Each month, I pick a topic and discuss it’s history in our culture and how it has influenced horror films. Tune in and join me on this little journey. We’ll share some dark tales, and maybe learn a little bit about each other along the way. Welcome to Chiaroscuro Horror Podcast.
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Jacqueline to discuss Jacob's Ladder from 1990. Together, we explore the film's most disturbing moments, the real-world inspirations behind its story, and the lasting impact it has had on horror films and other popular media.We unpack how Jacob's Ladder uses unreliable perception, spiritual symbolism, and unsettling body horror to examine themes of death, grief, attachment, and acceptance. Along the way, we also reminisce about Bravo's The 100 Scariest Movie Moments—the series that first introduced both of us to the film—and how it served as a gateway into a deeper appreciation of horror.Listen:A Cut Above Horror ReviewRead:JACOB'S LADDER: Rung by Rung (Letterboxd)Hallucinogen Experiments at Edgewood Arsenal in MarylandWatch:Bravo's 100 Scariest Movie Moments
In this episode, I'm joined by friends of the show Matt and Jackie to discuss The Stand (1994). Join us as we explore the epic scope of the miniseries, analyzing how it holds up after 30 years, its themes of faith, chaos, and community, and the intricate characters that populate this post-apocalyptic world.Listen: Light & Shadow: The Stand 2020Follow:The Cinemigos PodcastTough Luck Cinema Club
In this episode, I'm joined by friends of the show Matt and Jackie to discuss The Stand (1994). Join us as we explore the epic scope of the miniseries, analyzing how it holds up after 30 years, its themes of faith, chaos, and community, and the intricate characters that populate this post-apocalyptic world.Listen: Light & Shadow: The Stand 2020Follow:The Cinemigos PodcastTough Luck Cinema Club
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss the complexity of faith and family dynamics in Frailty. We're also discussing Old Testament themes, Bill Paxton's career and the great state of Texas! Listen: Ghoulish UniversityWatch:The Making of FrailtyRead:Dread Central With Brent Hanley and David Blocker
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss the complexity of faith and family dynamics in Frailty. We're also discussing Old Testament themes, Bill Paxton's career and the great state of Texas! Listen: Ghoulish UniversityWatch:The Making of FrailtyRead:Dread Central With Brent Hanley and David Blocker
In this Religion in Horror episode, I'm exploring the complicated intersections of faith, reason, and devotion in the 1973 classic, The Wicker Man. I'll also dive into the history and symbolism of May Day celebrations and examine how The Wicker Man helped define and popularize the folk horror subgenre.Listen:Religion in Horror: MidsommarRead:ROBIN HARDY ON 'THE WICKER MAN' (1973)
In this Religion in Horror episode, I'm exploring the complicated intersection of faith, reason, and devotion in the 1973 classic, The Wicker Man. I'll also dive into the history and symbolism of May Day celebrations and examine how The Wicker Man helped define and popularize the folk horror subgenre.Listen:Religion in Horror: MidsommarRead:ROBIN HARDY ON 'THE WICKER MAN' (1973)
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Randy to discuss the groundbreaking and confounding series, Twin Peaks. We're chatting about why we love it, it's impact on the media landscape, and much more.Read:But Who Is the Dreamer? Twin Peaks: The ReturnWatch:Twin Peaks Full Series RecapListen:Straight Chilling Horror Review
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Randy to discuss the groundbreaking and confounding series, Twin Peaks. We're chatting about why we love it, the impact it's had on the media landscape, and much more.Read: But Who Is the Dreamer? Twin Peaks: The ReturnWatch:Twin Peaks Full Series RecapListen:Straight Chilling Horror Review
In 1946, a masked "Phantom Killer" murdered five people in Texarkana. The mystery and lack of resolution turned the case into local legend, and it later inspired the 1976 film, The Town That Dreaded Sundown.In this episode, I'm discussing my recent visit to Texarkana for the 50th anniversary screening of the proto-slasher directed by Arkansas filmmaker Charles B. Pierce.I'm also chatting about the local controversy, the 2014 version, and the legacy that has endured in Texarkana since 1946.Listen:The Moonlight Murders: Texarkana's Phantom KillerWatch:Cinematographer James W. Roberson talks about his work on "The Town That Dreaded Sundown" (1976)
