year. To start off, we discuss the 2006 film THE GYMNAST. What happens when your dreams pass you by? And you begin to sleepwalk each day? Jane (Dreya Weber), a former gymnastic star who’s dreams were derailed due to a boycott of the Olympics and then having her career ended due to injury four years later, is now 42. While being a professional masseuse, she continues to keep her body in competition style. She has a chance meeting with an old friend which leads to training as an aerialist with two other women. Soon she finds out life may not have passed her by after all. THE GYMNAST stars Dreya Weber as Jane Hawkins, not only creating a character at a crossroads in life, but also doing her own stunt work. The film was directed by her husband, Ned Farr, from a script by Michael Carp. The movie also co-stars Addie Yungmee as Serena. Your co-hosts take a look at this character study that also delves into the training behind such acts as Cirque du Soleil.
Zack Snyder’s career started off with a bang. His zombie film, DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004), based off James Gunn’s script was and is considered one of the best zombie films ever made. Though a remake, it refreshed the zombie genre and gave it a huge boost that turned it into one of the biggest subgenres of horror in the early part of the 21st century. Now, in 2021, he revisits the horror genre with his latest film, ARMY OF THE DEAD (2021). When a zombie virus escapes from a military convoy while heading to Area 51, Las Vegas becomes ground zero for a zombie plague. Now the city is completely walled in and those on the other side are the living dead. When a casino mogul hires a brigade to enter the city to retrieve millions of dollars left behind in his casino vault, the group must survive a danger greater than any military mission. The movie was co-written by Zack Snyder on a story he developed. The film stars Dave Bautista along with a large ensemble cast of character actors. ARMY OF THE DEAD has received generally favorable reviews from critics while getting much love from horror fans. Dark Discussions takes a look at Snyder’s latest film and give their thoughts.
Back on https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/halloween-boutique-psychotronic-reviews-volume-019-know-fear-2021-review/ (Volume 019), we reviewed a haunted house film entitled KNOW FEAR (2021). It was released in Q1 of this year and immediately got fantastic buzz on the internet as well as from many critics. With a little luck, your co-hosts were able to get the director/screenwriter and screenwriter/producer/composer to come on this latest episode and discuss their latest film. Donald Capel (David Alan Basche) and his wife Wendy (Amy Carlson) move into a nice suburban home that unfortunately has a checkered past. When Wendy finds an old book in the cellar of the house, her behavior suddenly changes greatly. After a cooking accident, her niece (Mallory Bechtel), an amateur ghost hunter, decides to study the old tome only to unleash what may be an evil entity that has come to take all their souls. Director/screenwriter Jamison M. LoCasio and producer/screenwriter/composer Adam Ambrosio took a bit of their time to discuss all things related to movies. They talk about the film's story, music, special effects, characterizations, among so much more. If you want to learn even more about one of the best horror films of 2021, take a listen and let us know your thoughts.
Director John Krasinski returns for A QUIET PLACE PART 2. The first film A QUIET PLACE (2018) starring Emily Blunt was a huge blockbuster back in 2018. With its great success, the producers and film company wanted to get a sequel out ASAP. After some convincing, both Krasinski and Blunt agreed, and this latest film originally was to be released in March 2020. But the COVID-19 pandemic occurred resulting in its delay. Finally on May 28th, 2021, A QUIET PLACE PART 2 debuted. After the end of the prior film, our surviving family members of the Abbott family leave their prior wrecked home for a new life. When they stumble upon a steel factory where their old friend, Emmit (Cillian Murphy), has made his home, he warns them that many people in this post-apocalyptic world are not worth saving. When Regan (Millicent Simmonds) sneaks off to go look for survivors, Emmit goes off to find her while Evelyn (Emily Blunt) stays back with her two other children to try to keep them safe. The movie made $58.5 million USD during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, outperforming especially during a time when not all theaters were open. A QUIET PLACE PART 2 has received critical acclaim by most critics and the performances of the small cast have been given rave reviews. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new movie in the latest horror franchise.
When someone passes in the Jewish Orthodox faith, there is a vigil. A person, known a s a shomer, stays up with the recently deceased to make sure that evil spirits or other nefarious entities stays away so the soul of those who passed may go in peace. The position in modern days is ceremonial, but what happens if demons or monsters do exist in such circumstances? The new movie, THE VIGIL, shows us what just might.
Yakov Ronen (Dave Davis) is part of a support group of Jewish folk who have left the Orthodox community in New York City. When a former member of his temple asks him to do shomer for the recently deceased Mr. Litvak, he agrees to do so for $400. However, he is introduced to the deceased widow who has dementia, who doesn’t want him there. But by the end of the night, he may have something much more worrisome to be concerned about.
The film is the motion picture debut of director and screenwriter Keith Thomas. Having played festival circuits since 2019, the movie finally was released in the United States in February to much praise by critics. Dark Discussions takes a look at this supernatural thriller and gives their thoughts.
Vampires are a form of humans that have been reborn into something else. A monster. Something malevolent. But what if you aren’t fully turned yet. And you feel different. Better? Using the vampire as a metaphor isn’t anything new. So when you find a film that has this implication, how well is it done? The new film JAKOB’S WIFE (2021) is the latest in this subgenre of horror film. Anne (Barbara Crampton) is a middle aged woman married to Pastor Jakob (Larry Fessenden). Generally she’s happy but her youth seemed to have disappeared with a blink. When she become in charge of converting an old town property to something useful, a disturbing presence has taken residence within the cobwebbed structure. Soon Anne’s life is turned upside down and her community may be in danger. JAKOB’S WIFE is directed by Travis Stevens, the director of 2019’s GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR. The movie stars two modern horror legends including Barbara Crampton (RE-ANIMATOR) and actor/director Larry Fessenden (HABIT). Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
Faux grindhouse films have been a new trend of films since Quentin Tarantino’s PULP FICTION back in 1994; so maybe not that “new” a trend. But generally these throwback nostalgia films are being made by 50 year olds who grew up on such films. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if they were here to stay. The latest, WILLY’S WONDERLAND (2021), arrived on VOD on February 12th, 2021. It immediately received much buzz due to it starring Nicholas Cage.
When a quiet drifter (Nicholas Cage) has all four of his sport’s car’s tires destroyed from a police spike strip on a remote Nevada route, he is picked up by the local car mechanic who is willing to fix the situation. Unfortunately the local ATM and credit card machines don’t work nor does the drifter have the cash on hand to pay. So a local business man offers him to clean the local family entertainment center over night. While there, the drifter discovers that his life may be in danger.
WILLY’S WONDERLAND was original set for an October 30th, 2020 theatrical Halloween release. But with COVID-19, the movie was pushed back before appearing on VOD. The film was directed by Kevin Lewis and written by G.O. Parsons. Besides Nicholas Cage, he co-stars along with Emily Tosta and Beth Grant. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
Disasters films have been around ever since films began. Whether it is earthquakes, burning buildings, or upside down ships, many have been huge moneymakers. Many are forgotten and considered b-movie silliness, but a few, even with their stunt casting, are beloved classics. Every so often another appears that receives both critical praise and audience love such a the 2020 film GREENLAND.
When Clarke, a recently discovered comet, is to head to earth and burn up in its atmosphere, John Garrity (Gerald Butler), his estranged wife (Morena Baccarin), and their son throw a “watch party” at their home with neighbors. But when an unexpected phenomenon occurs, they have to flee for their lives where their only chance of survival may be in a faraway place in another country.
One of the Hollywood blockbusters that had a limited release at theaters due to the COVID shutdown, the movie hit VOD and did well enough. It’s critical response and impressive marketing campaign gave it a bit of buzz. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
In 2003, screenwriter Alan B. McElroy created a film series called Wrong Turn about a group of young people having to hike through the West Virginia woods after their cars break down. Unfortunately for them, a trio of inbred mutants hunts them down as food. With the original film’s success, five more were made as the villainous mutants returned for more death and torture. Now in 2021, a reboot written by the original screenwriter has been released.
College students Jen, Darius, and their four friends head out for an outdoor adventure on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. When they decide to go view an old Civil War fort off the beaten track, disaster happens. Soon they find themselves confronted by a mysterious cult in the backwoods that they may have wronged. Lost and without gear, all their lives are turn out to be in jeopardy.
Alan B. McElroy returns to the film series that he made iconic. Rebooted and with a new type of villain, his screenplay was directed by newcomer Mike P. Nelson. The film received mixed reviews but did get some early year buzz from horror fans. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new addition to a horror franchise and gives their thoughts.
Kevin James is best known for sitcom television shows. He played the “king of queens” and many other roles getting laughs out of audiences everywhere. But what happens when he plays a role that is not necessarily in his wheelhouse. What if he plays a murderer? A skinhead? A criminal and con? And sure enough, that film has arrived. BECKY, a 2020 gruesome thriller, presents him as a character that no one has ever seen him play before.
Widower Jeff (Joel McHale) and young daughter, Becky (Lulu Wilson), head out to their lake home. Becky is surprised that her father’s girlfriend and son are there and that he’s planning to get married to her. Still not over her mother’s passing, she storms off to her forest fort to cool down. While there, a group of criminals barge into the lake house. They take everyone hostage and demand a lost key that they had hid on the property years earlier.
Crazy violent, BECKY changes tone from a psychological thriller to a gruesome revenge movie. From a script written by Nick Morris, Lane Skye, and Ruckus Skye, the film was directed by co-directors Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion. With so many fingers in the pot so-to-speak, does the film turn into a hodge-podge mess or hold up as an engrossing horror-thriller. Your co-hosts of Dark Discussions take a look at the film and give their thoughts.
Legendary Entertainment and Warner Brothers now have four kaiju movies in their MonsterVerse franchise. Kaiju, giant monsters that rampage through cities, are once again on the big (and small screen) in 2021’s GODZILLA VS. KONG. This was a highly anticipated film where two of the most iconic monsters in movie history go head to head in a major Hollywood film.
Cartographer and geologist Dr. Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgård) is hired by apex Cybernetics to investigate the center of the earth. When Kong is endangered from an attack from Godzilla, Monarch decides to move him to Antartica where an entrance to the earth’s innercore may exist. Soon Godzilla’s rampage back on the surface makes Lind and others wonder if there is a greater conspiracy than just angry monsters.
Genre director Adam Wingard directs a film based off the screenplay by Eric Pearson and Max Borenstein. The cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Eiza Gonzalez, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, among others. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest big monster movie and give their thoughts where it fits in the MonsterVerse as well as other recent Kaiju films such as RAMPAGE (2018).
A completely “under the radar” movie entitled THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND appeared on Netflix on March 11, 2021. The film plays out early as an environmental thriller but quickly turns into something much more. Quickly buried among Netflix’s huge catalog, co-host Eric found it and watched it “on the blind.”
When fish begin to wash ashore upon the beaches of Rhode Island’s Block Island, Audrey (Michaela McManus) is sent by the EPA to check out the circumstances. Originally an islander, she stays with her father Tom (Neville Archambault) and brother Harry (Chris Sheffield). Soon her father disappears at sea, and Harry begins to do his own investigation that may show a connection between his father’s disappearance and the animal deaths.
The movie was co-written and directed by brothers Kevin and Matthew McManus. After a run at festivals (including Fantasia), the movie quickly received quality reviews from numerous outlets. THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND was even noticed by such outlets as the Austin Chronicle. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and are joined by actor https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0501738/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 (Dan Lench) to get further perspective.
Films reviewed starring Dan Lench and Dan Lench Dark Discussions appearances:
https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-259-patient-seven-the-critique/ (Episode 259 – Patient Seven) – Review https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-258-patient-seven-the-interviews/ (Episode 238 – Patient Seven) – Interview https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-339-the-lurking-man-2018/ (Episode 339 – The Lurking Man) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-209-circle-2015/ (Episode 209 – Circle) – Review https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-221-dan-lench-focus-2015s-circle-redux/ (Episode 221 – Circle )– Interview https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-358-dan-lench-special/ (Episode 358 – Dan Lench Special) – Favorite Horror Movies https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/dark-discussions-podcast-episode-453-the-clovehitch-killer-2018/ (Episode 453 – The Clovehitch Killer) – Guest Hosting
Most horror fans are desensitized. Desensitized of the blood and gore, but even more so from the atmosphere and scares. If it isn’t a jump scare, no one is startled anymore. But every so often there is a film that comes about that definitely brings chills down your spine. And sometimes those films seem to appear out of nowhere. One such film is the brand new horror movie KNOW FEAR (2021).
Donald Capel (David Alan Basche) and his wife Wendy (Amy Carlson) move into a nice suburban home that unfortunately has a checkered past. When Wendy finds an old book in the cellar of the house, her behavior suddenly changes greatly. After a cooking accident, her niece (Mallory Bechtel), an amateur ghost hunter, decides to study the old tome only to unleash what may be an evil entity that has come to take all their souls.
Director/screenwriter Jamison M. LoCasio and producer/screenwriter/composer Adam Ambrosio have created what may be one of the scariest films to arrive in some time. With its amazing score, solid screenplay, and fantastic acting, including some cast members from New York City’s best stage productions, the movie may be an immediate cult classic. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.
Brian Bertino, director and screenwriter, hit it big right out of the gate with his instant classic, 2008’s THE STRANGERS. Since then he has done a few other films, all getting fairly good reviews from critics if not favorites of viewers. But in 2020, his latest film, THE DARK AND THE WICKED, immediately gained recognition as another instant classic by many, both fans and critics alike.
When a Texas family’s patriarch becomes comatose, and it appears he is going to pass, estranged adult children, Louise and Michael, decide to return to give their regards. Their mother asks them not to come, but they arrive none-the-less. When they discover that their mother’s concerns are not related to their estrangement but to something much more dark, all their lives turn upside down as an evil begins to effect each of them.
Considered part of the new subgenre of elevated horror that was coined by snotty critics, the movie has received phenomenal reviews. With its mostly unknown cast, the movie uses the real life sheep farm of Brian Bertino’s family as a brilliant backdrop for its story. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thought.
Originally a short film by Wisconsin filmmaker Hunter Adams entitled JAKE’S CHOICE, the 2014 film DIG TWO GRAVES was an interesting take on a number of subgenres of the thriller and horror genres. Was it a ghost story? Was it a voodoo tale? Was it a cultist film? Or was it really just a thriller? Either way, the movie was did the festival circuit until it finally arrived at theaters in limited release in early March 2017.
When a little girl named Jake sees her brother drown at a quarry, she blames herself for his death. As she walks home one day, a group of gypsy men make a deal with her saying they could bring her brother back if she has another lose their life in his place. Knowing the son of her father’s enemy has a crush on her, she begins to weigh if killing another would give her peace if her brother indeed returned to her.
