Spooky Tuesday - A Horror Movie Podcast

Spookies, it feels like we've been waiting forever to work this theme month into our schedule, but one could also argue the genre was only invented in 2024. Nonetheless, we'd like to welcome Pop Star Horror Month to the stage, and we've invited Trap (2024) to be our opening act. A true daddy-daughter film where Josh Hartnett plays a doting father who moonlights as a serial killer, this flick also features a collab between writer-director M. Night Shyamalan and his own double act offspring, Saleka Shyamalan. Come join the concert with us on our newest Spooky Tuesday as we talk tunes, mommy issues, and more. References:https://people.com/all-about-m-night-shyamalan-kids-8691825https://consequence.net/2024/06/trap-saleka-interview-lady-raven-release/https://www.theringer.com/2024/08/05/movies/trap-movie-concert-music-lady-raven-m-night-shyamalan-salekahttps://ca.rollingstone.com/music/trap-m-night-shyamalans-daughter-saleka-as-lady-raven-shares-first-song-from-dads-new-film/https://bloody-disgusting.com/music/3823462/saleka-releases-lady-raven-with-special-guest-kid-cudi-listen-now/https://www.nylon.com/nylon-nights/saleka-shyamalan-trap-premiere-interview

We've got a lot to celebrate this week, Spookies! Not only is it our very own Monica's birthday, it's also a Fifth Tuesday and the sneaky unofficial start to a new themed month — so of course we had to cover The Phantom of the Opera (2004). A luxe movie musical that captures the theatrical flair of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway show and pairs it with the camp sensibilities of director Joel Schumacher, this flick practically jumps out of the screen when that first booming note hits. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we challenge you not to sing along as we talk all things score and book lore. References:https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/did-minnie-driver-and-emmy-rossum-feud-on-the-phantom-of-the-opera-set.html/https://x.com/driverminnie/status/1275219191323217920https://x.com/JohnTylerJRT/status/884599605601738752https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/how-to-explain-trumps-love-for-the-musical-catshttps://www.onstageblog.com/columns/2015/11/29/why-it-sucked-the-phantom-of-the-opera

Pitching itself as The Substance meets Mean Girls, Slanted (2026) is the hot new high school body horror hitting the scene — but if you go in expecting either of those movies, you're not setting yourself up for success. A slower-paced but sharply-fanged satire, this flick looks at life in America with fresh eyes as it explores themes of immigration and assimilation. With Shirley Chen and Mckenna Grace sharing one race-swapping role as Joan-turned-Jo, Amy Wang's first feature examines one way to try and remove racism from your life, and we're digging into the details on a new Spooky Tuesday.   References: https://joysauce.com/slanted-director-amy-wang-wants-you-to-confront-your-asian-shame/ https://www.cinemablend.com/interviews/real-life-inspirations-behind-new-horror-movie-slanted Interview with Slanted Cast and DirectorInterview with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Amelie Zilber, and Amy Wang

Did a certain recent release have you longing for a little more David Arquette? Then you might be on the same page as our Patrons, because when it came time for them to pick a flick in our Quarterly Vote, they went with Eight Legged Freaks (2002). A creature feature that takes creepy crawlies and gives them the classic toxic waste treatment, this monster movie dares to ask if there's anything scarier than a spider. The answer, BTW? Two hundred spiders that are all really big. Join us on a new Spooky Tuesday as we talk squashing bugs, Scarlett Johansson, government conspiracies, and 4DX effects. References: https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/mind/2021/are-spiders-intelligenthttps://www.burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/biology/arachnology-and-entomology/spider-myths/myth-daddy-longlegs-wouldhttps://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2023/10/31/is-it-true-that-you-sometimes-swallow-spiders-in-your-sleep/https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/insects-invertebrates/spitting-spider-guidehttps://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Spiders_(Eight_Legged_Freaks)https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3551125/eight-legged-freaks-remains-criminally-overlooked-horror-comedy/https://sarahalbeebooks.com/reel-bugs-8-legged-freaks/https://pophorror.com/ten-fun-facts-about-ellory-elkayems-eight-legged-freaks-2002/

In the horror community, opinions are majorly divided when it comes to Scream 7 (2026) — and that holds true here at Spooky Tuesday. Throwing it back to our Day 1 roots, we're tackling the newest collab between Neve Campbell, Kevin Williamson, and our boy Matthew Lillard as we evaluate what sort of place this flick has in the larger Ghostface franchise. Join us on our latest episode as we talk commentary and kills while waxing nostalgic about Scream movies past.  References:https://www.joblo.com/scream-7-review-a-second-opinion/https://www.decodingeverything.com/scream-7-review-artistic-failure/

If you love a movie with a twist or just one that's twisted, Se7en (1995) is probably at the top of your list. A serial killer crime story that stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and the admin from your favorite medical shows as five-second side characters, this fucked up flick draws inspiration from the seven deadly sins — and potentially a secret eighth one if you buy into those theories. With its torturous death tableaus, it also reads as a clear precursor to John Kramer's Saw traps, and we're discussing all those details and more on a new Spooky Tuesday. References:https://screenrant.com/se7en-hidden-details-never-noticed-movie/https://filmobsessive.com/film/film-analysis/one-key-detail-will-change-the-way-you-watch-se7en/https://www.reddit.com/r/FanTheories/comments/1f5ogv/se7en_john_doe_was_not_the_killer_somerset_was/SE7EN : Deleted Scenes, Alt. Beginning & Ending (w/edits) Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth PaltrowDeleted Scenes with Commentary | Se7en

