Dark Discussions Podcast

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

Robert Duvall's passing marks the end of an era for American cinema. Few actors have carved out a career as rich or as enduring: seven Academy Award nominations, a filmography that spans generations, and a legacy built on performances that helped define some of the greatest films ever made. His body of work stands as a testament to a performer who brought quiet intensity and emotional precision to every role, no matter the scale.While Duvall was not often associated with genre filmmaking, one early entry in his career remains a fascinating outlier: George Lucas's debut feature, the 1971 stark and enigmatic THX 1138. The film, adapted from Lucas's student project, unfolds in a sterile 25th‑century dystopia where citizens are known only by alphanumeric codes. Its premise, as summarized by IMDb, follows “a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, [who] rebel against their rigidly controlled society,” setting the stage for a haunting exploration of identity and autonomy.In this minimalist, oppressive world, Duvall delivers a performance that is both fragile and riveting, portraying a man slowly unraveling under the weight of enforced conformity. Joined by Donald Pleasence and guided by a script co‑written by Lucas and sound‑design pioneer Walter Murch, Duvall anchors the film with a quiet desperation that lingers long after the credits roll. As fans and critics reflect on his extraordinary career, revisiting THX 1138 offers a striking reminder of the depth and versatility that made Robert Duvall one of cinema's most enduring talents.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

A family curse is all fun and games until it decides you're next on the list, which is exactly the kind of cheery scenario DEATH NAME (2026) strolls into. The film leans into that unsettling “no escape” vibe—because apparently moving, praying, or Googling “how to break generational hexes” won't help you here. Spells fizzle, geography is irrelevant, and denial only works until the curse taps you on the shoulder. It's a rough setup, but a deliciously eerie one.According to IMDb, the story follows a young Korean American woman who innocently tries to learn more about her heritage—because what could possibly go wrong with a little cultural curiosity? Quite a lot, as it turns out. The deeper she digs, the more she stirs up a deadly family curse that really should've stayed in the attic with the dusty photo albums and that one aunt's questionable kimchi recipe.Directed by the single-named and mysteriously stylish Réi, with a screenplay by Regina Kim, the film stars Amy Keum as Sophie Park, supported by Vana Kim, Kevin Woo, and Alice Bang. It's a lineup that pairs nicely with Korean BBQ, kimchi, and a cold Cass beer—ideal snacks while your co-hosts dive into this new Tubi original and try not to wonder whether their families have been hiding any curses of their own.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

Few horror novels have embedded themselves in the public imagination quite like Stephen King's The Shining. A bestseller upon release and still one of King's most recognizable works, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling. What no one expected, however, was that the notoriously meticulous Stanley Kubrick would take the reins—and bring Jack Nicholson along for the ride. The result is a film that has since carved out its place in cinema history as one of the genre's towering achievements.IMDB distills the premise succinctly: “A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter, where a sinister presence influences the father into violence. At the same time, his psychic son sees horrifying forebodings from both the past and the future.” It's a simple setup, but Kubrick's execution transformed it into a labyrinth of dread, symbolism, and psychological unraveling that continues to inspire analysis decades later.That enduring fascination was on full display recently when The Shining was pitted against fourteen other contenders in a listener poll on the Dark Discussions Podcast Facebook group. The film emerged victorious, earning the spotlight for the show's milestone 700th episode. In celebration, the hosts revisit Kubrick's icy masterpiece—its legacy, its mysteries, and its place not just in horror, but in the broader canon of American filmmaking.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

Retro‑cinema may not be full‑blown faux‑grindhouse, but NIGHT OF THE REAPER (2025) absolutely revels in its throwback slasher DNA. This is a film where a masked killer doesn't just stalk victims—he psychologically toys with them, records the whole ordeal, and then thoughtfully distributes his “content” to the town police chief and local high schoolers like some deranged community‑outreach program. It's nostalgia, but with extra blood pressure.IMDb lays out the setup with admirable calm: “College student Deena visits home and is roped into babysitting. The local sheriff is mailed a piece of evidence and is led on a scavenger hunt to reveal the killer of another babysitter.” Translation: Deena's weekend plans are about to go spectacularly sideways, and the sheriff is stuck playing the world's least fun escape‑room challenge—one clue at a time, courtesy of a murderer with a flair for arts and crafts.Directed by Brandon Christensen and co‑written with Ryan Christensen, the film unleashes Jessica Clement, Ryan Robbins, Summer H. Howell, and a handful of other unlucky souls into the path of the Reaper's escalating theatrics. As the slashing ramps up, survival becomes a group project no one signed up for. Your co‑hosts dive into this fresh slice of retro‑horror mayhem and share exactly what they make of its masked‑man antics.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

