Dark Discussions Podcast

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.

The iconic character Red Sonja first appeared as a character called Red Sonya of Rogatino by author Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan. Many years later she appeared as a barbarian warrior in 1973 in Marvel Comics. Today her story continues in the comics by Dynamite and has a dedicated following. A new movie, simply titled RED SONJA (2025), is now out. With a short run at theaters, it is now available to rent.From RottenTomatoes: “Captured. Chained. Forced to fight for survival. Red Sonja must battle her way through the blood-soaked pits of a tyrant's empire and rally an army of outcasts to reclaim her freedom and take down Dragan and his ruthless bride, Dark Annisia.Directed by MJ Bassett and written by Tasha Huo, the international cast includes Matilda Lutz as Red Sonja, and also Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan, and Luca Pasqualino. A passion project by Bassett and Huo, the film has actually received positive reviews for a limited budget epic. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

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

Zach Cregger has become a different voice in film. His first big break was the movie BARBARIAN (2022) which had a unique flair to it as it stretched between being grounded (and even message bringing) to over the top grindhouse. Now in 2025 his latest film, WEAPONS, has arrived and is it a great follow up or not?From IMDB: When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.WEAPONS is directed and written by Zach Cregger. The cast includes an ensemble cast including Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreidch, and Benedict Wong. With a budget of $38M USD and earned an amazing $268M USD while receiving great reviews. Your co-hosts take a look at Cregger's latest and give their thoughts.

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

Home invasion films can be some of the most frightening movies of the horror genre. When strangers enter your house and then begin to do psychological and physical harm to the residents, it can be a harrowing experience for the audience. There is a new entry to this subgenre called the quite appropriate title of EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE.From IMDB: “An entrepreneur is attempting to reconnect with his daughter on her Birthday. The party is interrupted and they are taken hostage by two masked female robbers who appear to have real problems with the Patriarchy.”EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE was directed by Craig Tuohy from his own script. The cast is led by Jaime Winstone and includes Chiara D'Anna, Brad Moore, among others. Receiving mixed reviews, your co-hosts take a stab at the film and give their thoughts.

Animated films seem to be as common as live action movies nowadays. But out of the blue, an immediate classic, brilliant in its own way, appears and transcends animation to just be one of the best films ever made. The Latvian film, FLOW (2024), happens to be one of those movies. Winning best Oscar for animated motion picture and nominated for foreign film as well, FLOW finally reached world audiences in Q1 of 2025 after the awards shows ended.From IMDB: “Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences.”FLOW is both an adventure film and a post-apocalyptic movie all in one. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, and written with co-producer Matiss Kaža, the movie was remarkably done on a budget of only 3.5M Euros, during a time many animated films cross over 150M Euros to make. Your co-hosts decided to take a look at this fabulous film, give their thoughts, and praise its wonderful story.

The new big thing! KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (2025) is even more than that. It is a phenomenon and part of the zeitgeist. When it first appeared on Netflix, it was immediately became a thing. This animated movie has catchy songs, a brilliant story, enough originality to not be lost in the mix, and focuses on the new big craze of Far East Asian pop culture.From IMDB: “A world-renowned K-Pop girl group balance their lives in the spotlight with their secret identities as demon hunters.”The movie is co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans from the script by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang, and Chris Appelhans, based on the story by Maggie Kang. Though a Netflix original, the movie has become a cash cow for the network. Your co-hosts decided to take a look at all the hype and discuss the movie.

Along with bears, wolves, tigers, and lions, sharks can be known to be man eaters. Films, such as horror and thrillers, have used them quite well to send chills upon people. Should you go in the water again. The new horror film DANGEROUS ANIMALS (2025) take a new spin on the threat of the shark and adds a serial killer into the mix.From IMDB: “When Zephyr, a savvy and free-spirited surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.”From the script by Nick Lepard, the film is directed by Sean Byrne (THE LOVED ONE'S, DEVIL'S CANDY). The cast includes Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, Ella Newton, and Josh Houston. Released in the first half of 2025, the movie received good reviews from critics and audiences alike. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

A weekly after show and discussion of each episode of the Hulu series, ALIEN: EARTH.

