Friday Night Frightfest: Recent Episodes
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This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are heading deep into the Tennessee woods to kick off a brand-new multi-part retrospective series dedicated to the ultimate splatter-horror royalty! Over the next few episodes, we’ll be exploring the entire Evil Dead saga—from its scrappy, low-budget origins all the way to its modern reboots.
To start our franchise journey, we’re pitting the raw, visceral terror of Sam Raimi’s original cabin-in-the-woods shocker, The Evil Dead (1981), against its legendary, laugh-out-loud slapstick horror-comedy follow-up, Evil Dead II (1987). Strap in as we track Bruce Campbell’s transformation from a mild-mannered victim into the ultimate chainsaw-wielding anti-hero!
The Evil Dead (1981)
Crafted on a shoestring budget by a group of young, ambitious friends in the woods of Morristown, Tennessee, The Evil Dead remains one of the most relentlessly oppressive and innovative low-budget horror films ever made. Five college students arrive at an isolated cabin where they accidentally play a reel-to-reel recording of ancient Sumerian incantations from the Naturom Demonto (the Book of the Dead). What follows is an unhinged descent into graphic, demonic terror as the unseen Kandarian Demon possesses them one by one. Driven by Raimi’s frantic “shaky-cam” cinematography, Tom Sullivan’s nauseating practical gore effects, and a grim, unrelenting tone, this original nightmare set the benchmark for modern survival horror.
Evil Dead II (1987)
Six years later, armed with a bigger budget and a wildly anarchic vision, Sam Raimi returned to the cabin to invent a whole new subgenre. Part remake recap, part escalation, Evil Dead II hits the fast-forward button on the original’s setup and throws Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) into a hyper-violent, Three Stooges-style cartoon hallucination. Trapped in the cabin alone with possessed severed hands, laughing furniture, and Deadites lurking in the cellar, Ash loses his mind—and his hand—before strapping a chainsaw to his arm and rising as the “Groovy” action icon we know and love. It is a tour de force of physical comedy, buckets of multi-colored blood, and pure, joyful cinematic chaos.
Join us as we dissect this foundational double feature and launch our dive into the Necronomicon lore!
Spoilers start around 9:38.
Lock your doors, turn down the lights, and grab a glass of whatever keeps your nerves steady—it is officially time for our Annual Year in Review! We’ve spent the last twelve months tracking the cinematic highs, the baffling lows, and the absolute bloodbaths that have graced both theater screens and streaming platforms.
In this episode, we’ll be counting down our official top 10 and bottom 5 films of the entire year! What a wild, terrifying, and hilarious ride it has been! Grab your drinks, settle in, and get ready as we break down our absolute favorites (and our biggest disappointments) of the past year.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are logging on and diving deep into the dark corners of internet-born folklore! Online urban legends—lovingly dubbed “creepypastas”—have officially conquered the silver screen, moving from text-based forums to major cinematic blockbusters. We are pairing Kane Parsons’ massive, record-breaking summer box office smash Backrooms (2026) with the indie lo-fi horror anthology, Creepypasta (2023). Dust off your old CRT monitors and mind the static—you never know what’s lurking in the digital void.
Backrooms (2026)
Talk about a viral phenomenon making history. Directed by 21-year-old Kane Parsons in his feature-length directorial debut (expanding on his legendary YouTube found-footage universe) and distributed by A24, Backrooms is an absolute triumph of psychological and liminal space horror. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark, a struggling furniture store owner who discovers a terrifying, glitchy dimensional gateway in his basement that leads into an endless, yellow-wallpapered labyrinth. Alongside his therapist Mary (Renate Reinsve), they are hunted through the chaotic, disordered halls by a deeply unsettling entity known as “Pirate Clark” (played by the 7-foot-8 Robert Bobroczkyi). It is a gorgeous, suffocating masterpiece that proves internet lore can carry a massive theatrical narrative.
Creepypasta (2023)
To understand how we got to the big-budget heights of Backrooms, you have to look back at the indie anthology roots of the genre. Released on Screambox, Creepypasta utilizes a gritty, low-fi wrap-around story where an unnamed young man finds himself trapped inside an abandoned house. To figure out how he arrived, he is forced by a menacing presence to sift through a series of viral, dark-web videos. Comprising multiple short segments directed by various indie filmmakers, the movie evokes the early days of internet chain-letters, hidden analog signals, and creepy folklore. It’s a DIY tribute to the era of staying up way too late reading scary stories on message boards.
Join us as we analyze the evolution of cyber urban legends. We’ll discuss how Backrooms successfully traded the typical “jump scare” formula for deep, existential dread and surrealist set designs, versus how Creepypasta serves as a raw, analog time capsule of online horror culture.
Spoilers start around 7:07.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are wrapping up our epic franchise retrospective with a massive grand finale! While the internet love to debate the ups and downs of parody history, we’re throwing out the critical consensus and embracing the pure, unadulterated fun of the franchise’s later eras. We are looking at an entry that deserve a lot more love: the hyper-chaotic, early-2010s time capsule Scary Movie 5 (2013) and the triumphant, star-studded legacy revival that just crushed the summer box office, Scary Movie (2026). Grab your popcorn—we’re closing this series out with non-stop laughs!
Scary Movie 5 (2013)
Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, Scary Movie 5 gets a bad rap, but if you look past the critical hate, it is a goldmine of rapid-fire physical comedy and surreal, early-2010s pop culture. Anchored by Ashley Tisdale and Simon Rex, the film skewers hits like Paranormal Activity, Evil Dead, Sinister, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. From Simon Rex’s incredible commitment to getting physically destroyed by the scenery to the utterly bizarre, self-aware opening cameo with Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan, this entry runs at a breakneck pace. It’s an absurd, live-action cartoon that understands exactly what it is: pure, unpretentious fun.
Scary Movie (2026)
Pairing perfectly with the fifth entry is the brand-new 2026 revival, which brought the franchise roaring back into the cultural zeitgeist. Written by the legendary Wayans brothers (Keenen Ivory, Shawn, and Marlon) and bringing back the iconic duo of Anna Faris (Cindy) and Regina Hall (Brenda), this movie is an absolute love letter to the fans. The film brilliantly parodies the modern “elevated horror” and “requel” trends, taking hilarious, no-holds-barred aims at Scream (2022), M3GAN, Smile, and The Substance. It captures the exact same nostalgic magic as the original trilogy while proving that the spoof genre is far from dead.
Join us as we celebrate the entire evolution of this comedy empire! We’ll break down why the physical gags in Scary Movie 5 (especially that possessed Roomba sequence) still crack us up, and how the 2026 reunion delivered the ultimate fan-service theater experience of the year. It turns out that when you stop taking things so seriously, both of these films are an absolute blast to watch back-to-back.
Spoilers start around 7:15.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re entering the “Zucker Era” of the parody world! After the Wayans brothers moved on, legendary comedy director David Zucker (Airplane!) took the reins, shifting the franchise from gross-out gags to rapid-fire, slapstick absurdity. We’re comparing the blockbuster pivot Scary Movie 3 (2003) with the sci-fi-fueled madness of Scary Movie 4 (2006). It’s time for crop circles, cursed tapes, and alien tripods!
Scary Movie 3 (2003)
Widely considered the peak of the sequels, Scary Movie 3 masterfully weaves together the plots of The Ring and Signs. Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris) returns, now a struggling news reporter investigating a cursed videotape that kills viewers in seven days, while simultaneously helping a widower farmer (Charlie Sheen) deal with mysterious crop circles. With iconic cameos from Pamela Anderson, Jenny McCarthy, and Queen Latifah (in a hilarious Matrix parody), this entry perfected the art of the visual “sight gag”—including that infamous, ever-growing Sheriff’s hat!
Scary Movie 4 (2006)
In the fourth installment, the franchise leans heavily into the big-budget “disaster horror” of the mid-2000s. The primary targets this time are War of the Worlds, The Grudge, and Saw. Cindy finds herself working as a home-care nurse in a haunted house (complete with a terrifyingly pale Japanese ghost boy) while her neighbor, Tom Ryan (a pitch-perfect Tom Cruise parody by Craig Bierko), tries to survive an alien invasion of giant “Tr-iPods.” From the Jigsaw traps that go hilariously wrong to the brutal The Village parody, this film proved that nothing was safe from a Zucker-style punchline.
Join us as we discuss the shift in tone that defined these two entries. We’ll look at how the franchise successfully transitioned from R-rated raunch to PG-13 slapstick without losing its edge, and why the chemistry between Brenda (Regina Hall) and Cindy remains the best part of the entire series. Which “cursed” storyline made us laugh the hardest, and which celebrity cameo stole the show?
Spoilers start around 9:55.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re trading pure terror for some classic meta-commentary and a whole lot of “Wazzup!” In anticipation of the Scary Movie reboot coming out this year, we are going back to the duo that started the parody phenomenon. We’re comparing the original slasher-skewering Scary Movie (2000) with its supernatural-themed sequel Scary Movie 2 (2001). Grab your popcorn and watch out for the killer—if he isn’t too busy getting high!
Scary Movie (2000)
Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, the first Scary Movie took the late-90s horror resurgence and turned it on its head. Primarily lampooning the meta-horror of Scream and the “guilty secret” trope of I Know What You Did Last Summer, the film follows Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris) and her group of deeply dim-witted friends as they are stalked by a masked killer. From the opening Drew Barrymore parody with Carmen Electra to the “Shorty” (Marlon Wayans) stoner gags, it’s a relentless barrage of slapstick and gross-out humor that somehow manages to perfectly capture the aesthetic of the films it’s making fun of.
Scary Movie 2 (2001)The sequel, released just a year later, pivots away from slashers and dives into the world of supernatural and haunted house horror. Taking its main plot from the 1999 remake of The Haunting, the film sees our survivors (joined by new faces like Tori Spelling) invited to “Hell House” by a perverted professor (Tim Curry) for a sleep study. The parodies here are legendary: the Exorcist opening with James Woods, the Poltergeist clown fight, and the infamous “Hanson” (Chris Elliott) and his “strong hand.” It’s a chaotic, live-action cartoon that pushed the franchise into even weirder, more supernatural territory.
Join us as we break down why these films were such massive cultural touchpoints at the turn of the millennium. We’ll discuss which parodies hit the mark and which jokes… well, haven’t exactly aged like fine wine.
Spoilers start around 5:40.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re going “ape” over a terrifyingly specific subgenre: super smart primate horror! We are looking at a classic piece of “scientific-experiment-gone-wrong” horror by comparing George A. Romero’s psychological thriller Monkey Shines (1988) with the highly anticipated, high-tech creature feature Primate (2026). Grab your bananas, but watch your back—these monkeys are smarter (and meaner) than you think!
Monkey Shines (1988)
Directed by the legendary George A. Romero, this film explores the terrifying bond between a man and his “helper.” After a tragic accident leaves athlete Allan Mann (Jason Beghe) paralyzed, he is given Ella, a highly intelligent capuchin monkey trained to assist him. However, Ella has been injected with experimental human brain tissue, creating a telepathic link between her and Allan. As Ella begins to act out Allan’s suppressed rage and darker impulses, the film spirals into a claustrophobic, psychological battle of wills. It’s a masterclass in building tension within a single location.
Primate (2026)
Directed by Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down), this brand-new release takes the “killer monkey” trope and scales it up for a modern, terrifying cinematic experience. In Primate, a group of scientists at a remote research facility are hunted by a breakthrough species of genetically modified primates designed for “cognitive warfare.” Unlike the intimate scale of Monkey Shines, this 2026 thriller leans into high-octane survival horror, utilizing state-of-the-art practical effects and performance capture to create predators that are hauntingly human in their tactics.
Join us as we dissect the evolution of simian scares! How has our fear of animal intelligence changed over the decades, and which of these primates is the true “King of the Jungle”?
Spoilers start around 5:50.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are hitting the “lucky number seven” of two of the greatest slasher sagas in history! We are comparing two of the most daring entries in their respective franchises: the telekinetic showdown Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) and the groundbreaking meta-masterpiece Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994). It’s a clash between a supernatural slasher and the movie that dared to break the fourth wall before “meta” was a household word.
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
Directed by John Carl Buechler, The New Blood is often cited by fans as the “Jason vs. Carrie” installment. This is the debut of Kane Hodder as Jason Voorhees, bringing a newfound physical intensity and rage to the role that defined the character for the next decade. The story follows Tina Shepard, a girl with telekinetic powers who accidentally resurrects Jason from the bottom of Crystal Lake while trying to bring back her deceased father. With a massive psychic showdown and some of the franchise’s most brutal practical kills—including the iconic sleeping bag moment—this entry turned Jason into a force of nature that literally required a supernatural match-up to stop.