As an artwork almost all critics felt the movie was a very impressive gothic thriller. Generally the story was also enjoyed by most. With its low profile, DIG TWO GRAVES was overlooked by many on its initial release, but with a reappearance on Shudder TV, it has gained a new audience. A patreon pick for Dark Discussions, your co-hosts take a look at this very interesting film and give their thoughts.
Hello, after a long hiatus I’m am back.
Here is my Christmas special that I was fighting with Audacity to get out. Obviously, Audacity won. However, I figured hey, better something than nothing so here with explanatory bumpers at the beginning and end is the December 20th Fishnets and phantoms.
It has News of the Miscellany, Christmastime Terrors, and a review of Vampires vs the Bronx.
One of the most talked about horror and science fiction films of 2020 was https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/dark-discussions-podcast-episode-455-the-honeymoon-phase-2020/ (HONEYMOON PHASE). The movie takes place in the not too distant future where holographic technology and interactive appliances are the norm. The female lead (and also the producer) was Chloe Carroll, a brand new talent that has definitely brought the attention of many genre fans. And the film is available on https://tubitv.com/movies/569076/the-honeymoon-phase?start=true (Tubi for free!)
Chloe though is not a “one trick pony”. Besides acting and producing, she also manages https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVIVhOcgR-le3ObSfWNwkQ (FEAR CRYPT), a YouTube channel of short horror films that has almost eight thousand followers. One of the shorts took off with over six hundred thousand views! Is it worth checking out? Absolutely. That’s almost eight hours of free horror movies by up and coming performers, directors, and screenwriters.
Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews was lucky enough to interview Chloe and talk about all the exciting projects she’s a part of. The discussion includes not only about her work on HONEYMOON PHASE and FEAR CRYPT, but also acting, producing, upcoming projects, and of course https://www.darkdiscussions.com/articles/interview-chloe-carroll-actress-producer-of-the-honeymoon-phase-and-fear-crypt/ (women in the horror and genre industry). Take a listen and hear what she has to say.
The new 2021 horror films are now beginning to trickle out. One of them is the latest Canadian made movie THE SINNERS (2021). Originally entitled THE COLOR ROSE during its festival run, the movie has gotten first time director Courtney Paige some notice. Released only days ago, some have said the movie is a showcase for both the director and its leading actress Kaitlyn Bernard who plays Grace.
Grace (Kaitlyn Bernard) and her six friends have been named the Sinners by their high school classmates because each has taken on the identity of one of the seven deadly sins. Grace, known as “lust”, decides to lead a kangaroo court against Aubrey (Brenna Llewellyn), known as “pride”, for tattle-telling on the group for improprieties. But when Aubrey goes missing, others in the group begin to turn up murdered. Is their a serial killer come to their otherwise peaceful community.
https://www.darkdiscussions.com/articles/horror-high-heels-interview-with-holly-amber-church/ (Holly Ambe)https://www.darkdiscussions.com/articles/horror-high-heels-interview-with-holly-amber-church/ (r)https://www.darkdiscussions.com/articles/horror-high-heels-interview-with-holly-amber-church/ ( Church), interviewed on https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/dark-discussions-podcast-episode-472-open-24-hours-the-interviews/ (Episode 471), who’s worked on https://www.darkdiscussions.com/articles/soundtrack-available-open-24-hours-2020-composed-by-holly-amber-church-vinyl-lp-24-bit-download/ (numerous films) including https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/dark-discussions-podcast-episode-463-open-24-hours-2020/ (Open 24 Hours), was the composer to the movie. Besides Kaitlyn Bernard and Brenna Llewellyn, the cast includes Breena Coates, Keilani Elizabeth Rose, Jasmine Randhawa, Carly Fawcett, and Natalie Malaika as the other five sins. Dark Discussions takes a look at this recently released genre film.
Dark Discussions Podcast began on March 9th, 2011 and so comes March 9th, 2021. Ten years of podcasts. Crazy how time flies. So what we decided to do for our tenth year anniversary was put a poll up on our Facebook group and let members choose what film for us to do to celebrate. There were over thirty films to choose from, and ALIENS (1986) was the one that came up on top.
When Ripley’s escape shuttle is found, she is offered by the corporation to check up on a colony of civilians on LV-426. When the colony is reported missing, the trip turns into a rescue. When the space marines arrive, they find nothing but an empty facility. Soon as they turn a rescue mission into a search-and-find assignment, they begin to discover that they too may be in grave danger.
ALIENS was the sequel to the https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcast/episode-050-alien-1979/ (original 1979 ALIEN (directed by Ridley Scott)). At the helm was TERMINATOR (1984) director James Cameron. He brought in a great group to work with including composer James Horner, special effects artist Stan Winston, cinematographer Adrian Biddle, and editor Ray Lovejoy. Dark Discussions takes a look at this science fiction horror classic and celebrates their tenth anniversary podcasting.
Other Podcasts about the franchise:
https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcast/episode-050-alien-1979/ (Alien 1979) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcast/episode-062-prometheus-2012/ (Prometheus (2012)) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-286-alien-covenant-2017/ (Alien Covenant (2017))
Other alien films Podcasts:
https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcast/episode-142-alien-abduction-2014/ (Alien Abduction (2014)) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-430-dark-encounter-2020/ (Dark Encounter (2020)) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-451-skyman-2020/ (Skyman (2020)) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-092-scott-stewart-focus-2013s-dark-skies/ (Dark Skies (2013)) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-345-devils-gate-2018/ (Devil’s Gate (2018)) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-405-the-thing-from-another-world-1951/ (The Thing From Another World (1951)) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-200-john-carpenters-the-thing/ (The Thing (1982)) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcast/episode-024-review-2011s-the-thing/ (The Thing (2011) ) https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcast/episode-096-stephenie-meyers-the-host/ (The Host (2013))
HUNTER HUNTER, the 2020 horror/thriller movie from director/screenwriter Shawn Linden was a highly regarded film by critics. This Canadian movie surprised many when it first appeared and received much buzz by movie fans. By the end of the year it appeared on many best-of lists. Yet its audience was slow to grow. Marketed as something that it wasn’t, many thriller fans passed it by.
Joseph (Devon Sawa) and Anne Mersault (Camille Sullivan) live in the outback woods of Canada with their daughter Renee. They are fur trappers and live off the land. Unfortunately a very large wolf has begun eating their trapping bait as well as the animals they have captured for their food and money. When Joseph heads out to find the vicious animal, he stumbles upon a horror that may be more terrifying than just a carnivorous predator.
With its 94% Rotten Tomatoes score by critics, the movie has slowly been found by fans of thrillers and horror movies. Though overlooked by many, HUNTER HUNTER has been rediscovered by those who had missed it the prior year. Dark Discussions takes a look at this little film and gives their thoughts.
New Zealand is oddly not thought of as a hotbed for genre cinema, and yet some of the biggest directors and stars come from there as well as set locations and special effects. But even the smaller film get noticed. And one of them was 2015’s DEATHGASM, a film about the “nerd” and outcast who gravitates to heavy metal music. But what if the cult-like symbolism of the bands, music, and albums actually lead to the summoning of demons and succubuses.
When high schooler, Brodie, moves in with his fundamentalist Christian uncle’s family, he begins a friendship with Zakk, a record store clerk. The two along with friends Dion and Giles form a heavy metal band called Deathgasm. They have a strange encounter with a former music star who gives them a special record album. Their band covers the album song The Black Hymn. Unfortunately the song is actually a hidden spell that unleashes a group of demons and cultist into the world. With Brodie’s beautiful girlfriend Medina, the band tries to stop the apocalypse from destroying the world.
With its coming of age story, and its over the top monsters, nudity, and gore, DEATHGASM became an immediate cult classic on its release. The movie was brought to North America and Europe and gained even more fans. Dark Discussions takes a look at this film, chosen by one of the podcast’s Patreon supporters, and gives their thought on this horror comedy.
Australian actress Odessa Young, the actress that starred in the recently concluded The Stand miniseries on CBS ALL ACCESS, stars in the Southern gothic tale, THE GIANT (2020). The film popped up on iTunes late in the year where it received a quick yet short amount of buzz. Some of the buzz was because of its trailer. The trailer had a moody and brooding atmosphere.
After the suicide of her mother a year ago, Charlotte (Odessa Young) tries to celebrate her high school graduation with her friends. When the bodies of two young woman from a neighboring town are found, a once dormant serial killer seems to have become active again. Oddly, the murders began when her old boyfriend once again returns to town and the two begin to rekindle their once strong romance.
Whether the film is art house, horror, coming of age, a Southern gothic or all of the above, the movie has received mixed reviews from critics, receiving exactly 50%. Audiences seem to be less enthusiastic with reviews as low as 0% (believe it or not). Dark Discussions takes a look at David Raboy’s directorial debut and give their thoughts.
A wrap up episode where we discuss the 1994 TV miniseries, THE STAND, starring a large ensemble cast including Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Ray Walston, Laura San Giacomo, Ruby Dee, Miguel Ferrer, Rob Lowe, Ossie Davis, among many more.
Well, in https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/halloween-boutique-psychotronic-reviews-volume-015-go-dont-go-2021/ (Volume 15 of the podcast), we did a review of a post-apocalypse film entitled GO/DON’T GO. The movie was the feature length debut of director Alex Knapp. It became available everywhere in early Q1 2021 and has been getting a bit of buzz from audiences.
Adam (Alex Knapp) is all alone. The apocalypse has come and gone and left him by himself in the world. His life encompasses his home and the small rural towns outside Albany, New York. With no one around, he tries to live a life of normalcy. But his memories of his fiancé who he lovingly nicknamed K (Olivia Luccardi) haunts him. Will he be able to survive in this dystopian world or will his inner demons destroy him?
Olivia Luccardi, co-star of https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcast/episode-179-it-follows-2015/ (IT FOLLOWS (2014)) and THE DEUCE (2017-2019), and the director Alex Knapp were kind enough to come on the podcast and be interviewed by your co-hosts. We were able to ask further questions of our guests, and see if we were right in what we thought the film was trying to say. Take a listen and hear what they say.
Oh, no! Another exorcism film? How many of these can there be. Well, a whole lot, actually. And the Shudder exclusive, THE CLEANSING HOUR, is the latest. Coming out late 2020, the movie got a lot of buzz as it was displayed prominently on the channel’s front screen. So not surprisingly, many folks watched it, but surprisingly, a whole lot of folks loved it.
Max (Ryan Guzman) and Drew (Kyle Gallner) run The Cleansing Room, a one hour weekly internet exorcism show. It’s all fake. Max isn’t really a priest. And Drew gets actors to come on to play the possessed using various production designs to make it look real. When their latest performer doesn’t show, Drew’s fiancé Lane (Alix Angelis) has to step in otherwise the latest episode has to be cancelled. But as the hour begins, something bizarre happens, and soon secrets emerge that could destroy them all.
The movie appears to be the feature length debut of director Damien LeVeck. From a story by Aaron Horowitz, the screenplay was co-written with the director. With a present score of 72% on RottenTomatoes, the movie is receiving fine reviews from critics. The movie made the 2020 top ten lists of a number of your co-hosts, so the crew decided to take a look at this interesting take on the exorcism movie subgenre.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
The thriller subgenre comes in many different forms. Back in the 1970’s, the political thriller was big, in the 1980’s it was the courtroom thriller, and in the 1990’s it was the erotic-thriller. And yet, no matter how they come, they draw a very diverse audience since they seem to include everything interesting in a fictional story. The new thriller, PARADISE COVE (2021), was just released on February 12th, 2021, and though seeming to be another solid entry into the genre, it also has a bit of interesting subtext as well.
Young couple Knox (Todd Grinnell) and Tracy (Mena Survari) inherit the home of Knox’s late mother. The home has damage from a fire, but its value seems unlimited since it is beachfront property in Malibu, California. As they begin to clean up the property, they discover, Bree (Kristen Bauer van Straten) , a homeless woman, living on the residence. Unfortunately for the couple, they discover a scandalous back-story about the property that could jeopardize all their lives.
The movie is directed by Martin Guigui and written by Sherry Klein. And the cast includes long time genre favorite Krista Allen. Rather than being a straight thriller, the movie also has a subtext about societal constructs such as property rights, subcastes, trophy spouses, and gentrification. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.
One of the more interesting horror monster icons is the villain from the 1992 fright movie, CANDYMAN. The film is based off the short story “The Forbidden” written by Clive Barker. And the story is from his well received short story collection BOOKS OF BLOOD from 1984. The movie’s growing success led to a number of sequels as well as an upcoming remake.
The movie is a bit different than the story; the tale has moved from England to the U.S. city of Chicago. Helen (Virginia Madsen), a graduate student, is writing a paper on urban legends. Though curious with many tales, the inner city legend of Candy Man interests her most. As a result her paper can be expanded to include such topics as gentrification, class, and hardship of the poor. While navigating through areas of the city that aren’t safe for a young, attractive woman as herself, her discoveries may lead to a greater danger than people.
Tony Todd stars as the iconic titled villain and brings a menace that tops some of the best monster icons in horror cinema. Though not as well known of his contemporaries, director/screenwriter Bernard Rose turns an interesting topic to a cult classic. Also of note is that Philip Glass scored the film. A Patreon pick from our listeners, Dark Discussions takes a look at this cult classic and give their thoughts.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
Welcome to the post-apocalypse. Most folks are gone. You are all alone. And so begins the new film by first time feature length director Alex Knapp entitled GO/DON’T GO (2021). Released early Q1 2021, the movie is another in the line of end-of-the-world survival story pictures. But unlike the typical pandemic and zombie films, this one does a few things very differently.
Adam (Alex Knapp) is all alone. The apocalypse has come and gone and left him by himself in the world. His life encompasses his home and the small rural towns outside Albany, New York. With no one around, he tries to live a life of normalcy. But his memories of his fiancé who he lovingly nicknamed K (Olivia Luccardi) haunts him. Will he be able to survive in this dystopian world or will his inner demons destroy him?
Olivia Luccardi, co-star of IT FOLLOWS (2014) and THE DEUCE (2017-2019), co-stars as K, a character that no longer is there yet permeates every scene of the film. Though an independent feature, GO/DON’T GO has received positive reviews including some from top critics such as the Austin Chronicle. Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews takes a look at this very unique feature.
Horrorphilia Jason’s Top 25 Horror Movies of 2020
Welcome to Horrorphilia Jason’s best of the year show. After 160 new horror releases watched over the year, I’ve narrowed it down to my favorite 25. Also I’ll have a few honorable mentions and some hidden gems recommended.