A weekly after show and discussion of each episode of the Hulu series, ALIEN: EARTH.

Lost on an island, during World War 2, with your sworn enemy? What do you do? Well, the new horror film MONSTER ISLAND (2025) helps answer that question when you are also sharing it with a monster. IMDB summary: “Set in the Pacific, 1942. A Japanese soldier and a British prisoner of war are stranded on a deserted island, hunted by a deadly creature. Two mortal enemies must come together to survive the unknown.”After playing the festival circuit in 2024, the movie was released in the United States on Shudder in Q3 of 2025. This “bottle film” was written and directed by Mike Wiluan and stars Dean Fujioka and Callum Woodhouse. Though not noticed by many critics, the film has been promoted on Shudder on its front page. Your co-hosts are joined by actor Dan Lench to discuss this “little” movie.

A weekly after show and discussion of each episode of the Hulu series, ALIEN: EARTH

A weekly after show and discussion of each episode of the Hulu series, ALIEN: EARTH

A weekly after show and discussion of each episode of the Hulu series, ALIEN: EARTH

A weekly after show and discussion of each episode of the Hulu series, ALIEN: EARTH

The Fantastic Four has been brought to theaters multiple times, but each time the films have been critically panned … until now. The new Marvel Studio production, THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, has received fabulous reviews and is Disney's hope to rebuild the comic book film franchise for their company.From IMDB: “Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.”The movie is directed by Game of Thrones veteran, Matt Shakman, and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the Fantastic Four. Though the movie was a big box office success on opening weekend, the movie has dropped dramatically in revenue the follow up weeks since its release on July 25, 2025. You co-hosts take a look at the new film and its prospects as a franchise starter.

Another vampire film has been released to theaters, and this one has received fabulous reviews and become one of the highest profitable movies of 2025. SINNERS, a new film by director and writer Ryan Coogler, has him team up once more with Michael B. Jordan in a starring role.From IMDB: “Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.”Besides Michael B. Jordan playing twin brothers in the film, the movie also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Lola Kirke, among many more. It was released at theaters on April 18th, 2025 and now has made its way to HBO Max. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

Dan O'Bannon, the co-screenwriter of ALIEN (1979), once stated (paraphrasing) that nothing is original but writers borrow from others. Well, the new science fiction horror film, ASH (2025), certainly does that. It has a bit of ALIEN, among other science fiction films, as well as the novels and works of Michael Crichton. From IMDB: “A woman wakes up on a distant planet and finds the crew of her space station viciously killed. Her investigation into what happened sets in motion a terrifying chain of events.”Ash is the directorial feature length debut of the artist known as Flying Lotus based on a screenplay by Jonni Remmler. The film stars Eiza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul. The film includes science fiction, horror, and techno-thriller elements within it. Getting 71% good reviews by critics while only 54% by audiences, your co-hosts take a look at this highly debated film and give their thoughts.

James Gunn is one of the most prolific and successful screenwriters and directors out there. After bringing the Marvel films, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, to the big screen, he was hired as the head of DC films to set up and bring to life the world of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. After successful products like THE SUICIDE SQUAD (2021) and PEACEMAKER (2022), he's back with the true kickoff to the DC Universe with SUPERMAN (2025).From IMDB: “Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.”The new Superman film stars David Corenswet as the lead with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The aggregate website Rottentomatoes has given it great reviews from both audiences and reviewers alike. Your co-hosts take a look at this big budget beginning to the DC Universe and give their thoughts.

David Cronenberg is one of those great directors that started with B-Movie horror only to become a highly regarded, award winning director. Now at 82, his latest film, THE SHROUDS, was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes. After playing one other festival, it was released at theaters in April 2025. Now it is available on VOD and streaming for all to see.From IMDB: “Karsh, an innovative businessman and grieving widower, builds a device to connect with the dead inside a burial shroud.”THE SHROUDS was written and directed by David Cronenberg and has a fabulous international cast including lead Vincent Cassell, Diane Kruger, and Guy Pierce. Receiving good reviews in what critics are calling his most intimate and biographical film, your co-hosts take a look at Cronenberg's latest.