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
Directed by Wes Craven himself, New Nightmare took the franchise to an entirely new dimension. Abandoning the continuity of the previous films, this entry takes place in the “real world,” where actress Heather Langenkamp (playing herself) is stalked by a darker, more terrifying entity that has taken the form of Freddy Krueger. As Freddy begins to bleed into reality, terrorizing the cast and crew of the Nightmare films, the movie deconstructs the entire slasher genre. It’s a brilliant, psychological horror film that explores the burden of fame, the danger of archetypes, and what happens when the monster you created decides to come for its creator.
Join us as we analyze how these seventh installments reinvented their monsters. We’ll discuss the visceral, heavy-metal spectacle of Kane Hodder’s first outing as Jason versus the high-concept, cerebral terror of Wes Craven’s meta-commentary.
Spoilers start around 7:21.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are celebrating the ultimate “bad in-laws” survival guide! We’re revisiting the film that turned a wedding night into a heavy-metal bloodbath and comparing it to its highly anticipated, high-stakes sequel. We’re pitting the 2019 cult hit Ready or Not against the brand-new, expanded chaos of Ready or Not 2 (2026). Hide your crossbows and lace up your sneakers—it’s time for a family reunion from hell.
Ready or Not (2019)
Directed by the Radio Silence team (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett), this film introduced us to Grace (Samara Weaving), a bride whose wedding night takes a sinister turn when her eccentric, wealthy new in-laws force her to take part in a terrifying tradition. After drawing the “Hide and Seek” card from a mysterious box, Grace becomes the prey in a ritualistic hunt designed to appease a demonic entity named Mr. Le Bail. Blending razor-sharp satire with visceral gore, the film is a masterclass in survival horror, anchored by Weaving’s iconic, cigarette-smoking, blood-soaked performance in a shredded wedding dress.
Ready or Not 2 (2026)
Picking up years after the explosive (literally) finale of the first film, Ready or Not 2 sees Samara Weaving return as Grace, who has spent the intervening years trying to outrun the legacy of the Le Domas family. However, the curse of Mr. Le Bail isn’t so easily broken. Directed by Adam Robitel (Escape Room), the sequel scales up the carnage as Grace discovers that the “game” has gone global. A new generation of the elite has gathered for a “Tournament of Champions,” and Grace is the ultimate prize. This time, she isn’t just hiding—she’s hunting, utilizing an arsenal of traps and her hard-earned survival instincts to take down the one percent once and for all.
Join us as we discuss the evolution of Grace from a terrified bride to a seasoned warrior. We’ll break down the pitch-black comedy of the original’s mansion-setting versus the massive, “battle royale” energy of the 2026 sequel. Does the follow-up live up to the “explosive” reputation of the first, and is Samara Weaving officially our favorite modern horror icon? Tune in to find out if anyone makes it out alive!
Spoilers start around 4:12.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are exploring the terror of “Found Audio” and hijacked airwaves. We’re looking at how a simple recording can become a gateway to obsession and ancient evil. We’re comparing A24’s latest descent into audible terror, undertone (2026), with the gritty, neo-noir mystery of Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021). Whether it’s a podcast co-host sending you cursed files or a masked figure interrupting the nightly news, these films prove that some signals should never be decoded.
undertone (2026)
Written and directed by Ian Tuason in a stunning directorial debut, undertone (stylized in all lowercase) is a masterclass in claustrophobic sound design. Nina Kiri stars as Evy, a skeptical horror podcast host who has moved back into her childhood home to care for her dying, comatose mother. When her co-host Justin (Adam DiMarco) receives a series of anonymous audio recordings, Evy begins to hear hidden messages in reverse—unearthing the legend of Abyzou, a demon that targets mothers and the unborn. Filmed in Tuason’s own family home, the movie never leaves the house, trapping the audience in a sonic nightmare where the silence is just as terrifying as the screams.
Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021)
Directed by Jacob Gentry, this film takes us back to the late 90s and the world of analog obsession. Harry Shum Jr. stars as James, a video archivist grieving the disappearance of his wife. While digitizing old tapes, he stumbles upon a “broadcast signal intrusion”—a terrifying pirate broadcast featuring a person in a white, uncanny-valley mask. James falls down a rabbit hole of BBS message boards and urban legends, convinced that these intrusions are linked to a string of missing women. It’s a stylish, “cold” thriller that blends the aesthetic of The Ring with the paranoid conspiracy of Zodiac, proving that the search for the truth can be a death sentence.
Join us as we discuss the “New Wave” of audio-centric horror.
Spoilers start around 6:30.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are pushing the boundaries of reality and the silver screen. We’re comparing the highly anticipated, full-circle return of the Ghostface saga, Scream 7 (2026), with the ultimate “meta” love letter to 80s slashers, The Final Girls (2015). It’s an episode dedicated to the women who survive, the rules they break, and the generational impact of slasher trauma.
Scream 7 (2026)
Directed by the franchise’s original creator, Kevin Williamson, Scream 7 is a massive cinematic event that brings the story back to its roots. After the chaos in New York, we return to a more intimate but no less deadly focus on Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), who is now fighting to protect her own family—specifically her daughter, Tatum (Isabel May). The film leans heavily into the 30-year legacy of the franchise, examining the trauma of being the world’s most famous “Final Girl” while introducing a Ghostface that seems to know Sidney better than she knows herself. It’s a sophisticated, brutal, and emotional homecoming that asks: can you ever truly leave the horror behind?
The Final Girls (2015)
Directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, this cult favorite is a brilliant, neon-soaked blend of horror-comedy and emotional drama. Max (Taissa Farmiga) is a teenager mourning the death of her mother, Amanda (Malin Åkerman), a former “Scream Queen.” When Max and her friends attend a tribute screening of her mother’s most famous film, Camp Bloodbath, they are mysteriously sucked into the movie itself. To survive, they must navigate 80s slasher tropes, avoid the machete-wielding Billy Murphy, and—most importantly—Max must find a way to save her mother’s character from her scripted death. It’s a rare horror film that will make you cry as much as it makes you jump.
Join us as we discuss the “Final Girl” trope and generational trauma. We’ll look at how Scream 7 uses three decades of history to raise the stakes for Sidney, versus how The Final Girls uses a high-concept “movie-within-a-movie” structure to explore grief and maternal bonds.
Spoilers start around 8:38.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re slicing into the modern “requel” era of the most self-aware franchise in horror history. With Scream 7 currently on the horizon for 2026, we’re looking back at the two films that successfully passed the torch from the Woodsboro legacy to the “Core Four.” We’re comparing the 25th-anniversary homecoming of Scream (2022) with the big-city brutality of Scream VI (2023).
Scream (2022)
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (collectively known as Radio Silence), this fifth installment serves as a “requel”—a movie that functions as both a sequel and a soft reboot. Set 25 years after the original murders, a new Ghostface emerges in Woodsboro, targeting a group of teens with links to the town’s bloody past. The film introduces the Carpenter sisters, Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara (Jenna Ortega), while bringing back the “Legacy Trio” (Sidney, Gale, and Dewey) to help them survive. It masterfully skewers the trend of “elevated horror” and toxic fandom, all while delivering some of the most emotional blows in the entire series.
Scream VI (2023)
Leaving Woodsboro behind for the first time in the main timeline, the survivors of the 2022 massacre move to New York City to start a fresh chapter at college. However, Ghostface follows them to the Big Apple. This entry ups the ante with more aggressive, ruthless chase sequences—including a nail-biting encounter in a bodega and a terrifying subway ride on Halloween night. With a shrine dedicated to every past Ghostface and the return of Scream 4 survivor Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere), Scream VI is a fast-paced, urban slasher that challenges the rules of the franchise by proving that even the main characters are no longer safe.
Before you see the new Scream 7 this weekend, join u s for this episode as we discuss which film did a better job of balancing nostalgia with new blood? And who is the ultimate modern final girl?
Spoilers start around 5:45.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are diving into two of the most concept-driven horror hits of early 2026! We’re comparing Corin Hardy’s supernatural teen-slasher Whistle (2026) with Mark “Markiplier” Fischbach’s record-breaking indie sci-fi horror debut, Iron Lung (2026). Whether it’s a sound that marks you for death or a submarine welded shut in an ocean of blood, there is absolutely no escape in tonight’s double feature!
Whistle (2026)
Directed by Corin Hardy (The Nun, The Hallow), Whistle is a stylish, high-stakes spin on the “cursed object” subgenre. A group of high school outcasts, led by Dafne Keen (Logan, The Acolyte) and Sophie Nélisse (Yellowjackets), discover an ancient Aztec Death Whistle. They soon learn the terrifying truth: anyone who hears the whistle’s piercing shriek has their future death summoned to hunt them down in the present. The film blends Final Destination-style irony with a tender, sapphic romance, as the characters face grotesque, personalized demises—like a car crash that happens inside a bedroom. Hardy utilizes his signature practical effects to bring these “future deaths” to life with visceral, contorted realism.
Iron Lung (2026)
Marking the massive feature directorial debut of Markiplier, Iron Lung is a a film filled with existential dread and “minimalist” horror. Based on the 2022 cult hit game, the film is set in a future where a “Quiet Rapture” has caused all stars and planets to vanish. The remnants of humanity discover an ocean of blood on a desolate moon and send a convict (Fischbach) down to explore it in a ramshackle, windowless submarine nicknamed the “Iron Lung.” Welded inside and relying only on a graining camera and a ticking proximity sensor, the protagonist must navigate the crimson depths while something massive lurks outside. It is a grueling, 127-minute descent into madness that has taken the box office by storm.
One film uses a deafening scream to signal your end, while the other relies on a terrifying, blood-soaked silence. Which 2026 horror standout left you more breathless?
Spoilers start around 5:10.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are witnessing the rebirth of the film that redefined the zombie genre! Two decades after the infection first broke out, the original dream team of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have returned to unleash a new trilogy. We are diving into the high-stakes survival of the long-awaited 28 Years Later (2025) and its immediate, myth-expanding follow-up, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026). The Rage virus is back, and it’s evolved.
28 Years Later (2025)
Set nearly three decades after the initial outbreak in London, this film explores a world that has “normalized” the presence of the Infected. Cillian Murphy returns as Jim, now a veteran survivor navigating a fragmented Britain where isolated walled cities try to maintain a semblance of society. When a new, more aggressive strain of the virus threatens to breach the final strongholds, Jim must lead a new generation through a desolate landscape. Boyle returns to the gritty, digital aesthetic that made the original a masterpiece, proving that “fast zombies” are still the most terrifying thing in cinema.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
Directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman) from a script by Garland, this second chapter in the new trilogy takes a turn into the folk-horror and gothic. The Bone Temple shifts the focus to the rugged northern territories, where a cult-like society has formed around the idea of “coexisting” with the Infected. The “Bone Temple” itself is a macabre monument built by those who believe the virus is a divine cleansing. This installment dives deep into the psychological toll of long-term apocalypse and introduces a haunting, ritualistic atmosphere that expands the lore of the franchise in shocking new directions.
Join us as we analyze this massive cinematic event. We’ll discuss how Boyle and Garland managed to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of the original, the transition of directors for the sequel, and how the “Bone Temple” introduces a brand of horror we’ve never seen in this universe before. Has the 28-year wait been worth it? (Spoiler: Absolutely.)
Spoilers start around 08:35
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re unwrapping a gift that keeps on giving… or rather, slaying. We are celebrating the return of the most controversial Santa in cinema history, comparing the infamous 80s slasher that caused parents to protest in the streets, Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984), with the brand-new, twisted reimagining, Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025). Lock your chimneys and check your list twice—Billy is back!
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr., the original Silent Night, Deadly Night is a cornerstone of holiday horror. After witnessing his parents’ brutal murder by a man in a Santa suit and enduring years of psychological abuse at a strict orphanage, young Billy Chapman snaps. Donning the red suit himself, he goes on a relentless rampage to “punish the naughty.” This film is legendary for its iconic kills and the massive real-world controversy it sparked for “ruining” Christmas iconography.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)
Directed by Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn 2021), this new vision brings Billy Chapman into the modern era with some truly ambitious twists. Starring Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends) as a more nuanced, brooding Billy, the 2025 remake shifts the focus toward a psychological “anti-hero” journey. This version features a literal “voice in his head” guiding his vengeance and a central romance with a woman named Pamela (Ruby Modine). It’s a stylish, hyper-violent blend of slasher horror and a Dexter-style character study.