Sorry, Spookies, we didn't mean to pick a flick that was impossible to see in theaters — but if you can manage to hunt down a showing of Cold Storage (2026) near you, it's definitely worth the watch. Starring Joe Keery, Georgina Campbell, and Liam Neeson, this horror comedy tackles the zombie genre in ways that are both familiar and fresh. With CLEAR references to films like The Return of the Living Dead, Train to Busan, and Alien, David Koepp's smart new book-turned-screenplay is very much in conversation with the genre, and we're pointing out parallels and parsing the different kinds of pastries on a new Spooky Tuesday. References:https://www.nasa.gov/history/45-years-ago-skylab-reenters-earths-atmosphere/Zombie Ant Fungus Explained

Sushi dinners with Rachel McAdams on a tropical island? That sounds like heaven to us, so we're not sure what Dylan O'Brien is complaining about in Sam Raimi's new horror comedy, Send Help (2026). On our latest Spooky Tuesday, we're getting to the bottom of it, though, as we revisit our Survivor days, push Teen Wolf on Monica, and break down all that CGI gore. Whether you saw this flick in 4DX 3D or just regular stylez sans piped-in tuna smell, there's no denying that it makes for a fun ride, so join us as we hop on a plane and head out to sea to get our hands dirty.References:Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien, and Sam Raimi Break Down a Survival Scene from 'Send Help'Sam Raimi Gushes About How Stephen King Gave Him His First Chance In The Film BusinessSam Raimi On Putting Rachel McAdams And Dylan O'Brien In Brutal Scenarios For 'Send Help'Dylan O'Brien Goes ROGUE Interviewing Send Help Co-Star Rachel McAdamsMean Girls "One Way or Another"Rugrats The Movie (2000) - One Way Or Another

Ready to get romantic? For our Valentine’s Day episode, we thought we’d host the ultimate getaway at a little place we like to call Bone Lake (2025). Located out in an isolated wood, it’s as sexy — and deadly — as it sounds, and this flick turns up the heat when two couples discover they’ve booked the same luxurious lake house for the weekend. Starring Malignant’s Maddie Hasson and directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan, this week’s movie features breakups, make ups, and mind games. What more could a Spooky Tuesday ask for?References: Director AMA

Ready for The Big Game™, Spookies? The most exciting day in football is right around the corner, and we wanted to get in on the fun — which is why we picked HIM (2025) for this week's episode. On our latest Spooky Tuesday, we're hitting the field with Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers for a little pigskin practice as we toss around the ball, nuggets of sports history, classic Americana themes, and theories about what's going down behind-the-scenes in Justin Tipping's trippy flick. References:https://www.motionpictures.org/2025/09/how-director-justin-tipping-mixed-art-nike-ads-multiple-genres-in-his-sports-horror-him/Nike Freestyle AdJonathan Glazer's Jordans Adhttps://artsfuse.org/317121/film-review-him-a-carpet-bombing-of-the-optic-nerve/https://nerdist.com/watch/video/him-interview-the-horror-of-sports-religion/https://time.com/7318791/him-movie-ending-explained/Lucas Blue Him (2025) Breakdown & Analysishttps://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/cannupa-hanska-luger-mascot-jordan-peele-horror-film-him-1234756028/https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/about-wwi/football-and-wwihttps://bloody-disgusting.com/exclusives/3906346/him-costume-designer-dominique-dawson-shares-exclusive-insight-and-images/

Rumor has it that this week's pick might be one of the best pictures of 2025 — and with the Oscars showing the horror genre so much love this year, we figured we'd repay the favor. On our latest episode, we're taking a hard look at the world and what's really going on with Bugonia (2025), the latest collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, and Jesse Plemons. This flick asks some interesting questions about aliens, conspiracy theories, and power dynamics, and we're diving into it all on the newest Spooky Tuesday. References:https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a69205373/bugonia-ending-explained/https://nerdist.com/article/bugonia-yorgos-lanthimos-film-review/https://www.npr.org/2025/10/30/nx-s1-5591161/bugonia-reviewhttps://youtu.be/Ul1DR02mL4A?si=cdV8w-tuPJmFwuk1https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/yorgos-lanthimos-bugonia-production-design-space-1235166364/https://youtu.be/t8-Jz3MyBXw?si=a7IpXE1OIBeEnkpzhttps://youtu.be/mop-xm1TK9g?si=P6MS1aMX5hy2JxFlhttps://youtu.be/y60YgT6A9KI?si=Yf9K9El49guO4AaR

It's that time of year again, Spookies: Matthew Lillard's birthday has circled around on the calendar once more, and we're celebrating with Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025). Though this flick is a little light on the Matty Lilly, it does give us the Billy & Stu reunion we've long been yearning for — at least sort of. With Skeet Ulrich joining the cast, our fave two homoerotic horror actors were reunited on the red carpet, and we're hopeful the third installment will give us even more. Join us on a new Spooky Tuesday as we break down our theories about the middle movie of the FNAF trilogy. References:https://www.slashfilm.com/2042991/five-nights-at-freddys-2-review/https://movieweb.com/hidden-video-game-easter-eggs-five-nights-at-freddys-2/

The holidays may be over, but it’s still important to get the whole family together, which is why we picked Silent Night (2021) to help bring us back from our break. A nontraditional horror movie about spending the end of the world with the people you care about, it raises questions that are unfortunately all too relevant to our trying times. On our latest episode of Spooky Tuesday, we’re getting the gang back together to talk about friendship, British humor, and all the toxic whirlydos headed our way. References:https://ew.com/movies/silent-night-ending-explained/https://screenrant.com/silent-night-movie-ending-explained-art-twist-meaning/https://blackgirlnerds.com/review-silent-night-is-a-british-tale-of-impending-doom/https://www.dreadcentral.com/interviews/419145/silent-night-director-defends-her-divisive-christmas-horror-story/