Stranded on a speck of land barely big enough for your own shadow, you find yourself at a lonely lighthouse that seems to breathe with its own moods—sometimes brooding, sometimes whispering, sometimes downright unsettling. But what if the creaking beams and flickering lantern light aren't the scariest things out there? What if something older, darker, and decidedly supernatural has been waiting in the mist all along? That's the deliciously eerie setup of Amazon's brand new 2026 release, BENEATH THE LIGHT, a film that turns isolation into an invitation for the uncanny.At the heart of the story is Jacob, who accepts a job at this remote lighthouse with the innocent hope of reconnecting with a childhood friend. Instead, he's greeted by strange happenings that twist his sense of reality and tug at the frayed edges of his memory. As he navigates anxiety, half‑remembered truths, and the creeping sense that the island is watching him, he unexpectedly finds romance—and an even more unexpected connection with the lighthouse's enigmatic owner. It's part mystery, part psychological spiral, part tender human story, all wrapped in fog and flickering lantern glow.The film springs from the mind of writer‑director John Baumgartner, brought to life by a cast that includes Zach Tinker, John Pyper‑Ferguson, and Ana Nicolle Chavez. After charming and spooking its way through the festival circuit—earning glowing praise along the way—it was scooped up by Amazon as a Prime exclusive. Now your co‑hosts dive into this freshly released gem, ready to unravel its secrets, celebrate its surprises, and share exactly what they think lurks beneath the light.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A found‑footage fever dream wrapped in a faux‑documentary bow, THE HEM (2025) drags viewers deep into the heart of Fort Worth, Texas—where the festivals are lively, the locals are chatty, and the abandoned churches apparently come with their own PR restrictions. What begins as a simple “talk to anyone with a pulse” documentary shoot quickly derails the moment the crew utters the wrong three words: haunted. collapsing. church. Suddenly, interviews dry up faster than a Texas creek in August, and the filmmakers find themselves chasing a story no one wants to touch.IMDb sums it up neatly: “A documentary crew investigates a haunted church on the verge of collapse with one condition: they must be out by dark.” Which, of course, is exactly the kind of condition that guarantees they will not be out by dark. The setup practically begs for shaky cameras, ominous whispers, and at least one moment where someone insists, confidently and incorrectly, that everything is fine.Written and directed by Tyler Russell and shot on location in Fort Worth, the film features Rani Alowairdi, Terri Merritt Bennett, Ryan Bijan, and a supporting cast who look convincingly terrified to be anywhere near that church. Now that it's out on streaming, the question becomes whether this entry in the found‑footage canon brings anything fresh to the genre or simply adds another creepy church to the cinematic map. Your co‑hosts dive into the dust, dread, and documentary chaos to share their thoughts.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

With March 2026 already in full swing, the moment feels ripe—if just a touch belated—to cast our eyes toward the cinematic horizon and take stock of what the year promises. The landscape ahead is a sprawling mix of theatrical releases, video‑on‑demand debuts, and those ever‑reliable genre offerings destined to make their first appearance on disc. Looking back, 2025 proved to be an unexpectedly strong year for horror and genre cinema, delivering a surprising number of standout titles and a higher-than-usual concentration of hidden treasures. Yet even with that momentum, 2026 seems poised to outshine its predecessor, with a slate that feels unusually rich, varied, and ambitious. Add to that the return of several acclaimed genre‑leaning television series, and the year begins to look like a feast for fans of the strange, the suspenseful, and the supernatural.As always, Dark Discussions steps forward to survey the terrain with a blend of curiosity and enthusiasm. Our annual tradition continues: sifting through the release calendar, spotlighting the heavy hitters that will dominate conversations, and shining a light on the quieter, quirkier projects that might otherwise slip beneath the radar. The big studio tentpoles and prestige horror entries naturally demand attention, but part of the thrill lies in discovering the unexpected—the films with modest profiles that may, by December, be the ones we're still talking about. Genre cinema has a long history of producing masterpieces from the margins, and this year's lineup suggests that lightning may strike again.In the months ahead, we'll be tracking everything from long‑anticipated sequels to bold original visions, from festival darlings to direct‑to‑disc curiosities that could turn out to be genuine revelations. Whether you're drawn to atmospheric slow burns, creature features, psychological thrillers, or blood‑pumping action‑horror hybrids, 2026 appears ready to deliver something worth savoring. Dark Discussions invites you to join us as we explore what's coming, what's promising, and what might just become essential viewing by the time the year draws to a close.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