Join us as we break down these two generations of holiday terror. Which Billy captures the true spirit of “Killer Santa”? Tune in for a sleigh ride through the blood-stained snow!
Spoilers start around 7:05.
Deck the halls with boughs of… horror! This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re celebrating the dark side of the holiday season and pitting two modern festive slashers against each other: the neon-soaked, robotic rampage of Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022) and the clever, multiversal “what if” slasher It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023). Grab your cocoa (and maybe an axe), because Santa is coming to town—and he’s not bringing toys.
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)
Directed by Joe Begos, this film is a loud, proud, and incredibly gory tribute to 80s synth-horror and The Terminator. Tori Tooms (Riley Dandy), a record store owner who just wants to spend Christmas Eve drinking and partying, finds her night turned into a bloodbath when a high-tech robotic Santa Claus at a local toy store malfunctions. Reverting to its original military programming, the metal Saint Nick goes on a relentless killing spree. The film is a visual feast of 16mm grain, saturated neon lights, and practical splatter effects that feel like a fever dream from the video rental era.
It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023)
Directed by Tyler MacIntyre and written by Michael Kennedy (Freaky), this film offers a brilliant horror spin on the classic It’s a Wonderful Life. A year after saving her town from a masked killer on Christmas Eve, Winnie Carruthers (Jane Widdop) finds her life falling apart. In a moment of despair, she wishes she had never been born—only to find herself transported to a nightmare parallel universe where she doesn’t exist. In this timeline, the killer was never stopped and has turned the town into a desolate, fear-stricken wasteland. Winnie must team up with the town’s outcasts to unmask the killer and find a way back home.
Join us as we break down these two very different takes on holiday horror. We’ll discuss the gritty, relentless energy of the “Robot Santa” versus the meta-humor and emotional stakes of the “Wonderful Life” slasher. Which film captures the holiday spirit best—by drenching it in blood? Tune in to find out which one earns the star on top of our tree!
Spoilers start around 5:15.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are celebrating the glorious, chaotic energy of Nicolas Cage as we compare two distinct vampire films, both featuring his unique brand of eccentric intensity: the modern horror-comedy Renfield (2023) and the 90s psychological vampire tale Vampire’s Kiss (1988).
Renfield (2023)
Directed by Chris McKay, Renfield is a dark comedy-horror film that reimagines the classic Dracula story through the eyes of his long-suffering henchman, R. M. Renfield (Nicholas Hoult). Nicolas Cage delivers an unforgettable performance as Count Dracula himself, portraying the iconic vampire as a narcissistic, manipulative boss straight out of a modern workplace nightmare. The film blends intense action, splatter gore, and sharp humor as Renfield seeks to break free from his toxic, immortal relationship.
Vampire’s Kiss (1988)
Directed by Robert Bierman, Vampire’s Kiss is a bizarre, psychological dark comedy that is a foundational piece of Nicolas Cage’s eccentric cinematic persona. Cage stars as Peter Loew, a literary agent in New York who believes he has been bitten by a beautiful vampire and is slowly turning into one himself. The film focuses on his rapid mental breakdown and increasingly unhinged behavior as he attempts to adopt a vampiric lifestyle, showcasing Cage’s over-the-top acting style in a non-traditional horror setting.
Join us as we dissect these vampire films in in Cage’s filmography. We’ll compare the deliberate, comedic menace of his Dracula in Renfield to the unhinged, psychological terror of his possibly-vampiric protagonist in Vampire’s Kiss.
Spoilers start around 5:55
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we are diving into the twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations filtered through the lens of Italian horror masters! We’re comparing two distinctly different takes on Poe’s works, both featuring the iconic killer feline: the atmospheric Giallo-tinged film The Black Cat (1981) from Lucio Fulci, and he anthology film Two Evil Eyes (1990), directed by Dario Argento and George A. Romero.
The Black Cat (1981)
Directed by the “Godfather of Gore,” Lucio Fulci, this film is a loose, Gothic interpretation of Poe’s famous short story. Set in a small English village, a psychic professor (Patrick Magee) with a penchant for recording the voices of the dead seems to share a malevolent connection with his black cat. As a series of gruesome, seemingly unrelated deaths plague the community, an American photographer (Mimsy Farmer) and a detective (David Warbeck) race to determine if the feline is truly a supernatural killer, or merely a vessel for the professor’s madness. The film is known for its moody atmosphere and surreal Fulci-esque touches.
Two Evil Eyes (1990)
This anthology film is a collaborative effort between two horror giants, George A. Romero and Dario Argento, with each directing a story based on Poe.
- Romero’s Segment (“The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar”): This segment stars Adrienne Barbeau and E.G. Marshall and focuses on a dying, wealthy man who is hypnotized just before death so his consciousness can be preserved. However, the plan goes horribly wrong when his spirit remains trapped between worlds, leading to a chilling reanimation and the terrifying consequences of cheating death.
- Argento’s Segment (“The Black Cat”): Starring Harvey Keitel, this segment is a stylized adaptation of “The Black Cat.” Keitel plays a crime scene photographer who descends into madness and violence after he resents and tortures his girlfriend’s pet feline. Argento uses hyper-stylized gore and nightmarish visuals to explore themes of perversity and artistic decay.
Join us as we dissect these two distinct adaptations. Tune in for a double dose of Poe and Italian horror masters!
Spoilers start around 7:30-ish.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re facing a chilling truth: nothing is scarier than when the children are not alright. We’re exploring the horrific subgenre of “creepy kids” or “kids in danger” by comparing the multi-perspective horror epic Weapons (2025) from the director of Barbarian, and the recent Blumhouse chiller There’s Something Wrong with the Children (2023).
Weapons (2025)
Directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons is an ambitious, sprawling horror film that centers on a terrifying mystery in the small town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania. The plot follows the case of seventeen children from the same classroom who mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, all except one. The film explores the community’s frantic search for answers and the psychic disintegration of the adults as they grapple with the idea that the children themselves may be the source of the terror, linking themes of social collapse and supernatural dread.
There’s Something Wrong with the Children (2023)
Directed by Roxanne Benjamin, this film is a more contained take on the corrupted child trope. When two couples take a weekend trip to a remote woodland cabin, one couple’s two young children mysteriously disappear into the woods overnight near a strange set of ruins. When the kids return, Ben (Zach Gilford) begins to suspect something supernatural has possessed them, but his friends dismiss his concerns as mental health issues. The film uses the isolation of the cabin and the paranoia within the adult group to amplify the sinister horror of the changed children.
Join us as we look at these two distinct approaches to corrupted innocence. Which film offers the most chilling vision of childhood twisted into an instrument of fear? Tune in to find out!
Spoilers start around 5:50
Happy early Halloween!!
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re stepping back in time and into your television screen to explore the scariest subgenre of horror: the fake live broadcast! We’re comparing two films that blur the lines between reality and terror: the American analog horror cult classic WNUF Halloween Special (2013) and the infamous, nation-terrifying British pseudo-documentary Ghostwatch (1992).
WNUF Halloween Special (2013)Directed by Chris LaMartina, this film is presented as a salvaged VHS recording of a local TV station’s 1987 Halloween night special. A cynical reporter, Frank Stewart, takes a camera crew and a pair of paranormal investigators (a clear nod to Ed and Lorraine Warren) into the notoriously haunted Webber House for a live, televised séance. The film’s genius lies in its meticulously accurate recreation of late-80s local TV, complete with delightfully cheesy commercials and news breaks that build a deeply nostalgic and unsettling atmosphere before the ritual goes catastrophically wrong.
Ghostwatch (1992)Written by Stephen Volk and broadcast “live” on BBC on Halloween night, 1992, Ghostwatch caused a national panic in the UK. Presented as a genuine BBC investigation into a haunted London council house, the film utilized popular, trusted presenters (like Michael Parkinson and Sarah Greene, playing themselves) and real-time camerawork to convince millions of viewers they were watching a true, terrifying paranormal event unfold. It is a masterpiece of deception, using the power of the medium itself to bring the demonic entity, “Pipes,” right into the viewers’ living rooms.
Join us as we look at the art of the fake live broadcast. We’ll explore how Ghostwatch weaponized the audience’s trust in mainstream media and how WNUF achieved its scares through lo-fi nostalgia and world-building. If you enjoy horror that makes you question what you’re seeing on your screen, this is the episode for you!
Spoilers start around 5:06
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re tackling a horrifying real-life case that has inspired decades of terror! We are bringing our extensive deep dive into the Conjuring Universe to a chilling conclusion by comparing the final main installment of the cinematic saga, The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025), with an older, made-for-TV movie based on the very same haunting: The Haunted (1991).
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
Directed by Michael Chaves, The Conjuring: Last Rites is set to be the final chapter featuring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Based on the infamous Smurl haunting case from Pennsylvania, the film chronicles what is considered the Warrens’ final significant case, where a seemingly quiet family home becomes the epicenter of a relentless supernatural siege. This installment promises a blend of atmospheric horror, high-stakes investigation, and an emotional farewell to the iconic investigators.
The Haunted (1991)
Directed by Robert Mandel, The Haunted is a chilling made-for-television film that also dramatizes the Smurl family’s ordeal. This cult classic stars Sally Kirkland and Jeffrey DeMunn as the afflicted couple (Janet and Jack Smurl), with Stephen Markle and Diane Baker portraying the Warrens. Released decades before the Conjuring universe began, this film delivers a gritty, faith-driven, and often surprisingly graphic portrayal of the long-term, devastating effects of demonic infestation on a family.
Join us as we analyze two radically different cinematic interpretations of the same real-life paranormal case. And with this episode, we officially conclude our comprehensive journey through the entire Conjuring Universe film series! Thank you for joining us for every demonic possession, haunted doll, and terrifying nun.
Spoilers start around 5:26.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re continuing our journey through the chilling Warrenverse, exploring instances where demonic influence takes center stage. We’ll be comparing The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), which delves into a real-life murder trial with a supernatural defense, against the direct demonic confrontation of The Nun II (2023). Get ready for legal scares and unholy terrors!
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Directed by Michael Chaves, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes a darker and more grounded approach, inspired by the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession as his defense for murder. Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate this unsettling case, uncovering a malevolent force that ties back to a hidden occult group. This installment explores the blurred lines between human culpability and supernatural influence.
The Nun II (2023)
Directed by Michael Chaves (again!), The Nun II serves as a direct sequel to the 2018 film, continuing the terrifying saga of the demonic nun Valak. Set in 1956 France, the film follows Sister Irene as she once again confronts the malevolent entity, which is now causing chaos and death in a seemingly ordinary boarding school. This chapter promises more direct supernatural horror and a deeper dive into Valak’s dark powers and origins.
Join us as we dissect these two entries in the Conjuring Universe. How do these films further expand the Warrens’ documented cases and the mythology of the evil forces they faced? Tune in to explore the devil’s influence and the power of faith against darkness!
Spoilers start around 5:15
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re diving into the more direct demonic confrontations within the Warrenverse! We’re pitting the terrifying origin story of a powerful demonic entity, The Nun (2018), against the chilling installment that brings multiple cursed artifacts to life, Annabelle Comes Home (2019). Get ready for intense scares and a closer look at the forces of evil Ed and Lorraine Warren battled!
The Nun (2018)
Directed by Corin Hardy, The Nun takes us back to 1952 Romania to explore the terrifying origins of the demonic nun Valak, who first terrorized Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring 2. When a priest with a haunted past and a novice on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate a nun’s suicide at a secluded abbey, they uncover a dark secret and confront a malevolent force in its purest form.
Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
Directed by Gary Dauberman, Annabelle Comes Home takes place after the Warrens bring the possessed Annabelle doll into their artifact room, believing her evil contained behind consecrated glass. However, on one fateful night, while the Warrens are away, Annabelle awakens the other malevolent spirits within the room, setting a terrifying night in motion for their young daughter Judy and her babysitters. This film unleashes a multitude of creepy artifacts and showcases the widespread danger they possess.
Join us as we dissect the distinct brands of horror presented in The Nun and Annabelle Comes Home.
Spoilers start around 5:05.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re venturing further into the terrifying tapestry of the Warrenverse! We’re comparing the chilling sequel that took the Warrens across the pond, The Conjuring 2 (2016), with the masterful origin story that finally revealed the true horrors behind the infamous doll, Annabelle: Creation (2017). Prepare for more demonic encounters and the unsettling secrets of the haunted!