Our Patrons made their voices heard, Spookies, and the official results are in: We're covering The Thing (2011) for our Quarterly Patreon Pick. Less a remake of the 1982 John Carpenter original and more a revisiting to that same universe, this flick continues to explore the lore behind the ever elusive ~thing.~ It also stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as an Ellen Ripley-esque scientist, so you *know* that's right up our alley. On our last episode of 2025, we're getting into the original plans for this scifi flick, the studio meddling that knocked it off course, and all the various ways we could sex it up to make an Antarctic research station just a little bit hotter. Check out our episode on The Thing (1982) here: https://www.spookytuesdaypod.com/latest-episodes/the-thing-1982References:https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-thing-2011-stealth-prequel-john-carpenter-original-strongerhttps://cinapse.co/2019/11/the-thing-2011-its-probably-better-than-you-remember/https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/i-rewatched-2011s-the-thing-and-still-believe-it-gets-too-much-hatehttps://activemaas.wordpress.com/2024/01/16/continuity-and-discrepancy-in-1982-and-2011-the-thing/https://wickedhorror.com/features/editorials/practical-matters-the-frustrating-story-of-the-thing-prequel-we-could-have-had/https://monsterlegacy.net/2013/03/03/the-thing-pilot-alien-creature-deleted-fired/https://www.reddit.com/r/RedLetterMedia/comments/8yoy9f/i_had_access_to_behind_the_scenes_of_the_thing/https://open.substack.com/pub/thecurvingeye/p/xenomaternity-and-meThe Thing Making Of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDn4XBKXrCkThe Thing ADI In House Tests: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R8ASn25GLg

The spirit of Frankenstein still lives within us, Spookies — which is why we're just not ready to move on from some of those themes. This week, we're staying in the gothic horror genre as we cover The Woman in Black (2012), a remake of an '80s made-for-TV movie that stars Daniel Radcliffe in one of his first non-Potter roles. A ghost story with a karmic kick, this flick features chihuahuas in sailor suits, dancing monkeys, and all the ether you could ever dream of, so join us on a new Spooky Tuesday as we go trawling through the muck and fog to try and put some souls to rest. References:https://fantasyliterature.com/reviews/the-woman-in-black/https://moviecuriosities.fmuk.org.uk/?p=2786https://ruelleelectrique.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/film-review-the-woman-in-black-sister-to-la-llorona-and-the-lady-of-the-lake/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/feb/05/susan-hill-jane-goldman-interview?newsfeed=true

Happy Thanksgiving, Spookies! This week, we're thankful for Herman Munster, chest hair, and cuddly cats, because we're celebrating the holiday with Stephen King's Pet Sematary (1989). One of the few adaptations of his books that the prolific author actually got to write the screenplay for himself, this flick is interesting in the ways it both stuck to and veered away from the original story. On our latest episode of Spooky Tuesday, we're diving into those differences and dodging 18 wheelers as we talk about the merits of playing god and slaying a cunty little funeral fit. References:https://www.slashfilm.com/1546643/stephen-king-pet-sematary-creepy-painting-meaning/https://pshares.org/blog/death-as-the-villain-in-pet-sematary/https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/feb/21/rereading-stephen-king-pet-semataryhttps://www.strangeharbors.com/blog/2019/4/3/revisiting-1989s-pet-semataryhttps://newrepublic.com/article/153546/pet-sematary-refuses-diehttps://www.brightwalldarkroom.com/2018/08/10/pet-sematary-these-corruptible-vessels/https://screenrant.com/pet-sematary-movie-george-romero-not-director-stephen-king/https://stephenking.com/xf/index.php?threads/the-real-question-about-the-ending-spoilers.19690/

Is he hot or is he just 6’5 and made up of various large men’s most beautiful body parts? Is he hot or just played by Jacob Elordi in 10 hours of prosthetics on wobbly fawn legs and with a glimmer of innocence and curiosity in his eyes? On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re talking about Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025), and we’re asking the important questions, like who drinks milk? And what *is* the meaning of circles? Join us on our latest episode as we head up to the Arctic Circle to explore the nature of life and death, butterfly seductions, and generational cycles of trauma.References: Tour of Victor's Lab: https://youtu.be/JRiLMssdaco?si=1klpMP_A20R4p8K0Color Coding: https://youtu.be/E_Ys8Mpl0BU?si=kMNszcAjooEMPwj6https://youtube.com/shorts/1J6lvmU7NZc?si=S3IGPgeIRaEoza0XBreaking down the scene where The Creature and Elizabeth first meet: https://youtu.be/ngOJpHi4eR0?si=NJ-wxvvGFN3p407shttps://youtu.be/zYV3a3VMC3E?si=LkftHNGq8sDyk84Ahttps://youtu.be/zYV3a3VMC3E?si=tXGBxDvuVDDd9KOkhttps://ew.com/frankenstein-guillermo-del-toro-mia-goth-break-down-scene-when-elizabeth-creature-meet-11845438https://defector.com/guillermo-del-toros-frankenstein-is-flawed-because-his-creature-is-nothttps://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a69286597/frankenstein-netflix-movie-vs-book-differences-explained/https://www.artforum.com/columns/guillermo-del-toro-frankenstein-film-tyler-dean-1234737781/https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3914069/10-easter-eggs-in-guillermo-del-toros-frankenstein/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/features/frankenstein-jacob-elordi-makeup-monster-creationSpark Notes: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/frankenstein/summary/https://medievalmilanetc.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/st-bartholomew-flayed/https://www.berniewrightson.com/galleries/frankenstein/Paige Michalchuk: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQxX2H1CTql/

