ScaryCrit: A Black Horror Podcast

The horrors persist but so do we! Life is lifin' which has led to our most drawn-out season yet but not to worry, Critters. We're still here, we're not going anywhere and we've got Ep. 106 for you, hot off the presses! Listen as we take it back to 1990's Def by Temptation for an episode that captivates with conversations about filmmaking on a budget, Melle's beef with lack of quality sheets, how Tempta...

In episode 105, Lauren and Jared jump through the many timeline paradoxes of Don't Let Go. The supernatural mystery loses its punch and the emotional drama dosen't quite hit home as we stumble behind Detective Jack Radcliff (played by David Oyelowo) on his journey to save his nieces life. 

We break down the film's time-warping premise, the emotional stakes, and how the world building fails to deliver. Is it a crime th...

In episode 104, we dive into the 2021 horror film Black as Night. This not-so-unique blend of supernatural horror and social commentary takes us deep into the heart of New Orleans, where a young girl must confront a terrifying vampire threat that lurks in the shadows.

We’ll discuss the film’s themes of colorism, gentrification, and the coming-of-age throughline that has a hard time hitting the mark.  

Grab your garlic and stake, and ...

Happy New Year, Critters! Wishing you a spooky start to 2025.


In episode 103, Lauren and Jared wrap up 2024 and talk birthday shenanigans and Christmas games before diving into one of the most talked about horror movies of last year, The Deliverance. If you couldn't tell by the title of this episode, we were whelmed. There is something important missing from this film and this episode explores what exactly that ...

In episode 102, Lauren and Jared get in their early aughts bag and discuss Jim Gillespie’s lesser-known film Venom. 

We don't have a newsletter anymore but...! You can find us on Instagram @ScaryCritPod

Timestamps
12:35 - Negronomicon
32:55 - Crit
1:37:57 - Final Curls

Gems from E102

• Oddity (2024)
• Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
• Hoarders (reality show) (2009)
• South Park (animated series) (1997)
• Ed, Edd n’ Eddy (a...

In episode 101, Lauren and Jared discuss their most recommended film of 2024, Oddity. 

We don't have a newsletter anymore but...! You can find us on Instagram @ScaryCritPod

Timestamps
6:18 - Negronomicon
22:14 - Crit
38:26 - Pause here if you haven’t watched!
1:30:48 - Final Curls

Gems from E101

• Heretic (2024)
• Candyman (1992)
• Final Destination (2000)
• Creepshow (1982)
• Night of the Living Dead (remake) (1990)
• Scary Mo...

We’ve reached a milestone, and what better way to celebrate our 100th episode than with a deep dive into a true classic of horror? Join Lauren and Jared as we explore the chilling legacy of Night of the Living Dead (1968).

This iconic film not only redefined the zombie genre but also pushed the boundaries of social commentary in horror. We’ll dissect its unforgettable characters, groundbreaking visuals, and the cultural impact that ...

....We missed y'all. Please excuse us for the unintentional hiatus but we have returned with a new episode and our second Special! Our first Special focused on season one of the horror anthology series Them, Them: Covenant (2021). With season two, titled Them: The Scare (2024) having been recently released, we had to strike while the iron was hot with another Special. We get into what we thought about the season, the casting, ...

NINE-NINE

We've got one question... Do you like Phil Collins?
 
Get ready for a deep dive into the dark and stylish world of American Psycho (2000) as we dissect the enigmatic Patrick Bateman. Join Lauren, Jared, and returning guest El'Ja Bowens for a thrilling discussion on this psychological thriller, exploring the film's satirical edge, haunting visuals, and Christian Bale's unforgettable per...

Is is really Spooky Season if we're not talking about a Halloween movie?

Get ready for a side-splitting episode as we delve into the sequel that is 'Halloween: Resurrection' (2002). Join Lauren and Jared for a deep dive into this ironically iconic installment where Michael Myers returns once again to murder and mame LIVE on the internet. 

We'll explore the portrayal of Blackness, the misuse of the Black characters...

"Hey, guys!" In our latest podcast episode, we take you on a journey into the unique world of Ma (2019).  Join us as we dissect the complex psyche of the unforgettable character portrayed by the illustrious Octavia Spencer (we love you!), and the harrowing transformation of a seemingly ordinary house into a place of unspeakable horrors.

We'll explore the themes of isolation, obsession, and the haunting consequences of...

We are playing hella mindgames in this episode of ScaryCrit, where we get lost in the trappings of the 2000s trippy thriller The Cell. This has been an episode long in the making and it makes quite a step in our #Roadto100! Bolstered by Melle's delicious passion for this underrated gem, we explore Jennifer and Vince's uncharacteristic roles, the movie essentially being two different stories, the illustration of fantasy an...

Beware the stare of Mary Shaw.
She had no children, only dolls.
And if you see her in your dreams...

You BEST bet'not scream!!! Tf? Today on ScaryCrit, we're taking a trip down to dreary Raven's Fair to hang with the good sis Mary and her vociferous dolls and dish about Dead Silence (2007). A brainchild of the fathers of Saw (2005), Leigh Whannel and James Wan, we have a fun time analyzing how thi...

Today on ScaryCrit, we're getting lower than low, crittin' the 2014 found-footage horror gem As Above, So Below. Quite an underrated entry in the genre, drop down with us as we chat about the film's not quite on-the-nose take on Dante's Inferno, the first act's noteworthy genre shift/blend, the film's take on what hell is and how this personally affected each of the characters. Remember, once you'...

     This season of ScaryCrit keeps coinciding with some must-watch horror releases and we'd be remiss if we didn't take full advantage! This week's episode is no different as we grab hold of A24's horror feature Talk to Me (2023), having seen it on its opening night. We think that Talk to Me is a unique film in that it operates parallel to your typical possession horror flick (which makes for some unforgettable...

We return to the Further in today's episode as we crit the recently released Insidious: The Red Door, the fifth installment of the iconic supernatural horror series! Some of the things we discuss are whether or not the series was able to maintain its scare factor, the complicated father/son relationships that frame the story, the refreshing inclusion of Dalton's college friend Chris (shout-out to actress Sinclair Daniel!)...

When we tell you Lauren has been dying to talk about Near Dark (1987)  since season 1! Kathryn Bigelow's genre bending cult classic holds a special place in our hearts and if you haven't seen this vampire-cowboy-romance then strap in for the ride of your night. For this crit, we discuss the true meanings of relationships, loneliness, and the canonical depictions of vampires and how this film flips what we expect to see in...

Wassup Podcast People!

After a break to recharge and plan WE. ARE. BACK. And what a season opener we've got in store for you! We call the Negronomicon off the shelf to give you updates on the WGA strike and talk about the games of the summer, Diablo IV and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Then, we crit one of the most anticipated horror films this year, The Blackening (2023);  our theater experience, the du...

Timing was on our side for our season 8 finale, as we decided to go with a good ol' fashioned bookend—anybody remember the season premiere? That's right! Our film for today is none other than the just-released Evil Dead Rise (2023)! The trope for this one centers on murderous mothers so you know we get into all the things possessive, obsessive and manipulative parenting (which goes a bit differently in the Evil Dead unive...