The horror anthology film has been a mixed bag throughout the years. Many times with all the different artists and different tonal shifts, they usually land up being okay here, awesome there, and terrible over there. And as a result many folks either avoid them like the plague or already know going in that they like some of the film but dislike other parts of the film. Appearing on Shudder in 2020, was the film THE MORTUARY COLLECTION that got some buzz as many critics and horror fans alike took a look at it.
In the small college town of Raven’s End, the local mortuary and funeral parlor is run by the aptly named Montgomery Dark (Clancy Brown). When a young woman visits, her interest in a coffin of a toddler attracts Montgomery’s attention. Soon Montgomery takes an interest her very odd and inquisitive ways and begins to discuss various instances of the showings and burials of the dead.
Originally written as a short entitled The Babysitter Murders, writer and director Ryan Spindell expanded the fourth story of the anthology to include three more, and a wrap around tale. The movie stars Clancy Brown in the pivotal role of the establishment’s owner. Dark Discussions on the recommendation of co-host Abe takes a look at this well received anthology film and give their thoughts.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
We are already 1/6th into 2021 and some good films have come out. Yet did last year start out with a bang or a whimper? Dark Discussions puts together their review of all that was good and bad in 2020. Included is the consideration of dozens of different films that were worthy enough to be considered as a top 10 film for genre and horror films.
Each of your co-hosts put together a list of movies they thought were good enough to be seen by audiences. This included both a list of horror films and a list of other speculative fiction films. Afterwards we then combined those lists and came up with Dark Discussions definitive lists of the best of 2020. Some obvious films like THE INVISIBLE MAN and THE COLOR OUT OF SPACE appear but also little known films like A GOOD WOMAN IS HARD TO FIND, OPEN 24 HOURS, and 1BR were considered.
Also included are some of our listener choices and what they felt were the best of the year. And don’t forget our top and worst scenes, scream queens, breakout star, and anything else you can think of. Dark Discussions wraps up last year in a nice tight bow and gives their listeners a good many films to go out and search for.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
Back in November, 2021, Dark Discussions Podcast reviewed the film OPEN 24 HOURS (2020) in https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/dark-discussions-podcast-episode-463-open-24-hours-2020/ (Episode 463 of the podcast). The film was written, edited, and directed by Padraig Reynolds, known for the fantastic sleeper film from 2011, RITES OF SPRING. Unbeknown to your co-hosts, his collaboration with award winning composer Holly Amber Church has gone back a decade.
After reviewing the movie and tweeting out the episode, both Padraig and Holly took a listen and retweeted the podcast to their followers. As a result, we decided to have the creators join the podcast to talk about their latest collaboration. The movie even hashttps://www.darkdiscussions.com/articles/soundtrack-available-open-24-hours-2020-composed-by-holly-amber-church-vinyl-lp-24-bit-download/ ( a vinyl release of the soundtrack) as well as a CD and audio album.
In next week’s episode of the Dark Discussions where we recap the best of 2020, OPEN 24 HOURS unsurprisingly makes our definitive list of top 10 horror movies of the year, so look out for that episode. But until then, take a listen to Padraig Reynolds and Holly Amber Church give some insights into OPEN 24 HOURS.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
Coming of age during a dystopian future can happen, so says the new film LOVE AND MONSTERS (2020) from South African director Michael Matthews. Another movie affected by the COVID pandemic, LOVE AND MONSTERS, a Lionsgate production, was headed for a wide release at theaters only to find its audience on VOD.
After destroying a meteor headed to crash on Earth, chemicals from the rockets cause cold blooded creatures to become giant mutants. Joel Dawson (Dylan O’Brien) is a survivor of the apocalypse. He is determined to cross eight-five miles to another prepper bunker where his girlfriend is. Having never left his own bunker, he is off in the wilderness where giant frogs, insects, and mollusks are now at the top of the food chain.
LOVE AND MONSTERS stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Rooker, Jessica Henwick, Ellen Hollman, as well as others in an excellent cast. The screenplay was written by veteran screenwriters Brian Duffield and Matthew Robinson. Receiving excellent reviews by from critics, the movie has been getting a lot of buzz by renters. Dark Discussions takes a look at the movie and gives their thoughts.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
COVID has caused havoc with the release schedule of a huge number of films. One of them was WONDER WOMAN 1984 (2020) which had been scheduled as a big summer blockbuster for 2020. After the COVID pandemic was determined not to be ending anytime soon, Warner Brothers/DC decided to release all their big budget films directly to HBO Max to help drive up the buzz for the new service. WONDER WOMAN 1984 was the first reaching that streaming service on Christmas day.
When federal law enforcement break up a black market of antiquities, they ship the items to the Smithonian where Dr. Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig) is assigned to identify the artifacts. One of them, the so called “Dreamstone” that grants wishes to those in its possession, is suddenly desired by the megalomaniac oilman Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) steals it only to be corrupted by its malevolent side effects.
Gal Gadot once again reprises her role as Wonder Woman with a reappearance of Chris Pine as Steve Trevor. When Kristen Wiig was cast as the iconic Cheetah, some felt it was miscasting but Wiig proves otherwise in a career defining role. Your co-hosts take a look at the latest DC universe film and give their thoughts.
Known for family friendly movies on such channels as the Lifetime Network, director Justin G. Dyck has always been interested in horror films. The same can be said for screenwriter Keith Cooper, also known for his family friendly TV movies. Now the two have come together and made a horror film that has been getting great reviews and a lot of buzz called ANYTHING FOR JACKSON (2020).
Audrey (Sheila McCarthy) and Henry (Julian Richings) Walsh lost their grandson Jackson and daughter in a vehicular accident. When Audrey’s grief becomes overwhelming, the two have decided to join a satanic cult in hopes to somehow find a way to bring at the very least their grandson back to them. Unfortunately their plan of kidnapping a young pregnant woman goes awry when entities from the beyond start appearing.
Starting out as a bit of a dark comedy, the movie soon becomes a carefully crafted and honest horror movie. Some have called it a twisted delight while others have called it a frightening masterpiece, ANYTHING FOR JACKSON has received quite a bit of buzz. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film found on the Shudder channel.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
Sarah Bolger is probably best known to genre audiences for playing the title role of the horror film https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-234-emelie-2016/ (EMELIE (2015)). That film received some solid reviews while having its young actress gain much notice. Now, the recently released film A GOOD WOMAN IS HARD TO FIND (2020) has shown a new side to her acting and given her another role that she absolutely excels in.
Young Sarah (Sarah Bolger) is left with two children after the murder of her husband. The police think it is a drug related crime so they care little to investigate. When a low level hoodlum named Tito (Andrew Simpson) enters her apartment unannounced, her life is turned upside down further. Soon Tito’s associations lead back to a local crime boss. Dark secrets are rapidly spilled as Sarah fights for the very survival of her family.
This heart pounding thriller has a third act that has received much buzz. Leading to an astonishing climax, Sarah Bolger keeps up with the many plot turns that make the film memorable. Now on Shudder, your co-hosts take a look at this haunting movie and give their thoughts.
Dark Discussions reviewed a hidden gem horror film called https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-256-the-secrets-of-emily-blair-2016/ (THE SECRETS OF EMILY BLAIR (2016)) back on https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/dark-discussions-podcast/episode-256-the-secrets-of-emily-blair-2016/ (episode 256) of the podcast. The star, Ellen Hollman (LOVE AND MONSTER (2020)), shined in the title role as a possessed woman who’s life and soul were in danger. Now in 2020, her career has hit new highs as she is the star of the films, LOVE AND MONSTERS and ARMY OF ONE. With ARMY OF ONE she takes on a hugely physical role that requires her to also carry the film upon her shoulders.
Brenner (Ellen Hollman), a retired special ops soldier, and her police officer husband Dillion (Matt Passmore) take a vacation out in small town USA for some hiking and camping. When they discover a cabin in the woods that may be used by gun runners, their lives suddenly are in danger. Brenner is forced to fight for her survival as a game of cat-and-mouse leads her deeper into darkness.
In a very physical role, actress Ellen Hollman shows why she was added to the cast of the upcoming MATRIX 4 (2021). ARMY OF ONE is a very dark action thriller that forces a woman to work with the elements around her as she tries to ascertain deliverance. Dark Discussions takes a look at this film while also getting the opportunity to interview Ellen Hollman about her amazingly physical performance.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
New Year’s resolutions are a big thing for folks. Some want to lose weight, find a spouse, get a new job, work towards completing something; others have goals that they strive for. Co-host Mike said that there are a lot of genre films he hasn’t seen that he wants to get to, so as a New Year’s resolution, why not ask all the co-hosts to see some film they always wanted to see and then discuss. Another year doing so, each co-host chose a genre movie that they had never seen and decided to watch it and give their opinions.
Films we discuss are FRIGHT NIGHT (1985), NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959), AND THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987). A wide variety of films they are but also some important ones too that one of your co-hosts finally got to see.
With all that, Dark Discussions would like to say happy 2021 to all our listeners and patreon supporters, both new and old, and hope to hear some of the films you folks have never seen and plan to in this new year. Email us and let us know.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
Christmas time is here again and Dark Discussions takes a look once more for a film that uses the holiday as its backdrop. This time it’s a new movie out of the United Kingdom entitled HOSTS. From first time feature length directors Adam Leader and Richard Oakes, the movie is a new take on both the home invasion and possession film.
Michael (Frank Jakeman) and his family are having a Christmas Eve dinner. Earlier in the day he invites the friendly young couple from next door over to join them, Jack (Neal Ward) and Lauren (Nadia Lamin). As Jack and Lauren get ready, what appear to be flashlights in their backyard disturb them. Soon they may be endangered by intruders. And the threat soon heads over towards Michael’s home.
In a surprise, HOSTS turns out to be a very effective horror film that should be a delight to most viewers. With its intense set pieces and the very interesting antagonists, the movie is a quarter four surprise in 2020. Dark Discussions takes a look at this little film and gives their thoughts.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
A weekly discussion of the CBS All Access Mini-series created by Josh Boone based of the Stephen King book, The Stand.
As one of the highest growing screenwriters of all time, David Koepp has been fairly high profile in Hollywood. Though his career has been mixed, with some of his screenplays landing behind poorly directed films, others have been absolutely fantastic. He also has been a director, making a handful of genre films. His latest directing/writing credit is YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT that has brought him back with Kevin Bacon after the two worked in the successful movie STIR OF ECHOES (1999).
Wealthy retired banker Theo Conroy (Kevin Bacon), his beautiful actress wife Susanna (Amanda Seyfried), and his daughter Ella (Avery Essex) rent a vacation home in Wales, UK. Though peaceful, strange things happen including light switches not working and doors not unlocking. After doing some quick amateur sleuthing, Theo notices that that the home’s architecture is a bit “off.”
Another movie forced straight to streaming due to COVID-19, the movie became quite successful as a VOD release. Oddly critical response to the movie was mixed while its puzzle-like plot caused some audience members some bewilderment. Is the film a future cult classic as STIR OF ECHOES has become? Your co-hosts take a look at this film and its solid cast and give their thoughts. Co-host Kristi thinks it may be one of the best horror films of the year.
The well received festival film, THE BEACH HOUSE, was acquired by Shudder as the distributor of the movie. July 9th, 2020 was the debut of the movie on the station. Like most films like this, the channel promoted it non-stop. Unlike many small independent features, THE BEACH HOUSE had already garnered over ninety reviews on the Rotton Tomatoes website, with many giving praise.
A young college couple, Emily (Liana Liberato) and Randall (Noah Le Gros), head to Randall’s father’s beach house on Cape Code for a late spring vacation. Being off season, the beaches are mostly empty. When they unexpectedly meet an older couple friendly with Randall’s parents, the four enjoy an evening of drink and conversation. However, a bizarre event happens that may change all their lives.
This is the first feature length film by director/screenwriter Jeffrey Brown. Though starring mostly unknowns, Jake Weber (MEDIUM and DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004)) also stars giving the movie some name recognition. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very surprising film that goes to some unexpected places.
Padraig Reynolds, director and writer, made some buzz with his 2011 horror film RITES OF SPRING, his feature length debut. Some call it that year’s hidden gem as it was well received by many horror fans yet missed by almost as many. His follow up, 2016’s THE DEVIL’S DOLLS, was reasonably received by critics. Now in 2020 his latest, OPEN 24 HOURS, has gained a bit of buzz.
A young woman recently released from the penitentiary finds a job working at a rural quickie-mart in rural Mississippi. During the night shift, she receives a strange call that leaves her concerned for her safety. As the night moves forward, her own criminal history begins to haunt her. And soon the lives of her, her friend, and her customers may all be in danger.
Not your typical slasher film, OPEN 24 HOURS adds a few new twists to the subgenre. Such things as the unreliable narrator, extreme coincidence, and reversal of the revenge-trope make their presence. But does the film also bring the strengths of what horror films are known for such as a great villain, suspense, and scares? Dark Discussions takes a look at this little movie and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to the penultimate episode of THE UNDOING: A THERAPY SESSION – THE PODCAST. This is a weekly podcast on each episode of the new HBO “mini-series” THE UNDOING.
Series details:
The Undoing is an American psychological thriller miniseries. Based on the 2014 novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the miniseries premiered on HBO on October 25, 2020. The series stars Nicole Kidman, is written and produced by David E. Kelley, and directed by Susanne Bier.
Series Description:
Grace Sachs is living the only life she ever wanted for herself. She’s a successful therapist, has a devoted husband and young son who attends an elite private school in New York City. Overnight a chasm opens in her life: a violent death, a missing husband, and, in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and herself.
Science fiction has always been one of the most compelling subgenre of horror. There has been the thrillers such as ALIEN (1979), attacking robots in midnight movies such as CHOPPING MALL (1986), and intellectually stimulating such as ANNIHILATION (2018). The new Russian language film, SPUTNIK (2020), seems to merge them all together in an effective way.
Discredited psychiatrist, Tatyana Klimova (Oksana Akinshina), is approached by Colonel Semiradov (Fyodor Bondarchuk) to work with recently returned cosmonaut Konstantin (Pyotr Fyodorov). She is told he is having post traumatic stress syndrome from his space mission. Soon she heads to a government base in Kazakhstan to meet with Konstantin. After she give her diagnosis to Colonel Semiradov on the cosmonaut, he explains to her the real reason for her summons.
The movie was picked up by IFC and released in the United States during the summer. The dark and melancholic picture’s atmosphere is enhanced as a period piece taking place in 1983 during the Soviet era. The movie holds fantastic reviews on such aggregator sites as Rotten Tomatoes. Dark Discussions decides to take a look at this overlooked film and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to the fourth episode of THE UNDOING: A THERAPY SESSION – THE PODCAST. This is a weekly podcast on each episode of the new HBO “mini-series” THE UNDOING.