Promising that any project will “redefine the found footage genre” might set the bar a little high, but audiences were hyped for Shelby Oaks (2025). The debut feature of film critic turned movie maker Chris Stuckmann, this flick got the ball rolling with a fan-backed Kickstarter and ended with horror icon Mike Flanagan lending his name to the poster. But what happens when the word-of-mouth momentum doesn’t seem to last past the premiere date? On a new episode of Spooky Tuesday, we’re examining the tapes for ourselves and adding our voices to the fray as we discuss what worked, where things went wrong, what the casual viewer might not know about the effort that went into this demonic offering to Tarion, and where Monica’s least favorite Taylor Swift lyrics come into play. Welcome to our underworld, Spookies — it’s about to get quite dark. References:https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/how-chris-stuckmann-neon-shelby-oaks-1235956162/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/shelby-oaks-chris-stuckmann-new-ending-1236415484/https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/shelby-oaks-post-mortem-1235157726/https://www.polygon.com/shelby-oaks-ending-explained-chris-stuckmann-interview/

As hard as Tiffany Valentine slays, we knew we weren't going to get nearly our fill of Jennifer Tilly in Bride of Chucky — which is why Jennifer Tilly TwosWeeks continues with Bound (1996). One of the homoerotic thrillers that got just barely edged out of our Pride lineup last season, this flick has been waiting for us to circle back, and now that Spooky Season has gone back into hibernation (though, let's be real, that doesn't stop us from being spooky year round), November felt like the perfect time. Don't get us wrong, though — this Wachowski sisters project may not be a horror movie in the traditional sense, but between the mafia drama, lesbian sex, and Gina Gershon's everything, it'll definitely have your heart racing. References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrys#Lesbian_symbolhttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/jul/30/bound-the-wachowskis-immaculately-crafted-queer-thriller-was-a-test-run-for-the-matrix

Technically, Spookies, Sydneypalooza goes all the way to the end of October, and while Clowntober TwosWeeks may have come to a close, another themed event is just beginning. You may have noticed our gorgeous new episode art for Season 6(66), and you may have noticed that Sydney is all gussied up as a very iconic figure in it — which is why we figured that our Halloween episode would be exactly the right time to cover Bride of Chucky (1998). Although we’ve barely dipped our toes into the Child’s Play franchise, we’ve got a lot of love for both Charles Lee Ray and Tiffany Valentine here at Spooky Tuesday, and we’re ready to pay homage to one of horror’s hottest (and most toxic) couples as we kick off Jennifer Tilly TwosWeeks with our latest episode. References:https://screenrant.com/bride-of-chucky-behind-scenes-facts-trivia/

He’s one of the hottest new stars in horror, so you had to know Sydneypalooza Presents: Clowntober TwosWeeks would end with another little visit from Art. As we continue to celebrate our gal’s birthday, we’re heading back into the belly of the beast with Terrifier 2 (2022), the sequel that introduced those immediately iconic sunglasses. On our latest episode, we’re getting our hands dirty (and bloody and gory and covered in goop) as we explore the new additions to the lore, debate how much plot is too much plot, and give David Howard Thornton and Lauren LaVera their flowers. References: https://x.com/damienleone/status/1886453068125864114https://collider.com/damien-leone-statements-horror-movies/https://www.horrorincolor.com/politicalterrifierhttps://www.themarysue.com/be-on-the-right-side-of-history-coward-terrifier-creator-just-admitted-the-gory-horror-franchise-has-no-political-meaning-and-fans-arent-happy/

Spookies, you’re not experiencing déjà vu: We are in fact once again covering a cinematic take on Stephen King’s IT as we celebrate Sydney’s birthday. This year, we’re breaking out the balloons a little early, though, because our new episode on IT (2017) is just one half of the party we’ve humbly deemed Sydneypalooza Presents: Clowntober TwosWeeks. First up is Pennywise, and we’re heading down into the sewers with him as we talk about Taylor Swift TikTok edits, our love for the state of Maine, and how crabs are the spiders of the sea. References: https://www.tiktok.com/@stqrryeye/video/7557738245828742455

There’s something spooky in the wind, friends — and a priest just told us our new episode might carry the mark of the beast. This week, we’re kicking off Season 666 (AKA Season 6), so we thought it was only appropriate that we should start with The Omen (1976). An iconic horror classic, this flick has inspired plenty of films that followed in its footsteps, and the Final Destination franchise is not least among them. On our latest installment of Spooky Tuesday, we’re discussing crucifix decor, investigating antichrist abortions, and embodying the diabolical trinity… and we’re doing it ALL FOR YOU, SPOOKIES!!!!References:https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4hQKj3MfGfvR9sctTcdVn2d/how-i-wrote-the-omen-one-of-the-scariest-movies-of-all-timehttps://screenrant.com/omen-movies-in-order-release-chronological/https://www.cineworld.ie/static/en/ie/blog/the-curse-of-the-omen-facts-the-first-omenhttps://nofilmschool.com/how-the-omen-shaped-satanic-horror#https://collider.com/the-omen-curse-production/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-omen-forerunner-to-final-destination/https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/jews-and-the-rapturehttps://www.craiyon.com/en/image/wrLePISvR-C7fUauG6xhww

Spookies, there’s no better way to celebrate a season finale than with some serious discourse, so we figured it was about time we get into American Psycho (2000). This flick has had a major impact on pop culture over the years — but it also might be one of the most misunderstood pieces of media. For our final episode of Season 5, we decided to wade into the fray as we break down director Mary Harron’s commentary, discuss commitment king Christian Bale’s performance, and really take a magnifying glass to the details on those iconic business cards. References:https://www.out.com/film/american-psycho-gay-satire-mocking-wall-street-bros-explainedhttps://wesleyanargus.com/2024/09/30/from-book-to-scream-why-you-can-relate-to-patrick-bateman/https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/american-psycho-director-mystified-over-wall-street-bros-missing-the-films-gay-subtext/https://kairosisbyanalysis.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/american-psycho-batemans-repressed-homosexuality/https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/12/the-sad-stupid-rise-of-the-sigma-male-how-toxic-masculinity-took-over-social-mediahttps://youtu.be/MOi7gu--GDg?si=B6wUMUXIJY4K2cTZhttps://screenrant.com/american-psycho-willem-dafoe-kimball-scenes-editing/https://screenrant.com/american-psycho-ending-explained-meaning-what-happened/https://kairosisbyanalysis.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/american-psycho-batemans-repressed-homosexuality/https://italkyoubored.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/american-psycho-maybe-not-the-book-you-think-it-is/https://thetab.com/2023/01/24/sigma-face-explained-meaning-tiktok-christian-bale-american-psycho