Clowns may be the giggling darlings of birthday parties and big tops, but drop them into a horror movie and suddenly the greasepaint feels a lot less whimsical. Pennywise and Art the Clown have already proven that nothing kills childhood nostalgia faster than a toothy grin and a blood-soaked prop. Now joining this illustrious lineage of nightmare fuel is SUPER HAPPY FUN CLOWN (2026), a film whose title sounds like a Saturday‑morning cartoon but whose content absolutely does not.According to IMDb, the story follows “a battered former wunderkind” who decides that if life won't give her a spotlight, she'll carve one out herself—armed with an obsession for clowning, serial killers, and classic movie monsters. It's a premise that practically begs for chaos, and the film gleefully obliges, turning self‑reinvention into a full‑blown spree of technicolor infamy.Helmed by Patrick Rea—yes, the same mind behind They Wait in the Dark—and written by Eric Winkler, the film stars Jennifer Seward as the world's least huggable clown. She's joined by Nicole Hall, Matt Leisy, and Deborah Madick, whose turn as a mother‑gone‑bad is unsettling enough to make you call your own mom just to check in. Your co‑hosts dive into this freshly unboxed 2026 release and share exactly what they make of its twisted circus.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

As we find ourselves already drifting through the heart of February 2026, the whirlwind of 2025 has slipped quietly into the rearview mirror, leaving behind a year brimming with cinematic curiosities, triumphs, and missteps. With the turning of the calendar comes the perfect moment to cast a thoughtful gaze backward and revisit the many films—both horror and genre-bending—that sought to thrill, unsettle, or simply bewilder us. Dark Discussions and its devoted co-hosts have once again gathered to sift through the shadows, assembling their annual retrospective to determine whether 2025 stood tall as a banner year for genre cinema or faltered under the weight of its own ambitions.Each co-host curated a personal selection of films worthy of recommendation, resulting in two distinct collections: one devoted to pure horror and another celebrating the broader realms of speculative fiction. From these individual offerings, the team wove together the definitive Dark Discussions lists—carefully balanced, lovingly debated, and reflective of the year's most memorable achievements. Familiar titles such as SINNERS and FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES naturally claimed their place, yet the lists also shine a light on quieter gems like RED ROOMS and DROP, films that may have slipped beneath the mainstream radar but lingered in the minds of those who discovered them.But the celebration doesn't end with the films themselves. Dark Discussions dives deeper, presenting an array of additional highlights: the most striking and disastrous scenes, the reigning scream queens, the breakout performers who emerged from the shadows, and countless other delights that color the tapestry of the year. With this comprehensive wrap-up, the podcast ties a neat bow around 2025, offering listeners not only reflection but also a treasure trove of titles to seek out, savor, and perhaps even fear.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

Faux‑documentary horror has been lurking around the genre's basement for years, occasionally creeping upstairs to terrify critics and earn cult‑classic status. Titles like THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES (2007), THE TAKING OF DEBORAH LOGAN (2014), and the ever‑whispered THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (1999) have long held the crown for “films most likely to convince your friend it's real.” And now, shambling into the spotlight in 2025, comes a new contender with a name that sounds like a farmers' market gone horribly wrong: STRANGE HARVEST.According to IMDB, the film follows detectives on the trail of “Mr. Shiny,” a serial killer whose return ushers in a fresh wave of grotesque, possibly cosmic crimes. Because of course—why settle for a run‑of‑the‑mill murderer when you can have one powered by eldritch forces and questionable fashion choices? The premise promises a blend of true‑crime grit and supernatural weirdness, the kind of combo that makes you wonder whether you should turn on a light or just move to a new house entirely.Written and directed by Stuart Ortiz, STRANGE HARVEST features Peter Zizzo, Terri Apple, and Andy Lauer trying their best to survive both the plot and the documentary‑style lens pointed at them. With reviews already leaning impressively positive, your co‑hosts dive into this unsettling new entry in the genre to see whether it's a fresh crop worth gathering—or something better left unpicked.