Series details:
The Undoing is an American psychological thriller miniseries. Based on the 2014 novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the miniseries premiered on HBO on October 25, 2020. The series stars Nicole Kidman, is written and produced by David E. Kelley, and directed by Susanne Bier.
Series Description:
Grace Sachs is living the only life she ever wanted for herself. She’s a successful therapist, has a devoted husband and young son who attends an elite private school in New York City. Overnight a chasm opens in her life: a violent death, a missing husband, and, in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and herself.
Dave Franco, the younger brother of Mark Franco, has made his directorial debut with the horror/thriller movie, THE RENTAL (2020). With tricks up its sleeve, the movie appears to be many things. What it really seems to be is a mystery as the viewer tries to figure out who or what is the antagonist.
When two brothers and their significant others take a vacation by renting a beautiful home on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, they get their interpersonal relationships all messed up when drugs is added to the picture. But after two of them discover a secret within the house, their otherwise yuppie lives are turned upside down, and their lives suddenly are in danger.
The movie is co-written by Franco and Joe Swanberg, actor of many genre films, and part of the mumblecore group of directors and writers that include Simon Barrett, Ti West, and Adam Wingard. THE RENTAL stars Dave Franco’s wife, Alison Brie, along with Dan Stevens, Sheila Vand, and Jeremy Allen White. Dark Discussions takes a look at this well received genre picture and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to the third episode of THE UNDOING: A THERAPY SESSION – THE PODCAST. This is a weekly podcast on each episode of the new HBO “mini-series” THE UNDOING.
Series details:
The Undoing is an American psychological thriller miniseries. Based on the 2014 novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the miniseries premiered on HBO on October 25, 2020. The series stars Nicole Kidman, is written and produced by David E. Kelley, and directed by Susanne Bier.
Series Description:
Grace Sachs is living the only life she ever wanted for herself. She’s a successful therapist, has a devoted husband and young son who attends an elite private school in New York City. Overnight a chasm opens in her life: a violent death, a missing husband, and, in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and herself.
Director Dan Bush came to prominence in 2007 with his segment of the film, THE SIGNAL, a movie that somewhat a zombie film and somewhat science fiction. The movie itself was a collaboration with two other directors where he helmed one of the three parts. Afterwards, though prolific enough since, nothing was as prominent as that film. Now in 2020, he returns with a movie that is getting a bit of buzz entitled THE DARK RED.
Sybil Warren (April Billingsley) is a troubled woman who’s mother died while she was young and her eventual caregiver tragicly passed as well. Landing in a sanitarium, she discusses with a psychiatrist how a group of cultists had stolen her baby and that there is a mysterious power that they possess. After eventually agreeing her tale is preposterous, she is released and decides to find out the truth.
THE DARK RED was co-written by Dan Bush and Conal Byrne and stars April Billingsley in a strong performance. The movie played for two years on the festival circuit before finally arriving on VOD in 2020 to fairly good reviews. Dark Discussions takes a look at this thriller and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to the second episode of THE UNDOING: A THERAPY SESSION – THE PODCAST. This is a weekly podcast on each episode of the new HBO “mini-series” THE UNDOING.
Series details:
The Undoing is an American psychological thriller miniseries. Based on the 2014 novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the miniseries premiered on HBO on October 25, 2020. The series stars Nicole Kidman, is written and produced by David E. Kelley, and directed by Susanne Bier.
Series Description:
Grace Sachs is living the only life she ever wanted for herself. She’s a successful therapist, has a devoted husband and young son who attends an elite private school in New York City. Overnight a chasm opens in her life: a violent death, a missing husband, and, in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and herself.
Halloween haunts, those yearly “houses” or hay rides that appear in October as a themed carnival, have become more than customary. They’ve become staples. Unlike the ones decades ago when they were just done quickly as fundraisers for girl scouts, now they are filled with special effects, have a lot of props, and are marketed statewide. So having the idea of merging them into a found footage horror film seemed like a good idea. In 2015, THE HOUSES THAT OCTOBER BUILT was released on VOD getting a lot of buzz. Its follow up, THE HOUSES THAT OCTOBER BUILT 2, followed in 2017
Brandy, Zack, Bobby, Mikey, and Jeff decide as a group to visit some of the more notorious “haunts” around the country. They head out in their rented RV and begin documenting the various events. When they hear that there is an underground version called the Blue Skeleton, they decide to hunt them out. This leads them first to Texas and eventually Louisiana. Their excitement soon leads to discomfort and finally may lead to possibly their deaths.
The two films are directed by Bobby Roe who also is one of the stars. He co-wrote it with his co-star Zack Andrews. The first received fairly decent reviews while the second, though not as favorable by critics, was also well received by fans. As the Dark Discussions Halloween episode, your co-hosts take a look at this mini-film franchise and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to the debut episode of THE UNDOING: A THERAPY SESSION – THE PODCAST. This is a weekly podcast on each episode of the new HBO “mini-series” THE UNDOING.
Series details:
The Undoing is an American psychological thriller miniseries. Based on the 2014 novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the miniseries premiered on HBO on October 25, 2020. The series stars Nicole Kidman, is written and produced by David E. Kelley, and directed by Susanne Bier.
Series Description:
Grace Sachs is living the only life she ever wanted for herself. She’s a successful therapist, has a devoted husband and young son who attends an elite private school in New York City. Overnight a chasm opens in her life: a violent death, a missing husband, and, in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and herself.
The little film that could. Small, quiet, and unfamiliar films pop up every so often. Some aren’t necessarily original yet they are done so well. And these movies sometimes spread by word of mouth. One film, ALONE (2020) directed by John Hyams, has slowly grown in popularity. One VOD service, iTunes, actually had it lost among their “Independent” section of films. Now three weeks later, ALONE is in their top 40 horror movies of the month.
Jessica (Jules Willcox) is a young widow who has been living with depression for far too long. Out of the blue, she has decided she’s had enough. She packs up all her belongings and heads out to the Northwest to start anew. While traveling the forested and remote roads, she almost gets in an accident with an SUV. After the perpetrator (Marc Menchaca) shows signs of road rage, Jessica finds out that traveling alone may not have been a good thing at all.
The movie has had a run outside of VOD too with forty-four screens at drive-ins throughout the states. Directed by John Hyams, off a screenplay by Mattias Olsson, the movie stars Jules Willcox in possibly her first major role along with Marc Menchaca as the stranger. John Hyams, who’s the showrunner of the successful series BLACK SUMMER (2019), joins your co-hosts to answer some further questions they have after doing their review of the movie. The director may even discuss a bit about season 2 of Black Summer.
What do you do when you live with an unstable person? And what if he is your child? You are responsible for him so it’s not like you can remove the person from your life. The latest horror/thriller M.O.M.: Mothers of Monsters (2020) is a found footage movie that takes a look at this experience. It also looks deeply into not just the child but also the parent and even grandparent.
Abbey Bell (Melinda Page Hamilton) is a divorced mother living with her teenage son Jacob (Bailey Edwards). Unfortunately Jacob seems to be more than just a thorn in Abbey’s life. He destroys her property and has violent fits. But her struggles aren’t known by others since Jacob is a good student and is spoiled by his grandmother. As their relationship continues to spiral out of control, we find that the Bell family may have more secrets than a child delinquency issue.
In her first full length feature, director/screenwriter Tucia Lyman brings to life a common theme in many families: communication issues that may go beyond personality disorders. After an in-depth discussion, the director joins your co-hosts and answers further questions about the movie and its relevance today.
Also of interest, check out our review of the 2011 film, https://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/episode-404-we-need-to-talk-about-kevin-2011/ (We Need to Talk About Kevin).
With the ability to film movies on an iPhone, having drones replace crane shots, cheap software to edit, and using the internet to talk to music students for scores, do-it-yourself filmmaking is more possible now than anytime before. An update New York family has done it all from A-to-Z making films. Their latest, a horror movie, entitled THE DEEPER YOU DIG (2020), was released to fantastic reviews.
When Echo (Zelda Adams) decides to do a late night sledding ride, an accident occurs leading to her disappearance. Her mother Ivy (Toby Poser) begins searching for her with flyers upon telephone polls to knocking on neighbors doors. One such man, Kurt (John Adams), who is restoring a neighboring structure, tells both Ivy and the police he knows nothing about the girl. However, his role in her disappearance may be more than he says.
THE DEEPER YOU DIG was co-written, co-directed, and co-starred in by husband-and-wife team John Adams and Toby Poser. Their youngest daughter Zelda Adams also stars. With a very small cast, their fantastic cinematography with night and winter filming, and strong acting, the movie has actually received a blu-ray release by boutique label, Arrow Video. Dark Discussions takes a look at this little film and gives their thoughts.
Shows and movies like WEST WORLD, RAISED BY WOLVES, EX MACHINA and ANNIHILATION have taken “identity” and turned the word’s meaning upside down. Individuality becomes nothing more than a concept. The new science fiction horror film THE HONEYMOON PHASE takes a look at the connotation of “self” yet in a “married” relationship.
Tom (Jim Schubin) and Eve (Chloe Carroll), a young yet unmarried couple, lie to be included in a science experiment between married couples. They are to be placed in a secluded location for thirty days while being monitored daily on their activities and relationship. As the first week passes, Eve begins to notice a change in Tom that begins to give her concern. By week two, both their existences may be in jeopardy.
Directed as his feature length debut, Phillip Carroll also wrote the screenplay. The movie definitely pays tribute to science fiction of yesteryear. During the podcast, the two leads and the filmmaker join your co-hosts to answer further questions about the movie.
The new film, BODY CAM (2020), was oddly released only weeks earlier than the unrest that has hit the United States. The film functions as a commentary on illegal behavior by police officers after an arrest goes unfortunately wrong. The movie follows the ghost story scenario that became somewhat standard with THE CHANGLING (1980). The movie asks the basic question “Is the ghost really malevolent or is it trying to tell those it haunts something?”
Renee (played by Mary J. Blige) is a police officer in a small city in Louisiana. She recently is reinstated after having been suspended for breaking police procedure. When a fellow officer is gruesomely murdered during what was a routine traffic stop, she begins to follow puzzle pieces that lead to the prior death of a young black youth. Soon her discoveries may put her in danger from what may be a supernatural presence.
The movie is receiving mixed reviews though its Rottentomato score usually is solid for independent horror/thriller films. Nicholas McCarthy, writer and director of such films as THE PACT (2012) and THE PRODIGY (2019), is the screenwriter for this film that is directed by newcomer Malik Vitthal. Dark Discussions takes a look at this movie and gives their thoughts.
Christopher Ford’s rise to becoming a highly regarded Hollywood screenwriter is a story within itself. Back in 2010, he was discovered by Eli Roth when Ford along with director Jon Watts (SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING) did a short film as a yarn to get the attention of the famous director. After deciding to produce a film based off the short, the movie CLOWN (2014) was made. That movie jump started the careers of both Watts and Ford. And by 2018, a hidden gem of a film (written by Ford) appeared called THE CLOVEHITCH KILLER.
Tyler Burnside (Charlie Plummer) is the perfect high school student. He’s in the scouts, is an outstanding member of his church, and has a loving family. One day when he discovers an S&M picture in the family truck, he begins to wonder if his dad is more than the great father that he had thought. Working with his friend Kassi (Madisen Beaty) they begin to travel down a “rabbit hole” that may turn their life and their town upside down.
The movie, directed by Duncan Skiles, stars Dylan McDermott in the pivotal role of Tyler’s father. With excellent acting, including Samantha Mathis as Tyler’s mother, the movie feeds doubts into the thoughts of a young man about his ideal life. What follows is the slow fall of what otherwise was a perfect family. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very interesting film and gives their thoughts.
Dark fantasy has arguably become the most popular subgenre of horror and fantasy these last few years. Though not necessarily focusing on vampires, many do. With the Anita Blake novels to the TRUE BLOOD TV series (and their novels they are based on), this genre has produced many vampire tales that have gained huge followings. Netflix has recently released the 2020 new French six part series simply entitled VAMPIRES.
Young Parisian high schooler Doina Radescu lives with her family of vampires. A hidden “disease” from centuries ago, they live as quietly as they can feeding on animal blood and blending in. Unlike her mother Martha and older sibings, she and her teenage brother are told to use a pill that seems to eliminate blood thirst and sun death. But the local vampire commune wants to keep every member of their community in check to the detriment to Martha.
The series has been ignored by many because the title, VAMPIRES, not only is meaningless, but it also gets lost in herd of hundreds of vampire films and shows on VOD. Your co-hosts took a blind shot watching the series. They discuss and critique the entire first season and talk about possibilities where the program will go if a season two is picked up.
Added in 1966 to American folklore was the Mothman, a creature or being that originally appeared in West Virginia. When it appears, it usually does so as a harbinger of death or disaster. Materializing as a humanoid being whose form looks similar to a man-sized moth, yet its manifestation is ominous. In 2002, the movie, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, based off an experience by reporter John Keel arrived with great buzz.
Washington Post reporter John Klein and his wife get into a car accident after viewing new homes. When she claims she saw the “mothman,” John begins to try to decipher this strange phenomenon. After his wife passes away from cancer, he becomes filled with melancholy and removes himself from others. Off on assignment, he can’t explain how he landed up six hours away from his original destination. And soon he too may be in the grips of a supernatural being.
The film stars Richard Gere along with a great cast including Laura Linney, Will Patton, Alan Bates, and Debra Messing. Though not the success Hollywood had hoped, the movie has gained a steady cult following and has for some arrived as a staple for Halloween. Dark Discussions takes a look at this Patreon pick and gives their thoughts.
The Grays: the number one movie monster that never gets its due. Aliens with big eyes and gray skin and no hair. They abduct folks, may do experiments on them; are they malevolent or peaceful? Scary stuff to many. And not surprisingly some people think they are real. The new 2020 film, SKYMAN, is a faux documentary that brings it even more real.
Carl Merryweather (Michael Selle), for his fortieth birthday, wants to head out to the desert of California. When he was a child, the location of note was where he claims he had met a being from another world. He said he has received a message that they are returning. A director wants to document his story so Carl agrees to be filmed on his latest adventure. His sister, Gina (Nicolette Sweeney), and close friend, Marcus (Faleolo Alailima), come along as witnesses.
Daniel Myrick, writer and director of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, returns to found footage cinema for his latest production. Starring unknowns, the film has received fairly good reviews and has been noticed by some high profile publications such as the New York Times and Hollywood Reporter. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new science fiction move and gives their thoughts.