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Directed once again by the maestro of modern horror, James Wan, The Conjuring 2 sees Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to Enfield, England, to investigate the case of the Hodgson family, who are being tormented by a powerful supernatural entity. This film ups the ante with even more elaborate and terrifying set pieces, memorable demonic designs (hello, Nun!), and a deeply emotional core as the Warrens face their own personal demons alongside the haunting.
Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Directed by David F. Sandberg, Annabelle: Creation serves as a brilliant prequel to the original Annabelle, finally unveiling the disturbing story of how the cursed doll came to be. Set years before the events of Annabelle, the film follows a dollmaker and his wife who welcome several orphaned girls into their secluded home, unknowingly unleashing the malevolent spirit that will inhabit the infamous doll. This entry is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, genuinely creepy scares, and its clever weaving into the wider Conjuring Universe.
Join us as we dissect the escalating terror of The Conjuring 2 and the chilling revelations of Annabelle: Creation. We’ll discuss how these films expand the mythology of the Warrenverse, the effectiveness of their respective scares, and how they contribute to the overall sense of dread that permeates this incredibly successful horror franchise. Get ready to delve deeper into the darkness and uncover the origins of pure evil!
Spoilers start around 5:40.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re stepping into the chilling world of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the famous paranormal investigators! We’re kicking off our exploration of the “Conjuring Universe” by comparing the foundation of it all, The Conjuring (2013), with the origin story of its most sinister artifact, Annabelle (2014). Get ready for demonic entities, creepy dolls, and a whole lot of scares!
The Conjuring (2013)
Directed by James Wan, The Conjuring introduces us to Ed and Lorraine Warren as they are called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their secluded farmhouse. Based on a supposedly true story, this film masterfully builds suspense with its atmospheric tension, unsettling sound design, and truly frightening supernatural encounters. It established the tone and style that would define the entire cinematic universe.
Annabelle (2014)
Directed by John R. Leonetti, Annabelle serves as a prequel to The Conjuring, delving into the horrifying origins of the creepy doll that briefly haunted the Warrens’ artifact room. The film follows a young couple who bring the vintage doll into their home, unknowingly attracting a malevolent entity that latches onto it. This spin-off focuses on more direct demonic possession and the terrifying consequences of inviting evil into your life.
Join us as we explore the storytelling of these two pivotal films in the “Conjuring Universe.” We’ll discuss how The Conjuring laid the groundwork for the franchise’s success, the effectiveness of Annabelle‘s terrifying doll, and how these films established the recurring themes of faith and the battle against pure evil. Whether you’re a seasoned Warrenverse veteran or a curious newcomer, this episode is your guide to the beginning of the haunting!
Spoilers start around 5:54.
Our 6th annual year in review episode covers he highs and lows from the last year-ish. Lots of spoilers here and for the first time we are agreed on a lot of the films!!
Check it out and let us know what you think!
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re bringing our epic Final Destination marathon to an end! After dissecting the first four films, we’re now tackling what was thought to be the franchise’s conclusive chapter, Final Destination 5 (2011), and the highly anticipated return, Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025). Get ready for more death-defying escapes and incredibly intricate demises!
Final Destination 5 (2011)
Directed by Steven Quale, Final Destination 5 revitalized the franchise with its ingenious premise and breathtaking opening sequence involving a collapsing suspension bridge. This installment cleverly plays with the established lore by introducing a grim new twist: if a survivor takes the life of someone who was not meant to die in Death’s design, they can claim that person’s remaining lifespan. This added a desperate, moral dilemma to the usual frantic escapes, culminating in a shocking reveal that ties directly back to the original film.
Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025)
Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, Final Destination: Bloodlines marks the long-awaited return of the franchise. This film takes a fresh approach by focusing on a new family, whose matriarch had a premonition in 1968 that averted a deadly structural collapse, saving many lives. Now, decades later, Death is coming for her descendants, and they must figure out how to break a bloodline curse that has been passed down through generations. This entry promises to shake up the established formula with a multi-generational storyline and delve deeper into the lore of Death’s intricate plan.
Join us as we discuss how Final Destination 5 brought a renewed sense of terror and cleverness to the series, and then dive into all the exciting details and potential new directions offered by Final Destination: Bloodlines.
Spoilers start around 3:00.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, the carnage continues! Following our deep dive into the origins of Death’s design, we’re plunging headfirst into the next two installments of the iconic franchise: Final Destination 3 (2006) and The Final Destination (2009). Get ready for more elaborate demises and desperate struggles against an unstoppable force!
Final Destination 3 (2006)
Directed once again by James Wong, Final Destination 3 kicks off with a terrifying roller coaster derailment. High school student Wendy Christensen experiences a vivid premonition and saves several classmates, only to find herself and the survivors targeted by Death’s relentless pursuit. This installment notably uses photographs taken at the scene of the premonition to hint at how each character will meet their grisly end, adding a new layer to the mystery and dread.
The Final Destination (2009)
Directed by David R. Ellis (returning from FD2), The Final Destination (often referred to as Final Destination 4 due to its release order) brings the franchise into the 3D era. This time, a vision of a horrific racetrack crash saves a group of spectators from certain doom. As always, Death is close behind, dispatching the survivors in increasingly gruesome and often darkly humorous ways. This film aimed for spectacle, leveraging the 3D technology for maximum visceral impact.
Join us as we analyze how these two films expanded the franchise’s signature style. We’ll discuss the creativity (or lack thereof) of the death sequences and the evolving “rules” of Death’s plan. Tune in to relive the terror and question if anyone can truly outrun Death!
Spoilers start around 5:13
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re tempting fate and dodging elaborate death traps as we look at the beginnings of a beloved horror franchise! In anticipation of the highly anticipated new film, Final Destination: Bloodlines, we’re going back to where it all began, comparing the terrifying ingenuity of Final Destination (2000) and its thrilling sequel, Final Destination 2 (2003).
Final Destination (2000)
Directed by James Wong, the original Final Destination introduces us to Alex Browning, who has a premonition of a catastrophic plane crash and, along with a handful of others, manages to cheat death. But Death, as they soon learn, doesn’t like to be cheated. What follows is a relentlessly suspenseful and inventive series of “accidents” as Death comes to claim its due, showcasing Rube Goldberg-esque kills that became the franchise’s trademark.
Final Destination 2 (2003)
Directed by David R. Ellis, Final Destination 2 escalates the stakes with a truly unforgettable opening highway pile-up. Kimberly Corman has a vision of this horrific event and saves herself and several strangers. However, they soon discover they’ve merely placed themselves at the top of Death’s new list. This sequel famously expands on the rules of Death’s design and offers even more elaborate and shocking sequences of unfortunate demises.
Join us as we discuss these first two films in the series. If you don’t have time to watch them yourself before seeing Final Destination: Bloodlines, this episode offers a good synopsis of the films. We discuss how they established the franchise’s unique blend of supernatural horror and inventive practical effects, and what makes each of these early entries so enduringly terrifying. Prepare for a grim reminder that you can’t escape your destiny!
Spoilers Start around 4:27.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re revisiting an episode about the terrifying and sometimes darkly comedic world of time loops! With the recent release of the Until Dawn, we thought it was the perfect time to dust off this classic comparison between two fantastic films that trap their protagonists in a recurring nightmare: Happy Death Day (2017) and Source Code (2011).
Happy Death Day (2017)
Directed by Christopher Landon, Happy Death Day puts a slasher twist on the time loop concept. College student Tree Gelbman finds herself reliving the day of her murder over and over again. To break the loop, she must figure out who her killer is and stop them, all while navigating the increasingly bizarre and dangerous repetitions of her final day. It’s a clever blend of horror, comedy, and mystery with a charismatic lead performance.
Source Code (2011)
Directed by Duncan Jones, Source Code takes a more sci-fi thriller approach to the time loop. Captain Colter Stevens, a helicopter pilot, wakes up in the body of an unknown man on a commuter train moments before it explodes. He’s part of a top-secret program that allows him to inhabit the last few minutes of a person’s life to gather information and prevent future terrorist attacks. Each jump back offers new clues and increasingly complex moral dilemmas.
Tune in for a repeat dose of temporal terror!
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re exploring the deadly consequences of youthful indiscretions and the relentless pursuit of past sins. We’ll be comparing the American slasher sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) and the German horror flick Party Hard, Die Young (2018).
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
Directed by Danny Cannon, this sequel to the 1997 hit follows Julie James and her friends as they take a seemingly relaxing vacation to a remote island resort. However, their past actions come back to haunt them when the vengeful fisherman returns, picking them off one by one in a tropical paradise turned deadly trap.
Party Hard, Die Young (2018)
Directed by Dominik Hartl, this German slasher film takes the familiar “teens in peril” trope to a vibrant and chaotic Croatian music festival. What starts as a wild party under the sun turns gruesome when a masked killer begins targeting the young revelers, turning their hedonistic escape into a fight for survival.
Join us as we dissect these two tales of youthful terror and relentless pursuit. We’ll discuss how each film utilizes its unique setting to amplify the horror, the effectiveness of their respective killers, and how they explore the themes of guilt, consequence, and the inescapable nature of the past. Get ready for sun, sand, and a whole lot of bloodshed!
Spoilers start around 8:25.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re revisiting the terrifying world of alien seduction and deadly offspring! We’ll be comparing the second and third installments in the Species franchise: Species II (1998) and Species III (2004).
Species II (1998)
Directed by Peter Medak, Species II picks up where the original left off. This time, the alien DNA has returned to Earth via a manned mission to Mars. When the astronaut infected with the alien pathogen begins a violent and rapid evolution, a new, even more dangerous alien threat emerges, focused on procreation and domination.
Species III (2004)
Directed by Brad Turner, Species III takes a slightly different approach. It focuses on Sara, the human/alien hybrid daughter of Eve (from the first two films). As Sara matures, she grapples with her alien instincts while scientists attempt to understand and control her unique biology. This installment explores themes of nature versus nurture and the potential for hybrid existence.
Join us as we delve into the evolutionary horrors of the Species sequels. We’ll discuss how each film expands upon the original’s themes of alien biology and sexual predation, analyze their creature designs and special effects, and debate which sequel offers the more compelling and terrifying vision of alien infiltration.
Spoilers start around 7:28.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re diving into the late-stage slasher sequels, comparing two sixth entries that took their respective franchises in wildly different directions. We’re pitting Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) against A Nightmare on Elm Street 6: Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991).
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
Directed by Tom McLoughlin, Jason Lives marks a significant shift for the Friday the 13th series. After a brief hiatus, Jason returns, but this time, he’s a resurrected, supernatural force of nature. This entry leans heavily into self-aware humor and action-oriented set pieces, giving us a more playful, albeit still violent, take on the iconic killer.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 6: Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)
Directed by Rachel Talalay, Freddy’s Dead attempts to wrap up the Nightmare on Elm Street saga with a surreal and cartoonish finale. This film delves into Freddy’s origins, revealing his childhood and the source of his evil. It’s known for its over-the-top special effects, bizarre dream sequences, and a generally more comedic tone than previous entries.
Join us as we dissect these two films, exploring how they attempted to revitalize their franchises, the impact of their tonal shifts, and whether they succeeded in delivering satisfying sequels.
Spoilers start around 5:50
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, explore the world of quirky werewolf movies! We’ll be comparing the American film Werewolves Within (2021) and the French film Teddy (2020).
Werewolves Within (2021)
Directed by Josh Ruben, Werewolves Within is a horror-comedy based on the Ubisoft VR game of the same name. It follows a newly arrived forest ranger who finds himself trapped in a snowbound Vermont town with a group of eccentric residents, all of whom suspect each other of being a werewolf. The film is known for its witty dialogue, ensemble cast, and its blend of humor and suspense.
Teddy (2020)
Directed by Ludovic and Zoran Boukherma, Teddy is a French horror-comedy-drama that follows a young man named Teddy, who is scratched by a mysterious creature in the woods. As he begins to experience strange physical and behavioral changes, Teddy must confront the possibility that he is turning into a werewolf. The film is known for its grounded approach to the werewolf mythos, its dark humor, and its exploration of themes like adolescence and identity.
Join us as we discuss the unique charms and quirks of these two werewolf flicks.
Spoilers start around 7:10
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re diving into the unsettling realm of technology gone awry, exploring the anxieties surrounding our increasingly digital world. We’ll be comparing the Polish film The Glitch (2019) and the Companion (2025).
The Glitch (2019)
Directed by Patricia Ryczko, The Glitch (Panacea) is a polish Sci-Fi, drama, thriller, that centers around Renata, an android, who lives a seemingly normal life. After a mysterious glitch occurs, her reality begins to unravel, and she is forced to face the truth of her nature. The film explores themes of identity, reality, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
Companion (2025)
Companion (2025) by Drew Handcock, is an science fiction horror film that explores themes of artificial intelligence and human connection. It considers the potential dangers of advanced technology and how it can blur the lines between human and machine.