In 1946, a masked "Phantom Killer" murdered five people in Texarkana. The mystery and lack of resolution turned the case into local legend, and it later inspired the 1976 film, The Town That Dreaded Sundown.In this episode, I'm discussing my recent visit to Texarkana for the 50th anniversary screening of the proto-slasher directed by Arkansas filmmaker Charles B. Pierce.I'm also chatting about the local controversy, the 2014 version, and the legacy that has endured in Texarkana since 1946.Listen:Moonlight Murders: Texarkana's Phantom KillerWatch:Cinematographer James W. Roberson talks about his work on "The Town That Dreaded Sundown" (1976)
I'm joined by friend of the show Sunny to discuss church culture, family conflict, and secret lives in The Clovehitch Killer.We're also chatting about Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, and why we're drawn to true crime stories.Listen:Light & Shadow: True CrimeWatch:BTK: Confession Of A Serial KillerRead:Morbidly Curious by Coltan Scrivner, PhD
I'm joined by friend of the show Sunny to discuss church culture, family conflict, and secret lives in The Clovehitch Killer. We're also chatting about Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, and why we're drawn to true crime stories.Listen:Light & Shadow: True CrimeWatch:BTK: Confession Of A Serial KillerRead:Morbidly Curious by Coltan Scrivner, PhD
In this Women in Horror Month episode, I'm joined by first-time guest Caitlin to discuss the terror of misadventure and the fantastic ensemble female cast in The Descent.We're also chatting about the Missing 411 phenomenon and our own experience with caves. Listen:Plug It Up PodcastWatch:Missing 411 Cases and the Cave SystemsKenny Veach and the M Cave
In this Women in Horror Month episode, I'm joined by first-time guest Caitlin to discuss the terror of misadventure and the fantastic ensemble female cast in The Descent.We're also chatting about the Missing 411 phenomenon and our own experience with caves. Listen:Plug It Up PodcastWatch:Missing 411 Cases and the Cave SystemsKenny Veach and the M Cave
In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Bob from the Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss season one of IT: Welcome to Derry. We're chatting about our history with the IT franchise, the evolution of Pennywise, and the highs and lows of this HBO spinoff. Will we be watching next season? Tune in find out!Listen: Stephen King Country: My Trip to BangorStraight Chilling: IT Chapter One
In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Bob from the Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss season one of IT: Welcome to Derry. We're chatting about our history with the IT franchise, the evolution of Pennywise, and the highs and lows of this HBO spinoff. This series has been getting alot of praise, but what did we think of the twists, turns and unexpected choices in this entry? Will we be watching next season? Tune in find outListen: Stephen King Country: My Trip to BangorStraight Chilling: IT Chapter One
Nightmare in the Ozarks is an annual horror film festival in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, that showcases horror, thriller, dark comedy, spooky sci-fi features, and shorts. This is my second year attending the festival and I had an absolute blast. This hidden gem deserves more attention, and I'm excited to recap my experience at the festival, including the movies I saw and what makes it a special event. Read:Checking in at The Crescent HotelListen:Lore: Disappointment
Nightmare in the Ozarks is an annual horror film festival in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, that showcases horror, thriller, dark comedy, spooky sci-fi features, and shorts. This is my second year attending the festival and I had an absolute blast. This hidden gem deserves more attention, and I'm excited to recap my experience at the festival, including the movies I saw and what makes it a special event. Read:Checking in at The Crescent HotelListen:Lore: Disappointment
In this solo episode, I'm discussing Creepshow, which has become a very important part of my annual spooky season tradition. I'm discussing the stellar cast, the classic horror vibes, and the masters of horror that make this possibly the best anthology ever created.I'm also giving my thoughts on The Long Walk and Bring Her Back, which have risen to the top of my list of favorites this year.
In this solo episode, I'm discussing Creepshow, which has become a very important part of my annual spooky season tradition. I'm discussing the stellar cast, the classic horror vibes, and the masters of horror that make this possibly the best anthology ever created.I'm also giving my thoughts on The Long Walk and Bring Her Back, which have risen to the top of my list of favorites this year.