PG-13 rating be damned, Drag Me To Hell (2009) might be one of the most horrifying movies we've covered yet. Between the flies and the mucusy sound effects and the embalming fluid, it isn't afraid to go for the gross-out factor — and the timing packed a powerful punch, too. Despite being penned a decade earlier after writer-director Sam Raimi wrapped up the original Evil Dead franchise, this flick's release landed it smack-dab in the middle of the late 00s housing crisis, something that's surprisingly relevant to the setup. On our latest Spooky Tuesday, we're diving deep into the discourse as we talk throat goats, Justin Long, diet culture, and White Phillip. References: https://quillette.com/2021/10/31/does-christine-brown-deserve-to-burn-in-hell/https://www.wickedhorror.com/features/retrospectives/10-years-later-drag-me-to-hell-retrospective/https://mr-franco.medium.com/why-drag-me-to-hell-is-more-than-a-horror-film-for-sam-raimi-39292f830b61https://1428elm.com/2019/04/15/drag-me-to-hell-turns-10-crazy-theory/https://screenrant.com/things-about-sam-raimi-drag-me-to-hell/https://horrorobsessive.com/2021/10/04/drag-me-to-hell-a-horror-comedy-with-something-to-say/

Is it just us, or are all these macho men kind of making eyes at each other? This week, we're heading into the jungle to encounter a creature we've never faced before — Predator (1987) — while armed with our hallmark homoerotic subtext goggles. That's right, these babies don't just have thermal or infrared vision, they can also pick apart all of the complicated threads of the poly relationships between Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and their ragtag crew of body building heroes from over a mile away. Join us as we talk about masculinity, mandibles, memes, and more on our newest episode of Spooky Tuesday. References:https://meathookcinema.com/2017/11/24/no-homo-john-mctiernans-predator-1987/https://screenrant.com/predator-1987s-hidden-meanings-make-it-deeper-than-you-realized/https://screenrant.com/1987-predator-rewatch-aged-well/https://screenrant.com/predator-behind-scenes-facts-arnold-schwarzenegger-john-mctiernan-movie/https://dejareviewer.com/2014/04/01/predator-is-surprisingly-deep-action-movie/https://loudandclearreviews.com/predator-1987-film-review-action-thriller/https://avp.fandom.com/wiki/Yautja_(Predator)https://www.cbr.com/predator-rocky-origin/

We know, we know, The Descent: Part 2 (2009) might just be one of the most hated sequels in horror history, but what if for Chelsea's birthday we pretend it wasn't? On our latest episode of Spooky Tuesday, we're picking up right where we left off two years ago and heading back into those unexplored Appalachian caves, where we're discovering even *more* gay subtext than we found the first time around. This episode has it all — toxic yuri, throuples, and CLEAR references to other films like Sky High and I Know What You Did Last Summer — so turn your brain pea-sized like a crawler's and simply enjoy the silliness of a movie that answers the all-important question: where exactly *do* the cave creatures poop?References: https://www.thefrightclubni.com/post/exclusive-the-descent-turns-16-interview-with-shauna-macdonaldhttps://fanlore.org/wiki/Toxic_Yaoi/Yurihttps://www.reddit.com/r/FIlm/comments/s5eg66/the_descent_2005_a_film_about_queer_childbirth/https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/130krnn/what_was_the_point_of_the_descent_part_ii_so_they/https://x.com/spooky_tuesday/status/1706369802007351415

Can a Fifth Tuesday be the *first* Tuesday of the month? We're pretty sure we laid that groundwork over the summer, which is why we're kicking off back-to-school season with Sky High (2005), our non-spooky freebie for September. Though it definitely brings the Halloween dress up vibes, this flick may be more family friendly than fearsome, but it still stars horror icons like Kurt Russell, Bruce Campbell and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. With its empowering message, extremely pleasing color palette, and an all-time bad-boy-with-a-heart-of-gold performance in Warren Peace, this movie was the moment back in the day — and, 20 years later, we're talking on our latest episode of Spooky Tuesday about why it still is. References:https://screenrant.com/sky-high-movie-trivia-facts/https://www.cbr.com/sky-high-2-doomed-sequel-story-details/https://thedisinsider.com/2024/06/01/sky-high-director-reveals-plans-for-potential-sequel/https://thedisinsider.com/2024/03/06/sky-high-director-is-ready-for-a-sequel/https://screenrant.com/sky-high-almost-got-sequel-save-university/

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, several different European countries came together to make a new body horror black comedy. A fairytale retelling from the perspective of a traditional Cinderella side character, The Ugly Stepsister (2025) doesn't shy away from how gruesome those classic stories can be. This flick was also a near-winner for our quarterly Patreon poll, so we figured the best way to end Au-Guessed You Might Want Us to Continue the New Release Theme Into August would be to throw it back several centuries to the days of yore. Join us on our latest Spooky Tuesday as we talk tape worm eggs, try our hands at improv, and ponder the never-ending pressure to be young and beautiful. References:https://youtu.be/iXHCOR-FPrE?si=Q-SDIAf3Yk41oJTGhttps://youtu.be/TeEAlWSIY3E?si=gaMGpu7r7qWI-Vq8https://www.grimmstories.com/en/grimm_fairy-tales/aschenputtelhttps://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/grimm021.htmlhttps://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/type0510a.htmlhttps://plasticsurgeryofboston.com/the-origin-of-plastic-surgery/https://www.123dentist.com/123-dentist-presents-history-braces/https://www.tiktok.com/@history_with_amy/video/7281247339480681761https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-ugly-stepsister-review-1235087462/https://www.vulture.com/article/review-the-ugly-stepsister-is-fairy-tale-body-horror.html