Spoilers start around 4:34
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re howling at the moon with a classic monster movie double feature! We’ll be comparing two iconic takes on the werewolf legend: The Wolf Man (1941) and Wolf Man (2025).
The Wolf Man (1941)
Directed by George Waggner, this classic Universal Monsters film tells the tragic tale of Lawrence Talbot, an American actor who returns to his ancestral home in England and becomes cursed by a werewolf. This film is renowned for its atmospheric cinematography, iconic imagery (like the memorable “Even a man who is pure at heart can become a wolf-man” line), and its exploration of themes like guilt and the primal nature of man.
Wolf Man (2025)
Directed by Leigh Whannell from a screenplay he co-wrote with Corbett Tuck, this reboot of The Wolf Man franchise, follows a family man seeking to protect his wife and daughter from a werewolf, only to become infected and slowly transform into the creature. Jason Blum produces alongside his Blumhouse Productions banner.
Join us as we dissect these two films, exploring their different approaches to the werewolf legend, their visual styles, and their impact on the horror genre.
Spoilers start around 6:06.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re exploring the terrifying concept of alien parasites with two sci-fi horror classics: Lifeforce (1985) and Species (1995).
Lifeforce (1985)
Directed by Tobe Hooper, Lifeforce tells the story of a space mission to Halley’s Comet that unearths a terrifying alien species that feeds on human life energy. When the aliens arrive on Earth, they unleash a wave of chaos and terror, leaving a trail of drained and lifeless victims in their wake.
Species (1995)
Directed by Roger Donaldson, Species explores the arrival of a genetically engineered alien on Earth. This seductive and deadly creature seeks a mate to continue its species, and it quickly becomes apparent that she poses a significant threat to human existence.
Join us as we dissect these two iconic sci-fi horrors, discussing their special effects, their exploration of alien sexuality, and their enduring impact on the genre. We’ll also delve into the social and cultural anxieties reflected in these films, such as the fear of the unknown and the dangers of scientific tampering.
Spoilers Start around 7:10.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re diving headfirst into the world of 2024 vampire cinema! We’ll be comparing two distinct takes on the classic vampire mythos: Nosferatu (2024) and Abigail (2024).
Nosferatu (2024)
Directed by Robert Eggers, Nosferatu is a visually stunning and atmospheric reimagining of the 1922 silent film. This modern adaptation boasts a star-studded cast and breathtaking visuals, promising a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Abigail (2024)
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Abigail tells the story of a group of criminals who kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful underworld figure. They believe they’re in for an easy payday, holding the girl for ransom in an isolated mansion. However, their plan quickly unravels when they discover their young captive is not what she seems. Abigail is not just a spoiled rich kid; she’s a bloodthirsty vampire.
Join us as we dissect these two films, exploring their unique approaches to vampire lore, their visual styles, and their impact on the horror genre.
Spoilers start around 6:00.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re indulging in some delightfully cheesy holiday horror with two B-movie classics: Jack Frost (1997) and The Gingerdead Man (2005).
Jack Frost (1997)
Directed by Michael Cooney, Jack Frost tells the tale of a serial killer who is horrifically transformed into a monstrous snowman after a freak accident involving chemicals. Now, this icy avenger seeks revenge on the small town that wronged him.
The Gingerdead Man (2005)
Directed by Charles Band, The Gingerdead Man introduces us to a homicidal gingerbread man created by a convicted serial killer as a means of escaping prison. This deliciously evil cookie embarks on a killing spree, leaving a trail of gingerbread crumbs and terrified victims in his wake.
Join us as we dissect these delightfully absurd and over-the-top holiday horrors. We’ll be discussing their campy charm, ridiculous special effects, and enduring place in the pantheon of cheesy B-movie classics.
Spoilers start around 4:00.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re delving into the chilling world of possession with two films that offer unique and unsettling takes on the classic horror trope. We’ll be comparing Smile 2 (2024) and Suitable Flesh (2023).
Smile 2 (2024)
Directed by Parker Finn, Smile 2 continues the chilling story of a terrifying entity that spreads through forced smiles. This sequel explores the origins of the curse and delves deeper into the psychological and supernatural elements of the phenomenon.
Suitable Flesh (2023)
Directed by Joe Lynch, Suitable Flesh is a Lovecraftian horror film that tells the story of a psychiatrist who becomes obsessed with helping a young patient with extreme personality disorder, leading her down a dark and disturbing path.
Join us as we dissect these two unsettling films and discuss how they subvert and expand upon the traditional concept of possession.
Spoilers start around 5:30.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re diving into the darker side of holiday cheer with two films that twist the festive season into something sinister. We’ll be comparing Terrifier 3 (2024) and The Jester (2023).
Terrifier 3 (2024)
Directed by Damien Leone, Terrifier 3 continues the gruesome legacy of Art the Clown. This slasher sequel promises more blood, more gore, and more terror as Art wreaks havoc on a new group of unsuspecting victims.
The Jester (2023)
Directed by Christian James, The Jester is a holiday horror film that reimagines the classic slasher formula. A mysterious figure known only as The Jester stalks and kills a group of friends during a Christmas party.
Join us as we review these two festive fright fests and discuss their unique takes on holiday horror.
Spoilers start around 9:03.
This Halloween season, we’re taking a spooky detour from the familiar slasher formula to explore two unique horror films that embrace the darker side of the holiday. We’ll be comparing Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) and Terrifier 2 (2022).
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace, Halloween III is a standalone film that departs from the Michael Myers saga. The story follows a small-town doctor who uncovers a sinister plot involving a mysterious toy company and a deadly ritual. This film is known for its unique blend of horror and science fiction, and its eerie exploration of Halloween traditions.
Terrifier 2 (2022)
Directed by Damien Leone, Terrifier 2 is a gory and disturbing slasher film that follows the return of the iconic horror villain, Art the Clown. This film is praised for its intense violence, practical effects, and its ability to shock and disturb audiences.
Join us as we dissect these two unconventional horror films and discuss their impact on the genre.
Spoilers start around 6:38.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re celebrating Halloween with a double feature of horror anthologies. We’ll be comparing All Hallows Eve (2013) and its sequel, All Hallows Eve 2 (2015), both directed by Damien Leone. We’re also beginning the first of three episodes with films featuring Art the Clown!!
All Hallows Eve (2013)
This anthology film is a tribute to classic horror movies, featuring a 3 interconnected short films that explore various horror themes. From haunted houses to demonic possessions, All Hallows Eve offers a nostalgic and terrifying journey through the world of horror.
All Hallows Eve 2 (2015)
The sequel continues the anthology format, picking up where the first film left off with new characters and eight new gruesome tales.
Join us as we dive into the spooky and terrifying world of these Halloween horror anthologies.
Spoilers start around 3:06.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re delving into the grotesque and disturbing world of body horror. We’ll be comparing two films that explore the horrifying consequences of medical experimentation gone awry: The Substance (2024) and Body Melt (1993).
The Substance (2024)
Written, directed, and produced by Coralie Fargeat, this film centers on Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), renowned for an aerobics show and long career in Hollywood. On her 50th birthday she is fired – only to be replaced by a younger star. Amid her distress, a laboratory offers her a substance which promises to transform her into an enhanced version of herself.
Body Melt (1993)
In this film directed by Philip Brophy and written by Brophy and Rod Bishop, the residents of Pebbles Court in the suburb of Homesville in Melbourne, Australia are the unknowing test subjects for a new variety of dietary supplement pills that arrive for free in their mailboxes. The pills are designed to produce the ultimate healthy human, but have unexpected side effects, including hallucinations and mutations.
Join us as we explore the unsettling themes of body horror, experimentation, and the dangers of scientific advancement in these two disturbing films.
This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re diving into the terrifying world of artificial intelligence gone awry. We’ll be comparing two films that explore the dark side of technology: Afraid (2024) and I Am Mother (2019).
Afraid (2024)
Produced and directed by Chris Weitz, Afraid is a science-fiction horror film that follows a family whose smart home AI increasingly interjects itself into their lives.
I Am Mother (2019)
Directed by Grant Sputore, I Am Mother is a post-apocalyptic science fiction film that tells the story of a young girl named Daughter who is raised by a robot named Mother. As Daughter grows older, she begins to question the world around her and the true nature of her upbringing.
Join us as we explore the dangers of artificial intelligence in these two chilling films.
This week we’re diving into the dark and brooding world of The Crow. Comparing the 2024 reboot starring Bill Skarsgård with the iconic original 1994 film that was meant to launch Brandon Lee’s career.
The Crow (2024) – Director: Rupert Sanders
This reimagining of The Crow follows the same basic premise of a murdered man returning to life to seek vengeance on those who wronged him. However, the 2024 version offers a fresh take on the story, with a new cast and updated visual style.
The Crow (1994) – Director: Alex Proyas
The original The Crow is a cult classic that tells the story of Eric Draven, a musician brought back to life by a supernatural force to avenge his own death and that of his fiancée. This film is renowned for its dark, gritty atmosphere and Brandon Lee’s powerful performance.
Spoilers start around 7:50
Evil nuns? There sure is a lot of Catholic horror out there. This week we watched two films featuring suspicious and evil nuns.
Immaculate (2024) – Directed by Michael PolishThis 2024 horror film follows a young woman who joins a secluded convent seeking peace and spiritual guidance. However, she soon discovers a dark secret lurking within the walls of the holy sanctuary.
The Convent (2000) – Directed by Mike MendezThis horror-comedy is about a group of college students who go into an abandoned convent, only to discover that it is inhabited by demons intent on possessing them.
Spoilers start around 5:30.
More serial killers!! This week we watched two films about secret serial killers discovered by their families: Trap and The Clovehitch Killer
Trap (2024) – Directed by M. Night ShyamalanA seemingly ordinary man takes his daughter to a concert, unaware that a massive police operation is underway to capture a notorious serial killer. As the night unfolds, the man finds himself caught in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with the authorities.
The Clovehitch Killer (2018) – Directed by Duncan SkilesA seemingly perfect family is shattered when evidence linking their father to a notorious serial killer surfaces. As the son investigates the disturbing truth, he must confront the possibility that the man he admires is a monster.
Spoilers start around 5:30
So many serial killer films, so little time. For this episode we watched two films that focus on the hunt for a serial killer: Longlegs (2024) and Kiss the Girls (1997).
Longlegs (2024) – Directed by Oz PerkinsFBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes an unexpected turn, revealing evidence of the occult. Harker discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again.
Kiss the Girls (1997) – Directed by Gary FlederThis 1997 psychological thriller follows Dr. Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and detective, as he investigates a series of kidnappings targeting young women. A survivor manages to escape her captor, and Cross works with her to track down the elusive serial killer.
Spoilers start around 7:55.
The price of fame – that’s the theme for our double feature this week with two films exploring the lengths that two women will go to, to become famous. The first is the final film in the X trilogy by Ti West and the second a film Kickstarted in 2014.
Maxxxine (2024) – Directed by Ti WestIn 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. However, as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Los Angeles, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.
Starry Eyes (2014) – Directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis WidmyerThis 2014 psychological horror film follows Sarah Walker, an aspiring actress struggling in Hollywood. Desperate for a break, she lands a mysterious audition for a powerful production company. As she delves deeper into the opportunity, she uncovers a dark secret about the price of fame.
Spoilers start around 8:45.
For this episode we returned to the Omen franchise for a prequel and a remake. You can’t go wrong with the antichrist.
The First Omen (2024) – Directed by Arkasha StevensonThis 2024 prequel to the “Omen” franchise explores the origins of the Antichrist. A young American woman serving the Church in Rome uncovers a terrifying conspiracy involving the birth of a demonic child.
The Omen (2006) – Directed by John MooreThis 2006 remake of the classic horror film tells the story of Robert Thorn, an American diplomat in Rome. After his newborn son dies, he unknowingly adopts the Antichrist, Damien. As Damien grows, a series of disturbing and violent events plague the family, hinting at the boy’s malevolent nature.
Spoilers start around 8:04.
Depending on your perspective, forests can be serene or terrifying. For this episode we have two films about being hunted in the forest.
In a Violent Nature (2024) – Directed by Ise McKeeverA horrific secret from the past awakens in a remote forest. When a locket is disturbed in an abandoned fire tower, a vengeful spirit rises, determined to reclaim a stolen possession. This 2024 horror film follows the deadly path of the resurrected entity.