Body horror has always been the unruly cousin at the horror family reunion—the one everyone side‑eyes but can't stop gossiping about later. David Cronenberg practically built the house this cousin lives in, wallpapered it with viscera, and handed out the keys to generations of filmmakers who gleefully keep the tradition alive. Enter TOGETHER (2025), a film that doesn't just dip a toe into the subgenre—it cannonballs in, using the human body as both battleground and blunt instrument.According to IMDb, the story follows Tim and Millie, a couple who decide that moving to the country will fix their relationship—because that always works out well in horror movies. Naturally, instead of fresh air and farmers' markets, they stumble into an “unnatural force” that threatens not only their love but their very flesh. Nothing says couples therapy like eldritch corruption nibbling at the edges of your anatomy.Penned and directed by Michael Shanks, TOGETHER stars real‑life spouses Dave Franco and Alison Brie, proving that nothing tests a marriage quite like acting out supernatural bodily doom together. Damon Herriman joins the fun, rounding out a cast that critics have been applauding with gusto. With glowing reviews rolling in, your co‑hosts dive into the film's squirm‑inducing delights—joined by award‑winning actor Dan Lench, who brings his own flair to the dissection.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

Hello, my lovelies—guess who has crawled back out of the crypt and into your earbuds? That's right, I've returned to the land of podcasting to resurrect the Fishnets and Phantoms Podcast after a hiatus long enough to qualify as its own ghost story. Over a year away, wandering the shadowy realms of Real Life™, but now I'm back to unleash new episodes upon the Dark Discussions News Network once more.It's me—podcaster Amy, your horror‑loving hostess who never met a spooky tangent she didn't adore. I've dusted off the mic, lit the ceremonial black candles, and bribed the resident poltergeist to keep quiet while I record. Why? Because I'm finally ready to deliver something deliciously dreadful: a full, fear‑soaked list of the 13 best horror films of 2025.And let me tell you, 2025 was a wild year for horror. Monsters got weirder, ghosts got sassier, and filmmakers everywhere seemed determined to make sure none of us ever sleep again. I've sifted through the jump scares, the psychological spirals, the blood‑splattered artistry, and the “why did I watch this alone at night” regrets to bring you the cream of the creepy crop.So settle in, dim the lights, and maybe keep a blanket nearby—just in case something decides to tap you on the shoulder while you listen. The countdown is coming, and trust me, these 13 films are worth every shiver.

Pets in horror movies are always a minefield. Audiences will happily watch a dozen hapless humans get yeeted into the void, but the second a golden retriever whimpers ominously, everyone's suddenly a film critic with strong moral objections. Enter GOOD BOY (2025), a movie that clearly looked at that emotional weak spot and said, “Yes… let's poke it.”But instead of serving up another tragic pet casualty, this film flips the script. The star isn't the doomed sidekick—it's the dog himself. We experience the creeping dread through the eyes of Indy, a very good boy trying to make sense of the weird, possibly supernatural nonsense infesting his owner's isolated old house. Think The Conjuring, but with more sniffing and a better protagonist.IMDB sums it up like this:“A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.”Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Alex Cannon, the film proudly features Indy the dog as its leading actor—finally, a performer who doesn't need CGI to convey raw emotion. Shane Jensen and Arielle Friedman round out the human cast, presumably doing their best to keep up with their four‑legged co-star.Your co-hosts dive into this canine-centric creep-fest and share their thoughts on whether GOOD BOY earns a treat… or needs to go back outside.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

