Hack or Slash - A Horror Movie Review Podcast
Each week a panel of horror fans discuss horror movies past and present. We believe horror is for everyone, regardless of how familiar you are with the genre, or which flavor of fear you fancy most. We dissect new releases, compare originals to reboots, and tell you whether or not the movies are a hack (a waste of time) or a slash (totally killer - pun intended).
Episodes
This week we’re diving into The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005). We analyze the film's balance between legal drama and horror, unpack Jennifer Carpenter's performance, and examine the lasting impact of its ambiguous ending. In this episode's b-side, we discuss into the true events that inspired the film, ponder the moral implications of exorcisms, and explore the legal ramifications of the real-life case. This episode contains spoile...
This week we're checking out The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025). We evaluate the film's attempt at expanding the lore, assess its overall pacing, and dissect the effectiveness of its horror elements. In this episode's b-side, we debate the merits of horror trilogies, discuss which horror franchises could make successful TV series, and envision our ideal cut of this film. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 25:12.
M...
This week we're diving into the heart of spooky season with a special community-focused update from Slasher Digest FM. We explore upcoming activities within our community, October's lineup of horror film reviews, and special bonuses for patrons and newcomers alike. We also check in on our 31 Days of Horror community event, and discuss our updated 31 Days tracker.
Mentioned in the Episode
Spooky Season
This week we’re carving into Candy Corn (2019). We analyze its nostalgic atmosphere, critique the film's underwhelming story and pacing, and discuss the inconsistency of its performances. In this episode's b-side, we explore the best and worst Halloween pranks, debate the merits of practical effects in B-horror movies, and share our own Halloween decorating traditions. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 22:33.
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This bonus episode kicks off spooky season with everything you need to dive into our 31 Days of Horror. We walk through the origins of the calendar, the new host-themed days, and the custom watchlist tracker we designed to help you build and reflect on your own lineup. We share strategies for pacing yourself, creative ways to interpret the themes, and reminders that the heart of the challenge is community and fun. Whether you’re jo...
This week we're doing the time warp with The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). We examine its impactful cult following, discuss the complexities of its characters, and reflect on its iconic soundtrack. In this episode's b-side, we recount live show experiences, ponder the definition of Rocky Horror virginity, and explore what makes it ageless. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 29:24.
Mentioned in the Episode
This week we’re unpacking the layers of Sinners (2025). We analyze the film's unique blend of historical context and horror, break down its dynamic character relationships, and discuss the impact of its musical elements. In this episode's b-side, we explore the cultural significance of the Mississippi Delta, unearth historical references from the film, and debate which other historical periods could house vampires on the big screen...
Scaredy cats aren’t a problem to fix. They’re future horror fans waiting on the right guide. In this Hack or Slash University elective, Kris teams up with our Dean of the Damned Chel to lay out a practical, compassionate playbook for bringing non-horror friends into the fold without trauma-bonding them to a bad first watch.
Mentioned in the Episode
Spooky Season
This week we’re revisiting the haunted halls in Hell House LLC: Lineage (2025). We critique its storyline's convoluted lore, examine the mixed effectiveness of its scares, and discuss the impact of its shift away from found footage. In this episode's b-side, we evaluate the ongoing curse of final installments in horror franchises, debate horror's reliance on sequels, and explore other franchises that bounced back from the brink of ...
This week we’re sharing everything on our spooky season bucket lists. We talk about our shopping hauls at Spirit Halloween, Five Below, and HomeGoods, our excitement for Halloween Horror Nights, and the local haunts and ghost tours that keep the spirit alive. We carve out time for traditions like pumpkin carving, spooky playlists, and seasonal snacks, while also diving into our must-watch horror movies and the 31 Days of Horror cha...
This week we’re witnessing the end of an era with The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025). We unpack how the film handles the Warrens’ swan song, reflect on its balance between family drama and supernatural dread, and dig into whether it truly sticks the landing as a franchise finale. In this episode’s b-side, we break down the real Smurl family haunting, debate the credibility of the Warrens’ involvement, and consider the absurdities of ...
It’s our favorite time of year, and we’re bringing the whole campus together.
In this expanded episode of Slasher Digest FM, Kris and Chel usher in the official start of spooky season with the Hack or Slash University spirit in full force. Whether you’re a freshman just tuning in or a tenured patron, you’ll get the inside scoop on everything happening in and around the podcast this month.
We unveil this year’s 31 Days...
This week we’re cracking open Heretic (2024). We explore the intensity of Hugh Grant's performance, unpack the film's theological debates, and examine how it balances dread and violence. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 34:16.
Mentioned in the Episode
Watch the Movie
Main Episode
Heretic Directors Reveal The Real-Life Cult Leader Who Inspired Hugh Grant's Villain
This week we’re exploring the paranormal intrigue of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). We analyze the true crime elements it introduces, assess how it stands apart from its predecessors, and critique the film's depiction of demonic possessions. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 30:27.
Mentioned in the Episode
Watch the Movie
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Main Episode
This week we're diving into Weapons (2025). We discuss its multi-perspective storytelling, analyze its blend of comedy and horror, and explore the effectiveness of its jump scares. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 47:23.
Mentioned in the Episode
Watch the Movie
Support the Show
We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We a...
This week we’re exploring the dusty plains of Near Dark (1987). We explore its take on vampire mythology, evaluate the chemistry between its leads, and assess its parallels with The Lost Boys and Twilight. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 37:47.
Mentioned in the Episode
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Support the Show
We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to hel...
This week we're revisiting our boy Bughuul in Sinister 2 (2015). We explore the film's shift from its predecessor, analyze its character development, and evaluate the effectiveness of its home movies. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 27:56.
Mentioned in the Episode
Watch the Movie
Main Episode
This week we’re venturing into the twisted world of Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare (2025). We dissect our feelings towards the portrayal of Peter Pan, explore the film's gruesome kills, and analyze the complex narratives surrounding its characters. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 38:20.
Mentioned in the Episode
Watch the Movie
Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare (2025)
Mentioned in the Episode
This week we’re traveling back to Southport with I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025). We analyze the return of legacy characters, review the film's approach to balancing nostalgia and modern horror, and debate the effectiveness of the new cast. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 35:52.
Mentioned in the Episode
Watch the Movie
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)
Episode Links
This week we’re celebrating a major milestone with our 400th episode and putting our horror knowledge to the test in Hack or Slash Jeopardy. We battle it out across three escalating rounds of trivia, reflect on the highs and horrors of our podcast journey, and reveal which host reigns supreme in horror movie recall.
Support the Show
We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our sho...
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