The Watchers (2024) – Director by Ryan HeffingtonLost and alone in a vast, seemingly pristine forest, a young artist becomes trapped with strangers after seeking shelter. As they fight for survival, they discover they’re not alone. This 2024 film builds suspense as the group faces an unseen threat within the isolated woods.
Spoilers start around 5:30.
Starting off the new season strong with a recent critically-acclaimed film! Our theme for this episode is live demonic possessions and we watched Late Night with the Devil (2024) and The Cleansing Hour (2019).
Late Night with the Devil (2024) – Directed by Cameron & Colin CairnesIn this 1970s-set horror film, a desperate late-night talk show host facing declining ratings attempts to boost viewership with a Halloween special featuring a panel of guests including a potentially possessed young girl. As the night unfolds, the line between entertainment and terrifying reality blurs.
The Cleansing Hour (2019) – Directed by Damien LeVasseurThis 2019 horror film follows a radio host specializing in debunking paranormal claims. His skepticism is tested when he investigates a live exorcism broadcast online, leading him to confront a powerful demonic entity.
Spoilers start around 4:43.
Our 5th annual year in review episode covers he highs and lows from the last year-ish. We took a break last summer, so same number of films just over a longer period. This episode is essentially all spoilers and definitely representative of our general preferences for movies (horror comedy anyone?!)
Enjoy!
Do you know how many vampire films there are? Short answer: A LOT!
This week we watched two vampire films with vampire slaughters in enclosed or isolated spaces. To be honest, it didn’t start out with that theme. It was going to be vampire action films, but when one film is not an action thriller, you pivot.
The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023) – Directed by André ØvredalThis 2023 horror film tells the story of the doomed crew aboard the Demeter, a ship transporting mysterious cargo from Carpathia to London. Based on a chapter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the film explores the terrifying events that unfold as a sinister presence stalks the crew during their ocean voyage.
30 Days of Night (2007) – Directed by David SladeAdapted from a comic book miniseries, this 2007 action horror film depicts the plight of a small Alaskan town plunged into a month of darkness. As the sun sets for 30 days, a bloodthirsty vampire horde descends upon the isolated community, forcing the remaining residents to fight for survival.
Spoilers start around 5:03.
Super tight theme this week with two Indonesian horror films from Joko Anwar: Impedigore and Satan’s Slaves
Impedigore (2019) follows Maya, a young woman who uncovers a mysterious connection to a wealthy family and a remote village. Seeking answers about her past, she ventures there with her friend, but what they find is a place shrouded in secrets and danger.
In Satan’s Slaves (2017), we see the story of a struggling family living in rural Indonesia. After their mother’s strange illness and death, a series of unsettling events lead the children to suspect a supernatural force is targeting them.
Spoilers Start around 6:26.
Get ready for some haunted house sequels. For his episode we watched the sequels to Hell House LLC.
Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel (2018) – Directed by Stephen CognettiYears after a deadly incident at the Hell House attraction, a team of investigative journalists return to the abandoned Abaddon Hotel. Convinced the official story hides a deeper truth, they delve into the darkness, searching for evidence of what truly transpired.
Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire (2019) – Directed by Stephen CognettiNine years after the tragedy, the Abaddon Hotel attracts a new kind of attention. A wealthy entrepreneur plans to launch an immersive theater experience within its haunted halls. A documentary filmmaker follows the production, uncovering a sinister connection between the show’s ambitious creator and the hotel’s malevolent past.
Spoilers start around 6:50
Religious Horror for the start of spring! This week we have to films with religious themes: On the Third Day (2021) and Consecration (2023).
In “on the “On the 3rd Day” a woman gets into a car accident with her son. She cannot remember what happened in the days following the crash and as she searches for her son, she discovers connections to other police files involving brutal hunting.
In consecration, a young woman is tasked with investigating the reported suicide of a fellow nun at a remote abbey. Upon arrival, she encounters a cloistered community steeped in tradition and a sense of foreboding. As she delves deeper into the abbey’s secrets, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her faith and put her own life in jeopardy.
Spoilers start around 3:55
Gen Z vacation horror? Sure, why not.
For this episode we watched two films the 2022 Bodies Bodies Bodies and the 2023 horror-thriller Fire Island
In Bodies Bodies Bodies, a group of young friends reunite for a weekend getaway at a remote mansion. As a hurricane rolls in, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and a party game takes a dark turn, leading to chaos and suspicion amidst accusations of murder.
In Fire Island, “the perfect summer vacation quickly spirals out of control for a group of friends on the infamous, picturesque party getaway of Fire Island as they find themselves caught in a web of sex, lies and cold blooded murder.”
Spoilers start around 7:30.
OG Vampires for the win! In this episode we discuss the original 1922 Nosferatu by F.W. Murnau and the 1979 remake Nosferatu: The Vampyre by Werner Herzog – both based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Both films offer distinctive takes on the classic vampire tale, highlighting different aspects of the myth and creating unique cinematic experiences. Nosferatu (1922) emphasizes horror and expressionistic imagery, while Nosferatu: The Vampyre (1979) delves into psychological themes and offers a more nuanced portrayal of the characters.
Spoilers start around 6:10.
For this episode we watched the first two films in Ti West’s trilogy: X (2022) and Pearl (2022).
In X, An aging couple renting out a secluded farmhouse to a group of filmmakers making an adult film become suspicious of their guests’ intentions. As tensions rise and secrets unfold, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, leading to a violent and unexpected climax.
The film explores themes of aging, desire, and the exploitation of youth in the media industry.
The filmmakers face increasingly dangerous situations, and the true purpose of their project is revealed.
Expect a suspenseful and disturbing atmosphere with elements of slasher horror.
A prequel to X, Pearl delves into the troubled past of the titular character in her youth. Set in 1918, Pearl dreams of escaping her mundane life on a Texas farm and making it big as a dancer. Frustrated by her overbearing mother and yearning for love and recognition, Pearl’s desires take a dark turn, leading her down a path of violence and obsession.
The film explores themes of ambition, repression, and the psychological factors that can lead to murderous behavior.
Young Pearl grapples with societal constraints and the expectations placed upon her.
Both films offer unique and unsettling experiences within the slasher genre. X focuses on the immediate danger faced by the filmmakers, while Pearl delves into the psychological roots of a killer.
Spoilers start around 5:25.
Quiet Horror for this week’s episode – with The Quiet Place 2 (2020) and Don’t Breathe 2 (2022).
In The Quiet Place 2, by John Krasinski, the remaining members of the Abbott family emerges from the silent shadows of their home and faces a world ravaged by sound-hunting creatures. Forced to rely on their wits and fragile communication, they embark on a perilous journey towards hope, uncovering secrets and new threats along the way.
Rodo Sayagues’ Don’t Breath continues the story from the first film in a new context. Years after surviving a terrifying encounter with the “Blind Man,” Norman Nordstrom, he leads a secluded life with a young orphan. When their hidden world is violated, a chain of violent events unfolds, forcing Norman to confront his past and fight for their survival. The film delves deeper into Norman’s psyche, revealing motivations and vulnerabilities beneath his hardened exterior.
Both films offer suspenseful sequels, each with its own distinct flavor. The Quiet Place Part II amplifies the family’s desperate struggle in a hostile world, while Don’t Breathe 2 revisits the chilling game of cat and mouse with unexpected developments. The choice depends on your preference for monster mayhem or a psychological showdown in the dark.
Spoilers start around 5:20.
Foreign, feel-bad horror anyone? For this episode we watched two foreign films sure to leave you feeling depressed to start off the new year: The Platform (2019) and Sadness (2021).
In The Platform by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, we encounter a vertical prison where a meager platform descends every level once a day. Survival hinges on resourcefulness and desperation. Goreng, a newbie, awakens on Level 48, forced to choose: eat well today and starve tomorrow, or wait for scraps and hope to rise higher next month. As he navigates the brutal hierarchy and uncovers the prison’s hidden mechanisms, Gorong must decide how far he’ll go to stay alive.
Sadness (2021) by Lee Kang-sheng explores a dystopian future where a deadly virus turns people into violent maniacs fueled by rage. A young woman immune to the disease navigates desolate Taipei. Alone and hunted, she must find food, shelter, and connection amidst the chaos, all while confronting the emotional toll of witnessing humanity’s descent into madness.
Both “The Platform” and “Sadness” offer thought-provoking and unsettling experiences, albeit in starkly different forms.
Spoilers start around 4:05.
Merry Christmas everyone!! For this episode we watched the two Black Christmas remakes from 2006 and 2019. Both films offer suspenseful thrill rides with different approaches to the classic Black Christmas formula.
Black Christmas (2006) by Glen Morgan:
On Christmas Eve, an escaped maniac returns to his childhood home, which is now a sorority house, and begins to murder the sorority sisters one by one.
Black Christmas (2019) by Sophia Takal:
A group of sorority sisters is stalked by a stranger during their Christmas break until they discover that the killer is part of an underground college conspiracy.
Spoilers start around 5:17.
If you’re looking for a review of the original Black Christmas, check our our review of that film plus When a Stranger Calls.
For this episode we watched two sequels produced by Blumhouse – not the most thematic of themes, but here we are. Our films are Forever Purge (2021) and Sinister 2 (2015)
Forever Purge (2021) by Everardo Gout, follows on from the long series where in the lawless aftermath of the annual Purge, a group of strangers must rely on each other to survive as the violence continues beyond its designated time. The film explores the societal consequences of the Purge concept and the the dangers faced not only from the Purge but also extremist groups.
In Sinister 2 (2015) by Ciarán Foy, a young family moves into a new home that holds a dark secret. When their son starts exhibiting strange behavior, they uncover a connection to a mysterious entity linked to snuff films. The film delves into the themes of obsession and the cyclical nature of violence.
Spoilers Start around 7:21.
For this episode we watched two 2022 films featuring Anya Taylor-Joy. (I know – weak theme – but they can’t all be winners.)
The films: The Menu and The Northman
In The Menu, directed by Mark Mylod, a young couple embark on a romantic weekend getaway to a remote coastal island to dine at an exclusive restaurant. However, as the evening progresses, they begin to realize that there is more to the menu than they bargained for. The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, and Ralph Fiennes.
Directed by Robert Eggers and staring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Claes Bang, The Northman tells the story of a young Viking prince seeks revenge for the murder of his father. Along the way, he must confront his own demons and decide whether he is capable of the violence that is necessary to achieve his revenge.
Spoilers start around 5:18.
Haunted House from Hell!!
For this episode we watched Hell House LLC (2015) and Haunt (2013).
In Hell House LLC by Stephen Cognetti, years after a tragic accident at a haunted house attraction leaves 15 people dead, a documentary crew investigates the events that led to the disaster. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover disturbing evidence that suggests something supernatural may have been at play.
Haunt, by Brian Kelly, follows a group of friends as they embark on a Halloween night out to an extreme haunted house attraction known for its terrifying realism. However, as they venture deeper into the house, they realize that the horrors they are experiencing are all too real. Trapped inside, they must fight for their lives as they confront terrifying creatures and uncover the dark secrets that lie within.
Spoilers start around 6:16.
And we’re back – just in time for Halloween!!!!
For this episode we watched two recent releases: Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls (2023) and We Have a Ghost (2023).
In Onyx the Fortuitous, director Andrew Bowser introduces a larger audience to his character Onyx, a fledgling occultist, and a group of fellow worshipers, who attend a once-in-a-lifetime ritual at their idol Bartok the Great’s mansion. Bartok’s intentions are more nefarious than they seem, and Onyx must find a way to save his friends from damnation. Along the way, Onyx must confront his own inner demons and decide whether he is destined to be a nobody or a hero. If you’re unfamiliar with Onyx, check out Andrew Bowser’s Youtube Channel
We Have a Ghost, directed by Christopher Landon, introduces us to a family, who discovers a ghost named Ernest haunting their new home. The family decides to help Ernest become famous online, but their plans are threatened by a paranormal investigator who wants to capture Ernest for himself. The family learns to accept Ernest as part of their family and helps him find peace in the afterlife.
Spoilers start around 7:38.
There are so many vampire movies, it’s tough to choose just two. For this week, we watched a very interesting take on the genre and a film featuring Jon Bon Jovi: Byzantium (2012) and Vampire: Los Muertos (2002).
Spoilers start around 3:50.
Byzantium (2012) is a British-Irish supernatural horror film written and directed by Neil Jordan. The film stars Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton as two centuries-old vampire sisters who set up a brothel in a seaside town in England. The film is partially a period piece showing flashbacks of their the course of their 190 years of traveling the world, living off the blood of others. The film explores themes of love, loss, and immortality.