We did it, Spookies! We finally made it to our 249th episode, the milestone that is of course the most important and special and that all podcasts strive to reach! Given this momentous occasion, we wanted to celebrate with a bang — which is why we just couldn't wait to tackle Weapons (2025), the movie our Patrons voted for us to cover this quarter. One of the summer's biggest releases and a flick taking over the horror meme-o-sphere, Zach Cregger's latest project had audiences rushing to theaters, and here at Spooky Tuesday we were definitely part of the crowd. Join us this week as we talk about iconic cameos (Justin Long? June Diane Raphael? Aquamarine?!), narrative structure, and our new-found love for Austin Abrams. References:https://youtu.be/dzwMW6nHyhQ?si=SCugIz2vwLNcidNUhttps://youtu.be/KxUJq7BKgqw?si=EeFselZpsZ43xsAXhttps://youtu.be/xWZBtA7QuTs?si=0PcZPBLX4YjgMY9zhttps://youtu.be/gh-bYGENJz0?si=FcSPvfSgNVec2PDihttps://youtu.be/RqAWj4irMM8?si=MK_pH6ATszjLIiRthttps://fandomwire.com/zach-creggers-floating-gun-scene-in-weapons-offers-no-definite-answers-i-dont-understand-it/https://www.ign.com/articles/weapons-has-a-secret-weapon-and-thats-why-its-a-great-horror-moviehttps://thedirect.com/article/weapons-2025-movie-title-explainedhttps://gizmodo.com/weapons-spoilers-zach-cregger-gladys-amy-madigan-2000637376https://www.slashfilm.com/1934386/weapons-aunt-gladys-villain-motivation-explained/

It's any Spooky's dream to own an antiques store full of all kinds of haunted odds and ends, but Darcy is struggling with a nightmare in Oddity (2024). After the murder of her twin sister, she's determined to know more about the man who committed the crime — and her clairvoyant powers are all she needs if she can just get her hands on a few specific items. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we're sticking with our theme of new (enough) releases as we explore an Irish indie flick firmly grounded in the overlap between our world and the next. References:https://mashable.com/article/oddity-wooden-man-damian-mccarthyhttps://mashable.com/article/oddity-ending-explainerhttps://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/oddity-review-1234966875/https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/oddity-wooden-man-paul-mcdonnell-damian-mccarthy-interview-1235029113/

Spookies, Au-Guessed That You Might Want Us to Continue the New Release Theme Into August, which is why we're keeping our coverage recent with Strange Darling (2024). Though it first debuted on the festival scene in 2023, JT Mollner's out-of-order story hit theaters just last year, and it left audiences buzzing. Not only did Willa Fitzgerald and scream king Kyle Gallner deliver powerful performances as The Lady and The Demon, the nature of the narrative also lent itself to some major discourse. On top of that, it features cameos from Barbara Hershey, Ed Begley Jr., and the most intense breakfast we've ever laid eyes on, so needless to say we've got a lot to sink our teeth into on a new Spooky Tuesday. Bon appétit!References: https://scriptmag.com/interviews-features/flipping-the-script-on-the-final-girl-a-conversation-with-strange-darling-writer-director-jt-mollnerhttps://saltlakefilmreview.com/2024/08/24/strange-darling-has-some-serious-problems/https://www.thetribune.ca/a-e/misogynistic-tropes-in-strange-darling-overshadow-its-thrills-10092024/https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/1foonqt/lets_talk_about_the_sexual_politics_of_strange/https://decider.com/2025/03/04/strange-darling-ending-explained-strange-darling-end-credits-podcast-art-pallone/https://youtu.be/SSaLydxSjSk?si=lTemJrJh4BiucFXPhttps://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1eypgxs/hey_rmovies_im_jt_mollner_director_and/

You know what we did last summer, Spookies — which is why we had to bring back I Know What You Did Last 🤘 SUMMER 🤘 for the release of the newest film in the franchise. Taking a sort of Scream 5 requel approach (and borrowing a few other things from the Scream series), this flick introduced us to a new crew of Gen Z youngsters while also revisiting familiar faces. But how does it measure up against the originals? And does it even need to as long as it's better than that straight-to-video third movie? On our latest episode and the last installment of Ju-Lying If You Said You Didn't Want Us to Cover Some New Releases This July (as we've been calling it all month), we're heading back to Southport with I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025).References: https://variety.com/2025/film/features/jennifer-love-hewitt-i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-brandy-1236464471/https://people.com/lola-tung-nicholas-alexander-chavez-cut-i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-exclusive-11766135https://people.com/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-director-defends-twist-exclusive-11774571https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2025/07/19/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-killer-spoilers/84518416007/https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1m2q3hj/comment/n3tlksu/https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/1m2orn9/comment/n4mrps1/?context=3https://x.com/JennKaytin/status/1947404141980225615

The new releases just keep coming, Spookies! This week we're covering Companion (2025), the hotly anticipated horoco/hocoro that stars some of the biggest up-and-comers in the genre. Featuring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid as a retro-futuristic couple — no matter how much of an oxymoron that might sound like — and with support from Lukas Gage, Harvey Guillén, and Megan Suri, this flick doesn't pull any punches on its performances. We don't want to say too much (unlike the trailers, which gave away the whole goat or whatever the saying is), but we're asking the important questions and breaking down all the best bits on the latest Spooky Tuesday. References:https://screenrant.com/companion-2-chances-unlikely-explained-drew-hancock/