We're kicking off Halloween season with a Disney Channel classic, Tower of Terror from 1997. In this episode, I'm joined by Justin from Straight Chilling to discuss the ride, the movie, 90s nostalgia and how we felt revisiting this kids movie as adults. We invite you, if you dare, to step aboard because in tonight's episode you are the star. And this elevator travels directly to . . . The Twilight Zone.Listen:Straight Chilling Horror ReviewDisney Creepypasta: River Country FilmRead:The Dark Side of Disney World
We're kicking off Halloween season with a Disney Channel classic, Tower of Terror from 1997. In this episode, I'm joined by Justin from Straight Chilling to discuss the ride, the movie, 90s nostalgia and how we felt revisiting this kids movie as adults. We invite you, if you dare, to step aboard because in tonight's episode you are the star. And this elevator travels directly to . . . The Twilight Zone.Listen:Straight Chilling Horror ReviewDisney Creepypasta: River Country FilmRead:The Dark Side of Disney World
In this episode, I'm joined by first-time guest and friend of the show Hydraberg to discuss ambiguity, atmosphere, and the relentless pursuit of death in It Follows. Is this movie worth the hype? What is it really about? Tune in to find out.Listen to A Cut Above: Horror Review
In this episode, I'm joined by first-time guest and friend of the show Hydraberg to discuss ambiguity, atmosphere, and the relentless pursuit of death in It Follows. Is this movie worth the hype? What is it really about? Tune in to find out.Listen to A Cut Above: Horror Review
In this installment of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm discussing the boogeyman, cursed films and why Sinister has become one of my favorite horror movies.
In this installment of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm discussing the boogeyman, cursed films and why Sinister has become one of my favorite horror movies.Listen: The BoogeymanWatch: Lawn Work
In this installment of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm joined by my Mom to discuss this made for tv gem from 1981. We're chatting about watching it with my Grandpa and why we still enjoy it decades later.
In this installment of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm joined by my Mom to discuss this made for tv gem from 1981. We're chatting about watching it with my Grandpa and why we still enjoy it decades later.
In this tale by H.P. Lovecraft, a mysterious meteor crashes at a farm in the Ozark hills, leaking an unearthly color that slowly poisons the land. As the strange contamination spreads, it brings madness and decay, leaving behind a haunting void that defies explanation.
In this tale by H.P. Lovecraft, a mysterious meteor crashes at a farm in the Ozark hills, leaking an unearthly color that slowly poisons the land. As the strange contamination spreads, it brings madness and decay, leaving behind a haunting void that defies explanation.
The Tommyknockers is one of Stephen King's more bizarre books and is widely regarded as a bad one. The miniseries suffers from the same reputation. A sleepless night led me to a re-read of the book and took me down a rabbit trail exploring why this story has a bad reputation, and why I enjoy it in spite of that.
The Tommyknockers is one of Stephen King's more bizarre books and is widely regarded as a bad one. The miniseries suffers from the same reputation. A sleepless night led me to a re-read of the book and took me down a rabbit trail exploring why this story has a bad reputation, and why I enjoy it in spite of that.
SAW was a game changer for horror, inspiring a new sub genre and spawning a 10-film franchise. In this episode, I'm discussing my personal history with the film, including my time on the Disney College Program and how a sold out emo show led me to a life-changing viewing of James Wan's SAW in 2005.
SAW was a game changer for horror, inspiring a new sub genre and spawning a 10-film franchise. In this episode, I'm discussing my personal history with the film, including my time on the Disney College Program and how a sold out emo show led me to life-changing viewing of James Wan's SAW in 2005.