Vampires: Los Muertos (2002) stars Bon Jovi as Derek Bliss, a vampire hunter who is called to Mexico to investigate a series of vampire attacks. BHeliss soon discovers that the vampires are being led by a powerful vampire princess named Una (Arly Jover). He must assemble a team of unlikely allies, including a priest, a half-vampire, and a teenager, to stop Una and her army of vampires. The film was released straight-to-video on September 25, 2002, and was a box office disappointment. However, it has since developed a cult following among fans of vampire films.
I don’t think you can go wrong with an evil children theme. For this episode we watched two 70s takes with very different approaches: The Brood (1979) and Devil Times Five, aka People Toys, (1974).
Spoilers start around 5:37.
The Brood (1979)
The Brood is a 1979 Canadian psychological horror film directed by David Cronenberg. The film stars Oliver Reed, Samantha Eggar, Art Hindle, and Karen Black, and tells the story of a woman named Nola Carveth (Eggar) who is undergoing psychotherapy for severe postpartum depression. While in therapy, she begins to have strange dreams and hallucinations, and her “children” begin to exhibit violent behavior. As her condition worsens, her “children” begin to attack and kill people. The film explores the themes of motherhood, violence, and the nature of evil. The Brood was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $10 million at the box office. The film was praised for its atmosphere, Cronenberg’s direction, and Eggar’s performance. The film has since been recognized as a classic of the psychological horror genre.
Devil Times Five – aka People Toys, aka The Horrible House on the Hill, aka Tantrums (1974)
A group of four sociopathic, homicidal children, accompanied by a mysterious nun are in a car crash and seek refuge with a vacationers at a lakeside chalet, only to systematically murder them. The film was directed by Sean MacGregor and David Sheldon, and stars Sorrell Booke, Gene Evans, Shelley Morrison, and Leif Garrett.
Multiple themes for this episode: Rob Zombie, Halloween, Remakes – you decide which fits best.
This week we watched the Halloween I (2007) and Halloween II (2009) from Rob Zombie.
Spoilers start around 6:17
Elizabeth picked the theme this week and it’s a study in women and revenge!! This week we watched two films from Shudder: A Wounded Fawn (2022) and The Furies (2019).
Spoilers start around 5:03.
And we’re back!!
After a couple of weeks off, we return with a great double feature continuing the long-running Child’s Play series with Curse of Chucky (2013) and Cult of Chucky (2017).
Spoilers start around 4:29.
Stephen King has written some hefty tomes and many have been made into TV movies, miniseries, and feature films, but none more successfully than the 2017 It: Chapter One, and the 2019 sequel, It: Chapter Two. Check out our review!
Spoilers start around 4:51
Netflix Vampires in Los Angeles – a VERY tight theme for this episode featuring Day Shift (2022) and Night Teeth (2021).
Spoilers start around 5:20.
Is there anything better than a haunted asylum? I mean terror, ghosts, and medical experiments – what could go wrong?
For this episode we watched Grave Encounters 2 (2012) the sequel to Grave Encounters, which we reviewed previously on the podcast, and the Korean film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018).
Spoilers start around 4:19.
Ready for religious teen-girl possession films? We're here for it.
Check out our reviews of The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) and The Medium (2021).
Spoilers start around 4:07.
Our fourth (!!) annual year in review!! For this episode, we take a look back at the past year and offer our top 10 and bottom 5 films of the year. This whole episode is nothing but spoilers - sorry not sorry.
Ghosts, Spirits, and Ghouls - oh my!! Get ready for some non-traditional haunted house horror!
For this episode we watched Burnt Offerings (1976) and The Strings (2020). Both are somewhat slow burns and deal with different types of hauntings and definitely worth a watch.
Spoilers start around 3:40-ish.
Happy death month to Edgar Allan Poe!! On October 7, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe died under mysterious circumstances in Baltimore, Maryland - but I suppose we would expect nothing less from this master of horror.
For this episode we watched an adaptation of one of his most famous stories "The Pit and the Pendulum" from 1991 and the 2022 "Raven's Hollow" a fictional reimagining of Poe's own life.
Spoilers start around 7:40.
The spooky season is upon us!! Check out the latest installment in our series of reviews of the Friday the 14th and A Nightmare on Elmstreet series. We've made it to the 5th films in the series - Friday the 13th Part 5: A New Beginning (1985) & A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 5: The Dream Child (1989). Not the best films in the franchises, but I suspect also not the worst.
Spoilers start around 4:45.
Horror Anthologies - the short story collections of horror cinema. There are so many anthologies that it was hard to pick two, but for this episode we watched Southbound (2015) and The Mortuary Collection (2019).
Spoilers start around 3:55
British werewolves anyone? Check out our review of two very different takes on werewolves with Howl (2015) and The Beast Must Die (1974).
Spoilers start around 5:05.
Horror Comedies anyone? I may be the only one who likes horror comedies of the two of us, and that doesn't stop me from suggesting them whenever I can. Check out our reviews of these horror comedies with ghostly menace: The Frighteners (1996) and Here Comes Hell (2019).
Spoilers start around 6:25.
Death and Time Loops, what could possibly go wrong? Even more death, over and over again!!
Check out our reviews of the sequel to Happy Death Day - Happy Death Day 2U (2019) and the Salvage (2006).
Spoilers start around 5:10.
Who doesn't love a good film with teens and witchcraft? I mean, what could possibly go wrong? Check out our reviews of The Craft: Legacy (2020) & Seance (2021)
Spoilers start around 4:05
Looking for some demonic horror sequels on this fine Friday? Look no further.
For this episode we reviewed Hellraiser: Judgement (2018) and The Exorcist III (1998).
Spoilers start around 5:12.
Love or hate it, the Giallo genre is central to the history of horror.
For this episode watched two well-known films in the genre: The Girl Who Knew Too Much, aka the Evil Eye, (1963) & Deep Red, aka The Hatchet Murders, (1975).
Spoilers start around 6:43.
Let's be honest, horror and b-movies go together like peanut butter and jelly. For this episode, we celebrate Elvira's 30th Anniversary with two movies from her Shudder special: The City of the Dead (aka Horror Hotel) from 1960 and Messiah of Evil (aka Dead People) from 1973.
Spoilers start around 6:40.
Animatronics gone wrong!! If you're terrified by the idea of mechanical furries coming to life and going on killing sprees, then these films are for you: The Banana Splits Movie (2019) & Willy's Wonderland (2021).
Spoilers start around 5:00.
Our theme for this week is haunted houses!! We watched 13 Ghosts (2001) and Sinister (2012).
There are so many haunted house movies out there, so if you have recommendations for more, drop us a line.
Spoilers start around 5:02
Part two of our stroll down memory lane as we take a look at the Scream franchise. Get ready for a discussion of Scream III (2000) and Scream IV (2011).
Spoilers start around 6:30.
Get ready for some 90s nostalgia. This is the first in a two part series on the Scream franchise. Get ready for a discussion of Scream I (1996) and Scream II (1997).
Spoilers start around 3:27.
Get ready for some more underwater horror!! For this second take on the theme we watched Sphere (1998) and Deep Star Six (1989).
Spoilers start around 3:38.
It's that time again!!! Time to sit and watch movies all weekend long for the 23rd Annual Nevermore Film festival, programmed by the Carolina Theatre in Durham North Carolina.
The NEVERMORE Film Festival is a juried competition festival that programs brand-new feature and short films with an emphasis on horror, science fiction, dark fantasy, animation, and mystery/thrillers from around the world. Named a "Top 100 Film Festival" by FilmFreeway and "One of the Best Horror Film Festivals in the World" by Dread Central, Nevermore has screened more than 1000 films since its creation in 1999. It has gained an international reputation as one of the premiere genre festivals in the USA.
Are you terrified thinking about a home invaders? Then we've got some films for you!! These are two films featuring home invasions gone wrong - where the home invaders get their due: Don't Breathe (2016) and The Owners (2020).
Spoilers start around 4:50.
Looking for some paranormal investigation horror? Look no further. This week we paired two films featuring ghost hunting: the 1963 film "The Haunting" and the 2011 "Grave Encounters".
Spoilers start around 2:44.
Let's talk time loops! In honor of Groundhog Day this week, we have two films that involve reliving the same day over and over again. Today we're talking about Happy Death Day (2017) and Source Code (2011).
Spoilers start around 4:40.
Looking for some late-90s teen horror? Well look no further!! For this episode, we reviewed the teen scream I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and the stoner horror-comedy Idle Hands (1999).
Spoilers start around 3:40.
Return of Chucky!!! We return to a long-running franchise - now a series on The SyFy Channel: Child's Play!!
For this episode we watched Bride of Chucky (1998) and Seed of Chucky (2004).
Spoilers Start around 2:32.
It's time for some holiday horror!!
Our episode this week features two Christmas themed films: Christmas Evil (aka You Better Watch Out; aka Terror in Toyland) from 1980 and the 2016 film featuring Dee Wallace, Red Christmas.
Spoilers start around 5:58.
Underground sequels and remakes!! In this episode we review The Descent 2 (2009), the sequel to The Descent and My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009), a remake of the original from 1981.
Spoilers start around 3:50.
Happy Black Friday!! While you're waiting in line with hordes of other shoppers, check out our latest episode featuring two recent takes on Zombies: The Girl with all the Gifts (2016) based on the book by Mike Carey and Peninsula (2020), the stand-alone sequel to Train to Busan (2016).
Spoilers start around 6:20
Our third annual year in review!! For this episode, we take a look back at the past year and offer our top 10 and bottom 5 films of the year. This whole episode is nothing but spoilers - but not terrible spoilers, actually - but yes it's all spoilers.
Happy Halloween everyone!!
For spooky season this year we're releasing an extra episode, just in time for Halloween. For this episode, we continuing our journey through the Halloween franchise with Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) & Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998).
Spoilers start around: 6:07
Could it be......Satan?!
In keeping with the spooky season, for this episode we looked at two films featuring the Devil himself - Faustian bargains, deals with the Devil...you know...Satan: Angel Heart (1987) & Devil (2010).
Spoilers start around 3:30.
Get ready for some somewhat family friendly horror! In this episode we watched the 1999 Sleepy Hollow, featuring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci and the original 1990 version of the film adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Witches.
Spoilers start around 5:50.
Do you love true crime documentaries? What about faux-documentaries? For this episode we watched two films in the faux-documentary genre: The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007) and The Taking of Debra Logan (2014).
Spoilers start around 7:10
Are you ready for some late 80s creature features? This week we paired the loosely related sequel to C.H.U.D, C.H.U.D II: Bud the C.H.U.D. (1989)with Stephen Dorff's debut film The Gate (1987).
Spoilers start around 05:38.
Are you looking for some subterranean horror? Well look no further than this episode where we paired the 2005 film The Descent with the original My Bloody Valentine from 1981.
Spoilers start around 4:05.
It's Friday the 13th, so what better way to celebrate than with an episode featuring the 4th installments of two of the longest-lived horror franchises to come out of the 80s: Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) and A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988).
Also, a special shout out to Strange Eons for mentioning us on their podcast. Thank you for your kind words and for listening.
Spoilers start around 2:40.
Three movies for the price of one podcast episode!! This week we review the 2020 Netflix trilogy: Fear Street Part 1: 1994; Feat Street Part 2: 1978; Fear Street Part 3: 1666.
Spoilers start around 4:30.
Spiders!!!! Love them or hate them, that's our theme for this episode. Check out our review of this creepy-crawly double feature of Arachnophobia (1990) and Itsy Bitsy (2019).
Spoilers start around: 5:00
Man - the most dangerous game! For this episode we watched two films about hunting humans: The Hunt (2020) and Surviving the Game (1994).
Spoilers begin around 5:00.
Deep sea drilling? Check. Unseen underwater forces? Check. Ragtag teams of survivors? Check. These films have everything you could want from underwater horror films. Check out our reviews of James Cameron's The Abyss (1989) and Underwater (2020).
Spoilers start around 2:45.
You know you want more 80s tiny creature movies! For this episode we revisited the theme with Critters (1986) and Ghoulies 2 (1988).
Spoilers start around 3:40.
Do you like werewolf films? We've got two very different werewolves for you this week! Check out our reviews of The Howling (1981) and The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020).
Spoilers start around 5:00.
Heroic teens vs. the forces of evil!! This week we look at two very different films featuring teens, who fight the forces of evil: The Wretched (2019) and Vampires vs. The Bronx (2020).
Spoilers start around 4:50.