Dark Discussions Podcast once again hits another milestone. As we have done in the past, we set up a Facebook poll where listeners could choose the 450th episode topic. After a grand fight of such films as http://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/episode-419-new-years-bucket-list/ (INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHER )(1978) and SCREAM (1996) among others, the film chosen by fans of the podcast was AN AMERICAN http://www.darkdiscussions.com/podcasts/episode-257-the-howling-1981/ (WEREWOLF )IN LONDON (1981).
David Kessler (David Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne) decide to do a hiking trip across Europe. Their first stop is the moors of Northern England where the weather is bad and the hotels are scarce. When they stop at a local pub called the Slaughtered Lamb, they mistakenly insult the local patrons and leave quickly. Unfortunately for them, they have no idea where to go and something dark and evil may be on their tail.
The film was written and directed by John Landis who’s masterpiece ANIMAL HOUSE was only three years earlier. With its dark humor, this latest film skates between black comedy and visceral horror. Besides Naughton and Dunne, the film also stars cult film favorite Jenny Agutter in a pivotal role. Dark Discussions takes a look at this classic film and give their thoughts.
Let’s say you are a young twenty-something looking to start a career in writing. What would you do if you were offered the job as an intern for your favorite horror author? Wouldn’t this possibly be the best opportunity for any up-and-coming writer? Learn to become a better writer, having the best business reference one could have, and becoming friends with an idol. That’s what happens in the new horror flick, TRUE FICTION.
Avery Malone (Sara Garcia), a young woman looking for a breakout, applies as an intern for famous horror author Caleb Conrad (John Cassini). When the job of a lifetime comes true, she is chauffeured to a remote manor where she is introduced to the reclusive horror master. After signing some waivers, she is introduced to what the work will include. However, soon, after some stress related experiments, she begins to believe her own life is in danger.
The film is directed by new comer Braden Croft from a script he wrote. Not reviewed by many, the handful of reviews it has received have all been positive. Is TRUE FICTION a hidden gem ready to be found, or more a trial run for both the director and actors to build their resume. Dark Discussions takes a look at this recently released movie.
This episode contains news of the miscellany and a review of After Midnight.
A media review podcast, featuring esoteric news and features from a post punk perspective.
Last year’s Netflix original, THE PERFECTION, starring Allison Williams and Logan Browning, received some general buzz after the station promoted it robustly. Its interesting twists and turns as it dabbed its toes in various horror subgenres gave it some legs and a larger audience that included thriller fans. Either way the film was very polarizing as a result.
Charlotte (Allison Williams), a cello prodigy, had to quit training to return to take care of her mother. While away, Bachoff Academy and its headmaster, Anton (Steven Weber), took on a new sensation, Lizzie Wells (Logan Browning). During a new recruiting mission to Shanghai, China, Lizzie and Charlotte become close and decide to take a trip across China as a vacation. Soon secrets are revealed that may show each isn’t who they say they are nor is Bachoff Academy as it may seem.
Directed by television director Richard Shephard, the film appeared in Q2 of 2019 to fairly good reviews. With its change of theme at least three times, the movie did confuse some while appearing quite different in tone to others. Dark Discussions decides to take a look at this contentious movie.
Infectious diseases are in the news today and horror and thriller films have been using them as a plot device for years. One of the most popular was THE THING (1982). Since then there has been a lot of movies that have copied it quite nicely including ALIEN RAIDERS (2008) and THE THAW (2009). Now in 2020, the internationally produced film SEA FEVER has arrived and it is getting positive reviews.
Siobhán, a young marine biologist, joins an Irish fishing boat with a crew of six to study the traveling patterns of their latest catch. While aboard, they discover a strange molluscan like cedphalopoda that attaches itself to the port side of their boat. When a deserted Portuguese schooner brings with it a deadly secret, the seven crew members must make a decision that will determine their fate.
The film stars an international cast including Connie Nielsen, Dougray Scott, and Hermione Corfield. Irish television director, Neasa Hardiman, wrote and directed the film. Getting fair to good reviews by most critics, Dark Discussions takes their own look at the movie and gives their take.
Plants in horror have been few and far between. There has been THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (1960), THE RUINS (2008), while many others included alien invasions such as INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956) and THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD (1951). Now genetics and the changing of the DNA of plants has entered the horror world with the British film LITTLE JOE (2020).
Scientist Alice Woodard (Emily Beecham) works for a commercial genetics company that works in making plants better for garden and home. Her groups new idea is the plant called Little Joe (named after her son). Red and beautiful, the plant has been genetically changed to let out a beautiful smell that should make its owner feel more relaxed and happy. Yet Bella (Kelly Fox), a competing scientist, feels something isn’t right with the Little Joes and begins to believe people are being negatively influenced by the plant.
Austrian director Jessica Hausner works with longtime collaborator, French screenwriter Géraldine Bajard, on a film that received praise at Cannes Film Festival. The film has received generally good reviews even if some felt it was a slow burn. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting picture and gives their thoughts.
Strange Days-News, In Memorium, Dark Holidays, and five Mini-Reviews The Lighthouse, The Invisible Man, Underwater, The Lodge, The Beach House, and bonus: Shirley.
Though very prolific and considered one of the best, H.P. Lovecraft’s works have rarely been adapted to film, and if so, very loosely. Director Richard Stanley, a very talented director who was derailed earlier in his career by producers, is back with the new film COLOR OUT OF SPACE (2020) based off the story by Lovecraft entitled THE COLOUR OUT OF SPACE.
The Gardner family move to a rural farm that has been in the family for years. One day a meteor crash lands into the backyard near an old well. Soon it dissolves and some alien being moves into the down its chute. As the days go by, plants and trees begin to grow strangely, and the family starts to act erratically. The Gardners begin to wonder if something evil has taken over their homestead.
The film stars two well known character actors as the parents, Nicolas Cage and Joely Richardson. New comer Madeleine Arthur plays the pivotal role of the daughter who may have a connection to what is going on. Receiving very good reviews, the movie has been considered a cult gem by many who have found it. Dark Discussions takes a look at the movie and give their thoughts.
When Massachusetts native Albert Wilmarth, a college professor of folklore, reads about strange things floating in the great floods in Vermont, he enters the fray to try to calm the fears of the locals. Soon a well-educated well-to-do farmer named Henry Akeley sends Albert a private letter showing that there may be more to the stories than he thinks. Albert is suddenly intrigued about this mystery. Now involved, unbeknownst to him, he may be a target of a wicked evil.
A man named Goreng volunteers to enter a “prison” allowing folks to gain awards such as college degrees, and various other incentives. However, it being a prison, actual criminals are there as well. When he arrives, he discovers that there are 333 levels and a platform containing food travels down to each level to feed the jailed. Unfortunately the lower you are, the less food is left leaving many desperate and fraught.
THE WHISPERER IN DARKNESS originally appeared in the magazine Weird Tales in August 1931. Years later, the story, even with its novel length is included in most collections of the author’s best stories. With its blend of rural horror, alien invaders, and well paced mystery, the story has remained one of his most popular. Dark Discussions takes a look at this tale in their latest book episode.
June is LGBTQ pride month, and for the second time, Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews heads to the arthouse to deliver part two of our June episodes that focus on LGBTQ cinema. This second episode is on the film AWOL (2016), a movie that debuted at Tribeca Film Festival before playing a limited run at arthouse theaters. This piece of cinema stars Lola Kirke (GEMINI) in her breakout role as well as a powerful performance by costar Breeda Wool (MR. MERCEDES).
Joey (Lola Kirke) is a recent high school graduate living in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Poor and not sure of her future, her mother suggests the U.S. Army. While working at a country fair, she meets Rayna (Breeda Wool), a free spirit wild child who catches her eye. Soon they begin a passionate affair. With an age difference of fifteen years and Rayna married with two children, Joey wonders whether the love and passion between them will last.
The film was co-written and directed by Deb Shoval from a short she made six years prior. She fought to keep Breeda Wool in the movie who would reprise her role from the short. During a casting process, she found Lola Kirke who she felt would be pivotal to play the complex Joey. First time cinematographer, Gal Deren, shot the film. Your co-hosts take a look at this quiet yet heartrending film and give their thoughts.
Art house horror, or science fiction, is not that uncommon. Some recent examples are THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019) or MIDSOMMAR (2019). Spain has had their share including ERREMENTARI (2017). Now in 2020, THE PLATFORM has come also from Spain. More fable than horror or science fiction, the movie has drawn notice being available “free” on Netflix.
A man named Goreng volunteers to enter a “prison” allowing folks to gain awards such as college degrees, and various other incentives. However, it being a prison, actual criminals are there as well. When he arrives, he discovers that there are 333 levels and a platform containing food travels down to each level to feed the jailed. Unfortunately the lower you are, the less food is left leaving many desperate and fraught.
The movie is the directorial debut of Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. Many critics call it a masterpiece and some movie viewers call it a potential cult classic. This very odd and eccentric movie has left a polarized viewing audience though little have said it is a bad movie. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very interesting movie and gives their thoughts.
June is LGBTQ pride month, and once again Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews heads to the arthouse to deliver the first of two June episodes that focus on LGBTQ cinema. This first episode is entitled MY SUMMER OF LOVE (2005), a British film showcasing award winning director Pawel Pawlikowski in one of his early movies. Also on display is the cinematography of Ryszard Lenczewski. However, most importantly is the feature film debut of Emily Blunt that would lead to her international acclaim as one of today’s most beloved actresses.
Mona (Natalie Press) lives with her ex-con brother Phil (Paddy Considine) in a rural town outside of Manchester, England. During the summer, she meets a wealthy and beautiful boarding school girl, Tamsin (Emily Blunt). With her free spirit attitude, Tamsin entrances Mona and the two become best of friends that may lead to even more. But as the summer winds down, Mona’s blinded expectations clashes with the bourgeois worldly life of Tamsin.
MY SUMMER OF LOVE is a highly regarded arthouse film that has many themes drenching its fabric. Besides the obvious LGBTQ aspect of the movie, the differences between the classes, the coming of age, and the inevitable indirection of many of the characters is apparent. Nominated for numerous awards, your co-hosts take a look at this “cult classic” and give their thoughts.
What would you do if you had wishes? Money? Sex? Fame? But what happens if it goes dire and things turn out badly? Such famous horror stories like “The Monkey’s Paw” show this. And many movies. But the new horror film THE ROOM (2020) shows a different spin on an old tale.
Young couple Kate (Olga Kuylenko) and Matt (Kevin Janssens) move into a fixer-upper estate out in the rural sections of their county. As they begin to renovate, they discover that the electric power grid is archaic and that a hidden room exists in the master upstairs hall. When something odd occurs, they begin to discover a strange unexplained power within coming from the room.
Relatively unknown French director Christian Volckman takes the reign in the adaptation of French screenwriter Eric Forestier’s script. Starring Ukrainian actress Olga Kuylenko and Flemish actor Kevin Janssens, the film is an English language movie taking place in the United States. Dark Discussions takes a look at this Shudder exclusive and gives their thoughts.
THE WRETCHED is being compared to many films including SUMMER OF 84 (2018), DISTURBIA (2007), and FRIGHT NIGHT (1985). With its throwback feel and scary chills, the movie has received favorable reviews by both critics and viewers alike. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new cult surprise and gives their thought.
Ben (John-Paul Howard), a high schooler, heads to his recently separated father’s house for the summer to try to regroup after some recent trouble. While there he notices the cute family next door. As he gets a job at the local harbor and finds local friends, an ancient evil re-enters the town after thirty-five years of dormancy. Ben quickly notices something amiss and becomes all that’s lays between the wretched and his father’s town.
THE WRETCHED is being compared to many films including SUMMER OF 84 (2018), DISTURBIA (2007), and FRIGHT NIGHT (1985). With its throwback feel and scary chills, the movie has received favorable reviews by both critics and viewers alike. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new cult surprise and gives their thought.
A darling on the festival circuit, THE LODGE (2020), was highly anticipated before arriving on disc and VOD. With the term “elevated horror”, THE LODGE began to receive buzz as plot points were released and the trailer was shown. Austrian directors, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, had already made the critically acclaimed horror film GOODNIGHT MOMMY (2014) and this was their first English language production.
After the tragic death of their mother, two young children come to live with their father, an investigative reporter known for writing books on cults. When the father plans to marry Grace (Riley Keough), his children aren’t happy. So to get everyone on the same page, they head to their remote second home in Massachusetts during the Christmas holiday to try to work out their differences. Unfortunately something sinister happens that may ruin all their lives.
Riley Keough (IT COMES AT NIGHT) is the lead in a performance many think is a star-making role. The movie is receiving excellent reviews and has been compared to other positively received genre films over the last few years. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very dark drama and gives their thoughts.
The zombie TV show, Z NATION, was almost a midnight movie take on the zombie genre. With its crazy over the top episodic storytelling, it was a curiosity. Now, in 2019, the creators of the show have created a new series, loosely connected to their original series. BLACK SUMMER (2019) appeared on Netflix with a very different tone. It had its genre elements, but any dark humor or over the top scenes disappeared and were replaced with more horrific elements.
After parts of the world have become uninhabitable, people are reassigned to neighborhoods that are clear of the pandemic. When an outbreak occurs in a newly established community, a group of survivors that miss the scheduled evacuation buses must fight to break out and escape from the infected while trying to prove they themselves are not infected.
The show stars actress/model Jamie King along with an ensemble cast of actors. After its first season, a second season was announced. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has made the release and production of season two pending. Dark Discussions looks at this eight episode season of the series and gives their thoughts.
Cults have been portrayed many times in horror films as the final antagonist. These movies include the comedic SATANIC PANIC (2019) or darker films such as 1BR (2020) or THE INVITATION (2015). And many do follow similar themes and plot developments. Some change it up a bit such as THE SACREMENT (2013) using found footage, and the new horror film WE SUMMON THE DARKNESS (2020) actually even changes up the protagonists.
It’s 1988, and three girls head to a heavy metal concert. When they arrive in the parking lot, they meet up with three boys who seem to want to “party” with them after the show. Unfortunately, a string of kidnappings by Satanists have occurred around the area. Heading back to one of their houses, what was supposed to be a fun extended evening turns out to be a horrific nightmare.
Director Marc Meyers is known for the docu-drama MY FRIEND DAHMER (2017). WE SUMMON THE DARKNESS, his latest, stars Alexandra Daddario, Logan Miller, and even the great Taylor Swift’s brother, Austin Swift. In a star making performance, Maddie Hasson steals the film. Dark Discussions takes a look at this well received horror movie and gives their thoughts.
Welcome to the latest edition of Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews (or HBPR for short) – a podcast that reviews and critiques genre films, midnight movies, and boutique label discs. With this latest episode, we take a look at the Tim Constible directed/written film VOODOO (2018) starring actress Samantha Stewart before discussing some news and new releases.