If we're sticking with our sneaky theme of new releases, then we *have* to talk about Sinners (2025). One of the biggest movies to hit screens this year — and already the subject of future Oscar speculation — Ryan Coogler's latest collab with bestie Michael B. Jordan had audiences buzzing. This movie produced its fair share of both ~discourse~ and discussion, and we're adding our voices to the choir as we break down the vampire design, fall in love with Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld, and talk about that very important tutorial on how to eat some ice cream.  References: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-04-16/ryan-coogler-ludwig-goransson-sinners-music-blueshttps://historycanthide.substack.com/p/everything-you-missed-in-ryan-cooglershttps://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/sahel-sunjata-stories-songshttps://screenrant.com/sinners-soundtrack-song-guide/https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/sinners-ludwig-goransson-sinners-soundtrack-ryan-coogler-1236368959/https://www.aaihs.org/the-sinners-movie-syllabus/https://www.indiewire.com/features/podcast/sinners-ryan-coogler-inspiration-explained-1235115400/https://www.spectrecollie.com/2025/04/21/pick-poor-robin-clean-one-more-thing-i-love-about-sinners/

Spookies, would you rather A) face off against a single clown in a cornfield B) take on one corn in a whole field of clowns or C) talk about Ginny and Georgia when you’re supposed to be recording a horror movie podcast? On our latest episode, we’re exploring all three of those options as we cover Katie Douglas in Clown in a Cornfield (2025). Based on a series of books from Adam Cesare, this flick is giving summer slasher in the best way, and we’re breaking down the tropes, familiar faces, and possible sequels on a new Spooky Tuesday. References: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/clown-in-a-cornfield-twist-explained-author-adam-cesare-1236396086/

We may be done with the theme months for now, but just like you can never escape death, you can't really get away from a Spooky Tuesday theme event. This week, we're throwing it back to 2022's Final Destination Summer as we cover Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025). A return to the franchise with a fresh perspective on the formula, this flick dives deep into the lore and brings back one last appearance from the iconic Tony Todd. On our latest episode, we're sharing our favorite deaths, debating the stakes, and discussing what's the deal with all those premonitions. References:Behind the Opening SequenceTony Todd FeatureEvery FD Death Explainedhttps://collider.com/final-destination-bloodlines-not-the-origin-story-no-character-overlap-explained-adam-stein-zach-lipovsky/https://www.npr.org/2025/05/24/nx-s1-5409322/final-destination-bloodlines-deathhttps://www.landofgeek.com/posts/final-destination-bloodlines-easter-eggshttps://finaldestination.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Destination:_Destination_Zero

We want it to be good for you, Spookies — which is why we left our final pick for Homoerotic Thriller Pride in our Patron's hands. To round out the month, we're ending with a bow and Black Swan (2010), a balletic horror that fulfills all your body horror (and body pleasure) fantasies. Starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis with supporting performances from Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder, this flick strives for perfection, and we dare say they just might reach it if you take all of the critical approval into account. Seriously, this Darren Aronofsky film had a decent showing at the Academy Awards, but whether it redeems him in our eyes after Mother!, well, that's up for discussion. References:https://btchflcks.com/2013/12/the-horror-of-female-sexual-awakening-black-swan.htmlhttps://www.thepinknews.com/2012/07/12/black-swans-gay-love-scene-prompts-more-complaints-than-any-other-film/https://filmschoolrejects.com/black-swan-ocd/https://medium.com/@snehanarayan/black-and-white-the-real-reason-black-swan-is-a-tragedy-0a91e969d87dhttps://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3549664/horror-queers-lesbian-hallucinations-metoo-sexual-repression-black-swan/https://www.theclassicalgirl.com/10-reasons-real-ballet-dancers-hate-black-swan/

The idea of making a movie that’s both homoerotic and thrilling is hardly new, which is why we decided to throw it back to the ‘40s for our third installment of Homoerotic Thriller Pride. On the latest Spooky Tuesday, we’re talking about Cat People (1942), a subtly sapphic creature feature about Irena, a recent immigrant who fears her passions may come with dangerous consequences. Given that this flick was made under the Hays Code, there’s a lot it couldn’t show or even really hint it, but it’s been viewed through a queer lens for decades. This week, we’re pointing out parallels and pondering the past as we dabble in cinematic history. References: https://www.horrorhomeroom.com/cat-people-1942-coding-lesbianism-via-otherness/https://wordpress.lehigh.edu/screams/2020/03/22/cat-people-1942/ https://screenqueens.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/cat-people-exploring-lesbianism-through-the-otherness/https://unimelbfilmsoc.org/2022/11/30/a-retrospective-review-cat-people-1942-and-1982/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hays_Code

When it comes to erotic thrillers, Mulholland Drive (2001) is one of the classics — and given that it opens with a serendipitous sapphic love story between a Hollywood hopeful and an amnesiac A-list actress, it felt like a must-do for this year's pride lineup. Though the 2.5 hour runtime may be daunting to new viewers, this movie earns every minute, mixing mystery with the charm of an unexpected romance. And we do mean unexpected. Known for his surrealist style, David Lynch wrote and directed a film that takes you on a journey as it examines love, loss, and the meaning of dreams. Also, Billy Ray Cyrus is there for a second, too. References:https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/mulholland-drive-explained/https://www.mulholland-drive.net/studies/swap.htmhttps://screenrant.com/mulholland-drive-behind-scenes-facts-david-lynch-hollywood-satire/https://theasc.com/articles/mulholland-drive-cinematic-journeyhttps://medium.com/outtake/in-plain-sight-the-hidden-symbolism-in-mulholland-drive-4183752813e1https://screenrant.com/interpretations-of-mulholland-drive/https://medium.com/@ashfaq.mf/metaphor-in-mulholland-drive-2dcfbb029271https://afterellen.com/importance-mulholland-drive-sapphic-cinematic-history/