Are 80s creature films your thing? Check out our review of two classic horror films from the 80s: C.H.U.D. (1984) and the first in the Ghoulies series (1985).
Spoilers start around 4:53.
What would you do if you were invisible? It turns out most people probably wouldn't use their powers for good. For this episode we return to our regular format with two films about invisibility: The Invisible Man (2020) and Hollow Man (2000).
Spoilers start around 3:32.
Created in 1999, The Nevermore Film Festival, organized by the Carolina Theatre in Durham, NC, is a juried competition festival that programs brand-new genre feature and short films from around the world.
For its 22nd year, it went virtual and we watched all 72 films (shorts and feature length) over the course of a week. In this episode we discuss our favorites.
For more information about the films we are talking about, check out the Nevermore Film Festival Website: https://carolinatheatre.org/festival/nevermore-film-festival/
Looking for large creature features? Look no further than the two movies we watched for this episode: Lake Placid (1999) and Pig Hunt (2008).
In honor of Valentine's Day, we reviewed two Valentine's Day adjacent films that are part of the Hulu Into the Dark series produced by Blumhouse: Down (2019) and My Valentine (2020).
Spoilers start around 3:22.
Are you ready for some Lovecraftian horror?! Look no further than this episode featuring reviews of Die Farbe (2010) and Color out of Space (2019) - both based on H.P. Lovecraft's short story "The Colour out of Space". Spoilers start around 5:40.
Horror films based on revenge?! Yes, please!! There are actually soooo many to choose from. Check out our reviews of The Crow: City of Angels (1996) and Mandy (2018). Spoilers start around 4:45.
We're more dog people ourselves, but check our review of these two films on the theme "Cat People" - also two films by director Val Lewton: Cat People (1942) Curse of the Cat People (1944).
Spoilers start around 3:32.
Another holiday season another episode of holiday horror!! This year we looked at two of the MANY B-Movie horror films out there: Slay Belles (2018) and Secret Santa (2015).
Spoilers start around 5:55.
If you're a fan of the podcast you might remember the home invasion film The Strangers (2008), well this week we have two more home invasion films, the sequel and a contemporary remake featuring Keanu Reeves. Check out our review of Knock Knock (2015) and The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018). Spoilers start around 4:07.
Our theme for this episode is alternate realities - or something like that.
We paired a 2018/2019 film we recently saw online via our previous favorite local theater - coupled with a discussion with the director and a 2013 film featuring some well known actors.
Check out our reviews of H0us3 and Coherence both of which you can stream on Amazon.
In this episode we look back at the highs and lows of our double features for the past year. The whole episode is full of spoilers, soooo..... yeah.
It's almost Halloween, so what better way to celebrate than with the next films in the Halloween franchise: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989). (Don't worry we'll get to Halloween 3 eventually.)
Spoilers start around 4:00.
How is it possible that we have not done these films? Just in time for the spooky season, we're bringing you our reviews of the first two films of the classic Halloween franchise from 1978 and 1981. Spoilers start around 05:02.
You might want to think twice before buying an animatronic doll or downloading a suspicious app. Technology gone horribly wrong is the theme for this episode and we paired the 2019 remake of Child's Play with the 2016 film Bedeviled.
Spoilers start around 4:10.
Ah evil children!!! So many films, so little time. For this episode our theme is "Return of the Evil Children" as we revisit the Omen Franchise with the 1978 Damien: Omen II and pair it with the 2019 film The Hole in the Ground.
Spoilers start around 4:10.
How terrifying are clowns? Check out our review of Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988) and Killjoy (2000) - two clown-centric horror films, that do not involve Pennywise.
Spoilers start around 3:10.
For this episode our theme is focused on two actors: Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. While they were in many movies together we chose The Brides of Dracula (1960) and Horror Express (1972). Spoilers start around 6:00.
Do you like vampires? What kind? There are tons of different types of vampires from sparkly skinned to rave-loving party lovers and everything in between. For this episode we looked at two very different vampire films: the 1979 miniseries "Salem's Lot" based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, and the 2010 film "We are the Night".
And with this episode we come to the end of the Saw franchise. Check out our review of Saw 3D (aka Saw: The Final Chapter, aka Saw 7) from 2010 and Jigsaw, which came out in 2017.
Our theme for this episode: Evil Children!! I feel like this has been our theme before - maybe because there are so many films with evil children? Or maybe because children are evil? Who can say?? Check out our reviews of the 1976 film The Omen (the first of the Omen franchise), which we have paired with the 2019 film The Prodigy. Spoilers Start around 3:05.
Do you like Disney? Then you may or may not like these two films from 1985, representing a darker period in Disney films: The Black Cauldron & Return to Oz
Spoilers start around 4:30.
For this episode we looked at the third installments of two series featuring evil dolls: Puppet Master 3: Toulon's Revenge and Child's Play 3 - both from 1991.
Spoilers start around 5:42.
(Sorry the audio isn't up to par on this one. We "upgraded" our software and...well...not all upgrades are upgrades.)
This week we continue with the Saw franchise - following the adventures of Jigsaw and Friends through the next two films: Saw V (2008) and Saw VI (2009).
Spoilers start around 4:40
Happy Mother's Day!! For this episode we take a look at two films with a common theme of mothers: mother! (2017) and Goodnight Mommy (2014). Spoilers start around 5:45.
It's coming from inside the house!! Our theme for this episode is Menacing Phone Calls and we've got two great films for you, both of which have recently been remade: When a Stranger Calls (1979) and Black Christmas (1974).
Spoilers Start around 4:50.
Today our theme is K-Horror - or maybe Korean pandemic horror. Either way, check out our reviews of Train to Busan (2016) and The Wailing (2016).
Spoilers start around 6:40.
We resume our rewatching of the full saw franchise with the next two films in the series: Saw III (2006) and Saw IV (2007). Spoilers start around 3:30.
Happy Friday the 13th!! In this episode we discuss the third films in the Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street franchises: Friday the 13th Part III (1982), our first movie in 3D, and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987). Spoilers Start around 3:20.
For this episode we look at one of the first horror films ever made: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. We paired the 1919 version with the 2015 remake. Let us know what you think!
Spoilers start around 4:30.
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, we decided to take a look some Antarctic Horror – just to make ourselves feel better about the cold temperatures. Check out our reviews of The Thing (2011) a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 film of the same name and Cold Skin (2017)
Spoilers start around 4:15.
With this episode we start our discussion of all of the films in the Saw franchise with the original Saw (2004) and Saw II (2005).
Spoilers start around 7:50
Special Bonus Holiday Episode Number 2!!! For this episode we reviewed two Christmas Horror films from Hulu, both part of the Into the Dark series: Pooka (2018) and A Nasty Piece of Work (2019).
Spoilers start around 5:00
Holiday Horror!! Just in time for the holidays, we offer our reviews of two Christmas horror movies: Better Watch Out (2017) and The Children (2008). Enjoy!!
Spoilers Start around 3:30
Folk Horror is the general theme for this episode which pairs the 1973 The Wicker Man with the 2019 Midsommar.
Spoilers Start around 4:10
What's better than a normal horror movie? A horror movie set in outer space!! Check out our reviews of this double feature with Alien (1979) and Event Horizon (1997).
Spoilers start around 12 minutes in.
For this episode you can pick from three themes: 1) Jack Black Movies; 2) Family Friendly Horror; 3) Film versions of YA Novels. Check out our reviews of two films from 2018 "Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween" and "The House with a Clock in its Walls".
Spoilers start about 5 min in.
After a bit of a hiatus and a year of horror double features, we take a look back at the past year and offer our top 10 and bottom 5 films of the year. This whole episode is nothing but spoilers - sorry.
Do you like horror films with children? What about children threatened by ghosts and demons? Check out our review of two very different films: The Innocent (1961) and Kuntilanak (2006).
Get ready for some summer horror with the two latest films in Hulu's 2019 anthology series "Into the Dark": Culture Shock and School Spirit.
Spoilers Start around 4:00
Our theme for this week: Hauntings? Both films look at purportedly haunted houses, that may or may not be haunted: The Awakening (2011) and Malevolent (2018).
Spoilers Start around 5:00.
In case you couldn't guess, our theme this week is 80s iconic sequels. We watched the sequels to Friday the 13th (1981) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1985).
Spoilers Start around 5:00
Wouldst thou like to live deliciously? Our theme: Witches (As if that wasn't obvious from the titles of the films.)
For this episode we looked at two recent films that look at witches in very different ways: The Witch (aka The VVitch) from 2015 and The Love Witch from 2016. Both films are available streaming.
Spoilers start around 8:33
Demons and Demonic Possession!! That's our theme for this episode, where we discuss Michele Soavi's The Church (1989) and The Sentinel (1977) based on Jeffrey Konvitz's novel of the same name..
Spoilers start around 06:18
In this episode we look at films that offer takes on the bedeviled babysitter theme: Tormented (aka Berkshire County) from 2014 and Babysitter Wanted from 2008.
Spoilers start around 5:42.
Couples move into houses all the time. Sometimes those houses turn out to be haunted.
This week we watched two movies with a theme of couples moving into haunted houses: The Inhabitants (2015) & Lovely Molly (2012).
Spoilers start around 4:50
Our theme for this episode: Viral Horror!!
Candyman (1992) and Mercy Black (2019) both deal with horror stories told as urban legends, which may or may not be true. Check out our review and let us know what you think.
Spoilers start around 8:10
To read more about the original Clive Barker story, upon which Candyman is based, check out Andrew's book blog "Tales from the Bookworm's Lair" at https://bibliorex.wordpress.com/ and search for "Candyman"
Creepy Clowns!!!! What an amazing theme for horror!! For this episode we watched the 2016 films "31" and "Terrifier". Both films set on halloween, and both films have some amazingly creepy murder clowns!!
Spoilers start around 7:10
The theme of this episode is "Suspiria" or it could be "Homage" or it could be "Creepy Evil Dancing Witches." No matter the theme, this time we watched the 1977 version of Dario Argento's Suspiria alongside the 2018 version.
Spoilers start around 5:50
Rock and Roll Horror is the theme for this episode. We watched two very different but very good films: "The Lords of Salem" (2012) and "Green Room" (2015).
Spoilers Start around 8:55.
Our theme for this episode: Comedy Horror!! We watched Patchwork (2015) and They're Watching (2016), two comedy horror movies currently streaming on Netflix.
Spoilers start around 5:35.
This episode's theme: Home Invasions!!! Join us as we discuss the 2006 French-Romanian film "Them" and the 2008 film "The Strangers".
Spoilers start around 3:45
Following our theme of classic horror films, this episode we look at two films with murderous cults: Children of the Corn (1984) and The Hills have Eyes (1977). (Alternative theme: Car breakdowns gone horribly wrong.)\r\n\r\nSpoilers start around 5:12
This week we take a look at two classic slasher films from the 80s: Friday the 13th (1980) and Nightmare on Elmstreet (1984). Believe it or not, Elizabeth had never seen them.\r\n\r\nSpoilers start around 5:45.
Our theme this episode is \"Sequels\" and we saw two films that were sequels of films we have already reviewed on the podcast: \"Creep 2\" (2017) and \"14 Cameras\" (2018).\r\n\r\nSpoilers start around 8:15.
Our theme for this episode is \"Unseen Forces\" with the 2017 films The Endless and Pyewacket. \r\n\r\nSpoilers start around 04:00
Get ready for some holiday horror!! In this episode we review the Finnish film Rare Exports (2010) and pair it with the film Mother Krampus (2017). Both are currently available on Hulu and Amazon.\r\n\r\nSpoilers start around 6:26.
In this episode we look at the first two installments of Hulu\'s monthly horror anthology series Into the Dark: The Body and Flesh and Blood.\r\n\r\nSpoilers start around 08:00.
This double feature looks at two films from the early 2000s that both feature young women: Gingersnaps (2000) and They (2002). \r\n\r\nSpoilers start around 7:40
In this special Halloween edition of the podcast, we take a look at the family-friendly films Goosebumps (2005) and Halloweentown (1998).\r\n\r\nSpoilers start around 7:20.
This week\'s double feature has potentially two themes: Initial theme - family legacy; theme after watching - creepy murder cults.\r\n\r\nOur reviews of the 2018 film Hereditary, which we paired with 2015 film The Invitation. \r\n\r\nSpoilers start around minute 8.
This week we watched two films currently available via streaming, the The Void and 13 Cameras aka Slumlord
Our inaugural episode looks at two films currently available via streaming, the 2014 films It Follows and Creep. Both films explore the hidden side of horror and make you afraid of things that you can\'t see.