Watch If You Dare

On this episode, Heather returns to discuss 2002's post-apocalyptic horror film "28 Days Later" directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland. They get into how the lo-fi quality helps enhance the movie, the effect it had on horror and pop culture, and what this did for the careers of Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris. They also talk about how this watch was different for Derek, the characterization of Selena, and many other a...

For this Friday June 13th, actress Katie O'Hagan (Mia Winters in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village) returns on short notice to discuss a personal favorite 1981 slasher sequel "Friday the 13th Part 2" directed by Steve Miner in his directorial debut with Derek and Aaron. They talk about the consistency of the Friday the 13th franchise, how the sequel tries to outdo the first, and the acceptance of Jason's death plot hole. Th...

On this episode, Derek and Aaron discuss 1990's psychological horror film "Jacob's Ladder" directed by Adrian Lyne. They talk about how screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin's spiritual journey and beliefs influenced the script, the heavy inspiration this movie had on the Silent Hill video game franchise, and how this sits somewhere between cult hit and horror masterpiece. They also get into the exploration of Vietnam and government experi...

Aaron's brother Josiah returns to the show to discuss 1992's New Zealand comedy splatter film "Braindead" ("Dead Alive" in North America) directed by Peter Jackson with the Spoop Bois. They talk about the wild nature of Peter Jackson's career trajectory, the amount of fake blood used with the practical effects, and the insane humor and how it works. They also get into their favorable scenes, why setting the film as a 1950s period p...

On this episode, Derek and Aaron discuss 2000's science fiction psychological horror film "The Cell" directed by Tarsem Singh. They talk about how style over substance helps this movie, the Hollywoodization of mental illness and serial killers, and how much of the plot takes place as a true crime thriller vs the dream horror scenes. They also get into how the cast features Jennifer Lopez, Vincent D'Onofrio and a slew of character a...

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its release, Aaron and Derek discuss Italian giallo film "Deep Red ('Profondo rosso' in Italian)" directed by Dario Argento. They talk about what makes this a quintessential giallo film, the straightforward slasher elements, and how the movie challenges perception and memory. They also get into the film's portrayal of sexual orientation and gender dynamics, the thematic use of the color red, wha...

In time for Saint Patrick's Day, actress Katie O’Hagan (Mia Winters in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village) returns to the podcast to discuss 2015's British-Irish co-produced supernatural horror movie "The Hallow" directed by Corin Hardy with Aaron and Derek! They get into the portrayal of Irish folklore with nature and vegetation, distrust of outsiders, and the horrors of changelings. They also talk about the Lebor Gabála Ér...

On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 1990's horror film "Def by Temptation" written, directed, and produced by James Bond III who is also the star. They talk about how this became James Bond III's passion project, the progressive and problematic aspects of the story, and Kadeem Hardison's portrayal of K through the plot. They also get into the the excellent soundtrack, the shadow of politics in a post-Reaganism urban America, an...

Rest in peace, David Lynch! This episode, Aaron's wife Heather returns to discuss 1986's neo-noir psychological thriller "Blue Velvet" written and directed by David Lynch with Aaron and Derek. They get into Lynch's exploration of the horrific dark underbelly of a white picket fences Americana town, Dennis Hopper's horrifying portrayal of the villainous Frank Booth, and dynamics of sex and violence. They also discuss some of Lynch's...

Aaron and Derek start 2025 off by tackling 2007's vampire horror film "30 Days of Night" directed by David Slade and based on the comic book of the same name. They talk about the severe isolation and how unforgiving the environment is to anyone unprepared, the animalistic portrayal of the vampires, and the addition of certain character relationships not shown in the comics. They also get into the concept of becoming a monster to fi...

Happy holidays! For the 2024 holiday episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 1980's Santa slasher "Christmas Evil" (originally "You Better Watch Out," and also known as "Terror in Toyland") written and directed by Lewis Jackson. They compare it with other dark holiday horror movies, discuss the dangerous nature of the deranged Santa's interaction with children, and the thematic elements of working class stress. They also talk about Lewis J...

On this episode, Heather Gunnell returns to the show to discuss 1981's supernatural horror film "Ghost Story" directed by John Irvin and based on the 1979 novel by Peter Straub. They talk about how this is a great horror movie for winter, the tradition of telling ghost stories, and revelations of town elite thematically being more relevant now than ever. They also get into unnecessary character inclusions, Peter Straub's reaction t...

For Thanksgiving, the Spoop Bois are joined by returning guest Shelby Novak of Scare You To Sleep Podcast and Bloody Disgusting fame to tackle the 1980s cult holiday slasher film "Blood Rage" directed by John Grissmer. They discuss why they chose this film and what makes it perfect horror viewing for Thanksgiving. They also dig into what Shelby thought about the movie and her opinions on character motivations. Derek is not Aaron. S...

On their 150th, Aaron and Derek tackle 2020's sci-fi psychological horror film "Possessor" written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg. They discuss the nature of class and privacy shown in the movie, the bleakness of an alternative 2008, and the idea of possession through unexplained scientific means. They also get into comparisons of Brandon's work with his father's, the purposeful use of gore and violence, losing yourself, and ma...

It's the 2024 Halloween episode in which Derek and Aaron cover the last "IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE!!!!!!" themed Season of Spoop film! They talk about the 1988 sci-fi horror remake of "The Blob" (original released in 1958) directed by Chuck Russell and written by Russell and Frank Darabont. They discuss the amazing practical effects, how this remake made the Blob actually scary, and the movie's critiques on society, government and t...

The "IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE!!!!!!" themed Season of Spoop rolls on. Aaron and Derek are joined by James to talk 1985's British science fiction horror flick "Lifeforce" directed by Tobe Hooper, adapted by Dan O'Bannon, and based on the novel "The Space Vampires" by Colin Wilson. They discuss spirituality mixed with science fiction, how many horror subgenres and themes are packed into one movie, and the inconsistent pacing. They al...

2024 Season of Spoop starts now! The movie theme this year is IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE!!!!!!! To begin, Aaron and Derek are joined by Katie the other cohost of the podcast "True Crime Campfire" to discuss 1988's science fiction comedy horror "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" written, directed and produced by the Chiodo Brothers. They talk about the Chiodo brothers experience with special effects, the amazing practicality under low b...

On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 2005's Japanese found footage horror movie "Noroi: The Curse" directed and co-written by Kōji Shiraishi. They discuss how the pseudo-documentary presentation compliments found footage, the foreboding dread and methodical pacing, and Japanese culture and folklore inspiring the curse's lore within the movie. They also talk about the limited distribution outside of Japan, the reasoning for camer...

The Spoop Boiz are joined by their avenging angel/college pal Caitlyne to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their favorite gothy sadboy revenge tale - The Crow!  They explore the original James O'Barr indie comic book, director Alex Proyas' music video visuals that brought this trashfire dystopian classic to life, the soundtrack's impact on the MTV grunge generation, and star Brandon Lee's stunning charisma and tragic legacy.  Put ...