Happy Pride, Spookies! It's that time of year again where we become our strongest, gayest, most fabulous selves, and this month we're celebrating with Homoerotic Thriller Pride. To kick things off, we're covering The Hunger (1983), a bloodsucking bisexual romp featuring Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon. And since Pride is all about community, we also invited our pals from Queer Cinema Catchup to come help us out! Join us on a new Spooky Tuesday as we debate relationship dynamics, discuss that studio-altered ending, and inevitably start making Twilight references. Follow Queer Cinema Catchup on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Check out Allison and Joe's new episodes every Thursday on Apple and Spotify. References: https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/david-bowie/the-hunger-lesbian-vampirehttps://insessionfilm.com/the-hidden-tragedy-of-tony-scotts-the-hunger/https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3492502/horror-queers-hunger-lesbian-sex/https://btchflcks.com/2013/10/a-study-in-contrasts-the-hunger.html https://btchflcks.com/2015/10/nine-pretty-great-lesbian-vampire-movies.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sekhmethttps://www.per-spex.com/articles/2020/10/25/the-hunger-and-the-bauhaus-movementhttps://dagondogs.com/posts/the-hunger-1983-arcane-visions

For our Nic May-ge finale, we saved the best for last. We're finishing off our month-long Cage Rage by delving deep with Mandy (2018), an atmospheric adventure that explores the nature of grief and revenge. Full of rich, saturated colors and '80s rock and roll bangers, this flick is the perfect mix of vibes and emotion. Plus, it also features full-frontal male nudity, drug trips, and tigers, so really what else could you need, are we right?References: https://mandysoundtrack.bandcamp.com/album/amulet-of-the-weeping-maze-from-the-mandy-original-motion-picture-soundtrackhttps://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/9g1skw/piecing_together_some_of_the_horror_influences_on/https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/comments/ahhn4j/does_anyone_have_any_theories_on_the_meaning_of/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarantula_hawkhttps://nofilmschool.com/camp-film-festivalhttps://screenrant.com/nic-cage-mandy-every-80s-movie-reference-explained/https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/mandy-how-heavy-metal-inspired-2018s-most-psychedelic-action-horror-film/https://screenrant.com/mandy-behind-scenes-facts-panos-cosmatos-nicolas-cage-horror-movie/https://www.moviemaker.com/how-they-did-it-panos-cosmatos-mandy/https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3515039/nicolas-cage-character-mandy-inspired-jason-voorhees/https://ew.com/movies/2018/08/10/nicolas-cage-mandy-jason-voorhees/https://www.vulture.com/2018/09/lets-talk-about-the-most-harrowing-scene-in-mandy.html

It’s that time of year, Spookies! Sydney’s back in town, and that means we get to record another very special in-person episode, and this one’s all about Drive Angry (2011). For our third installment of NIC MAY-GE, we’re focusing on a grindhouse-inspired thriller where the man of the month teams up with Amber Heard. An adrenaline-fueled adventure that sees this duo facing off against Billy Burke, this flick dials up the sex, style, and violence, and it’s one you definitely don’t want to watch with your dad — despite the father-daughter themes. Join us (and Nicolas Cage) as we hit the road at high speeds like we’re escaping from hell itself. References:

They say there's no love like the kind you get from your parents — except for maybe in Mom and Dad (2017). For our second installment of NIC MAY-GE, we're leaving the coast behind and heading deep into the suburbs... and a world where mothers and fathers are mysteriously turning on their own children. With Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair teaming up for a black comedy that turns the ~natural order of things~ on its head, this flick is a wild romp that takes less than 90 minutes (allegedly) to get through. Tune in to our latest episode as we debate poor optics, iconic visuals, and how this whole thing might work. References:https://www.filminquiry.com/interview-brian-taylor-mom-and-dad/https://rue-morgue.com/exclusive-interview-mom-dad-writer-director-brian-taylor-on-killing-kids-nicolas-cages-madness-and-more/

When one theme month ends, another begins — or at least that's the way it goes at Spooky Tuesday these days. Next up? NIC MAY-GE, a.k.a. four weeks of scary movies all dedicated to the works of Nicolas Cage. We're kicking things off with The Wicker Man (2006), an American reimagining of the 1973 folk horror, but what makes this flick most famous is a line that didn't actually make the theatrical cut. On our newest episode, we're playing compare and contrast between all the various versions as we dig into the conspiracy theory of it all, shout out some iconic quotes, and try to tell apart an island of beautiful blondes. References:Alternate Ending: https://youtu.be/rvMwSrh0aGs?si=usPemjSOs6lneKgwhttps://collider.com/why-is-the-wicker-man-2006-so-bad-nicolas-cage/https://www.nathanrabin.com/happy-place/2022/2/22/the-wicker-man-is-a-gloriously-unhinged-cult-classic-thats-one-of-the-best-bad-movies-ever-madehttps://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3576363/second-chances-wicker-man-remake-misunderstood-gem-just-plain-bad/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a39510660/nicolas-cage-defends-wicker-man-bees-scene/https://screenrant.com/wicker-man-malus-bees-failed-ritual-theory/https://beeculture.com/the-wicker-man-the-eye-of-the-beholder/https://www.speakupaskanswer.com/blog/2014/07/22/the-wicker-man-2006https://decentfilms.com/reviews/wickerman2006https://www.facultyofhorror.com/2015/04/episode-26-mother-lover-matriarchy-in-the-wicker-man-1973-2006-and-paranormal-activity-3-2011/https://ttkmeup.com/blog/2020/4/24/the-wicker-man-hilariously-hating-women-since-2006