VOODOO: Dani Lamb (Samantha Stewart) heads to Los Angeles from her native New Orleans to visit her cousin, Stacy (Ruth Reynolds). When she arrives, the two head out on the town to have fun. But Dani admits the real reason she is there; she had been dating a man who had been married. Though he had lied to Dani about his marriage, his wife began stalking Dani and threatening her at work. Unfortunately, the wife may be more than she appears to be. Is she a practitioner of the black arts?
Prior to playing the festival circuit, the film was released on disc and VOD in early 2018. Though getting mixed reviews, the film got notice form a variety of big newspapers and websites with some praising its story and practical effects. HBPR podcast takes a look at this potential cult classics and gives their thoughts.
Pica is a behavioral health disorder in which a person will non-food items. So things that would be swallowed would be marbles or coins but also in extreme cases, things such as paperclips or tacks. Sometimes this condition is related to issues much more inherent in the individual, including depression and melancholy. That’s what the new 2020 film SWALLOW tackles.
Hunter (Haley Bennett), a once working class woman, has married into a wealthy Hudson Valley family. Seeming to be ignored by her husband Ritchie (Austin Stowell) and treated indifferently by her in-laws, she begins to unravel while alone at home. After watching a self-help documentary on television, she begins to swallow various objects. When she discovers she is pregnant the issue persists leading to dark secrets in her past that may finally catch up to her
The film is written by first time director Carlo Mirabella-Davis that has been received well by critics. Haley Bennett, with her stunning beauty and strong acting chops, may finally have the breakout performance that has seemed to escape her even with her many high profile performances. Dark Discussions takes a look at this dark character study and give their thoughts on the film.
Having played larger festivals, the new film 1BR (2020) has received much more press than most. The movie, directed and written by newcomer David Marmor, has collected extremely good reviews and is slowly gaining popularity among horror and genre fans alike. Now available everywhere for viewing, it has ranked high among many VOD sites.
Sarah (Nicole Brydon Bloom), a costume designer from out-of-state, arrives in Los Angeles to seek out her dreams in movies. First finding the “day job” as a paralegal, she next heads out looking for an apartment. After applying for a one bedroom place in a fairly cute complex, she is unexpectedly chosen as the new resident. With barbeques and a handsome neighbor, she finally feels no longer like a fish-out-of-water. However, when the unexpected happens, her world is turned upside down.
In a star-making performance, Nicole Brydon Bloom leads a fantastic cast of fine performers in what may be one of genre’s most surprising films of 2020. Dark Discussions takes a look at the movie, but also interviews producer Alok Mishra, director David Marmor, and future starlet Nicole Brydon Bloom. Take a listen to our extended episode and enjoy.
So there is a list of scripts on a list called the “Black List”. These films are considered the most liked scripts by movie folk that have not yet been made into motion pictures. Some of them turn out to be gems (THE FIGHTER (2010), THE REVENENT (2015)) but many either never get made or turn out as mediocre adaptations. The new film VILLAINS arrived in late December 2019 with some buzz. The film was led by Bill Skarsgard after his performance as Pennywise the clown and Maika Monroe, a horror favorite.
Mickey (Bill Skarsgard) and Jules (Maika Monroe) are small time robbers. On the run, their incompetence leaves them with their vehicle out of gas. In the middle or rural Florida, they come upon a house and decide to find gas. But instead, what they find in the basement is fairly disturbing. But Jules conscience causes them to delay their escape leaving everyone in danger.
VILLAINS also stars well known performers Kyra Sedgwick and Blake Baumgartner in roles that allow them to chew up the scenery. With strong reviews by critics and Skarsgard coming off his Pennywise performance, the movie never caught on with audiences. Dark Discussions takes a look at this film to determine if there is a hidden gem in our midst.
In 2012, the film THE BATTERY was released during the middle of the zombie subgenre craze. Director/screenwriter/actor Jeremy Gardner’s film received a strong cult following and even had a Scream Factory release of the film. Gardner has gone on to acting in fellow indy director films such as Joe Begos’ film BLISS (2019) and Justin Benson/Aaron Moorhead’s film SPRING (2014). Finally coming back to the directing chair, his latest film AFTER MIDNIGHT (2020) was also produced by Benson/Moorhead.
Each night after midnight an unseen monster attacks Hank’s (Jeremy Gardner’s) northern Florida home. All this occurred only after his longtime live-in-girlfriend Abby (Brea Grant) had left him mysteriously. His friends think he’s going mad, but he’s defiant that an unknown creature keeps attacking. He’s not sure what to do, but as he tries desperately to get in contact with Abby, he holds up with shotgun as the unseen threat continues to attack each evening.
AFTER MIDNIGHT has received fairly positive reviews by critics. Its quirkiness however has given it a mixed reception from viewers. Some feel it is more a drama than a horror film, but either way, its word of mouth has been fairly alive. Dark Discussions takes a look at this polarizing film and gives their thoughts.
New England director Joe Begos is a curiosity. He’s one of the handful of independent genre cinema directors that keeps getting solid reviews for his movies. And yet he’s still not well known outside of horror film aficionados. With ALMOST HUMAN (2014), THE MIND’S EYE (2016), and BLISS (2019), critics have continued to give Joe Begos’ positive feedback, and his latest VFW (2020), he’s finally getting more notice.
In a not-too-distant future, where a new drug has turned many people into addicted automatons, across the street from a gang lords lair, the local VFW opens up where a group of old and clever veterans come together for companionship. When a young punk woman named Lizard enters their lounge with a bunch of the gang leaders drugs, a “war” breaks out between the army of punks and the former soldiers.
Getting some of the highest number of reviews for any VOD release, including from major publications, the movie also has received a lot of buzz through social media. Though somewhat of a “bottle” film (one location shoot), the movie shows that Joe Begos can stage an action film. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest release and gives their thoughts.
Rest in peace, Stuart Gordon. The director of such classic horror films as RE-ANIMATOR (1985) and FROM BEYOND (1986) passed away on March 24, 2020 at the age of 72. His passing hurt deeply for many fans but also some performers such as Barbara Crampton and Jeffrey Combs who were staples in many of his films. His most famous films were those loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft’s horror films though he directed thrillers and stories from Edgar Allan Poe, too. Dark Discussions takes a look at his 2001 horror film DAGON in our latest episode.
When Paul Marsh and his girlfriend Barbara take a vacation off the coast of Galicia in Spain, a storm shipwrecks their pleasure boat. Looking for help in the fishing village of Imboca, not only are the town folk acting strangely, but the storm won’t end. After the two are separated, Paul must find his girlfriend as quick as he can while trying to get out of the town alive.
The film was originally to be the director’s third feature film, but the topic of “fish” monsters scared away production people even after the success of his other films. Years later, with funding from the Spaniard government, he was able to make the movie. Receiving fairly good reviews, its success was limited because it was released only one month after the terrorist attack of 2001. This episode is our tribute to the late director.
Australian cinema continues to put out very graphic horror films. Yet unlike the regular grindhouse film, they seem to dabble into the thriller and drama genres. The 2019 horror film, THE FURIES, originally shown on Shudder, happened to land on a number of top 10 horror film lists at the end of the year. Its intense violence, interesting twists, and set design was a perfect mix for any modern genre fan or those who loved old school midnight movies.
A young lady is kidnapped along with her friend to find themselves trapped in a large acreage wooded area where masked men begin to hunt them. Sounds like any horror film, but soon the women discover they can’t run away into the desert or mountains when a sonic boom keeps them “locked in”. Eventually as some of them are picked off, they begin to discover they may be in more than just a violent hunting game.
The film stars all Australian actresses. In what is his first time feature length direction, Australian Tony D’Aquino is also the writer. THE FURIES has a quick running time and leaves the exposition behind for the viewer to figure out what is actually going on. Dark Discussions takes a look at this 2019 release and gives their thoughts.
Calming Poems for Covid19- Dark Poetry reading, Spellbound -Emily Bronte, Haunted House-H.W.Longfellow, Her Strong Enchantments Failing-A.E. Houseman, and The Raven-E.A. Poe
Aliens and alien abduction has been done a number of times during film. But many are quite familiar. Some say that the sub-genre needs a change or something to spice it up. DARK ENCOUNTER (2020) seems to try to mix it up a bit. Released through the festival circuit in 2019, the movie became generally available to all through VOD in Q1 of 2020.
DARK ENCOUNTER is filmed as a period piece. In 1982, eight year old Maisie disappeared. Returning home from errands, her parents find that she is gone and some things out of order. A year later, the Pennsylvania town has been torn apart with little to no information. However, on the one year anniversary of the disappearance, lights appear in the woods and something unexplained may help solve her disappearance.
Curiously, the movie was filmed entirely in the United Kingdom with all UK performers. Leading the cast is Laura Fraser, best known for her starring role in the later seasons of BREAKING BAD. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new science fiction film and gives their thoughts.
Showrunners Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams released the television show OZARK on Netflix, July 21, 2017. After two seasons the series received prominent praise and recognition during award season. Starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, the show is lead by a solid cast and with a third season to arrive on March 27th, 2020.
Marty Byrde, a self employed financial advisor out of Chicago, took on an undisclosed drug cartel as a client. When his partner messes up, Marty and his wife Wendy convince the Mexican cartel to give them another chance. With millions of dollars of drug money, they move to Missouri to the Lake of the Ozarks to “clean” the money. But soon they have to deal with complications including other criminal elements by in their new town.
Sometimes compared to BREAKING BAD, the show only has crime being its only likeness. Instead a bourgeois family lands up in a rural and tourist town. It’s a true tale of the “fish out of water”. Jason Bateman executive produces the show and also directs many of the episodes. Dark Discussions takes a look at this television show and prepares for season three.
The Banana Splits and The Big Scary Bug- News, Mr. Clit and the Pink Cigarettes concert Review, Covid19 begins and review of The Banana Splits Movie.
H.G. Wells, the great English author, wrote the novel, THE INVISIBLE MAN, in 1897, and all these years later it still resonates today. First adapted by Universal in 1933 to a very successful film starring the up-and-comer Claude Rains was a big hit. After their Dark Universe didn’t take off, they took their IP and decided to make them individually. Leigh Whannell (UPGRADE (2018)) takes the writing and directing reigns and brings the Blumhouse-Universal film, THE INVISIBLE MAN (2020).
Cecilia Kass (Elizabeth Moss) is trapped in an abusive relationship with brilliant engineer and business man, Adrian Griffin. One night after escaping his estate, and with the help of her sister, she hides away with a childhood friend and his daughter. Soon she finds out that her ex has died by suicide leaving her a sum of five million dollars. Yet as the days go by, she begins to think there is something more to the story. Strange things begin to happen, and her life is suddenly turned upside down.
Leigh Whannell, prior to being a director, has been a phenomenally successful screenwriter having written such movies as SAW (2004), INSIDIOUS (2010), and COOTIES (2014). After his success with INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY (2018) and UPGRAGE (2018), he was given THE INVISIBLE MAN as his next feature. Getting rave reviews by critics and fans alike, Dark Discussions take a look at this new adaptation of a classic story.
FANTASY ISLAND was a very successful television show that ran on ABC between 1977 to 1984. Starring Ricardo Montalban and Herve Villechaize, the show had guest stars that played characters that came to the island to live a supernatural fantasy that they had always hoped for. Some would learn a lesson while others would get closure from their demons. Now in 2020, Blumhouse has released a re-imagining of the TV show into a horror film.
A group of folks won a contest for a trip to Fantasy Island. When they arrive, the are met by their host, Mr. Roarke (Michael Pena). After his guests inform him of their wish, he sets them off on their fantasy. Soon each guest is surrounded by wonders they could only dream of, however, soon things begin to turn darker. And they begin to wonder if there is something more going on than just a vacation.
FANTASY ISLAND is directed by Jeff Wadlow, most known for the Blumhouse film TRUTH OR DARE (2018). His latest Blumhouse film received rotten reviews but FANTASY ISLAND all the same was profitable. Was it as bad as the critics said? Dark Discussions takes a look and gives their thoughts.
New England director Joe Begos is suddenly the “it” director with his latest film VFW (2020) making the rounds on VOD. In 2019, however, his film BLISS actually got a lot of praise from critics, receiving even better reviews than VFW. Outlets such as Variety, RogerEbert.com, Los Angeles Times, and the AV Club all reviewed it. And the movie holds a 90% on RottenTomatoes.
Dezzy (Dora Madison Burge) is a semi-successful artist who’s had album covers and large showings of her work. She’s sold paintings for large amounts, but recently she’s had an artistic roadblock. Her agent is hounding her, and many clients are concerned that their investments won’t be produced. One night she gets involved with old friends and rejoins the drug culture that she had been trying to avoid. Soon she discovers a horrible secret that may change her life forever.
With its psychedelic mood, and the apt amounts of blood and nudity, the film has become an acquired taste for some even if many feel it is well made. It most certainly a throw back to the crazy films of the 1970’s midnight theaters. Dark Discussions takes a look at this well received “grindhouse” film and gives their thoughts.
Though written in 1927, H.P. Lovecraft’s horror novel, THE CASE OF CHARLES DEXTER WARD, was not published until many years after his passing. Being somewhat disappointed with the work, Lovecraft did little to publish it. And when he came down with cancer, the work would be put further on the back burner. However, in 1941, the story was released as a two part anthology in WEIRD TALES and only to be fully published in 1943 from Arkham House Press by Lovecraft’s friends, fellow authors August Derleth and Donald Wandrei.
The year is 1928. The young bourgeois Charles Dexter Ward discovers in his family tree the existence of a less savory character on his mother’s side of the family. The ancestor, Joseph Curwen, who’s origins came from Salem, Massachusetts, died mysteriously in a torch-and-pitchfork attack upon his property in 1771 in Providence, Rhode Island. While researching the history behind the black sheep of his family, Charles soon finds a dark secret that will change his life forever.
Being one of his largest works, THE CASE OF CHARLES DEXTER WARD is often overlooked by the casual reader since it usually isn’t included in his short story collections. But it may actually be his greatest work. The same length as Stephen King’s CARRIE, the novel shows a more interesting side of Lovecraft more known for his lengthy short stories. Dark Discussions takes a look at this magnificent work and gives their thoughts.
Valentine’s Eve: The Horror of Love- News and happenings and the winner of the Horror of Love Poll -Cat People Review.
When a miscellaneous character was added to the DC animated series, BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, in September 1992, no one knew that anti-hero/villain Harley Quinn would take off and become one of their most popular characters. Since then, the character has starred in numerous comic books, spin offs, and was featured in the film SUICIDE SQUAD (2016) and its upcoming sequel. However, a spin off movie now titled HARLEY QUINN: BIRDS OF PREY (2020) was released to excellent reviews.
After Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) is dumped by her longtime boyfriend, the Joker, she is now off on her own. After blowing up a chemical plant as revenge for becoming a woman scorned, all of her enemies are now out to get her. When she discovers that a highly regarded diamond has more value than she original thought, her goal is to give it to Black Mask (Ewan McGregor) so his henchmen will leave her alone.
Originally thought to have high box office potential, the movie surprisingly underperformed quite a lot. Some think it was the R rating while others felt it was the original name not highlighting the main character. Other issues may have been its very odd marketing. Either way co-hosts Mike and Phil along with guests Kevin and Barrett give their thoughts.
We are already 1/6th into 2020 and some good films have come out. Yet did last year start out with bang or a whimper? Dark Discussions puts together their review of all that was good and bad in 2019. Included is the consideration of 84 different films that were worthy enough to be considered as a top 10 film for genre and horror films.
Each of your co-hosts put together a list of movies they thought were good enough to be seen by audiences. This included both a list of horror films and a list of other speculative fiction films. Afterwards we then combined them and came up with Dark Discussions definitive lists of the best of 2019. Some obvious films like Midsommar and Us appear but also little known films like The Dead Center, The Furies, and Satanic Panic were considered.
Also included are some of our listener choices and what they felt were the best of the year. And don’t forget our top and worst scenes, scream queens, breakout star, and anything else you can think of. Dark Discussions wraps up last year in a nice tight bow and gives their listeners a good many films to go out and search for.
After A QUIET PLACE (2018), Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were in demand. The wrote that movie and it became a smash hit and listed as one of the top horror films of the year, if not decade. One of their earlier scripts they were able to get funding to co-direct. Produced by the likes of Eli Roth (CABIN FEVER) and Todd Garner (ZOOKEEPER), their latest film, HAUNT (2019), was grabbed by Shudder as an exclusive.
When a group of college students meet up for a Halloween gathering, they all decide to head out to funhouse like most people do during October. Once inside, the group split up and soon find out that what should have been a fun experience may be something else all together.
HAUNT has received quite strong reviews from such aggregate sites as Rotten Tomatoes. With the success of they’ve now had, Beck and Woods may suddenly become a desirable duo for future projects. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.
With January 2020 underway, it is time to visit what is coming this year to cinemas, video-on-demand platforms, as well as those genre films that are going straight to disc. Last year, genre films seemed to be lacking in quality. There were many gems but not the large amount seen in prior years. This year however there seems to be a lot of great fils coming. Plus also new seasons of some quality TV series.
Dark Discussions once again takes a look at all that’s on the calendar. Some of the more high profile flicks spoken of include GODZILLA VS. KONG, WONDER WOMAN 1984, A QUIET PLACE 2, as well as the sequel to the South Korean movie TRAIN TO BUSAN.
Some other flicks talked about include VFW, THE LODGE, SWALLOW and television series such as SNOWPIERCER and DEVS. And then at the very end we list off what is remaining as well as discuss some of the latest news about movies and genre cinema.
After the 20th Century Fox sale to Disney, there were a number of films that landed up in limbo. Disney had to go through various films and see what they could do with them. One of them was UNDERWATER (2020), a movie that had been sitting on the shelf since 2017. Starring a fairly strong cast, but with no marketable names, the movie remained unreleased for over two years. However, with its fairly expensive budget, Disney decided January of the new year could salvage a film they felt had no real market.
In the year 2050, Tian Industries has built large drilling stations seven miles below the surface. When an unexpected event causes mass casualties at station Kepler 822 leaving only a handful of survivors, the group has to figure a way to survive. Captain Lucien (Vincent Cassel) says that they should suit up and walk across the ocean floor one mile to Roebuck Station 641. With little chance of survival, an unexpected development adds to their dire circumstances.
UNDERWATER was directed by William Eubank in his first major studio film. The cast includes Kristen Stewart (TWILIGHT) back in mainstream films and French superstar Vincent Cassel (IRREVERSIBLE). With its breathtaking cinematography by Bojan Bazelli (A CURE FOR WELLNESS), the film has much to like. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new sci-fi horror film and gives their thoughts.
New Year’s resolutions are a big thing for folks. Some want to lose weight, find a spouse, get a new job, work towards completing something; others have goals that they strive for. Co-host Mike said that there are a lot of genre films he hasn’t seen that he wants to get to, so as a New Year’s resolution, why not ask all the co-hosts to see some film they always wanted to see and then discuss. Another year doing so, each co-host chose a genre movie that they had never seen and decided to watch it and give their opinions.
Films we discuss are INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978), THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920), GASLIGHT (1944), TOUCH OF EVIL (1958), and THE UFO INCIDENT (1975). A wide variety of films they are but also some important ones too that one of your co-hosts finally got to see.
With all that, Dark Discussions would like to say happy 2020 to all our listeners and patreon supporters, both new and old, and hope to hear some of the films you folks have never seen and plan to in this new year. Email us and let us know.
Sometimes low profile films appear that get a bit of buzz. Many times, that buzz is just minimal, but it is usually enough for hardcore horror fans to take a look. THE DEAD CENTER (2019) is one of those. Some notice was brought because the film stars PRIMER (2004) director Shane Carruth.
When the body of a “John Doe” appears with bizarre body wounds, pathologist Edward Graham (Bill Feehely) arrives at the morgue to find the body is missing. An unknown man appears in a random hospital room. He appears to have behavioral health issues so Dr. Daniel Forrester (Shane Carruth) commits him to find out who he is. Dr. Graham continues to investigate what happened to the missing body while Dr. Forrester begins to find things about the mystery patient that become disconcerting.
First time director Billy Senese wrote this new film as well. The film, following a combination of a medical procedural and psychological thriller, spins its yarn in a way that gives only hints at where it will go. Dark Discussions takes a look at the movie and gives their thoughts.
A lot of horror comedies can be pretty politically incorrect. And as a result can be considered amateurish, simply not funny, or even offensive. But the new film SATANIC PANIC (2019) is none of these things. It is pretty funny, doesn’t have the pitfalls of independent films, and is directed by a woman (Chelsea Stardust), co-produced by a woman (Amanda Presmyk), and starring almost entirely of women. And its pedigree comes with the fact the story is by horror film veteran Ted Geoghegan (WE ARE STILL HERE (2015)).
Samantha (Hayley Griffith) has started her first day as a pizza delivery girl. Unfortunately most of her salary is based off tips, but so far its been pretty rough. Folks have given her little consideration and many customers have been eccentrics. As the day ends, she is offered to deliver a super large order to a wealthy section of the city, hoping to get a gigantic tip. After delivering the order to a mansion, she once again discovers she is stiffed of a tip. Samantha decides to confront the customer before leaving but finds herself in a situation she never ever expected.
Rebecca Romijn (X-MEN (2000)) stars along with Ruby Modine (HAPPY DEATH DAY (2017)) and new comer Hayley Griffith as Samantha. Director Chelsea Stardust comes from the Blumhouse movie “factory” having worked on many films there. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new horror film that was partly funded by Fangoria magazine.
French filmmaker Alexandre Aja in 2007 was probably best known for his French Extreme horror film HIGH TENSION (2003) and the remake of THE HILLS HAVE EYES (2006). In 2007 his co-written script for a taut horror/thriller he was able to have produced. The movie entitled P2 (2007) was made for a small budget of $3.5M, received a cinematic release, and got fairly good reviews from critics including Roger Ebert.
Angela (Rachel Nichols) is working late downtown Manhattan on Christmas Eve. Her extended family is waiting for her to arrive but unfortunately work seems to take priority for her. By the time she leaves, her car, parked on level P2 of the underground parking garage, won’t start. Finding friendly security guard Thomas, she tries to see if he could get her a taxi. But he offers first to see if he can jump start the vehicle. Unfortunately unexpected things happen, and Angela must survive an unexpected nightmare.
The movie returned double its budget and gave a platform for some to expand their careers. Rachel Nichols became a leading lady that soon was given a chance to star in such blockbusters as the CONAN (2011) remake. Years later, this film with the odd title remains a hidden gem that many haven’t seen. Dark Discussions, for their annual Christmas movie, discuss P2 and their thoughts.
Be Nice to Witches -or else – News and Happenings, Haggazuzza review, and Ladytron Concert mini-review.
It used to be Frank Darabont that adapted a good many of Stephen King’s works to the big screen. Recently, however, director Mike Flanagan has been doing so (or to VOD). His latest came to the big screen early November 2019. It was DOCTOR SLEEP, based off the 2013 novel. And as a reviewed film, it seemed to get a better grade than the book. The tale, book and novel, is a follow up to THE SHINING (movie or book, but in different ways).
Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor), now an adult man, is haunted by the ghosts he saw at the Overlook Hotel as a child. Now living in a small town in New Hampshire, he is employed at an assisted living/hospice care home. Fighting his own demons, he goes to Alcohol Anonymous and now lives a sober life. When he is contacted by an unknown individual through psychic means, he discovers there is a group called the True Knot of predatory people who hunt people with the shining for nefarious reasons.
The film stars Ewan McGregor but also Rebecca Ferguson as Rose the Hat, the leader of the True Knot, in a tour-de-force performance that deserves awards recognition. Unfortunately for all involved, the film was a financial disaster and left theaters quickly. Yet the director was able to meld the movie into a direct sequel to the Stanley Kubrick classic film, THE SHINING (1980) with ease. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest King adaptation and gives their thoughts.
Krampusnacht intro-An introduction of the Fishnets and Phantoms podcast to Dark Discussions.
Back in 2018, a low budget thriller CALIBRE picked up by Netflix premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival where it received positive buzz. Not surprising the picture was a Scottish production giving the premiere a very local experience. Shortly after Netflix released it to their VOD platform, it disappeared into their vast catalog of movies and shows. But some people came upon it and soon word-of-mouth gave it some regard.
Marcus, a successful businessman, takes his old friend Vaughn out hunting in the moors of Scotland. Vaughn has a quandary. His fiancée is newly pregnant and he is beginning to worry whether he will be a good father. Arriving at their destination, the two find out that the local townsfolk look upon them as troublemakers. The next morning they head out to hunt deer only to land up in a predicament neither ever thought was possible.
CALIBRE was a lucky pick by one of Dark Discussions Patreon supporters. Written and directed by newcomer Matt Palmer, the movie has received fantastic reviews. With its strong cast of Jack Lowden, Martin McCann, and Tony Curran, the movie’s acting makes the film appear to be a much bigger production. You co-hosts take a look at this little film and give their thoughts.
Though until recently, director Issa López was fairly unknown outside her native Mexico. However Academy Award winning composer Hans Zimmer saw something and actually scored her film CASI DIVAS (2008). When her latest film, TIGERS ARE NOT AFRAID (2017), was released on Shudder in 2019, such folks as Stephen King and Guillermo Del Toro took notice.
While at school, Estrella’s mother is kidnapped by a human trafficking cartel. Alone and scared, she becomes a street kid. Soon she meets other children including Shine who lets her become part of his “family”. Unfortunately the cartel is after something that they have. But complicating the children’s survival is monstrous spirits and ghosts begin to follow Estrella wherever she goes.
TIGERS ARE NOT AFRAID has received fantastic reviews all around even with its dark subject matter. Though based in the real world, there is an aspect to the movie that feels dreamlike. Dark Discussions takes a look at this highly acclaimed movie and shares their thoughts.
Haunted locations in cinemas such as mansions, castles, and even automobiles have spooked people out for years. But one of the most spooky is probably closed down or abandoned asylums. Such films as GRAVE ENCOUNTERS and SESSION 9 are just some of the more popular. In 2018, South Korea entered the fray. The horror film, GONJIAM: HAUNTED ASYLUM, based on what CNN calls one of the seven scariest places in the world, was released.
YouTuber and paranormal investigator Ha-Joon puts together a group of five Koreans and one American to participate in a ghost hunt. Their target is Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, an abandoned medical facility where reports state the final director murdered the remaining patients. Entering illegally the six investigators do a walk around while Ha-Joon sets up just outside his HQ. As they broadcast live, more and more strange things occur which may be more than television trickery.
Director Bum-shik Jung’s film was a huge box office success in South Korea, beating out the Hollywood film READY PLAYER ONE and earning over $10 million USD in four days. It had the largest opening of any Korean film in the month of March. Critically acclaimed, many have stated it is one of the better movies in the found footage subgenre. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film.
During the prime popularity of zombies, Columbia Pictures jumped into the fray with 2009’s ZOMBIELAND. Following the comedic root of such films as SHAUN OF THE DEAD, the movie was a great success and was the highest grossing zombie film (at the time) for US box office. After a ten year hiatus, 2019’s ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP, the sequel, was released to great success.
After a zombie apocalypse, Columbus (Jesse Eisneberg) randomly meets up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) who’s on a search for some sort of existence that reminds him of his prior life. On the way to Ohio, they meet up with Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) who are on their way to Pacific Playland, a California based amusement park that Little Rock always wanted to go to. Throughout their journeys through the two films, they meet up with Madison (Zoey Deutch), a valley girl, and Nevada (Rosario Dawson), a survivalist.
Directed by Ruben Fleisher, and starring top talent, the two films became international sensations. And as the sequel showed, zombies still carried some box office muscle even while on the decline as a genre. Dark Discussions takes a look at this newly anointed franchise and talks about this post-apocalyptic world.
New Hampshire director Robert Eggers made a splash with his 2015 film THE WITCH. It received critical acclaim and brought to horror fans the cult icon of Black Philip. After his freshman effort, a lot of attention followed where many wondered what would be the follow up for his sophomore effort. The film that he came up with was the recently released THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019) timed for Halloween and yet very unlike many more mainstream genre films.
Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson) and Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe) are the new wickies (or lighthouse keepers) for a small island off the coast of New Hampshire. Thomas, the veteran, shows a volatile personality where he takes full control of the operation of the lighthouse while making Ephraim do the menial tasks such as clean and house maintenance. As things begin to go get worse as supplies run low and the men’s personalities begin to grate, strange things happen that begin to make Ephraim question their daily tasks.
Small in scale, the movie is most certainly an “actor’s” film. Both Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson show off their acting talents in a movie that is filled with atmosphere. Critical praise allowed the film to get a bigger than average release for an “arthouse” film and the movie continues to have high regard. Dark Discussions takes a look at this very bizarre yet interesting film.
Praised by European critics and winning the prestigious award, the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, JOKER (2019) has been targeted by the liberal American media as a right wing film. Its director Todd Phillips has been called a “metoo” villain for his comedies. The movie has been called racist and violent. And critics have said it could lead to violence by incels, loners, and extreme groups. Yet the same detractors praise Roman Polanski, Woody Allen, and give great reviews to violent films like JOHN WICK (2014). And yet JOKER may be the best film of 2019.
Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) works as a clown to cheer up hospital patients, hold up signs for businesses, and play at children’s parties. He also is a loner who has a laughing disorder and lives with his mother. While trying to be a standup comic, he’s regularly attacked by street thugs and treated badly by co-workers. One day while riding the subway, he along with a number of other passengers are attacked by Wall Street bourgeois. And a fateful occurrence changes not only his life but the entire city of Gotham.
The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as the title character, bringing life to the DC comic villain. Todd Phillips directs a film that when shown up to the face of those who denounce his art something they don’t like. One of the biggest successes of 2019, and considered as one of the best films of the year (by unbiased and honest critics), JOKER has become more than a movie; it has become a phenomenon. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.
After the success of his novel CARRIE (1974), Stephen King followed up with what some considered a more traditional novel, ‘SALEM’S LOT (1975), based strictly within the most popular horror subgenre of all, vampires. However, unlike the traditional vampire story, he took the DRACULA tale and placed it squarely into a small New England town; basically using PEYTON PLACE (in a sense) as a vampire setting.
Ben Mears, an unsuccessful author, heads back to Jerusalem’s Lot, a small town in Maine that he used to spend summers at. As a child, during a dare, he entered an abandoned home of a former Boston Irish mobster. Inside he swore he saw the ghost of hitman Hubie Marsten. Now he wants to write a book on the Marsten House and also face his own “ghosts” from the past.
A big success for Stephen King’s sophomore effort, the book was turned into a TV mini-series directed by Tobe Hooper and also once more in the 2004 starring actor Rob Lowe. Dark Discussions takes a look at the novel and discusses it thoroughly as only fans can.
To the stars is what they say in Latin, ad astra. Not surprisingly the term is now the title of the new 2019 film AD ASTRA starring Brad Pitt in what some are saying is another award winning performance after ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (2019). The movie is considered a throwback to the hard science fiction of yesteryear where sound is not in space and aliens may not exist.
When second generation astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) is called into Space Command, he learns that his father who was lost in outer space twenty-six years prior may actually still be alive. They send him to Mars to send off a communication to his long lost father to the outskirts of Neptune where he was last reported. Unfortunately, Roy discovers that there may be more to his father’s legacy and to Space Command itself.
The film was directed by James Gray, known for being a favorite at Cannes for his many award winning films (WE OWN THE NIGHT (2007), THE IMMIGRANT (2013)). His latest has received high praise from critics. It also has been discussed as high concept on its statements on society, family relationships, and the human condition. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest science fiction film and gives their thoughts.
The Netflix original television show, MINDHUNTER, was well received when it debuted in October 2017. In August 2019, season two dropped and got even better reviews than the prior season. Based on the real life story of the creation of the Behavioral Science in the FBI, the show changes things up a bit but stays in the real world as fictional appearances of notorious serial murders appear on many episodes.
With a new boss, agents Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Tench (Holt McCallany) along with psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv) grow the Behavioral Science unit within the FBI. While on assignment in Georgia, Agent Ford investigates the murders of young black minors around the Atlanta area. Soon the FBI gets involved officially with Ford using his scientific approach to try to identify a new serial killer.
Season two, unlike season one, focuses more upon the Tench and Carr characters. The program has officially been turned into focusing on an ensemble cast. Dark Discussions is joined by author M.J. Preston in their discussion of season two giving their thoughts.
John W. Campbell’s novella, WHO GOES THERE?, published in 1938 in considered one of the greatest science fiction horror stories of all time. It isn’t surprising that it has been made into, though loosely, into at least adaptations. That doesn’t include the influence it had on other stories such as THE BODY SNATCHERS by Jack Finney. In 1951, producer Howard Hawks THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, the first adaptation, received roaring reviews and is considered a classic.
An air force base in Anchorage receives a call from scientist Arthur Carrington near the North Pole that an unusual aircraft has crashed. Captain Ned Scott and crew are sent up north to help investigate. When the scientists and the air force soldiers arrive at the crash site, they found a remarkable discovery. Taking back their findings to the outpost, they unexpectedly unleash a horror that none of them ever had seen before.
The film starred a group of well known character actors and was directed by Howard Hawks prodigy, Christian Nyby. The films box office beat such other classic science fiction films as THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951) and WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE (1951). Dark Discussions takes a look at this film which fell right in the middle of the Cold War and said a lot about a world that recently fought a world war.
When violence from mass shootings happens because of their respective spree killers, words and phrases such as psychopath, mental illness, gun control, background checks, laws, and nature versus nurture are always bandied about. In 2011, the film WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN came out. Oddly the film still plays today. It also has more to say than just school shootings.
Eva (Tilda Swinton) is a successful travel book author and her husband Franklin (John C. Reilly) is as successful as an insurance investigator. When Kevin (Ezra Miller) is born, he is a colloquy baby and appears to torment his mother. She begins to regret her life as a mother, but one wonders whether she has a right to do so. Kevin becomes a miserable teenager and soon a tragedy occurs that ruins his mother’s life.
The film, directed by Lynne Ramsay and co-written with Rory Stewart Kinnear, is based off the best selling novel written by Lionel Shriver. Discussing more than nature, nurture, or spree killings, the narrative leaves open questions about many things including being a parent, giving up ones dreams and wondering whether one is at fault of a sociopath child. Dark Discussions discusses this interesting tale and gives their thoughts.
In 2017, after many rumors of production issues, the film, IT CHAPTER ONE, premiered its trailer and began to get positive buzz. When it was released in September, it received excellent reviews and became one of the top grossing horror films of all time. Immediately IT CHAPTER TWO was announced to great hope and finally appeared at theaters in late summer 2019.
Now adults, the “loser’s club” is called back to Derry, Maine by Mike, the only member to remain in town, when he discovers Pennywise, the evil clown, has returned. Soon more people go missing or are found dead, and the group is forced to return to their childhood haunts to find a way to kill a creature that seems impossible to kill.
The film is once again helmed by Andy Muschietti. Screenwriter Gary Dauberman is back to personally write the script. Starring award winning actors James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain, and including a cast of up-and-comers, the movie was a hugh success even though its reviews (though good) were not as positive as the first. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new horror film based off Stephen King’s novel, IT (1985).
The movie making quartet called Radio Silence (Chad Villella, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, and Justin Martinez) are well known by genre fans for their participation in horror anthology films such as V/H/S (2012) and SOUTHBOUND (2015). In 2019, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett came together to co-direct the new horror film READY OR NOT (2019) starring up-and-coming starlet, the Australian, Samara Weaving
Grace, a young woman, comes back to her fiancé Alex’s family estate for her wedding day. The Le Domas family made a fortune as game developers, and Alex, after a long estrangement, uses his wedding day to end the rift. Unfortunately a mysterious family tradition may sour the event. At midnight, Grace must randomly pick a game to play to fully enter the family. Unfortunately for all involved, it may not be as innocuous as all were hoping.
Already having a starring role in the horror film THE BABYSITTER (2017), Samara Weaving gets to shine as the heroine of her latest release. The movie has received mass critical appeal and had a small but very successful box office run. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest theatrical horror film release and gives their opinion.
After the success of Johannes Roberts film, 47 METERS DOWN (2017), the production company Entertainment Studios authorized a follow up film. Though titled 47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED (2019), the new film had no relation with the first. However Johannes Roberts was brought back to direct and also co-write it with original screenwriter Ernest Riera. The film was released to theaters on August 16, 2019.
Stepsisters Mia (Sophi Nélisse) and Sasha (Corinne Foxx) have followed their respective parents to Mexico for an underwater archeological dig. Their ex-pat school friends, Alexa (Brianne Tju) and Nicole (Sistine Stallone), get the two to ditch a tour boat to instead go check out the dig. After an unfortunate accident occurs, the four have to swim out the main entrance only to discover an unexpected danger waiting for them.
The cast includes up-and-coming actresses, including Jamie Foxx’s daughter Corinne and Sylvester Stallone’s daughter and Instagram favorite Sistine Stallone. With its fairly decent reviews, the movie oddly underperformed but still made almost three times its budget. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new when-animals-attack film and gives their thoughts.
Dark Discussions has reached their 400th episode and once again we let the listeners choose our topic; at least choose which film out of sixteen cult classics. The movie to come out on top is the 1987 cult classic, EVIL DEAD 2. This is the film that basically made the careers of Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, Robert Tapert, Kassie Wesley, Ted Raimi, Peter Deming, ,Joseph LoDuca among others. The true definition of cult and midnight movie.
Ash Williams and his girlfriend, Linda, head out to a quaint cabin in the woods. Surprisingly the location appears to have been recently inhabited by an archeologist and his wife. But both now seem to be missing. While playing back a dictation machine, the voice of the professor reads out various quotes from a mystical book, the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, also known as the Book of the Dead. Soon out in the woods, spirits and demons begin to break through dimensional doors resulting in what will be Ash’s worst nightmare.
Released to theaters unrated, the film was actually a modest success at the box office. Yet, once it went to video, it became an immediate cult classic and arguably one of the greatest horror films of all time. Dark Discussions, to celebrate their milestone, give their thoughts to this unforgettable masterpiece.
The three set book series, SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK, written by Alan Schwartz is probably most famous for its artwork by Stephen Gammell. Fairly scary and some say not appropriate for young children, the books and their art were one of the most controversial books for children. Now in 2019, director André Øvredal, famous for such modern classics as TROLLHUNTER (2010) and THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE (2016), is back with an adaptation of the Schwartz books.
Teenagers Stella, Auggie, and Chuck meet up with an out-of-town eighteen year old named Ramón. When fleeing bullies on Halloween, they land up at the old Bellow house, an abandoned mansion with dark secrets. While investigating the rooms, they find an old book that may bring evil upon the town.
Starring relatively unknowns, the movie however received good reviews. Oddly just like the books, the film may be a bit more scary than its suggested viewership. With its successful box office run, the movie is another in a list of 2019 horror films bringing success to theaters. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.
Danish director Lars von Trier has been a polarizing figure for years. Many if not all of his films have caused divisiveness. And some have pushed the boundaries of mainstream and what some would call graphic sexual pornography. Either way, the film that the majority call his most mainstream film, MELANCOLIA (2011), became a critical darling and won many awards.
It’s the wedding day of Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Michael (Alexander Skarsgård). Justine’s brother-in-law John (Kiefer Sutherland) and sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) are hosting the wedding at their magnificent mansion. As secrets of family and friends become exposed, a news report of a giant planetoid, Melancholia, hurdling towards a fly by of Earth is broadcast.
The film stars Kirsten Dunst in an award winning performance where she received the award for Best Actress at Cannes (which many proclaim as the greatest award of them all for a lead actress). With its splendid imagery, the film was once again shot by long time collaborator cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro. Dark Discussions takes a look at this unique and acclaimed film.
Kevin Tenney may not be as famous as some of his peers from the 1980’s, but he’s had a few horror movies that have become October staples. His most famous film, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS (1988), is probably one of the most famous horror films that take place on Halloween night. However, his feature film debut two years prior, WITCHBOARD (1986), is probably almost famous.
Linda Brewster and her boyfriend Jim have a weekend cocktail party. Unfortunately her ex-boyfriend Brandon seems to not get along well with her latest beau. During a “game” using Brandon’s Ouija board, something goes wrong. Brandon claims that the bad energy between he and Jim have caused Daniel, the spirit of a dead boy, has become angry. The next day, Linda tries her own summons only to find out that an evil may in the house that’s more fearsome than the ghost of a young boy.
The film got notoriety because Tawny Kitaen starred in it. Being a very popular television personality and model, she brought some cred to what was otherwise a B-movie. However, this ghost tale went against the trend of 1980’s slasher films and stood out as a fan favorite. Dark Discussions takes a look at this good hearted and fun throwback horror film.
It is his 9th feature length movie. And it is what he has said is the penultimate film of his career. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (2019), the latest feature length film by Quentin Tarantino, is a lengthy epic written and directed by him. Some say it is a love letter to Hollywood back in the day. Others say it is his commentary of various topics as cultural shifts in society. Yet, no matter, the movie, just like all of his films, gained much press.
The film follows actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo Dicaprio) and his best friend and stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). When Dalton gets the call to play another villain-of-the-week on a prominent western show, Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and husband move next door on Cielo Drive in Beverly Hills. As tumultuous change occurs with hippies and other nonconformists moving into the city, Cliff and Rick try to navigate the turmoil of what’s to become.
Bringing in the most money on its debut than any other film by Quentin Tarantino, the word of mouth and critical response has made the movie a winner. In career defining performances by Pitt and Dicaprio, and a strong supporting cast, the movies episode nature leaves most riveted. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting and engrossing film.
Animal attack films have been around for ages. When it comes to alligators or crocodiles, there’s been a load of them. Such films as ALLIGATOR (1980), ROGUE (2007), BLACK WATER (2007), and EATEN ALIVE (1977) are just a few of them. Now Ghost House Pictures has released the latest in these reptile films simply called CRAWL (2019).
Haley Keller leaves the University of Florida to go check on her father Dave. A category 5 hurricane is about to hit and neither she nor her sister has heard from him. When she arrives at his condo, she finds only his dog, Sugar. Taking Sugar along they head to his house that’s for sale, she discovers he is trapped in the waterlogged crawlspace under the house. Unfortunately for both of them, the flooding has brought with them a large number of alligators.
Produced by Sam Raimi, and directed by Alexandre Aja known for such films as Piranha 3D and High Tension, the movie has been well received by critics. The script by the Rasmussen brothers (best known for the screenplay of John Carpenter’s film THE WARD) have especially received praise. Starring Barry Pepper and Kaya Scodelario as father-daughter, they carry the movie’s quick 87 minutes. Dark Discussions takes a look at the movie and gives their thoughts.
In 2018 a relatively unknown director named Ari Aster had his film HEREDITARY released. Prior to its debut, the movie was getting rave reviews while playing on the festival circuit. Though the film got mixed reviews by audiences, it was a box office success. His sophomore effort MIDSOMMAR (2019) was just released and it too received fantastic reviews.
College co-ed Dani Ardor follows her boyfriend Christian and his friends Mark and Josh to Sweden for a festival. Having lost her parents and sister to a murder-suicide, her mental state has been shattered and this trip seems like an exotic escape from her troubles. When they arrive, what they expected to be similar to Mardi Gras is much more pagan. As the week goes by, stranger things begin to happen and their hosts become more erratic.
Though the film stars a cast of relative unknowns, Aster’s writing and direction move this very long film into directions that are very unnerving. Already being called the best horror film of 2019, the movie has made three times its budget. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.