I'm joined once again by Jacqueline from A Cut Above for a women in horror month special! We're chatting about the weirdness of LA, dealing with death, awkward gatherings, and the impactful ending in Karyn Kusama's The Invitation.Listen:Root of Evil PodcastThe Los Feliz Murder Mansion PodcastLight & Shadow: True Crime Episode
I'm joined once again by Jacqueline from A Cut Above for a women in horror month special! We're chatting about the weirdness of LA, dealing with death, awkward gatherings, and the impactful ending in Karyn Kusama's The Invitation.Listen:Root of Evil PodcastThe Los Feliz Murder Mansion PodcastLight & Shadow: True Crime EpisodeA Cut Above Horror Review
In the first episode of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm discussing A Nightmare on Elm Street from 1984. I'm diving into the legacy of Wes Craven and why this movie is so important to my own horror history.ReadFairytales & Freddy KruegerListenLight & Shadow: The BoogeymanLore: A Stranger Among Us
In the first episode of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm discussing A Nightmare on Elm Street from 1984. I'm diving into the legacy of Wes Craven and why this movie is so important to my own horror history.ReadFairytales & Freddy KruegerListenLight & Shadow: The BoogeymanLore: A Stranger Among Us
Originally recorded last year, I join Justin from Straight Chilling for a discussion of the classic tale, A Christmas Carol. We're chatting about the book and the many film adaptations that have made this story a timeless icon of the season. Here's to Haunted Holidays and a Spooky New Year!Listen to Straight Chilling PodcastWatch Creature Comforts on YouTube
Originally recorded in 2023, I join Justin from Straight Chilling for a discussion of the classic tale, A Christmas Carol. We're chatting about the book and the many film adaptations that have made this story a timeless icon of the season. Here's to Haunted Holidays and a Spooky New Year!Listen to Straight Chilling PodcastWatch Creature Comforts on YouTube
Hello, Losers! As you know, I am a lifelong Stephen King fan and constant reader. My Mom and I recently spent a few days exploring the Bangor, Maine area including locations that inspired IT, Pet Sematary and more. Come along and join us for a tour of Stephen King Country!References and Resources:SK Tours of MaineStephen King's Maine by Sharon KitchensKing's Domain Designs
Hello, Losers! As you know, I am a lifelong Stephen King fan and constant reader. My Mom and I recently spent a few days exploring the Bangor, Maine area including locations that inspired IT, Pet Sematary and more. Come along and join us for a tour of Stephen King Country!References and Resources:SK Tours of MaineStephen King's Maine by Sharon KitchensKing's Domain Designs
I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss crime, punishment, and the bad decisions that lead us down the dark road in Southbound. We're also chatting about our favorite anthologies and desert horror.Be sure to check out Logan's show, Ghoulish University.
I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss crime, punishment, and the bad decisions that lead us down the dark road in Southbound. We're also chatting about our favorite anthologies and desert horror.Be sure to check out Logan's show, Ghoulish University.
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Matt to discuss Clive Barker's 1987 classic Hellraiser. We're chatting about the complicated nature of the Cenobites, Frank's misguided motivations, and what makes Hellraiser an enduring icon of the genre.Check out Matt's podcast Swords in Stereo
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Matt to discuss Clive Barker's 1987 classic Hellraiser. We're chatting about the complicated nature of the Cenobites, Frank's misguided motivations, and what makes Hellraiser an enduring icon of the genre.Check out Matt's podcast Swords in Stereo
I'm once again joined by my husband, David to discuss the complexities of faith and rogue angels in Constantine. We're also chatting about David's experience as a horror husband and our memorable spooky adventures.References:The Last ExorcismWild Turkey Fist Fight
I'm once again joined by my husband David to discuss the complexities of faith and rogue angels in Constantine. We're also chatting about David's experience as a horror husband and our memorable spooky adventures.References:The Last ExorcismWild Turkey Fist Fight
In this episode, I'm discussing the the recent popularity of Catholic horror and why I was pleasantly surprised by The First Omen. I'm also returning to my roots and exploring why religious themes continue to resonate in the horror genre.Other Catholic Episodes:The ExorcistThe Exorcist: BelieverMidnight Mass
In this episode, I'm discussing the the recent popularity of Catholic horror and why I was pleasantly surprised by The First Omen. I'm also returning to my roots and exploring why religious themes continue to resonate in the horror genre.Other Catholic Episodes:The ExorcistThe Exorcist: BelieverMidnight Mass
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