New Year's resolutions hit everyone differently. Some people vow to slim down, shake up their love life, chase a new career, or finally finish that long‑abandoned project. Others aim for something a little more fun. Co‑host Mike admitted he's been sitting on a mountain of genre films he's never seen, so we figured—why not turn that into our annual tradition? Each co‑host picked a genre title they'd always meant to watch, dove in, and came back ready to talk about it.This year's cinematic spread is a wild one: Lucio Fulci's 1981 Lovecraft‑soaked nightmare The HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY, the 2015 supernatural noir HE NEVER DIED, the 2025 festival‑favorite EDGAR ALLEN POE'S THE OVAL PORTRAIT, HBO Max's electrifying STRANGER THINGS Season 4, and the scrappy, sci‑fi‑comedy debut from John Carpenter and Dan O'Bannon, DARK STAR.As we kick off another year of deep dives and dark delights, Dark Discussions wishes all our listeners a fantastic 2026. A special shout‑out goes to our Patreon supporters—new faces and longtime friends alike. We'd love to hear which unseen films you're planning to tackle this year. Drop us a line at darkdiscussions@aol.com and share your picks.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

Back in 2009, James Cameron made a film that changed the way to make movies. That film was called AVATAR which was nominated for multiple awards and became the top grossing film of all time. After returning to the series in 2022 with AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER, which also became a top 10 box office film of all time, he's back with the third in the series entitled AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (2025).From IMBD: "Jake and Neytiri's family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges."The movie brings back the main characters from the prior two films, and the entire Na'vi people, but builds on the world with an introduction to the Ash People (known as the Mangkwan), and their leader. Receiving fabulous reviews from audiences at a whopping 90% approval, your co-hosts take a look at the latest in the AVATAR franchise and give their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

Pete Davidson, the comedian, actor, and tabloid personality, has become an A-lister having been on Saturday Night Live for years. Now he's breaking out doing standup and films. His latest film is the psychological horror movie, THE HOME (2025).From IMDB: "Follows Max, who realizes that the residents and caretakers in the retirement home he started working at hide sinister secrets."THE HOME was directed and co-written by James DeMonaco who wrote and directed the first three THE PURGE films, and wrote the remainder. THE HOME stars Pete Davidson along with Bruce Altman, John Glover, among others. Though receiving mixed reviews, the movie has gained somewhat of a cult following. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

Twenty-eight years after the Rage virus first tore through the UK, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to the franchise that redefined zombie horror. 28 Years Later picks up on a remote island where survivors have carved out a fragile existence, only to be drawn back into the mainland's quarantine zone—where secrets fester and the infected aren't the only threat. With a cast led by Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, the film dives deep into the psychological toll of survival, the ethics of containment, and the terrifying evolution of humanity itself.Join the crew as we dissect the film's themes of isolation and resurgence, compare it to its predecessors (28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later), and debate whether this third installment delivers on its legacy—or simply mutates it. We also explore the film's visual grit, Young Fathers' haunting score, and the implications of a new trilogy in the making.So grab your hazmat suit and tune in—because the Rage virus isn't done with us yet.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

The Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael, of Australia hit it big with the horror film TALK TO ME (2022). That film received rave reviews, had a mainstream feel, and made a lot of money for its budget at the theaters. Now they are back with their latest horror effort, BRING HER BACK (2025).From RottenTomatoes: “A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.”The movie stars in an absolutely fabulous performance by Sally Hawkins, and includes a cast of Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, and Jonah Wren Phillips. Just like TALK TO ME, the film has received rave reviews. And yet, it is more arthouse and most certainly won't be for everyone. Your co-hosts take a look at the brothers' follow up film and give their thoughts.

Zombie films seem to have found their place in cinema. After a breakout back in the early 2000's, an over saturation almost killed off the genre. But one thing is that if you are an independent filmmaker, it is one of the best types of films to attempt. The new film ZOMBIECON, VOL. 1 (2025) is one of them and has received some good buzz.From IMDB: “A group of cosplaying friends trigger a zombie apocalypse and are forced to traverse a zombie-infested Los Angeles to save their loved one.”The film is directed by Kyle Valle, and co-written by Valle along with stars Erin Aine and Manny Luke. Besides Aine and Luke, the films cast includes Punkie Johnson, Christian Casillas, Carlo Mendez, and Nichole McAuley. Though having mixed reviews, the film has gained somewhat of a cult following because of its cosplay aspect. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.